Talk to Me
| Breathe “She’s funny.” Nick stated, referring to Evie, after they got in the car. “Yeah, she’s always been like that. Even in High School. She was voted best sense of humor.” Ok, this isn’t so bad, Kris thought. “And what were you voted?” Nick asked. Ok, maybe I was wrong. “Most Likely to Succeed.” Kris admitted bashfully. “Well have you? I mean, have you succeeded in your goals, what ever they were?” “I guess so. I completed college early and am already Team Leader for the squadron even though I’ve only been here a few months. I also have my RN degree. So, yeah, I’ve accomplished a lot of the goals I set for myself.” Work and school were easy to talk about. Boring, but easy. “Wow! You’re young to have all that! I’m impressed. Hard worker, that’s an admirable quality.” Nick truly meant what he said. For someone in her early 20’s who has obviously had to deal with and over come some sort of recent tragedy she sure had accomplished a lot and was still standing strong. He wanted to ask what happened this past year that troubled her so, but knew it was way too early for such questions. “What about you?” Kris asked. “What do you mean?” “I mean, have you accomplished all the goals you set for yourself?” No one had asked about HIS personal goals in a long time, only the goals of the group. He wasn’t even sure what his goals were any more. “I guess some of them. I mean the group has been a success, and that was a major goal for all of us. But, I guess there are more personal things that I would like to do that have been put on the back burner.” “Like what? What types of things are you interested in?” Kris was genuinely interested. All she knew about this man was what Nick Carter the entertainer allowed the world to see. “Like the fact that I don’t have a college education. Howie has always been proud of his degree. School was never easy or fun for me, so back then it really didn’t matter. But now, now I know how important an education is. I’d like to be an advocate for the Dropout Prevention program. You know, help lead kids in the right direction.” He had never really told anyone about those ideas before. They were just things he thought of late at night, in his hotel room when he would think what else he could do besides just being a Backstreet Boy. “That’s a very important role there; one that more people need to be involved with. Of course, with your celebrity you could really make an impact on someone’s life.” “Yeah, that’s what I thought too. I mean, being famous is not the only reason I want to do something like that. I’d just like to have an identity outside the Backstreet Boys. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do and love the guys and fans and all. It’s just, sometimes you need more. The music world can be so superficial. I need something more. That is why I started my management company. Why I started my ocean campaign. I think why we all started our own record label. We needed to be known for more than JUST a boyband. If that makes any sense.” “Yeah, it makes a lot of sense. Self-validation is very important for happiness and ultimately for success. Without it you have no foundation.” Kris was impressed by his ambitions. Even a little surprised by them. “Not to change the subject, but we’re here.” Kris looked up to see they were pulling into a small restaurant right on the waterfront; a seafood place if the name was any indication. Not at all what she expected, but she was actually glad this was where they were going. Something more casual would be less intimidating than those really uptown, fancy, expensive type restaurants she had thought they were headed to. Walking in, Nick held the door open for her. The place was cozy. Kind of small, but had a warmth to it that drew you in. The hostess, who was an older lady with a head full of gray hair, greeted Nick by name. “So, you finally come back to see us? And you brought such a pretty lady with you this time.” “Fran, this is Kristyne. Kristyne, Fran and her husband Jake own the restaurant. They have the best seafood on the bay.” Nick was smiling as the older lady patted his hand and led them to a table with a clear view out over the bay. Fran clucked her teeth, “Such a sweet boy. How are your parents?” Fran asked and the two quickly caught up on the latest happenings of the Carter clan before she disappeared to get their drinks. “I hope you don’t mind coming here. I just figured we’d both be more comfortable in a more casual setting. Besides, they really do have the best seafood.” “I think it is charming here. And Fran obviously adores you. This is just perfect.” “Well, if you think she adores me, you should see how she acts towards Aaron.” Nick laughed and began telling Kris different stories about Aaron and his other siblings. Before they knew it dinner was over with and they were both completely full and having a great time laughing at each other’s tales. “Some dessert for the happy couple? Yes?” “Oh, Fran, I don’t think I could eat a single crumb more!” Kris beamed at the friendly lady. “Me either. You just feed us too good here.” Nick added. “Well, next time you come for dessert; on me. Ok?” Fran didn’t give up easily. Both Kris and Nick chuckled and nodded their heads yes. After a drive around the Bay, Nick took Kristyne home. The date was short, but she had only agreed to dinner. Pulling into the driveway Kris admitted to herself and to Nick that she had enjoyed herself and had also enjoyed Nick’s company. So, when he asked her if he could take her to dinner again one night and maybe to a show she agreed.
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