Walking out of the exercise room, she ran into Irene coming out of Kevin’s room. The two sisters stared at each other for a moment.
“Umm.” Irene fiddled with the t-shirt she wore, and Meredith noticed that it was a UK t-shirt.
“Something you want to tell me, little sister?” Meredith headed towards her room, with Irene right behind her.
“Not really. We got to talking and fell asleep.”
“Talking. Is that what they call it these days?” Meredith couldn’t help teasing her sister.
She pulled off her clothes and dropped them into her laundry hamper before turning on the shower. She sighed blissfully as the hot water hit sore muscles. Irene perched on the toilet lid and shook her head at Meredith.
“Honest, nothing more than good conversation and some great kisses. I think we’re both a little wary since we’ve just gotten out of long-term relationships.” She sighed as she rubbed her finger over the vanity.
“Do you want it to be more?” Meredith finished shampooing and conditioning her hair before rubbing a loofah all over her body.
“Maybe. I mean, he’s leaving in a couple of weeks, and I don’t know what’s going to happen. Guess I’ll have to wait and see.”
“If you want it, you’ll have to work for it. Don’t expect it to just fall into your lap and be perfect. He’s got a high-profile career.”
“Yeah, I think that’s part of the problem. Do I really want to get into that again? Didn’t we suffer through enough of that with Mom and Dad and all those political functions we had to attend while they were in the Diplomatic Corps? Minding our p’s and q’s while the paparazzi snapped picture after picture.”
“Can’t help you there, sis. You’ve got to figure this one out on your own.” Meredith turned off the shower and climbed out, drying herself off with a fluffy towel.
“I will tell you this, though. Don’t give up on it before you’ve given it a chance. It could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”
Irene stared at her sister before she nodded slowly. “Are you going to listen to your own advice?”
“What?”
“I’ve seen the way you two look at each other, and I’ll tell you what you told me---don’t give up on it before you’ve given it a chance.”
They looked at each other for a moment or two, then Meredith nodded. “Fair enough.”
Irene left to get showered and dressed, and Meredith pulled on a pair of shorts and a tank top. Stasi followed her around since Nick wasn’t up yet, and she petted the dog as they walked to the kitchen. She made herself a bowl of cereal and sat at the table to eat it. Irene joined her a few minutes later, following her example of cereal. Kevin and Howie made an appearance not long after, and Meredith watched Irene and Kevin together. Her contemplation was interrupted by the doorbell, and she got up to answer it.
“The slaves have arrived.” She grinned and winked at the threesome sitting in the kitchen before heading to the door, Stasi trailing behind her.
She opened the door to find the five men from ‘N Sync standing in front of her, all of them still looking a bit sleepy.
“Good morning. Please come in.”
They traipsed into the hall and stood looking at her. She looked them before motioning to her dog. “I’m going to introduce you, and when she offers you her paw, you shake it so she can imprint you, okay?”
They nodded, and she went down the line introducing them to Stasi and telling the dog they were friends. When she finished, she motioned for the guys to drop their bags in the den. She gave them a quick tour of the house before asking them to follow her. They all moved into the kitchen to find everyone up. Brian’s hair was wet, and he looked up at Meredith.
“I already did the pool this morning.”
“That works out since there are only five of them.” She smiled at everyone. “Now, beat it while I hand out assignments.”
JC, Justin, Joey, Lance, and Chris sat down at the empty table as everyone switched places and waited for whatever she was going to make them do. Stasi licked Meredith’s leg before loping off to join Nick.
“Well, if we were aboard ship, I could find several things for you to do, but we’re just going to have to stick to basics here. The guys have their assigned chores that they do every week, so as a reward to them, you’re going to do them. After that, I’d like you to wash and detail my cars.”
“How many cars do you have?” Justin finally looked at her.
“Three. A Land Cruiser, a Honda, and a Porsche.”
“What do we have to do for chores?” JC leaned back in his chair.
“Justin has laundry, and you’ll have to wipe down our leather stuff by hand. Everything else is sorted by piles, so you’ll have to wash, dry, and fold it. JC, you’ve got dusting. Lance, you’ve got vacuuming. Cleaning supplies are in the utility room. Chris, you’ve got dishes, so you’re stuck cleaning the kitchen today. Joey, you’ve got beds. You need to strip them down, bring the linens to Justin so he can do them, and then make the beds when they’re done. Any questions?”
They shook their heads no, and Meredith showed them where everything was. She left them to get started, and let them know they could ask questions if they had a problem. Nick poked his head back into the room.
“Can I get some breakfast now?”
“Yes, Munchkin, you can.”
He smiled and reached for the Cheerios, fixing himself a bowl and sitting down at the table. Stasi positioned herself at his feet, and he began his ritual of rubbing her with his foot while he ate.
“You are so spoiled.” Meredith leaned down and petted her dog as Stasi’s tongue lolled.
“So, have you thought any more about it?” He set the bowl down on the table once he’d drunk the milk.
“What is your obsession with me getting a tattoo?” She sat down next to him.
“I thought all old, crusty sailors had tattoos.” He grinned at her.
“Carter, you’re just begging to get your ass kicked next week, aren’t you?” She shook her head.
“C’mon, it’ll be fun.”
“And where do you suggest I get one? The back’s out, and I can’t have one on my arms or legs that will show while I’m on duty.”
AJ walked in on the end of the conversation. “Bellybutton.”
“And what would you suggest I get, McLean?” Meredith leaned back in her chair.
“Your favorite number?” He smiled, looking at her over the top of his glasses.
“Oh, yeah, I can see that happening.” She stared back at him.
“Okay, I’m lost. What are you talking about?” Nick looked back and forth between the two of them.
AJ patted his belly. “Apparently, 69 is Meredith’s favorite number, too.”
“I don’t wanna know.” Nick closed his eyes and put his hands over them.
Meredith laughed and stood up to check on everyone. “I’ll think about it, but that’s all I’m promising.”
It didn’t really take them long to finish the chores she’d assigned them, with the exception of Justin who had to wipe down the leather clothes by hand. When the others had finished, she sent them out to clean the cars while she checked on Justin. She found him singing quietly as he folded clothes. She listened for a minute, then realized what he was singing. As he finished the verse, she joined him.
Twas Grace that brought me safe, thus far; And Grace will lead me home
He looked up, startled at being caught.
“Everything going okay in here?”
“Yeah, sheets are in the washer now, load of clothes in the dryer. I think I’m finished with everything until it’s time to fold again and dry.”
“Let me show you where those clothes go.”
He gathered them up and followed Meredith down the hall as she pointed out whose clothes went where. By the time they finished, the next set of clothes were finished in the dryer. Justin took them out, placed the sheets in the dryer, and folded the clothes. Meredith told him what belonged to whom, and he took them to the bedrooms. When he got to Meredith’s bedroom, he hesitated before opening the door. After he walked inside, he stopped and stared at the room, surprised at how feminine it was. He shrugged and placed the clothes on her bed before leaving. Justin headed back to the kitchen to find his friends waiting at the table.
“Sheets are in the dryer, so you’ll be up soon, Joey. Until then, feel free to put on your suits and get in the pool with everyone else. Lunch will be in a couple of hours.”
“That’s it?” Chris looked around the table before looking back at Meredith.
“Well, you’ll still have to do the dishes from today, but, yeah. I’m not that cruel, despite what you may have heard to the contrary. Now, get your suits on, and I’ll meet you in the den.”
They met back in the den in fifteen minutes, shifting nervously at the thought of spending that much time alone with the Backstreet Boys. Despite the fact they were on the same label, they didn’t spend a lot of time together, the powers that be deciding a little “friendly” competition kept the record sales up. As a result, they were uncomfortable with their current predicament.
Meredith walked in and handed them some towels before heading out to the pool. They followed her, and she grinned at their reluctance.
There was only a moment of hesitation on the part of her team when they heard the voices before they went back to what they were doing. Brian pulled on a t-shirt when he heard them coming, and Meredith noticed what he was wearing when she got to the pool.
“Pick a spot, sunscreen’s on the table, no running, no jumping on people, play nice.” The new guys nodded and moved toward a group of chairs.
Meredith walked over to Brian, looking him in the eye. “You didn’t have to put on a t-shirt because of them.”
He looked back at her. “You’re still wearing yours.”
“Good point.” She dropped her towel on the chair next to his and looked at him. “On three?”
He hesitated for a long time. “On three.”
“One, two, three.” At three, both of them pulled off their t-shirts, and Kevin and Irene watched their family as they prepared themselves to show less-than-perfect views to the world.
Meredith tossed the bottle of sunscreen at the young man. “Make sure you get plenty of sunscreen on.”
“Yes, ma’am. You need some help for your back?”
“Yes, please.” Meredith turned around and piled her hair on top of her head in a scrunchie as Brian smoothed the cool lotion over her back. He slipped his hand under her bra strap, then stroked down to cover all of the scars.
“There, all done.”
She smiled over her shoulder at him. “Thanks, Brian.”
Meredith walked over to talk with her sister. “Hey, Irene, what did you have planned for lunch?”
“Just sandwiches, why?”
“We have enough for everyone?”
“Should. I stocked up yesterday at the grocery store while y’all were off playing war.”
Meredith swatted her sister’s head as she grinned. “Just wanted to make sure.”
“Stop worrying, Merry, and enjoy yourself. Go flirt with AJ.” Irene snuggled closer to Kevin as they lounged on the double chaise, paying Meredith back for the previous night’s comment.
Meredith slowly raised an eyebrow at her sister’s comment, and Kevin worried that they were about to get into it. Irene matched her expression, and they had a glare-off for a moment. The older woman turned on her heel and headed for the pool, shooting Irene a bird as she walked away. Irene just laughed.
“You guys need anything?” Meredith stopped at the ‘N Sync huddle.
“No, I think we’re okay.” Chris smiled at her.
“Well, don’t be shy. Just jump in and get it over with. I found that it’s the best way with a lot of things.” She patted him on the shoulder before she walked away.
Lance looked over at JC, who’d just gotten his first look at Meredith’s back. He followed his friend’s line of sight and gasped.
“Oh, shit.”
The other three looked, and their eyes got big. Meredith heard the gasps and looked over at Nick.
“They just got a good look, didn’t they?”
Nick looked over his shoulder at the five men. “Yep, they did.”
“C’est la vie.” She bumped Nick with her hip, sending him off balance and into the pool.
“Damnit, Meredith, what’d you do that for?”
“Just because I can.”
Her laughter was cut off as Howie bumped her and she toppled into the water. Coming up sputtering, she wiped her eyes to find Howie standing above her.
“D, I can’t believe you snuck up me and did that.” She paused a minute. “I’m so proud.”
That little incident lightened some of the tension, and people began to mingle. AJ cranked up the music, and Meredith began to move her body to the music. She swam around a bit; floated a bit; and got into a splash war with Nick, losing soundly.
Getting out of the pool, she dried off and wrapped a sarong around her waist as she disappeared into the house to grab some more CDs. The doorbell rang, and she answered it, surprised to find Tony on her doorstep with the kids.
“What’s wrong?” She hugged Arianna as the girl stepped close.
“Nothing. I’m just hoping for a really big favor.” Tony smiled at her, mischievousness mixed with hope on his face.
“Let me guess. Giuseppe couldn’t watch the kids, and you want some alone time with Theresa.”
“See, that’s why we work so well together.” He handed Tony off to her, along with the diaper bag. “This isn’t a problem, is it?”
She rolled her eyes. “If it was a problem, I wouldn’t be holding the baby, okay? You guys have a good time.”
He nodded his thanks as he bent down and hugged Arianna, giving her some instructions on being good.
“Yes, Daddy.” She smiled and hugged him before he hugged Tony and Meredith.
“I’ll call you later.”
“Bye.” The three of them waved as Tony ran back to the car, anxious to get home to his wife.
“Well, Arianna, the guys are out back in the pool. Do you need to go change?”
Arianna lifted up her shirt to reveal a two-piece bathing suit. “No, Miss Merry. I’m ready.”
“Well, then, let’s go. Put your backpack down here, but grab the diaper bag for me.”
Holding one of Arianna’s hands and balancing Tony on her hip, Meredith led the children outside. Damn, forgot about the others.
“Hey, guys, look who came to play.” She smiled at her team, knowing they would be the ones to help Arianna deal with the new people.
Arianna clutched Meredith’s hand, looking at the other group. “Miss Merry, that’s ‘N Sync.”
“Yes, Arianna, it is. They came over to help me with some stuff today.” She leaned close to the little girl.
Nick came up and held out his hand for Arianna. “Hey, Arianna, you ready for another diving lesson?”
Over the past few weeks, Nick had been helping Arianna learn how to dive. He could see how nervous she was with the new people added.
“Yes, Mr. Nick.” Her voice was soft as he led her over to a chair so she could lay her clothes down.
Irene came over to say hello, and Arianna hugged her. “Hi, Miss Irene. How are you?”
“Wonderful, Arianna. How are you? I didn’t know you were coming over today.” She helped the little girl fold her clothes.
“Neither did I. Daddy decided he wanted to spend some time with Mommy, so we came over. Is that okay?”
“That’s more than okay, sweetie. I’m so glad to see you.” Irene hugged the little girl again.
Kevin, Brian, AJ, and Howie came over to see Arianna.
“Hi, Arianna.”
“Hi, Mr. Brian. How are you?” She smiled up at him, feeling better about being around new people.
“I’m good. Are you going to help me beat Nick at Marco Polo?”
“Yes, sir. But first, Mr. Nick is going to teach me more diving stuff.”
“Well, I’ll let you get to it, then. Let me know when you’re ready.”
Meredith came over to the group, handing Tony to Kevin. “Can you get him ready to swim, please?”
Kevin nodded as Meredith took Arianna’s hand to introduce her to ‘N Sync. She patted it reassuringly as she approached the group.
“Guys, this is Arianna Alberti, and that’s her little brother Tony. Her father and I have worked together, and they come over a lot.” She looked down at Arianna, smoothing the dark curls with her hand. “Arianna, this is Mr. JC, Mr. Lance, Mr. Joey, Mr. Chris, and Mr. Justin.”
Meredith went down the order they were sitting in, and Arianna nodded at each of them.
“Hi.” Her voice was very soft, and Lance smiled at her as he held out his hand.
“How do you do, Arianna?”
Hesitantly she took it, gripping Meredith’s hand with her other one. “I’m fine, Mr. Lance.”
The rest of them said hi before Meredith sent her back to Nick. “She’s very shy, but she’ll open up later.”
They nodded and watched as Nick carefully instructed her on how to stand and what she needed to do. Nick dove in and swam away from the edge, calling out encouragement to the little girl as she started diving. Nick was quick with praise when she did it right, and quick with instruction if she did something wrong. He never raised his voice, just kept telling her how well she was doing.
“He’s really good with her.” Joey came up beside Meredith as she watched them.
“Yes, he is. I imagine it’s the older brother thing.” They also watched as Kevin stripped Tony down and put on his swimming diaper before putting on the little bathing suit. Irene helped him coat the baby in sunscreen before getting the floatie and putting it in the pool.
“Now that’s something for the picture books.” Chris came up beside the two of them and watched as Kevin walked down into the water holding Tony. He carefully set the baby in the seat and fastened him in before pulling the baby around.
“I imagine I could make a lot of money selling pictures from today.” She grinned at the two men. “Especially of y’all cleaning.”
They laughed before joining the others in the pool.
About an hour later, Irene went to the kitchen to gather things for lunch. Since Kevin was watching Tony while Meredith played with Arianna and the rest of the guys, AJ helped her fix the meal.
Irene stared at the young man beside her. He felt her gaze and looked up, a question in his eyes. She smiled at him, patting him on the shoulder before she laid out cold cuts and cheese for the sandwiches. He shrugged and continued to slice tomatoes. When they finished, Irene stepped over to the door and leaned out.
“LUNCH!”
The group climbed out of the pool and dried off before heading into the house. Nick helped Arianna make her sandwich, then led her outside so they could eat on the patio. Brian, Lance, and JC joined them. Chris, Justin, and Joey grabbed places at the kitchen table. Howie, Irene, and Kevin sat down there as well.
AJ smiled as he looked at himself and Meredith at the counter. “Fancy meeting you here.”
She chuckled and handled Tony to him while she fixed their sandwiches. He carried Tony and the baby food outside, while she followed with their plates and water bottles. Setting them on the table, they each got situated. The rest of them stopped eating as Meredith and Arianna said grace together, then began to eat. JC and Lance watched as AJ held onto Tony as he lunged for the spoon of baby food heading towards him. They couldn’t help but chuckle at the obvious delight the baby found in eating. When he’d finished the jar of vegetables and had eaten some fruit. Meredith gave him a bottle. She tucked him in the crook of her arm, holding the bottle with that hand as she finished her sandwich and talked with the group.
Looking down, she found Tony almost asleep. Putting a rag on her shoulder, she placed him there and burped him, smiling as a loud burp sounded in her ear. Brian laughed at the sound.
“Sounds like you two.”
AJ stuck his tongue out at Brian, refraining from using a more colorful gesture since Arianna was there. Meredith slouched down in her chair and settled Tony on her chest, stroking his back until he fell asleep. Brian watched AJ, who was watching Meredith. He knew that his friend was falling hard and fast, and he hoped that it would work out for both of them.
After a long rest time to let their food settle, everyone headed back to the pool area. Nick covered Arianna in sunscreen, then tossed her in the pool, much to her delight. Howie got in the pool right behind her and played ball with her, challenging Brian and Nick to a game. The other guys joined in, and laughter echoed around the pool. Meredith stayed in the shade with Tony until he woke up. She enjoyed watching the group, especially how they interacted with Arianna.
Arianna ran up to her, trying to hide behind her as Howie chased her. “Help me, Miss Merry. Mr. Howie’s trying to get me.”
Howie stopped and laughed. “But, Arianna, you’re it.”
Meredith laughed with them, then looked at the little girl. “I think you need some more rest time, young lady.”
Taking a deep breath, she nodded, settling herself beside Meredith. As she got comfortable, she began to hum. Brian walked behind them and heard the tune, kind of surprised.
“Do you like that song, Arianna?” He crouched by her chair.
She nodded. “It’s my favorite.”
“It’s one of my favorites, too.” He stood up, stroked her hair, then walked back towards the guys.
Kevin saw the look on Brian’s face and raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“Do you know what Arianna’s favorite song is?”
Howie looked over at his friends. “One of ours?”
“Duh!” Nick shoved Howie over on his chair.
“It’s 10,000 Promises.” He grinned at AJ, who grinned back.
“You know, I feel like singing.”
Meredith watched as the Backstreet Boys casually made their way behind them, and she wondered what was happening. Irene moved to sit next to the threesome, having been in on the conversation.
When she heard him sing, goosebumps covered her skin and she couldn’t hide the shiver. Arianna’s eyes grew big as she peeked around the chair and found the group singing to her.
Once we were lovers
Just lovers we were
What a lie
Once we were dreamers
Just dreamers we were
You and I
Now I see you’re just somebody who wastes all my time and money
What a lie
You and I
What about your
Your 10,000 promises
That you gave to me
Your 10,000 promises
That you promised me
Once I could handle the truth
When the truth was just
You and I
But time after time all the promises
Turned out to
Be your lies
Now I see I’m just somebody who wasted my time and money
What a lie (what a lie)
You and I (you and I)
What about your
Your 10,000 promises
That you gave to me
Your 10,000 promises
That you promised me
You said I’ll take you back
But I closed the door
‘Cause I don’t want 10,000 more.
Oh, oh, oh
10,000 promises yeah
10,000 promise you gave to me
What about your
Your 10,000 promises
That you gave to me
Your 10,000 promises
That you promised me
What a lie
You and I
Arianna had been singing along with them, and when they finished, she clapped loudly before running over to hug them.
“Thank you, thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome, sweetie.” Howie picked her up to give her a really big hug.
When Meredith turned around, she saw Irene filming the whole thing with her video camera. The young woman smiled at her sister.
“I’m going to make Arianna a copy. Do you want one?”
The “duh” expression was the only answer Irene needed.
**BsB**BsB**BsB**
‘N Sync watched from the pool as the Backstreet Boys serenaded the little girl. Joey turned to Chris, nodding at their competitors.
“You know, they’re not bad.”
The rest of the group heard the comment and laughed.
Table of Contents
Chapter Eighteen