Categories > Celebrities > Fall Out Boy > All We Are
Thanks to the reviewers..and thanks to ALL the readers for taking the time to read!
Love, Dani
Chapter 9
“Have you talked to Ashlee yet?” Patrick asked Pete as they headed back toward Marie’s hospital room. Pete’s head jerked up with a surprised look on his face. “Why?” he asked carefully, suspicious of the way the question had been worded.
Patrick sighed before answering. “Andy came by earlier and mentioned that he had got a call from her this morning. Apparently she hadn’t spoken to you and had no idea of why you were here in Chicago.” Patrick cast a curious look over toward his friend. “Any reason you didn’t call her last night?”
Pete waited several seconds before he answering, “I..I was in such a hurry when I left LA….then I just got caught up in all the drama last night. By the time I got to the apartment I was too exhausted to talk to anyone..” he shrugged his shoulders. Though what he was saying was truth, it was obvious that he was holding back.
A slight frown creased between Patrick’s tired eyes before he asked, “Yeah OK man, I get that…but your saying you STILL haven’t called her today?” Patrick decided to push a little, guessing that something was up with Pete and he was curious about what was going on between him and Ashlee.
Pete really wanted to talk to his best friend about some of what had been going through his mind lately, but he felt funny about putting anything else on Patrick’s plate right now. What was going on in his life made Pete’s own problems seem petty and insignificant.
He decided the best course of action to take would be steer the subject to something else, “Look it’s not a big deal, I’m going to go call Ashlee in a little while, alright?” Pete waved his hand in dismissal. “So.. Tell me again exactly what the doctor said about Sophie.” With that Patrick’s face lit up, and the subject of Ashlee was all but forgotten as he launched into a detailed description of his daughter’s improvements.
~~~~~~~~~
Pete pushed end on his sidekick as he continued to stroll along a pathway that led to and from the hospital. Feeling somewhat guilty after his conversation with Patrick, he had called Ashlee’s cell as soon as he walked outside the hospital.
The conversation had actually went pretty well considering the bad vibe last time they had been with one another. Though upset that Pete hadn’t called her sooner, she seemed to accept his explanation before the subject was finally dropped. She had even offered to fly to Chicago to be there with him.
When Ashlee offered to fly out, Pete felt a strange sense of panic. He didn’t understand exactly why, but he knew that he needed some time away from her right now. He quickly assured her that there was no need for her to come to Chicago, and that he would be going back soon anyway.
Truthfully he wasn’t sure when he was going back to LA. He couldn‘t stay away for too long due to several projects he had in the works, but he wanted at least a week or two before he went back.
Before hanging up he reminded her that his sidekick would be off if he was at the hospital, though he promised to call later. They exchanged the usual I love you, and Pete knew as he said it that he meant it. He loved Ashlee and he was determined to clear his head so they could get back on track.
Pete decided to head back toward the parking garage where the Tahoe was parked. He looked up from the set of keys that he had just fished out of his pocket and his heart began to pick up speed when he noticed something or actually someone. The beautiful Dr. Wells was sitting on a bench by the walkway. She was sipping on a water bottle and seemed to be engrossed in reading a bundle of papers that were propped in her lap.
Pete abruptly stopped in his tracks before he reached to where she was sitting. ‘What the hell is the matter with you?!’ he wondered as he stood there frozen. He could have used a hundred different adjectives to describe himself but never in the history of Pete Wentz’s life would he have used the word SHY. For some reason though, this tiny slip of a woman reduced him to this without even saying a word.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he squared his shoulders in determination and walked toward Payton as if he were a man on a mission.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sometimes when she was able to take a break, Payton loved to sit outside and take in the fresh air. Her Grandmother would have called it in her old Southern slang “an airing out.” That was a good way to term it too, Payton mused to herself. She enjoyed her work, but one of the downsides was defiantly being cooped up inside the hospital for hours on end.
She had just settled down to read some of the research papers that Dr. Ives had given her to look over using what was left of the late afternoon light, when she sensed someone standing in front of her.
To her shock she looked up to see none other than Pete Wentz standing there giving her one of his patented sexy smiles.
“Do you mind?” he asked as he gestured to the spot just beside her. Taken by surprise, it was a full 10 second pause before Payton answered him. “Sure be my guest.” she said in her soft southern draw patting the spot beside her for good measure.
Pete settled down beside her leaving several inches between them. He leaned forward and put his forearms on his knees as he threaded his fingers together. Now that he had his chance to talk to this intriguing woman, he wasn’t quiet sure what to say. That was yet another new experience because the Pete Wentz that everyone knew was NEVER at a loss for words. He searched his brain for something to break the ice.
He loved her soft southern accent and was curious about where she would have gotten it from, so he started there. “Uh….I couldn’t help but notice your southern accent. Where exactly are you from?” he inquired.
Payton stared at Pete for a moment before chuckling at his question, then she answered, “If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked that one since I‘ve been here in Chicago...”
He watched as her green eyes twinkled with good humor. “Well that’s what you get when you move up North…your just asking for it.” he joked with her as he gave a nervous laugh.
One corner of Payton’s mouth turned up in a quirky smile as she looked back at him. “Oh I’m askin’ for it am I?” When he just looked at her and raised one of his eyebrows she broke out in a slight giggle. “Okay, okay, I know my accent stands out like a soar thumb.” Then she confessed, “You know.. one of our residents is from Indonesia and I still get asked where I’m from at least 10 times more than he does!” she laughed. “Sometimes it feels like I’m from another planet instead of just another state.” she waved her small delicate hands around for emphasis. They both chuckled for a moment.
“I’m from North Carolina, by the way. Born and raised there.” she finally informed Pete.
He nodded his head, “We played there a few times.” he answered automatically. A second later it registered in his head what he had said and he felt compelled to explain, “Uhh, I’m in a band, well actually Patrick and I both are in a band. We’ve toured a lot of places..you know North Carolina was one of them..” he rambled nervously.
Payton’s light laughter brought a halt to his train of thought though. “I know who you are Mr. Wentz. I’m actually a fan of Fall Out Boy’s music.” she admitted. “I believe I have all your albums.” She liked that Pete didn’t assume that she knew who he was. ‘Gosh he’s so adorable.’ She thought as she watched him.
Pete felt a flush creep up on him as he heard her admit she was a fan. He heard that quite a bit when introduced to people, but there was something about this woman that made it truly flattering.
“Well you defiantly need to call me Pete, because one our fans would never call me Mr. Wentz.” he said with a grin.
Payton put out her hand before saying, “Alright Pete, but only if you call me Payton.”
Pete looked down at the hand that she offered him before he took it in his, and with a shake he said, “ You have a deal….Payton.” He couldn’t help but notice how soft and fragile her hand seemed in his guitar calloused one.
There in the fading light of the afternoon Payton Wells and Pete Wentz sat together and connected for the very first time.
Once they began talking, Pete was able to relax and enjoy the easy banter that passed back and forth between them. He learned that she was a very easy going person, not at all uptight which was what he was expecting from someone who was a doctor. Her laugh was infectious and he couldn’t get enough of it.
Payton was pleasantly surprised by how down to earth Pete was. He seemed nothing like what she might expect a from a famous rock star. He was humble, and not once bragged about his fame or status. On top of everything else, he was such a funny person! The whole time they spoke Payton found herself either smiling or laughing at something he had said.
Finally after a time, a low pitched beep broke in their conversation. Payton glanced down at her pager and saw that she was once again needed in the NICU. It wasn’t an emergency code, but just the same she was needed and that meant that she had to end this conversation with Pete.
Biting on her lip, she looked back up at Pete before saying, “ Well I guess that’s my cue to get back to work.” she was trying to sound cheerful despite her disappointment. She gathered her papers and her water bottle before standing to leave.
Pete was more than disappointed, he felt a sense of urgency that pushed him to say, “Hey…Payton, I really enjoyed talking. Do you think we could do this again sometime?” He had stood up when she did and was looking at her hopefully.
A grin broke across Payton’s face, “You know, think I would like that Pete.” She was glad that he seemed to have enjoyed their chat as much as she did.
A thoughtful look crossed Pete’s face before he asked, “So, you’ll be around the hospital this week?” he asked
Payton just nodded her head in an affirmative as she finished the last sip of water before throwing the empty bottle in the nearby trash receptacle. “I’m always around..the wonderful part of serving my fellowship is that I spend more hours here than at home.” she rolled her eyes for affect.
“Well, I’ll be around too visiting Sophie…We’re bound to run into one another.” Pete said cheerfully.
Pausing for a moment Payton said, “She’s doing really well Pete.” She wanted to assure him sensing how much his God daughter meant to him.
At the thought of Sophie his face brightened even more. “Trick told me how well she was doing…she’s so amazing.”
Payton smiled softly at Pete before she finally turned to head back to the hospital. As she began to walk away she said over her shoulder, “See ya around then Pete.”
Pete threw up his hand in parting as he just stood there rooted to one spot. “Yeah, see you around.” he said softly. Tucking his fingers into the front pockets of his tight jeans, his eyes followed her tiny figure till it disappeared around the bend of the walkway. One thought rang through his head, ‘I’m in trouble.’
Love, Dani
Chapter 9
“Have you talked to Ashlee yet?” Patrick asked Pete as they headed back toward Marie’s hospital room. Pete’s head jerked up with a surprised look on his face. “Why?” he asked carefully, suspicious of the way the question had been worded.
Patrick sighed before answering. “Andy came by earlier and mentioned that he had got a call from her this morning. Apparently she hadn’t spoken to you and had no idea of why you were here in Chicago.” Patrick cast a curious look over toward his friend. “Any reason you didn’t call her last night?”
Pete waited several seconds before he answering, “I..I was in such a hurry when I left LA….then I just got caught up in all the drama last night. By the time I got to the apartment I was too exhausted to talk to anyone..” he shrugged his shoulders. Though what he was saying was truth, it was obvious that he was holding back.
A slight frown creased between Patrick’s tired eyes before he asked, “Yeah OK man, I get that…but your saying you STILL haven’t called her today?” Patrick decided to push a little, guessing that something was up with Pete and he was curious about what was going on between him and Ashlee.
Pete really wanted to talk to his best friend about some of what had been going through his mind lately, but he felt funny about putting anything else on Patrick’s plate right now. What was going on in his life made Pete’s own problems seem petty and insignificant.
He decided the best course of action to take would be steer the subject to something else, “Look it’s not a big deal, I’m going to go call Ashlee in a little while, alright?” Pete waved his hand in dismissal. “So.. Tell me again exactly what the doctor said about Sophie.” With that Patrick’s face lit up, and the subject of Ashlee was all but forgotten as he launched into a detailed description of his daughter’s improvements.
~~~~~~~~~
Pete pushed end on his sidekick as he continued to stroll along a pathway that led to and from the hospital. Feeling somewhat guilty after his conversation with Patrick, he had called Ashlee’s cell as soon as he walked outside the hospital.
The conversation had actually went pretty well considering the bad vibe last time they had been with one another. Though upset that Pete hadn’t called her sooner, she seemed to accept his explanation before the subject was finally dropped. She had even offered to fly to Chicago to be there with him.
When Ashlee offered to fly out, Pete felt a strange sense of panic. He didn’t understand exactly why, but he knew that he needed some time away from her right now. He quickly assured her that there was no need for her to come to Chicago, and that he would be going back soon anyway.
Truthfully he wasn’t sure when he was going back to LA. He couldn‘t stay away for too long due to several projects he had in the works, but he wanted at least a week or two before he went back.
Before hanging up he reminded her that his sidekick would be off if he was at the hospital, though he promised to call later. They exchanged the usual I love you, and Pete knew as he said it that he meant it. He loved Ashlee and he was determined to clear his head so they could get back on track.
Pete decided to head back toward the parking garage where the Tahoe was parked. He looked up from the set of keys that he had just fished out of his pocket and his heart began to pick up speed when he noticed something or actually someone. The beautiful Dr. Wells was sitting on a bench by the walkway. She was sipping on a water bottle and seemed to be engrossed in reading a bundle of papers that were propped in her lap.
Pete abruptly stopped in his tracks before he reached to where she was sitting. ‘What the hell is the matter with you?!’ he wondered as he stood there frozen. He could have used a hundred different adjectives to describe himself but never in the history of Pete Wentz’s life would he have used the word SHY. For some reason though, this tiny slip of a woman reduced him to this without even saying a word.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he squared his shoulders in determination and walked toward Payton as if he were a man on a mission.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sometimes when she was able to take a break, Payton loved to sit outside and take in the fresh air. Her Grandmother would have called it in her old Southern slang “an airing out.” That was a good way to term it too, Payton mused to herself. She enjoyed her work, but one of the downsides was defiantly being cooped up inside the hospital for hours on end.
She had just settled down to read some of the research papers that Dr. Ives had given her to look over using what was left of the late afternoon light, when she sensed someone standing in front of her.
To her shock she looked up to see none other than Pete Wentz standing there giving her one of his patented sexy smiles.
“Do you mind?” he asked as he gestured to the spot just beside her. Taken by surprise, it was a full 10 second pause before Payton answered him. “Sure be my guest.” she said in her soft southern draw patting the spot beside her for good measure.
Pete settled down beside her leaving several inches between them. He leaned forward and put his forearms on his knees as he threaded his fingers together. Now that he had his chance to talk to this intriguing woman, he wasn’t quiet sure what to say. That was yet another new experience because the Pete Wentz that everyone knew was NEVER at a loss for words. He searched his brain for something to break the ice.
He loved her soft southern accent and was curious about where she would have gotten it from, so he started there. “Uh….I couldn’t help but notice your southern accent. Where exactly are you from?” he inquired.
Payton stared at Pete for a moment before chuckling at his question, then she answered, “If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked that one since I‘ve been here in Chicago...”
He watched as her green eyes twinkled with good humor. “Well that’s what you get when you move up North…your just asking for it.” he joked with her as he gave a nervous laugh.
One corner of Payton’s mouth turned up in a quirky smile as she looked back at him. “Oh I’m askin’ for it am I?” When he just looked at her and raised one of his eyebrows she broke out in a slight giggle. “Okay, okay, I know my accent stands out like a soar thumb.” Then she confessed, “You know.. one of our residents is from Indonesia and I still get asked where I’m from at least 10 times more than he does!” she laughed. “Sometimes it feels like I’m from another planet instead of just another state.” she waved her small delicate hands around for emphasis. They both chuckled for a moment.
“I’m from North Carolina, by the way. Born and raised there.” she finally informed Pete.
He nodded his head, “We played there a few times.” he answered automatically. A second later it registered in his head what he had said and he felt compelled to explain, “Uhh, I’m in a band, well actually Patrick and I both are in a band. We’ve toured a lot of places..you know North Carolina was one of them..” he rambled nervously.
Payton’s light laughter brought a halt to his train of thought though. “I know who you are Mr. Wentz. I’m actually a fan of Fall Out Boy’s music.” she admitted. “I believe I have all your albums.” She liked that Pete didn’t assume that she knew who he was. ‘Gosh he’s so adorable.’ She thought as she watched him.
Pete felt a flush creep up on him as he heard her admit she was a fan. He heard that quite a bit when introduced to people, but there was something about this woman that made it truly flattering.
“Well you defiantly need to call me Pete, because one our fans would never call me Mr. Wentz.” he said with a grin.
Payton put out her hand before saying, “Alright Pete, but only if you call me Payton.”
Pete looked down at the hand that she offered him before he took it in his, and with a shake he said, “ You have a deal….Payton.” He couldn’t help but notice how soft and fragile her hand seemed in his guitar calloused one.
There in the fading light of the afternoon Payton Wells and Pete Wentz sat together and connected for the very first time.
Once they began talking, Pete was able to relax and enjoy the easy banter that passed back and forth between them. He learned that she was a very easy going person, not at all uptight which was what he was expecting from someone who was a doctor. Her laugh was infectious and he couldn’t get enough of it.
Payton was pleasantly surprised by how down to earth Pete was. He seemed nothing like what she might expect a from a famous rock star. He was humble, and not once bragged about his fame or status. On top of everything else, he was such a funny person! The whole time they spoke Payton found herself either smiling or laughing at something he had said.
Finally after a time, a low pitched beep broke in their conversation. Payton glanced down at her pager and saw that she was once again needed in the NICU. It wasn’t an emergency code, but just the same she was needed and that meant that she had to end this conversation with Pete.
Biting on her lip, she looked back up at Pete before saying, “ Well I guess that’s my cue to get back to work.” she was trying to sound cheerful despite her disappointment. She gathered her papers and her water bottle before standing to leave.
Pete was more than disappointed, he felt a sense of urgency that pushed him to say, “Hey…Payton, I really enjoyed talking. Do you think we could do this again sometime?” He had stood up when she did and was looking at her hopefully.
A grin broke across Payton’s face, “You know, think I would like that Pete.” She was glad that he seemed to have enjoyed their chat as much as she did.
A thoughtful look crossed Pete’s face before he asked, “So, you’ll be around the hospital this week?” he asked
Payton just nodded her head in an affirmative as she finished the last sip of water before throwing the empty bottle in the nearby trash receptacle. “I’m always around..the wonderful part of serving my fellowship is that I spend more hours here than at home.” she rolled her eyes for affect.
“Well, I’ll be around too visiting Sophie…We’re bound to run into one another.” Pete said cheerfully.
Pausing for a moment Payton said, “She’s doing really well Pete.” She wanted to assure him sensing how much his God daughter meant to him.
At the thought of Sophie his face brightened even more. “Trick told me how well she was doing…she’s so amazing.”
Payton smiled softly at Pete before she finally turned to head back to the hospital. As she began to walk away she said over her shoulder, “See ya around then Pete.”
Pete threw up his hand in parting as he just stood there rooted to one spot. “Yeah, see you around.” he said softly. Tucking his fingers into the front pockets of his tight jeans, his eyes followed her tiny figure till it disappeared around the bend of the walkway. One thought rang through his head, ‘I’m in trouble.’
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