About 2 years later.

I'd get the chance to talk to John or Nick every once in a while, they kept me informed about what they were doing and how Duran Duran was doing.

Although I didn't see him for the longest time, John made up for it in phone conversations. I don't know how he did it but he was good about calling me at a decent hour at night, wherever they were, and he was always eager to talk to me.

It was so nice to feel wanted. I felt like his country cousin, but as soon as the conversation got going that feeling quickly went away. I was interested in what he had to say - and equally, he was interested in me. Every time after a phone call from John Taylor, I came away with this warm glow. Because I just knew he cared about me. Thousands of miles could have separated us but I knew in my heart that here was a true friend. Success or no success.

Their second album, Rio, skyrocketed up the Billboard charts after they had a bevy of really exotic music videos premiere on MTV - they became poster boys in my opinion. They were requested on radio, on TV, everyone wanted a piece of them. Nick related to me how an elephant Roger was riding on turned out to be in heat and charged with Roger still sitting on top, and Roger was able to jump off just in time without being seriously injured. I couldn't help but laugh. Both Nick and John recounted funny things that had happened on location. I later saw the fruits of their labor on television and loved all of the videos.

"I only wish I could have been there, when you guys were filming," I said to Nick wistfully.

"Well, you know, I think John was thinking the same thing," Nick replied. I could almost see Nick smiling on the other end.

"John? Nah. He's got all those girls chasing him. He couldn't have been thinking of me."

"He was...and he does. You really should do something about it, Gracie." That was Nick's pet name for me.

"How? It's a little difficult with you guys on the road so much. Besides, half the time I call you guys, he's completely inebriated!"

Nick laughed. "Yeah, I know what you mean. But keep in mind, we usually have a little drink after a show to relax..."

"Yeah, and the way you guys relax, it's like you're trying to relax gorillas!"

"Haha," Nick responded wryly. "Anyhow...you guys have *got* to get together. John's a good friend, and so are you..."

"How are you going to pull that one off, Dr. Ruth?" I repeated.

"I'm sure the opportunity will present itself. Sometime. Just trust me."

Shortly after that, I was at work when Gina yelled over to me, holding the receiver, "Grace - phone! Long-distance. You better hurry." I finished the sale I was in the middle of, and told her I'd take it in "the office," where we took coffee breaks.

Who the heck would be calling me long-distance?

"Hello?"

"Grace?" It was John.

"John, is that you?"

"Yep. It's me. Nigel John Taylor, at your service. Glad to hear from me?"

"Of course, John! Where are you? I mean, where are you calling from? Nick said you guys were touring for weeks, without a break for eons!"

"Yeah, that's right. We're touring, all right. We're playing New York tomorrow night."

I coughed, looking down at my hands. "Cool. When are you guys coming down to D.C. again? In other words, how much longer will it before I see you guys?"

"That's why I'm calling. How about...you come up here for the show tomorrow?"

"What? John, I can't afford going up to New York now. As much as I'd like to..."

"I already thought of that. Got Paul to wire in some money so you could fly up here on our expense. I went ahead and got him to call it in so the tickets would be waiting for you tomorrow morning. If you'd be willing to come up for it. And I knew you'd be worry about missing work so Paul and Michael *both* called your boss and already cleared it through him. Everything is taken care of."

I smiled. "How can I say no?"

So that's how I ended up on the way to New York. To see the boys who'd launched a million hearts two years and going strong. On the plane up the coast, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of giddiness and nerves. After all, I hadn't seen the five of them for almost two years. I'd changed. They'd surely had changed - I don't think it's possible for people not to change if they meet up with success. So I wondered if they were going to be the same five guys or prima donnas.

Mostly though, I hoped I hadn't imagined John's affection. I knew something would die inside if after all this time, those romantic feelings that I had thought were coming from him were all in my imagination. I ran my fingers through my hair - the hair I'd punked up just for him.

The driver sent to pick me up from Kennedy, Rich, was really polite and nice. Regretfully, he said I couldn't meet up with John and the guys until before the show. "They're really busy today, doing phoners and other publicity types of things. But Mr. Taylor told me that you needed to go shopping..."

I giggled. "*He* said that?"

"Yeah, he said you might want to buy something in case you all go to a club after the concert," Rich responded cheerfully.

Who was I to argue with John? Okay, so I went shopping, buying a totally un-Gracelike gold glitter top, and tight leather pants. I was going to wear the outfit with the leather boots I'd had for a while. Rich drove me to the hotel Duran Duran was staying at, and I sat in my hotel room until the time came closer to the show. I was completely too nervous to eat, but realized that it would be a while before I saw food again, so I ordered a roast beef sandwich and tried to eat. After that, I put on my new outfit, looking at my reflection in the mirror and laughing. I look like I'm trying to be someone else! Still, the guys hadn't seen me in a while - why not pretend to look a little more hip than I'm used to?

Rich drove me to the concert venue - and with my backstage pass provided by the guys, I had no problem getting in backstage. It took a while for me to figure out where they were, but one of the guards told me that they were in makeup and I had to wait for them to show.

I waited for a while, and finally I heard the voice of someone familiar. "Gracie?"

I spun around. "Nicholas Rhodes!" I jumped up, and bounded into the arms of Nick, noticing his now orangey-red locks of hair. He reminded me of a leprechaun - fondly of course. "How are you, Nick?"

He grinned broadly. "Much better now that I found you, Gracie. Great outfit! Hey, when did you get your hair all gussied up like that?"

"Just for you, of course, Nicky. Thanks. I figured you of all people would approve." I gestured to the silvery sweater he was wearing.

"Haha. I couldn't believe it that it took this long for John to work up the nerve to invite you to one of the shows...but I'm glad he did! That damn Romeo."

"Where *is* he, anyway?" I asked good-naturedly. Nick indicated the wardrobe annex. "In the meantime, I want to get the 411 about what's going on with you, Nicky."

We sat on director's chairs and chatting up a storm, I didn't hear the door behind us open and close. Someone came up behind me, scaring me half to death, and saying "Hey!" in my ear.

Who else? It was John.

"Nigel John Taylor, need to give me a heart attack? Sheesh."

He kissed me on the cheek. "I'm so glad you're so glad to see me too, baby." Nick and I doubled over laughing. John pulled me up from my sitting position.

"I think I need to check my synth one more time," Nick said, scurrying off in another direction, making his getaway.

"Grace..."

"Yes...?"

"I'm so glad you decided to come." He started to kiss my neck, and drew me into a darkened corner. "

"Me too. I've missed you all so much."

"Your hair...and your outfit..." he trailed off.

"What? You like it?"

"Grace, don't take this the wrong way...but it feels like you've changed. I don't want you to change. You're perfect." He paused to look deeply into my eyes - this man knew me so well. He knew I was uncomfortable - he sensed it.

I sighed. "John, I just wanted to look - I don't know - I guess, desirable for you. After all, it has been two years."

"It's been a *very* long two years," he indicated, holding me close to him.

"And all this time, I've been missing you, your voice, your kiss..."

He shoo his head. "Not more than me." Words stopped being exchanged as his lips enveloped mine. He smelled of stage makeup, cologne, hairspray, and sweat. An interesting but irresistable combination. We probably would have continued making out in the dark until an uncomfortable cough interrupted us.

"Ahem. *Ahem.*" I turned around.

A slightly annoyed, slightly amused Simon stood there, chuckling. "God John, couldn't you have waited for making out until *after* the concert?"

"Simon!" I smiled, giving him a hug.

"Grace, always good to see you...except for when John is involved. Thanks a lot, his concentration tonight will be completely shot," Simon joked, looking down at his watch. "We need to do all the final prep before the show. *Now* John. I mean it."

John sighed. "Oh, all right." He kissed me on the forehead, to the snickers of Simon, who left to find Nick and his synth. "But I'll see you after the show, Grace. You come find us after the last encore, 'kay?" I nodded, as John grabbed his Fender and took to the stage.

I already knew that Duran Duran could have major concert intensity in a club setting - but how about a major arena type venue? They were fantastic! But I have to admit that I was mostly paying attention to John - and as he had told me months before, bass-playing was a sensual art. The way he moved, to strum his fingers over the strings of his bass, jumping around the stage to the rest of the guys and in conjunction with Simon's lyrics, it made for a very sensual experience. Not to mention he kept looking up to see me sitting in the VIP area and winking at me seductively as if to say, "you - me - later." I couldn't tell if he was sending the message to me or the many teenyboppers that were in attendance, throwing stuffed animals, flowers, and various pieces of underwear at the stage.

I couldn't wait until the final encore.