Two months later Vanessa walked into the ballroom on Greg McCoy's arm. "I can't believe you dragged me here."
"It was Melissa's idea," Greg said. "She did use a good excuse."
"She couldn't find a maternity gown," Vanessa said, as she rolled her eyes.
"Well, she and Catherine have been worried about you," Greg said. "You haven't been the same since Kevin left."
"I know," Vanessa answered.
"I can't believe you lost your job," Greg said.
"Oh, we knew the firm had to downsize," Vanessa said. "At least they're gonna give me good references.
Greg laughed, "You always did see the silver lining."
"I tried," Vanessa said. She stopped dead in her tracks. No, I can't take this, Vanessa thought.
"What's the matter V?" Greg asked. He followed to where she was looking. "Oh crap. I'm sorry."
"Why?" Vanessa asked. It's not like you invited him or forced him to come."
"Maybe he won't notice you," Greg said. "Or do you want to leave?"
"No, of course not," Vanessa said, trying to smile. "I have nothing to run away from."
Kevin turned toward Vanessa and their eyes met, just as Greg pulled Vanessa to the dance floor. She tried to ignore the pain she had seen in Kevin's eyes when he realized who she was. The same pain she felt in her heart.
"You know, you look great," Greg said. Vanessa turned her attention to her escort and smiled. Her long, dark, curly hair was piled gracefully atop her head. She was wearing a black, silk slip dress. "Very elegant and stylish.
"You look handsome too, Greg," Vanessa replied. They continued dancing to the big band that had been hired for the night.
"May I cut in?" asked a deep, familiar voice. Greg looked at Vanessa. She nodded to him and he stepped aside. "Hello Vanessa."
"Hello Kevin," Vanessa said. "How are you?"
"I'm alright," Kevin said. "How are you?"
"Pretty good," Vanessa said. "You look good." And he did. His tuxedo fit like a glove, and moved in it as if it were a second skin.
"So do you," he said.
"Thank you," she said.
"Can we go somewhere and talk?" Kevin asked.
"I don't know Kevin," Vanessa said.
"I need to talk to you," Kevin said. His eyes bore into hers. She nodded. He led her to a balcony.
"So what did you need to talk about?" vanessa asked. She leaned against the railing.
"I really just wanted to ask you something," Kevin said. "Do you hate me?"
"No! Of course not Kevin!" Vanessa said.
"Then how can you already be seeing someone else?" he asked.
"Kevin, you don't understand!" Vanessa exclaimed.
"You never loved me," Kevin said. "I can't believe that you could get involved with someone else so quickly. But I guess two months isn't really quickly."
"Kevin! Stop-" Vanessa begged.
"No, I won't stop!" Kevin yelled. "I opened my heart to you and gave you my soul. Now you're still twisting it in your hands."
"I never wanted to hurt you!" Vanessa yelled. "But there wa no other way."
"No other way?" Kevin choked out. "I'm still getting over you, and you are seeing someone else!"
"No-" Vanessa sobbed.
"You must really hate me!" Kevin yelled. Vanessa couldn't take anymore. She ran from the balcony and out of the ballroom. Greg saw her and headed straight for Kevin.
"Hey Greg," Kevin said, pulling a hand through his hair. "I was just leaving."
"You had to humiliate her?" Greg accused.
"What do you mean?" Kevin asked. "She humiliated me by seeing you so quickly!"
"Kevin, I'm married!" Greg exclaimed. "Vanessa came with me because my wife is pregnant and didn't want to come. It's the first time she's been out since you left!"
"What?" Kevin asked.
"She was heart-broken when you left," Greg said. "Never told anyone what happened."
"Oh God," Kevin said. "I've got to...how can she ever forgive me?"
Chapter 12
Nobody but Kev Index
Backstreet Boys Fan Fiction Index