Chp 1
Howie had always been my favorite. Always. He was dark and mysterious and unbelievably handsome. He was my type, completely. So how did I end up falling for Nick? The truth it seems is much stranger then fiction.
It started in January 2001. Their world tour had just kicked off. I was determined to meet them. I had told myself I was too old to stalk them, that I was lucky to have met Brian over a year before, but the urge to meet my favorite overwhelmed my clear head. I bought a room in their hotel. It took out my entire savings. For some reason these guys always made me pour my money out like I was rich. I was spending two nights at the hotel and I got there early, checked in as soon as I could, just so I wouldn't appear like I was a mad stalker. Even though I really was. I got dressed in the outfit I had planned for the concert, dark hip hugger jeans and a black T-shirt. My self confidence was way up, so I knew I looked good. I had also bought a third row seat, a Christmas present to myself. I got to the First Union Center early. I love seeing so many people together all excited everyone's minds on a common object. It was exciting. By then I'd decided against ever becoming a performer but the crowd was as close to that rush I would ever get. At least I thought it was . The concert was phenomenal. I probably looked like an idiot, singing dancing and acting a fool but I could have cared less. I thought I'd made eye contact with Howie on several occasions but I figured some hot girl was behind me. After the concert, I returned to the hotel exhausted. I went to my room to straighten myself out, fix my makeup and drink a little to help my hurting throat. I hadn't figured out what to do. Should I roam the hotel hoping for a glimpse or should I go out to a club or two hoping for a glimpse there. I finally decided I'd roam for 10 minutes, club then come roam back here again. I rechecked the look and left. I looked hopefully up and down the hallway, but was disappointed with nothing. I swung my keys as I went to the elevator. I pressed the button and waited. After what seemed like an eternity, it finally binged. The door opened and my heart leaped into my throat. I quickly shook myself into place and smiled sweetly at them. Howie and Nick. I could hardly believe it. They were just standing there talking then looked at me as I stepped onto the elevator. I got on and pressed the button for the lobby. I noted that the button was already lit for 2 floors below me. We binged n that floor but the now silent guys made no move to the door. I made a face at myself as the doors shut again. We got to the lobby and I stepped off the elevator and headed towards the garage. I got into my car and I breathed deeply. What next. I finally decided to just go to a club for a bit. I pulled out of he garage in time to see Howie get into a van. My heart fluttered with nerves and excitement as I pulled away. I drove to Egypt and got in. Thanks to my fake ID. I went to the bar and ordered a Kalhua and cream. I stayed there about an hour, met a few guys, but I didn't see any of the boys. I left the club. It was only about 1, but I was dead tired. After much debate with myself, I went back to the hotel. I had a whole other day and night to stalk. I walked through the ultra quiet lobby and pressed the up button. A door opened and I pressed my floor. We stopped on the 12th, but I didn't think anything of it until the door opened and Nick stepped inside.
"Going down?" he asked as he stepped into the elevator.
"Actually, no, I'm going up" I responded.
"Ah, well, I'll just get on for the ride." He said smiling as the doors closed behind him. I smiled back as I tried to repress the urge to shriek like a twelve year old. I opted to swing my keys instead.
"Um, can I ask you a question?" he asked me suddenly.
"Sure...." I said slowly.
"Well, I couldn't help but notice your keychains."
I stopped the swinging and smiled awkwardly.
"I know you know who I am, and I was wondering when you saw us in the elevator earlier why you didn't say anything."
"Well, I always heard stars want their space so I didn't want to bother you." I responded. I silently thanked god that my floor came and I stepped out. Nick followed much to my surprise.
"Well, thanks I guess. For the consideration. Since I bothered you, would you like an autograph?" he asked. I thought for a moment. It was a kind of pompous to assume I'd want one now. But, I wasn't one to let such an opportunity pass and maybe if I played my cards right, he'd lead me to Howie.
"Sure, I'd love that" By the way, I'm Corina." I stuck my hand out.
"Nick" he said shaking my hand firmly.
We got to my room and I unlocked the door. I had a notebook, but I decided it would be better if he signed my CD.
"Would you sign my CD?" I asked as he sat on the bed.
"Sure"
I went over to my bag and started rooting through it. I found it and grabbed a pen and handed it to him as I sat on the bed as well. He opened the case and took out the cover. He signed the front and handed it to me. HE just opened his mouth to say something to me when his cell phone rang.
"Yo" he answered it. I took my CD from him and looked at it trying to pretend I wasn't really eavesdropping. I wondered who he was talking to.
"You know me J" Nick laughed. That answered that question. I got up and put my CD in my bag, and pretended to be very interested in something other then him.
"Gimme, uh, about 10 minutes, ok? Yeah, yeah, bye."
I sensed he got up so I turned slowly and looked at him quizzically.
"Well, Corina, I was wondering if you wanted to come to the penthouse and watch movies with us?"
"I was actually going to go to bed" I said. He looked at me like I was the strangest person alive. I was probably the first girl ever to decline an invite like that. I knew he meant at least one or more of the other guys would be up there.
"Are you sure? I mean, it isn't going to be an orgy or anything. Just a few drinks, a movie. It'll be fun."
I looked at my bed and sighed. Nick walked to the door and opened it.
"C'mon. It'll be fun. Don't be a stick in the mud. I promise I won't bite."
I sighed deeply and put my room key into my pocket. We got into the elevator and rose up to the penthouse.
"So, did you go to our concert?" he asked casually.
"Yes." He looked at me like he was waiting for expansion on the subject.
"Did you enjoy it?" he finally asked.
"Yeah, I did. I was actually close enough to see your faces. I only had to sell my soul"
"At least you sold it for a good cause."
I laughed " I suppose."
We lapsed into silence for a moment.
"So, where are you from?"
"Delaware"
"Where's that?"
I laughed again. "About 45 minutes away."
We stopped in front of a huge door. Nick tried to open it and found it locked. He pounded on it for several minutes until AJ finally flung it open.
"God damn Nick! You just had to fucking knock once!"
Nick just groaned and pushed past him. AJ eyed me suspiciously then walked away so I could get in. I looked around the room. It was the biggest hotel room I've ever seen. I felt like an idiot gawking at the room. Several women that looked like models were swarming around. AJ went over and was immediately lavished with their attention. I tried not to look or Howie but I found myself obviously searching. I followed Nick as he veered to the right and we went into an adjoining room. I almost pissed my pants when I found Howie sitting there.
"Have a seat" Nick said, gesturing to the couch. I sat in the middle and curled my feet underneath. Howie eyed me for a second.
"Howard, this is Corina. Corina, Howard." Nick introduced us as he flopped beside me on the long black wraparound couch.
"Hi" Howie said softly. I just smiled, finding myself unable to talk.
"What are we watching D?" Nick asked.
Howie stopped looking at me and looked back at the TV.
"Seinfeld. Ever since that Rolling Stone article came out everyone's been making fun of me. I figured I'd catch up."
I shifted uncomfortably. Howie made me feel nervous. I couldn't place it, but every time his eyes met mine, I felt odd. And it wasn't a good odd.
"Would you like a drink?" Nick asked.
"A diet coke." I replied. Nick laughed.
"D?" Howie said no. "Be right back" Nick got up and left the room.
"Well, it was nice to meet you. I'm too tired to stay awake to watch this crap" Howie stood and handed me the remote as he left. As soon as he was gone I sighed with relief. The man was too intense for me. But now I was stuck with Nick. I probably looked like a groupie to him. An easy fuck. Hah. He wouldn't be getting any pussy out of me. He'd be lucky if he got another smile. I felt secure in my new scowl mood until Nick came flying across the room and landed with a thud on the floor in front of me. After the initial jump, I started cracking up.
"You might want to wait a second until you open that." He mumbled into the carpet. I took my can and tried to repress the laughter.
"You didn't dislocate anything? Any internal injuries?" I asked as I crouched beside him. He lifted his head slightly and flashed a dazzling smile at me.
"It'll just take me a moment to regroup." He said. I sat back on the couch and watched him wriggle around.
"Seriously, are you all right?" I asked as he resumed his position beside me.
"Yeah" he assured me. I patted his arm companionably and tapped my soda before trying to open it.
"You better tap the top of it or else it'll spill all over you." I said looking at his beer. He gave me a look and I quickly stood up and walked towards the TV.
"Why do women think they know everything?" he asked as he opened the top. No sooner was he done saying the words when beer fizzed everywhere. I laughed.
"Cause we do" I said still laughing. While I was up I grabbed the movie guide from off the top of the TV.
"Where's the bathroom? I'll grab you a towel."
"Second door on the left." He responded. I threw the guide at him and went into the bathroom. I grabbed a small towel and went back to the TV room.
"I would have taken off my pants but I didn't want you to faint on me." Nick said the second I walked in. I rolled my eyes and threw the towel at him. It was then I thought maybe we'd actually get along.
"So, what are we going to watch?" I sat beside him again.
"Hmm. The Devil's Advocate, Billy Madison, A Bug's Life..."
"A Bug's Life!" I said. I love that movie. Nick laughed.
"Fine, we'll watch A Bug's life" I turned on the TV and flicked to the correct channel. We'd missed the beginning but I could have cared less.
"So, what do you do in Delaware?" he asked ads we watched.
"Professionally or for fun?"
"Both"
"Well professionally I'm a makeup artist and esthetician. For fun we see movies, hang out at each others houses. Well, everyone else does that but I usually chill at home"
"Anti-Social?"
I laughed and moved so I was facing him better. "Far from it. I just don't understand the point in getting all dolled up to go somewhere where you don't meet anyone worth while anyway. Its fun time to time but I'd rather sit at home in sweats all Saturday or go on a picnic or something simple rather then go out."
"So you weren't trying o meet someone tonight?" he asked.
"No. Most guys you meet at clubs are just looking for a quick fuck. That's not me." I said that purposely hoping if that's what Nick though I was, he was wrong.
"Any way, you're a makeup artist?"
"Yes. Stage makeup, photo shoots"
"How'd you get started in that?"
"Well, after high school, I didn't want to go to college. I wanted to sing. I figured I could do makeup while I was trying to get a contract. Then I realized how much I enjoyed doing it."
"You don't want to be a singer anymore?"
"God, no. All the work, all the criticism, and if you do make it big you're never left alone. Doesn't it bother you to know you can't even leave this hotel without being harassed?"
"Well, yeah, but I mean, its worth it. I'm doing what I love. Affecting people with the music makes me happy."
"Well, I still feel bad for you guys. Those girls love you and they'd tear you apart if they could get their little paws on you. Plus this life on the road thing has to be rough. How long are you going to be away from home?"
"All year."
"A whole year without sleeping in your own bed? See, I would never be able to do that. You must be a really strong person. "
"I've always though of myself as pretty weak."
I looked at him and raised my eyebrows. "I don't get that feeling from you. You're stronger then you think."
We continued to talk about me mostly. He asked so many questions and I found myself opening up. A lot of stuff I thought I'd never share with someone I'd just met. For some reason, I was totally unrestricted around him. By the time the conversation started to lull, it was 5 am.
"Well, I think it's time for me to go back to my room. Aren't you going to be tired for the second concert?" I stood and stretched.
"I'll just sleep all day. We don't report until late anyway. I'll walk you back to your room." We left the room in silence. AJ and the skanks were somewhere in the suite since I hadn't heard the door. We got into the elevator and I looked closely at Nick. He leaned against the side of the elevator and closed his eyes. Nick was definitely a surprise. I figured him for an ego maniac. I also hadn't expected to be as attracted to him as I was. He was a nice study, tall handsome man. He opened his eyes and caught me staring.
"What?" he asked, making a face at me.
I laughed as the elevator opened, I stepped out and started down the hall
"I was just thinking I thought you'd be a huge egomaniac and that you'd only talk to girls who were 6 feet tall, weighed 105 pounds with long blonde hair and D breasts."
"And I thought you were nonjudgmental." Nick responded lightly. He was smiling so I knew he wasn't offended.
"Well, you star types. Not like I've met many stars. But still, I'm glad you aren't like that."
"Maybe Bambi is waiting in my room..."
"Maybe." I laughed. As I got to my door I turned to him.
"Are you going to be around tomorrow night?" he asked.
"You mean tonight?"
"Yes.." he groaned.
"Yes..."
"You want to hang out then? After the concert?"
"Yeah, I'd like that. As long as Bambi wont get upset."
"I'll treat her really well when I get to my room so she wont get pissed."
"Excellent, about what time?"
"Midnight. I'll come by here, ok?"
"Ok, bye" I went into my room and leaned against the door. All I could think was, what the hell is this? This wasn't the plan. The plan was find Howie and get him to like me. Now Nick was wanting to talk to me again and I felt like I couldn't possibly make a play for Howie now. Plus I liked Nick. I felt like a giddy child. It was Nick for gods sake. I punched my own stomach, trying to get the butterflies out of it. I needed sleep. I stripped and climbed unto bed, exhausted. Even though my mind whirled endlessly, sleep came quickly.
When I awoke the next morning, it felt like everything had been a dream. Would Nick actually be coming to my door in 9 hours? I figured I might as well take the chance on it being reality and be around at midnight. He probably expected me to sit and wait. Ha. I took a long hot shower and got dressed in a pair of studded jeans and my Glam shirt. I grabbed my jacket and purse and left. I had planned to hit South Street anyway, so I got in my car and headed that way. I walked down the street, poking through the shops trying to stop my mind from over analyzing everything. It was 7 when I finished strolling around South Street. I ate dinner then went back to the hotel. It was only 9:30. What the hell was I supposed to do for the next hours? I decided to call up and old friend and hopefully chill with her or a few hours.
My friend was more then happy to kill time with me. It was 11:45 when I started towards the hotel. Because of traffic, it was 2 minutes to midnight when I got back. I hoped nick hadn't been waiting. I got out of the elevator on my floor and went down the hall. I turned the corner to see Nick knocking on the door.
"Hey" I said as I stopped a few feet away from him. Hello shyness. Where the hell was that coming from?
"Where have you been?" he asked sounding slightly peeved.
"Did you think I was going to sit and wait all day?" I asked, annoyed. I pushed past him and found my room key. He just frowned at me. "How was the show?" I asked as we entered my room.
"Good, AJ was off almost the entire show but I truly don't think they cared."
"As long as Nick is present and accounted for, those girls don't care what you do. They'd pay to watch you watching TV for 2 hours."
He laughed.
"Well, it's true." I leaned against the dresser and looked at him. "Have you had dinner?" He just looked at me then started cracking up. He fell back on the bed and started rolling around he was laughing so hard.
"What?" I asked. I got up from my place and went to the bed. I stood above him and looked at him. He started laughing again. I punched his shoulder and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Stop laughing at me. You're making me very self conscious." I pouted.
"I'm sorry, Mom." He stopped laughing and sat up to face me. "You're not quite like other girls I've met. All these girls try to act so tough, drinking, cursing, and acting all slutty. If I told them to jump, they'd ask me how high. You didn't sit here and wait for me, then instead, of "Nick, lets go show you off, Nick this is all 50 of my closest friends, Nick sign all this stuff for me," you ask if I've had dinner."
"Well, have you?" I asked again. He smiled hat gorgeous smile at me and I felt my heart beat faster. A ridiculous feeling.
"No, I haven't"
"Well, what do you want to do about it? We could order pizza, room service, go to the place downstairs, o out"
"I'd like to go out, but then there's the chance of a mob scene."
"At almost 1 am?"
"Well, a small mob.......Do you have some place in mind?"
"There's a diner that's nice. I doubt you'll get mobbed there"
"Ok. I just have to tell my bodyguard I'm going out." He stood up and grabbed my hands and pulled me up.
"I can drive right?" I asked, gathering my purse and keys.
"Yeah, T will probably approve cause if we leave in your car, there's less chance of us being followed."
I raised my eyebrows at him. What was I getting myself into? We went in search of his bodyguard. We found him in the suite from the night before, chatting with several other people I hadn't met. Howie was here and he smiled as he recognized me. I smiled back then hung around the door as Nick talked to the bodyguard.
"You don't need to come, ok? Nothings going to happen."
This guy obviously didn't agree with Nick leaving the hotel with me. I stood there uncomfortably as Nick fought. My comfort level dropped even lower when 4 blondes walked in with AJ. They all assessed me with a sneer. I was about to make a run for it when Nick came and grabbed my hand.
"We leave now before he changes his mind." He said. I looked back to see one blonde pouting and one laughing. I felt so stupid. I followed Nick as he walked to the elevator. He turned and saw me sulking.
"What's the matter?" he asked, putting his arm around my shoulder.
"Nothing." I lied and put on my best smile.
"Corina, if its about those girls, you're gonna have to learn to ignore them. The one tries to get in my pants whenever I'm in a 100 mile radius. She's upset I keep blowing her off"
"So, that wasn't Bambi?"
"No, she's not allowed out of my room."
I laughed as we walked to the garage. I was grateful there weren't fans in the lobby. We would have definitely been mobbed. I unlocked my car and stated off. My BSB CD was blaring so I turned it down and gave Nick a sheepish smile. He just laughed. I turned on my radio and "EI" by Nelly came on. I love that song, so I couldn't contain my singing and dancing. Nick started laughing and I laughed along with him. We pulled into the parking lot and Nick grabbed my hand was we walked in. The host sullenly showed us to a booth. Nick hummed over the menu and finally ordered 2 cheeseburgers and a chocolate milk shake. I ordered a cheeseburger and a diet coke then we sat across from each other as if we were assessing each other for the first time.
"So, you listen to rap?"
"I listen to everything" I exclaimed. "I have very single genre of music in my collection. You guys, Shania, Jay Z, Metallic, Bach."
"I'm the same way."
"Really? Who's your favorite band?"
"C'mon. You know that! You fans know our entire lives!"
"Well, it isn't the same as hearing it from you. What if it's changed? What if you lied?"
"Are you serious?" he asked, a pained look on his face.
"Yes, everything I told you last night, I want in return. Spill it Carter."
"Carter? That's cute. Wait, I don't even know your last name."
"It's Wilson. Corina Elaine Wilson."
"Ok, 'Wilson'. Where do you want me to start?"
"Wherever you want"
Nick told me some things I knew, some things I didn't know. Wed spent several hours just sitting in the small diner, talking.
"We better get back to the hotel. That big mean guy will think I kidnapped you" I stood and stretched.
"T is cool, but he's overprotective"
"I guess you guys have to be pretty careful"
We paid and left, When we got to the hotel, I waited in the hall as Nick went and told T he was back. I was against the wall, just patiently waiting when he reemerged from the room. Before I knew what was happening, Nick grabbed me and kissed me. I looked at him dazed as he pulled away.
"Huh?" I said confused. He laughed and kissed me again. Looking back, I guess I was hoping for fireworks. There were none of those, but Nick was the best kisser I'd ever kissed.
"I have a question" he said, looking at me with those baby blues I'd heard so many girls swoon for. You don't understand the power of those eyes until they are gazing into yours, only centimeters away.
"Ok..." I said slowly.
"Not here. I'll walk you back to your room and we'll talk there" We rode the elevator in silence and I could feel tension from him. I was so damn confused. Was he blowing me off? He'd just kissed me senseless and his question would probably be to please not sell my story to the tabloids. I mentally prepared myself, hoping my temper wouldn't flare. I'd hate to get pissed at him. We got to my door and I stood in the doorway. He'd have to insult me in the hallway.
"Ok, so, I know that we've only just met." Nick started. " This could be the last time we see each other" he paused. I was confused, where was my blow off? What the hell was he getting at? "I really like you, and I don't want this to be goodbye. So I was wondering if you wanted to come to DC with us tomorrow. With me I guess."
I stood there, my mouth open, just staring at him.
" I know, you probably think I ask all sorts of girls to do shit like this. I don't. Trust me. And I mean, we don't know each other that well, but I just have this feeling about you. DC isn't that far from you..."
My mind was screaming 'Yes! Of course!' Who would have passed up on that offer? Then my practical side came in and started thinking. What about my job? I couldn't afford all that gas, another 15 star hotel room. What would my mom say? My brain tried to piece together some logic when I realized Nick was waiting for an answer.
"I mean, it was just a suggestion.."
"No, I mean, Nick. I'd love to. I have to work tomorrow. Plus I can't afford another hotel room."
"You probably haven't missed a single day of work," Nick said. I glared because it was the truth. "And you can just bunk with me" I gave him a very skeptical look. That was not what I had in mind. "I don't ask every pretty girl I meet on tour to come to another city with me. I think this is the first. Unless you count Bambi." God, my resistance was shattered. I couldn't say no.
"Lets just get one thing straight, Carter. If I decide to do this, you will know now. I'm no groupie. I'm a virgin and don't plan to lose that in the next 48 hours."
He looked at me wide eyed then laughed. "I said nothing about sex, you freak. There are 2 beds to a room, and even though I wouldn't mind sharing with you, I doubted you were that type of girl"
My face reddened. Way to stick my foot in my mouth.
"Ok...So how would this work?"
"I have something in mind, I just need to discuss it with a few people. So, is this a yes?"
"Yes" I sighed deeply. He hugged me quickly.
"Ok, I'll come here about 11:30 tomorrow, ok?"
Everything will be worked out by then"
I nodded.
"Now, if I try and kiss you, are you going to clock me?" he asked jokingly.
"No" I responded as I put my arms around his neck and pulled him to me. He pulled away reluctantly after a few kisses then left. I closed the door. What the hell was I doing? I took a deep breath, praying my heart beat would return to a normal rate. I walked to the bed and sat. This was not as expected. I was going to DC with Nick Carter. It was the stupidest decision I'd ever made. Completely unplanned. Idiotic. But I felt giddy. I was 19, and had never ever done anything like this. It was about time I did something stupid. I wanted to scream. I got into bed still clothed. I turned on the TV to watch mindless dribble. I knew I would be unable to sleep. I set my alarm for 10 so I'd have time to shower and everything. Tomorrow was a big day.
Chp 2
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