Chp 12
Staci picked her dress up from the floor of Kevin's hotel room and silently slipped it on, her back turned to Kevin who was only wearing a bathrobe. She ran her hand through her dark locks and sighed loudly.
"Kevin," she breathed at the same time Kevin had said her name. They both laughed nervously.
"You go first," insisted Kevin as he took a seat next to her.
"Well…I had a great time last night. It's something I'll never forget for sure."
"I know. The guys were great for doing that for us."
"*sigh* I wasn't talking about the party, Kevin. I was talking about us."
"Oh." He lowered his eyes to the ground and remained silent.
"I just want you to know that I'm not just one of those women who sleeps with every guy she meets. I'm not one for casual sex. I don't give so much of myself to just anyone. Although it's always been my fantasy to, you know, with you, I've realized that without special feelings behind it, it's really nothing. I'm not saying that I regret sleeping with you. It was really great. I wouldn't take it back, but I think we should just stop here. Before it turns into something that it's not supposed to be."
Kevin didn't respond. Staci picked up her heels and her jacket and started walking towards the door. "Bye, Kevin. See you later." She opened it and was about to step outside.
"Staci, wait." Kevin gently pulled her back in by her arm and closed the door before she had a chance to escape. He held her by her arms firmly yet tenderly and looked her in the eye. "I understand what you're saying. I'm not that kind of a person either. When I first saw you, I felt something. At first, it was lust and physical attraction. But as I got to know you better, I became quite fond of who you were. I mean, you're still a beautiful woman and I'm still physically attracted to you very much, but it's come to something more. Last night wasn't just for kicks. Maybe it started out that way, but when I held you in my arms, I sensed a connection. I'm not saying we should just jump right into a serious relationship. We could take it slow. I care about you, Staci. I want it to work."
"Kevin, I don't know what to say. I feel the same way you do, but it will be hard with you always away."
"I know it will be hard. But look at Brian and Jen. If what we have is as real as what they have, then nothing would be able to stop us. I don't want to just let you go and live the rest of my life as a mystery wondering if I had made a mistake. Please, Staci. All I'm asking for is a chance."
She stared deeply into his bright green eyes and saw the sincerity and pleading within them. How could she say no? This was what she had always wanted, wasn't it? "Kevin, I can't guarantee anything will happen with this. But I'm willing to find out how far it does get."
"That's all I ask of you."
"Then ask no more because the answer is yes."
He smiled widely and kissed her lightly on her lips. She deepened the kiss and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, while slowly pushing him towards the bed.
"Uhhh, Staci? Not that I'm not enjoying this, but aren't you hungry?" he muttered still lip-locked.
"Only for you, tiger," she breathed and continued kissing him.
"I mean for breakfast. I thought we were going to take it slow."
"Slow shmow. Now that I know you really care about me and I care about you, why don't we consummate our courtship. It'll be much sweeter the second time around," she stated seductively.
"I'd love to, but I'm spent. You roughed me up good last night," he laughed.
"That was nothing! Prepare yourself for nail digging, hair pulling, too much for screaming, pleasantly unbearable, action packed adventures later on."
"Oooh, baby, I like the way you think."
"Last night was only a preview of what's to come."
"I'd love to stay for the featured attraction, but pancakes smothered in butter pecan syrup are calling my name." He threw on a pair of sweat pants, a T-shirt, and sneakers, and headed out. "You coming?"
"Yeah, let me just take a quick shower and change into something more appropriate for the occasion. Tell the others I'll be down in a minute."
"Alright." Kevin went downstairs to the lobby while Staci hurried off to her own room. Nick, Brian, Jen, and Elena were already there, just lounging about and talking.
"Hey, Kev! Have fun last night?" greeted Brian with a smirk on his face.
"Yeah, I did. Thanks for the party."
"I'm not talking about the party, dumbass! I saw Staci go into your room with you last night. So…?"
"So what?"
"So what happened?!"
Jen slapped his arm. "It's none of our business! He doesn't have to explain anything!"
"Thank you, Jen."
"Anytime, future cuz."
"Jen, you never let me have any fun!" Brian pouted.
"Someone's gotta watch out for you! You're a little devil, you know that?"
"Yes, but I'm a cute little devil," he smiled that famous cheesy grin of his.
"Don't flatter yourself."
Staci walked in wearing jeans and a sweater with her wet hair in a ponytail. 'Damn, she's just as beautiful covered up in casual clothes,' thought Kevin.
She smiled brightly at him. "I have arrived! Now you all may go on with your lives!"
"Thank you for your permission, oh great one," remarked Elena sarcastically.
"My wish is your command!" She looked around and noticed that only three Boys were present. It was easy to know who was missing. The others all had natural shades of hair. "Where's my favorite freak?"
"I don't know. Probably still asleep. Had a little too much…" Nick did an impression of taking a shot. "But it's nearly eleven. We should rudely disturb his slumber. I'll be happy to scream in his ear!"
"No, I'll get him," volunteered Kevin. "He needs to hear in order to sing. Besides, I have to talk to him."
"I'll go with you," stated Staci.
They slowly made their way back up to the fifth floor.
"What are you going to talk to him about?" asked Staci.
"I think there's something going on between him and Elena."
"More like not going on between him and Elena."
"He told you?"
"No. I knew right from the beginning. He was so upset last night when Elena went with Nathan. I felt so bad for him."
"I knew he was acting kind of weird last night. While we're on the subject, what do you think of Nathan?"
"I don't know. He seems like a nice guy. Perfect. Maybe a little too perfect. I think she'd be better off with AJ. And I'm not just saying that because AJ's my friend. There's something strange about Nathan. Maybe it's just me. But I don't know. I don't know why I don't like him as much as I should. What do you think of him?"
"I don't really know him well enough to say anything. I've only seen him from a distance, but he seems like a nice guy. Very happy, always smiling, and always up for conversation. I can't say I like him. But I can't say I don't like him. Anyway, it's really up to Elena."
"I know, but I'm getting really frustrated with her. Why won't she give AJ a chance? She's known him more and can definitely trust him much more than Nathan. How can she not see that he likes her? The woman's blind."
"Maybe she just doesn't want to see it."
"That's sad. I wouldn't know how to tell him that. He's already had his heart yanked out of his chest. All he needs now is to have it flung on the floor and stomped on. I wish I could help him."
"Me, too. I've tried to talk to him before, but he refuses to open up. I'm afraid of what will happen, after last time…"
"Are saying it was his fault?"
"No, I'm not saying that at all! It's just that Howie and AJ had an argument, I'm not exactly sure on what but I think Elena may have played a small part, a few days before it happened. They never had a chance to apologize to each other and AJ's blamed himself ever since. I don't want things to remain unresolved. I don't want anything like that to ever happen again. I can't go through the trauma again. It was excruciatingly painful enough losing Howie, I can't lose AJ, or the others, or you, or Elena, or anyone so close to me again. We agreed a long time ago, when we started this group, that if any one of us had a problem, we'd talk it out. It's always worked until a couple of years ago. All of a sudden, AJ closed himself up and we can't get through to him. I'm not letting that happen anymore. If I have to crack his head open to see what's on his mind, then that's what I'm going to do."
"Damn, Kevin. You take your role as father of the group really seriously, don't you."
"What can I say, I'm really a sixty-year-old trapped inside a thirty-one-year-old's body."
They arrived at AJ's room and softly knocked on his door. No answer.
"Hello? AJ? Are you awake?" asked Kevin.
"Does he mind if I call him Alex?"
"Why would you call him Alex?"
"I don't know. Now that I'm with you, I feel more mature and responsible. As the new 'mother' of the group, I feel compelled to act like one."
"But Denise is the mother of the group."
"Not anymore. She can be the grandmother of the group."
Kevin stifled back a laugh. "Just don't tell her. I don't think she'd appreciate being called 'grandma.' "
"I won't say a word." Kevin continued knocking, but there was still no answer. "Here, let me try. *knock knock* Alex, this is Staci. Open the door, please…Please?"
Silence.
"Are you sure he's in here?"
"Where else could he be?" Kevin turned the knob and found it to be unlocked. "That's funny. AJ hardly ever leaves the door open. He's afraid we'll accidentally walk in on him having sex and be scarred for life."
Staci laughed a little but her face turned serious again. "Kevin, I'm scared."
"Don't be. There's nothing to be scared of. He's just deeply asleep, you'll see. Everything's perfectly fi---"
His statement was cut short when he opened the door, as his breath got caught in his throat. He gasped, horrified at the scene before him. Staci was frozen as well.
AJ was sprawled out on his bed. His arm and head was hanging limply off the side right above a bottle of Tylenol that had been dropped on the floor. The pills were scattered around. A couple he still clutched in his hand.
"Oh my God…"
Staci was about to scream when she noticed movement from his hand. Then a groan. Then his whole body just rolled off the bed and landed with a loud thump on the floor. He didn't move.
Kevin and Staci inched closer to him. "AJ?" He still didn't budge. They were growing fearful again. "AJ?" Kevin bent down to try to touch him. That's when his eyes snapped open and he jumped into a sitting position against his bed. Surprised, Kevin gasped and fell back on his ass while Staci shrieked. Her screech scared the shit out of AJ and made him scream. Both of them were screaming at the top of their lungs until Kevin told them both to shut the hell up.
"The whole damn hotel must have heard you two!"
"Alex!" Staci ran to him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad that you're ok!"
AJ looked at her strangely. "Since when do you call me Alex? What the hell are you doing here? What the fuck is going on?!"
"That's what we'd like to know!" exclaimed Kevin.
"What?!"
"Can you explain that bottle right there beside your bed?"
"What bottle?"
"The one you're sitting on!"
"Oh! I knew the floor was a little lumpy!" AJ clumsily stood up and plopped onto his bed. "Man, am I dizzy!" He picked up the empty bottle. "It's Tylenol."
"Yeah I know it's Tylenol! What I want to know is what were you doing with it?!"
"What the hell else do you do with Tylenol?! I had a major headache last night from the liquor and took a few!"
"Well why was it on the floor and why didn't you answer your door?!"
"I don't know! I must have hit it off the nightstand while I tossed in my sleep and I didn't hear anyone at my door! I'm a very heavy sleeper after four shots of vodka! Chill out!"
"Well I'm sorry! You scared the shit out of me! Never do that to me again! I don't think I'll survive my next heart attack!"
"What, do you actually think I have enough guts to kill myself?"
"I don't know, AJ. You've been acting strange lately. I don't know what to expect anymore."
"To ease your worry, I'm not going to commit suicide. I can't and I won't. Are you satisfied?"
"Not really, but I'll take your word. But I'm going to keep an extra close watch on you from now on."
AJ stood up angrily. "Like hell you are!"
Staci ran in between them before they got into an all out brawl. "Guys, guys, guys! The both of you just calm down! We can discuss this like adults, peacefully!"
AJ reluctantly sat back down on his bed while Kevin seated himself on a chair beside the balcony. Staci sat next to AJ and put her arm around him.
"Alex, we're really worried about you. We need to talk this out."
"What are you talking about?! And why do you insist on calling me Alex?!"
"We're talking about your situation with Elena."
"I don't have a situation with Elena."
"Exactly and that's what we need to talk about. Both Kevin and I know you like her and obviously, Nathan is a thorn in your side."
"No. Nathan's cool. I like him."
"Yeah, you like him as much as I like a nail embedded in my foot!" remarked Kevin.
"Alex, don't lie. We know."
"Will you stop calling me Alex! And you know nothing!"
"Yes we do."
"No you don't."
"We're not stupid, AJ. Yes we do."
He looked at Kevin then at Staci then back to Kevin. They had serious faces. This wasn't a joke. AJ could feel his blood pressure rising.
"Ok fine! I hate the little fucker! I wish he'd just fall off the face of the earth! Are you happy now?! Look, you got me all worked up!" He crossed his arms and scowled.
"It's ok, Alex. Just let it all out. Release all those emotions and feelings you have deep inside."
"Kevin, you're chick's scaring me."
Kevin just waved his hand and shrugged. "Don't worry about it. She's just going through a phase. Hopefully."
"Ok. Now tell me your problems."
"You know my problems."
"I have a general idea, but I want a detailed account. Are you feeling sad, angry, frustrated, nervous, suicidal, homicidal? Why haven't you told her before about this? Why haven't you told anybody about this and why won't you talk about it?"
AJ rolled his eyes. "If I can't even kill myself, you think I'd be able to take another life?!"
"Just answer the damn questions!"
"Fine! I feel everything above except the last two! I didn't say anything because there would be no point!"
"Why not? You never know."
"Well I certainly couldn't tell her when I first started feeling this way because she was with Howie. Then we lost touch. And now she's with Nathan."
"She's not with Nathan!"
"But she's gonna be!"
"How do you know?"
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out! One, he's very near if not the same age as her and very successful. Two, they have a hell of a lot more in common with each other then I do with her and they live in the same city. And three, they've already decided that they like each other! It's best if I don't get involved. He can give her everything I can't. A stable relationship. He can be there for her when I'm off on tour or whatever."
"Why won't you talk to anyone about this?"
"Because I don't want to drag everyone else into this soap opera I call my life. I'm not worth it."
"Don't say that. Of course you're worth it. We care about you. We want to help you."
"Thanks, but you can't do anything about this. It's beyond our control. I'll just have to let fate take its course. Even if the path it has chosen sucks."
"I'm sure everything will work out in a matter of time. You two were meant for each other. All we have left is hope."
AJ gave her a crooked smile. "Whatever. Do you guys mind leaving? I kind of gotta take a cold shower to sober up and meet people down at the lobby for breakfast. Get out."
"Ok, fine. Did we help at all?"
"Yes you did. Thanks." They all stood up and AJ pushed them out the door. "Now shoo. Go away. I'll see you soon enough." He shut the door behind them. Then he shook his head laughing. "Great, now we have the anal couple." He grabbed his towels and went into the bathroom.
"I think that little talk helped a bit, don't you? At least we got him to smile," Staci told Kevin proudly.
"Maybe. But that's only the beginning. We're going to have to deal with so much more. Nick's bound to pull some pranks."
"Nick I can handle. This is fun. I like being serious and mature."
"Not for long. These guys are terrible," Kevin laughed. "You don't know the half of it."
"Maybe not." She wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled up at him. "But I'm going to be sticking around long enough to find out."
Chp 13
Chp11
