AJ and Ally walked up the stairs to her house that night, carrying shopping bags. “Kristin was right.  You are the bargain king.” “I always live up to my name.  I had a real good time tonight.” “So did I.” “I hope we can do it again soon.” “Maybe.” Ally paused for a moment.  AJ had that look in his eye as he leaned in to kiss her.  Ally leaned back as he planted a kiss on her lips.  But something strange came over her and her lips tensed up.  AJ opened his eyes and pulled away.  “Something tells me that you were thinking of something else.” “No, no.  I…” “Oh boy.”  AJ smiled. Ally looked at him.  “What are you talking about?” “Nothing.  I can take a hint.  You are a great girl and I hate to kiss someone who doesn’t have her heart in it.” Ally started to speak and AJ put his hands to her lips.  “You still are a great shopping partner though.” Ally smiled.  “If you ever head to the mall, stop by and pick me up.” “I will.”  He kissed her on the cheek.  “Good night.” “’Night.”  AJ walked to his car and drove off. ~*~ Howie stood near the corner, waiting for Ally and AJ to come home.  He saw AJ’s car pull up, and Ally walked up with him to the porch.  Howie noticed some talking, but couldn’t notice what they were saying.  Howie then transfixed his eyes to AJ leaning in to kiss Ally.  He couldn’t help but freeze.  Howie looked on wide-eyed and quickly headed back to his house. ~*~ Howie walked in the recording studio, where the others were sitting around, going over some song lyrics.  “Hey D,” said Brian. “Where were you?  We were gonna send the dogs out,” said Nick. “Fuck you,” Howie snapped. “Whoa man, what’s got your panties in a bunch?” AJ looked on. “Nothing man, nothing.  So,” Howie put on a fake smile.  “How was last night?” “Yeah, we want details,” added Nick. “Well,” AJ smirked.  “Why should I give you the horny details?” “Ooh, AJ looks like he got a little somethin, somethin,” laughed Nick.  Brian shot him a dirty look as AJ laughed. Howie flew into a rage and grabbed AJ’s shirt as he rammed him against the wall. Kevin stood up and ran with Brian to try to pull Howie away from him. “What the fuck is wrong with you?!” AJ yelled. “Howie, let him up man!” Kevin pulled on his shoulder. “Don’t you dare talk about her like that, you hear me!”  Howie growled.  He let AJ go, and went out of the room.  Brian ran to catch up with him. He finally met up with Howie in the parking lot, where he was sitting on the curb with his face in his hands.  Brian slowly walked up to him and put his hand on his shoulder.  “Howie?” Howie looked up at him.  Brian sat at the curb next to him.  “You OK?” “I don’t know.  That’s never happened to me before, I’ve never snapped like that.” “They were just joking man.” “All I saw was red.  Shit, what the hell is going with me?” “Why don’t you tell me?” “I saw Ally and AJ last night.” “And?” “I saw them kiss.” “So?” “So… I felt…” “Like your heart was falling to your feet?” “Yeah,” he said slowly.  Brian smiled.  “What the hell are you smiling about?” “Cause I’ve seen this before.” “When?” “When Kevin first was friends Kristin.  He found out that she was dating this guy, and he followed them around, claiming he was making sure that she was OK.  When he saw him kiss her, he realized something.” “And that is?” “That he couldn’t live his life without her.” Howie looked down.  “That’s not it.” “Stop lying to yourself, ass.  I saw it the other night.” “You’re fucking nuts.” “When you saw her at the party.  The way you hugged her.  Man, you looked like you found your lost puppy again.” “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “You know what?” Brian stood up.  “You are always saying that you wished you had what Leigh and I have.  It’s right there in front of you , and you’re not taking it!  Go ahead, deny that you have any feeling for her!  But the only one who will lose out is you!” Howie stood up.  “I…” “Go ahead, say it!  Say it damnit!” “Alright!” Howie yelled.  “I… love her.  Are you happy now!” “Not as happy as you will be in a second when you realized what you just said.”  Brian crossed his arms. The realization came to Howie in a flash.  “I… love… Ally.  I love Ally.  HOLY SHIT I LOVE ALLY!”  He hugged Brian.  “Congratulations man.”  Brian smiled. “Oh my God,” Howie suddenly felt dizzy.  “Hey you OK?”  Brian watched him sat back down. “I think I’m gonna be sick.” Brian helped him back up.  “Let’s go and have a seat in the studio.” “I think I owe someone an apology.”  Howie said. Chapter 13 Contents Chapter 11