Twenty minutes before the show was to start, there was a knock on the door, and Rosie O’Donnell herself walked in.
Introductions were made all around, and Rosie was pleasantly surprised to find Kevin there. “Kevin, I have a big favor to ask of you.”
“What is it, Rosie?”
“One of my Chub Club members was supposed to come on the show and chat, but she called early this morning to say she couldn’t make it. Her daughter went into labor last night, and she wanted to be there for the birth of her first grandchild. Since we can’t chat with her, can we chat with you?”
Kevin shrugged. “If you need to fill the time, sure, but I’m really just here for George.”
The goup talked for a few more minutes before Rosie needed to get ready. Paige and Kevin slipped out and found their seats. Luckily, the people around them didn’t may much attention to the latecomers because they were busy cheering for Rosie.
Kevin was sitting between Paige and a boy who seemed to be about eight. The boy kept sneaking glances at Kev, and finally during the first commercial break, he spoke.
“Are you a Backstreet Boy?” Kevin turned to smile at the whispering boy.
“Yeah, my name’s Kevin. What’s yours?”
“Richie. What are you doing here?”
“A friend of mine is on the show and I came to support her.”
“Is she your girlfriend?” Richie’s nose scrunched up in disgust when he said the last word.
“Nope, she’s not my girlfriend.”
“Why not?”
“Because I haven’t asked her to be yet.”
“Oh.” Richie thought for a moment. “I have a sister.”
“Older or younger?”
Richie made another face. “Hailey’s older. She’s 15 and she’s in love with that Brian guy, but don’t tell her I told you that because she’d kill me.”
“Are you the youngest?” Kevin grinned when the little boy nodded vigorously. “I know what that’s like. I have two older brothers, and they liked to pick on me when I was younger.”
“What about now?”
“It’s not that bad now that I’m all grown-up, and I’m not really home that much anymore.”
Richie was quiet for a moment. “Could you write a note to my sister to prove that I met you? Then maybe she won’t be too mad when she finds out I dropped her diary in the bathtub.”
“Were you reading it?” Richie blushed. “That’s not very nice, Richie. Her diary has her private thoughts in it, and you really shouldn’t do that.”
“It’s stupid. All she talks about is boys and kissing and girl stuff. Why would anyone want to kiss her? Yuck!” Paige chuckled as she listened to their conversation. She passed Kevin a notepad and a pen when Richie wasn’t looking.
“Here’s the deal, Richie. I’ll write the note to Hailey, and I’ll even get a picture with you as more proof, if you promise to stay away from her diary, okay?”
“It’s a deal.” The two shook hands and Kevin quickly penned the note.
Hailey,
This is Kevin from the BSB. I sat next to your brother today at the Rosie O’Donnell Show. He said that you were a big fan and asked me to write you this note. He promised me that he will never read your diary again. Richie is really sorry. I’ll tell the guys that you said hi. Keep the Backstreet Pride Alive!
Love, Kevin Richardson
Richie read over the note quickly before carefully tucking it in his pocket. “Thanks, Kevin. I don’t care what Hailey or anyone else says, but I think that you are the best Backstreet Boy.”
“Thanks Richie.” They stopped talking as the commercial break ended and Rosie introduced the next guest.
[ chapter 19 ]
