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Everything Your Heart Desires Chapter 3 Cheryl parked her “new” blue Volkswagen Jetta on Level 2 of the parking garage at the Orlando International Airport. As she stepped into the heavy humid air, she thanked God for the day she traded her old, non-air conditioned Huyndai for the just-like-new, fully-loaded German car. It was her celebration splurge upon accepting the Disney job. She justified it by saying that no sane person would move to Orlando in the height of the summer season without the luxury of air conditioning. Thinking about what a welcome change the Florida climate would be in December, Cheryl strolled across the parking lot. She was in the crosswalk when a Toyota 4Runner came to a stop to allow her to pass. Out of habit - and curiosity - she glanced at the driver and did a double-take. “Uh-uh, it can’t be. I don’t get that lucky,” she thought, shaking her head. She looked again. Even through the smoke gray tinted widows she could see the resemblance. The eyes. The hair. The goatee. “Nah. Why would he be at the airport anyway?” She took one more peek before disappearing into the terminal. Kevin Richardosn averted his eyes as best he could. It was obvious in watching her facial features that the redhead was searching her memory for his identity. He had hoped that by having his brother arrive midday he could avoid any confrontations with fans. Although this woman couldn’t be categorized as the typical Backstreet Boys fan. She looked to be in her mid-twenties. Of course, he was beginning to accept and relish the fact that the band’s popularity was growing among the ranks of twenty- and thirty-something women. Older fans meant staying power in this industry. Kevin breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the woman take a last glance and walk through the sliding glass door. He then made the decision to wait at the curb instead of going in just yet. He’d call his brother’s cell phone when he was certain the plane had landed and arrange a new meeting place.Cheryl arrived at the gate just as the passengers were disembarking from flight 5760. She spotted Kristy talking to a thirty-something man and smiled, “Leave it to Kris to meet a handsome stranger on an airplane.” “Kris! Kristy!” A wave of recognition passed over her friend’s face. The two women exchanged a hug. “How was your flight?” Cheryl asked as the two started toward the baggage claim. “Not bad,” she said, motioning toward the man, who now walked a few feet in front of her. “Girl, you are so bad! I think I’ll have to send you for a cold shower the minute we get home.” Kristy only nodded, then giggled. The duo followed him to the lower level. Becoming impatient while waiting for their luggage to appear on the conveyer belt, they began a conversation. “Fancy meeting ya’ll here,” the man said with his deep Southern accent. “Another pick up line?” Kristy wondered with a smile. “You got me there.” He turned to Cheryl, “I’m Tim.” “Hi Tim. I’m Cheryl.” “Aah, Orlando’s other new resident. You guys will love it here. My younger brother moved here just out of high school and hardly ever comes home,” he commented, then thought to himself, “Of course, his love for Orlando isn’t the only reason.” He heard the shrill ringing of his cell phone. “Excuse me.” “Hello?... Hey bro... Oh, really? Fine, make me carry my luggage... Some gracious host you are... Ever hear of Southern hospitality?... Okay... Sure... I’ll meet you there as soon as I get my luggage.” Tim flipped the phone shut, then rolled his eyes. “Little brothers can be such pains - even when they are 27 years old.” “I guess you didn’t raise him right,” Kristy teased. “Needed to push him around and torment him a bit more, I guess,” he agreed with a shrug of his shoulders. “Of course, it doesn’t help that I’m too lazy to carry my bags to the curb myself.” After grabbing the correct pieces of luggage, the trio headed towards the parking lot. “There he is.” Tim motioned his head in the direction of the very same sport utility vehicle Cheryl had seen earlier. “It was nice meeting you, ladies. Enjoy your new home.” Kristy smiled, “Thanks. Have a good time with your brother.” “Bye Tim.” The two women crossed the street and found the Volkswagen. “What a sweetie,” Cheryl observed. “Who would have thought I would be meeting two fine male specimens in two hours?” “How’s that?” Kristy asked, engaging Cheryl to tell the story of John’s welcome. “Hmm, I’d say taking the risk and moving to Florida was definitely worth it.” “You’d better believe it! I think I’m going to like it here.” Once Kristy’s luggage was loaded into the trunk and they were both buckled into their seats, Cheryl steered the car in the direction of Highway 407. She cranked the volume to “Larger Than Life.” Both began singing as they passed by the SUV and waved goodbye to Tim.“Who was that?” Kevin asked his older brother, who had since finished loading his bags into the Toyota and had hopped into the passenger seat. “Kristy and Cheryl.” “Who?” Tim rolled his eyes, “I met Kristy on the plane. She and Cheryl just moved here.” He glanced at Kevin. “Why? You interested?” “Don’t even start.” “Why not? You are in obvious need of female companionship. You need a woman, Kevy-Kev.” The younger brother cringed at the use of his nickname. “My life is fine as is.” “Nope. While I’m here, I am making it my mission to see you hooked up. We’ll start tomorrow night. We’re going to Pleasure Island.” Kevin sighed. He knew his brother wouldn’t allow the issue to die. But maybe, just maybe, he should take someone else with him for support. “Better call D when I get home.”Next: Chapter 4 |