Chapter 16
Tyler began to cry as Kevin took her in his arms. She whispered, "I missed you."
"I missed you too, baby."
"There are five very special ladies that we need to thank. Without their love and support, we wouldn't be able to do what we do best and that's bring the music to all of you," said Howie as he pointed to the fans in the balcony who went crazy. "They are the ones who take the phone calls at 3 AM because a show did or didn't go well. They are the ones who step aside to make sure that ALL the fans get an autograph even if we are out on a special date. They are the ones who keep us grounded and remind us every day of just how special our fans are because without our fans, we wouldn't be doing what we love. Kryss, Fiona, Lex, Sonja, and Tyler...thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"
Brian, Nick, AJ, and Howie all blew kisses to their girlfriends and Kevin kissed Tyler.
Brian said, "Finally, we want to thank the FANS! You guys are the best. Keep the Backstreet Pride alive!"
'NSync, Backstreet Boys, and Tyler were led backstage by the escort where Kevin took Tyler into his arms and kissed her passionately. Cameras flashed around them but they didn't notice or mind.
Kevin pulled back and looked at Tyler. He smiled, "You're messing up your make-up, baby."
Kevin wiped the tears as Tyler said, "I don't care! I have you with me!"
Lance said, "I'm glad to see that you liked your surprise."
Tyler looked at him, "You knew they were coming?"
Kevin said, "I talked to Lance yesterday and he told me that you weren't holding up all that great. We talked and worked all this out."
"We were suppose to be the closing act," said Lance. "I suggested they come in and take our place."
Tyler looked up at Kevin, "You're performing too?"
"Yeah, we are."
"Thanks, Lance. You've been a really good friend," said Tyler as she saw Joey glaring at them. "I know this was hard for you and I appreciate what you did."
Don't worry. JC, Justin, and Chris backed me. We'll talk to you later, Tyler."
Kevin shook Lance's hand, "Thanks, Lance."
After Lance was gone, Howie, AJ, Nick, and Brian joined Kevin and Tyler. Tyler gave Howie a hug first and then the others.
AJ said, "Dayum, Tyler! That dress is hot on you!"
"Thanks, 'Bone'! You don't know how glad I am to see you guys!"
"Just out of curiosity, cuz! Where'd that bruise come from?"
Tyler shot Howie a dirty look and Nick asked, "Did Joey do that to you?"
Kevin reached around and turned Tyler to face him. That's when he saw the bruise. "Tyler, you didn't tell me everything, did you?"
"I was going to tell you when I saw you. It wasn't something I wanted to tell you on the phone and now isn't the time either," said Tyler.
"Ty's right," said Brian. "There's too much going on right now."
"I promise, I'll tell you what happened as soon as we're alone."
About that time, several reporters converged on the guys and they gave an interview. They talked about the rumors concerning Tyler, the tour, and the new CD. When the interview was over, the guys headed out to sit with the girls but Kevin held Tyler back.
"I want to find a quiet place to talk before we go back out."
Kevin took Tyler's hand and they headed down the hall. They had to settle for the back steps to the balcony. Kevin sat on the landing and had Tyler sit between his legs on the step below him. He put his arms around her neck and kissed her softly.
"Now tell me what happened?"
"After I told him I wasn't in love with him and about the baby, he slapped me knocking me on the bed. We argued about who the father was and he tried to rape me. 'Bull' pulled him off as the rest of the guys came into the room. 'Bull' told him about the restraining order and Joey said I'd never see this baby after it was born."
"He didn't hurt the baby, did he?"
"No. I don't think he would. Kevin, I'm scared."
"There's no need to be. I'm not going to let him hurt you ever again."
"I missed you so much, Kevin," said Tyler as she hugged his arms tight to her.
"I missed you too, baby."
"I wish we could go somewhere and be alone."
"We'll have after the show. Let's go join the others."
Kevin and Tyler stood up and Tyler turned to look up at him. "How did I get so lucky?"
"Because you are one of a kind," whispered Kevin as he kissed her.
The two joined the others for the rest of the show. The guys won a couple more awards and when it was time for the final act, they made their way backstage leaving the girls at their seats.
The guys were introduced and the music began. Kevin said, "Girls, this is for you."
The guys sang 'Anywhere For You' and as they did, Kevin moved out into the audience. He knelt by Tyler and took her hand in his as he sang with the guys. When they were done, Kevin whispered, "I'd go anywhere for you."
The guys received a standing ovation but Tyler and Kevin didn't seem to notice. Their eyes were locked on each other with the love flowing between them.
After the show, the girls went backstage to be with the guys. AJ said, "I say we all hit the parties and shake some major bootie!"
Everyone laughed and Nick said, "I'm with AJ."
Kevin was holding Tyler from behind as he said, "Y'all go! I'm taking Tyler back to the hotel and spending some quiet time with her."
"Are you sure it's quiet time you want to spend?" teased AJ.
Everyone laughed but the mood was interrupted by Joey. "So, you're bed hopping again. I certainly hope she doesn't do you like she did me, Kevin. Of course, she can't get pregnant by you since she's already pregnant."
Tyler said, "Joey, please, don't make a scene. I never meant to hurt you..."
"You're a slut..."
Before Joey could say anymore, Nick swung at Joey hitting him in the jaw. The two started fighting and the guys in both groups had to pull them apart. Brian and Fiona held on to Nick trying to calm him down.
Joey said, "I'm pressing charges, Nick."
Angrily, Tyler said, "No, you're not, Joey! You got what you deserved."
Kevin said, "Joey, it takes a very small man to treat a lady the way you treated Tyler. Do we need to enforce the restraining order because Nick was defending Tyler if you decide to press charges?"
Justin said calmly to Joey, "Let her go, Joey. She's made her choice and you can't change that."
Joey looked at Tyler who was standing between Nick and Kevin. He said, "You'll regret this."
Joey turned and walked off followed by Justin.
Lance said, "I'm sorry, Tyler."
"Don't apologize for him," said Tyler. "When he calms down, tell him that my next appointment is March 6th and he can have a copy of the ultra sound if he wants it."
"You're being too good to him considering what he's done to you," said Lance.
"I'll agree with that," said Nick.
Tyler shook her head. "Joey honestly loved me and he's the father. I can't change that...no matter how much I would like to," she said as she looked at Kevin. "I'm not going to be the one to cut him out because I think he'll be a good father."
"I'll tell him," said Lance as he gave Tyler a hug. "Good luck to you and Kevin."
Lance, Chris, and JC left the group and when they were gone, Tyler said, "Nick, you shouldn't have hit him but thanks for defending me."
"I'd do it again, Tyler," said Nick as he gave her a hug.
Howie said, "What are we going to do?"
Kryss said, "I'm up for partying."
"Me, too!" chorused Nick, AJ, Fiona, and Lex.
Sonja looked at Tyler who had pressed herself tight against Kevin. She said, "I'm up for some partying too if my best friend will come."
Brian suggested, "Kevin, why don't you two join us and get your minds off Joey?"
Kevin shook his head, "Not this time. Tyler's been through enough. We'll be at the hotel."
"That's cool," said Howie. "We'll meet you at the airport in the morning then."
The others started to leave but Tyler stopped them. With tears in her eyes, Tyler said, "Thank you all for sticking with me through all this. I know I treated you kind of bad while Joey and I were dating and I don't deserve your loyalty."
Sonja hugged her best friend. "Yes, you do! You would have done it for any of us."
Everyone chorused their agreement and each gave Tyler a hug.
When Howie hugged his cousin, he said, "Tyler, I love you and I'm always going to be here for you no matter how hard you try to push me away."
"Thanks, 'D'!"
"We'll see you in the morning," said Kevin.
"Stay out of trouble."
Kevin and Tyler watched the others leave and then Tyler asked, "Where are we going?"
"Back to your hotel. The room was reserved through tomorrow."
With his arm around Tyler's shoulders, Kevin and Tyler went to the waiting limo which took them to the hotel.
