“Hey, where are you going?” Kevin asked as he walked off of the elevator, spotting Howie leaving his room.
“To surprise my fiancee,” Howie answered, smiling.
“Sweet D,” Kevin commented. “Such the romantic.”
“Yeah, well, what can I say?” Howie shrugged. “Gotta keep them interested. Anyway, speaking of romance, are you ever going to tell me what happened with Brooke? I mean, you guys were going strong and then, all of the sudden, nothing.”
“I figured out that we really didn’t know each other as well as I thought we did,” Kevin replied.
“And breaking up is a always a great way to fix that situation,” Howie said, sarcastically.
“Leave it alone, Howie,” Kevin told him, sternly.
Howie held his hands up in surrender. “Whoa! Whoa! Just curious. Anyway, I gotta go before I’m late. See you tomorrow!”
“Later Howie!” Kevin called as Howie disappeared into the elevator.
“You ready?” Becca asked Nick, seeing him sprawled out on the bed.
“Do I have to go?” Nick whined. “The man absolutely despises me.”
“Yes, you have to go,” she told him, pulling him up. “Otherwise I would be left all alone while everyone else is with their boyfriends or girlfriends. Well, except Katelin, of course.”
“Bec,” Nick warned.
“I know. I know. I’ll be nice!” she cried. “But she deserves it.” Nick glared at her. “Okay,” she sighed. “Let’s go.” She quickly pulled him out of the room and they met the others down in the lobby.
“We all here?” Krista asked, looking around at all of the guys, dancers, and security that crowded into the lobby of the hotel.
“Everyone except Howie and Katelin,” Kevin answered. “Howie went to surprise Christine and Katelin…well…you know.”
“Well, let’s go then,” Krista instructed as they all made their way out the awaiting limo’s. Half an hour later they pulled up to huge apartment building on Park Avenue.
“Jesus,” Brian breathed, stepping out of the car. “She lives here?”
“Yup,” Ang answered. “All her life. Come on and be nice. You don’t really know Mr. Taylor. No one and I mean absolutely no one hurts his daughter.”
“Well, then I’d hate to be Nick right now,” Brian commented.
The entire group made their way up to the penthouse apartment and stepped out of the elevator. Ang rang the doorbell and a few minutes later, the maid opened it up. “Come on in,” she instructed with a smile. “Miss Taylor and Mr. Taylor’s fiancée are in the living room. Mr. Taylor is running a few minutes late. He’ll be home shortly.” She held the door open as they all filed in and then followed them into the living room, where Katelin and Adrienne were sprawled out on the couches, deep in conversation. “Hey guys!” Katelin smiled, noticing them walk into the room. “Most of you have met my dad’s fiancee, Adrienne.” She went around and introduced everyone.
“I thought she hated Adrienne,” Nick whispered, leaning in towards Ang.
“Not anymore,” Ang whispered back. “Things change. Adrienne was really there for her after…” she trailed off, not wanting to bring up bad memories.
“After I broke her heart,” Nick supplied. “I get it, Ang.”
Ang looked at him apologetically. “I’m sorry, Nicky.”
“It’s cool,” He shrugged. “I’m glad that they’re getting along so well. I just wish it was for different reasons.”
Across the room, Adrienne was congratulating Krista on the baby. “Thanks,” Krista said, grinning. “It’s really starting to move around a lot. Kicking me all of the time.”
“Do you know what it is yet?” Adrienne asked.
“Nope,” Krista shook her head. Not yet. We wanted to be surprised. AJ’s convinced it’s a boy though.”
“Typical male,” Adrienne commented, chuckling. “It seems like having a baby has calmed him down a bit.” Adrienne caught the curious look that Krista was giving her. “My sister has always been a huge of fan of them. AJ was her favorite. Believe me, I know all about him and his wild partying.”
“Oh,” Krista giggled. “Anyway, how about you? Are you and Mike planning on having any children?”
“Definitely,” Adrienne beamed. “But not until after the wedding, of course. But also because of Kate. Can’t drop too many bombs on her at once.”
“Yeah,” Krista agreed. “I wonder how she’d react to a new baby. I mean, being an only child and all.”
“I don’t know,” Adrienne shrugged. “Mike has spoiled her beyond belief for almost seventeen years. I don’t think she’d ever get used to having to share her home with another sibling.”
“Hello everybody,” they all heard a voice say.
“Daddy!!” Katelin shrieked as she ran over and jumped into her father’s arms.
“Hi angel,” Mike Taylor said, softly, squeezing her tight. “I missed you, honey.”
“Me too,” she said, pulling away. “You remember everyone, right?”
“Yeah, I think so,” he told her. He looked around, trying to remember everyone’s faces. “Except you. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Becca stepped forward, extending her hand. “Becca Gibson. I’m one of the dancer’s and Nick’s girlfriend.” Mike uncomfortably shook her hand, all the while glaring at Nick, the guy whole stole his daughter’s innocence and then broke her heart. Katelin didn’t know it but he had weasled the information about them sleeping together out of Adrienne. He had wanted to press charges of statutory rape but Adrienne talked him out of it, reminding him that the only thing it would accomplish would be that it would drive Katelin right out of this house and out of his life. For that reason, and that reason alone, he kept his mouth shut.
“Bitch,” Ang mumbled, glaring at Becca.
Brian elbowed her. “She is not.”
“Well, everyone,” Mike began. “Dinner should be served in a little while. Why doesn’t everyone make themselves comfortable. Katelin, may I see you in the kitchen please?”
Kate nodded and followed him out of the room. “What is it daddy?” she asked, tentatively, knowing full well what the next words out of her father’s mouth were going to be.
“What is that young man doing in my home?” he growled. “I thought I told you that the only way you were allowed to remain on this tour was if you stayed as far away from him as possible.”
“But daddy,” Katelin whined. “How could I invite everyone else and not him?”
“I don’t know, Katelin,” he told her. “I thought you hated him.”
“I do,” Katelin responded, flustered. “I…I don’t know, okay? I thought I did but now I’m not so sure, anymore.”
“Don’t you dare go back to him,” Mike warned. “I already told you I wouldn’t allow it.”
“But I love him, daddy,” Katelin protested.
“I don’t care,” he snapped. “You are too forgiving. Just like your mother.”
“Excuse me,” Adrienne interrupted, quietly. “Is there something wrong?”
“Oh no. Not at all,” Katelin spat, sarcastically. “Now I’m going to back to talk to my friends.” She threw a glare in her father’s direction before disappearing back into the living room.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
The limousine pulled up to an old colonial house in Fairfield, Connecticut. Howie stared at it for a minute before stepping out of the car. He thanked the driver and made his way towards the house. Ringing the doorbell, he waited patiently for someone to answer the door.
“Come in!” he heard a voice call from inside. He slowly opened the door and walked inside the house. “I’m in the kitchen!” she called again. Howie made his way towards the kitchen, hiding his face behind the dozen red roses he had purchased for her.
Christine was busy washing the dishes, humming softly to herself. One of her friends, Paul, was supposed to come over and keep her company later, for she had finally convinced her mother to leave the house for a few hours. Paul was her ex-boyfriend. The first love of her life. They’d dated on and off throughout high school and college. They didn’t break up, officially, until shortly after Christine had met Howie, deciding that maintaining a relationship while one was in Connecticut and the other was in Florida would be too difficult. Christine had really enjoyed hanging out with Paul these past few weeks. She realized that she missed him and his friendship. “Paul, is that you?” she called as she turned off the water.
“Who’s Paul?” she heard someone asked.
Christine spun around on her heel. “Howie?!” she exclaimed. She ran over to him and threw her arms around his neck. “Oh my god! I can’t believe you’re here!!”
“Well, believe it,” Howie beamed, glad to see that his surprise was having the effect that it was. He handed her the roses. “For you, beautiful.”
“Oh, you’re the best!” Christine gushed, tears of joy trailing down her cheeks. “I still can’t believe you’re here.” Howie sat down at the kitchen table while Christine found a vase to put the flowers in. “How’s your father doing?” he asked.
Christine shrugged. “Not too well. He hasn’t gotten much worse but he’s not doing any better either. And I don’t think that he’s going to.”
“I’m sorry, baby,” Howie said as he stood up and wrapped his arms around her. They stood like that for a few minutes, silently, relishing in the fact that they were in each other’s arms.
“Ahem,” someone cleared their throat from behind them. Howie and Christine broke apart and noticed the tall, dark-haired man that stood in the doorway to the kitchen. “Paul!” Christine exclaimed. “Look who showed up to visit me!”
Paul forced a smile. “You must be Howie.”
“That’s me,” Howie replied. “Nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Paul lied. He had bee looking forward to spending the night alone with Christine. She had finally convinced her mother to go out so they could have some time together. Just the two of them. And now that damn Backstreet Boy had to show up and ruin his plans. Paul was on a mission and he was not about to let Howie ruin it.
Three Hours Later:
“Alright. She seriously needs to be cut off,” Krista observed, watching Ang stumble around the living room.
“Why?” AJ asked, laughing. “This is pure entertainment.”
“Oh grow up, AJ,” Krista growled. “Why does it seem like I’m the only one that cares that she’s turning into an alcoholic? I mean, her own boyfriend, along with everyone else, just seems to egg her on.”
“Lighten up, Krista” AJ told her. “It’s funny.”
Krista glared at him before marching over to Brian. “Brian!” she called as she approached. “It’s time for you to prove that you actually care about your girlfriend and cut her off. She’s had way too much to drink.”
“Jesus Krista. Ever since you found out that you were pregnant you’ve become a huge stiff,” Brian commented.
“I know, hasn’t she?” AJ joked as she approached. Krista glared him. “You know, McLean, you are really starting to piss me off.”
“What’d I do?” AJ cried, defensively. “I was just kidding!”
“God, Krista,” Brian said. “Calm down. Ang is fine. She doesn’t have a drinking problem. She’s just having fun.”
“If that’s the way you actually feel, then you don’t deserve her,” Krista hissed. “Now you both are pissing me off and I’m tired as shit. I’m going to back to the hotel.”
“Oh come on, Kris,” AJ whined. “I don’t wanna leave yet.”
“You don’t have to,” she told him. “I’m perfectly capable of getting back to the hotel on my own.”
“But…” he began.
“AJ, just stay.” Krista cut him off. “I’ll be fine,” She gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “I’ll see you when you get back.”
“Okay,” AJ said, reluctantly. “Bye.” He watched her as she went find Katelin, Adrienne, and Mr. Taylor.
“You having fun?” Kevin asked quietly, as he sat down next to Brooke. Brooke shrugged, but didn’t offer a response. “Katelin’s got a beautiful home, doesn’t she?” he commented. Brooke remained silent. “Damnit, Brooke, what the hell do you want me to do?” Kevin exclaimed. “I’ve apologized profusely to you. I offered to give you the money you needed. I mean, what else do you want me to do?”
“You don’t get it, do you Kevin?” Brooke finally exploded. “I don’t want your damn money. I don’t want your sympathy. I don’t want your apologies. I don’t want any of that!”
“Well, then what do you want from me?” he asked, exasperated and slightly embarrassed at her blow-up.
“I just want you, Kevin,” she told him quietly. “I want you to love me and forget about all of that other stuff. That’s all in the past.”
“I don’t know if I can do that, Brooke,” he said, honestly. “I’m trying. Really I am. But I don’t know if I can forget about that. I mean, you stole from me, Brooke. You stole and you lied. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive you for that.”
“Well then forget about me,” Brooke said, standing up. “Because I can’t deal with this anymore.” She turned around and spotted Krista saying goodbye to Katelin. “Hey guys,” she said, walking up to them. “You leaving?” she asked Krista.
“Yeah,” Krista nodded. “I’m exhausted. AJ’s going to stay a little bit longer.”
“Mind if I join you?” Brooke asked. “I’m getting kind of tired myself.”
“Not at all,” Krista smiled. “You ready?” Brooke nodded. “Bye Kate!” they both chorused. “Thanks a lot!”
“Bye guys!” she called as they disappeared out the door before turning back to her conversation with Tyler, Alyssa, and Steve.
“Should we maybe have told Q or one of the other guys that we are leaving?” Brooke questioned, as they waited for the elevator.
“Nah,” Krista said. “The Boys need ‘em more than we do. Let’s just go.” The elevator arrived and they rode down to the lobby in silence.
“Wanna walk?” Krista asked as they stepped into the late September night.
“Sure.” Brooke shrugged. “Why not?” They both began to walk back towards Times Square, not noticing the two figures lurking a block behind them.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
“Do you get the feeling that Paul doesn’t like me?” Howie asked Christine when Paul disappeared into the kitchen. He had decided to stay and hang out for a while at Christine’s insistence, much to Howie’s dismay. He had looked forward to a romantic evening alone with his fiancée. Plans which were ruined when Paul didn’t even have to think twice about Christine’s suggestion.
“What are you talking about?” Christine asked.
“Well, I mean, I wouldn’t like the guy you were marrying either, if it wasn’t me,” Howie explained.
“Paul isn’t like that,” Christine informed him. “Sure, we were good together once. But that was a long time ago. He doesn’t feel like that about me anymore. He’s just really protective. It’s nothing more than that.” Howie was skeptical but decided to let it go for the time being. Especially since Paul had returned to the living room.
“I’m going to check on daddy,” Christine announced about fifteen minutes later. “I’ll be back.”
“You won’t win, you know,” Paul said as soon as she had disappeared up the stairs.
“What are you talking about?” Howie asked, taken aback.
“With Christine,” Paul explained. “She’s just confused right now. Moving to Florida was just something she needed to do to gain some independence. A fling almost. Just like you. Soon she’ll realize that this is where she need to be.”
“This is not a fling, Paul,” Howie told him, sternly. “In case you didn’t realize, Christine and I are very happily engaged. This is way more serious than you think.”
“Well then someone will just have to let her know that this is where she needs to be permanently,” Paul smugly remarked. “Especially after her father passes away. Her mother will need her here. Christine has a strong sense a family. Something that will work to my advantage and not yours. Once she realizes how much her mother and sister need her, she’ll leave Florida and come home. To where she belongs. To me.” Howie stared at Paul, speechless. It was one thing to think that Christine’s ex-boyfriend didn’t like him. But it was another thing to know that he’ll stop at nothing to get her back.
“What’s going on, guys?” Christine asked, tentatively, noticing her fiancée and her ex-boyfriend glaring at each other.
“Nothing, sweetheart,” Howie said, standing up and embracing her, throwing a look in Paul’s direction. One that clearly said, ‘Back off. She’s mine.’ “How’s your father?”
“He’s alright,” Christine said, shrugging, not noticing the look of disgust that crossed Paul’s face. “No change, really. I guess that’s a good thing, right?” Howie nodded. “Anyway, what do you guys want to do?”
“I think Paul was just about to leave. Right Paul?” Howie mentioned, smirking.
“You are?” Christine asked, somewhat relieved. She wanted some time alone with Howie.
“Yeah,” Paul smiled, silently steaming at being dismissed so easily. “I should get going. I’ll be by tomorrow to check on your mom.”
“Alright,” Christine said giving him a hug. “See you tomorrow. Bye.”
“Bye.” Howie and Christine watched as Paul let himself out of the house.
"Finally alone,” Howie breathed in her ear.
Christine giggled. “I know. Sorry about Paul being here so long. He’s been so good to my family and I throughout all of this. I couldn’t throw him out.” She led Howie over the couch and sat him down. She faced him and straddled his lap. “But now that he’s gone, it’s time for me to show you just how much I missed you.” She leaned in and gave him a long, passionate kiss.
“What about your mom?” Howie asked, slightly breathless.
Christine reached and pulled her shirt off, surprising Howie. “What about her?”
“Don’t you think she’d care about the two of us having sex on her couch?”
Christine began kissing his neck. “She won’t be home for hours,” she mumbled as she teased him with her lips. “She’s in the city having dinner with my sister. I told her to call before she came home.”
“Did I ever tell you how incredibly beautiful and smart you are?” Howie questioned as he gazed into her chocolate eyes.
“Yeah,” she answered. “But I don’t mind hearing it again.”
“I love you Christine,” Howie said, placing a kiss on her lips.
“I love you, too, Howie.”