Part 539
"Nick, come on, this isn’t funny," Becca complained for about the tenth time in the last five minutes.
"Bec, would you lighten up? We’re almost there." Nick helped her out of the car, making sure her blindfold was still securely in place. "Okay, one step up …" He helped her up the curb and around a lamp post, shooting the driver a look for not pulling up further. The sounds of raucous music could be heard further down the block, and Nick watched as Sarah waved from the restaurant entrance, letting him know that everyone was in place.
"Nick, I’m tired, I told you I didn’t feel like going out." Becca sighed, her shoulders drooping in defeat.
"Aw baby, don’t be a party pooper." Nick winced at his own words, knowing that he had just spoiled the surprise. But then -
"Fine, but I don’t want to stay long."
Yes! Nick breathed a sigh of relief, chuckling at Becca’s next words.
"Oh my god, listen to the music. I feel like I’m in some bad movie from the 60’s."
As they stepped up to the door, Nick saw the entire group and assorted dancers and roadies all gathered at the back of the room. Since Becca was still blindfolded, he waved at them as he gave his name to the headwaiter. "Table for 2 please, ‘Carter.’" The man grinned at Nick, shaking his head at the look of disgust on Becca’s face and winked as he made a big show of taking them to ‘their’ table.
"Here you are sir, enjoy your meal." He palmed the large tip that Nick pressed into his hand and went happily back to his post by the door.
"Niiiick …" Becca whined, barely audible above the din.
"Ready Bec?"
"Yes! Please???"
"Don’t hate me," Nick mumbled under his breath. Carefully he untied her blindfold, and as her eyes adjusted to the bright lights, everyone in the room called out at once.
"SURPRISE!"
Becca gasped, jumping back against Nick. Her mouth hung open in shock as her eyes traveled from person to person, and it seemed like everyone who had ever been associated with the tour was there.
"Happy birthday baby," Nick whispered against her ear, laughing as she shivered.
"When - how-" Becca sputtered, still unable to comprehend exactly what was going on.
Nick laughed and took her in his arms. "I owed you this one, Bec. Last year we hardly celebrated at all. Things were such a mess, with Sarah and Howie and … Well, I wanted to make it up to you, that’s all."
Becca saw the sincerity and love in his eyes and nearly melted. "Nick, you didn’t have to do this," she whispered.
"Yeah I did, Bec. You mean the world to me baby, and I wanted to show you and everyone else just how much I love you."
Becca’s eyes filled with tears and they would have spilled over if Sarah hadn’t chosen that moment to interrupt.
"Nick! You made her cry! Knock it off, or I’m gonna have to hurt you." Sarah glared at him as she took Becca into a big hug.
"As if," Nick snorted, looking down at the size of her belly. "You’d have to catch me first."
"And don’t think I COULDN’T, Carter," she quipped. "Happy birthday, sis," she said softly.
"Were you in on this?" Becca said, pulling back and leveling a steely gaze at her best friend.
Sarah shrugged, laughing at the look on Becca’s face. "And what if I was?"
"Thank you," Becca sniffled, wiping away the rest of the tears that threatened to fall.
"Oh god, here we go again," Sarah laughed, rolling her eyes. "Come on, let’s get this party started!" Her arm around her best friend, she dragged her back to the tables so that everyone else could offer their best wishes as well.
An hour later the wine was flowing freely, the food seemed unending, and Becca was very … relaxed. She’d seemingly gotten over the fact that Nick and Sarah had hired a professional nanny for the evening, leaving Garrett behind at the hotel, and was currently dancing with AJ. On top of one of the tables.
When they’d first arrived, Becca had been rather mortified to see some of the patrons bumping and grinding to the loud Greek music, egged on by the serving staff. But now, well, now she seemed to have shed the last of her inhibitions and with AJ’s help, was putting on quite a show.
"Nick, aren’t you going to stop her?" Kevin asked with a grin.
"Hell no, this is better entertainment than I could have ever hoped for," Nick replied with a smirk. He chugged back the rest of his drink and laughed as he watched Becca swivel her hips suggestively.
"That’s disgusting," Sarah said, plopping into the chair next to Nick.
"When did you become such a prude?" Kevin chuckled.
"When my best friend became a drunken exhibitionist," she sniffed haughtily.
"Good grief, Sarah, get over it," Nick laughed. "Admit it, you’re enjoying this as much as *I* am."
Sarah couldn’t hold in the giggle any longer. "Hell yes, I’m enjoying it, but I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be her in the morning."
They sat back and watched Becca a little longer, freely indulging in the garlic-laced hummus, which they spread liberally on crusty bread, filling their wine glasses again and shaking their heads at Becca’s decadence. When she wrapped a fringed tablecloth around her waist like a skirt and began to loosen the buttons on her blouse, Nick decided it was well past time to calm things down.