Part 455

"Bec?" Nick whispered in the dark. "Baby, I have to go on in a few minutes." Gently he touched her forehead. He knew she didn’t have a fever, but it just seemed the right thing to do. Damn it all, he couldn’t cope when there was something wrong with Becca.

"What time is it?" Becca mumbled sleepily as she stretched.

"Show time, Bec. Sarah’s set is over and they’ve called us to take our places."

"Silly boy, then what are you doing here?" Reaching up in the dark she touched his face and brushed her fingers over his mouth, giggling as he kissed her fingertips.

"I had to see my best girl before I went on." He grinned in the dark, even though he knew she couldn’t see.

"Best girl? I’m your ONLY girl, Carter, and don’t you forget it." She sat up groggily, pushing her hair off her face. "Where’s Garrett?"

"Out on the bus," he deadpanned. "I figured he could amuse himself for a couple of hours."

"Funny, Nick. Not." Becca smacked him on the shoulder and laughed as he groaned.

"Sounds like you’re feeling better, baby."

"I am, but I think I’ll stay backstage tonight. I’m just not up for the crowd." She absently stroked his thigh and when he shifted uncomfortably she giggled. "Oops, sorry. Looks like you’ll be ‘up’ for the crowd tonight."

"Thank a bunch, Bec. More Internet pics of ‘Thor’ on the way."

"No problem, I do what I can to help out the fans."

Just then his headphone crackled and Kevin’s voice could be plainly heard. "Carter? Get your ass down here, you’re holding up the show!"

"Gotta go. Oh, GT’s outside with Billy. Better go rescue him."

"Who? Garrett or Billy?" she grinned.

Nick snorted. "Dunno baby, your guess is as good as mine." He kissed her swiftly and ran out the door to take his place for the opening number.

Becca turned on the lights, found a brush and ran it through her hair, then set off to relieve Billy and watch the show from the wings. Unbeknownst to her, it was going to be one for the books.

Part 456                    Index