| Chapter 28: Moving on… Really? Howie sat facing a pile of paperwork about a foot high for Tabu. He neglected the club for a while, with everything that has been going on with Lauralee and Celia. He was called by Alex the night before, saying that the press had gotten a hold of Lauralee’s troubles, and he had gone to New York to console her. He had not seen nor heard from Celia since the wedding. He wanted to call her, but what would he say? He was still as confused as ever, trying to decide what he was going to do. He sighed and picked up the phone, then quickly hung it up. He did that 3 more times, banging his fist on his desk. I’ll call later… He got back to his paperwork. Later that day… Howie practically collapsed on his couch, rubbing his hands and eyes from all of the reading and writing he had done. He leaned over and checked his answering machine. “Howie, its Jose. Just seeing when you are coming for the event tonight because I have to arrange the limo.” “Oh shit!” Howie groaned. He completely forgot about it. He was going to do an appearance for a Latin showcase at the Hard Rock Café. The show was going to benefit several charities, including his sister’s. He forgot he was going to represent his family. He was going to call Jose and cancel, then remembered the foundation. He picked up the phone. “Jose, its Howie. Yeah, tell the limo company I’ll be ready at 8.” ~*~ Howie arrived at the Hard Rock, putting on his best smile for the photographers on hand and answering questions for the reporters. He walked into the Hard Rock, mingling with everyone there, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. He had just signed an autograph for a bunch of 10-year-old girls, when he saw a figure talking to a bunch of people next to them. He stopped dead in his tracks. Celia was standing there, drinking a glass of champagne, surrounded by 4 men. She was laughing heartily, making crazy gestures with her hands and smiling broadly. Of course she would be there; there were a lot of club owners and record executives to get contacts and gigs for their establishments. Howie quickly turned away, making sure that Celia didn’t see him. Then he shook his head. He was gonna be seen eventually, because he was going to be the announcer for the bands. He made his way over to the opposite end of the room, making sure he kept his eyes on her so he could avoid her. He mingled with everyone, shaking hands and keeping his trademark smile, but inside he was a nervous wreck. Later on, Howie went backstage, shaking hands with the bands and going over with the stage manager what he had to say. Taking a deep breath, he walked out on stage with his microphone in hand. He walked out and waved to the crowd and they responded with screams and applause. “Que pasa Orlando!” He smiled again as they responded. He caught his eyes with Celia’s as she looked down. Regaining his composure, he introduced the first band and went backstage. Kneeling down and supporting his hands on his knees, he took some deep breaths. Someone kneeled over him and put his hand on Howie’s shoulder. “Hey Howie, you OK?” Howie looked up and saw Jose. “Yeah I’m fine. I’m just not feeling well tonight.” “Want me to get you a drink or something?” “No, I’ll be alright.” “OK, well, the next set isn’t for another half an hour, so relax.” “Thanks.” Howie looked out at the stage from the side as he saw the crowd dancing to the band’s set. He especially noticed Celia dancing with one of the guys she had been talking to. She smirked sexily as the man held her close. That killed him, just killed him. She seemed to forget about the incident at the wedding completely. The way she was moving, she was having the time of her life. ~*~ Howie put on his best front for the crowd, now trying to avoid Celia’s presence as he introduced the whole list of bands performing. He tried to relax; however it was so difficult. Had she… moved on? He made his way down to the crowd, when he noticed another familiar figure coming up to him. “Hey Howie.” “Robin!” Howie gave her a big hug. Robin was one of the lower executives at Jive who worked closely with the Backstreet Boys. She was pretty, long curly red hair that seemed like it was on fire, and piercing green eyes, who seemed that every time he was in her presence she hung on to his every word. “What are you doing here?” “Just checking out some bands for the Latin division. I was gonna come up to you before, but you seemed like you were busy.” “Yeah,” Howie smiled. He saw Celia still dancing with another man she was surrounded by earlier. “You wanna dance?” Robin looked surprised. “Me? You want me to dance?” Howie smiled again. He always knew that she had a huge crush on him. Looking at Celia he winked towards Robin. “Is there anyone else?” “Sure!” Robin smiled hugely. Howie led her to the center of the dance floor, making sure to keep not so safe a distance from Celia. He began to dance with her, moving at a very close proximity from her body. She responded eagerly, putting her arms around his neck as they grinded to the beat of the song playing. Howie looked over to Celia, who was now taking notice of them. She stared at Howie as if she could bore her eyes right into his. Howie looked away as he turned his attention to Robin. Later that evening… Howie finished the show with a goodbye from himself and the rest of the bands. It was a huge success. He took a grand bow and looked over at Robin, who was clapping on the side of the stage. After them dancing, Howie mingled around some more, with Robin clinging to his side as if they were joined at the hip. He looked at Robin, her adoring gaze staring up at him. Robin was nice, and treated him like he was everything. As he was making his way to the door, Robin was still by his side. “Uh Howie? Can I get a ride with you? The other Jive limo left early.” “Sure,” Howie said. Robin beamed. Howie turned to the doorway, feeling Robin slip her arm into the crook of his elbow. He was starting to walk when he bumped into someone. “Oh I’m sor…” Howie stopped and looked right into Celia’s eyes. “It’s OK,” Celia said stone-faced and paused. “How are you Howie?” “I’m good,” Howie sucked in a breath. “You two know each other?” asked Robin. She tightened her grip on Howie’s arm. “Oh, Robin, this is Celia Graveri,” Howie said. “Nice to meet you,” Celia nodded towards her. “Oh Howie, our limo’s here,” Robin smiled. “Right,” Howie stammered. “Nice to see you again.” “Yeah,” Celia said as Howie looked back. Celia was looking down as Robin dragged him into the limo. On the ride home, Robin was beaming and rested her head on Howie’s shoulder. “I had such a good time tonight Howie.” “You did?” “Uh huh,” Robin crossed her legs and looked at him. “Would you like to come to my place for a night cap?” She traced a finger along his face. “Robin,” Howie took her hand off of his face and placed it on her lap. “I really did have a good time, but I don’t think…” “Oh come on, the way we were dancing… you know you want me.” “Excuse me?” Howie was shocked. This girl was moving faster than a NASCAR race. “I can make you forget about Veronica,” Robin leaned in to kiss him. Howie quickly pushed her away. “What the hell!” He pushed a button to lower the partition down between himself and the driver. “Driver, can you stop at the next corner?” The driver pulled over. “Here’s some money for a cab, and a quarter. Pay phone’s over there,” he pointed towards the booth. Robin quickly got out and slammed the door. “Probably a lousy lay anyway!” She flipped him off as the car drove away. Howie went inside the house, slammed the door and flopped on the couch in anger. Damn what a night this was. Did Celia actually look hurt when she saw him with Robin? He had so many questions in his mind, all about her. But the way she was dancing with those men. He was going to use Robin, take her home and maybe have a one-night stand. He wasn’t that type. Not at all. He was a committed man. But where did his commitment lie? Chapter 29 Contents Chapter 27 |