Part 72

Becca said her good-byes to everyone on the bus before Billy whisked her away to the waiting limo. She would be staying at Nick’s place and Sarah promised to stop by after lunch to spend the afternoon with her. The others made their way into the hotel where management had already registered them, got their keys, and headed upstairs to get some sleep.

On the elevator, Sarah leaned on Howie looking extremely tired. Howie was worried about her. For the first time in their relationship, he knew she was pissed at him and he was afraid to face her. And from the looks that Kevin and Nick were giving him, he knew they were concerned too.

Getting off the elevator, Kevin grabbed Howie’s arm to stop him. "Baby, I need to talk to ‘D’ for a minute."

Sarah shrugged her shoulders, took the key from Howie and headed to their room with Raoul. Howie watched her and then turned to Kevin. "What’s up?’

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Sarah looks really…I don’t know, depressed. Is everything okay?"

"I don’t know, Kev."

"What happened after the show…when Sarah came back?"

Howie sighed, "Sarah jumped on Becca for what she did before the show. Kevin, Becca had a right to say some of those things but I’m worried how Sarah is dealing with them."

Looking around, Kevin said, "Let’s go to my room and talk, D. We don’t need to draw a crowd."

Howie shook his head, "I need to go to the room."

Nick had been listening and he said, "I’ll go check on Sarah for you, D."

Gratefully, Howie accepted Nick’s offer and handed him his bag. Then he followed Kevin to his room where he collapsed on the bed.

Kevin looked at Howie. "D, what’s going on?"

"Becca threw SO much at Sarah in front of everyone. It embarrassed Sarah more than anything else because she knew what Becca was saying was the truth. That’s NOT what bothers her. It’s the fact that Becca did it in front of everyone and I didn’t stop it. Kevin, Sarah walked out on our show. She’s NEVER done that before."

Kevin sat down beside Howie. "Tell me something. Did you know what Becca was gonna say? Did you know she was gonna throw out all those things?"

Howie shook his head, "No."

"You couldn’t do anything then. Once they were out, it was pointless to stop them. You can’t protect Sarah from everything, Howie. She’s strong and she’s learned to deal with tough situations. She’ll be okay."

Howie thought about Kevin’s words. "Guess I’d better go face the music."

Kevin laughed, "I take it she was upset with you for not stopping Becca."

"To say the least."

"You’ll be fine, D. Sarah loves you."

*****************

 

 

Nick knocked softly and pushed the door open. "Sarah?"

Coming from the bathroom, Sarah answered, "I’m right here, Nick."

Nick saw the tears as he moved to her, dropping Howie’s bag on the table. He took Sarah in his arms, "Are you okay?"

"God, Nick!" cried Sarah as she melted into his arms. "I’ve NEVER been so embarrassed in all my life and Howie just let it happen. He wouldn’t even let you stop it."

Nick felt her tears on his chest as he held her. "Come on, let’s sit down," he said as he led her to the couch. Sarah didn’t hold stuff in often, like never, but when she did, it seemed like it was Nick who could get her to open up. "Sarah, it’s gonna be okay. Becca was really sorry for what she did."

"I know, Nick, but she embarrassed me. How do I face all those people? And Howie? God…he didn’t stop her! He didn’t protect me!"

"Sarah, Howie loves you but there’s nothing he could have done. The damage was already done and to try to stop it would have only made matters worse. Things between you and Becca are resolved and you’re still best friends."

The conversation was dropped but Nick continued to hold Sarah as she continued to cry. She eventually cried herself to sleep.

Howie entered the room quietly since he didn’t hear any noise to find the two on the couch. Nick looked up and put his fingers on his lips to tell Howie to be quiet.

Softly, Howie asked, "Is she asleep?" Nick nodded his head ‘yes’ and Howie said, "I’ll get her to bed."

Howie took Sarah in his arms lifting her easily and then carried her to their room. Nick waited patiently for Howie to return and when he did, Nick said, "She’s upset, D."

"Cuz I didn’t stop Becca?"

"Yeah. Look, Becca was wrong….."

"Let it drop, Nick. She and Sarah are cool with things now and I’ll take care of my problems with Sarah. Thanks for being here with her. I’ll see you in the morning."

Nick started to leave and he looked back at Howie. Howie looked tired as he started for the bedroom. Nick said, "D, have faith."

Howie smiled, "Thanks man. See you later."

Part 73        The Dance Index