“So you got to eat lunch with them? That’s cool! How was it?” Carmen asked, as we sat by the large pizza we had ordered.
“It was actually really fun. The other chick apparently had a problem flirting with Brian, though.” I laughed.
“Well, maybe you’ll carry the tradition on.”
“Yeah, I seriously doubt that.” I rolled my eyes. “Man, my hands hurt... I’m never played piano for so long in my entire life... I’m gonna get arthritis by the time I’m thirty at this rate.”
Carmen, obviously not listening to what I was saying, said, “so tell me more about Kevin. The man is gorgeous, have I mentioned that?”
“Yes, many times. I think he’s a little too responsible for you.”
“What? I’m responsible.”
“Yes, but...” I decided not to bother. “All right, what’s the point? I might as well tell you what you want to hear. That’s exactly what you are going to pretend I said, anyway. Kevin’s really nice. Always on time, always on task. Keeping the others in line. Especially when it comes to Nick or AJ. I don’t know, what else is there to say?”
“He’s not dating anyone, is he?”
“Nope. I don’t believe so. I really don’t get to see them that often, though. I mean, they’re practicing hard and are in photo shoots and interviews a lot. I’ve barely even met any of the dancers,” I said. “Anyway,” wanting to change the subject to something other than what had clearly become my job. “Are you sure your parents don’t mind us staying here longer?”
“No. Mom just considers me their house sitter. And you're my excuse to delay going into the working world, which is nice.”
“So that position with your dad is still open...”
“It's there whenever I want it. I’ll get paid to argue, what could be better?” she grinned, grabbing another slice of pizza.
“How do you eat so much and not gain a pound?”
“Hyper-active,” Carmen grinned.
October and November were filled with practice and refining the concert. December gave everyone a few weeks off, to spend time with their families before going on the long, strenuous tour. I wasn’t used to December being so warm. I couldn’t wait to get home and see my family and, hopefully, some snow.
“August, don’t forget to really work on those two difficult songs over the break,” Donald told me one day.
This was the last day of rehearsal until January. Then it would be chaos, with two weeks to get back into everything before the first concert. This would be the most stressful holiday that I had ever experienced.
“August,” Nick walked up. “AJ is having a huge party at his house before the holidays. You wanna come? And you could even bring your friend, Carmen.”
I laughed. This wasn’t the first time I’d gotten invited somewhere as a link to her. “I’ll ask Carmen. If there’s dancing, she’ll probably be there.”
Nick smiled. “Cool, do you know where he lives?”
I shook my head, and he handed me a sheet of paper that he’d drawn directions on and went over to talk to AJ.
I laughed. On the paper, he’d drawn sketches of him and AJ with two girls dancing. It looked like Comic book pictures. And one girl looked slightly like Carmen.
“So are you going, too? Or just sending Carmen?”
“Ohh, you're much quicker at catching things than Nick, aren’t you?” I smiled. “Yeah, I was just going to send her. I’m not much of a partier.”
“Could be fun, though. And you’ll get to see everyone before the break. You going home?”
“Yeah, Carmen and I have a flight home early next week. You?”
Brian nodded. “Nothing like Christmas in Kentucky. My brother and his wife will be there, too. It’ll be a nice Christmas.”
“Sounds fun. Don’t pull a Nick Carter and forget the Everybody dance while you’re gone, okay?”
“Promise,” he put his hand over his heart, both a sincere and a cute gesture. I always felt happier whenever I was around him.
“Well, I need to get home. If I’m gone too long, my baby gets angry with me.”
“Oh, your girlfriend?” He had one after all, huh? Well, why wouldn’t he? Brian was great. Why did it bother me so much?
“No, my dog. Pretty much the same thing, though... Lil Tyke expects me to take him dinner and spend my Saturday nights with him,” Brian laughed. “Well, I hope you change your mind and go to AJ’s. It’s always interesting when he’s involved, that’s for sure.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“You’re going to a party tonight?” Carmen asked incredulously.
“No, we are going to a party tonight.”
“Well I know I am. A party at some rich, famous boy’s house? I’m there! But you? What are you not telling me?”
“What?” I shrugged. “I was invited. It’s my obligation to go.”
“Hmm-mmm,” Carmen said. “Like I believe you for a second.” The telephone rang. “Saved by the bell, August... Hello?”
It was her cousin, and also one of her close friends, so I had a good long while before she could return to interrogate me further.
Why was I going to this party again? Just because Brian asked me? I was setting myself up to make a fool out of myself. Did I think I had a chance?
Sure, he was nice to me. But, so were the other Backstreet Boys, and I didn’t have a shot to hook up with any of them. Even if Brian paid more attention to me than any of the others, that’s because of the type of person he was. Brian Littrell was the Backstreet Boy who tried to make people laugh and feel included.
He and Kevin both were personable and had the southern gentlemen manners. Kentucky produced some darn good men, that was for sure.
But Brian and I were beginning to become friends. Friends went to get together’s with each other. And I couldn’t let Carmen go without me. I didn’t want to read in an article tomorrow that one of the Backstreet Boys had decided to suddenly get married. Even if she didn’t snag Kevin, Nick would no doubt be waiting to console her broken heart.
I needed to put any possible feelings I was having towards Brian aside. I didn’t want to be like the girl who got fired from the opening act.
For once, I should just go to a party and have some fun. I did too much worrying.
Chapter Six
Chapter Eight
Dreaming of Destiny
Frick's Fairytales