Chapter 1
Working at Disneyworld had been Tyler's ticket to a dance career. She and Howie had both started working there as teens during the summers and when Tyler was finished with college, she had decided to stay with Disney fulltime. They even promoted her, putting her in charge of all the shows. It had been through Disney that Tyler had met Joey Fatone. They had worked together in several shows and Tyler had seen him when he had come to perform with his group, 'NSync.
Now, backstage before one of the shows, Tyler was going over some papers when someone snuck up behind her and covered her eyes with his hands. "Guess who?"
Feeling his hands, Tyler said, "You're too tall to be Howie. No ring, so you aren't AJ You're fingers are too small to be Kevin, not to mention the wrong cologne. It's either Nick or Bri."
Joey let go of her and said, "Who are they?"
Tyler was surprised to see Joey and she gave him a hug. "Joey! What are you doing here?"
"The guys and I have a show in Jacksonville tomorrow night but I wanted to surprise you."
"That's terrific. I'd heard you were in the area."
"Tyler, who were the guys you just mentioned?"
"Howie's my cousin. You remember him? Not to mention, you should know them all since they are your rivals in the music scene."
"You mean the Backstreet Boys?"
"Yeah! Howie...my cousin. They're due back from Europe any time now," said Tyler as she saw something in Joey's eyes. "You aren't jealous, are you?"
"Sorta. Tyler, you're all I've thought about lately and I couldn't wait to get to Florida so I could see you."
That surprised Tyler. She and Joey had dated when they were younger but she never realized that he felt this way about her. She said, "Really?"
"Yes!! What are you doing tonight?"
"I've got one more show to make sure gets started on time and then I'm done. I don't have to stay for the whole thing."
"Let me take you out for a late dinner."
"Sounds wonderful, Joey."
"I'll be back at 8:30 to pick you up."
"I can't wait."
Joey started to leave but stopped and gave Tyler a kiss. She smiled as she watched him leave and then went back to what she was doing.
After a while, Kryss and Fiona came backstage to find Tyler. They were anxiously waiting for Howie and Nick to return and figured maybe Tyler had heard from them.
"Hey, Ty! I take it by your smile that Howie called?" said Kryss.
Tyler shook her head, "Not yet."
"Then why the shit-eating grin?" asked Fiona.
"I just had a visit from a guy I use to date. I have a date with him after the show."
"That's really cool. Who is it?" asked Kryss.
"Joey Fatone."
"You mean Joey...from 'NSync?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, wow! What does Howie think about that?"
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Well, the guys don't exactly get along, you know."
"Howie doesn't control who I do and don't date. Just like I don't tell him who he can and can't date," said Tyler to Kryss.
Fiona said, "I thought you liked Kevin."
"I do but Kevin is so wrapped up in the band and his music that he doesn't even know I'm alive. I'm just Howie's cousin to him."
Kryss snickered, "You obviously haven't seen the way he looks at you."
Before either of the three could say any more, Howie grabbed Tyler around the waist and spun her around.
Tyler let out a scream. "Put me down, 'D'!"
Howie set Tyler down, "What's up, Ty?"
"Nothing," laughed Tyler as she gave him a hug. "When did you get back?"
"A couple hours ago," said Howie as he put his arms around Kryss from behind. He gave her a kiss on the neck and said, "Hey, baby."
Kryss smiled and turned enough to give him a kiss. "Hey, sweetie."
Fiona pouted, "What about me?"
Howie laughed, "Hey, Fiona! Nick asked me to deliver a message. He wants you to meet him tonight at 'Tabu'. In fact, we're all going. That's why I'm here! I came to get my girls and take them out on the town."
Tyler shook her head. "I can't, 'D'. I have a date tonight."
Cocking his eyebrow in surprise, Howie asked, "Do I know him?"
"Yes."
"Are you going to tell me who it is?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't feel like hearing the lip from you about it."
Kryss said, "Joey Fatone asked her out."
Howie looked at Tyler, "Is she kidding?"
"No. Joey and the guys are playing Jacksonville and Joey came down to see me."
"Tyler Ann Dorough! How many..."
"Don't go there, Howard Dwaine! And don't call me Tyler Ann! Besides, this isn't the place for this discussion."
"Fine."
"How long are you home?" asked Tyler trying to change the subject.
"Long enough to make you see the error of your ways."
Kryss and Fiona realized that Howie wanted to talk to Tyler now about her going out with Joey despite the fact that Tyler wanted to drop the whole subject. Kryss said, "We'll go get our stuff while you two talk."
When they were gone, Howie asked, "Tyler, why are you going out with Joey?"
"Because I like him. He's sweet and funny."
"He's just going to hurt you, like he did four years ago."
"How did he hurt me? I was going to college and his career was getting off the ground."
Howie shook his head. "Joey doesn't care about anyone but himself."
"Maybe he's changed. Besides, I don't exactly have guys beating down my door."
Howie smiled, "Ty, you could have your pick of any man you wanted."
"You're sweet and really good for my ego, Howie, but I'm not interested in just ANY man. You guys go on without me and I'll see you later. I have the next two days off."
"And you're spending them with me!"
"Of course, 'D'!"
Howie gave her a kiss and headed off to find Kryss and Fiona. As Tyler watched him leave, she said softly, "I don't want just any guy, 'D'. I want Kevin and you can't give him to me."
