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» CHAPTER ELEVEN: THE SMELL OF SUCCESS «

Golden's performance that night got a lot of attention. The record company (Trans Con) decided to let them record an album. It was a dream come true for the girls, Golden was finally a success. And the girls were having a lot of personal success as well, Kate and Kayla too.

"Are you going back to your room tonight, Crystal?" Nick asked.

"Maybe," Crystal replied.

"Don't tease, it's naughty!" Nick whined.

"So are you, but I don't complain," Crystal said.

"Please stay."

"I can't," Crystal said.

"Why not?" Nick asked.

"I like to see you suffer."

"Serously!"

"Well.. umm... you see... I'm a virgin," Crystal said.

"So?" Nick replied.

"I don't know if I'm ready. I love you, but I don't want to do anything if I'm not totally sure." Crystal explained.

"I see," Nick said, looking hurt.

"Nick, I love you. I do want my first time to be with you. I just don't want it to be tonight."

"I love you too, and I understand," Nick said, kissing her a passionate goodbye.

"You'll love this restaurant" AJ said. "It's one of my favorites."

"AJ, sweetie, we're in the hotel restaurant" Kayla said.

"Well, if their restaurant is as good as their room service, you'll love it" AJ replied.

"Cute, real cute," Kayla teased.

"Thank you. Believe it or not, you're not the first girl to tell me that."

"Really? I don't believe it," Kayla said.

"Ha" AJ replied.

"I sure thought it was funny," Kayla replied.

"Um, honey, I have to tell you something" AJ started, when they got to a table.

"What is it, baby?" Kayla asked, noticing how serious AJ was.

"I think I'm falling in love with you."

"I... I... I have to go," Kayla said, running out of the restaurant.

"Kayla! Kayla don't! Please!" AJ called after her. But she keep running.

And his stubborn pride keep him form chasing her.

Kate and Kevin have just returned from a late night swim. They're in Kevin's room.

"I love swimming!" Kate said.

"Huh? Oh swimming, yeah it's great."

"Kev, what's wrong? You've been on another planet all night."

"I'm trying to figure out the best way to ask this."

"Ask what?" Kate prompted.

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Of course I will!" Kate answered, kissing him. Soon the kisses got deep and passionate, and Kevin was reaching around to untie Kate's bikini top.

"Kev, stop."

"Why?" a puzzled Kevin asked.

"Just stop."

"But I thought..."

"Not yet, there's still too much you don't know about me."

"But I want to learn..." Kevin started.

"Not yet," Kate interrupted, pulling away. She gave him one last kiss, and went back to her room.

Tory and Brian are walking along an empty beach. The stars are shining and the waves are crashing.

"Brian, you look ridiculous," Tory said. Brian had on sunglasses, a floppy fisherman's hat, and a long coat.

"Why?" Brian asked.

"Well, you're wearing sunglasses and it's dark. It's the middle of August and your wearing a long coat..."

"Ok, ok. Did you have to have so many reasons?" Brian interrupted.

"Yes, I did," Tory replied, cuddling closer to him.

"My fans might see me," Brian explained. "And that would suck."

"Brian, baby, it's late at night and we are on a DESERTED beach," Tory replied, shivering.

"Are you cold? Do you want my coat?" Brian asked.

"But your fans might see you," Tory teased.

"Oh ha," Brian said, placing his coat over Tory's shoulders. "Well, I guess here is as good a place as any."

"What?" Tory laughed.

Brian stopped and grabbed Tory's hand. He then dropped to one knee, and Tory's jaw almost hit the ground.

"Tory, you may think it's too soon, but I love you. I've loved you since I met you, backstage at that concert in Boston." Brian paused and took a deep breath. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes," Tory said, giving him a deep kiss.

Well, needless to say, Tory never did make it back to her own room that night.

"Oh, good, Crystal your back," Gwen said into her phone.

"Good call genius! Whats up?" Crystal asked.

"I was wonderin' if you might kinda wanna maybe babysit Monica?" Gwen pleaded.

"Don't beg! Of course I will."

"Oh thanks! You're a life saver!" Gwen exclaimed.

"Why? You and Howie plannin' some freaky-deaky, huh?" Crystal teased.

"Oh yeah. We're gunna get our freak on in the back of a tour bus," Gwen replied. "That was funny though."

"I thought so, I'll come get Monica," Crystal said hanging up.

So, Crystal came and took Monica back to her room. And Gwen went to Howie's room, where he had made dinner. It was great, candle light and the whole nine yards. After dining on spaghetti and meatballs, they sat on Howie's bed to watch some TV.

"Gwen, honey, are you ok?" Howie asked.

"Mm Mm" Gwen mumbled.

"Sweetie, you've been distant all night. What's wrong?" Howie urged.

"Well..... I'm nervous," Gwen responded.

"Nervous? Why?"

"It's Jon, he always means what he says. He said I haven't heard the last of him, he was serious," Gwen explained.

"It's alright, he won't come back," Howie assured her.

"Yes he will! He'll be back! I'm doing too good now, I'm too happy, he can't stand that! He'll do anything to bring me down! I can't take being hurt again like he hurt me before. And I won't let him hurt Monica!" Gwen said. By the end of her speech, Gwen's voice was trembling, and she had started to cry.

"Shhh, don't cry. I love you, and I won't let him hurt you, or Monica," Howie soothed, holding her close. Her head was resting on his chest.

"I love you too," Gwen said, kissing him softly. And it went no further than that. Gwen cried herself to sleep like that, her head resting on Howie's chest.

¤ Chapter 12: Famous ¤
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