Part 500
As the waitress cleared the last of the dinner plates, Kevin leaned back in his chair to survey the group. Despite what had transpired with Lou, Howie, Sarah, and Nick were relaxed. In fact, Sarah was glowing as she, AJ, and Howie baited each other throughout dinner. The entire dinner conversation had been light…three of them seemingly avoiding the subject of Lou Pearlman and the other two not knowing that he was even a subject that needed to be discussed. That was all about to change though.
The host came to the table with an extremely expensive bottle of brandy and five Havana cigars. "Compliments of the gentleman by the window."
All six turned to see Lou sitting by the window and he raised his glass in a toast to them.
"What the hell is HE doing here?" questioned AJ.
Howie’s arm went around Sarah protectively as Kevin said, "Thanks but tell the gentleman that we won’t accept his gift."
"NO!" said Nick quickly stopping the host.
They all turned to Nick and Howie said, "Nick, he’s trying to buy us off. We don’t need to accept ANYTHING from him."
"Let him think he’s winning then."
"Winning what?" asked Brian. "What’s going on and why am I always the last to find out shit?"
"Leave it," nodded Kevin to the host. When he was gone, Kevin looked at Howie and Nick, "We need to tell AJ and Brian what’s going on."
"How do you know?" asked Howie.
"I told him," said Nick. "After you and Sarah went into your room, Becca and I got into an argument and she walked out…sorta. She went for a walk and Kevin brought her back just before you got up."
Sarah asked Kevin softly, "Is that what you meant by ‘later’?"
"Yeah. Are you okay, baby?"
"I’m fine, Kevin. You and Howie need to explain this to AJ and Brian."
"While you’re explaining," said Nick, "we should enjoy the brandy and cigars. Give the illusion that we’re having a good time."
Kevin smirked, "The adult Nick is pretty damn smart."
"’Bout time you noticed," remarked Sarah as she reached for the brandy and began pouring for everyone, save AJ. Taking her glass, she raised it in a toast, "To keeping the past where it belongs and friends who stick together."
The five men chorused, "Here! Here!"
The toast was the beginning of the charade that all six put up for Lou as Howie and Nick explained what had happened. As they talked, Howie held Sarah’s hand in his caressing the back with his thumb. It was the one true emotion he didn’t have to hide.
When Howie and Nick were done, Brian asked, "So what do we do now?"
"Nothing," said Kevin. "Howie’s attorney is handling what needs to be handled."
"But what if there’s more stuff in there about us?"
"There probably is, Brian, but we can’t supress it all. The most damaging to our image is his allegations of Howie’s homosexuality and what he said about Sarah. He stepped across the line when he brought her into it. He had no connections to her and therefore can’t use her. Unfortunately, he DID play a role in our lives that we can’t deny."
"Kevin’s right," said Howie. "Steve will take care of it too."
AJ reached over to take Sarah’s hand, "You okay, ‘Tigger’?"
"I’m fine," smiled Sarah. Looking at Howie, she added, "I’ve got my ‘Prince’ to protect me…and you guys."
Kevin’s eyes followed Lou out the door and he said, "He’s gone. Sarah, seriously, are you okay?"
"Geez…how many times do I have to tell you. YES! I’m fine."
"What about Becca?" asked Brian. "She’s mixed up in all this and seems to be upset by it all."
Nick looked at Kevin who nodded. "She’ll be okay."
"Of course she will!" said Sarah. "She’s got Nick and you guys looking out for her."
"Enough with the serious shit," said AJ. "We promised a beautiful lady a night on the town. Where to first?"
Howie pulled out the list of clubs he and Sarah had made. "Okay, there’s Brendan’s Pub, Alley Cat, La Ramba, The Snake Pit, The Church, and Enigma Afterhours."
"The last one doesn’t open until one AM but I’d REALLY like to check it out," said Sarah.
"Why don’t we just start at the top and work our way through the list?" suggested Brian.
"Sounds good to me," said AJ. "Let’s do it."
"’Angel’, you ready?"
"For a night on the town with my men, MOST DEFINITELY," smiled Sarah.
The bill was paid and the group headed out on the town. The first on the list was Brendan’s Pub and it was close by so they decided to walk to it.