Part 317
Howie, Kevin, and Brian sat together behind the soundboard watching and listening as AJ and Sarah worked on ‘Underneath Your Clothes’ getting it just right to record. The two cousins had been careful to avoid the topic of Nick not knowing what kind of mood Howie was in.
Howie decided that now was as good a time as any to say his peace. "Kev, Rok…I owe you two an apology. I’ve acted like an ass this past week and caused quite a bit of tension."
"Have you worked things out?" asked Brian.
"Yeah, sorta. Sarah and I talked and she’s been really awesome about it…not that there was anything wrong with us to start with."
"It’s cause she loves your sorry ass," teased Kevin.
"Yeah, and I tried to climb back in that bottle but she wouldn’t let me."
"I take it you went down to the bar last night after the interviews?" asked Kevin.
"Yeah, and I paid for it this morning but Sarah was there for me, keeping me from screwing up too much more."
"What about Nick?" asked Brian.
"I’m gonna give it some time and try to apologize again, probably in Calgary. That’ll give us several days apart and it’ll give Nick and Becca time to get comfortable being new parents."
"Smart move."
From the stage, Sarah called, "Hey, B-Rok…I need your help on this!"
"On my way, Sarah."
Brian left Kevin and Howie alone and an awkward silence settled over the two men. Howie looked at Sarah who just happened to look up at the same time. She smiled, mouthed ‘I love you’, and blew him a kiss. It was what he needed to go on with the next part.
"Kevin, I owe you a personal apology. I realize you were just worried about Sarah and you are looking out for her career too."
Kevin bowed his head in embarrassment remembering his confession and attempt to kiss her in Buffalo. "No, to a certain degree, you had a right to be angry with me. Howie, I told Sarah in Buffalo that…"
"No need to tell me, Kevin. Sarah already has, not to mention, I heard it all."
Surprised, Kevin asked, "And you didn’t go off on me?"
Howie laughed, "No, Sarah handled it just fine."
Kevin looked at Sarah. "She’s amazing, Howie. From the minute I met her, I knew she was different."
Howie saw the look in Kevin’s eyes as he watched her and he said softly, "Yeah, she is. You know…she does love you."
"I know," said Kevin sadly looking back at Howie. "I have to let go…I know that but I’m not sure how anymore. I thought I had but then we all thought she was dead and I realized that I hadn’t let go…that I still wanted her in my life as more than just a friend. I know she loves you and I can’t help it. I’m sorry, Howie…I’m sorry for being in love with your wife and any problems it’s caused."
"There’s no need to apologize. I know that if anything ever happens to me, she’ll be in good hands with you and AJ."
"I know I don’t have to tell you this but hold on to what you’ve got…it’s a beautiful thing and very rare in our generation."
Sarah came over to where Kevin and Howie were sitting. "Hey you two…what’s so important that you can’t pay attention to me?"
Howie smiled up at her and said, "We were just talking about you, Angel."
"Oh really?" she asked raising her eyebrows.
"Yeah, baby! We were plotting how we were going to tie you to the drum risers and let Brian and Nick have their way with you."
"Yeah…in WHO’S dreams?"
Kevin smirked, "Yours!"
Howie laughed, "Kevin’s just playing with you, Angel."
AJ and Brian joined the three and AJ said, "I think we’ve got everything down, Kevin. All we need to do is have the studio clean it up."
"We’re taking it to LA tomorrow night," said Howie.
"Howie, we need to talk more about all this…dates and so forth," said Kevin. "Sarah needs to release a single with a video before the CD comes out."
"Okay. What are you shooting for with the CD?"
"Ours is coming out October 30th. Sarah’s needs to come out before ours so how about October 23rd?"
"Isn’t that going to be pushing it to get a single out and a video?" asked Sarah.
"Not really. AJ and I’ve already discussed it and we think since you did ‘Underneath Your Clothes’ at the VMAs, you should do that as your first single and video. I’ve already scheduled the studio for the video on the 25th if you two are cool with it."
Howie and Sarah looked at each other and he asked, "Well?"
"Suits me. Are we going to have time to work on the CD AND visit Kellie?"
"We’ll make the time, Sarah," said Kevin. "Here’s what I’m thinking. Release a single and video October 1st and the CD on the 23rd. We’ll be in New York doing guest appearances and some benefits for the 9/11 tragedy and we could work in a surprise visit to TRL with you."
"Sounds good," nodded Howie looking at Sarah to get her reaction.
Sarah nodded her agreement. "What about the video? We haven’t really discussed it so what’s it gonna be about?"
Kevin grinned, "AJ and I have already worked that out. Think you can hug and kiss on someone OTHER than Howie for the video?"
"Why can’t Howie be in it?"
"No, Angel…not yet. You need to do this on your own," said Howie. "You can’t ride on my name or the Backstreet name."
Sarah pouted and the guys laughed. "Well…I guess if I HAVE to hug and kiss on someone else, I can force myself. But he’d BETTER not be a dog…I have HIGH standards you know."
"How high can they be? You’ve hugged and kissed on me," teased AJ.
"That was BEFORE I was married," retorted Sarah. "I’ve raised my standards by marrying Howie."
"How does Jaime Gomez sound to you? Up to your standards?" teased Kevin.
"OH YEAH!! Definitely!" grinned Sarah.
"Oh good gawd," groaned Howie seeing Sarah’s eyes light up.
Everyone laughed and Kevin said, "I want to hear that last song before we wrap things up."
"What about the jacket for the CD?" asked Howie. "When do we get to see the shots she did in Buffalo?"
"They’re waiting for us in LA," said Kevin as he put the headphones on.
AJ and Brian went over with him leaving Howie and Sarah alone.
Howie looked up at her. "You sure you’re okay with all this?"
"I’m fine, D," smiled Sarah. "So, what were you and Kevin REALLY talking about?"
"His feelings for you."
"Everything okay?"
"It’s fine, Angel. I apologized to the guys. Now the only mess left to fix is the one with Becca and Nick."
"Don’t worry about Becca. I’ll work that out. Did you tell Kevin that I’m not gonna perform again until Calgary?"
"Not yet."
Sarah sat down on the edge of the stage and Howie moved over to her. "Can we go hide on the bus for a while?"
"Yeah, I’m sure Lisa won’t mind watching Jesse a little longer. Angel, are you okay?"
"I guess so. I just feel drained. I want things to be like they were…the friendship, the fun. All of a sudden, we’re all fighting again and the tension is too much."
"It’ll get better, Angel. Just hang tough a little longer."
Kevin came back. "Sarah, we need to do it one more time and then we can do sound checks."
"Sarah’s not performing tonight or tomorrow."
"You okay?" asked Kevin looking at Sarah with concern.
"I’m fine, Kevin…just think I need to give Jesse a little more attention, that’s all."
Kevin eyed her closely and knew she was lying but he didn’t push it. He said, "Tell you what, we can redo this tomorrow. I’ll listen to what we’ve done so far and tomorrow, we’ll do some finishing touches."
"Thanks, Kevin," said Howie gratefully. He knew Kevin didn’t buy Sarah’s wanting to give Jesse some more attention but had chosen to not say anything.