Part 4
All day long, all Sarah could think about was Howie. She had promised herself she wouldn't date or get involved with anyone until the divorce was final but she couldn't help herself. He was so cute and so sweet.
For Howie, the day was a blur. He was late for rehearsal and the guys jumped in immediately ribbing him. He was in such a good mood though that he didn't mind.
"Howie must have gotten laid to be in such a good mood," teased AJ.
Kevin smiled knowingly and when he had the chance to talk to Howie alone, he said, "I take it you saw her this morning."
"Yeah. Her roommate left town for the week and she didn't want to come alone. Kevin, she is so unbelievable."
"So?"
"So what?"
"Are you going to ask her out?"
"Yeah, but I don't want to rush her. She's in the middle of a divorce."
"Just be careful, 'D'. I don't want to see you get hurt."
That afternoon, Howie decided to surprise Sarah and ask her out to dinner. He figured the best way to get her to say 'yes' was to ask her in front of the kids at the cent and he knew that most of them would still be there at four-thirty. He made plans to be there with a rose and the limo. He knew that taking her to dinner would mean being recognized and he didn't want to overwhelm her on the first date. Taking her to his place was out. He didn't want her to get the wrong idea and feel pressured.
As Sarah sat working on some paperwork, she heard someone walking across the gym floor. She looked at the clock on her desk...four-fifteen...parents were starting to arrive to pick up the children. No big deal but when the door to her office slammed shut, Sarah was startled. She looked up to see Russell standing in front of the closed door.
"What are you doing here?"
"Do you know what today is?"
"Yeah, like it means anything to you."
"I've come to take you home, where you belong."
The two began to argue and their voices drifted out to where the others were. Several of the staff looked at each other but were distracted by the limo pulling up in front of the center.
"OH WOW!" shouted one of the pre-teen girls. "It's Howie of the Backstreet Boys!"
The crowd moved to the front of the center and surrounded Howie as he made his way into the gym.
Emily, the little girl from the morning, was near the front and he spotted her. Howie bent down and picked her up. "Hey, where's Sarah?"
"She's in her office. Are you here to take her out?"
"Sure am and I need all of your help. See, I just met her Friday and I REALLY like her but I don't think she's going to say 'yes' if I ask her out. So, what I need you guys to do is stand behind me while I ask her."
Several of the older girls giggled and Elizabeth said, "Oh, I don't think you'll have too much trouble. She asked us to play some of your songs today and asked when you were singing."
Howie smiled, "Really?"
"Yeah," they all chorused.
"Well, sounds like you guys have already been at work on my behalf. I'll have to do something special for all of you."
Rachel said, "Howie, there's someone in her office with her right now."
"And it doesn't sound pleasant," added Jeff.
Howie looked towards the office and saw Sarah. It was obvious that she was upset by the man with her and he asked, "Who is that?"
They all shook their head that they didn't know.
Howie was focused on the two as he set Emily down. He headed straight for the office motioning for Raoul, his bodyguard, to follow him. Howie could tell the man was about Kevin's height and he didn't want to take any chances.
As he opened the door, Howie heard Russell say, "He needs a mother."
Sarah didn't see Howie in the door as she said, "He HAS a mother who tried to kill me and DID kill our daughter."
Sarah was in tears and Howie realized that the man was her ex-husband. Most guys would have turned and left hearing that but it only made Howie want to protect her. He spoke up, "Sarah, is everything okay?"
Russell spun around to see Howie and Raoul standing in the door. "Who the hell are you?"
Sarah was surprised to see Howie and relieved at the same time. She realized that the man with him had to be his bodyguard. She said, "Russell, this is Howie Dorough. Howie, this is Russell...."
"Her husband," he added.
Sarah glared at him, "Ex!"
"The divorce isn't final."
"It will be soon enough. We're legally separated and I don't owe you anything."
"So you've hopped into bed with another man. That didn't take long."
"Please leave," cried Sarah through the tears.
Raoul moved towards Russell when it became obvious that he wasn't going to leave and Howie said, "She asked you to leave."
Russell left the office slamming the door behind him. Sarah cringed at the slamming door and then collapsed in her chair crying. Howie quickly moved to her and knelt beside her, "Are you okay?"
Sarah wiped the tears and looked at Howie, "Boy, I bet you wish you hadn't said you wanted to see me again?"
Howie laughed softly, "Actually, I'm glad I did and that I decided to surprise you today."
"Surprise me. It looks like you're the one who got surprised. I'm glad you came in when you did. I don't think Russell would have left voluntarily."
"How much longer before the divorce is final?"
"A couple months. Howie, I'm sorry. I only gave you the highlights of my marriage. I never imagined you'd ever find out. I'll understand if you would rather not get involved."
"Why don't you let me decide whether I want to get involved? I came to ask you out to dinner but I expect you don't want to go out now."
"Not really."
"How about we go get my car and I'll take you home. We can order a pizza or something and talk."
"What about my car?"
Howie thought for a minute and then said, "We can take it. I'll just get Raoul to bring me my car at your place."
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Positive. Can we leave now?"
"Yeah, I can let Rachel lock up."
"Let's go then."
Howie stood and offered his hand to Sarah. She took it gratefully and as they started out of the office, Sarah said, "Howie, I just want you to know..."
"No need to say anything. He was hurt and jealous."
Sarah looked at Howie as they continued out thinking to herself, 'This man is so different.'
Out in the gym, Sarah gave Rachel the keys to the youth center. "Lock up for me, please."
"Sure."
"Just drop them off at my place."
Howie asked, "Rachel, would you mind opening up too in the morning?"
Rachel grinned. "Be MORE than glad to. You two have fun."
Sarah blushed and Howie put his hand on the small of her back to lead her out. As they walked out, Sarah handed him her keys.
Howie said, "How would you like a walk on the beach?"
"In the middle of Orlando?"
"No. I thought we could head out to my place. It's quiet, out of the way, and on the beach. We could walk along the beach and I'll fix you dinner. Nothing has to happen."
"Sounds wonderful."