"What about girlfriends?" Kaz asked. The boys were at a local radio station in Raleigh doing an interview before their show that night. Alesha, Lori, Leighanne, and AJ's friend Carrie were in the "audience". "We know about Brian and Leighanne, but what are these rumors about Kevin and Nick being taken?"
"Ummm…it's true. I'm currently involved with someone," Kevin answered smiling over at Lori.
"Oh really?" Kaz replied, obviously surprised. "And how did you two meet?"
"Through a mutual friend."
"What about you Nick?" Kaz asked looking at him.
"Great," Alesha said looking down at her hands. She and Nick had talked about this, and had decided it was probably best if she remained a mystery. Not to be deceptive, but to protect her.
"I'm uh…I'm kinda seeing someone," Nick answered. Alesha's head shot up in surprise. He winked at her. Leighanne patted her hand.
"Kind of? So you're technically still single then? That should keep millions of hearts from breaking."
The guys answered a few more of Kaz's questions and then those of a few callers. Then they were ushered off for the show.
Leighanne took Lori and Alesha to a lounge backstage, explaining that this is where they had to hang out while the guys did their before show meet and greets. This kept things from becoming awkward for everyone. They chatted awhile, talking about the two weeks they'd been apart.
Brian came bursting into the room. "GOD!!" he said sitting next to Leighanne.
"What sweetie?" she asked.
"They are drilling Kev so hard out there about you Lori. I'd be careful tonite." He looked at Leighanne. "Stay with them. They're about to witness the fury of a Backstreet fan."
Lori looked at Brian. "That bad, huh?"
"BRok!" Howie peeked in the room. "Shannon and Casey want a picture with you."
"Tell em I've been brutally murdered. Hacked to bits and my pieces are being auctioned off on Ebay," he said laying his head back on the couch and closing his eyes.
Howie chuckled. "Feels that way, don't it." Brian sighed and kissed Leighanne as he was leaving.
"God," Alesha said. "I feel so bad for them."
Lori looked at Leighanne, worried. "What do I do?"
"About what?"
"Kevin. He's getting bombarded because of me."
Leighanne smiled. "Sweetie, he knew what he was getting into. They're more worried about you."
One of the venue's security people came back and told them to walk with him to their seats. Leighanne looked at the girls and said, "Put on your best smile, hold your head high, and whatever you do, DON'T let them get to you."
Alesha laughed. "They don't even know who I am."
Leighanne stopped walking and looked at her. "Darlin, are you dating a Backstreet Boy?" Alesha nodded. "Then they know who you are."
"Bitch."
"Snob."
"Leighanne, look over here!!"
"Whore."
"Hey Leighanne."
"God she is such a slut."
"Who's that with Leighanne."
And various other comments were heard as the girls walked by a bunch of fans congregated by the entrance. Cameras were flashing wildly.
"You okay?" Alesha whispered to Lori.
"They're so cruel."
"You get use to it," Leighanne said. Looking at Alesha she smiled sadly. "And you my dear are going to get it worse. You've stolen their precious Nicky from them."
Alesha laughed. "If you're talking about that freak up on stage, they can have him. Personally, I'd rather have Howie."
Leighanne grinned. "You're getting the hang of it already."
