"OK, that'll be right out" he answered politely in his heavy New York accent.
They waited for the food to come out, and chatted to get to know each other just a little bit better. Melanie explained about how she came into dealings with the BSB. She had known a Firm representative and he got her the interview with the head advisor of Backstreet's financial department. The interview had gone very well, and right out of college, she was brought onto the financial team. After only a couple months on the job, she earned her respect as a well-qualified advisor. She had the fresh, clear mind that the boys had come to love for her ideas with marketing decisions.
Next, it was Michelle's turn. She told Melanie how she came to report for such a well known paper at such a young age. Michelle was accepted as a trial basis reporter for the paper, and was kept on close eye in the first couple of months of her new job. Even though it was annoying at times, the trial situation didn't bother her all that much. She was thrilled just to have her stories published, even if they were on the pages no one actually reads. It was heaven to see her name in the byline of any article she'd written. But, as she grew more experienced, the NY GAZZETTE took her on as a permanent writer. Soon enough, her stories became more important, juicier, and a little more realistic. So now, after only eleven months with the paper, she was up for a promotion to assistant editor. All she needed now was the story that would get her this promotion. And this was that story...she could feel it. Everything inside her was telling her that this was the one, yet there was something holding her back.
"Oh great, I'm starved!" Melanie shouted as the extremely late food had finally arrived.
"Me too!" Michelle answered.
*In that same Pizzeria*
"Nick, I don't want peppers on my pizza!!! You start putting green veggies on a perfectly good pizza and that's the way to ruin it." Brian argued.
"Oh fine, you win as usual. No peppers..just pepperoni and sausage!"
"Thanks buddy, next time you can pick the toppings."
"Gee thanks. Can I really?" Nick said laughing.
As they sat at the booth at the pizza parlor, Nick asked his best friend how he was holding up, "Hey Bri, are you okay? I know the breakup with Karen was tough...especially since she claimed she was pregnant and really wasn't. I mean I couldn't imagine having to deal with breaking up with Liz, but then to have her spread some ridiculous rumor to the press. Man, I don't know how you do it! You even show up for rehearsals on time!"
"Well, do I really have a choice? I love my job and the people I work with. Just because my love life is a mess, doesn't mean I can blow off the other parts of my life. The guys know the truth, my family knows the truth, but unfortunately the public is believing Karen, and not me. I mean, who could blame them? It's a juicy story. I can picture the headlines now...' Singer of teeny bopper band gets girl pregnant out of wedlock'."
"Come on Brian, you know the true fans don't think that! I mean, really....you get a girl pregnant out of wedlock... no way! You were on your way to Bible College, for cryin' out loud! They would never expect that from you. In fact, you would be the last BSB member they'd think would do something like that. Your morals are too high."
"I appreciate that Nick, but let's face it, the news is out. The papers are gonna pick it up, and once it hits the printing press...I don't have a chance! People are going to believe what they read, if it's true or not!"
"Well, what if we could get your story out truthfully. Ya that's it. All we need is someone to write an article, but a true one with all the facts. You already have all the proof you need to prove that Karen was lying about the pregnancy just so she could cash in on your success. I know its not the money that's bothering you. It's the fact that your good name is trashed! And not to mention what this is doing to the Backstreet name..." Nick offered only to be quickly cut off by Brian.
"Yeah man, I know what this is doing to our name. I feel awful about it. Just when we started to gain respect, I went and messed it up. I'm sorry. Did I mention that lately? I'm sorry for ever getting involved with Karen. I'm sorry I listened to her when she said she loved me. I'm sorry I let my guard down long enough to get close to someone. I'm sorry I'm putting the band through this. They must hate me!" Brian declared as he hung his head down low.
Nick gazed at his friend with sorrowful eyes, "Brian how could you think that we hate you? It's not your fault! We know that. Come on, don't give up hope.....all we need to do is find a journalist who's willing to print the truth. It's just as juicy as that made up story, and probably more believable with your female fans."
"How do you mean?" Brian questioned.
"Think about it for a minute B-Rok. Who did the female fans kinda take a disliking to, the minute they found out about your love life?"
"Well, I guess they didn't like the fact that I had a girlfriend...ohhhhh I get your point! If they didn't really like Karen in the first place, they'll want to believe my story over hers."
"Exactly!" Nick confirmed.
"But, It'll never work! You try and find one truthful reporter who will tell my side of the story and not blow anything out of proportion. The chances are slim, especially in New York. We're talking the media Nick, it's a vicious world out there. Whoever has the story first, truthful or not, wins! "
"I guess so, but you gotta give it to me for trying!" Nick said trying to lighten the subject.
*At a Nearby Table*
"Do you really think he would agree?" Michelle asked hopefully.
"If I talk to him first, and introduce you, you have got a real good chance." Melanie reasoned.
"You know, I don't know how to thank you for this. But how about a big 'Thank You' and let me treat you to this yummy lunch we just ate."
"Sure it's a deal. And anyway I feel like I've known you for years. Just from this short time we've spent together, I can see that your sincere about doing the right thing. I have a feeling this is gonna end in a new friendship." Melanie said happily.
"I hope so!" Michelle added.
"Hey Michelle, this may be your shot....look who's sitting right over there!" Melanie exclaimed excitedly, pointing in the direction of Nick and Brian's table.