Chapter 29
Nick's time at home was well spent. We had taken our usual walks along the beach, and picnicked when we could. Although I was grateful for the time we had, it was not nearly long enough for me. The tour was now underway, and Nick was gone most of the time. The weeks all seemed to meld together. Nick, Howie, AJ, Brian and Kevin had started the tour and things looked great for them. All the shows had been sold out, and the added more dates, just to accommodate their fans. I was amazed at all the hype that the guys got.
Kevin's birthday had just passed, and Dee was excited about her visiting with Kevin. I had run the store while Dee was away, and once she returned, it was my turn to go see Nick. I had never seen a show, until Nick invited me to see them in Chicago. I was so excited that I would finally get to see what he does on stage. Little did I know that he had planned a special song for me.
I was seated in the front row, right in front of Nick. I was totally amazed at how the girls practically threw themselves at him and the rest of the guys. The littlest move made by Nick caused the girls to scream and holler and faint. It was hysterical.
I spend most of the show just totally fixated on Nick. He looked so good up there and his voice was heavenly. Brian sounded amazing too. I have to admit, I had a lot of fun watching Howie, AJ, and Kevin on the ladder routine. It was funny to watch them. Then, a very special moment came after the guys had brought up the mother/daughter combinations for "Perfect Fan". After the girls had been escorted back to their seats, Howie walked up to the edge of the stage and said,
"Good evening Chicago!! We have a very special lady in the house tonight, and Nick would like to say something to her. Go for it Nick!"
Nick was totally embarrassed. You could see his cheeks blush as he stepped into the spotlight. He walked over to my side of the stage, and motioned for me to come up on the stage. Mike, my now favorite security agent, helped me get up the steps of the stage. I was shaking. Nick then knelt down before me and said something that I would never forget.
"Heather, I know that you have been away for so long, and I want you to know that I have missed you. I am so glad that you are here with me tonight. I love you baby, and I wanted to make this a very special night for you." he continued.
Kevin, AJ, Howie, and Brian had brought out stools for each of them, and then one for me. They placed it in the middle of them all. Kevin helped me up onto the seat and then took his. Nick started telling the crowd that he and I had this very special song, the one that brought us together. He told everyone that he wanted to sing that song to me…and declare his love for me.
Nick's voice sounded angelic as he started singing, "You Are the Answers to My Prayers"
Once in a lifetime, you find that someone else
Who knows you better than you even know yourself.
You're that connection that makes my heart complete.
And keeps my soul in balance, you are my harmony.
I say the grace, you say amen
We are each other's complement
This is a perfect love we share
You're the answer to my prayers.
You answer questions before I even ask
I know when to let you cry and when to make you laugh.
Sometimes we say the most when no words have been said
You even sing the songs that I hear playing in my head.
I say the grace, you say amen
We are each other's complement
This is a perfect love we share
You're the answer to my prayers.
All that I need is all that I am
You're my lover, my other half.
I say the grace, you say amen.
We are each other's complement
This is a perfect love we share
You're the answer to my prayers.
Tears were streaming down my cheeks as he finished the song. Everyone in the crowd shouted and screamed in excitement. For the first time, I had felt the happiness of the fans for me. I knew that they weren't happy with me for taking away the heart of their beloved Nicky, but tonight, none of that mattered. The actually felt happy for me.
I was so happy. Nick leaned in and gave me one of the most gentle and passionate kisses that I had ever felt. My heart was racing, and I could feel my spine tingle. I began to think that this is what heaven was like.
Unfortunately, the concert was over too soon, and the rest of my trip
was spent following the guys around. We got to spend a little time
shopping and then we all played basketball with Brian and Nick. Everyone
thought it was hysterical to watch a 5'2" girl try to make a slam dunk.
It just didn't work, but at least we all got a good laugh.
The good times had to come to an end though, and I knew it was time
for me to head back home.
The trip seemed so short, and I was complaining about going back home.
The weather in Florida was still very warm for October. I didn't
want to return, but I knew that I had to. My biggest fear was that
it was starting to get dark earlier in the evenings and here I was, staying
in that big house all alone, and it scared me.