Part 548
"I need to call Tom back before Sarah comes back."
"Why?" asked Nick plopping into the chair.
"To tell him to go ahead and pay the bill."
"Why? If you DON’T pay the bill, she can’t do whatever it is she’s planning," argued Nick. "I for one am not crazy about being on the receiving end of Sarah’s practical jokes, especially on stage. Look at the bill…she’s ordered 500 cans of silly string. That’s enough for everyone to have at least three cans."
"At least. I’m not gonna ruin her fun, Nick. Besides, I want to know exactly what she has planned," grinned Howie.
"And WHY!" added Brian.
AJ chuckled, "Oh, I can tell you WHY."
The other four looked at him. "Well, enlighten us," prodded Brian.
"Remember the soaking we gave her the first show after my vacation? She promised to get even. Well, Vegas is the last show and so far, she hasn’t done anything."
"Sarah’s forgotten that by now," said Nick nonchalantly.
"That’s what YOU think," said Kevin. "That woman vowed revenge and she’s NOT going to forget it. Howie, I’d say YOU are the one she’s gonna hit the hardest…then AJ."
"And we’re gonna let her embarrass us onstage?" questioned Nick. Shaking his head, "Y’all are unbelievable. You can stop her but you aren’t going to even try."
"Fun is fun, Nick. We soaked her, now it’s her turn," said AJ. "She’s not gonna do anything to mess up the show or hurt one of us."
The door opened suddenly startling the guys but looking up, they saw that Sarah was so zoned out, she didn’t even see them. They watched her making her way across the room towards the bedroom and Kevin nudged Howie to move.
Jumping up, Howie stepped into her path. "’Angel’, are you okay?"
"Huh…oh, yeah, I’m fine."
"Baby, what has you so distracted?"
"Umm…nothing…songs…just thinking. Some ideas came to me while I was talking to Becca."
They could all tell she was lying and stifled their giggles so they wouldn’t tip her off that they knew more about her plans.
Reaching to brush her hair back, Howie softly apologized, "’Angel’, I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean to doubt you."
God, why did he do this to her? A flood of guilt swept over her and she began to cry. Pushing past him, she hurried into the bedroom slamming the door behind her.
Howie shook his head. "Guys, I can’t ruin her fun."
"What are you gonna do?" asked Kevin. "She’s upset because she can’t stand lying to you."
"I know. I’ll take care of it. What are y’all gonna do?"
"Becca and I are headed out to get some fresh air. We’ll see you guys at sound checks."
"Thought I might find a driving range. Dad and Harold are gonna be here later."
"I’m gonna hang out here and maybe write some. I had some ideas for ‘Tigger’."
"I’ve got some things to do for JWR. If you need us, just holler."
"Thanks guys, but I think I’ve got things under control," said Howie following his wife into the bedroom. He found Sarah curled up on the bed tears rolling down her cheeks. He shook his head and went to join her. Taking her in his arms, he held her against him. "Shh, there’s no need to be upset, ‘Angel’. I’m not mad at you."
"But I lied to you, Howie," she whimpered.
"Drop it, okay. I know you did and it’s not a big deal. Tell you what…you can explain it to me on our way to New York, if you still feel the need."
"You mean after the Vegas show?"
"Yeah…after the Vegas show."
Nothing more had to be said. They both knew the score. It was one more reason why Sarah loved him so much.
Nestling into his embrace, she said, "I’m hungry."
"It’s almost lunchtime. What do you want to do?"
"Stay right here in your arms."
"I’ll order room service."
Howie got up to order for the two of them and they spent the rest of the morning together in the room. The subject of Vegas wasn’t brought up any more. In fact, they really didn’t talk that much just simply held each other and enjoyed the comfort of being together.