Leighanne heard music. It was quiet, but there was no mistaking it was coming from the guys' dressing room. She peeked in to see Grace sitting at the keyboard the guys kept in their dressing room. Grace had not noticed her. She listened for another moment then went back to the room set up for interviews. The guys were just finishing their final interview. Leighanne got Brian's attention and had him follow her. His ears perked up as he got closer to the dressing room. Leighanne stopped him just short of entering the room. They listened as the person began to sing.

Never thought I'd be so young, and feel so alone.
Be so empty yet so full of false hope.
Be so sorry for what I let go.
When there's nothing left like home
There's not a hand to hold."

Brian looked at Leighanne and mouthed Grace? Leighanne nodded yes. They continued to listen until she stopped playing. Brian eased into the room.

"Oh hi Brian," greeted Grace, suddenly nervous.

"Hey Grace. I didn't know you played and sang."

"Well I don't really."

"What I just heard sounded like you do."

"I've study piano for 9 years."

"It shows. You're very good."

"Nah," mumbled Grace.

"Yes you are and you have a pretty voice. What were you singing?"

"Nothing really, just something I've had going around in my head."

"You wrote that," asked Brian.

Grace said, "Yes, but its not big deal."

"It is a big deal. Grace you're talented."

"Thanks," said a blushing, but unconvinced Grace.

"Will you play it again?"

"Really?"

"Really."

Brian pulled a chair up beside Grace. She started playing the music again. She played the melody then sang the chorus. Brian stopped her and asked if she had more lyrics to the song. She started again and reluctantly began singing the first verse.

The other guys wandered down the hall with Kassidy. Leighanne told them to be quiet. She led them to the door like she had Brian. Kassidy smiled when she heard Grace playing and singing. At the last chorus, they heard Brian's voice join Grace's. When they finished, everyone entered the room clapping.

"Grace why didn't you tell anyone you sing and play," asked Howie.

"I don't know."

"Kassidy did you know she could do this," asked Leighanne.

"Yes."

Kevin asked, "Why didn't you tell us."

"Because I promised Grace I wouldn't."

"Well your cat is out of the bag Pooh."

"I know, but really it's no big deal."

"Now you see what I've been fighting since I first met her," commented Kassidy.

"Well now you have us to work on her too," replied AJ.

"Now wait a minute, we don't need to all gang up on her. Grace I would like to hear some more of your stuff," said Brian.

"Guys, you need to get ready for the show," said James as he came in the room with the makeup artist.

"Come on AJ, makeup time," ordered their makeup artist.

"Come with me Pooh."

AJ took Grace with him to the other side of the room. He could see she was very uncomfortable with all the attention. There was still plenty of time to get her to open up about her music. Wait, there wasn't plenty of time. AJ realized their two guests would be gone in 4 days. The thought made him sad. He hadn't expected to have any reaction to them leaving. Of course, he hadn't thought about how much of an impact they would have on him and everyone else. Kassidy was funny, caring, and straightforward. Grace was sweet, pretty, and innocent. Now he knew she had a talent to write, sing, and play music. It was a surprise, but then he guessed Pooh had lots of surprises. He briefly wished they were staying longer.

Kassidy was quietly talking with Brian about Grace's talent. She explained that was how they had originally started chatting. She went on to tell them about Grace being president of her school's National Honors Society, co-editor of the newspaper and a straight A student. Kassidy also explained that they were lucky enough to experience her quick wit. Kassidy said that along with the fact that she was just a really good-hearted person were her best qualities.

"Kassidy," called AJ.

"What AJ?"

"Grace says you can sing too."

"She did?"

"She said you have a range to kill for," replied Howie.

"She is just trying to get the spotlight off herself."

"I am not. You know you can sing."

"So sing for us," said Nick.

"Not in this lifetime."

"Come on Kassidy," begged Nick.

"Turn those puppy dog eyes from me Carter. It ain't happening. Oh look it's time for two more people to get makeup done," finished Kassidy as she pushed Nick across the room.

"You will sing for us before you leave," said Brian as he walked past her.

Kassidy made a face at him, but the issue was dropped as the guys shifted into show mode. They finished getting ready. After the meet and greet, everyone gathered for the preshow ritual. Grace was with AJ like always. Kassidy found herself next Nick. As they held hands Nick marveled again at how small her hand was compared to his. It made him feel like a big giant to stand beside her. However, the uncomfortable feeling left him when he felt her squeeze his hand. He sneaked a glance sideways and she winked at him.

For the first time, they watched the show from inside the barrier. Leighanne had suggested it. It was a bit unsettling to be so prominently on display, but they quickly forgot about anyone else when the guys took the stage. The guys sang to them and threw stuff animals at them. They didn't expect AJ to pull them up on stage for Perfect Fan. Kevin introduced them and explained why they were there, then moved on to introduce his mother-daughter pair. Kassidy laughed as she watched AJ literally dance Grace around the stage. Grace was blushing, but Kassidy could tell by the way her eyes were dancing that she was having the time of her life. AJ escorted them off the stage when the song was done. In no time the show was over and they were back on the bus.

Brian and Kevin were excited because they were heading straight to Lexington, KY. They had a free day then were playing two nights in Lexington. They arrived from Columbus OH at 2am. Brian, Leighanne and Kevin had gotten off the bus right as they got into Lexington. A car had been waiting just off the interstate. They of course were staying with family. Everyone else went on to the Hyatt that was attached to Rupp Arena. A crowd was gathered outside. They all got off the bus quickly. Inside James handed out the room keys. Kassidy and Grace found their room. As they were getting ready for bed there was a knock at the door.

"AJ what are you doing here," asked Kassidy.

"I can't sleep."

"Well I can."

"I'm not sleepy," offered Grace.

"Grace you want to come back to my room and talk?"

"Kassidy can I?"

"Why do I get the feeling this isn't quiet so spur of the moment," inquired Kassidy.

"We were talking on the bus and both realized we weren't sleepy," explained AJ.

"Grace all you had to do was ask if you could hang out in AJ's room."

"So I can go," asked Grace.

"Yes you can," replied Kassidy. Throwing an arm around AJ she continued, "My dear Alexander James, if you try anything with this child I will know."

"I'm not going to try anything Kassidy."

"Good answer. As for you young lady," said Kassidy putting her other arm around Grace. "You try anything with him I will know."

"Yes ma'am."

"If you all do anything, I will be forced to neuter the Boner."

"Ow, thanks for the graphic visualization," said AJ, his hand instinctually covering himself.

"Anytime Bone. Now you guys go have a good talk. I'm going to bed."

"OK. Thanks Kassidy and we won't do anything," said Grace as she hugged the older woman.

AJ led Grace to his room. Once there, they were both awkward. Grace finally just stretched out on AJ's bed and continued the conversation they were having on the bus. AJ lay down by her and they both relaxed. Grace talked about her family and life at home. AJ told her about his new house. Somehow they got on the topic of Kassidy. Grace explained that Kassidy was originally from Lexington. Her parents had died when she was in her early twenties. AJ was surprised to learn this about Kassidy.

"Wow she was young. I wonder why she didn't tell us about being from here."

"She probably didn't want to have to explain about her parents and stuff."

"Maybe," said AJ with a yawn.

"Stop it," said Grace also yawing.

"Sorry I'm fading."

"So am I. I guess I should leave."

"Don't."

"What," asked Grace.

"Don't go. Can we snuggle up here together and sleep? I miss having someone to cuddle with."

"I've never had anyone to cuddle with."

"If you aren't comfortable I understand," replied AJ.

"No. I would like to stay."

"Good. Come here," said AJ, opening his arms.

Grace scooted closer, still facing him. Their eyes locked for a moment. Grace licking her lips brought AJ's gaze down to them. He watched her lean closer. He couldn't have stopped even if Kassidy had walked in that moment. He leaned forward and captured her lips in a gentle kiss. Her lips were so soft. He pulled back and looked into her eyes. She had a look of wonder. Slowly she turned over and he pulled her back against his body. He buried his nose in her hair inhaling. It smelled like he thought it would…sweet.

He whispered, "Night Pooh."

"Night AJ."