Part 29
Howie watched Nick as he thought things through and saw that he had something in his hand. Finally it caught the light and he realized what it was: Becca's engagement ring. Nick had worn it around his neck for months, but tonight he had taken it off the chain where it had been and hidden it in the pocket of his tux.
"Isn't it about time you put that back where it belongs?" Howie
whispered to Nick.
"Hmm?" Nick said absently, just realizing that Howie was still there.
"I said, that belongs with Becca, not you."
"I know it does, I was just …"
"What are you waiting for, Nick? You have her back, you have a second
chance. She's having your baby, Nick. Go make it right."
Nick smiled. "Thanks D. I mean it. Don't leave without saying goodbye, ok?
I know Bec wants to see Sarah."
"Go on. We'll wait." He hugged Nick then pushed him through the door.
He waited until Nick was standing beside Becca before turning away to find Sarah
but bumping into Carson.
"Another exclusive, Howie?" asked Carson, who'd been standing by watching the entire exchange.
"Not from me, and probably not from Nick either. Best to leave that one off the record."
"So, what can I use?"
Howie and Carson talked about the video of the wedding as Sarah joined them. Howie and Sarah both agreed that Carson could use anything except shots of Becca and the guys singing ‘Drownin’’. They also agreed to call the studios in a few days after Carson shared the news.
When Carson was gone, Sarah asked, "Where are Becca and Nick?"
"Out on the beach. Kevin said something to upset Bec and she took off."
"That must be why Nick left me on the dance floor."
"Probably. As soon as Nick and Bec get back, I want to leave."
"That’s fine. I want to change first."
Sarah spotted Kevin standing at the bar. She could tell he was trashed, more so than normal, and she started scanning the room. Vanessa was no where to be found. She did spot Ali with AJ so she decided to talk to her first, then Kevin.
Howie asked, "Where you going?"
"To find out what’s going on with Kevin. You comin’?"
"Not even breathing heavy."
Sarah laughed, "We can change that."
The two made their way to where Alison and AJ were now talking to Krystal and Sarah pulled Ali aside. She asked about Vanessa’s where-abouts and Ali explained the argument Kevin and Vanessa had had earlier. Vanessa had grown tired of Kevin’s obsession over Sarah and not paying her any attention so she had told him to take a hike. She didn’t want to see him again if she wasn’t going to be a priority for him.
Ali added, "She also said that Kevin made the comment, ‘No one…not you, not Becca, not even Howie…is EVER gonna hurt Sarah again’."
"He said that to Ness?"
"Yeah. He had just finished dancing with you and that’s what started the whole argument."
It all made sense now-Becca being upset and Nick leaving her on the dance floor. "Damn his drunk ass," mumbled Sarah as she started for Kevin.
"What’s wrong?" asked Ali.
Over her shoulder, Sarah said, "Nothing a good ass-chewing won’t fix."