***Backstreet Boys***
She came instantly awake when she felt the presence of someone else in the room. Barely opening her eyes, she smelled the perfume and looked at the woman standing next to the bed. She recognized her and groaned inwardly.
The woman continued to stare at them for a minute before walking out of the room. Meredith rolled over and sat up, biting her lip.
“mmm.” AJ muttered a bit as he rolled closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Kissing her hip, he squinted as he looked up. Noticing the look on her face, he was wary.
“What’s wrong?”
“Your mother’s here.”
He sat up quickly. “How do you know?”
“She just left the bedroom.”
AJ flung himself back on the bed. “I can’t *believe* this.”
Meredith looked at him, continuing to bite her lip. “She’s going to hate me, isn’t she?”
“Why would she hate you, love? She’s gonna see how happy you make me, and everything will be great.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek before hopping out of bed and pulling on a pair of boxers and then some shorts.
Meredith slowly rose from the bed, not as sure as he was about the reception she would receive. She pulled on some panties and a bra, shivering slightly at the look on AJ’s face. Grabbing a clean t-shirt and some shorts, she dressed and walked into the bathroom to try and corral the curls flying in all directions.
Standing behind her, AJ rested his hands on her shoulders, and Meredith reached up to lay her hands on his. He leaned close, nuzzling her ear before he spoke.
“It will be fine. I love you, love. I’m not giving you up.” When he finished speaking, he looked at their reflection and enjoyed the contrast of the images—her fire and ice playing against his darkness.
“I love *you*, mine. Don’t ever forget that.” With one final press, she grabbed some hair clippies and pulled her hair up.
AJ laughed when he saw the little butterflies and flowers she used. He loved it when she let her whimsical side come out to play. They brushed their teeth, and he held her hand as they walked downstairs.
His mother was sitting at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of coffee as she gazed out the patio doors.
“Morning, Mom.” AJ kissed his mother’s cheek.
“Morning, Alex.” Denise returned the greeting, then looked at Meredith.
“Mom, this is Meredith Davenport. Meredith, this is my mom, Denise.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. AJ’s talked about you a lot.”
Denise appraised the woman in front of her. She had had doubts when she figured out that her son was in love with the older woman. When she saw Meredith, though, and saw the absolute love in her eyes, she felt better. Looking back at her son, she saw that look reflected in his own eyes.
Denise reached out and took Meredith’s hand, squeezing it gently. “He’s talked about you a lot, too. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
AJ breathed an inaudible sigh of relief as the two most important women in his life meet and seemed to like each other. He urged Meredith into a chair and grabbed some coffee for both of them.
“Thank you, mine.” Meredith smiled at him when he placed the cup in front of her.
“My pleasure, love.” He smiled back, sitting close to her.
Denise watched the two of them, hiding her smile behind the rim of the coffee cup.
***Backstreet Boys***
Two days later, Meredith parked in front of a small Italian restaurant and walked inside, sliding her sunglasses up to sit on top of her head. She looked around the room and spotted the group, nodding to the maitre d as she weaved between the tables.
“Hi.” She nodded at the five men and the young woman sitting next to Justin.
Lance stood up and pulled out a chair for her, and she smiled at him as she took a seat.
“Meredith, this is Britney.” Justin introduced the two women.
Meredith held out her hand to the young woman, smiling at her. “It’s a pleasure, Britney.”
“Me, too.”
The waiter appeared at JC’s elbow and took their drink orders. When he left to get their drinks and put in their appetizer order, she looked around the table at the five men who had served with her.
“So, anything exciting going on in your lives?”
They told her about their studio work, individual efforts that filled their lives, and their families. When they finished, Justin asked about Irene, Stasi, and things at work.
Meredith smiled before taking a sip of her iced tea. “Stasi’s fine, now that she’s gotten used to Nick not being there. Irene’s good, I think she’s seen more of the boys than I have since graduation. Work is fine, got some new trainees that I’ve managed not to completely demoralize, and I’ve got some training with the team coming up in a couple of weeks.”
“Team?” Britney looked at her with a confused expression.
“Seal Team 2. They helped train my team when the guys were there.”
“Scary bunch of guys if you ask me.” Chris shivered a bit as he remembered watching the team work the other group.
“Aw, they’re really not so bad as long as you’re not the enemy.” She chuckled, knowing how intimidating the Seals could be to outsiders.
“Whatever you say, Meredith.” He smiled at her.
“So, you’re staying with AJ while you’re here?” Joey looked at her, studying her face.
“Unless we go over to someone else’s house. I imagine I’ll spend a couple of days at Nick’s. Do all of you live here, or have you started spreading out?”
They discussed their various living arrangements as their appetizers were placed in front of them. They stopped to place their orders then continued chatting about a little bit of everything. Britney finally got into the conversation as they veered away from their training and into more general topics.
It was a good lunch, and Meredith appreciated the opportunity to make sure they were doing okay. Despite the fact they hadn’t been her trainees, she still felt a little responsible for them since Sierra Ramon. She enjoyed watching them cut up and act silly, and the shy romance between the young couple made her smile.
When they finished lunch, the group walked her out to the car. JC whistled when he saw the Mercedes convertible.
“Now that’s a car.”
She grinned as she slipped her sunglasses on and slid into the car. “Yes, it certainly is. I think it’s AJ’s favorite, actually.”
“He let you drive his car?” Justin’s jaw dropped as he looked at her.
“Well, he lets me drive him, so I think he feels he can trust me with his car.” She chuckled as the young man’s cheeks pinkened.
“I’ll see you guys later. Stay out of trouble.” Meredith waved as she left the parking lot.
The six people watched her leave before heading for their own vehicles.
***Backstreet Boys***
When Meredith got to AJ’s after making a couple of stops at some boutiques she discovered on her way home, she found the driveway full of cars. Walking into the house, she found an impromptu party inside.
She smiled at people she didn’t know, weaving in between people dancing as she made her way upstairs and into the master bedroom. She dropped the sacks onto her suitcase and changed into a sporty bikini and pulled on a t-shirt to cover her scars. As she walked back downstairs, she slipped into the kitchen to grab something to drink. Standing at the window, she looked out onto the patio and smiled at the people having a good time.
Several people watched her, wondering who she was. She ignored their looks and made her way outside to curl up in a chair at the back of the deck. Half hidden behind some plants, she listened to conversations.
“Who was that woman who walked in earlier?” A blond in a too tight tank top and high cut shorts talked with a brunette wearing little more.
“She acted like she owned the place, didn’t she. Maybe she knows AJ’s mom or something. I mean, God, she must be over 30. What would he see in her? I’m sure I’m more his speed.” She giggled as the blond giggled with her.
“Don’t you think Peter would have something to say about that? I mean, he is your boyfriend, and he is AJ’s friend.”
“Well, Peter’s nice and all, but I bet AJ has more money and could help me get some modeling jobs.”
“Hmm, yeah he could.” The blond looked around at the people. “I wonder if Kevin’s here. I’d take him in a heartbeat.”
The two girls moved away as they continued to talk, and Meredith closed her eyes as she thought about they had said. While the over 30 part was true, she knew the young woman would never be able to hold AJ’s interest for very long, especially if he had to talk to her for any length of time. Sighing as she tried to banish the conversation from her head, she got up and headed toward the group where AJ was telling stories. The two young women were there and cast haughty looks at her as she appeared at the edge of the crowd.
AJ caught sight of her, and the smile that brightened his face could have lit up Orlando for a week. He reached out and pulled Meredith towards him, introducing her to the group as he kissed the back of her hand.
“Hey, love. How was lunch?”
“It was good. I met Britney. She and Justin seem very happy.” Meredith pressed a kiss to the corner of AJ’s mouth.
“I’m glad. Everyone, this is Meredith, the most incredible woman I have ever been blessed to know, besides my mom. Meredith, this is Jack, who I’ve know since second grade, and his wife Melinda.”
Meredith shook their hands, appreciating the true smiles they gave her.
“This is Kyle and his sister, Dina. They’ve been friends of the family forever.”
Kyle held out his hand and shook Meredith’s firmly. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Meredith. AJ’s been talking about you ever since he got back.”
Meredith smiled. “Thank you, Kyle. It’s a pleasure to meet you and Dina. AJ’s mentioned some of the fun you three have managed to find while you’re together.”
The brother and sister laughed. AJ continued his introductions. “This is Peter, who I’ve know since we were in diapers, and his girlfriend, Brandy. That’s her friend, Ashley.”
Meredith smiled at the last three people. “Hi. It’s nice to meet you.”
Peter shook her hand with a warm smile, but the two girls barely paid her greeting any attention, preferring to try and draw AJ into a conversation. He noticed Meredith’s tightened grip as she greeted the two women, and he noticed that they practically snubbed Meredith. He pasted a smile on his face as he answered their questions, but kept Meredith close to him.
She noticed what he was doing, and she rubbed his back when he pulled her close. She leaned over and whispered in his ear before standing up.
“Would anyone like a refill?”
Kyle and Dina shook their heads, as did Jack and Melinda. Brandy and Ashley gave her their orders, and Peter asked for another beer. She looked at AJ. “Mine?”
“Whatever you’re having would be good.”
She smiled as she left, walking into the kitchen to grab the drinks. Brian had been watching the whole thing, as well as having caught the earlier conversation. He followed Meredith into the kitchen and watched as she prepared things.
“You’re not going to spike their drinks, are you?”
“Why would I?” She smiled at him as she poured the wine into glasses.
“I would. But then they’d get sick and spend even longer here.” Brian stood beside her and looked out onto the patio.
“You know, it’s times like that that I really hate what we’re doing. I’m tired of dealing with the sycophants who’ve only got money on the brain.”
She chuckled. “So, you’ve met Brandy and Ashley?”
He shuddered. “Hell, no. Got no desire to either. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. I heard them earlier.”
Meredith stopped what she was doing, took a deep breath, and looked at the man standing next to her. “Do I look like I’m grasping at youth or something, being with AJ?”
Brian looked at her as she looked back outside. He waited for her to finish speaking.
“I love him, Brian. I never thought that I would feel love again. He came in and just swept me away. Am I wrong to want him so much, to want to be with him? Is this fair to him?”
Looking into her eyes, watching the mouth tremble before she bit her lip, he was amazed at the fear in her voice. He’d never seen her like this, not even after Sierra Ramon. Pulling her into a hug, he rubbed her back.
“I think you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to AJ. When he’s with you, he’s more alive than I’ve ever seen him, and that includes being on stage. Don’t let them take away what you two have, okay?”
Stepping back, he looked at her and wiped away the solitary tear that trailed down her cheek. She smiled at him before wiping her face and picking up the drinks to take them back outside.
“Thank you, Brian.”
He nodded, then called out to her before she stepped outside. “Spitting into their drinks is allowed, though.”
Meredith laughed as she walked onto the deck, and the sound pulled AJ’s attention from his conversation. His eyes found her, and he smiled as he watched her walk towards him. Brandy and Ashley were a little angry that he wasn’t paying attention to them anymore.
Meredith passed out the drinks before AJ pulled her down beside him. He shared his bottle of water with her, and she smiled at him, catching the looks of the young women who were sitting next to Peter. She felt hands settle over her eyes, and she immediately grabbed the wrists of the person doing it.
“Yowch.”
She tilted her head back to look up. “Irene, you know better than that.”
Her sister smiled. “Yeah, but I couldn’t resist.”
The two sisters hugged each other then AJ made introductions. After a few minutes of chatting, Meredith and Irene disappeared inside so Irene could change.
“So what’s up with the chicklets?” Irene pulled on a red bikini that was very similar to the one she’d picked out for her sister in Milan.
Meredith stared at the material, wondering how it managed to cover her sister. The younger woman poked her, pulling her out of her contemplation of the suit.
“What?”
“The chicklets, what’s up the with them?”
“They’re wondering why AJ’s with me. Brandy wants him for his money and his contacts so she can get some modeling jobs. Ashley wants Kevin.”
Irene arched an eyebrow. “Oh, she does?”
There were times when Meredith wanted nothing more that to curb her sister’s evil streak—this was not one of them. She watched as Irene tied a sheer floral sarong low on her hips and fluffed her hair.
“Let’s go see the boys, shall we?”
The two women walked down the stairs. As they stood at the back door, they found the other four men had joined AJ’s group, and Kevin’s back was to them. Meredith watched as Irene smoothed the material over her hips and ran her fingers through her hair one more time.
The young woman slowed her walk into sultry strut that attracted several glances. Nick saw her, his eyes lighting up in appreciation. Kevin caught the look on the young man’s face and turned to see what caught his eye. The moment he saw Irene, he completely forgot about Ashley, who was desperately trying to keep his attention.
Irene reached the group, reaching out to slide her hand across Kevin’s belly, causing him to shiver. She reached up with her other hand, pulling his head down and giving him a slow, deep kiss.
“hey, baby.” She whispered the greeting against his mouth before following it with a lick across his bottom lip.
“Mmm.” He didn’t say anything, just pulled her close for another kiss.
“They’re almost as bad as you two.” Howie looked at AJ and Meredith as she sat down on the chair.
Howie looked at Brian and Nick and nodded. At the count of three, the men looked at the kissing couple and spoke loudly. “Hi, Irene!”
The couple broke their kiss and laughed as they looked at their friends. Irene hugged the three men then stepped back to wrap her arm around Kevin’s waist. She saw the hateful looks on the faces of the two young women in their group and tried not to laugh or slap their faces.
Nick suggested they get in the pool, and Kevin looked down at his girlfriend. “That’s not the thong suit, is it?”
“Do you have a problem with thongs?” She looked at him and batted her eyelashes.
“Only in the presence of others. I don’t want anyone to see any more of your beautiful body than is necessary, ‘cause I don’t want to have to kill anyone.”
AJ laughed as he looked at Meredith. “See, I’m not the only one.”
She laughed as she stood and pulled him out of the chair. “C’mon, mine. Let’s cool you off a bit.”
AJ kissed her, then ran and jumped into the pool. Kyle, Dina, Jack, Melinda, Peter, Nick, and Howie pulled off t-shirts and shorts and got into the pool. Kevin watched as Irene untied the sarong and laid it on the chair. It wasn’t a thong, but it wasn’t much better, and he glowered at the guys who watched her walk over to the pool.
Ashley and Brandy quickly pulled off their shorts and t-shirts, revealing skimpy bikinis that were designed to show off everything they had to offer. They settled themselves beside the pool, and tried to look cool without getting wet and messing up their hair or makeup.
Brian and Meredith stood looking at each other, both still wearing their t-shirts.
“Do you have an overwhelming sense of déjà vu?” He looked at her.
“Yep. Are we wearing the shirts, or are we being bold and saying to hell with what other people think?” She stared at the young man standing in front of her.
“Which would make you feel better with them?” His voice was serious as he looked at the young women posing by the pool.
“I don’t know. Part of me really doesn’t care what they think, but another part wishes I didn’t have them and could just casually toss this shirt aside without freaking anyone out.” She chewed on her lip.
“I say we ditch the shirts. We’re survivors, and these are badges of honor.” He rubbed his chest as he watched the people in the pool.
She nodded then pulled off her shirt. Brian did the same, and they high-fived each other. AJ watched them out of the corner of his eye, smiling as Meredith relaxed a little more. She walked to the diving board and moved to the end, waiting for everyone to clear out of the way.
She contemplated doing a cannon ball, just to get Brandy and Ashley wet, but let the part of her brain that sounded a lot like her mother talk her out of it. She bounced a couple of times and did a swan dive into the pool, swimming to the shallow end where AJ was waiting for her. She slid her body up his as she surfaced, kissing him when she stood.
“Hi.”
He settled his hands on her hips, slipping his fingertips just under the waistband of her bikini bottoms. “Hi.”
“Please, not in front of the children.” Nick splashed them as they kissed again.
Meredith turned and pinned him with a glance, causing him to hide behind Brian. The other man just moved away.
“I’m not getting involved in this, Frack.”
“Some friend you are.” He splashed the shorter man, which started a splash war that managed to drench everyone in the vicinity of the pool, including Brandy and Ashley.
Meredith ignored the whispered comments about the scars, and a look from AJ kept anyone from asking her. More people wandered out onto the patio, and the group of people in the pool shifted to include new people as others climbed out to lie in the sunshine or grab something to eat and drink.
A few hours later, after swimming and dancing and eating, people began to leave. Meredith and AJ stood at the front door and thanked everyone for coming. Ashley and Brandy smiled and flirted with the guys, ignoring Meredith and Irene, and pranced out to the car. Peter followed them, saying goodbye to the guys before thanking AJ.
AJ looked at Peter for a moment. “Thanks for coming, man. You’re always welcome here, but I gotta tell you. I really don’t want Brandy or Ashley coming back if they can’t respect my lady or my other guests.”
Peter nodded, embarrassed at his girlfriend’s behavior. “I’m sorry, AJ. It won’t happen again.”
AJ hugged his friend, finally closing the door and staring at Meredith. He pulled her into a hug, nuzzling her neck. “Are you okay?”
She nodded slowly. “Thank you for saying that. I was really beginning to get tired of their behavior.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” He tucked the curls behind her ears.
“They were your guests, AJ. It wasn’t my place.” She sighed.
“Yes, it is your place. They were my guests, but you are my love. This house and everything in it is just as much yours as it is mine. If you’re not comfortable with something, then you have every right to change it.”
Meredith stared into AJ’s eyes, her hands resting on his as they cupped her face. Her smile was tremulous as she realized what he was saying. He kissed her softly, sucking on her lips.
“I love you, Meredith. What’s mine is yours.”
A tear slid down her cheek, and he licked it from her skin. She shivered at the sensation, her heart beating fast and her spirit soaring.
“I love you so much, AJ. All that I am, I give to you.”
They sealed their commitment with another kiss—tender, gentle, full of promise.
He wrapped his arm around her walked them into the kitchen to be with their friends.
***Backstreet Boys***
The next day, Meredith and AJ loaded up his Expedition and followed Nick to Tampa to spend a few days at his house. When they parked in the driveway, Meredith got out and stared at the clean, angular lines of the building in front of her.
AJ grabbed their suitcase and followed Nick, Brian, and Meredith inside. Kevin and Irene decided to stay at Kevin’s, and Howie had some family obligations to take care over the next few days. They planned to join the others at Nick’s house later in the week.
Nick gave her a tour, and she admired his home. Turning to him, she wrapped an arm around his waist and gave him a hug. “It’s beautiful. I like how open it feels.”
“Me, too.” He grinned and opened the door to the laundry room, and four little pugs came racing out. His cleaning lady had put them in there when she left earlier that morning after feeding and watering them.
They licked Nick’s legs, raced over to Brian and AJ and did the same, then stopped and sat down in front of Meredith. Their tongues lolled as they stared at her, their little bodies wriggling as they waited for her to get close.
When she kneeled down in front them, they took that as an invitation and raced to her, licking every part of skin they could reach. She collapsed on the floor in a fit of giggles, and the guys laughed at her.
***Backstreet Boys***
Later that evening, after impressing his guests with a pasta dinner, Nick was told to go sit outside with Brian, while the other two cleaned the kitchen.
AJ grumbled until Meredith kissed him, backing him against the refrigerator as she explored his mouth with her tongue.
“You were saying?” She nibbled on his jaw as he sighed.
“Not a damn thing.”
After she turned him into a limp rag, Meredith stepped back and headed for the sink. When the phone rang, she detoured by the counter and picked it up.
“Hello?”
[Who is this?] An indignant voice was on the other end of the line.
“May I ask who you’re trying to reach?”
[This is Jane Carter. I’m trying to reach my son. Who are you?]
Shit. Coating her voice with sugar, she motioned to AJ and mouthed for him to get Nick.
“This is Meredith Davenport. How are you, Mrs. Carter?”
Dead silence greeted her for a minute. [Why are you there?]
Gritting her teeth, Meredith kept the pleasant tone to her voice. “AJ, Brian, and I are visiting Nick. How’s Aaron doing?”
That was the wrong question to ask as Jane began ranting that Meredith wasn’t going to steal her other son. Meredith held the phone away from her and stared it. Nick walked in, saw the expression on Meredith’s face, then grabbed the receiver.
“Hello?”
[What the hell is she doing there? Couldn’t wait to set her up in my place, could you? I called to see if you’d straightened up and gotten over your ridiculous ego trip, and I find her there. That’s just fine, Nickolas. You keep that bitch you call “mom”. She’s the only one you’ve got now.]
Jane slammed down the phone before he could say a word. He carefully hung the phone, staring at it for a moment. Brian, AJ, and Meredith watched him.
Without warning, he swept his arm across the counter, sending plates and glasses to the floor in a shower of china. The other three jumped, then looked at the young man who laid his hands on the counter and leaned into it as he closed his eyes.
Brian went for the broom and dustpan since he was still wearing shoes. AJ wanted to go to Nick, but Meredith held him back as she pointed at the glass shards surrounding them. When he returned, Brian tossed some sandals at the couple.
When their feet were protected, AJ and Meredith went around the other side and stood close to Nick. Brian swept up what he could and emptied the pan into the garbage. He set the broom and dustpan down, joining his friends. They waited for Nick to say something.
The young man shook his head sadly. “No more.”
The three of them hugged him close as a couple of tears rolled down his cheeks. AJ and Brian were worried because they hadn’t seen their friend cry in years. Meredith was worried because of the finality in his voice.
After several minutes, he sighed and tried to smile. “I’ll be okay, guys.”
He patted their hands as he moved away, walking slowly out of the room. Brian followed him as he wandered upstairs and into his room, closing the door behind him. AJ and Meredith just looked at each other before AJ went to grab the vacuum cleaner and go over the kitchen floor for any missing shards. She finished the dishes while AJ and Brian sat down at the kitchen table.
The three of them sat and talked for a little while in the living room, hoping Nick would come down and join them. As the clock chimed ten, AJ stood up and held out his hand for Meredith. They said their goodnights and walked upstairs to their room. They paused beside Nick’s door, but couldn’t hear anything.
Brian pulled out his cell phone as he stretched out on the couch. Dialing a familiar number, he waited for an answer.
“Hey there. I just wanted to hear a friendly voice.”
Table of Contents
Chapter Ten