"Good," the photographer said as he snapped the picture. "Thanks so much guys."
"No problem," Brian grinned.
"You didn't smile Nick," Kevin said. "What's up?"
Nick shrugged. "Nothing. Just didn't feel like smiling."
"Great," AJ said shaking his head. "We're doing a benefit concert and putzboy looks like he's going to a funeral."
"Shut up AJ. You didn't smile either," Nick argued.
"I never smile," AJ replied.
"Here we go," Howie said rolling his eyes. "Look. Calm down. If Nick didn't want to smile, then he didn't want to smile. End of story." AJ looked at Nick who looked back at him. Nick then looked at Brian who chuckled. Kevin shook his head crossing his arms over his chest. AJ grinned at Nick who nodded. All of a sudden, Howie was rushed by the other four guys and tossed into the pool. "Damn that's cold," he cried as he emerged from the water. "You guys are so dead," he growled climbing out of the pool. Wringing out his shirt, he looked at Nick and then at AJ. They followed his gaze to Brian who had his back turned. Grinning, they grabbed him, and tossed him in.
"All right ya'll," he said sputtering as his head popped up. "That was uncalled for." Pretty soon, all of the guys ended up in the pool, fully clothed, splashing water at each other and acting like children.
Kyndall walked out just in time to see Nick push AJ under the water, and then scream like a girl as AJ pulled his legs out from under him. She giggled. "Ya'll are a bunch of kids," she commented sitting on a lounge chair.
"Hey baby," AJ called, climbing out of the pool. "Look at you, all nice and dry, sitting over here all alone. You look like you could use a dunk," he grinned evilly.
"Alexander James," she said looking at him. "Don't even think about it."
"Aww, come on. It's fun."
"No, it's cold," Kyndall shook her head.
"Sure it's like ice at first," he said scooping her up, "but it warms up quickly."
"No, AJ!!" she screamed, wiggling and squirming to get out of his grasp.
"I'll catch you," Brian called as he stood in the spot where AJ was going to drop her. "I won't let you fall…too far," he giggled.
"No no no!!" she cried as AJ rolled her out of his arms into the pool. "Fuck!" she screamed as the icy water cut through her clothes. "You are so dead McLean," she called as he laughed.
"So, what was that all about?" Justin asked when Catlyn sat back down.
"Oh, she just wanted to know what was up with us," she murmured taking a sip of her drink.
"Ahh," he nodded. "So, she's really dating McLean?"
Catlyn nodded. "Yup."
"Hmm. What happened to Miranda?" he asked with a sly smile.
Catlyn narrowed her eyes. "She uh…he…they broke up a while ago."
"Wow. Thought they were going to stay together forever," he shrugged. "She was a nice girl. Those two were perfect for each other."
"Nah, Kyn and J are better," she smiled watching out the door as AJ threw Kyndall into the pool.
"So," Justin said running a finger down her arm. "Are you…involved with anyone?"
Catlyn moved her arm away slowly, hoping he didn't notice. "Umm…no."
"Really? Looked like Carter was watching you pretty intensely," he grinned leaning closer to her. "Want to make sure I'm not ruining his game plan."
"Would that bother you?" she smiled flirtatiously.
He chuckled. "Nah. Not really."
Catlyn smiled. "I've no idea what's up with Nick. We're not dating, we haven't ever dated, and as far as I can tell, we never will."
"Good," Justin murmured kissing her softly. His hand slid up her arm and behind her neck, holding her there.
"Uh…" she said pushing him away gently. "Can…I…let's dance," she suggested.
"Okay," he shrugged. Standing up, Justin took her by the hand and walked to the dance area. He pulled her close to him as they began moving slowly to the sounds of Joe singing "I Wanna Know". As they danced, Justin began softly singing.
o~/Girl he never understood what you were worth, hmm no /And he never took the time to make it work /(You deserve more loving, girl)/Baby I'm the type of man to show concern, yes I do, oh/Anyway that I can please you let me learn/So I wanna know/I wanna know what turns you on/So I can be all that and more/I'd like to know what makes you cry/So I can be the one who always makes you smile /Tell me what I gotta do to please you/Baby anything you say I'll do/Cause I only wanna make you happy/From the bottom of my heart, it's true/~o
Catlyn fought the urge to cringe at the whiney sound of Justin singing. "That was beautiful," she whispered into his ear.
"Like that?" he asked kissing her softly.
Catlyn nodded. "You have a wonderful voice."
"Excuse me," someone interrupted tapping Catlyn on the shoulder. She looked back to find Nick standing there. "Justin," Nick said stonily.
"Carter," Justin greeted with a short nod.
"Yes?" she asked sensing the tension growing.
"Can I bother you for a second?"
"Isn't that what you're doing?" Justin asked.
"Was I talking to you?" Nick replied, glaring at him.
"Sure Nick," Catlyn said pulling him away. "I'll be right back," she smiled at Justin.
"Whatever," he said almost pouting as he walked off.
"What do you want?" she asked looking at Nick.
"Why are you with him?"
"Who? Justin?"
"Yes Justin."
Catlyn shrugged. "We were talking, and then he asked if I wanted to dance. What's wrong with that?"
"He was kissing you," Nick complained.
"So."
"So," he repeated. "You wouldn't let me kiss you."
"Nick," she sighed. "What difference does it make. Justin is Justin. You are you. What I do with him, doesn't mean I'm going to do with you. I just…I just don't feel that way towards you."
Nick's face turned white, and then turned to stone. "And I suppose that after only a couple of hours you have fallen madly in love with Timberlake?"
"No. I haven't," Catlyn answered, her heart breaking at the look on his face and the tone of his voice. "I just…I don't see why I have to explain to you what I do and who I'm with."
"You don't," he said turning around and walking off.
Catlyn watched him walk away, any feelings of love she might have been able to feel going with him. She knew that he wasn't going to bother her anymore with his feelings. The look on his face told her that she had pretty much ruined any chance she might have had with him. Which is fine with me. I don't need to deal with this, she thought as she walked back over to where Justin sat talking to JC. "Hey," she said wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him on the cheek.
"Hey," he said in surprise at her gesture. He pulled her around to sit on his lap. "JC, this is Catlyn. Cat, JC."
"Nice to meet you," JC smiled. "Aren't you with the Backstreet Boys?" he asked.
"Depends on what you mean by WITH," she grinned. "My best friend is dating AJ. I just came along for the ride."
"Ahh," he nodded. "And happened to hook up with Curly here?"
Justin laughed. "We met at the hotel."
"Hmm," JC smiled. "Well, it was great meeting you. Hope to see you around," he said as he stood up.
"Oh, I'm sure you will," Justin winked at him.
"Well, well," JC commented as he walked off.
Catlyn yawned. "Ack, I'm sorry."
"Boring you?" he asked.
Catlyn laughed. "No. Just more tired than I thought."
"Want me to take you back to the hotel?" he asked.
"Would you?" she looked at him.
"Of course. These things get on my nerves," he nodded towards the crowded room.
Catlyn smiled. "Okay, I just need to tell Kyndall and the guys I'm going. You can…you can come with if you want," she offered.
"Sure," he shrugged as the stood up and walked towards the pool area.
"Hey Catlyn. Where have -" Howie stopped and stared at Justin who was holding onto Catlyn's hand tightly, "you been?" he finished softly.
"Talking with Justin," she smiled. "I'm sure you've met him."
"Yeah," he mumbled. "Hello," he said his eyes glued to Justin's.
"So Cat," Brian said clearing his throat. "How did you and Justin hook up?" he asked trying to break the ice.
"Umm…we met at the hotel before the show," Justin replied, hooking his arms around her waist. Brian glanced over at Nick who was staring at the pool as if it were his biggest enemy.
Kyndall glanced over at him and then at Catlyn. "Well, umm…yeah," she smiled. "Sit down," she waved a hand at the empty chairs. "We were just chatting and goofing around."
"Actually," Catlyn said sensing how unwelcome Justin's presence was. "Justin is going to take me back to the hotel, I'm a little tired."
"Oh," Kyndall said. "Okay. I'll see you when we get back then."
Catlyn smiled and waved. "Bye ya'll."
There was a hollow chorus of goodbyes as she and Justin walked back inside. "Well, that certainly was like trying to kiss a snowman," he murmured.
"What?" she asked. "Where in the world did you get that?"
"Get what?" he asked as they walked to his Mercedes.
"That whole snowman comment," she giggled.
"Oh," he chuckled. "Something my dad used to say. Just talking about how cold things were out there."
"Yeah," Catlyn sighed as they took off. "I'm sorry."
"Not your fault baby," he smiled as he took her hand and placed it on his leg. "I'm just glad you aren't that way."
They rode in silence most of the way to the hotel, breaking it every once in a while with small talk that ended abruptly when no one could think of anything to say. They walked into the lobby, Justin ducking his head so as not to be recognized. As they got to the elevator, a couple of girls walked up to Catlyn. "Excuse me," a tall brunette said tapping her on the shoulder. "Are you Catlyn?"
"Umm, yeah," Catlyn nodded glancing at Justin who was turned the other direction.
"Wow. Nick Carter's girlfriend," the girl gushed. "I told you it was her," she said to her friend. "May I have your autograph?"
"Umm…I'm not…" Catlyn shook her head as she took the paper being shoved in her face. Signing her name automatically, she handed them back without thinking.
"Ohmigawd, this is so cool. We recognized you from when you and Nicky went to Skull Kingdom in Orlando. You are so cute together," the shorter girl exclaimed. "Please tell Nick that Trisha and Lisa said hi and they love him forever." Hugging Catlyn, the girls walked off chattering amongst themselves.
"What just happened?" she asked as she got on the elevator with Justin.
"Well, darlin, they now believe that you are Nick Carter's girlfriend," Justin smirked.
It wasn't until they reached the 6th floor that Catlyn realized that Justin hadn't asked her what floor she was on. "Umm…we missed my floor," she said reaching for the 4 button.
"I thought," he said softly, taking her hand and pulling her to him, "that we could go to my room and talk for a while." He led her out of the elevator, walking in the direction of his room. "I hope you don't mind," he whispered as he held the door open for her.
"Umm…no," she said looking around nervously.
"Have a seat," he motioned towards the bed. "I'll be right back," he said walking into the restroom. He returned a few minutes later, tossing his shirt in the corner. Sitting down next to her he smiled. "What's wrong?" he asked, his blue eyes searching hers.
"I'm just…nothing," she smiled shaking her head. "Nothing at all."
"Good," he whispered, framing her face with his hands and kissing her softly.
