“Yeah, and we really don’t care,” Brian joked. “I can’t fight all your battles for you. You’re a Littrell. You can handle yourself.”
“Yeah, you can handle yourself,” Nick teased. He tossed her the bag of potato chips and sat down next to her.
It was three weeks into the tour, and Madeleine had already gotten close to Howie, AJ, and especially Nick. Since they were the closest in age, they got along really well. However, being the youngest and the smallest physically, she was often teased by the guys. That was okay, though. She enjoyed the attention, mainly from Nick. This tour was the coolest experience she had ever had.
“She’s so nice, and you’re so mean to her,” Howie stated. He wasn’t actually mad; he was just defending her.
“Thank you, Howie. At least someone around here appreciates me,” Madeleine said. She brushed a strand of dirty blonde, wavy hair out of her face and sighed. “So where are we performing tonight? I’m sure you told me, but I can’t remember.”
“You probably don’t remember because we aren’t playing tonight,” Brian pointed out. “We’re staying at a hotel in Paris, then we’re going to spend the day there doing whatever we want tomorrow, and then we’re performing tomorrow night.”
“Oh, that’s awesome! Do I get to see the Eiffel Tower?” Madeleine exclaimed.
“Yeah, if you want,” Brian replied. “You can go sightseeing and practice your French.”
“Who’s up for going clubbing later tonight?” asked AJ.
“I am,” Kevin said.
“Yeah, count me in,” Brian replied.
“I could use some normal, non-choreographed dancing,” Howie agreed.
“I’m not old enough, so I can just chill at the hotel,” Madeleine said.
“I’ll stay back with her. That way she doesn’t have to be lonely,” Nick said.
“You don’t have to do that. I don’t mind staying by myself,” she protested.
“No, really, it isn’t a big deal. I’ll stay with you. Besides, do you think I want to hang out with them all night?” Nick joked.
“We don’t mean to leave you out, Mattie,” Brian said apologetically. “I’ll stay back, too, if you want.”
“Oh, it’s no problem. Go out and have fun! Nick and I will spend some bonding time.”
“Well, have fun, Nick. She’ll have you watching Beaches and Steel Magnolias and those other weird chick flicks all night, buddy,” AJ said.
“I think I can deal with that. Remember, I have three sisters,” Nick reminded him. “I’ve grown up with all those weird chick flicks.”