Rock My World

By P.J. Lowry

Dr. Jenny Kershaw has everything going for her. She’s a doctor, running a family practice with her best friend. Living in a small rural town where things are calm and peaceful. To top things off, she’s in love with a great guy named Gabe who was everything she could have hoped for in a boyfriend. The day Gabe asks Jenny to move in with him should have been the best thing that ever happened to her. Yet something crept back into her life that could ruin everything; her father.

Jenny’s father wasn’t a bad man or a criminal that she was running away from. It was what her father did for a living that made life around him impossible to tolerate. All she wanted was a normal life, but that’s hard to accomplish when your father is Dick Mitchell. To millions of loyal fans, he’s known as ‘Evel Dick’; lead guitarist of the Horsemen, the most popular metal band on the planet. Jenny hoped to keep this detail a secret from the town and her boyfriend but it's hard to avoid when your famous father drops in to visit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: P.J. Lowry
• Release date: Jan 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311169457

P.J. Lowry

Born in Hamilton, Ontario on October 28th 1975, P.J. Lowry has been creating fiction, non-fiction and poetry for over twenty years. P.J. graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2002 with a Bachelor Of Arts, majoring with the department of English language and literature.After traveling abroad P.J. returned home, settled down, and started composing novels and collections of poetry for formal publication. He currently resides in his hometown and is working on his next novel.Gift Shop: If you like PJ's work, wear it too!https://shop.spreadshirt.com/pjlowryshop/

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A novel written by P.J. Lowry

ROCK MY WORLD

Published by P.J. Lowry on Kindle Direct Publishing

Copyright 2014, P.J. Lowry

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She was late.

She was always late.

It wasn’t her fault, and Gabe had to accept that. When he started dating Jennifer, had no interest in changing her. He loved her for who she was and what she did with her life. The idea of changing anything, even her peeves seem like a crazy idea to Gabe. Everything about her, even her faults made her who she was and that was the woman he loved. She was dedicated to her work, and that was another thing he admired about her. Gabe couldn’t get mad when she stayed late at work because her job was important to so many people. To get jealous of people who came to her for help was selfish because her job was to tend to the sick. She was one of the busiest family doctors in their small town, and he knew why. She cared about people and that came through in her work. For him to be angry at her for tending to that last minute patient was absurd. What she did was important and if she was late coming home for dinner, he would be happy to wait. When he first started to date Jennifer, it used to upset him when she took her sweet time getting home. This was especially frustrating if they tried to go out to a restaurant and he would be left there for an hour before taking his order to go. Gabe realized that if a kid were to show up with something at the last minute, she was too good to tell them to come back tomorrow. If that kid were to get worse and had to go into emergency room because she didn’t have a few minutes for someone, Jenny would never forgive herself. Gabe understood that and was willing to go with the flow as long as it never stood in the way of their relationship. He was sitting on his couch, reading a book he had been dying to read for a while now. Gabe got a book to read specifically to pass the time while waiting for Jenny. Tonight, however Gabe had to sit down and have a serious conversation with his lady. She arrived close to an hour after their predetermined time. She seemed sorry as Gabe took her coat and gave her a warm hug. How do you feel?

I am so sorry. She replied. We got flooded with patients with only fifteen minutes to go and I...

You are the awesome person who would never leave anyone standing there waiting for a doctor. Gabe said as he gave her a hug and a kiss to her cheek. I would expect nothing less from Dr. Jennifer Kershaw, the best physician in all of Springdale.

Really? She said, expecting him to be angry.

Really. Gabe said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

How was your work today? Jenny asked.

It was all right. Gabe answered. Not much changes at a machine shop. We got some work finished, got some new jobs.

So, the same old, same old? she asked.

Pretty much. Gabe answered as he made a gesture to the kitchen. The roast is simmering in the oven. Shall we?

Jenny smiled. We shall.

Dinner as usual was amazing. Gabe had learned how to cook from his Dad who was a chef in one of the big cities. To the old man food was a way to anyone’s heart, not just men. And he could tell by how Jennifer enjoyed eating her meal that his Dad was right. I need to talk to you about something very important, Jenny.

Okay. She said, We’re not breaking up, are we?

No. Gabe said, and he laughed as she gave a very dramatic sigh. Quite the opposite, actually.

Oh? she said, somewhat curious.

It’s the fact that when you get home late, it seems such a shame that one of us has to go home less an hour or so after we start eating.

So, what are you saying? Jenny asked.

I swear... this isn’t a break. Gabe added. I just want to spend more time with you.

I am really sorry about that. Jenny replied. I will try to leave work a little earlier...

That’s not what I meant. Gabe interrupted. I think what you do at the clinic is great, and I would never pressure you to come home early if there’s someone there who needs your help.

What are you suggesting? Jenny asked.

I think you should move in. Gabe answered. That way we can spend more time together without worrying about time management. It won’t matter how late you are because I’ll still have a chance to spend a little more time with you everyday.

Wow. Jenny said as she sat back against her chair. We’ve been going out for what, seven months now?

Just about. Gabe confirmed.

Are you sure about this? Jenny asked, rather hesitant.

I’ve been sure since our second date. Gabe answered with a wide smile on his face. I want to be the one who has your back whenever you get home. I want you to be able to come home and just relax and enjoy your night. I don’t work as many long hours, so I can get away with doing more here and being here for you when your day is done. Gabe looked at her and tried to gage her thoughts. What do you think?

She smiled. I would love to. She got up out of her chair and walked over, giving him a hug and a tender kiss. When do I move in?

I was thinking end of the month. Gives you time to collect your things and what not. The guys from the shop will help us move the stuff and I’ll rent a truck. We don’t need to waste money on a moving company. Gabe said as he gave her another peck on the cheek.

What about Michael? she asked. Will your son be all right with us shacking up like that?

That’s another advantage to taking our time with the move. Gabe said as he thought about it more. It will give Michael more time to get used to the idea. I’m not worried though because he likes you.

You sure you don’t want to move in with me? she asked.

I’m sure. Gabe asked. You’re renting and I own this place. So that alone will save you a lot of money.

And what am I supposed to do with all the money? Jenny asked.

I hear Bermuda is nice. Gabe suggested.

I can barely make a dinner reservation and you think I can stay away for more than a day? Jenny replied as she let out a giggle.

Good comeback. Gabe said with his own smile. I guess we’ll take things one step at a time.

You’re serious about this? she asked, somewhat surprised.

I am. Stop renting out that place and move in here. I’m closer to the clinic which means you won’t have to travel as much to get to work. Gabe walked over and gave her a warm hug. I want to do all the cool stuff that couples do; read books beside each other before bedtime, take vacations together, meet each other’s family.

That is definitely not happening. Jenny suddenly shot back.

Are you sure? Gabe said, somewhat confused. My family can’t wait to meet you and…

I mean my family. Jennifer replied. We don’t do that.

Oh. Gabe said as he went back to his chair and sat back down. I kind of just assumed that was a given.

What gave you that impression? Jenny asked.

Well, you’re a very loving person. I assumed you got that from your own family. Gabe replied, trying to compliment his way out of danger.

Maybe from my mother. Jennifer started, but she’s no longer with us. She passed away when I was nineteen.

I remember you mentioning that. Gabe replied. I had no idea it happened so long ago.

As for Dad. Jenny started. Gabe could clearly tell just mentioning him started to bring out some bad feelings. We haven’t talked in almost ten years.

Ten years? Gabe repeated.

Almost. Jenny confirmed. We never saw eye to eye on much, and things just got worse after Mom passed away. When I moved away to go to University and became a doctor, I left that life behind. I don’t talk to him, and he doesn’t talk to me. There’s no telling how many times he’s remarried, had more kids but I don’t care. I want nothing to do with him.

Wow, Gabe said as he sat back in his chair and sighed. I can’t believe that. I mean he’s your Dad…

I realize that, but you are looking at this from a different angle. Jenny said as she drained the rest of the wine in her glass. You come from a family that never lets anything come in the way of loving one another. To my Dad everything was more important than family. His job was always priority number one as was his image and how he felt concerning his work.

Unbelievable, but I can understand why you’re so upset. Gabe said as he took it all in. You were never priority number one. I couldn’t imagine that happening between me and my son.

I know. Jenny agreed. You are an amazing father. I admire what a great father you’ve been with Michael. I see you with him and that’s all the convincing I need when thinking about our future.

So, what are you saying? Gabe asked.

I’m saying yes. Jennifer answered with a grin. I’ll move in.

You will? Gabe asked again.

Yes. She repeated. On one condition.

Name it. Gabe said eager to seal to the deal.

From now on, we do not talk about my family ever again. Jenny said as she poured herself another glass of wine. I came here to Sunnybrook to get away from that life. That is behind me, and I prefer to keep it that way.

Agreed. Gabe said as he reached over and held her hand. We are your family now, and you will always be our priority.

They spent the rest of the night talking about her move. Where she would put certain things and what changes they could make to the house that would make it more comfortable for both of them. Gabe’s son Michael only lived there every other weekend, but he was confident it would be all right since they got along rather well already. Gabe loved Jenny with all his heart, but the idea that she never talked to her Dad anymore got to him. His own father had passed away before he met her, and the idea that she didn’t talk to him anymore worried him. Unless he did something criminal, there was no reason to not speak with him. Hopefully as time passed, that would change. Gabe liked to the idea of having a new father figure himself, even if it was just an in law from Jenny’s side. He didn’t have to worry about his family as his mother and Jenny were best friends and got along better than any other woman, he ever brought to meet her. Even his ex-wife whom he married for seven years didn’t get along with his mother as well as Jenny does. Gabe just had a hard time believing that someone who was responsible for bringing someone as amazing as her into this world could be a bad parent. He was determined to keep his promise. He would never bring up the subject of her family again. Hopefully if he was patient, things would work out on their own without his interference. In the meantime, it was time to celebrate. Jenny was moving in, and life couldn’t be better.

Jenny didn’t move in until the end of the month, which was three weeks later but Gabe had no issue with that. He used the time to clear space in the house for her stuff and toss a lot of stuff he didn’t like into storage. He also used the extra time to tell everyone including his son and ex-wife the news which gave them time to adjust. Michael was excited and happy for his father and Gabe thought that it was a very mature response coming from a twelve-year-old boy. His ex was a little more resistant to the idea but eventually settled down about it since it wouldn’t interfere with the agreement already in place. So, since there were no obstacles in their way, the move was a go when the end of the month rolled around. Gabe was so excited he came down to the apartment to pack stuff for her while she was working because she was still too busy to do that stuff. Gabe was a carpenter and worked his own hours, so he took every afternoon off that week and spent them at Jenny’s place packing her up for the big move. She was to take care of her personal stuff while he would pack the rest and just box it all away in the living room. That Saturday, he and Michael went to the apartment and resumed their work. There were only a few days until the move so they worked through the day, packing up as much as they could. Halfway through the day, Michael stumbled upon something while he was packing up the entertainment center in the living room. He was packing DVDs, videos and came across something in one of the unit’s drawers. He pulled out a handful of records and held them up. Hey Dad, check these out! Michael called out.

Gabe stopped what he was doing and walked over. Wow. I knew she had a record player attached to the stereo, but I had no idea she actually had a stash of LPs hiding around here.

Can we listen to a few of them? Michael asked. I mean it would make the work go by a lot faster.

I can’t see why not. Gabe said as he reached over and took the records from his son. Jenny wanted to pack the stereo herself so they could use it while packing other stuff. He flipped through a few albums and then came across a few that really took him by surprise. Some of them were from a classic metal band known as The Horsemen.

Michael noticed it and smiled. Oh man! She likes the Horsemen!

I had no idea. Gabe said as he looked at the records. He had a hard time believing someone as sweet as Jenny was a fan of the classic metal band. Maybe she had a metal phase