Part 440
The five men and their bodyguards took the field as the home team and the fans cheered loudly for them. They were all laughing and playing, looking forward to what they thought was to be a fun game of softball. They were completely unaware of what was in store for them.
Sarah managed to get back to the dugout before the first pitch and took her seat. She knew it was going to be a long game and with the very first pitch, her fears were more than confirmed.
Brian made the perfect pitch, straight across the plate and Number 8 unleashed all his power sending the ball sailing out of the park.
Looking over her shoulder when she heard her name called, Sarah saw Becca mouth, "TELL THEM!"
The other team batted through their line-up and were starting again before three outs could be made. The guys made their way off the field, their carefree dispositions from the start of the game replaced with disbelief that they had allowed nine runs to score. The other team had done it so easily, like the boys hadn’t even been in the field.
Howie sat down next to Sarah and leaned against her. "This is gonna be a LONG game."
Sarah looked down at him and sighed. She couldn’t do this to him. He had had such confidence in her singing earlier. Taking his hand, she whispered, "Howie, you guys have been set up."
Howie lifted his head, "What do you mean?"
"Those guys are professional players. They travel around the country playing other teams in benefit games as well as playing in a league."
"How do you know?"
"I saw them play when I was married to Russell."
Howie looked at the other team as they took the field. "Wonderful," he said sarcastically. "No sense telling the others. We can’t very well back out of it."
"That’s kinda what I thought too."
"When did you figure it out?"
"While you guys were signing autographs. Howie, please be careful. It’s just a game and the proceeds are going to JWR."
Kevin came over. "Come on, Coach! Got any words of wisdom?"
"Yeah, try taking it a little more seriously! It’s just a game but you’re gonna get your butts stomped if you don’t start TRYING to play."
AJ cracked, "I ain’t got a butt as you so frequently tell me."
"Who’s up first, Sarah?" asked Nick.
"Alex, Marcus, and Howie."
Nine pitches, nine swings, three strikeouts. The Boys were headed back into the field for the second inning with the score nine to nothing…the OTHER team.
Sarah shook her head watching them as Becca joined her.
"This is pitiful," said Becca.
"I know. I told Howie."
"What did he say?"
"Same thing I did. God, Bec! I can’t believe Jeff set this up. It’s like he WANTS to embarrass them."
"It does look that way."
"I certainly hope they make the decision soon to leave The Firm. They have done NOTHING to help the guys ever since ‘Nsync signed on," said Sarah bitterly. "I swear, I ought to form my own management company."
Becca looked at Sarah. "You were with Howie when they went to The
Firm?"
"We started dating just after that and then they released ‘Millenium’ with so much success."
"Nick really likes The Firm."
Sarah nodded her head, "Howie does too but he doesn’t agree with all their business practices. Howie’s just as good at business as they are."
"What does Howie think of Nick wanting to do a solo album?"
Both women winced seeing AJ drop the ball and Kevin throwing his hands up in frustration. Sarah answered, "You know Howie’s behind Nick in whatever he decides to do."
"Yeah, Howie always has been supportive of Nick. I guess I’m worried about Brian and Kevin’s opinion."
"I can’t speak for Brian but I know Kevin is supportive of him," said Sarah. As the other team scored another run, Sarah groaned, "This is painful! They are getting their butts stomped."
"Maybe we should tell them all?"
"It’s not gonna change anything. Did Nick ever tell you about yesterday when we were at the airport?"
"No. Did Howie tell you?"
Sarah laughed, "Yep!! I told you we should have gotten someone to take pictures or video tape it."
"So, what happened?" prompted Becca wanting to know.
Smirking, Sarah said, "Well, Jesse set it off. She went screaming….." and she went on to tell Becca EVERYTHING about the Backstreet Boys babysitting.
When Sarah was done, Becca was in stitches. She had laughed so hard, her sides hurt.
"Becca, cool it. Here come the guys."
"Oh god….this is TOO good. Just WAIT until I get hold of Nick!!"
"Fine, but not now!"
Once more, the guys trudged off the field even more dejected than before. Sarah greeted Howie with a kiss as he sat beside her and Becca moved to get Nick some water. They all looked like they had been through a battle.