Well, they've been asleep for five hours, Kevin should probably be waking up soon, Misty thought as she tiptoed through the hallway. She decided to talk to Howie, but wanted to do it in person, to have an excuse to avoid Kevin. She went to Brian's room and woke him up to let him know where she was going.

"Huh? What? What's going on?" Misty laughed as Brian jumped out of bed. She knew he overreacted whenever someone woke him up.

"Nothing's wrong, B. I just want to go to D's and was wondering if I could borrow your car, seeing how I don't have one here."

"Just call him," Brian rolled over holding on to his pillow.

"I did. I told him I was coming over."

"Let him pick you up," he groaned, rather whined, keeping his eyes shut.

"Well, I don't want to wait around because Kevin may wake up."

"You're gonna have to talk to him sooner or later."

"Brian! Pleeeeeease!"

He hated it when she did that. "Oh, all right, the keys are beside the door."

"Thanks B-rok, you're the greatest!" she rushed out of the room, but was still very quite so she wouldn't wake up Kevin.

On the way over she was trying to come up with what to say to Howie. She hadn't actually called him, she just used that as an excuse.

She knocked on the door and rang the doorbell. It took forever for him to answer. She knew she woke him up the minute she saw him. He was wearing only boxers... this was her first clue.

"Oh, hi Mis, what's up? Come on in. Just a sec while I go put some clothes on." She could tell he was half asleep. He scooted his feet across the floor as he made his way to the stairs, practically pulling himself up them but the railing. Ordinarily he would have been extremely embarrassed to have opened the door without covering up.

Misty walked on in to the living room and sat on the couch. A few minutes later, he showed up in a T-shirt and jeans, looking a little more awake.

"I'm sorry I woke you up. I can't seem to do anything right these days." She started playing with the hem on her shirt.

"Now why do you say that?" he said, sitting down beside her.

"Well, I woke you up and its my fault you didn't get to sleep last night. I'm really sorry about that. Are you mad at me?"

"Mad? Why would I be? I was just worried. I should apologize to you for telling Kevin and Brian where you were. I feel like I stuck my nose in your private life or something."

"Now that's just silly. I meant to leave them a note, but AJ got there early and I just forgot. If they didn't know where I was then they'd be REALLY worried."

"So, I assume everything's okay in the Kentucky house?" They both laughed at his slight attempt at humor.

"Well, I've still not talked to Kev. Brian's fine, but I'm avoiding Kevin."

"Well, if it helps, he won't yell at you or anything. He'll just keep conversation to a minimum until he cools off."

"I just don't want everyone thinking I'm a whore or something. I didn't sleep with him and I'm afraid people will assume..."

"Relax," Howie smiled and pulled her into a big hug. "Anyone that knows you also knows that you're not a whore. You are a very beautiful and sweet girl that just wants everyone to be happy."

"You really think so?" Misty began to pull away from the hug when their eyes met.

"Yes, I..." Howie put his hand against her cheek and leaned to kiss her.

This kiss was better than anything she had experienced. Before now she hadn't been incredibly attracted to him, but that was quickly changing. He softly kissed down the side of her neck and back up to meet her mouth as he ran his fingers through her long red hair. Her breath was becoming heavier as was his. They had their arms completely around each other. Misty began to lean back on the couch, pulling Howie on top of her. His kisses were becoming hotter and deeper. He pulled away briefly, saying between kisses, "We should stop this."

Misty whispered, "No Howie, I don't want to stop."

He looked at her. "Are you sure, because we just met a few..." She cut him off with a kiss. "Howie, I'm sure."

He couldn't believe what was happening. He had only dreamt about her until two weeks ago. He was so sure that AJ was going to win her over. What had changed her mind? Why did she suddenly seem more attracted to him? He took her hand and lead her to his bedroom.

Misty couldn't believe what she was doing. It was as if another person had taken over. She never really like Howie like this until now. She couldn't explain it.

Once they reached the bedroom, Howie began kissing her again, but paused and looked at her. "Misty, are you sure?" She only nodded her head as she reached and pulled his shirt over his head. They slowly made their way across the room and Howie laid her back on the bed. He still couldn't believe it. There she was, on his bed, wanting him. He slowly lifted her shirt up, kissing her stomach. He inched her shirt farther up with every kiss until she leaned up, allowing him to take it over her head. He made his way back down her neck, kissing her shoulders as he slid her bra strap over her shoulder. Just as he's about to remove her bra, the phone rings, but he ignores it.

"Howie." Misty said.

"Shhhh," he whispered bringing his hand to her breast. "The machine will get it."

They heard the machine beep, followed by Kevin's voice.

"Hey D, it's Kevin. I was just wondering if Misty was there. Brian said that she..."

"Hello? Kevin?" Howie knew better than to have a repeat of the night before. "Yeah, hold on." Howie covered up the phone. "He wants to talk to you."

"I swear that boy has radar." Misty sunk her head into the pillow, reluctantly placing the phone to her ear. "No, we had the music up and couldn't hear the phone," it was the first excuse she could think of. Howie began teasing her, rolling his tongue over her stomach and up her chest, pausing to kiss her through her bra. Misty was breathing heavy and trying not to release a sigh while she was on the phone. Finally she hung up.

"Will you stop!" She yelled, tackling him. They were both laughing. She was now on top of him, straddling his hips. She began to rub her hands down his chest.

"What was that about?" Howie asked.

"He just wanted to let me know that he wasn't mad and that I could quit avoiding him. I told him I was still fixing things here and it may be awhile before I came home." She smiled, bending down to place kisses all over him.

"And he said..." he knew all the talk was getting to her.

She raised back up. "He said fine, now come here!" Misty bent down and kissed him with more passion than he'd ever known. He rolled her over and helped her out of the rest of her clothes. Finally he unhooked her bra and tossed it to the floor. He kissed her over her shoulders and slowly, very slowly, placed kisses down her chest, finally taking a nipple in his mouth, making her moan with pleasure. She had her fingers all in his hair, pressing his head closer to her. She knew at this point that she had waited too long to tell him, but she had to. She pulled his face up to kiss him again.

"Howie, I need to tell you something."

"What," he mumbled between kisses as his hands roamed her body.

"I've never... well... uh..."

Immediately the kisses stopped. "What? But I thought..."

"No Howie, I still want you. I just wanted you to know because..."

Hearing her say that she wanted him erased whatever doubts he had about taking her virginity. "I'll be as easy as I can."

Misty just smiled up at him as she unbuttoned his jeans and began to slip them down, off of him, taking the boxers with them. Now they were both entirely naked, exploring each others bodies.

Howie kissed her as he slid his hand down between them, and slid a finger into her, and soon after, another one. Misty gasped and tensed up, but soon relaxed, enjoying his every movement.

"Gosh, you're tight. I promise I'll try to be easy." He said positioning himself between her legs.

She felt like she was going to be ripped into bits as he slowly slid into her. He saw that she was in pain and stopped. "I won't move until you tell me to."

"Keep going," Misty clenched her teeth and raised her legs about his waist, guiding him farther in. She knew when he was fully in. It still hurt, but she soon adjusted to the pain.

"You okay?" he asked before moving. She didn't answer. She just reached up and kissed him. He continued to rock into her as she raised her hips, meeting each thrust.

She couldn't believe this was happening. Did she even really like him? Or was this just her way of secretly getting back and Brian and Kevin for making her feel like such a child. She had refused sex with AJ, whom she had lusted after for years, only to have sex with his best friend the next day. What was she doing?

It was now almost 10 PM. Misty knew she needed to go home. Brian probably wanted his car back. Just then, she heard someone downstairs. She knew Howie lived alone so she got scared and woke him up.

"What is it baby," he mumbled half asleep.

"Howie, wake up!" She rolled him over shaking his shoulders. "There's someone downstairs."

"It's probably Nick. I told him he could move in, he has a key."

"Well, don't you think you should head him off before he catches us?"

Before he could answer a voice called to them from downstairs. "Hey, D, Mis, you guys up there. I saw my car and had Nick swing by so I could just ride back with ya. Mis? D?"

"Shit, it's Brian!" Misty whispered as Howie shot out of bed and put his clothes back on. Misty did the same.

"Damn, like this is not obvious." Howie said has he looked in the mirror and then headed downstairs to answer Brian. His hair was all messed up, a rare occasion. Misty quickly followed him, looking just as bad.

"Hey, D--I just brought B-rok by to, damn you look rough, what's up?" Nick was very blunt sometimes. His attention turned to Misty as she came down the stairs. "Hey Mis! Um, did we interrupt something?"

Brian walked back into the room, he had decided to raid the fridge while he was there. "Hey guys, didn't you hear m--DAMN, what's up with you two? You look like hell!"

"We were just..." Howie looked at Misty.

"Talking and then Howie started picking on me and we got into a massive pillow fight." Gosh she was becoming a good liar.

"Uh-huh, so explain the smeared make-up," Nick was grinning, knowing they were caught.

"Okay, funny boy, I got tickled and I ended up laughing so hard that I cried."

"Yeah, and she almost peed her pants." Howie burst into laughter at his little extra tidbit to the story. Misty gave him an evil glare and he stopped.

"Well, were you ready, cause I can just get Nick to..."

"No, I'm ready. Sorry I kept your car so long."

"It's okay. You really need to get one for yourself down here."

"Yeah, I know. It just depends on how long I plan on staying here." She smiled at Howie.

"Well, let's get going. Oh, D, one more thing. We're all meeting at my place tomorrow at one to work on songs. Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah, that's fine. I'll be there. Here. I'll walk you out."

They all walked out outside. Howie didn't dare kiss her in front of Brian, at least not yet. He stood and waved as Brian drove off.

"You did, didn't you?" Nick asked standing behind Howie.

"Did what?" His voice squeaked slightly in his nervousness.

"Sleep with her."

"Nick... that's..."

"I know, none of my business. If you did, be prepared to fight for her 'cause AJ's falling hard for her."

Howie sighed, ignoring Nick and walked back in the house. Deep down he knew Nick was right.

Misty was in the kitchen making sandwiches when Kevin walked in.

"Have fun at D's?" he asked grabbing some orange juice from the fridge.

"I guess," she mumbled never taking her eyes off of what she was doing.

"Mis, can we talk?"

"Um, well, I was going to fix y'all some..."

"That can wait. Come sit."

Misty followed him to the kitchen table and sat down. She felt herself getting more nervous with each second.

"Misty, I know you're a grown woman, but I still feel like I need to look out for you. You know that I really care about you, right?"

She just starred at him for a second then turned away. "I guess so," she mumbled.

"Well, I do. I just don't want you getting hurt. AJ may really like you and if he does, that's great, but keep your guard up."

"I will. He tried to, well, you know, and I wouldn't. He seemed cool about it."

"I'm glad, not that he tried, but that you were up front with him. I'm glad you remembered how we were raised." She couldn't look him in the eye. "And one more thing. I know it's really none of my business, and I really shouldn't tell you this, but..."

"But what?" Misty glared into Kevin's eyes as he sighed.

"If you like AJ, tell Howie. He gets hurt easy, and, well, he's the reason you're here." Kevin knew that Howie and Brian would both kill him when they found out he told her.

"What? Huh? I'm confused."

"Howie has been so lonely. After our last show, he said that he had decided to start dating more. He said that he had a girl in mind, but it would be impossible to find her because they met in a meet and greet session. Misty, you were that girl. He couldn't keep his mind off you."

"So that's why he picked me up from the airport..." Her voice trailed off, seeing how everything made sense.

"Yep, and he was nervous as hell," Kevin chuckled under his breath. "We were here the entire time. We wanted you two to get to know each other."

"I'm going to kill all three of you!" Misty laughed and hit him in the face with a hand towel. "That was sweet, though." Her smile quickly faded. "Now what the hell am I gonna do?" She looked at Kevin hoping for some words of wisdom.

"Hey Kev, Mis, AJ's here" Brian yelled from the living room as the doorbell rang.

"Shit," she mumbled under her breath.

"I don't know, Mis, I wouldn't want to be you today. It's your decision. But I will say this, it's none of my business and I don't want to know what, if anything, happened with you and D last night. But Nick said it didn't look like the pillow fight you said it was, but that's Nick. If anything is there, make sure your heart's in it and then talk to AJ."

Misty just sat there as Kevin excused himself to go get changed. He was still wearing what he slept in. The doorbell rang again as AJ walked into the kitchen.

"Hey baby," AJ said as she stood to greet him. "How's my favorite Kentucky girl?"

"Not so good. Listen, I need to talk to you, but not here."

"Sounds bad, are you okay?" AJ brushed his hand across her check. She loved his soft touch.

"Yeah, I just have something on my mind."

"Okay baby. After this song writing hoopla we'll go out or something, okay?" He bent to kiss her. They hadn't heard Howie walk in or Kevin from the other side of the kitchen. Kevin cleared his throat as Howie walked out and Misty and AJ broke the kiss.

"I'm going to fix lunch." Misty turned from AJ.

"Okay, babe. I'll see you in a bit." AJ looked at Kevin, gave Misty a hug from behind, kissing her cheek, then went to the living room with the others.

"Thanks, Kev. I told him I needed to..."

"He saw you," Kevin interrupted.

"Huh?"

"Howie walked in when I did. He saw the kiss. He left when he saw me."

"Damn it!" Misty threw down the knife she was using to cut the sandwiches, cutting herself in the process.

"Oh my God, are you okay?"

"She let out a small scream, holding her hand and dripping blood on the floor. The other guys all ran in.

"Misty, are you okay?" Howie ran up to her while AJ just stood there, too shocked to speak.

"No, I need..."

"Come on, let's go upstairs." Howie put his arm around her and took her to the bathroom.

"I'm surprised you didn't go, too, AJ." Kevin just starred at him coldly.

"Uh, yeah. You know how I am. If I cleaned up that you'd be cleaning up my puke. But gosh I hope she's all right. That looked really bad."

"I think she'll be fine. From what I saw the cut isn't actually that bad."

"There, all better." Howie's big brown eyes shined as he smiled at her while he fixed the bandage on her hand.

"Thanks, Howie..." She already felt awkward.

"It wasn't as bad as it looked." Howie kissed her bandage.

"Nah, just hurt a lot. I usually bleed more than I'm actually hurt when it comes to cuts, if that makes sense."

Howie just smiled at her. "I know this isn't a great time, but..."

Oh, boy, here it comes, Misty thought. "The kiss, right?" She said, not making eye contact. Howie nodded.

"Well, I told AJ that I needed to talk to him. I'm so confused right now, Howie. I've liked AJ for so long, yet, I don't think he feels the same way. I feel like he just wants to get me in bed. But I don't know."

"Me either, but this is AJ we're talking about."

"I know. I could say the same for you, but last night was different. Granted, it was my first time, but it didn't feel like 'just sex' to me. It was more than that."

Howie smiled at her. "I'm so glad you feel that way. It wasn't 'just sex,' Misty. I have very strong feelings for you. I do think we did that too soon, though, but I don't regret it."

"I don't either." She noticed he was still holding her hand.

"I'm behind you no matter what you decide. AJ may really like you, but I do too. It's your call. Don't worry about hurting me. Do what makes you happy."

At that moment she knew she wanted Howie. She could tell he really cared for her. That meant the most. She didn't know what she was going to say to AJ, but it didn't matter. She knew she could fall for Howie, she was starting to already. They hugged and decided to get back downstairs.

"Well, that went as planned. Seven hours and we've not wrote a damn thing." Nick huffed.

"Oh well, we might as well call it a day. Let's take tomorrow off and meet again on Friday." Brian stood and stretched.

"Sounds good. I'm outta here. Hey D, you coming?" Nick walked to the door.

"We'll see you later guys." Howie waved to everyone and left behind Nick.

"Well, I'm going to Leighanne's for the night, what are you doing Kev?" Brian said, still stretching.

"I think I'll just stay here and catch up on some reading. Laura may come over later, I don't know. Hey AJ, you sticking around?"

"Nah, man. I'm just waiting on Misty. She said she wanted to talk."

"Well, she's probably upstairs watching TV or asleep. She knew this was going to be a long session. Want me to get her?" Kevin stood up.

"Nah, is it okay if I go?"

"Sure, you know your way around." AJ left the room.

"Hey cuz, what's going on?" Brian walked over to Kevin almost whispering.

"I don't know, Bri. Just keep reminding me that I really do trust her judgment." Kevin sighed, putting his head in his hands. Brian just patted him on the back and then left for Leighanne's place.

AJ walked to the end of the hall to Misty's room. The door was cracked open and he heard that the TV was on. He knocked, calling her name, but there was no answer. He decided to walk on in. There she was. She had fallen asleep watching TV. For a moment he just stood and watched her. He couldn't believe that he had passed up a chance with her before. She started to wake up. "Misty..." he walked to her.

"Oh, AJ, hi! I guess I fell asleep. Get any songs written?"

"Of course not." He sat beside her on the bed. "But that's how it usually goes. So what did you want to talk to me about?" He held her hand.

"Um, AJ," he was looking at her so sweetly. This was breaking her heart, but she had to do it. "AJ, I like you, I really do..."

"I sense a 'but.'" AJ sat up straight then looked at her worried, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Um, yeah, Howie and I have been spending a lot of time together. God, I don't want to hurt you, but we've decided to start dating." That wasn't the entire truth, but she knew of no other way to go about it.

"I see," he said, letting go of her hand and looking at the floor.

"I'm sorry, AJ. I don't know what else to say..." She put her hand on his shoulder, only to have him shrug it off.

He stood up and walked to the door. "I do appreciate your honesty." With those few words, he walked out the door.

Misty felt like dying. Her heart broke when she broke his. She had wanted him for so long and she finally had him, but dumped him for his best friend. By this time Kevin had already gone to bed, with Laura, and Brian was gone and she really to talk. So she called Howie and he agreed to come over.

When Howie arrived, she had left the front door open for him. She was still in her room, crying. He saw that the door was unlocked and went on and went to her room. He knocked on her open door. "Can I come in?"

"Howie," she ran up to hug him, but before she could reach him he handed her the biggest bunch of flowers that she had ever seen.

"Oh, Howie, thank you."

"Well, I knew you were kind of down, so I decided, 'hey, flowers.'"

She went to her vanity and arranged them in a vase. Howie put his arms around her from behind and hugged her. "You okay?"

"I will be. I just hate hurting people. I feel so bad." She turned around and hugged him the right way.

"I know honey. But I can promise you that AJ will be fine. He's in one of those on/off relationships anyway."

"Really? Well now I don't feel so bad." She pulled back from the embrace.

"See! Just promise me that you're comfortable with your decision and that you really want to be with me."

"Oh, Howie, how could you ask me that? Of course I'm comfortable, I wouldn't have done this if I wasn't."

"Good." He nudged her chin up and kissed her.

"D, will you stay with me? Please. Nothing has to happen. I just want to spend time with you." Remembering how AJ had coaxed her into staying with him... maybe she did learn something from him.

"What about your roommates?"

"Brian is at Leighanne's tonight and let's just say Kevin's 'occupied.' It's okay. Please."

"Well, I guess so. I need to call Nick though. This is his first night at my, well, our place, so I should probably tell him I won't be back." He walked to the phone and dialed his house.

Misty changed into a nightgown while he was on the phone. Nothing too sexy, but it was short. She felt it was actually more cute than sexy. Howie thought otherwise.

"Oh, my... Misty, what are you trying to do to me?"

"What do you mean?" She gave a glance downwards and could tell what he meant. Well, I guess he likes it, she thought.

He coughed and cleared his throat. "What was this about nothing happening," he said stripping to his boxers, making his arousal more evident.

She brushed it off and got into bed. "Howie, we do need to talk about that."

"What?" Howie snuggled in behind her.

"Well, we both feel that we slept together too soon, right?"

"Well, yeah."

She turned to look at him. "So where do we stand? I personally think that we shouldn't eliminate sex, but we should wait awhile."

"Well," he sighed, "When you've got such a fine girlfriend, it'll be hard not to, but I admit I think it's the best decision."

Misty blushed. That was the first time he called her his girlfriend. She just made up the dating thing she told AJ to make it easier.

"What is it?" Howie looked deep in her eyes while pushing a few stray pieces of hair behind her ear.

"That's the first time you called me your girlfriend, that's all."

"Is that okay, I mean, I thought..."

She put her index finger up to his lips. "Shhh. That's fine. Actually, it's perfect."

He kissed her finger, then her forehead, then finally her lips, pulling her close to him. "Goodnight, baby."

"Goodnight, Howie."

It was six months later and things were good on one end and bad on the other. The guys had been in the studio and finished recording the new album and it had just been released in the states. The guys were to start a US tour the following week with the possibility of tagging on some European dates at the end.

Misty's 22nd birthday had came and gone and Brian had taken Misty car shopping before hand. He took notice to which ones she liked the best and for her birthday all the guys had pitched in on a plum colored Jeep Grand Cherokee. She wasn't a big fan of small cars and she wanted something useful, and Brian wanted her to quite bumming his car. They bought it two weeks before her birthday and had kept it at AJ's place so she wouldn't see it. She was floored when AJ, Nick, and Howie drove it over with a big ribbon across the hood.

But, the happiness faded quickly. Misty and Howie were still dating, but something wasn't right and neither would talk about it. Misty knew the tour wasn't going to help matters, either, but maybe they needed the time apart. They had been seeing each other almost everyday and usually went out alone two or three times a week, but something seemed wrong, and it was obvious to everyone that things were not working out. For the entire six months they had stuck to the "hold off on sex" rule. She knew that they were going to wait a while, but six months? She felt like he didn't want her. And, on top of it all, Misty knew that Howie wouldn't tell a girl that he loved her unless he really meant it, and he took his time making sure. That was honorable, but at one point she felt like she was ready to tell him that she loved him, but decided to wait on him to say it first. He never did. Six months together and all she had gotten were a few kisses and the occasional flowers, well, and the Cherokee, but that didn't count here. Now he was going on tour and she was left behind.

Although she had a bachelor's degree in advertising, she wanted to go back to school and take some marketing classes. Without telling anyone she enrolled at a local college to take classes. This would help keep her mind occupied while she was alone. Leighanne and Laura were still going to be around, though. Except they were going to join the guys on a few dates in the middle of the tour. She hadn't even been asked to do that, but she really couldn't now that she had the classes.

All of the guys were at press meetings and Misty became more and more upset the more she thought about the whole mess, so she decided to visit Laura. They had become practically best friends in the past few months and she knew that Laura and Kevin had a few rough spots. Maybe she could offer some advice. Misty was nervous about talking to her, though, because she hadn't said anything to anybody about her and Howie's problems. AJ still didn't talk to her that much, but everything was okay between him and Howie. She knew that Howie had told AJ a few things but wasn't sure what. AJ usually kept his mouth shut, but was worried and had talked to Kevin. Kevin in turn asked Misty about her relationship with Howie. That's how she knew Howie had talked to AJ, but she acted like everything was perfect. Anyone could see otherwise. Maybe Kevin had talked to Laura about it. She kind of hoped so.

When Misty got to Laura's, Laura was in the middle of some major packing.

"Where on earth are you going, Laur?" She looked at the scattered luggage and clothes.

"Same place you are, silly."

"What are you talking about?" Okay, now she was really confused.

"Misty? Hello? Tour... remember?"

"What about it? I'm not going with them, I thought you weren't either."

"No, they guys got clearance for us all to go. Didn't Howie tell you?" Laura zipped up her last bag and they walked into the kitchen, sitting at the table.

"No, he didn't. But I'm glad. I wouldn't go even if he did."

Laura poured them both a cup of coffee and looked at her very worried. "Misty, what's going on with you two? Everyone's noticed."

"Laur, if I knew I'd tell you. I wish I knew what was going on." Misty proceeded to tell Laura everything, from the first night till present.

"Gawd, that's tough. I don't know what to say. It sounds to me like you got too used to each other too quick. Hmmm... NO SEX?! You're joking right?"

"Laura, look at me, do I look like I'm joking. It's been one hell of a drought let me tell ya."

Laura laughed, "I know you're telling me the truth, but it just seems odd that you'd jump in the sack together first thing and then never again."

"I know! I hate it. I wish we were like you and Kevin." Misty now started giggling.

"Hey! What do you know about me and Kevin?"

"Um, Laur, whenever you get that 4 AM urge to scream 'Train!' at the top of your lungs, just remember that my bedroom is beside of his."

"Oh, gawd. Oops, sorry."

They both got lost in laughter, then Laura told Misty that if she didn't want to talk to Howie, her best bet would be to talk to AJ.

"Are you nuts! I can't do that ! He hates me!" Misty stood up, almost screaming.

"Calm yourself! He does not. He really cares about you. And you know D has talked to him. Unless you want to flat out confront Howie, this is your only chance."

Misty knew she was right. She always was. So she'd have to talk to AJ, maybe they'd become better friends, finally. Misty put her coffee cup in the sink, hugged Laura and left for AJ's.

"Misty, um, what are you doing here? I mean, well, come in," AJ was quite shocked to see her. She hadn't been back to his place since their first date, when he had talked her into staying over.

Misty walked in and before she could even speak she began to cry.

"Misty, what's wrong?" AJ sat beside her on the sofa.

"AJ, I know we've not been on the best of terms, but I needed someone to talk to," she said between sobs.

AJ put his arms around her. He had all but forgotten how he used to love to hold her in his arms. "What's the matter? Tell me."

"Okay," she pulled from him, trying to stop the tears. She looked around the room, "Is Amanda here?"

AJ looked down and sighed, "No, we broke up again."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Nah, I knew it would happen again. It's just better this way."

"Well, now you can keep Howie company on the tour."

"What? You're not going?" He seemed quite surprised.

Misty started to cry again. "He never asked me. I didn't know that Laura and Leighanne were going until today. Plus, I decided to take some marketing classes, so I can't go, but I probably wouldn't anyway. AJ, has Howie talked to you about us? I'm so confused. I feel like we're not even together. Something's wrong and I don't know what."

AJ sighed and pulled her close again. She rested her head on her chest as she tried, unsuccessfully, to hold back tears. "It's just... you need to talk to D. It's not my place. But I think he's thinking the same way you are. He knows something's not right but he's not sure what either, maybe it's just lack of communication. Maybe you just need some time apart." He paused for a minute, stroking her hair. "Can I ask you something? Do you love him?"

She looked up at him. There was a long silence before she spoke. "AJ, I... I don't know. Once I thought I did, but since he never told me he loved me, I think I convinced myself otherwise. AJ, this relationship is anything but that. No sex, no love, no nothing. I feel like I'm not good enough for him."

As she looked away, AJ grabbed her face in his hands and made her look at him. "Don't you ever say that Misty!" He was almost yelling. The fury in his eyes almost scared her. "You are so beautiful, you're perfect. Never say you're not good enough! I'd give anything to be in his place, to be able to show you how wonderful you are." They just stared into each others eyes. Misty had never seen this side of AJ. The intensity in his voice made her realize what she had missed. Before she had time to speak, he kissed her. For some reason, it felt right. She began kissing him back. AJ ran his fingers though her hair and held her close to him. Suddenly he came to his senses.

"Misty... ummmm.... Misty." He broke their kiss, "I'm sorry. This isn't right. We need to stop this."

"I'm sorry AJ, I shouldn't have come here." She stood up and walked to the door.

"No I shouldn't have said those things. This is between you and him. I had no right to..."

"It's okay, AJ," she smiled at him and he knew she meant it. "Just don't, don't tell Howie, please. If we have a chance, I don't want to mess it up."

"I won't. I promise."

"Thank you."

AJ kissed her on the forehead and watched her leave.

Misty was ready for bed. Once again the house was hers. Kevin was at Laura's and Brian was at Leighanne's. She started to go upstairs, but the doorbell rang. It was Howie.

"Hi, Howie..."

"Mis, can we talk?"

"I guess so." They sat down on the couch.

"Do you want to go with us on the tour? I know I should've asked you before now."

"No, Howie, I don't... I can't. I've decided to take some classes while everyone's gone. And frankly, I think we need some time apart."

"Why, baby?" Howie looked at her, holding her hands in his.

"Howie, don't try to act like you haven't noticed."

He sighed, he had noticed.

"What's wrong with us, Howie? We used to be so happy. And in love, or so I thought. What happened?" Her eyes began to fill with tears.

"I don't know, Mis. I just don't know. I don't know what to say. Maybe you're right. Maybe we need some time apart. That's not what I want, but..."

"Well, what do you want, Howie?" she snapped at him, not meaning to, and pulled her hands from his.

"I can't answer that. I don't want to lose you, though, I know that." he tried to take her hand again and she wouldn't let him.

"Howie, look at us, you don't really have me to lose," she sighed heavily. "Look, I'm sorry. Maybe we should see other people while you're on tour. You know you're going to see hundreds of girls out there. Maybe one of them is right for you," she paused, seeing the tears in his eyes, "because I don't think that I am. She let a tear escape from her eye, as she wiped his off his cheek. She hated hurting him. His big brown eyes were always full of happiness, and she had turned them to tears.

"It doesn't have to be like this, Misty." Howie sniffed, fighting back tears as best he could.

"Yes, it does. Call me from the road and let me know how you're doing. If you meet someone let me know all about her 'cause you know she has to meet my seal of approval," she giggled, trying to help lighten the mood, but it didn't work. "This is best, I know it is. Maybe we'll be closer after this, who knows." She couldn't help but let a few more tears fall as he did the same. She knew his heart was breaking, and hers was, too. She just hoped she was doing the right thing.

Howie couldn't say anything. He just wanted to leave before he totally broke down. When they got to the door, he looked at her, "I'll call you. I'll think about you every minute I'm gone, you know that, right?" That's not exactly what he wanted to say, but that's all he could get out.

Misty reached up and wiped another tear from his cheek and kissed him lightly, "I know Howie," she said. She watched from the window as he drove off. She locked the door and went to her bedroom, crying herself to sleep.

Nick met Howie at the door, "So how'd it go, D?" He could see Howie was upset.

"I couldn't tell her. I should have before now."

"Huh? What happened?"

"She's not going with us and she wants us to see other people."

"She dumped you?!" Nick had such a way with words.

"Pretty much Nicky," Howie sighed and mad his way up the stairs to his room. For a minute he just looked at his bed, remembering when he had made love to her. He smiled, then picked up the framed picture of her from his night stand.

"And all I wanted to do was tell you how much I love you," he softly said aloud between tears as he place it back on the night stand.

Now that he was alone, he let his emotions free, sobbing into his pillow as he finally fell asleep.

A month into the tour Howie was miserable and so was Misty. Brian and Kevin were a little worried, but knew everything would work out eventually.

At the hotel, everyone was ganged up in Howie's room watching movies, and trying to cheer him up. Kevin was sitting in a corner chair, with Laura in his lap. They were laughing and giggling, and Laura was kissing him.

"Will you two PLEASE go to your own room to do that!" Howie snapped at them, which was very unlike him.

"Howie, I'm going to forgive you for that just because I know your situation right now," Laura said.

Kevin jumped in, "Why don't you just give in and call her? I know she wants to talk to you."

"If she wants to talk, she has my cell phone number, now can we please watch the movie?"

Laura groaned, "Howard Dorough, you should be ashamed. You know she only did that because she thought it was best. You don't realize what hell she is going through, knowing that she gave you the go ahead to see other women. If you care for her any at all you'll call her."

"I know, I might, we'll see."

"Okay, then, but the longer you wait, the farther away you're pushing her."

Howie felt everyone in the room staring at him. "Well guys, I'm going to bed." Howie stood up, walked to the back room and closed the door. The others knew what he was up to so they all left to give him some privacy.

Laura straddled Kevin's lap. "I wish he'd just call her."

Kevin pulled her into a hug. "I know. I have a feeling that if they'd just talk, I mean really talk, they could work things out."

"Yeah, that, and if they'd have sex again." Laura teased.

"Again? I didn't... I don't want to know."

"No sex in six months, that's a drought!" Laura laughed, knowing it would embarrass Kevin.

"Laur, please, I don't want to know what she's told you. She's like my little sister or something."

She just laughed, then leaned in to kiss him. "Hey Kev, we're in Texas, right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Have we ever had sex in Texas?"

"Um, being since this is the first time you've been on tour with us, I doubt it."

"Just checking." She leaned back in to kiss him.

Kevin stood up, his hands under Laura's butt, as she wrapped her legs around him. He carried her over to the bed. In seconds, Laura had pulled his shirt over his head and was working on his pants.

Kevin, too, was moving quite quickly. He gently pushed her back on the bed, kissing her deeply. He moved his kisses down her neck and down her chest as he unbuttoned her shirt. He found that Laura had a little surprise for him, no bra. He smiled to himself as he began to suck on her breast, while playfully squeezing her. Laura let out a little moan as she flipped him over. She was running the show this time and he loved it. She moved down along Kevin's body, sliding off both his pants and boxers, kissing all the way down as she went. Kevin was breathing heavy as she placed kisses along his inner thigh.

"Sit up," she said standing at the foot of the bed. Kevin obeyed and watched her as she finished undressing herself in front of him. He loved it when she did this, and it showed. She then walked back to him, kissing him as hard and feverishly as possible, placing kisses strategically down his chest. Kevin let out a light gasp when she took him in her mouth. This was going to be on heck of a night.

"Gawd, they're at it again!" Howie's room was right beside of theirs. Now he knew why Misty had trouble sleeping whenever Kevin had Laura spend the night. He tried banging on the wall, but that just made them go harder. "Those two..." He sighed, turning his attention elsewhere. Howie just sat and looked at the phone, he wanted to call her, but something stopped him. He didn't really know what to say to her. He decided to take a shower and then call her.

This was probably a good thing... just down the hall, AJ was already talking to her. Howie didn't know it, but AJ had called Misty every night while they had been gone.

"I think he's planning on calling you," AJ said in his raspy voice, pausing to take a draw on his cigarette.

"AJ McLean! Are you smoking?! What did I tell you about that?!" Misty had told him a million times to quit smoking, well, a million times this week since they hadn't talked that much before now.

"I know, but hey, didn't you used to smoke?"

"Yeah, Howie made me quit." She got silent all of the sudden.

"Ya miss him, don't you?" AJ, put out the cigarette and concentrated on the conversation.

"I don't know, yes and no. I miss the Howie I fell in love with. A relationship like what we had at the end just can't work, it's impossible."

"Man, I wish all that hadn't have happened. I want you to be happy, Mis. You deserve it. You don't deserve to be miserable like this."

"Well, thanks AJ. I appreciate it. Maybe someday," she sighed.

"Yeah, well, I still think you should join us out here."

"And how am I going to manage that?"

"Well, you said you decided against the classes. What's holding you back?"

"I’ll give you one guess as to what's, no, who's holding me back."

"Misty, listen to me. I know he misses you, and frankly I do to. Who says I can't invite you out here? Who says you can't visit me instead of him?"

She heard his lighter, "AJ, put it out."

"What?" he said, acting like nothing was happening.

"I heard you light that cigarette now put it out." He just laughed at her. "AJ, you know that I couldn't come out there to visit you instead of Howie. It wouldn't look right, oh and, by the way, do any of the guys know about this?"

"What? That I talk to you every night and think about you every day? Nah, Kevin would kill me."

Misty was glad that it was all on the down-low. She knew Kevin would get mad at AJ and then Brian would come after her. She wanted to go, but not unless Howie asked.

"Hey listen, Bone, I got another call. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?"

They said their good-byes and Misty clicked over to the other line. It was Howie. She almost dropped the phone when she heard his voice.

"Misty, I, um, I..." He trailed off, not knowing what to say. "I want to talk to you... um, I miss you."

Misty felt her heart sink, "I miss you too," she said quietly.

"I know you have those classes and all, but when you have a break, do you think..."

"Howie, I didn't go to them. I decided to not take them. I have a free schedule. Do you want me to visit you? Can I come visit you?" Misty couldn't believe what was coming out of her mouth. It was as if AJ was doing the talking for her. She really wanted to see him, and Howie, both.

"Misty, I would love for you to." Howie told her the schedule of where they were going to be. They were going to be in Georgia for a couple of days the following week. This would give her enough time to pack and since they were in the same city for two nights, it would be easier to pick her up at the airport.

As soon as they got off the phone, Misty called Kevin's cell phone. There was no answer so she tried Laura's... no answer. Misty smiled to herself, knowing good and well why no one was answering. She knew neither of them ever turned off the phones, so they had to just be ignoring the ringing. She loved being mean to them, she called Kevin's phone again.

Moans of ecstasy filled the air, until Kevin heard his phone again. "Damn, this better be important." He said, reaching for the phone.

"Don't answer it," Laura said, moving her hand under the sheets, gripping him lightly.

"Ohhh, Laura, damn, they've called three times. It might be important," he groaned as he answered the phone out of breath.

"Busy?" He heard Misty's chipper voice on the other end.

"You called here three times and you ask if I'm busy!" Kevin was highly pissed at this point.

"Well, listen, tell Laura to keep her panties on another second."

"Too late for that," Kevin laughed.

"Oooooo, too much info, Kevin. Listen, I'll be meeting you in Georgia next week. Howie called me and asked me to come out."

"Really! That's great. You two okay now?"

"Well, not exactly, but we're working on it."

Misty briefly told him about their conversation and let him get back to Laura. When she hung up the phone she laughed at herself. She loved doing that to those two. She ran upstairs to get started packing.

The hotel bill always came out of the group budget, but it was up to the guys to get their phone and movie bills in order. At the front desk everyone was checking their bills to make sure they had the right one. AJ looked at his and smiled. They had only billed him for one of his calls to Misty. He loved it. He had dreaded seeing that bill because he knew it was going to be outrageous. He had called a lot and talked forever.

Howie looked at his bill. His eyes almost popped out of his head. He had been charged for numerous calls to Misty, totaling eighty dollars. There had to me a mistake, then he saw it. The room number was wrong, he had AJ's bill.

Back on the bus, Howie was in the back by himself. At the hotel, he had handed AJ his bill and walked out. Everyone knew something was wrong, but only AJ and Howie knew what. Howie was reading when he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Howie, it's Kevin, can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure." He tried to act normal. He didn't want to get Kevin involved.

"Hey, man, what's going on?" Kevin asked sitting across from him.

"Nothing's going on, why?"

"Howie, we both know that's not true. Tell me, man, what's bugging you?"

Howie put down his book, took a deep breath, and looked at Kevin. "Kev, you know how I feel about Misty. I want things to work. I even invited her out here, but I really think she's got something going on with AJ."

Kevin just looked at him for a second then Howie went on to tell him about the phone bill incident. "Can I ask Laura? She many know something." Kevin asked. Howie just nodded and Kevin called her to come to the back. While they were waiting Kevin talked to Howie a little more. "Howie, you know how me and Brian feel about Misty. But don't stay with her if you two aren't happy. We're not going to get mad if you guys break up. We really just want each of you to be happy. Whether it's as a couple or not."

"Thanks Kevin. I really wasn't sure where you stood on that issue."

"Well, here's my only advice. Figure out if you love her or are in love with her. Those are two different things. You can love someone and not be in love with them."

Laura entered the room. "What's up, guys?"

"Laura, do you know anything about Misty and AJ?" Kevin asked.

She gave a glance to Howie then back to Kevin. "No, why."

Kevin explained the mix up at the hotel.

"Oh! I bet I know. Back when you guys were getting ready to leave for this tour she stopped by my place while I was packing. She told me about you two, Howie, and wanted to know if you, Kevin, had said anything to me about them. She was confused and wanted some insight to what you, Howie, was thinking at the time. I told her to go talk to AJ and I guess they patched things up because they're now friends again. That's all. There's nothing else going on."

"Thanks, Laura," Kevin kissed her forehead. "Now see, D, you can relax. Be happy. I know you guys are gonna work things out." Kevin took Laura's hand and they walked to the door.

"I hope you're right." Howie said.

"He is," Laura smiled as they walked to the front of the bus.

Everything had pretty much gotten back to normal the past week. There was still a bit of tension between AJ and Howie, but Howie decided to let it go. Plus, AJ and Amanda were talking again. Howie just hoped that they got back together so he wouldn't have to worry about him stepping in on Misty. He hated feeling like this. AJ was his best friend, but couldn't forget how Misty once liked AJ. He feared that if he and Misty didn't get back together soon, she may go back to AJ, especially if they've now become friends again.

Howie had given Laura money to rent a car so she could pick up Misty. With two shows there, none of the guys were setting one foot near the airport. Everyone was at the hotel, and Howie was getting more nervous with each minute.

"Laura, what time is it? Her plane lands at noon." Howie said pacing around in Kevin and Laura's room.

"Howie, if you don't shut up, I'm kicking you out!" Laura laughed and so did Kevin. "Relax, I'm leaving okay... I'm not going to miss her!" Laura gave Kevin a kiss and walked out the door.

"Kevin, this is all so odd. Misty and I used to be so close. I feel like I'm starting over."

"Well, D, in a way, you are. You've been broke up for a while and both of you admitted that something wasn't right before. This is your chance to make it right. Shouldn't you be doing something right now, D?"

"I don't think so, why?"

"They'll be back here in about an hour. You've not showered, you've not shaved, and you're still running around in what you slept in. Go get ready!" Kevin laughed at him.

"Oh my God, I didn't even notice. This is going to be a long day." Howie laughed and left the room.

Misty saw Laura waiting for her. She was so excited to see her friend. Orlando had been lonely. "Laura," she yelled, hugging her. "I'm so glad to see you!"

"Same here. Let's go get your bags. The guys are waiting!" Laura and Misty walked to the baggage claim. "Ya know Mis, Howie is really excited that you're here."

"Is he?" She acted odd. She picked up two of her bags and started walking toward the exit. She paused, looked at Laura, "And what about the others?"

"Huh? What are you smoking? Everyone's glad your finally coming out here. Why?"

"Eh, just wondering." They walked out to the car and put Misty's bags in the trunk. "So how far is it to the hotel?"

"Oh, just about 10 miles, not far." Laura carefully backed out of the space. No one said anything until they were back out on the road. "So how are you and Kevin? Not that I really need to ask!" Misty laughed.

"We're fine. Same as usual, couldn't be better. I think he's thinking of going public with our relationship. Now that he sees that everything went okay for Brian and Leighanne."

"Wow, Laur! That's great. You should be so excited. He really loves you and I know that going public with a girlfriend isn't something he takes lightly."

"Yeah, I know. I am excited. It finally looks like everything is back to normal in BSB world." She grinned looking at Misty.

"What do you mean... Laura... something you're not telling me?"

"No, just that Brian and Leighanne are, well, the usual. Me and Kevin are about to go public. You and Howie may be getting back together, with any luck. And AJ and Amanda are talking again."

Misty was silent for a minute, then she brought herself to ask. "AJ and Amanda are back together?"

"Well, not exactly. They're talking like it. You sound surprised. You know how those two are, Misty. They can't be together, but they can't stand to be apart." She glanced over at Misty who was gazing out the passenger side window. "Misty, you okay? The way you interrupted me and Kevin the other night when Howie called you, I thought you'd be bouncing off walls right now." She looked for any sign of laughter from Misty. Nothing. Not even a faint smile. "Misty, what's bothering you?"

"Nothing," she sighed.

"Misty Dawn, don't lie to me." Laura pulled into the hotel parking lot.

Misty wanted to tell her how AJ had called her so much and how he had asked her to come on tour so he could see her, but she knew it would go straight back to Kevin. Then Kevin would tell Brian and Brian would tell Howie.

"Laur, if something was wrong, I'd tell you. You know that. I'm just tired. Hell, when I first go to Orlando I was supposed to be getting to know Howie and all I did was sleep." They both laughed as they got her bags out of the car. "Do you have my room key or do I need to register," Misty asked as they walked in the lobby.

"Uh, you're booked for Howie's room. Didn't he tell you?"

"No, he didn't." Misty walked up to the front desk. "Hi. I'm booked for a room with Mr. Dorough. I'd like to change that, please. I'd like a separate room, if possible on the same floor."

"Sure," the receptionist said in a perky voice. "Howard Dorough?"

"Yes."

"You're Misty?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Sign here. You're in room 413." the receptionist handed her a paper and a pen.

"Thank you." Misty signed her name and took the key. "Oh, and bill it to Mr. Dorough."

The receptionist laughed. "Sure thing Miss Lawson."

Misty and Laura got on the elevator. "Why on earth did you do that? This isn't exactly a good start."

"Laur, we're not back together yet and I'm not staying in the same room with him unless we are."

"Okay..." Laura knew better than to argue with her. The elevator doors opened on the fourth floor. Laura began showing her who was staying where. Misty's room was right across the hall from Howie's whose room was again beside Kevin and Laura's. Laura set Misty's bags beside her door. "Well, I'll go spread the word that you're here."

"Okay. Thanks for picking me up."

"And carrying your one hundred pounds of junk!"

They both started laughing. "Yeah, that too." Laura went in her room and Misty dug out her room key. She had already shoved it into her purse. Just as she got the door open she glanced to her left. AJ had been down the hall getting ice and had just gotten back to his room, beside of hers. Their eyes met and she just smiled at him. She didn't know what to say now that he was semi-back together with Amanda.

Misty quickly scooted all of her bags into the door, looking again at AJ, who did nothing but look back at her with his hand on the doorknob to his room. Misty gave him another smile and went into her room.

Just as Misty got all of her bags in order, there was a knock on the door. She assumed it was Howie and quickly opened the door. It was AJ.

"AJ... Hi." Misty said.

"Hi, can I come in?" Misty nodded and opened the door for him.

"Mis, I know Laura probably told you about me and Amanda... we're not back together."

"Yet. You know you will be. Anyway it doesn't matter, I'm here for Howie."

"Misty," AJ took her hands in his and looked directly into her eyes. "I know that. I'm not going to come between you two again. I just want you to know that my feelings for you haven't changed. Yeah, Amanda and I will probably get back together, just like you and Howie. But that's why. I don't want to be single sitting back watching you and Howie."

"AJ! That's horrible!" Misty took her hands out of his. "I thought I knew you better than that. You shouldn't play with her emotions, or mine for that matter."

"Listen to me. Yes I have feelings for Amanda, I do love her. But I'm not so sure I want to be with her. That's all. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything." He turned to walk out the door. He opened the door only to run into Howie.

"AJ..." Howie said.

"Hey, D. Excuse me..." AJ went back to his own room.

"What was that all about?" Howie went to hug Misty.

"Well, you know AJ... woman problems. I'm not here ten minutes and he's telling me about Amanda."

Howie laughed, "Yeah that sounds like him. So why did you get a different room?"

"Well, because you and I are not currently a couple, Mr. Dorough." She poked him in the chest giving him an evil grin. "And I'm not spending my nights with someone that I'm not with."

Howie laughed and grabbed her hand, "Well, we'll just have to fix that won't we." He leaned down to kiss her, but was interrupted by what sounded like someone beating the door down.

"Hey, Mis! It's Laura and Kevin. Open up!"

Misty sighed, breaking away from Howie. "Pay-backs are hell," she mumbled as she walked to the door to let them in.

"Hey Kevin... Laura..." Misty gave them "the look". They knew that they had interrupted something, which just happened to be Laura's plan.

"Paybacks are a bitch, huh?" Laura chuckled. Kevin was standing behind her with his arms around her waist and his chin resting on her shoulder.

"So can we come in?" Kevin looked at her out of the tops of his eyes.

"You're already here, why not?"

Kevin and Laura walked in and Kevin stopped to hug Misty. "I missed you," he said then walked over to Howie. "Hey, D, you ready for the soundcheck?"

"I guess so." He looked at Laura and Misty, "You girls want to go?"

They looked at each other and Laura nodded at Misty who spoke up, "Sure, why not."

The soundcheck was odd to say the least. Misty, Howie, and AJ all in the same room. Misty, Laura, and Leighanne sat together across from the stage, watching there men.

"Gosh, I've missed this, all of us together," Laura sighed.

"Yeah, and next week Amanda will be here and we'll all be together," Leighanne chimed in.

Misty tried to show no emotion, but her lack of emotion showed more than if she'd stood up and screamed at the top of her lungs.

"Hey Leigh, have you eaten yet?" Laura asked.

"Yeah, right before we left."

"Well, Misty and I are gonna go grab a bite, we'll be back soon. Tell the guys for us."

"Sure thing."

Laura tugged on Misty's arm to get her to leave. When they got outside the quiz started.

"Laur, what was that for?"

"You still have the hots for AJ! Tht's what's been bugging you! Out with it!"

"Laura, you're crazy."

"No, Misty, I'm not."

Misty sighed, "Well, let's go eat and I'll tell you all about it."

Laura smiled at herself, she loved being right. If anything was going on she was going to find out what.

They went to a small cafe a couple of blocks away. They had arrived with the guys so they had to walk unless they went with them. Misty told Laura the entire story. Laura in turn filled her in on the phone bill mix up.

"Great," Misty slumped back in her chair, "so Howie thinks I've got something going on with AJ."

"No, he did. I fixed it though. I told him about the day you came over when I was packing for the tour and how I sent you to AJ's. He thinks you're just friends."

"Well, that's really all it is," Misty never made eye contact with Laura. Laura had this keen sense about things and would eventually pull out more details than she was willing to give. There was no way she was telling her about the kiss.

"But he invited you out on tour long before Howie. He wouldn't do that unless he thought something was going to happen."

"Well," Misty was starting to get a little pissed at all the questioning, and Laura could tell, "why do you think I said no? I only came out here because Howie called me. He wants to try to work things out. THAT, Laura, is why I'm here." Misty laid the money for her bill on the table and stormed out, Laura not too far behind.

"Misty, wait," Laura ran to catch up with her. "I didn't mean that the way you took it. I know you're here for Howie."

Misty looked at her with more anger in her eyes than Laura had ever seen. "Do you?!" she said sternly.

"Yes, just... I can tell that the whole AJ/Amanda thing is bugging you. Just let them be. AJ's a big boy, if he's not happy with her, he'll leave. Just concentrate on you and Howie. Okay?"

"Okay!" Misty walked off again, Laura walked closely behind, but they didn't speak again until they got back to the arena. Kevin met them when they walked in.

"Hey girls," he said going directly to Laura.

"Hey yourself," Misty huffed as she went to find Howie.

"What's wrong with her?" Kevin asked, holding Laura's hand as they walked far behind Misty.

"Oh, just PMS, she'll be fine." After Misty's last display of anger she wasn't about to tell Kevin anything. Kevin laughed as they headed backstage.

"Hey, Howie. You guys done?" Misty hugged him and he kissed the top of her head.

"Yeah, for a couple of hours then we gotta come back here. Show days are crazy days, you'll soon learn that," he laughed. "They're just going back to the hotel for a while, but I've got what I need here already. You wanna go out and see Atlanta?"

"Sure."

Misty and Howie left and got into the limo waiting outside.

They spent the rest of the day touring the city and talking. They finally got all of their relationship problems out in the open and talked about them. Before long it was time to go back to the arena.

Misty and Howie spent every minute they could together while he was getting ready. Then it was time for the show.

"Wish me luck," Howie said and kissed her on the forehead.

"All the luck in the world!" She smiled as he moved away from her to run down the tunnel set up for their entrance. He held her hand until the very last second.

"Be here when I get back?"

"Sure will."

With that their fingers slipped apart and he was off to be hooked up to the wires that would carry them up and over the audience.

Misty watched him from one of the back corners of the arena. It was finally happening. She was forgetting all about AJ. All of the butterflies and chills that she had when her and Howie first started dating came back. It was as if the floodgates to her heart and soul had been opened. She knew he felt the same way, too. She could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice.

Laura and Leighanne had taken seats in the upper level of the arena. Laura had asked Misty to join them, but she declined. She was right where she could see Howie and he could see her. Periodically through the performance he would wave at her and some fans would "just know he was waving at them". Misty kept a smile on her face. She felt nothing but admiration and pride for him... and what she was beginning to think was love.

When Howie sang his part in "The Perfect Fan", he looked directly at her when he sang "and there is never a day that passes by I don't think of you." Then she realized it... Yes, she loved him.