A week later a silver Mercedes stretch limousine rolled silently up to the front entrance to the hospital. A large crowd stood around watching, waiting for their superstar to come out and wave at them.
When he did he was surrounded by family and band members and even some of the hospital staff were on hand for him. As he came out the door in his wheelchair his fans cheered excitedly.
Janice stood in front of the crowd smiling and at the same time wiping her tears with the back of her hands, then waving at him with the free one. She approached him hesitantly. Jake told her John was expecting it.
John stood from the wheelchair and gently gathered her into his arms. He kissed her tenderly and said, “Thanks for the visit and your support and prayers.”
“You’re welcome, John,” she replied tearfully. “I love you.”
“Thank you,” John replied. “Jake told me you’re quite a little songbird.”
“I’m not that good,” she replied, thinking of her father.
“Jake says otherwise,” John said smiling. “Come by the studio when you can. Let us be the judge, okay?”
“I will,” Janice nodded with a tearful smile, then accepted another kiss from John. “Thank you, John,” she said, stepping back so he could get into the limousine.
“My pleasure,” John assured her, then slid into the car. He was quickly followed by family members. The band members, Allen, Sandy and Toby Jackson drove back to the studio in their own car and John went back to Wimberley.
In the limousine, as it was pulling away from the door, Misty and Judy stared accusingly at John. “What was that all about?” Judy asked him.
“All of what?” John asked innocently.
“With Janice Reeves?” Misty said incredulously.
John stared at Misty completely baffled by her question.
“She’s a singer looking for a break,” he said finally, realizing what they were suggesting. “I’m giving her one.”
“As long as that’s all you give her!” Judy said.
“Are you jealous?” he asked with a sly smile.
“A hint!” Misty said just as Judy said “Yes!”
“It’s just business,” John assured them. “She’s a fan and Jake’s friend. You know you’re the only woman for me. I love you, Judy. And you too, Misty.”
“How about me?” Billy asked seriously.
“You too Billy,” John said with a smile and a rub of Billy’s tangled head.
“Tell ‘em John, to just leave you alone! You’re the boss!”
“Doesn’t work that way, Billy; wish it did,” John replied with a grin.
“If I was the boss, it would!” Billy said, then crossed his arms angrily, for emphasis.
“And that’s why you’re not the boss, Mister,” Misty said.
“A wife should trust her husband and not see every other woman as a threat.” John stared out the window watching the scenery go by.
“Every other woman is a threat!” Judy said knowingly.
“How about Misty,” John asked. “Is she a threat?”
“I don’t know. Are you mom?”
“Every step of the way!” Misty grinned wolfishly. “He’s so hot!” She shook her hand as if it were burning, stuck her tongue out the corner of her mouth, and laughed when Judy turned red in the face and said, “Mom!”
John and Billy laughed causing Misty to laugh harder, then Judy, realizing she had been had, started laughing, too.
A few minutes later John stared out the window at a passing truck stop/cafe off the service road. He had no idea at the time but he would be buying it before long.