Strictly Business
Copyright 2002-203
Chapter 1
"Yeah I'm really excited about it."
"You should be man, this kinda thing happens once every four years. They don't just pick anyone either." Kevin commented.
"I know. I think I'm still a little shocked also."
"Yeah, I still don't understand why they didn't pick me." AJ pouted.
Brian rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, a tattooed, multi-colored hair guy to represent Central Florida for the Olympics, don't know what they were thinking in picking Howie."
"Shut up!" AJ moaned.
Howie laughed and turned back to his bag. He would be leaving tomorrow to head to Salt Lake City Utah for a week to receive information on the Olympics that would be taking place in a few weeks. He'd been selected to be one of the many torchbearers in the relay and would be representing Central Florida amongst numerous others. His excitement had been great, but the full impact hadn't really set in yet.
"Well Howie we should be going so you can finish packing. Remember to call one of us to let us know you've arrived safely alright? Don't care who just call." Kevin explained.
"Yes dad." Howie smirked.
Kevin rolled his eyes.
"I'm starting to brush off on ya now huh Howie." Nick grinned.
Howie grinned. "I guess so. Thanks for stopping by guys."
"Yeah, take it easy man. I want full details on how the women look over there. Call me." AJ stated.
"God, is that all you think about?" Brian asked exasperated.
"No, I think of food sometimes too." AJ smiled.
Brian stared at him blankly.
"Take it easy man and be careful." Kevin sighed rolling his eyes at Brian and AJ before giving Howie a quick hug.
"Thanks Kev."
"Yeah that goes for me too...what he said." Nick laughed, hugging Howie.
"Yeah, take care of yourself." Brian added, also hugging him.
"I ain't saying shit besides to make sure you get back to me bout the ladies. Now c'mere." AJ muttered, grabbing Howie and hugging him tightly before releasing him.
"Uhh...yeah, ok AJ." Howie shook his head.
"Alright, see ya when you get back." Kevin waved and they all said their last good-bye's before walking out his room.
Howie could still hear AJ and Kevin arguing over the whole woman thing, he was gonna miss that...sort of. He went back to his packing. Was it stupid to feel nervous? So nervous that you think you're gonna throw up? If that was the case, then he was stupid.
In the weeks leading up to this point, he'd been a nervous wreck. He tried to reason that the break would be nice, that he would get away from Florida for a few weeks, that he could do some sight seeing and meet new people, but that way of thinking had worn thin quickly.
He loved to travel, but now that he was traveling with a purpose other than singing, he was nervous. He was representing Florida and in all actuality, the Backstreet Boys also. Too much for a 28 year old to be worrying about.
But hey, what's the big deal right? He walks with a torch and passes it to someone else, what could possibly go wrong?
Tripping, he'd been known to trip here and there and if there was a more optimal time for that to happen, it'd be then. God, he didn't even want to think about it. At least he didn't have to worry about it happening in Utah, he could make a fool of himself at home!
No, he would stay positive and be happy. That's how he'd been lately, happy. The success of the Backstreet Boys had been great and they were still going strong. The lack of the prominence of them lately had been a minor problem, but they still had their fans that loved them and that was all that mattered really.
Still it'd be nice to have someone there for him, someone who he could spend time with and share his accomplishments with. He was so tired of being alone, but his job just made it too hard to have relationships. Besides, he needed a strong woman; a goal and career oriented woman who'd be able to put up with his schedule. Someone who knew what she wanted out of life and wouldn't be just waiting by the phone for him to call. That wasn't to say that she wouldn't have time for him, just that she wasn't helpless without him.
His relationships, or lack thereof lately, had been overwhelming. He missed that support, that comfort. The guys were great, but hey, they wouldn't keep you warm at night.
Yawning, he finished his packing and set everything on the floor by the door. He was stronger than that of course, and this trip would help to clear his mind...he wouldn't be worried about starting a relationship. He would go and enjoy himself, do his duties, gather the necessary information and head home. Slipping into bed he sighed contently. Yup, this would be like any other trip. Not like anything life changing could happen in a few weeks.
***
"Here's the papers you asked for Jordan."
"Thanks Trevor, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight." He called and walked out the office.
Jordan Fairview waved bye gathered the papers. Tomorrow the central Florida sector of torchbearers would be arriving. They were assigned to her. She was the Vice President of Public Relations and it would be her job to answer any questions and give the general information on what they'd be doing. There was a dinner that was being thrown in honor of all the selected torchbearer's. She'd then walk them through what the rehearsals would be like generally and be there for any assistance as well as her regular duties. After their week of meeting with everyone and receiving information, they were free to return home if they chose.
She had a lot of work to accomplish with quite a bit of people in such a short time. It would prove to be lots of work, something that she enjoyed.
She loved the workload, she loved her job. That was the one thing she'd always prided herself on, her work ethic. Everything else in her life was secondary. Her job was the most important thing to her; she knew what she wanted in life and how to go about getting it. She let nothing stand in her way. She'd learn in her thirty-four years of life that you can't be docile, you have to go out and earn everything you want.
That's not to say she didn't sacrifice. She moved when she was twenty-five to live here, far from her family back in Boston. She missed them all, but she kept in touch and they understood that she was busy.
Quickly she finished up and set her papers in her tray on her desk and stood, starting to get ready to head home. Her lack of relationships also was effected by her job. She had friends and all...but no boyfriend, which suited her just fine. She didn't have the time to put into one and to her they just didn't seem that important.
Grabbing her purse and briefcase, she strode out her office. A long day ahead of her.
