"Melanie had driven us to the arena, where she met Nick's bodyguard, who gave us the two tickets for the unbelievable show. These guys surely knew how to rock an audience! During the concert, Brian gave me a little smile and waved hello during their #1 hit, 'Quit Playing Games'. Now, I'm sitting here...VIP section...amazing...to meet Brian again and work this out, plus see the rest of the guys. I can't believe this is happening to to me. I feel like a teenager again. These guys, well maybe Brian in particular, have really got me. They really know how to keep me mesmerized."
Melanie pulled my arm and brought me back to reality. "Come on, Mcihelle. They're waiting for us!"
Michelle was so nervous, her whole body felt hot and she couldn't get the sweet sounds of Brian's voice out of her head. The body guard ushered them into a back room. A few lucky fans had already gotten their autographs and taken their pictures, and were now leaving the back room bursting with energy.
Melanie walked right in, made her way over to Nick and began to chat with him. "Hey Nick...great show."
"Thanks Mel, but my heart just wasn't in it tonight. I couldn't find the black shirt we bought together, so I think that kinda through me off."
Mel giggled slightly, "Umm, Nick since when did my shirt bring you luck? I mean you've performed without it before, and it never seemed to upset you."
Nick looked down, a little shy (which was totally unlike him because normally he's outgoing and revved up after a show). Mel noticed his change in behavior, and realized something was wrong. She put her arm around his waist and led him over to the couch to have a seat and talk.
***At the same time***
Brian saw Michelle out of the corner of his eye. He brought his gaze directly on her, as he noticed her slender body wrapped in a black pair of capri pants. His eyes moved up slightly to notice her curly light brown hair, which tumbled softly onto the shoulders of her nicely fitting midnight blue top...it was his favorite color...how did she know? He settled on her eyes for a moment, green and sparkling. Then his glare traveled the length of her body, to settle on her hands which held a notepad and pen. Oh, right the story...an interview...how could he have forgotten? She looked so innocent, trusting...definitely not the face of a story-hungry reporter. He made his way over to Michelle, hoping she wanted more than a story.
Michelle shifted her feet nervously. She didn't know what to say. Well, she wanted the story, right? Brian looked absolutely adorable in his after-concert, comfy pair of faded jeans. Watching him from a far distracted her. He was too cute...she just had to help him. She watched him intently as he started to walk towards her. The other guys hadn't really noticed her yet. But not Brian, his eyes were on her the second she walked in the door.
Brian began the conversation in his sweet southern accent, "Hey Michelle, I'm glad you could come."
"Are you kidding, this was amazing...now I know why your tickets sell out in ten minutes flat! I really had a great time at the show. Thank you for everything."
" Wow, I didn't realize I was entitled to be thanked for everything. Really it was no big deal, just a couple of concert tickets and backstage passes," he added with a small laugh.
"Well, not just for the tickets, although they were beyond amazing, but for giving me a second chance with the whole story situation. I thought for sure I had made the worst first impression and scared you away.'
"Nah, I don't scare that easily. In my line of work you get used to nosy, outgoing reporters," he teased.
"Gee, thanks. But really, I'm not that bad once you get to know me."
"Well then, let's get to know you," he offered grinning his unresistable grin, bringing her over to a table where the rest of the guys, minus Mel and Nick, were sitting.
***On the couch***
Melanie looked at Nick. His blond hair forming perfect tips, which brushed against his sweet blue eyes. His eyes had a lost look to them. He was searching for something, but she couldn't figure out what. Inside, Mel felt a strong passion to hold him. She felt that a lot lately, although no one knew of her desire. They were just friends. More than that would complicate things...afterall, he's got Elizabeth.
Nick starred into Melanie's chocolate brown eyes. They were so welcoming. He felt like he could tell her anything. Anything...except the fact that he had been thinking about her non-stop since he pulled away from Liz's kisses. Anything except the fact that his mind had been occupied with thoughts of holding her, loving her...kissing her. This would destroy Liz, not to mention upset the family. After all, Liz was the daughter of his dad's long time friend. But he didn't love her. At least not the way he had once felt about her. He knew why too. One word. Melanie.