**ONE WEEK LATER**
Jade sat at her desk typing up a report for her boss, when her phone rang. Looking at the clock, she saw that it was almost 10 pm.
“Hello?” she answered on the third ring.
“Hey,” Nick greeted.
Jade took off her wire-framed glasses and smiled to herself. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Heart-throb Backstreet Boy.”
“Funny, really.”
“I know,” she laughed. “So, how did the tour and all the other promotion go? I know you’ve got to be tired.” Jade was feeling better since dinner the week before. She had talked to Nick and all of the others, with the exception of Kevin and, of course, Alexia.
“It all went well. We had fun,” he couldn’t keep from yawning. “You should’ve gone.”
“I had to work. Unlike you Carter, I have a real-life job that I actually have to do work at.”
“Are you saying that I don’t have to work?” he tried to sound offended.
“No, just that your job is a lot more fun than mine is,” she laughed. “Anyway, what’s up?”
“I just felt like giving you a call. Can’t a guy call his friend?”
“Yeah, but I can always tell when you want something. Spill it Nick, what is it you want?”
“Well, I was just wondering if you wanted to spend tomorrow with me,” he answered quietly, expecting an immediate “no.”
“I’d love to.” Jade found herself smiling. This will be good for me. “What will we be doing?”
“I dunno. We’ll decide tomorrow. Until then, sleep well,” Nick said sweetly.
“You too. Night Nick.”
**THE NEXT DAY**
Meredith and Jade were sitting at Jade’s kitchen table talking. Meredith had decided to stop by before heading into the studio. Jade was eating a quick breakfast while Meredith was telling her about the photo shoot she had to do today. She smiled as Meredith gushed about being chosen over Alexia for the shoot.
“Did you find out about Alexia being pregnant through work?” This was the first time she had mentioned her since dinner. “Or did she tell you herself?”
“Well, she sure as hell didn’t tell me herself. I overheard her telling someone at a shoot,” Meredith explained. “At first I thought she was lying, but then I noticed the tummy she was getting. She’s gonna get fat and she won’t be able to model for quite a while. Too bad.” Her last comment caused Jade to smile.
*knock knock* <---I know this is dumb, but hey, ya got anything better? :-P
Jade opened the door to a smiling Nick and was greeted by a single yellow rose. “Thank you,” she said and stood on her tip toes to give Nick a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey Meredith,” he smiled walking into the kitchen.
“Hey,” she returned the greeting. Standing up, she said, “I’m gonna head to the studio now. Y’all have fun today.”
“Bye,” the answered together as Meredith left.
“So,” Nick turned to Jade. “What are we gonna do? We have an unlimited amount of options.”
Jade thought for a minute. “Hmm, I dunno. It’s gotta be good and an all day event,” she said grinning broadly. “You know I get bored easily, so don’t disappoint me.”
“Whatever we do, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed,” Nick smiled. Holding his hand out to Jade, he said in a bad British accent, “Shall we go milady?”
Taking his hand Jade nodded. “Just drop the accent.”
“Oh, come on, it’s good. You know you love it,” he argued pulling her out the door.
“Yeah, right,” she laughed.