*~*Chloe’s POV*~*

His soft lips brushing against my cheek took me by surprise. The slight coolness of his snakebite piercings sent shivers down my spine.

I missed his kiss. I missed him so much more than I thought.

I felt my face heat up and knew that I was probably brighter than a stop sign, as I held the spot on my cheek where he placed his gentle kiss. He got in his car and waved before leaving, the others following behind him. I stood in my doorway for a few minutes just thinking about our conversation, beforerealizing I should probably get started on dinner.

I went back in the house, first going up the stairs to Jayden’s room to check on him and to clean up all of the extra blankets. I was surprised when I saw everything neatly folded in a stack on the floor with a note in blue crayon:

Cookie monster cleaned up. Thanks for the story, nap, and the cookies. –Brian

I smiled and shook my head as I picked up the blankets and pillows, laughing quietly, putting them away in the hall closet. I made my way back into the room and noticed that Jayden’s cheeks were a little flushed. I gently put a hand on his forehead and sure enough, he was a little warm. I pulled the blankets around him off, and made a note to keep an eye on him while I cooked dinner. I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, pulling out the things I would need for dinner.

“Mmm… this is my favorite.” He said between mouthfuls.

“I know. You tell me every time I make it, Zee.” I replied.

“It’s true though. You can’t ever tell her, but you make it better than my mom does.”

“It’s the love I put in it.” I smirked.

“Gotta be.” He said leaning over and pressing his lips to mine.

“What are you going to do when I’m gone?” I asked.

“Miss you. Probably starve. If you see me on one of those feed the children commercials, adopt me will ya?” he laughed.

I laughed back, “Of course I would. Hopefully no other girls would adopt you first.”

“I wouldn’t let em. You’re the only girl for me, Chloe.” He said seriously, locking his green eyes with my brown ones.

I snapped out of my trance as I heard the oven beep for the pre-heat. I continued layering the lasagna in the pan as I remembered the last night I had made this for Zacky.

It had been about a week before I was set to leave, and we tried to spend as much time as possible together, much to my parents disliking. Zacky’s parents were a little more accepting of our relationship, maybe because I was the first person to welcome him to California, and they had left the house to him as they took his sister and brother to Big Bear for the weekend. I had lied and said I was staying at Val and Michelle’s house, but I’m sure my parents knew I would be with Zacky regardless. It isn’t like Val and Michelle weren’t dating his bandmates. I made him his favorite meal and we had what we would call a romantic evening watching our favorite horror movies cuddled up on the couch, not bothering to go upstairs but making love right there in the middle of the living room.

I had placed the lasagna in the oven and just set the timer before looking over at the clock in the hall. 5:45 p.m. I had just enough time to go jump in the shower before Zacky came back over or Jayden woke up. I cleaned up the things in the kitchen before heading up the stairs and checking on Jayden one more time before getting in the shower. His head was still warm, but at least it wasn’t getting worse. I went into my bedroom and rifled thru the closet to find something cute but comfortable, laying my choices on my bed as I turned on the shower in my master bathroom.

The warm water flowing over my body felt comforting, which brought me back to Zacky and the kiss he left me with. I ran my hand over my cheek again, as if it was still there, burned into my skin.

Oh Zachary Baker, you still can fluster me. Should we do this again? It worked out before Jayden, it could work out now. But what if it doesn’t? How do I explain to our son that mommy and daddy love each other and then all of a sudden they don’t? Things are different now. He’s a famous rockstar now and would I be able to trust him leaving for months at a time without us. Could I really date someone else besides my child’s father? I haven’t dated anyone besides Zacky. I never had the time between school, work, and Jayden…

I cut the water off, wrapping the towel around me and making my way into my bedroom. I pulled on a black thong to avoid panty lines showing thru the fabric of my form fitting black cotton shorts. I clasped my strapless bra behind my back before grabbing my old Guns N Roses shirt that I had slashed the back of, pulling it over my head. I went into the bathroom again, hanging up my towel and began to comb out my hair.

“Mommy? Mommy?” I heard a small faint voice call from down the hallway.

I peeked out from the bathroom as Jayden slowly walked into my bedroom carrying Ralphie in one hand and sucking his thumb with the other as he walked around the bed. He was sweating and his clothes were sticking to him.

“Mommy, I don’t feel so good.” He mumbled with his thumb still in his mouth.

“You wanna take some medicine little love?” I asked as I pulled open the cabinet and found the fever reducer.

He nodded his head, his black hair flopping down into his face. I poured some into the cup handing it to him, brushing his hair out of his face.

“Mommy, where did everyone go?” he asked, handing the cup back to me.

“They went home sweetie, but someone is coming over for dinner tonight and I think you will be happy.” I replied, not wanting to give him too much.

“Oooh, who mommy? Who’s coming for dinner?” he wondered excitedly dancing in place.

“It’s a surprise Jayden. Come here,” I said reaching down and pulling his shirt off to help cool him down, “Now then, why don’t you go downstairs and watch some TV in the living room while you wait. They should be here soon.”

“Ok Mommy.” he said and I heard him rushing down the stairs.

I looked at my alarm clock on my bedside table to make sure I still had some time. 6:45 pm. I braided my hair quickly and put on some basic black eyeliner, not wanting to leave Jayden alone downstairs too long.

I came down the stairs to see my little boy, snuggled up with Ralphie, sucking his thumb on the couch watching Batman on TV. He pulled his eyes away from the screen for only a moment before there was a knock on the door.

“Mommy! I wanna get it! Can I get it?” He said jumping up from the couch.

“Let mommy check first and then you can open the door, alright?” I said walking over and peeking out the window seeing Zacky's car in the driveway, “Ok Jayden.”

His little shirtless body bounded over to the door, standing on his tiptoes he reached up and opened the door.

“Zacky!” he screamed excitedly.

“Hi Jayden!” Zacky said crouching down and giving him a big hug, Jayden's tiny arms circling his neck.

“I'm so happy you came back! Are you here for dinner with me and mommy?” Jayden asked looking up at me and back at Zacky.

“Yeah I am. I hope you don't mind but I brought something for your mommy.” Zacky said standing up.

“Really? Mommy likes presents.” Jayden replied.

“Jayden, let Zacky come in the house.” I said as Jayden moved over.

Zacky came in and gave me a hug before pulling out a bouquet of roses from behind him, “These are for you.”

“Thank you Zacky. You didn't have to. They're beautiful. Come in and have a seat while I get these in some water. Jayden, you and Zacky go watch TV ok? Mind your manners please. Dinner should be done soon.” I said as I started off to the kitchen.

“Come on Zacky, me and Ralphie were watching Batman.” Jayden said running back over to the couch.

“Where's your shirt?” I heard Zacky ask him.

“He was a little warm earlier so I took it off him. I think he might be coming down with something. If you don't want to stay all night, I understand.” I said coming out of the kitchen, handing Zacky a beer and Jayden some cold Gatorade in a sippy cup.

“Thank you but no, I'll stay. This is all part of it. You didn't get to pick and choose, so neither will I.” Zacky replied smiling up at me from the couch.

I return his smile as the timer for the oven goes off and I go back into the kitchen to get the food out.

*~*Zacky's POV*~*

I watch Chloe as she walks into the kitchen to get the food from the oven. I can't help but stare at her ass in the small little shorts she's wearing.

She still has the sexiest ass. I have seen a lot of ass but nothing and no one could ever take Chloe's spot at #1.

My eyes trailed up her spine to the cut out shirt that showed off her figure. Ever since the first day I met her, Chloe had never been a skinny nor a big girl, but had always had all the right curves in all the right places. She always knew how to get my attention too. I don't know if what she was wearing was made to intentionally drive me crazy, but either way, it was.

“Jayden, I'm going to see if your mommy needs help ok? You stay here with Ralphie.” I asked him as he nodded not taking his eyes off the cartoons.

I went into the kitchen to see Chloe pulling things out of the refrigerator, setting them on the counter.

“Can I help you with anything?” I questioned her.

“Oh, that's okay. I can finish it up. Please, just relax. I invited you over for dinner.” She said grabbing a large bowl from a cabinet.

I walked over and took the bowl from her, grabbing the ingredients she had pulled out and began making what I had guessed was a salad.

“Zacky. Cut it out and go relax with Jay.” She told me sighing heavily as I ignored her.

“I can't believe you kept him.” I said after a minute or two.

“What?! Of course I kept him! He's my child Zack!” She yelled at me before lowering her voice to a mere whisper, “And he's yours too.”

I laughed a little at the misunderstanding, “Oh shit no. Not Jayden! I was talking about Ralphie. I should have been a little more clear. Still, I can't believe you kept Ralphie all these years.”

“Of course I did. Until Jayden, that was my reminder of you. Honestly, I thought about getting rid of it when we broke up, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I'm glad I didn't. Giving it to Jayden soothed me that no matter what it would all be alright.” Chloe responded as she set the dining table.

“I still can't believe all of this. The guys are kinda in shock too, you know? They all followed me home and made me tell them if he was mine or not.” I told her as I brought the bowl over to the table.

“And what did they say?” She asked.

“Well, they all said that as soon as they saw him, they knew. Then they proceeded to tell me that if I didn't take care of him, they would beat me to death with their bare hands and give you all of my pay from every gig we played. I told them I wouldn't ever dream of doing that but they insured me that it was the plan if I ever changed my mind.” I told her chuckling.

“I guess I have backup if you start fucking off.” she winked at me.

“You have an army Chloe.” I replied.

Chloe giggled, “Zacky, go get your son and the two of you wash up. Dinner is ready.”

I smiled at her statement as I walked out into the living room to get Jayden. I found him curled up on the couch, sucking his thumb, with Ralphie in a headlock. It was one of the cutest things I had ever seen.

“How you feeling Jay?” I asked him as I pushed his hair back and felt his forehead.

“I’m cold.” He said looking up at me.

“Alright well let’s go wash up for dinner and I’ll get you a shirt. Come on.” I said picking his warm little body up from the couch and heading towards the stairs.

“Chlo! I’m gonna get him a shirt. He’s cold and his head is a little warm still.” I called out to her from the middle of the staircase.

“Ok! Thanks Zee! Look in his top drawer for a shirt!” She yelled back as I put him down in his room.

I pulled out a little blue shirt for him and set it down on the bed for him. He went over to it and picked it up bringing it back over to me before I closed the drawer.

“Zacky I don’t want this one. I want a green one. Green is my favorite.” He said.

“Green is my favorite too.” I said taking the shirt and finding a green one for him, “Here, this better?”

“Yeah. This one has dinosaurs too.” He smiled, running over to his bed and putting Ralphie down.

“Come on, into the bathroom. Mommy said to wash up for dinner.” I grabbed the shirt and nudged him into the bathroom.

He grabbed his little step stool and climbed up to the sink, turning it on and washing his hands. I looked down at my son and couldn’t help but smile.

“Zacky? Do those hurt?” he asked me pointing to my snakebites.

“Nope. They hurt when I first did it but it stopped hurting after a little while. Did your mommy tell you the one in her nose hurt?” I questioned.

“Yes. She said it hurt and then it stopped too. Can I touch them Zacky?” He smiled with curiosity in his green eyes.

“Sure. Let me wash my hands first too though before mommy gets mad.” I said washing my hands quickly in the sink.

I picked him up, grabbing the shirt for him and walking down the stairs as he put his little fingers in the rings in my lip.

“Jayden?! What are you doing to Zacky?” Chloe asked incredulously.

“I asked mommy. I did, I promise. I just wanted to touch them mommy.” He said and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Jayden. That’s rude. You shouldn’t be putting your hands on people’s face.” Chloe scolded him.

“It’s alright Chloe. He did ask and I told him it was fine. He’s just a curious boy.” I said trying to get her to let loose and relax a little.

“Zacky picked out my favorite shirt mommy. The green one with dinosaurs.” He smiled as I set him down on the ground.

“Ok little man, arms up.” I said as I slipped the shirt on him.

“Go sit in your spot Jayden.” Chloe told him as we walked into the kitchen.

I took a spot directly across from Chloe and next to Jayden, as Chloe made her way over to the stove and bringing the lasagna dish over to the table. It smelled just like I remembered years ago.

“Mmmm. Mommy this is my favorite!” Jayden said as Chloe made him a small plate.

“Blow on it first baby, it’s hot.” Chloe said, “You know this is Zacky’s favorite too.”

“Really Zacky? Did mommy make this for you before?” Jayden asked me.

“Yup, it’s my favorite too. Your mommy used to make this for me all the time. I used to tell her that she made it better than your grandm- than my mom.” I said quickly catching myself from letting it slip.

Chloe looked at me wide eyed for a minute, “Jayden, mommy and Zacky and everyone who came over today have been friends for a long time.”

“How come they never came to our house in New York?” Jayden asked as he blew on his food.

“Because they were very busy and mommy lost their phone numbers.” Chloe replied handing me a plate.

“What were you busy doing Zacky?” Jayden asked me.

I looked to Chloe before looking at Jayden, “I was busy making music Jayden. Uncle Matt, Uncle Brian, Uncle Jimmy, and Uncle Johnny were really busy.”

“Oh…” Jayden trailed off and I could see him thinking and adding things together.

I looked to Chloe and she knew he was going to figure it out at this point as well. I looked at Jayden again and saw his emerald eyes light up.

“You’re mommy’s friends from the story about Ralphie!” he exclaimed, clapping that he figured it out.

“Yes they are sweetie. Now eat your food and we can talk about this more after dinner.” Chloe said, sitting down in her chair, “Zacky, how have things been with your music?”

“Well, pretty well. We have another tour coming up in a few months that we want to get on board for. Hopefully we get invited…” I trailed off as I took a bite.

“What tour?” Chloe asked in between her own bites.

“Warped. By the way, this is delicious Chloe. I have really, really, missed this.” I said.

“It’s the best food ever!” Jayden chimed in.

“Thank you boys. You two are too funny. It’s just lasagna.” Chloe blushed.

“But it’s the best. No one can make it like you Chloe.” I told her.

“So, Warped huh? That’s a lot of dates. How long is that?” Chloe asked before continuing eating.

“It’s about 3 full months of shows. It would be really good for us though. I mean we have the new album out and Warped is always a good place to promote it.” I replied taking another big bite.

“Poor Val, having to do all of that stuff alone… I wish Michelle would help her out more.” Chloe stated.

“Yeah I don’t know what her deal is… How is your magazine going?” I asked her.

“Well, okay I guess. I’m working freelance for now until I can really get it up and going. I have been working long distance with some of my old co-workers in New York on getting some design ideas, but besides that my magazine isn’t going to be up and going for a bit. Luckily, Rolling Stone and a few other magazines still call me every once and awhile and asks for a story, otherwise Jayden and I wouldn’t be here.” She said.

“I have to say that I’m glad you’re back in Huntington. I really missed you…” I said as I ate.

We ate and talked more about work, poor Jayden just sat quietly until I noticed he was finished eating.

“Jayden, how long have you been done eating?” I questioned him.

“I was waiting for you and mommy to finish.” He said smiling, “Mommy can I have more juice?”

Chloe reached out and felt his forehead again, “Yes honey. Let me get you some. You’re still a little warm.”

As Chloe got up from her chair, taking Jayden’s sippy cup, I grabbed the plates and took them over to the sink and began washing them.

“Zee, you don’t have to do that. I invited you over for dinner. Leave it and I’ll take care of it later.” Chloe said as she poured Jayden’s Gatorade.

“Would you stop already? You know me and you know I’m not going to let you…” I said to her, scrubbing the last plate.

“Ugh, grab another beer and meet us out in the living room then.” She said as she passed me, “Come on Jayden, Zacky wants to look at pictures.”

He slid off his chair and followed her happily out into the living room as I dried my hands and grabbed another beer from the refrigerator.

Notes

Ok next chapter up... sorry about the huge delays... Trying to write ahead and make sure that things make sense etc... lots of double checking and editing between work. Hope you guys like it! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment :) Much love and Aloha <3 <3 <3 XoXo