Chapter 21 "The Hello and Goodbye"

September 3rd, 2000

Tany had butterflies and a lump in her throat.  She always hated this part. This must've been what her mother felt like when her dad would leave to film a movie.

Scott would be leaving tonight for Atlanta.  Earlier that week he had received a package that contained: airline tickets, a parking pass, his id badge, his shooting schedule and a key to a house he would be renting.

Tany was helping him pack.  She was trying not to cry.  Scott could see it in her eyes, "Babe, you know this is the part of our lives that sucks, we got to spend a couple of months together." 
"I know, but......." here came the tears. 
"Aw, Tanz come on. Don't cry, I will get to see you in a few weeks." 
"I know it just sucks." 
"Yup," he said hugging her.  Scott started to pack again.  Tany stood there for a few seconds before she too, went back to packing.  Ciera had invited Tany to stay with them, while Scott was gone, but Tany had turned her down. 

Part of her now was wishing she had taken her mother's offer.  But she knew realistically that wouldn't make sense either.  She would have to commute and Tany hated that.  So she was stuck here. Maybe she could talk Ciera into letting Cintia stay a few days with her.  She would have to remember that.

Jonny was sitting on the other swing, talking to Jenny.  Jonny wanted to tell Jenny that he would like to move further, but the past relationship held him back. He had been burned pretty bad and just couldn't let that go, if only he knew she felt the same. Jenny was way different then Cheryl. Jenny's Divorce would be final in December, due to "The Connors" lawyer Kelly Russell.  He basically gave Treg Simons, Jenny's soon to be Ex an ultimatum.  He could sign the divorce papers and let her live in peace or he would be arrested for stalking a Miss Tany Connors.  He apparently had also found another woman to beat but this one wouldn't take his shit.  He chose to sign the papers. Leaving us here back at the story.  Jenny was smiling at him, "Ok, I have seen that look." 

"What look?"  he asked looking at her.
"That look, What are you thinking about?" 
"You." Jonny said looking at Jenny.  Jenny smiled, "What about me?  I hope it's good?" she questioned. 
"It is, I was just thinking what a great friend you are, you have been just really great Jen." 

"Thank you, you know if you want to move ahead a little, we could maybe try it?" 
"Woah, what do you mean?"  She went pink, "Oh, I thought maybe..." 
"Look, Jenny I think we are great friends and I wouldn't want to do anything to hurt that." 

"I am sorry, I thought...." He kissed her.  Not on the cheeks but on the lips.  Jenny didn't know what to do so she kissed him back.  Jonny wasn't sure why he was doing this but it felt so right.  He was about to pull back, but then she started to kiss back and that did it.  Jonny and Jenny were now an item.  Although Jonny would take it very slow, he knew he wanted to spend as much time as he could with her, starting today.

Scott was getting his bags checked and he was holding hands with Tany.  She just couldn't believe that in the next few hours she would once again go home to an empty house.  But Tany did call Ciera and she actually agreed.  Cintia would be there in two days.  Cintia had a ton of homework to do, but Tany promised Ciera she would make sure she got it done.

Right now, Scott and Tany were walking to Scott's Gate.  Tany was trying very hard not to cry.  She was failing miserably.  Scott just hugged her.

They sat down and waited for his plane. They started to board the plane.  Scott and Tany stood up. The paps were also there and of course they got a picture of Scott and Tany kissing.  Scott smiled at her and said, "Catch you on the next wave."  Tany wiped her eyes and responded with, "Break a leg."  And with that Scott walked into the tunnel and disappeared.  Here are some of those pictures.

Tany stood there watching the plane taxi and finally taking off.  Tears streamed down her cheek.  Logically she knew it was only a couple of weeks, but emotionally she would miss him.  The paps ended up taking several shots three of which landed in "The Earth" with the article title, "It's So hard to Say Goodbye."

A few Days later...............................

Tany and Cintia were planning to go to Disneyland, but their plans changed when it started to rain, so here they were sitting in Tany's livingroom. "So do you think Jonny is going to be ok with it?"  Tany sat there a few minutes, choosing her words carefully, "I don't know what he will think, but we will talk to dad first, I already told you that."  "I know, I just think it is only fair, I will be graduating in the spring and I want to be part of the band."  "I know and I understand, hey sorry for not going to Disneyland." 

Cintia did look a little bummed but then she smiled, "That's ok, We can go next time. Hey can I ask you something?"  Tany looked at her sister. "Sure, I guess."  "It's not bad, but do you want Scott to ask you to marry him?"  "Wow where did that come from?" 

"Well, Al and Beth are getting married sometime next Summer and I thought maybe with that coming you would want to marry Scott."  Tany got a smile on her face with excitement, if only he would for real.  Cintia didn't know that Tany had fantazied about him asking her.

Would he get down on one knee or would he just ask her?  So she answered, "Yes, I would love to marry Scott, but with both our careers taking off, I don't know if this would be the best time." 
"I like him and Beth, I don't know about Jenny."  "Jenny is nice, a bit odd but I like her." 

"Well maybe if I join the band, then I will get to know her." 
"Whatever, let's pop some popcorn and watch a tear jerker." 

Jenny and Jonny were now in Jonny's apartment.  They were kissing and making out.  Clothes were flying. After they made love, Jonny was kissing Jenny's shoulder. 
"Jonny, what is it like?" 
"Hmm, what is what like?" 
"Playing in front of an audience." 
"I can't do it like Tany, she makes it so easy."  "That's great, but do you always avoid questions about yourself?" 
"What do you mean?"  He sat up looking at her.  "I asked you what it was like, not Tany.  I can easily ask her." 
"I know, and I want to answer but I don't know what it is like.  Most of the time, Tany is the one holding the crowds attention, not me." 
"Right, but what does it feel like, under the lights and knowing there are people looking at you?"  "I don't know, I get a little nervous, because I don't want to mess up, you know?" 

"So you can play the piano, can you play anything else." 
"Yes, of course."  He gave her a quizzical look.  "Ok so can Tany play any instrument or is she just a singer?" 
"Jenny you know she does, why are you asking me these things?"
"I don't know just want to know, in case it ever comes up." 
"Why would it come up?" 
"I don't know, you never know."  Jonny just shook his head, rolled over on top of her and she started to giggle.


*****Please feel free to leave a comment,  I will take the good, the bad and the ugly.  I also promise to take it with a grain of salt.*****

Chapter 20 "The Image"

August 20th, 2000

Johnson called his friend.  She was willing to meet with Tany.  Although she was a little reserved.  Johnson had to reassure her that Tany was a very nice person and she should jump on the chance.  Rebecca Tomlin, was not known at all.  She worked on "Nights of our Deaths" a little while.  Now she was trying to find a client.  Rebecca could design clothes and she had a knack for what went together and what didn't.   She was getting nervous.  She looked at herself in the mirror, why didn't she go shopping before this.

The doorbell rang, she jumped.  Tany had told her she was going to send her driver to pick her up.  Rebecca looked in the peep hole.  There standing there was a large man who looked really nice.  "Ms. Tomlin, I am Biff Jones, Tany's Driver?"  "Oh, sure," she said as she opened the door.  "Are you ready?"  Rebecca just nodded, grabbing her purse.  They walked down the stairs and out the door.  Biff went to a black SUV and opened the door for her.  Getting in, "Thank you."  "You're Welcome," He said as he shut the door.  She watched him walk around and get in.  He adjusted the mirror, and looked back at her. 

She just smiled.  "Don't be nervous, Tany is a very sincere person."  "Yeah, that is what Johnson said, but I still can't help it."  "Ok, well I tell you what, ask her about her horse, Midnight. That will be a great ice breaker.  Plus she needs you." "Does she like horses?"  "No, she loves them."  He said with a twinkle in his eye.  They drove off.  "you said she needs me?"  Biff nodded, "Yes, see she read a really bad article about how she dresses.  And she needs someone who can help seperate her two personalities."

When they arrived, Rebecca looked up and saw they were meeting at the Carleton hotel.  Rebecca had never really been here but had heard all about it.  Biff walked with her to the bar area.

Sitting at a table was Jon S., a man she had never seen before, a woman with short reddish hair and Tany.  They were all in a deep conversation.  They were the only people in the bar.  Biff walked over to the table and Rebecca stood off to the side.

Tany turned her attention to Rebecca.  In fact everyone at the table turned to see her.  "Tany, may I introduce Rebecca Tomlin."  Rebecca walked over to her and stuck out her hand.  Tany stood up, then everyone else did too.  Tany took her hand and shook it, "It's my pleasure."

 Rebecca wanted to reply but words were not coming. Tany jestured for her to sit.  The men waited for the ladies to sit  and then they sat. Tany gave her a gentle smile.  "Rebecca, so Johnson said you have some experience with clothing," Tany rolled her eyes.  She put her hand on the other woman.  "I need a............... correction, we need someone who will help us dress." pointing at herself and her brother.  "Ok, Um."   Biff intercepted, "She is a little nervous."  Tany smiled again, this time it was a warm welcoming.  Rebecca took a breath, "How is midnight?" She just blurted it out.  Everyone started to laugh.  Rebecca could feel her face go red.

Tany saw it , "Aw, Rebecca you were set up. My horse is fine.  Biff..." scolding him.  "I am so sorry." Rebecca replied.  "You don't have to apologize, Biff, Jonny and Big Al should be apologizing."  Tany said in a stern voice looking at the three men.  Almost simultaneously, "Sorry."  "That's right, you three should be a shamed of yourself. Now let's get you aquainted with us."  The red head smiled, "I am Sabrina, but you can call Sabz.  I am the hair dresser, make up artist and personal assitance to Tany."  Rebecca waved. 

The really tall man stuck out his hand, "I am Al, The Connors manager and brother, you can call me Big Al."  "Nice to meet you, I was wondering, you all kinda look a like."  "We try not to claim him, but he just keeps tagging along, I am Jon S. but please call me Jonny." Jonny trying to be polite. "I am Rebecca, but you can call me.............."  Big Al, Biff and Tany all said at the same time, "Rebs".

Sabrina, Tany and Rebecca, were shopping.  Sabrina was sitting on a couch watching, she really wasn't into shopping.  Mainly because she didn't really know what to look for.  Maybe Rebs could find me some clothes too.  Rebecca was standing looking at different clothes.  Tany was in a dressing room. 

Tany and Sabrina had told Rebecca that Tany needed some clothes that would show a little but was respectable.  Tany was from Texas after all.  So Rebecca was having Tany try different types of clothing to see how she felt about them. 

Tany was trying them, but was having a really hard time deciding what she wanted.  Tany came out of the dressing room and stood there.

Sabrina smiled, Rebecca was giving Tany an expectant look. 

Tany turned around and gave Rebecca the thumbs up.  Rebecca let out her breath, she hadn't realized she was holding.  Tany would like this new her but would Scott?  She had to think about him too.  Actually hanging with these girls, she hadn't given Scott a thought.  Tany would ask him when she saw him.  Tany also talked Rebecca into making the costumes for her dancers and herself for the People's Choice Awards.  The Connors had been invited to sing, no that's a lie.  Al got them the spot, so they could sing their new single. 


*****Please feel free to leave a comment,  I will take the good, the bad and the ugly.  I also promise to take it with a grain of salt.*****

Chapter 19 "The Paper"

Aug 15th,  2000

Jonny was sitting in the studio at the piano.  Steve Schnieder would be there in about 15 to 20 minutes.  He wasn't really sure what he was doing there.  Jonny was enjoying the solitude.  He started to think about his past.  John couldn't believe that, less than three years ago he was sitting in a classroom, studying to be a music technician.  He smiled as he remembered the look on Tany's face, when she sang "Because the Night" for the first time in the microphone.  She was so nervous and now you would never know she hadn't done this that long.  Now sometimes, she would stop recording because a note would be just a little off or something wouldn't sound right.  She wanted it to be perfect. Jonny was a little jealous of her, on how easy it was for her to be able to woo the crowd like she could.  She was very comfortable in front of crowds.  Jonny started to think about the previous year.  Jonny was married and had tried to start a life with Cheryl, but ended up becoming an addict.  What he wouldn't give to get a joint right now.  Anything to take this edge off.  This album had to be a hit or they could be out.  Although Eric was giving them until the next album, Jonny was starting to feel the pressure. He hit a few chords, just messing around.

When the melody came into his mind.  He started to play it, Steve, carrying his guitar, walked in.  Jonny stopped playing, "No man keep playing that."

Jonny continued to play as Steve played his guitar. "Do you have any words?" 
"Yeah just a few."  Jonny started to sing the words he had, Steve looked at him,  "Man, I think you have a hit."

The washing machine was finishing it's last spin cycle.  Tany was sitting on the couch waiting for it to end.  Scott and Tany found an apartment, it was small but it worked. Scott was out auditioning.  Tany was trying to be domesticated but was failing miserably.  She was playing house and this just wasn't were she belonged.

Tany flipped the page of the magazine she was reading, Scott walked in.  "Hey, babe."  "Hey, well, any luck?"  "One potential, and four no's."  "I'm so sorry." 

Scott saw what she was doing, and wondered, "What are you doing?" 
"I am reading a magazine and waiting for the washing machine to quit so I can put the load in the dryer." 
"Wow, you are completely bored." 
"Yes, I am."  "
Why don't you call Sabrina, you haven't gotten to spend time with her in awhile, oh I know we could set her and Johnson up." 
"I will call her, but um, Johnson is dating that country singer." 
"Which country singer?" 
"That one with that stupid color song." 
"Oh, yeah Deanne Mines, I think is her name." 
"I will call Sabrina."

Scott sat down next to her.  "Ok, I am going to take a shower and then I am going to.... I don't know what I am going to do."  "Put the clothes in the dryer," Tany said kissing Scott on the head.

 Tany and Sabrina were sitting at a table, both drinking iced-teas.  "So...." 

"So?" 
"Sabz are you going to tell me or do I have to beat it out of you."

 "Let's just say it didn't work out." 
"Dang Sabz, I am so sorry."
"I am not."  Tany and Sabrina started to talk about the release of "Reason" the next single. 

"So do you think this will be a hit." 
Tany thinking about that, "You, know Sabz, I don't know.  I wrote it because I so mad at my brother." 
"I know." 
"He is so selfish and he doesn't get it. That is what I wrote it about, but Eric liked it and said we shou......" 
"Hey you"  Johnson bent down and kissed Tany on the cheek.

Johnson was holding the "Variety" magazine.  "Hey, what are you doing?" 
"I am taking a break for lunch and then I am going to be heading back to the auditioning."  Johnson had left "Nights of our Deaths" because he was hoping to pursue a movie career. 
"Not going so well is it?" Sabrina chimed in. 
"I think I might get a call back, on one of them."  Tany happened to see, The Connors' name, "What do you have there?" 
"Oh, this is that Variety, you know that entertainment daily paper?"  Johnson said knowing what Tany saw.  He had actually read the article, but was hoping she wouldn't ask.  Yeah right, Tany Connors not ask, who did he think he was fooling. 
"Can I see it?" 
"Tany, you won't like it." 
"I don't care, I want to see it."  Johnson was holding above her head so she had to reach for it.  "Johnson, let me see it." 
"Ok, but I warned you."  He gave her the paper.  She turned to the small article, this is what it said:


It's a Miracle Alright
New bands tend to come and go, some even have one hit and disappear forever.  The Connors are in this writers opinion a one hit wonder.  You can argue that they had two hits but unfortunately that was all.  The Connors are a "family" band made up of Jon S. and Tany.  Their music is a mix between dance and pop. In July of 1998 they released their first single, "Because the Night," A cover of Patti Smith's.  It did nothing but climb to number 2 and stayed there. "Miracle" which was their second single did climb the charts this time landing in the number 1 for four weeks, before it too fell into oblivion. "Piece of Heaven" was and would be their final single.  This one stayed on the charts longer but it too died a slow death. The Connors have yet to release another.  They are the children of actor/director John Connors. They released their album entitled "Miracle" in April of 1999. Unfortunately Jon S. was in the hospital during the release party, due to a drug overdose.  Their brother Alberto had to take over as piano player. Since they are John's children it does make one wonder, if they made the album on their own merit or by Daddy's. I would hope option A, but with so many I tend to lean towards the latter.  Jon S. and Cheryl Kaiman filed for divorce earlier this year.  Wonder what happened there?, I know you put two druggies together you get... two druggies.  Jon S. has apparently been dealing with both drug addiction and alcoholism for a while now.  He doesn't seem to be taking being in the limelight well.  Tany on the other hand seems to be thriving from it.  Now dating one of Hollywood's notorious "Bad Boys", Scott A. Wright.  Tany is trying to prove that she is the girl next door.  By wearing clothes that cover just about every inch of her body and wearing cowboy boots.  Yes, they are from Texas but come on, cowboy boots are old fashion and nobody wears them, except cowboys.  Which neither are.  We can't even compare you to other sibling bands like "The Carpenters" or "Donnie and Marie"  at least they made it.  Unfortunately, Tany and Jon S.  you are not.  So to close this little rant, maybe if Jon S. would stop drinking and taking drugs, and Tany show a little skin, this writer might change her mind.

Tany threw the paper down on to the table.  She pulled out her phone and dialed Al's number.  She waited for him to pick up, "Hello."

It was Beth.  "Hey Beth, is my brother around?"  "Yep hold on."  Tany looked over at Johnson.  She could hear someone  coming to the phone.

"Hey, what's up?" 
"Well, have you read Variety today?"  Tany almost shouted into the phone. 
"Yes, I have and I agree with some of the things she was saying but......" Tany was steaming like the tea kettle she uses in her kitchen. 
"Alberto, I don't think she had any right to say any of that st.............."  He had to interrupt her, "Mouth, shut up a second and let me tell you my thoughts." 
He waited for her to respond, "Fine". She let out a long sigh.  Sabrina and Johnson laughed a little.  Both knew why she was doing it.

"Ok, first off you are right she had no right calling you a one hit wonder.  But she is right about Jonny and his addiction, I am sorry but he is suffering from it."  "That's true."  she was starting to calm down a little bit.  "And she was right about you."  "How so, Al she...."  "Tany you have to start showing a little skin, I am not saying show your boobs or you butt, but you have to show something."  "Al, you know I don't feel comfortable wearing things like that."  "I know, and believe me, I don't want you to as your brother, but you are the lead singer and well......"  "Fine, so what you are saying is I need to go a little bad."  "Well.............Yes."

Tany turned to Sabrina, "Do you know anyone who can help me with my clothes?"  Before Sabrina could say anything Johnson spoke up, "I do." 
"Ok can you have them call Sabz and we will schedule something?"  Johnson nodded, "Look, I better go, are you ok?"  Tany just nodded.


*****Please feel free to leave a comment,  I will take the good, the bad and the ugly.  I also promise to take it with a grain of salt.*****