Right Place, Right Time

©2001 Black Rose Collection

For fan entertainment only

Emily stood at the bar of the empty hotel lounge of the Wynfrey Hotel, unable to sleep. After a long, night at the KISS farewell show, she was hungry, but at that late hour, the lounge didn't appear to be in the mood to serve any of the concertgoers a midnight meal. After around a half hour, the others who were waiting quickly grew tired and decided to scout other alternatives. Emily considered the snack machine, but decided against loading herself full of sugar or salt so late, especially if she expected to wake up early the next morning to make it back to Tennessee. Sonja, her friend, opted nearly an hour ago to stay in the hotel room to get some sleep, and as time crept along, Emily was considering doing the same thing.

After checking her watch, she decided to give up and go back to the room, when something, or actually someone she spotted stopped her cold. It was Paul Stanley standing in the door of the lounge, looking around. He was dressed in blue jeans that were full of holes, a white t-shirt and had a red bandana around his wet hair. She couldn’t speak as she stood still watching him mingle with the couple of people that came over to him. With all she could muster, she made it over to the bar stool and sat down, hoping he would make his way over. It didn't take long however before her hopes were dashed as she saw him leave the lounge. Oh well, easy come, easy go. She sighed as she kicked herself for not going over and at least getting his autograph. As she finished the last of her soft drink, out of the corner of her eyes, she saw him enter the lounge once more, this time without the admirers that had followed him out. Now, she was nervous. With the exception of a couple of other people who seemed oblivious to his presence, she was totally alone with him. She tried to act as nonchalant as possible as she saw him make his way over to the bar. She began to tremble slightly, wondering if she should speak first or wait and see if he spoke to her.

“Late evening isn’t it?” Paul asked, sitting down next to her. His demeanor was so casual that it made her instantly relax.

“Yes, it is.” She answered. She could see him eyeing her KISS t-shirt.

“Hello. What can I get for you?” the bartender asked, walking out from the back.

“Oh, nothing. I was just wondering where would be a good place to eat around here at this hour.” Paul inquired.

“Humm, not much in Hoover is open at this hour.” The man said.

Emily perked up. “I know of a place. There is a Waffle House open not far from here. That is, if you're up for breakfast food.”

Paul smiled in appreciation. “I love the food there.” He stood up. “Thanks.”

“You're welcome.”

“Hey, why don't you come along? You must be hungry too.” He said.

Emily stopped cold. “Me?” she asked, sure she had heard him wrong.

“Sure, how ‘bout it?” he asked.

“Uh, I don't know…” she started, but stopped when he looked disappointed. Am I nuts? She asked herself. “Well, sure, thanks.”

“Great. Andre is outside getting the van.” He said, taking her hand and slowly walking out with her.

“Do you…do this often?” she asked.

“Well, actually yes. I love having time out with the fans like this.” He smiled.

They walked out towards the van, and she was immediately met with three other fans that were standing right outside. Momentarily disappointed that she wouldn’t be eating out with him alone, she nodded pleasantly to the others as she took a seat in the back.

“Uh, hi.” A girl with long blonde hair said to Emily. She could tell that this girl was also disappointed at the thought of others coming along. She looked down at her body, now self-conscious by comparison to the other girls large breasts and thin thighs.

“Hi.” Emily smiled back.

“I’m Christy, and this is my friend Andrea and her husband Tim.” She said, pointing over to a woman with dark hair and a man with a KISS ball cap.

“I’m Emily.” She replied. They all nodded. “Do you know him?” she asked.

“Uh, no. We met him in the lobby. He was asking if we knew a place to eat this late and we told him we were looking too.” Andrea answered nervously.

“Yeah, and I suggested he ask the bartender in the lounge, so he told us to wait by the van and when he found a place we would all go. Is that were he met you, in the lounge?” Tim asked.

“Yes, I was at the bar. So, you aren’t from Birmingham?”

“No, we came in from Georgia. We saw the Atlanta show and since Birmingham is only two hours away, we decided to come here too. Are you from Birmingham?” Tim asked.

“Yes, originally. Now I live in Tennessee, I came down and stayed with my family to see the show.” She replied, opting not to get too personal. Once again, Tim, Christy and Andrea nodded.

“How’s it going back there?” Paul asked from the front seat.

They all smiled nervously. None of them could believe they were actually going to eat with Paul Stanley after seeing him in concert not two hours ago. “Were fine, thanks.” Tim answered.

“Great. Someone needs to give Andre directions as we get closer.”

“I can’t. I haven’t been here enough to know where the Waffle House is.” Christy spoke up. Emily, have you been to this Waffle House?” she asked.

“No, but I think I know where it is.” Emily replied.

**

“It looks pretty empty, are you sure its open?” Andrea asked when they pulled into the Waffle House parking lot.

“Yes, they are open 24 hours.” Paul replied, slipping his arm around her to walk her inside. As he did so, he saw Emily standing by herself next to the van, looking a bit nervous. He stopped and smiled at her.

“You ok Emily?” he asked, holding out his hand. She pretended to be fine, but inside, she was a wreck. Here she was, recently divorced, and the sole support of her three children and her life was seemingly out of control. Now, she is about to have dinner with Paul Stanley. So what if there were other people there? She was there, and that’s what was important.

“Uh, sure. I’m fine.” She politely answered, taking his hand. They walked inside together.

She giggled to herself as she immediately sensed that the waitress was a fan. The poor girl stammered every other word, and almost tripped over the tables as she showed them to a place to sit. Given that the place was almost empty at 1 o’clock in the morning, they pretty much knew they could sit anywhere. They all agreed to choose a table in the back, as not to attract too much attention. Fine by me…Emily thought to herself. All the better to be alone with him.

As the waitress finished her third attempt to get their orders right, she finally left out to get their food. Paul, seeing this all before, eased up a bit after she left. “I think she was a bit nervous.” Tim noted.

“I guess you get that a lot, when you go out.” Christy stated. Christy rubbed Emily the wrong way for some reason, maybe its her all-knowing attitude, or maybe it was the way that Paul looked over her like a piece of meat.

“Yes, I’m quite used to it.” He smiled. Everyone got the indication that he didn't feel like taking the subject further.

**

The rest of the meal went off without a hitch, well, almost. The hapless waitress dropped three forks and spilled the coffee, causing her to burst into tears. Paul, along with the others, was sympathetic, but it did little to help her nerves. The conversation was nice, Emily noted to herself, what conversation she could get in edgewise between the swooning that Andrea and Christy did over Paul. Tim, on the other hand, sat back and stewed, watching his wife make a total fool of herself and it made Emily thankful that her now ex-husband wasn't along for the ride as well. As time drifted towards 2am, Andre began to get antsy, knowing Paul had to get back to the hotel soon to get some rest, but Paul didn't seem anxious to leave. He was enjoying the company and the attention of his fans.

“Paul, it’s getting late.” Andre noted, checking his watch.

Paul sighed. “I know. Pay the check and lets start back for the hotel.” He said, standing up.

While everyone got their things together, Paul walked over to the waitress and handed her what appeared to be quite a generous tip. Emily could see the waitress’s tear stained face brighten as Paul autographed a piece of paper for her and hugged her goodbye. She smiled and waved as everyone walked outside to the van.

On the way back to the hotel, Emily remained quiet. Not by choice, but because every time she would try to speak, she would be promptly interrupted by Christy and Andrea, both of whom didn't seem to mind how rude they were being. Tim continued to stir, although he did talk, but it was apparent to Emily that he was not happy.

When Andre parked in the back, Paul walked everyone back inside to the elevators. Hugging Christy and Andrea good-bye, he watched as the elevators doors closed before leaning back against the wall in exhaustion. Emily giggled.

“Tired?” she asked.

“They were very nice, but a huge strain on the ears.” He smiled.

“And the brain.” She interrupted. Paul nodded.

“Well, I guess this is goodnight.” She said, punching the button on the panel.

“I’m sorry I didn't get a chance to get to know you better.” Paul replied, wrapping his arms around her affectionately. Emily regretted it too, and no more so now than he had his arms around her. “I’m sorry too.” Paul smiled seeing her pout just a bit.

“What floor?” Andre asked, waiting patiently for the elevator to come back down.

“5^th. 5012.” She answered.

“Well, it shouldn’t be that long.”

“Oh, is it alright if I get an autograph?” she asked.

“Sure. I have a pen, do you have some paper?” Paul replied.

Emily fumbled around her small purse, but could find nothing suitable. “What about my t-shirt? I have a silver Sharpie.” She smiled.

“Great.” He said, taking the Sharpie. She turned around with her back to him, so he could sign the black area around her shoulders. Feeling his breath on the back of her neck, she shivered slightly; feeling goose bumps form on her skin. She hoped he didn't notice. “Here you go.” He said, giving her back the Sharpie.

“Thanks so much.” The elevator door opened and Andre held it open for her. “It was an honor to meet you, thank you for tonight.” She said. She turned to walk into the elevator, but he grabbed her arm. When she turned around, he gave her a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug.

“Thank you too. Take care.” He said.

She smiled as the elevator door closed and she was on her way to her room.

**

Considering the events of the past couple of hours, Emily now had trouble settling down to sleep. The TV didn't have anything that appealed to her and she wasn't in the mood to read, so all she could do was sit and stare at the walls. Her ears still rang with his voice and her nose was still filled with the soft scent of soap and cologne. She regretted not having enough courage to make her presence more known instead of letting Christy and Andrea have all the say, but after all she has been through, she knew she was still learning how to speak for herself. While grabbing a bite to eat from the small refrigerator under the bar, she stopped and heard a shuffling sound outside her door. She slowly walked over to it and put her ear to the door to listen, but heard nothing. Imagination again…She surmised as she sat back down on the small couch and picked up another magazine.

KNOCK! Went the door suddenly, making her jump. She sat still, thinking whoever it was must have the wrong room. Sonja. It had to be Sonja, maybe she couldn’t sleep either.

Knock…knock…the door went, but softer than before. She stood up and walked back to the door. “Yeah?” she asked, assuming it was Sonja.

“Emily? I hope I’m not bothering you, can I come in?” Came the voice. She smiled, throwing the door open to see Paul standing there. She was more than pleasantly surprised.

“Hi, is anything wrong?” she asked, trying her best to contain her excitement.

“No, I just couldn’t sleep and was looking for some pleasant company. Is that ok?” he asked.

How could she possibly say NO? He looked so…so, lost standing there. “Please come in.” she said, holding the door open. He walked inside.

“Sit down. Can I get you something to drink?” she asked.

“No, thanks, I drank something a few minutes ago.”

She sat down next to him, and a hush fell over the both of them, wondering what the other would say. “Well, I would think you would be tired from running around all night.” She noted.

“Sometimes it takes me a while for the adrenaline to run down before I can sleep. I just wanted to let you know that I was sorry about Christy and Andrea….” He started.

“Well, it isn’t your fault, they were just happy to meet you, I don't blame them for that.”

“You're very understanding.”

“I’ve had practice. I guess I should have been more forceful, but I didn't want to make a fool of myself.” She smiled.

“I can’t see that anything you would do would be foolish.” Paul replied, sounding a bit cheesy, making her wince a bit. They both laughed. “Never mind.” He joked.

“I think I’m a bit old for that.” She commented, still laughing. Indeed, it felt good to laugh like that, no matter what.

“You from Birmingham?” he asked, calming down a bit.

“Yes, originally. I live in Tennessee right now, but I’m in the process of moving back with my kids.”

“How many? Or is that too personal?”

“3, 2 girls and a boy, my oldest is 13.”

“You don't look old enough to have a teenager.”

“I had her young, married young…” she sighed.

“Sorry.”

“Don't be. I have moved on and for once since I was a kid, I feel truly in control of my life, it’s a very powerful emotion.”

“Yes it is. I’m glad that you can move on with your life like this, while still being young enough to truly enjoy it.”

“I wished I had wised up sooner, but at least I know now and I ended it before I totally lost sight of myself. Anyway, enough about that. It must be a complete rush being out night after night in front of an audience.” She noted, purposely changing the subject.

Paul sighed. “It is, and I’m going to miss it. Its almost better than sex.”

“I personally wouldn’t remember that far back.” She laughed.

“Such a shame….”

“What?”

“To go so long without sex.”

“It’s definitely a shame, especially since I am free now, but no one wants to go out with someone who has three kids, much less have it go any further.”

“Have you ever thought of just being with someone with no commitment? Just for fun?”

“No, I guess I haven’t. I married my husband at a young age; he was my first, and only. I have never been with anyone else.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Paul said, slowly moving closer. “Perhaps its time to change your way of thinking.”

She grinned nervously, wondering if he had on his mind what she thought he did, or better yet, what she hoped he did. He gently touched her cheek and turned her to face him. When they were face to face, he lowered his head and their lips touched, sending a storm of fire throughout her body. His lips were so soft, so gentle, yet firm and strong, just as she had dreamed. Subconsciously, she pulled away from him, not sure what to do next.

“Sorry.” She whispered.

“Am I going too fast?” he asked.

“No, its just I’m…not sure what to do.”

“It’s alright sweetheart, let me help you. I won’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable, I want this night to be just for you.”

A breath of anxiety left her mouth just as his lips touched her neck and she felt his hands caress her lonely body. Closing her eyes, she finally let all the images of the past leave her mind, replaced only by the present, by the man she was with right at that moment, only wanting time to stand still or better still, never to end at all.

Paul stood up, and taking Emily by the hand, walked her carefully into the bedroom, where he picked her up and gently laid her down on the bed. He caressed her face as he kissed her once more and their mouths and bodies melded into one mass. His hands worked their magic, finding just the right places on her body that made her quiver and sigh. It had been so long, so long since her body had experienced such intense pleasure, such caressing, such tenderness. Together they moved in sync with one another, both of them crying out in extreme release. Folding her up in his arms, they laid together, gently holding one another until they both fell asleep.

**

A horribly loud ringing phone woke Emily up from the first sound sleep she had gotten in months. Instinctively, she rolled over to answer it.

“Hello?” her groggy voice tried to muster.

“Its Sonja. Its after 9:30am. Are you ready to go yet?”

Emily sat straight up, rubbing her eyes. “That late? I didn't know. I was sleeping in.”

“What happened to you last night? You never sleep this late.”

“Nothing….I” she started before remembering what happened. She looked around, but Paul was gone. A deep sadness filled her heart. Maybe it was just a dream.

“What’s wrong?” Sonja asked.

“Nothing, really. I just chose to sleep in last night. I’ll explain later. Give me an hour to shower and I’ll meet you in your room, ok?”

“Sure.”

Tears filled her eyes as she hung up the phone. She searched her memory, sure that what had happened between her and Paul last night was simply a sleep-induced fantasy, but it seemed so real.

After her shower, while packing her bags, she went back into the living room area to retrieve her t-shirt. As she bent down to pick it up, she spotted a note on the shirt, written on the hotel stationary. She saw her name on the outside, written in soft black letters. It could only be from Paul.

With nervous fingers, she opened the letter and read it.

Dear Emily,

Sorry that I couldn’t be here when you woke up, but I didn't have the heart to wake you, you seem so peaceful. Take care love; you are a very special woman that can go far in life. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Best of luck with your new life.

Love,

Paul

She smiled as she folded the letter up and placed it in her purse. No one would know that, for a short time at least, she was the most important woman in Paul Stanley’s life. And that, no one could take that away from her.