Chapter 20

Lily stepped out of LAX to an awaiting car, shaking her head . “When will I ever get used to this .” she muttered to herself while climbing into the backseat of a Black Lincoln . Not exactly sure  how long of a drive it would be to Richie’s house, she reached in her purse and pressed speed dial to her friend.

While waiting for Claire to answer , she glanced out at the passing scenery.  Los Angeles always impressed her it was almost like New York but with a flare for the wild and crazy.

“Hey girly,” Claire said as she picked up the phone, “did you make it to LA alright?”

“Yea riding in a nice black spanking new Lincoln as we speak. “ Lily answered then grew serious. “Claire , I am so nervous . What if his family doesn’t like me ? What if his ex despises me ? “

“You’re telling me! I’m in the car on my way to meet Jon’s kids now!” Claire replied, rubbing her forehead, “Lil, you’re so lovable. Trust me, you’ll do just fine! And if Heather doesn’t like you, well you’ll just be added to a long-ass list honey. She seems like a diva to me. No biggie if she doesn’t!”

“I sure as hell hope you’re right . I am most worried about when they find about this baby. Especially with Ava , she’s been his princess for so long. “ Lily added while clinching her hands nervously in her lap.

Claire sighed, “Honey I’m sure it’ll be fine. If Richie feels comfortable introducing you, then he knows it will be too!”

The girls talked for a few moment’s longer , when the car pulled up in front of this massive gate. Lily’s eyes widened. “Holy Hannah! You should see this house Claire. “

Claire laughed, “Sneak a picture if you get a chance! I’ll let you go.. good luck!! Wish me luck too!!”

“Will do , Good luck girlfriend . “ Lily flipped her phone shut, stuffing it back into her purse. She sucked in a deep breath as the car pulled up to a stop in the driveway.

She waited til the driver opened the door  then stepped out.  Her hand went to her forehead shading her eyes from the bright glare of the sunlight then walked slowly beside the driver as he carried her bag to the front door.  “Well here goes everything . “ she muttered to herself, pressing the door bell.

Richie all but ran from one end of the house to the other when he heard the bell chime, sliding on his socks across the tile floor in the foyer and skidding to a stop just in front of the door. He ran a hand through his hair and plastered a grin on his face, then opened the door to his second-favorite lady in the whole world. “Hiya baby!”

“Hi there yourself. “ She gazed over him then chuckled. “Did I wake you ? “ then stepped inside the massive foyer , Lily fought the urge to gasp while her eyes took in the impressive layout of his house.

“Psh. No..” Richie winked at her as he closed the door. “Home sweet home, we’re glad to have ya. Welcome to Casa Sambora,” he said, taking her hand and leading her through the foyer and into the living room. On a regular day it would’ve looked great, but this time of year it was decorated for Christmas, and looked stunning with an enormous tree in the corner and garland strung just about everywhere.

“This is - “ Lily was speechless , as he took her on a quick tour of his house. “ Wow, okay that sounds so stupid . “ she laughed. “ I can’t ever imagine living in a house like this . “

Richie chuckled, “Yeah it took a while to get used to, though that was quite a long time ago,” he grinned, “I’m glad you like it though.”

“I do this is amazing, but one question why? If its just you why so big? “ Lily asked while he led her to through the sliding glass doors,  “Oh my this is gorgeous . You have a dock ! “

“Yeah if you ever wanna go out on the boat lemme know,” he winked, “I dunno really, regarding the size,” he added, thinking, “Maybe ‘cause a big dude like me needs a big place?” he chortled. “When we came into all that money so fast, back in the day,” he told her, “we just spent and spent and spent, we were so excited. I guess that’s what this is. Just proud of my accomplishments.”

Lily intertwined her fingers with his then smiled. “You should be not too many bands from the eighties are around anymore. “ She stepped out onto the little dock and gazed out into the bright blue lake that lay before here.

Richie smiled, watching this beautiful woman amidst the beautiful scenery. He was beyond excited to have her here, in his home, as well as to have her here for the holidays, and most of all, to meet his precious baby girl. Speaking of which... “I told you Heather was gonna bring Ava by shortly, right?” he asked.

Lily chewed on her bottom lip nervously ,  “Yea you did. Um- are you sure they are okay with me?” she glanced up into his beautiful puppy dog eyes , she had grown to love so much.

He nodded, sensing her change in tone, “Baby, everything is gonna be okay. Ava said this morning on the phone she was excited to meet you!” he told her sweetly.

“Really? “ Lily asked , a surprised look coated her face. “ I just thought it might be difficult for her. Having you all to herself for as long as she has now. “

Richie shrugged, “She’s growing up, finding herself with new interests, realizing that it’s not so cool to have Daddy as your best friend anymore,” he winked. “She knows she’s never gonna be left out or forgotten, by either me or her mother, and if she needs a good reminder then now is as good a time as any.”

“Does she know about the baby? “ Lily asked , she turned to face him , gripping his hands tightly in hers.  “And Heather how is she with all this ? “  She had heard things about Heather and hoped that they didn’t get off on the wrong foot.  For both Richie and Ava’s sake .

Richie took a deep breath, “I figured it wasn’t right to tell her about the baby over the phone,” he told her, watching her eyes. “And Heather,” he smiled softly, “Well you never really know what Heather is gonna do. But she’s usually very nice,” he added.

Before Lily could respond any more of her reservations , A young blonde bounced her way down to the dock.  “Daddy!“ she called out happily.

Richie’s eye’s lit up even more as he spotted his prize and he opened his arms, scooping her up as she reached him. “Hi baby!!” he told her, kissing her cheek then releasing her. He straightened then turned to Lily, “Lily this is my beautiful daughter Ava, the light of my life. Ava baby, this is the lovely Lily, my girlfriend.”

Lily smiled lovingly at the interaction, her hand went instinctively to her stomach, he really is a wonderful father, “Hi Ava very nice to meet you.“ she held her hand out for the young girl to shake it.

Ava gazed over this beautiful woman who had stolen her fathers heart. “Nice to meet you Lily, Dad’s told me so much about you. “ she smiled then hugged her. “No handshakes in this family. If my Dad likes you-- besides Gran has raved about you so that's good enough for me. “

Lily wrapped her arms around this lovely young woman , tears coated her eyes as she shot a look of relief to Richie. “ I like your Gran very much too , she reminds me of my mother. “

Richie grinned like a kid in a candy store as he watched the interaction between his two favorite girls. He had introduced Lily to his mother the last time they were in New York, Joan had come up to meet them for lunch one day and had fallen in love with Lily. He didn’t doubt that today would be any different.

Heather stood in the patio doorway, smiling softly as she watched her daughter meet the pretty redhead who stood on the dock with Richie. The woman’s smile was sincere and she even looked a little nervous. Heather chuckled, this definitely was a change from Richie’s usuals. [i]Could she be different?[/i] She decided to find out for herself and stepped down onto the patio, making her way towards the girls and her ex-husband.

Lily gazed up just in time to see Heather approach, her heart started to pound and her stomach twirled in knots as she released Ava and backed up a few steps.

Ava sensing her worry spoke , “Don’t worry about mom, as long as I like it you that's what matters right?“ she grinned sweetly.

Lily couldn’t help but laugh at the young girls logic , “She is so your daughter.” her eyes landed on a very amused Richie.

Richie chuckled, ruffling his daughters hair. “So true!” he looked up as Heather stepped onto the dock, “Thanks for dropping Ava off, I appreciate it.”

Heather nodded, “Of course, no problem,” she answered kindly then turned to Lily, holding out her hand. “I’m Heather, it’s really nice to meet you,” she said, smiling genuinely.

“Nice to meet you too. “ Lily smiled as she extended her hand and shook the older blonde’s hand.

Richie wanted to literally jump for joy as he watched the three ladies interact with genuine kindness. Just like when Lily had met his mom, a little something told him yet again that things were clicking into place just perfectly.