Chapter 7

Jon and Shanna walked down the stairs it was a nice day out even if it was a bit chilly. “do we want to use my car or ...” He indicated with his hand. “we could walk...I don't mind... it was kind of nice walking Jovi this morning … don't worry I cleaned up after him..” he made a face. Shanna laughed slightly it was a nice sound. He actually hoped to hear more of it. “so … you've lived here all your life..” he hoped he could get her to talk a bit more.

“Yes born and raised in Madison, New York. ..” Shanna answered as they walked down the street. She pointed out the general store which he had already seen this morning as he got eggs. There was a bank, a hardware store which he gathered Eric and Jason worked, Jake's coffee shop and a few other stores. “we don't have a lot here we have our basic needs and its okay we do have a ice cream shop but its not open.....yet.” She smiled.

Jon shrugged “it sounds nice … a little place off the beaten path …place kind of like Jon Mellencamp's Jack and Diane huh?” She gave a noncommittal shrug.”I don't mean that in an insulting way Shanna... I mean its nice .. a small town ...not like where I come from.”

“I guess not .. though there cons to living in a small town... everyone seems to know everyone else and everyone else's business...” She stated softly. “but it was a nice place to grow up... my brother and I had it pretty good. Mom did the best she could.

“So you have a brother?”

“yeah you were wearing his clothes last night … and used his hygiene products ..” Shanna laughed catching him off guard.

“I meant ...” Jon laughed “you only have one brother?”

“yes one brother … no sisters .. mom my sister in law ...” She made a face “and my great niece Kamilla or Kam..” She stated giving him one more piece of information about her. It was like pulling teeth but it was worth it. 

 

“okay … your dad ….” He asked not sure if she would answer it. He knew what it was like people asking him questions about his private life so he wouldn't do that to her. However, he did want to know more about her, for some reason he just wanted to know.

Her face took a down turn pain in the depths “My dad died when I was four in a hunting accident... mom raised me and my brother on her own...” She stated quietly. She looked away as if she was shocked that she had revealed that much to him.

Jon put his hand on her shoulder “I am sorry to hear that ...but I am sure your mom did a great job … from what I can tell just the small amount of time I've been around you. You seem like a very nice person.” He got a watery smile back from that and they continued on walking.

She showed him the park that she usually took her great niece to. He enjoyed listening to her talk about her town. He didn't ask her anymore personal questions and she didn't volunteer anymore information on her family. He did notice that she didn't talk about friends except Ana and Jake..He went back to listening to what she was saying.

It was nice just to walk and not be swarmed by fans or people asking for an autograph. Just to be just a normal guy walking down the street talking to a pretty girl. He got to see a side of her that rarely was seen by anyone. They were just going by the coffee shop when he was nearly bowled over by a blonde in high heels. A high pitched squeal of his name made him want to cringe.

“Karianne GET off him..” He could hear Shanna's angry voice and the blonde woman was forcefully removed from his person. “what do you think you're doing ...” Shanna glared at her friend's little sister.

“What? Come on .. Shananay ...” Kari's voice dripped with sarcasm using a name that she knew the girl in front of her hated “You have to know who this is … its not like you live under a rock all the time or your books...” She ran a well manicured hand down Jon's winter jacket. “what are you doing with our resident recluse......I could show you around town..I'd be a lot more fun...” She gave him a look that was supposed to be a come hither flirtatious look. .

Jon gave her a polite smile before Shanna could comment. “Thank you but..” He took her hand kissing the back of it. “I am quite enjoying Shanna's company my dear...” He had his diplomatic smile on his face inside he wanted to tell her to step the hell away from him. “we were just leaving.... she was going to show me the next town so I can buy some things … and she was going to finish her errands … weren't you..” He turned his now mega watt smile on the female standing next to him.

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