The next day was kind of an off day. The guys had a concert in their hometown and were driving there from North Carolina. So, Leslie had some time to spend with Nick finally. She rode on the guy's bus that day as usual. She and Nick were just lying there when all of a sudden he started to tickle her. Leslie screamed and ticked him back. But…now Nick was bigger than she was. When they were kids she could always win at these little fights, but that was the past. Nick had gotten taller and bigger. Now he was 3 inches taller than she was and a lot heavier. He sat on her legs and started tickling her again. “No fair!” she shouted. She looked around, “AJ…help!”
AJ looked at Nick, and then at Leslie. He started laughing too. “Sorry babe, you’re on your own.” Leslie rolled her eyes at him.
“Thanks a lot…..freak!” That was her little nickname for him. She looked at Nick and knew what to do. She poked him in the side. She knew that was where he was most ticklish. Nick yelled and rolled over off of her. This was her chance. She rolled over too and sat on him this time. With one leg on either side, she kept tickling his sides until he gave in.
“Okay! You win! I give up!!” Leslie smiled and stopped as Brian walked in. When he saw them…and the awkward position they were in, he turned right back around and walked out. Leslie and Nick laughed as they both sat up. “Ya know Les, I’m really glad you decided to come on your w/ us and help out. It’s nice to have an old friend on tour with me. Helps me not to get so home sick. He gave her a hug and kissed her on the cheek again, then walked to the front of the bus. Leslie sat there for a while until she noticed something in the mirror. She had the biggest smile on her face. As she got up, Kristin again walked by her.
She looked at Leslie and grinned. “I told you.”
“You told me what?”
“I’m telling you. I can see it in your eyes….you are in love.”
Leslie rolled her eyes, “Well yeah I love Nick, we’ve been best friends forever, so?”
Kristin put her arm around Leslie, “No hon., not that kind of love. You know what I mean. I can see it. And I know Nick feels the same way. I watch you two together. I see how he looks at you. You see how he looks at you. Look into his eyes…you’ll see it too” With that, she walked away. Leslie just stood there thinking about what Kristin had said. Was she right? Leslie thought about the kiss again. Her heart started to float and she felt butterflies in her stomach. She looked at herself. Kristin was right. She did love Nick. She was so confused. Was Kristin right though? Did Nick feel the same way? There was only one way to find out….