PART THREE
"Great. Just great. Now I have to play matchmaker again."
"Huh?"
AJ poked Howie in the ribs, irritated. "Pay attention, will ya?" He nodded in Brian and Nick's general direction. "It looks like my two little lovebirds have turned into two reluctant chickens."
"Huh? What?"
AJ sighed. "Is there a reason I asked you to join the group? Cause if there is, I sure can't remember why."
Howie frowned. "Wait a minute. You asked me to join the group? I thought this was management's idea."
AJ smirked.
Howie shook his head. "I should have known." He sneaked a glance at Brian, then Nick. "AJ, anyone ever tell you that you're a softie?"
AJ snorted. "Not in bed, that's for sure."
Howie rolled his eyes.
"Besides, I'm not all that big-hearted. Do you have any idea how much money we're gonna make starting the group again?" AJ smiled gleefully.
"Okay, Mr. Greedy, so you managed to get us all here. Now what? How are you going to get those two together?"
AJ shrugged, eyeing Matt warily as the youngster laughed, riding happily on Nick’s shoulders, his small arms wrapped around Nick’s head. "I'm not positive, but I think that little rugrat might be the answer to our problem."
Howie studied Nick's grim face, Brian's downcast one, Matthew's happy one. "Well, it's sure going to be a long tour if your plan doesn't work."
"Yeah." AJ chewed on his lower lip thoughtfully, carefully examining Matthew. "Yeah." He could feel Howie's questioning look, but he wasn't about to say something, anything right now.
Maybe later.