Chapter 14
Nicky’s heart beat wildly against his chest. He had something up his sleeve, and none of the lads knew about it. Toni was out there at the front, sitting in front of the metal barriers along with his family, the other lads’ families and girlfriends. Oh yeah, let’s not forget Georgina of course. No one knows of Nicky’s little plot, and he knew this was the last chance that he would have to tell Toni that he’s not going to give up on her easily. They were going away for a very long time, touring around Asia, America and Europe to promote a new album. Tonight was the last night of their concert tour in Europe.
The screams of the fans were deafening, and it could still be heard from any point at the backstage. Someone signaled them to go to their designated positions. The five of them quickly scrambled to their places, with earpieces and packs in place and microphones in hand. “This is it.” Nicky thought as the five of them walked out of the backstage. The crowds grew wild, and the screams were louder. The blinding lights immediately went on as Shane shouted, “Hello there Ireland!” The crowd’s response was almost thunderous, but Nicky felt as if he barely heard a thing. The pounding of his heart was more than he could stand. Shane was busy saying something when Nicky thought, “It’s now or never!” He walked up to Shane and called him. More than a thousand girls screamed louder as he did so. “Yeah?” Shane asked. “Just wondering… what’s the next song we’re gonna sing?” Nicky asked. Shane looked at him as if he had gone mad. He knew very well that Nicky knew what the next song was. All five of them knew it. “Uh, it’s ‘Swear It Again’.” Shane said, as if he were introducing the song. More screams erupted from the fans. The live band was poised to start playing when Nicky suddenly shouted, “Wait!” The lads and everyone else in the arena averted their attention to Nicky. He gulped, praying that everything would work out fine. “Well, I just thought that since it’s the last night of the tour, why don’t we make it extra special? Why don’t we sing ‘Swear It Again’ later eh?” Nicky said. “Sure… what do you have in mind?” Shane asked, looking slightly amused. “Well, I’ve been listening a lot to The Corrs lately and well… I just wanted to sing a song of theirs. I know you lads know the song as well, so I’d love it if you can sing along with me. It’s called ‘Give It All Up’!” Nicky said. Another tremendous sea of screaming swept over the arena. All of the other Westlife lads had surprised looks on their faces, but they said nothing. Nicky looked over to the band and they gave him a thumbs-up sign. Luckily, they knew how to play the song. The music started, and Nicky took his place at the center. “They say that I’m crazy, and it’s probably true,” Nicky sang as the other lads clapped their hands along while some did the harmonizing. Nicky walked over nearer to the edge of the stage. “But I’m at my happiest, just when I’m with you.” He sang, looking at Toni. He could practically see her squirming uncomfortably in her seat. “There’s a distance between us, so far that I can’t reach. The stage lights they shine so brightly, but still I get no peace. And I’m a long, long way from you.” He sang, keeping his eyes fixed on her. She was staring back at him. He didn’t care if the whole world knew that he felt something for her. Nicky just had to let her know. “But I’d give it all up just for you, just to have you near me, I’d give it all up just for you…” he trailed off as he turned around and walked back to where the others were. Shane took over the whole song from there. Nicky kept watching Toni as inconspicuously as he could for the entire song. But he knew that she was fully aware of all the glances and looks he was casting upon her. He wasn’t surprised at all when she stood up and left. Nicky watched her walk away. It definitely felt like a slap in the face, but it was the consequence of his very insane ploy. He continued to watch her, but she suddenly felt someone staring at him. He turned around to see Mark, glaring at him and giving him dirty looks.