Cora laughed as Nick tried to catch her. She ran around the bus and dodged through the cars in the parking lot, Nick's favorite video game cartridge in tote.
"Give it back Cora!" Nick growled playfully.
"In your dreams Nicky!" Cora laughed. "You know you can't catch me!" With the challenge issued, Nick gave chase. "Ha, ha! You never even touched mei!" Cora giggled full of giddiness.
Across the parking lot Alison watched them, and shook her head. Just a month ago she had returned from her excursion to Toronto to find the entire tour in a state of depression. Nick and Cora were madly feuding, Grace had left a hole in the tour, Howie was broken, A.J. was confused and on top of it all, she had been far too over come with grief to deal with their problems, so, she had left it up to them. Alison glanced at Victoria, her friend and song-writing partner. She was snuggled under Kevin's arm and he was holding her against him tightly. Alison smiled inwardly. She liked it when her friend was happy.
Suddenly a sharp cry pierced the warm, rainy air. Nick had grabbed Cora and was trying to wrestle the game away from her. Cora was putting up a mean fight.
Victoria laughed and commented to Kevin: "Gee, You'd think they were still a couple."
"Ah, it's better that they're just friends," Alison cut in.
Victoria looked over at her. "You're probably right," She agreed. "But you know me . . . the hopeless romantic!" She looked back up at Kevin. He kissed her mouth slowly.
"A hopeful romantic," He corrected. She smiled.
Alison laughed quietly and entered the MacDonald's they had stopped at. Howie was right behind her. "Hey Al, How ya doin'?"
"Me? Just ducky thanks!" Alison replied, she was in an exceptionally good mood. "Howie doin'?"
He gave her an odd look as they moved to order. The restaurant was unusually quiet and near empty. "Ah, you know me, I'm alright. I still kinda miss Grace, but I'm starting to realize that she was probably right. Maybe if I ever find her again, we could try it out . . . again."
"With no pretenses, expectations or extreme circumstances, right?" Alison asked.
"Right . . ." Howie smiled slightly.
"That's right," Alison nodded. "Womyn are always right." She turned to the cashier to make her order.
Just then, A.J. walked in. He saw Alison and Howie and moved in to be a chatterbox, as usual. He slung an arm around Alison and whispered in her ear. "Are you off limits ‘cause we're not together anymore?"
Alison laughed. "Friends talk! Friends hug! - Erm - actually give me a chocolate milkshake - and is that Pepsi or Coke? I only drink Coke."
A.J. shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Would you mind ordering for me, Al? I'm gonna go sit down."
"Sure thang A.J., wanna get that table over by the window?" He nodded and left to grab the seat before some crew member got it.
"I was so surprised that you two broke up," Howie told her as she picked up her tray and ordered for A.J.
"Why?" Alison asked. "We were only together for like, four weeks . . ." she moved over so Howie could order.
"I don't know," Howie shrugged. "You just seemed so compatible . . . Hmmm . . . You only serve Coke? Fine then, Coke is fine." He turned back to Alison. She was munching on a fry while she waited for him.
"After David died," Alison started.
"Hey, if you don't want to talk about it-" Howie began.
She cut him off. "No, it's okay . . . After David died, I just realized that we'd make better friends than lovebirds." She bit her lip. "I loved David . . ."
"How come you two never got together?" Howie wondered quietly. "If you don't mind my asking . . ."
"You're my friend, you can ask me anything." Alison told him as he received his food. They headed to sit down.
"So?" Howie continued as he sat down in front A.J.
Alison shrugged, taking the seat beside A.J. "Well, he was six years older than me for one, and he was gay. Me not being a man, it wouldn't have worked out."
A.J. made a small gasping sound, before he realized what they were talking about. "Oh, you're talking about David . . . Had me wondering there for a minute." Alison nodded, and bit her lip. "Sorry Al," A.J. murmured, leaning over to hug his friend.
"David was my inspiration," Alison reminisced. "He was the one that got me performing . . . he got me off the streets . . . first show I ever did was a Gay Pride event . . ." She paused, and looked away, "Hey guys, let's not talk about this, okay?"
"Sure, Al." A.J. nodded, glancing at Howie.
A warm draft swept by as Victoria and Kevin walked in, followed by Cora, Nick, Lara, Brian and Aaron. The restaurant was now buzzing with crew members and performers. Elisa of Solid HarmoniE was chiding Cora.
"The game could have been damaged!" She insisted. "What if it had started to rain?"
"Oh! Heaven forbid Mortal Combat should be rained on!" Cora mocked. Elisa reached out to hit her. Cora just stepped back and laughed at her.
Nearby, Aaron and Melissa were chatting. "And then," Aaron started. "I want to go to Europe and meet the-" Melissa burst into a fit of giggles as Nick grabbed Aaron and lifted him over his head.
"Ahhh! Nick! Stop! Cut it out!" Aaron whined. "Nick!"
Mariama, Andrew and Kristen were sitting off in a corner of the restaurant talking in hushed tones. "I don't know what to do," Andrew told his female friends. "We were so close and she's asking for my help. I really don't want her to get hurt . . ."
"And Goddess knows we don't need Howie to slip into that depression again," Kristen added. "She does realize what her leaving did to him, doesn't she?"
"Oh, of course," Andrew nodded. "That's why I don't know why she wants to do this . . ."
"It seems rather selfish," Mariama commented.
"Grace? Selfish?" Andrew asked. "Not on your life. I was so shocked when she called me. I had no idea she'd kept my cell number. We just chatted about the tour, her life back home. She's been spending a lot of time with her coven. I think she misses this . . ."
"I know Howie would certainly welcome her back with open arms," Mariama added. "How did he end up getting those reporters off his back about her?"
Kristen stood up. "He told them the truth," She replied. "That the two of them broke up . . . The fans are just happy that he doesn't have a girlfriend anymore. I'm going to get some food guys."
In another corner of the restaurant, Lara pulled Brian away into a cozy booth for two. "I want to talk to you," She told him.
"Sure thing hon," Brian acknowledged absentmindedly. He started munching on his french fries.
"I don't understand why were together," Lara told him bluntly. Brian's fry nearly dropped out of his mouth. He started to speak, but Lara silenced him with a finger over his lips. "Just hear me out," She requested. "I'm not saying I want to break up . . . I don't want that at all . . . I know we've only been together about two months, but . . ." She looked a little embarrassed. "I'm not sure how you're gonna respond to this," She looked down and then looked back up at him. "I love you. Not just words . . . I mean, bimbo-ness, superficiality, pettiness and naivety aside, I feel this way. I didn't intend for it to happen, I thought we could just have a bit of a fling - A one tour stand. But I just . . ." She stuttered. "You're just such a nice guy and I couldn't help myself." Brian tried to move to her or say something, but she kept a hand over his mouth. "Just wait, I'm not done yet." She sighed. "But the thing is, I don't think we're compatible . . . We're just so different and I can't understand how I could let myself actually fall in love with you. The reason I'm telling you this is because, since I have real feelings for you now, I'm thinking that if we start getting serious - and we're not right for each other - I don't want to get hurt. And I'm just wondering if maybe we'd be better off just . . ." She let her voice trail off. Brian slowly removed her hand from his mouth and tugged on her wrist.
"C'mon, let's go for a walk," He suggest softly. Lara looked a little apprehensive, but Brian pulled her outside.
"Brian," she started to object.
"Shhh," He told her, placing a finger over her lips. "You had your turn." He led her away from the restaurant, walking down the side-walk, ignoring all security precautions. After a few minutes of walking, they were in a small park. He turned to her.
"You're wrong," he said simply. Lara gasped as he pulled her into a warm kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her to him, taking every opportunity to deepen the kiss. Brian held her like this for a minute, and then pulled away slowly. Lara released the shaky breath she had been holding. She stared at him.
"Brian," Lara started, once she had composed herself. "Kissing me for the one millionth time doesn't change -"
"Zip it," He whispered softly, re-placing his finger over her mouth. "It's still not your turn yet." He felt her shiver as his warm breath caressed her neck. She stepped away from him.
"Lara," Brian smiled. "Lara look at me." She opened her eyes. "I - I don't even know where to start . . ." He told her honestly. "You're the first girlfriend I've had in over a year, and you're the first girlfriend I've really cared about in over two years - at least." She let her eyes wander away from his. She looked down. Brian let out a small sigh and moved his finger down under her chin. He pulled her eyes to his. "I never intended for this to be a fling," He told her softly. "If I had thought, even for a second, that was all we were ever going to be, I would have ended it. I think," He continued, looking into her eyes, "that we are just about as compatible as relationships come, in all the ways that count. And even if we aren't, I'm willing to work through that." Lara bit her lip. "And I love you too," He whispered.
"Brian," Lara swallowed, trying to ignore his hands pulling her closer. "I don't know . . ."
Brian searched her face for something that could tell him what she really wanted. "Honestly. . ?" He asked quietly. Lara looked at him with pleading eyes. "Lara, if you need time, or space," Brian let the words fall from his mouth like ice cubes.
A very small smile flitted across her lips as she thought about what he was saying. When she had first decided to talk to him, she hadn't intended to break up with him, but she'd also had no idea that he had also fallen in love with her. She had never been in a relationship where the guy had been the one who was looking for commitment. She looked at his face, noticing the way he was trying to disguise his worry. "Actually Brian, I think that maybe time and space are the last things in the world I need . . ." she rolled her eyes. "Are we always this corny?"
Brian laughed and pulled her closer. Lara leaned forward and accepted the arms that wrapped themselves around her, and held her close. Brian kissed her forehead softly.
Just then, the heavens opened up and Goddess sneezed.
"Where are they?" Beki wondered, looking out the bus window. "It's pouring out there."
"I just know Brian's going to catch a cold and be all sniffling and need to take oxygen and-" Kevin grumbled anxiously.
"Kevin, honey, slow down," Victoria interrupted his rambles. "Brian and Lara can take care of themselves. They know where we're staying. I know they'll show up."
"Remind me again why we left without them?" Kevin asked Denise, ignoring Victoria.
"Kevin, listen to your girlfriend," Denise snapped. "She's much smarter than you are, don't you think I'm worried about them too? But Victoria's right. They know where we're staying." Kevin sighed and sat down.
Lara sighed softly as Brian let his fingers wander over her skin. He placed a trail of kisses down her neck. "Brian," Lara murmured. "I'm cold, and I'm wet. And you have to know that Denise and Kevin are pulling their hair out right now."
Brian laughed as he nuzzled her ear. "Oh well . . . We're exactly where we're supposed to be."
"I suppose you're," She paused as Brian's hands slid down her body. "Kind of right . . ." She smiled. "I wanna take a shower."
Brian thought for a second. "Good idea!" He smiled and in seconds he whisked her off her feet and into his arms.
Lara gasped in surprise. "Brian! That wasn't necessary!"
He held her tighter. "Nothing ever is . . ."
"Brian, I can't."
"You can't?"
"We can't."
"I know, but you have to admit it was a nice idea."
"Yeah . . . Mmm."
"Do you know how good this feels? Your skin next to mine . . ."
"I know, but we still have a show to do," Lara told him, rolling over in the bathtub. She pressed her wet body against his, resting her head on his warm chest. He wrapped a protective arm around her, not wanting to leave their quiet, warm sanctuary. She glanced up at him with a seductive smile, then bent her head down and began placing a trail of slow, careful kisses up his chest, to his mouth.
"Marry me . . ." Brian murmured.
Lara laughed through her kisses. "Sorry hon, I'm not the marrying type . . ."
Brian chuckled, "And why not?"
Lara rested her head on his shoulder. She traced circles around his chest. "Mmm," She murmured. "I was raised very - very - and the thought of-" she cringed. "I learned in school that wives are suppose to be ‘subject' to their husbands - and husbands are suppose to love and respect their wives. I just don't like the whole gender stereotype thing . . . and divorce and kids . . . blaw!" she pecked his lips. "It just doesn't interest me . . ."
Brian lay in the bathtub, a little shocked. "You're serious . . ." he realized. "I mean, when I said that, I was only joking . . . but I've always thought I would eventually get married . . ."
"We don't have to think about this now," Lara pointed out, "we can cross that bridge when we come to it . . . Let's get out, the water's getting cold." Lara stood and grabbed a fluffy, blue towel.
"Ah! Lara, now I have to use the pink one!" Brian complained, picking up the fluffy pink towel with two fingers.
"Be a man, Brian!" Lara retorted from the other room.
"Did you two . . .?" Cora giggled.
"No!" Lara snapped, taking off the shirt Brian had lent her. "We just talked . . ."
Cora gave her friend a dissatisfied look. "Right!" She replied sarcastically.
Lara sighed and flopped back on her bed. "Okay, we had a shower together . . . but that's as far as it went!"
Cora giggled. "Oh, that's all huh?"
Lara rolled her eyes. She stared up at the ceiling. "I love him," she told her friend. "It's crazy . . . but ahh . . . what can I say?"
"Seriously?" Cora asked. Lara nodded. "Cool Lar, I always thought you two made a cute couple."
Lara smiled. "Hey, are we doing ‘Moving On' tonight, or ‘If You Fall'?"
Cora shrugged, "Both, I think."
Lara nodded. "‘Moving On' . . . kinda reminds me of-"
"Don't even say it," Cora warned, "that is sewage water under the bridge. Nick and I are just friends now."
"But what happened? You two screamed and yelled - and are you ever going to be able to tell me?" Lara asked.
Cora shrugged. "Lar, it happened, it's over, and it was none of your business anyway . . ."
Lara rolled her eyes, interested in how Cora always expected Lara to share every detail of her romances and would never reciprocate. She shrugged, it really wasn't any of her business anyway.
Cora walked away from the tense moment and into the bathroom. She stared at her smooth reflection. She remember vividly what had happened between Nick and herself, but she doubted she'd ever disclose it to her friends. It was very personal. Only Melissa really knew what had gone on. Cora thought back to a month ago . . .
"Cora, we need to talk . . ." Nick told her, closing the door to her room behind him.
"So talk," Cora muttered, pacing away from him, mimicking his earlier behavior.
"We can't let our relationship end like this," Nick said honestly. "I am really sorry for the way I treated you on the bus. . . "
Cora whirled around angrily."So why'd you treat me like that Nick?" Cora snapped. "‘Cause you felt threatened? Because you were sorry you caused me physical and emotional pain? Because I allowed you to? Why Nick?"
He looked at her in slight shock, "We made love, and you left me in the morning, I searched for you - and somehow, you're blaming me?"
"It wasn't love and you know it. Having sex made me feel sick," Cora retorted. "You can hardly blame me for leaving. I was angry and confused. I had every right to leave."
"I made you feel sick?" Nick asked, everything falling to place. "Maybe you just weren't ready."
"Maybe *we* just weren't ready, Nick," Cora pushed. "This isn't about me, this is about us. I'm not blaming you . . . I did at first, because I felt used, but then I realized you didn't intend to hurt me. What happened between us involved two people. I didn't intend to hurt you either. We just didn't think ahead."
Nick swallowed. "I'm - I'm sorry."
"Me too," Cora responded. "Maybe . . . After a little while, we can be friends again. . ."
"I - Did I really hurt you?" Nick asked uncertainly.
Cora starred at him.
"I'm so sorry . . . I didn't . . ."
"It's okay Nick," Cora told him. "I'd like to be alone now."
Nick nodded. "Alright, I'll go . . ." He left her room silently.
Cora grimaced at the memory. She drew in a deep breath, and blew it out hard. Cora left the bathroom, to head for the show.
"So, how was it?" A.J. asked as he caught up with Brian in the hallway. Cynthia and Eric walked a little behind them as they headed for the elevator.
"How was what?" Brian replied, unclear.
"Don't play Mr. Innocent with me young man," A.J. admonished jokingly. "You totally ditched us to go play with the long haired maiden of Nova."
"Well, yeah, and Denise is pissed right off, but what about it?" Brian answered dumbly.
"I didn't realize I was gonna have to spell it out for you," A.J. rolled his eyes as they boarded the elevator. Brian waited for him to continue.
"How was she?" A.J. inquired straightforwardly, Brian opened his mouth to answer, but A.J. cut him off. "And I'm talking about the sex, not her state of mind . As in, is she good in bed?"
Brian clapped a hand over A.J.'s mouth. "Buddy, old pal," Brian grimaced. "I would very much appreciate it, if you would not talk about my girlfriend as if she were an object, or a toy to be played with. I love her very much, and I don't appreciate your misogynistic comments. Unlike you, I have respect for women."
"I have respect for women!" A.J. objected halfheartedly. He gave Brian a look as they exited they elevator. "And she taught you that word, didn't she?"
Brian sighed as they hurried to the limo. "Yeah . . . Like many people just know what the word misogyny means!"
"Hey! Great show girls!" Kevin called to Nova and Solid H, backstage.
"Thanks Kev!" Lara yelled back. "You too!"
"Are we going out now?" Alison asked Beki.
"Yeah, let's!" Beki squealed with delight.
Nick came out of the Boys' dressing room. "Where are we going?"
"We could go to a club," Cora suggested.
A.J. popped his head out of the dressing room. "A club? Sounds good to me!"
Victoria listened quietly as her friends batted suggestions around. She felt slightly out of place, almost as though she were expecting someone. Her hands fidgeted anxiously. Victoria took a deep breath, and carefully tucked a loose strand of blond hair behind her ear. She felt a hand on her shoulder. "Vic?" Alison's voice asked softly. "Are you getting something?"
"Huh?" was Victoria's only response. Her vision clouded slightly and she saw Grace in her mind.
Just then, Andrew wandered up to the group. "Hey! What's up?" He looked at Victoria and raised an eyebrow.
Suddenly her eyes flew open. "Andrew!" She chastised. "Why didn't you tell me?" She stood up quickly, and grabbed his arm. "When is she coming?"
Andrew feigned confusion. "Who?"
"Grace!" Victoria snapped. "When is she coming back?"
Andrew quickly covered Victoria's mouth with his hand. "Shhh!" He removed it. "No one is suppose to know about that."
"I think Kristen probably does," Victoria snapped, crossing her arms.
"I talked to Kristen and Mariama about it today," Andrew conceded in a hushed tone. "But they don't know that she's actually coming, just that she contacted me and we talked about it. I just wanted their opinions. So how did you find out?" He glanced at her.
Victoria glared at him. "I just know . . . but I don't know when . . . so tell me."
"She's here now," Andrew told her, glancing at his watch.
Their conversation was cut short by a sharp intake of breath, followed by many gasps.
After changing into some street clothes, Howie threw his bag over his shoulder. He was sick of dressing rooms and sick of hotel rooms. He needed a night out somewhere, maybe a club. Howie ran a hand through his damp hair and hurried out of the dressing room. He stopped dead in his tracks.
Across the room stood Grace, glancing around for anyone she recognized. She had cut her hair since the last time he had seen her. It was shorter, styled with long, face framing layers. The tissue on her face had also healed, and her skin looked smooth and healthy. Howie felt his throat seize and his eyes locked in place. He heard his friends gasp softly.
Finally Grace's eyes found their way across the busy room. Her face lit up. "Howie!" She cried in a delighted voice. She ran and threw her arms around him. "How have you been?"
Howie's eyes widened. At first he had wanted to be angry with her, but he immediately felt himself soften with her apparent joy to see him. "Hey stranger!" He replied, hugging her back. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. He found himself smiling. "I've been alright, how ‘bout you? Where have you been? Why haven't you called?"
Grace smiled, and winced slightly. "I've been pretty good. I've been at home, and doing a bit of work. And . . . I haven't called because, I just couldn't the first two weeks, and I was busy, and when I decided to come back, I wanted to surprise you."
"Come back?" Howie asked, surprised.
"Yes," Grace nodded. "For another month, if you'll have me, that is."
Howie opened his mouth, but felt himself stuttering. "Don't have a heart attack, it's not for sure yet," Grace told him quietly. She glanced around the rest of the room. Nova, Solid HarmoniE, Aaron, and the rest of the Backstreet Boys were staring at them. "Hi guys!" Grace smiled.
The group glanced at one another. "Hi!" They replied in a shocked monotone.
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