Chapter 247

Over the next few days, Tori’s personality slowly started to return. She even managed to slog through the backload of her e-mail, making notes on items she needed to talk to the staff about.

“Come on, let’s go shopping.” Dorothea interrupted her contemplation of t-shirts.

“Are you looking for anything in particular?”

“Not for me, for you.” Dorothea corrected her. “I’m betting that you don’t have a dress with you for Jon’s induction to the Jersey Hall of Fame.”

She had the red one, but there were too many memories attached to it for her to be comfortable wearing it. “Well, no, I hadn’t planned on going.”

“What? Of course you’re going. The whole family’s going.” Dorothea studied her for a moment, and guessed what she was thinking. “Shirley and Charlie are coming, but the rest aren’t able to make it.”

Tori gave in and spent the afternoon following her sister-in-law from store to store. Dorothea seemed to know what she was looking for. Tori knew better than to argue. Finally, in the fifth store they found it. It was the same blue as her eyes, with a deep v neck, two inch wide shoulder straps and a hemline just above the knee . The material was sparkly and clingy – so much so that Tori wasn’t sure she was comfortable with it.

“Look at me. I look like I swallowed a watermelon!”

“So? You’re pregnant Tori, don’t try to hide it, flaunt it!” Dorothea urged. She didn’t have the heart to remind her that she still had two months to go, and she was only going to get bigger.

“You’re sure it looks okay?”

“It’s perfect.”

The night of the induction, they all met at Jon and Dorothea’s. Jon searched Tori’s eyes and hugged her carefully. “You doing okay?”

She nodded and gave him an extra squeeze. “Yes, and thank you.”

“For what? I haven’t done anything.”

“Exactly.”

“Yeah, well, I’m glad that makes one of us happy.”

“Aunt Tori!” The kids came to greet her. She bent to hug the little ones, afraid that if she crouched down to their level, she’d never get up again.

“Hey! What was that?” Romeo touched the side of his face that had been pressed against her stomach.

Tori grinned. “That was your cousin kicking.”

“Really? Can I feel?” Jake reached out a hand. Barely waiting for his aunt’s consenting nod, he put both hands on her belly. Not to be left out, Romeo followed suit. “Cool!”

“Whoa! You’re really filling the doorway these days, aren’t you Bela! Maybe we should get you a ‘wide load’ sign.” Came from behind her.

Tori turned. “Maybe we should get a ‘space for rent’ sign for your head Shirley!”

David grinned. “See Karin, I told you she’d be alright. She’s a strong woman.”

Tori and Dorothea exchanged a look. Karin came forward and hugged her. “Are you okay?”

Tori nodded. “I’m getting there. With a little help from my family.”

“That’s what we’re here for. Don’t be too proud to lean on us when you need to.”

Tori’s eyes filled, but she nodded. She sensed David’s gaze. Looking up, she found him studying her. Their eyes locked for a long moment, then he silently opened his arms. She flowed into them and felt them close around her gently. His hands rubbed her back soothingly. “We’re here for you honey. He’s an asshole and an idiot. Are you sure I can’t go beat the shit out of him? Please?”

She chuckled. “Yes I’m sure. I wouldn’t want you to hurt your hands.”

“Can I hurt his?”

“Get in line Shirley.” Tony advised. Matt nodded. They both moved to hug their sister.

“No.” Karin answered. “He’s going to need them to pay the child support.”

“Ha ha. Shouldn’t we get going?” Tori didn’t want to talk about it.

“Yeah, let’s go.” Jon herded everyone out to the cars.

When they arrived at the Performing Arts Centre, Tori looked around at all the fans and reporters lining the sidewalk and took a deep breath. Tony helped her out of the car and escorted her towards the door. As flashbulbs went off in all directions, she tightened her grip on Tony’s arm and held her head high.

“Hey Tori!”

“Over here!”

“You look great!”

“Where’s Richie?”

“Are you here alone?”

Within seconds, Tori found herself surrounded and hidden from the vultures. The Bongiovi’s had closed ranks.


After the ceremony, there was a social gathering for all the inductees and their guests. Feeling a little closed in, tired of smiling at strangers and the sympathetic, watchful looks from her family, Tori stepped out onto the terrace outside the French doors of the large ballroom for some fresh air. A few minutes later, Karin came looking for her.

“You okay?”

Tori smiled ruefully and shrugged. “Depends on your perspective I guess. All things considered, I guess I’m okay.”

“But?”

“But.” Tori sighed. “I miss him. In spite of everything. What does that say about me? I’m hurt and confused and angry, and…I miss him.” Her eyes filled. “I miss his silly jokes, I miss the way he always made me feel special, I miss him reading to Peanut every night, I miss curling up with him and the feeling of safety I find in his arms.” She drew in a shaky breath. “What am I going to do? How did it all go so wrong?”

Karin’s heart ached for her friend. “Have you talked to him?”

Tori shook her head. “No, well, other than to yell at him for putting Ava through that horrid phone call.”

“Yeah, that was a real nice move.” Sarcasm dripped from every word. She paused. “Do you still love him?”

Tori’s smile was sad. “I will always love him.”

“If he wanted you to come home and try again, would you?”

Tori sighed. “I don’t know. How could I ever trust him again? He lied to me and broke his promise. What possible reason could be enough to forgive that?”

“Do you want my opinion?” She waited until Tori nodded. “I think that you need to talk to him. Listen to what he has to say, then take as much time as you need to think everything through.”

Tori’s brows rose. “I thought you wanted to string him up?”

“Oh I do. For the pain he’s caused you I want him to hurt. Bad.” She sighed. “But more than that I want you to be happy. For the last year and a bit – with the exception of all this shit with Heather – you’ve been happier than I’ve ever seen you. He brought out the best in you. I really hope that he has a reasonable explanation for all this – something other than the lame ass attempt he’s come up with so far -for both of your sakes. I don’t know what will be reasonable for you, you’ll have to decide that. But I think that you have to at least hear him out. I know you and your sense of fairness. You won’t be able to live with yourself if you don’t.”