Back inside the pizzeria, Melanie told the guys she would catch up with them later. She ran out into the city to try and find Michelle to see if she was okay. Melanie couldn't help but think that this was partly her fault. She practically told Michelle that Brian would be willing to do the story without even consulting him first. She thought that she could trust Michelle, but in all honesty, she had just met her. How much did she really know about her? Could she be trusted? Just then, Melanie came away from her thoughts as she spotted Michelle across the street. She waited for the signal to walk, and made her way through the busy streets of NYC.
Nick looked at Brian with shock. "What's wrong with you today? You practically bit her head off, B-Rok. She really didn't do anything that wrong. Yeah, okay so she's a little nosy, but she IS a reporter. That's her job."
"Look Nick, it's been a long day. Just drop it! And just to make one point, she had no right to think that my life is just a 'story'. She took me by surprise. I had seen her these past couple of days hanging around the office building, but I thought she was just a fan or something. I had no idea that she was a reporter. And I never expected her to turn out to be the GAZETTE's newest star reporter, Lucen. Who knew she'd want to write a story about me?" he explained to Nick, his anger slowly fading.
"Well, do I detect a small amount of apology in that southern drawl of yours?" Nick questioned, knowing that his best friend was considering the thought of an interview.
"I dunno. Maybe I was a little hard on her. It's not like she's been following me around or anything. Great man, now you made me feel bad. Was I really as nasty as I sounded? I should probably talk to her, and apologize. Geez, what's happening to my southern gentleman approach. I guess I left that in Kentucky!" Brian said kidding with Nick as they both grabbed their hats and sunglasses in order to avoid being spotted in the crowded city.
They left the restaurant and made their way back to the apartment. They needed to catch up with the rest of the guys and discuss any last minute changes in the dance routines before tonight's concert. When they arrived at the apartment, they were welcomed by Kevin, and his girlfriend, Rebecca, a.k.a. Becky or Becca, who were embracing in a steamy kiss against the kitchen counter.
"Hey guys," Kevin said quickly pulling away from Becca, knowing they had been caught in the act. "Hope you don't mind, but I fixed myself a little snack." Kevin said as he pointed to the untouched turkey and cheese sandwich he had on the kitchen table.
Nick replied, "Oh yeah, Kev...I can see you were real hungry...Becky must've tasted extremely good. I'm just kidding...we can't leave you two alone anywhere! So Becky, how are you?"
"I'm just peachy Nick..thanks for asking! I can see you have matured greatly in the last 24 hours." She joked back, knowing that Nick loved to be sarcastic just as much as she did.
Brian grinned and laughed quietly to himself at their common funny remarks about each other's love life. He remembered a time when he and Karen were apart of their friendly teasing. He made his way around Becca and Kev to get a glass of water.
"Excuse me you two. Single Backstreet Boy making his way through! I need some water. It's hot in here, isn't it? Gee, yeah it's hot. I gotta get out of here now!" he exclaimed in an excited, sudden tone, as he made his way to his own room, and slammed the door.
"What's his problem?" Kevin asked curiously, looking at Becca.
"Brian had some trouble today at the pizzeria. Mel introduced us to her reporter friend, Michelle Lucen, and she was hoping to get a story with Brian about the whole Karen mess. Brian kinda flipped out and freaked her out. He thought she had no right to even think he would want to give her an interview. But, really, I've never seen Brian so uptight about the press. It's like he is afraid to get hurt again. But no one is telling him to get romantically involved with Michelle. She just wanted an interview. I think that's it. He's afraid of opening up his heart to someone. But, I think letting her write the article is the best way to get the truth out. I guess Brian has a different opinion," Nick told Kevin and Becca.
*Back in the Streets of NYC*
"Hey Michelle, wait up!" Melanie yelled as Michelle was about to cross yet another street to reach her own NY apartment that overlooked Central Park.
Michelle stopped and turned around to face Melanie. She needed to apologize; she needed Melanie to know that that she wasn't just using her to get to Brian. Michelle invited her into her apartment so they could relax and talk this through.
As they climbed up the endless staircases to her apartment, Michelle began, "Look, Melanie....I want you to know that even if Brian refuses to do the interview, which he probably will, I still want to be your friend. I could use a friend right now, and I was hoping it could be you."
"Michelle, for a while I had my doubts. I mean, you are a reporter just trying to get a story, but I can tell you're sincere. You want to give the public a view of the truth...I like that."
"So you believe that I just wanna clear his name, and let the public know that their Backstreet Boy Next Door is just as sweet and good-natured as he seems?" Michelle asked, hoping for a reply that would prove that Melanie believed her.
"You really wanna help him, don't you?" Melanie asked.
"Yes, I do. But how can you be so sure that he'll be willing to let me help HIM?" Michelle questioned back.
"Well, I can see that look."
"What look?"
"The very same look I see in your eyes right now. It's a look of determination and I don't believe it, but it's there! I see LOVE too."
Michelle stared back blankly at Melanie. "What do you mean love? I just met him."
Melanie answered, "Yes, that may be so...but haven't you ever heard of love at first sight. It's there. I can see that twinkle in both your eyes."
Michelle didn't know why she couldn't tell Melanie that it wasn't so. Yes, she was a writer and all, fantasies she could handle, but real love at first sight?! It just didn't happen. But, for some reason she couldn't block this strong connection to him, and she couldn't deny it to Melanie either.
Melanie disrupted her thoughts, "Michelle, what do you say. You know I'm right. You have definitely got some feelings for him. Why else would you care about this story so much?"
Michelle couldn't bear to tell her that a huge promotion depended on this very story. That's why she cared so much. But, still there was something more. Her stories never had this much effect on her before. Melanie had a point. Something was connecting her to Brian!
"So Melanie, should I ask him again?" Michelle asked knowing that Melanie would want her to try once more.
"Yeah, don't give up. He'll come around. And another thing, call me MEL. It's a nick name reserved for those who know me best." She explained as she handed Michelle the phone to call Brian.
*Back At Nick and Brian's Apartment*
"Hey Bri...phone!!!!!!!" Nick yelled to him from the kitchen hoping Brian would here him over the noise in the kitchen and from outside.
"Who is it?" He yelled back.
"It's Michelle." Nick exclaimed as he handed him the phone. "Now, don't screw this up, Brian...it's your chance to get the public to know what really happened. She's willing to print the truth."
While covering the phone Brian replied, "Yeah Nick, but how do I know I can trust her?
"Give her a chance man. You just met her. Give it some time. Let her prove to you that she won't let you down." Nick encouraged, knowing his buddy had somehow developed an emotional attachment to a girl he had known for a few short hours.
"Hello," Brian practically whispered into the phone receiver.