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1

November 2008

“Damn, this is a blowout party.” Nick commented.

“Yeah, Star’s show is a huge success now.” Howie said.

“Go for it, Kev.” Brian nudged his cousin.

“I’m sure Star won’t bite.” They eyed the laughing woman with the curly red hair across the room full of people. “What are you afraid of?” AJ asked.

“Nothing. But I’m still a married man remember?” Kevin defended himself.

“It’s already over. The divorce is just not finalized yet.” AJ countered.

“Do I seem that desperate after Kristen for someone new?”

“It has nothing to do with desperation, cuz. It’s about the attraction between you and Miss Star March.” Brian added.

“It doesn’t seems like I’m just rebounding, does it?”

“Timing only played a tiny part. If you ask me Star’s timing was just right. You need someone real after that fake ass Kristen. You’re falling fast in every possible way.” Nick said.

“Is it really that obvious?”

“You two were doing some hardcore flirting on her show.” Howie said.

“It’s coming off both of you like tidal waves. We’re just trying to get you together before the rest of us gets knocked over.” Nick added.

“Tidal waves? Nick, could you get any cornier? Here’s the lady of the hour.” Brian said as Star approached. Her long curly red hair moved half way down her back as she walked. Her brown eyes pointed them out.

“Hey guys, thanks for coming.” She kissed each of their cheeks in turn.

“Thanks for having us.” Kevin.

“How could I not? You were one of my biggest celebrities. Having the Backstreet Boys first television appearance after a five-year absence could’ve done it. Honestly, you helped to make me. Do you mind if we get a few shots of you on camera? Your performance later will be taped as well.”

"Go ahead." They all put on smiles always camera ready.

Star flipped her hair as the camera man gave her the signal. "Standing before me now is the Backstreet Boys who decided to graciously attend my party tonight."

"Thank you for having us." It doesn't matter than it'd already been said. If it's not said on camera it doesn't really count. Especially if it was said to Star herself. Reporters, which she was in a sense, aren't reliable sources. Words get twisted, rumors spread, that sort of general bad publicity thing that one tries to avoid. 

They talked for a few moments more about the new album and other plans for promotion and touring before the red light clicked off and they could breathe again without the worry of messing up.

"Thanks Steve. That's all." The camera man nodded and trotted off towards the bar. He’d been there all night. Star sighed it was so hard to get any good *normal* help these days. She only hoped the film came out right. She turned back towards the guys. "That added with the segment we taped earlier at the studio should be enough."

“It seems you’re racy attitude is what’s selling your audience.”

“I for one am glad. It gives me another reason to get out and party some and not to add see the beautiful Star once again.” AJ commented.

“I know it doesn’t mean much when I’m only going into my second season but for me it says I made it big. That’s gives me every right to splurge a little with some friends.”

“I remember the first party we had after we went ‘big’.” Kevin said.

“You old folks reminisce. I’m going to hit the dance floor.” AJ headed off in the other direction.

Carson Daly, the show’s producer, approached the group. “Hey Star, I can’t stay long I just wanted to say congrats.”

“Thank you. MTV has been good to me.”

“You’ve worked hard to get here. I’m very proud of you.”

“Thank you.” She said more humbly. His opinion meant a lot to her. “Go home. I know Sara and the baby are waiting for you.”

“Yeah. So, congratulations again.” He hugged her. “And I’ll see you on Monday. Nice to meet you guys again.” He nodded to the Boys.

“So where are the wives?” Star asked.

“Melissa is around here somewhere.” Howie gave a quick glance around the club for his wife.

“I’m sure Leighanne is wherever she is. Those two are either gossiping or off shopping together. ” Brian added good naturedly.

“That’s the way our wives seem to be.”

“Not Veronica. She keeps to her other friends. We don’t see her unless AJ brings around for something.”

“Is she here tonight?” Star asked.

“No she’s at home with Alanna. She has the flu or something. AJ’s really worried.”

“Poor little girl. How old is she now?”

“Two. And spoiled as hell.”

“All the Backstreet babies are spoiled.”

“Can I see some pictures? I know all the proud fathers carry pictures around.”

Brian and Howie gladly pulled out their wallets.

“The Littrells’. Baylee is 5, Marian’s three, Dylan just turned one and Cale came into our lives two months ago.” Brian pointed to each blonde hair, blue-eyed wonder.

“This is my Dru.” Howie displayed his two-year-old. “She has my coloring not Mel’s honey tones but she has her hazel eyes.”

“Oh they’re all so cute. They look like naturals in front of the camera.”

“Just go over either of their houses. They have hundreds of pictures of them everywhere. You can’t forget the fact that they have kids, ever.” Nick said.

Kevin walked away sourly.

“I think we’d better find our wives.” Brian nodded to Howie.

“What’s wrong with Kevin?” Star asked Nick beside her.

“Everyone else is popping out kids. Kristen wouldn’t have any.”

“Wouldn’t or couldn’t?”

“Wouldn’t. She kept stalling until Kevin figured out she wanted money more than children out of him.”

“I thought kids were part of the reason the got married.”

“It was also part of the reason they divorced.”

“I didn’t know.”

“He didn’t tell anyone but we could see it.”

“He isn’t the only one keeping his emotions, is he?” Star reached up, and hooked her finger around the silver chain peeking from Nick’s collar. “Is this Maria’s ring?”

Nick only nodded as he watched her.

Star studied the southwestern style turquoise embedded ring that hung from the chain. “I didn’t want to talk about her too much on the show. I know it’s not good to bring up hurtful memories especially on the air.” She noticed he wore triple black same as he wore on her show. “It was around past May, wasn’t it? After you announced your engagement. I remember it was all over the news about the crash.”

She glanced up and saw him studying her. “Nick you can trust me. Just because I’m media doesn’t mean I’m one of those hounds after every bit of gossip they can get. I won’t dig any further, I just thought you might want to talk about it.”

“Thank you but no.” He looked over her head to avoid her eyes.

“Although I must say you look good in black, I’m not going to tell you it’s time for you to stop mourning or come out and talk about it. You’ll come in your own time. In the mean time if you ever find the need for a friend or a comforting shoulder, call me.”

“What about both?” He looked her back in the face.

“That’ll work too.” She stood on her tiptoes as she hugged him.

Nick tucked the chain back under his shirt.

Star glanced at her watch. “It’s show time baby. Are you ready?” She stepped up to the mic.

“First I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting me with my show on my first season and now we kick off the second season. So let’s take a break from the DJ and party with some live entertainment. They don’t have the same dance moves and matching outfits, thank god, but they are still one of the largest groups in the business today. Here they are performing their new single, the Backstreet Boys!”

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2

April 2009

Star leaned back in the chair stifling a yawn. They were currently in the conference room of the uptown studios. They were discussing some subject not concerning Star. This weekly meeting was all about her show, in fact, but damn legal technicalities just weren't her cup of tea.

Added to the fact, she wasn't in a good mood. She was pissed to learn Carson wasn't there when she walked in. Instead John Irving was the one that was in charge of this meeting. She and he didn't get along too well. To her he was only the geek that controlled her job.

"Okay, next thing. The line up for this week looks good. Movie premiere Tuesday, fashion reviews, ending the week with the Tasha new video." John read down the list. "Everything looks set for the week."

"So meeting over." Star gathered her papers ready to leave.

"In a hurry to leave?" John looked up from his papers.

"Actually I am."

"I'd like to talk to you about something if you don't mind."

"Okay then." Star back down reluctantly and watched as everyone else cleared the room.

She pulled out a cigarette. John pointed to the fire sprinklers up ahead. "Smoke free building."

"Oh yeah. Everybody's such a health nut these days."

"Tell me about it. I just quit myself. My wife was one of those nuts."

"I never knew you were married." She nodded to his hand. "Where's the ring?"

"You pay attention to details."

"It's part of the job. Details could lead to the next big story."

"Which is exactly what I want to talk to you about."

Star leaned forward. This was what she was in the business for. "Who?"

"The Backstreet Boys."

"Don't go shitting me Johnny."

"Do I hear a fan?"

"What do we have on them?"

"Not much. But from what I hear, the shit is about to hit the fan. MTV needs to be the first to hear about it."

"Sure." Star nodded. "I can make some calls get some inside info."

"You're not getting me. We need straight inside information. You need to be the insider."

"I can't do that. Johnny you're talking undercover shit. I don't work like that."

"What happened with John Ellison the tennis player? Wasn't that undercover?"

"John was different. He knew about it. I happened to have something on him while I was dating him. It wasn't intentional."

John leaned forward. "Your job is intentionally hanging in the balance."

"How am I going to pull that off? They're going to know something."

"Frankly, my dear I don't give a damn."

"I don't have to do this. I can get up and walk out right now. Does Carson know about this?"

"Let's not talk about the golden boy right now. Where are you going to go? VH1? Please."

"I'll find somewhere." Star rose.

"What about Autumn? Where will she go?"

Star slowly sat back down. "You wouldn't. Not even you John. It's only a story, an exclusive at best."

He heard the defeat in her voice. "I'll expect something by the end of the week. " He left the room.

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3

"Did you hear about Star March?" Leighanne asked.

"What now?" Melissa asked. They occupied the Hudson's private dinning room for breakfast. They piled their plates from the sideboard.

"What are you two gossiping about?" Howie asked as he entered the room.

"Star March and Carson Daly." Leighanne supplied.

"That's crazy, Carson's happily married." Melissa said.

"So that wouldn't stop Star. I heard she'll go after any man she wanted."

"That's just rumors." Brian reached around his wife for the bacon.

"That pork is bad for your heart."

"It's never stopped me before." He added a few more pieces to his plate.

"Think about it," Leighanne continued as they found seats at the large table. "Why do you think they're so cozy together? Star started off at the bottom of the entertainment ladder. After less than a year, she has her own show. It's a fact she shows no shame for whatever she does."

"Maybe because she's done nothing wrong. You make her sound like a bitch." AJ defended her. He and Star usually hit the local hot spots together whenever they were in NYC. He considered her a friend and Leighanne a gossiping enemy. It was no secret that he and Leighanne never got along not matter how hard they tried for Brian's sake. Leighanne feelings about Star only fueled their disagreements.

"That's only what everyone knows." Leighanne shrugged.

"About who?" Kevin walked in late.

"Star March."

AJ watched Kevin's reaction knowing how he felt about her.

"Why is she a bitch?" Kevin asked cautiously.

"Because she lives her life without giving a damn what other people think. Personally, I think we need more women like that." AJ answered. "Instead of whores who'd do anything for some rich ass."

"Where is Veronica, by the way?" Leighanne asked icily.

"On Long Island at her parent's house." AJ's voice was harsh.

"Is she going to bring Alanna over while we're in New York?" Howie, forever the peacekeeper asked.

"I hope so. I miss my little girl."

"Has anyone seen Nick?" Brian glanced around the table.

"Yeah, he was upstairs on the phone." Kevin answered.

"I guess it's a good sign, he's talking to someone. Maybe he's finally reaching out to humanity again."

***
"What do I owe the honor of this call?"

"We're in town, so I thought I'd look you up. It is okay right?"

"Of course, last time we talked you were chillin' in South Beach while the rest of us froze our asses off. How have you been since then?"

"Good, I guess. We have a shoot in an hour so I can't talk long. I just wanted to thank you for being there. You are a good friend for me Star."

"Hey, anytime you need to talk, I'm here for you Nick."

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4

"You look lonely, mind if I join you?"

"Go ahead." AJ shrugged. He eyed Star as she sat down beside him. She was unusually quiet today. Not that he could hear her over the music of the club, even in the VIP section it was loud, but she lacked her vibrant energy. They didn't talk much but AJ wondered what was wrong.

Star looked down at her folded hands on the table. She was unsure if she should tell him about the 'predicament' she was in. She couldn't discuss it with Nick he had enough problems.

"I have something for you. It's my business to know things about people, if you know what I mean. Of course you do." She lit up a cigarette. "And I know that you love your daughter very much, but your wife is a bitch. I don't know why you're married."

"I did it for Alanna. I couldn't not marry her, right?"

"You kept to your responsibilities." She agreed.

"I mean she was carrying my child. I held true to my word, you couldn’t say that I didn't."

"And now Lanna is your everything."

"Of course she is." He took a drag from her cigarette.

"She's so much like you. Now the reason I'm sitting here," She plucked it from his mouth and reached into the large carryall bag she carried. "I can see you're in a bad situation. I'm just trying to help a friend out."

She pulled a large envelope out. "Here." She slid it across the table.

AJ took out the 8x5 pictures. Star let him take his time with each photo.

"That ought to be enough against her for a quiet out of trial divorce."

"How did you get these?"

"A friend of a friend called in a favor. I can't say anymore. Really though it wasn't that hard. Veronica likes to have fun but she doesn't know how to cover her tracks."

She watched as he slowly placed them back in their envelope. She studied his reaction as it sunk in. He had to know something about what went on behind his back. There weren't exactly Hollywood sweethearts.

"Look AJ, it's no secret that I've made a lot of enemies in this business. I thought I could save a friend and get rid of a bitch at the same time. And honestly we all know what a relief that would be." She ordered drinks from a passing waiter. "So are all of you in New York?"

"Yeah some promo stuff."

"Oh? How long?"

"A couple of weeks."

"And how are the rest of the guys doing? I've talked to Nick some."

"I'm glad he's been talking to someone. He's either on-stage singing his heart out or backstage moping."

"Yeah well death of a loved one is a hard thing to get over. It takes time. What about Brian and Leighanne?"

"They're just peachy, living in a permanent honeymoon. That's how they keep getting all those kids."

"How are Howie and Melissa?"

"I'm going to have another goddaughter in about five months."

"How are you so certain it's going to be a girl if she's only four months along?" The waiter sat the drinks on the table. Star handed the limewater to AJ and took a sip of the Cosmo.

"I just am. Now go ahead."

"What?"

"We've been through the whole group. There's only on left. Ask me how's Kevin. Don't bother to deny it."

"What does that mean?"

"It means both are you are too stupid to see what who have right in front of you. I'm talking sparks, chemistry. Kevin has an excuse. He wants to take this slowly, make sure it's right. He's looking for something real. He's vulnerable now since the divorce with Kristen. I never liked her much anyway. But the boy fell hard, real hard."

Star's mind was hardly on Kristen. She was thinking about Kevin. He could be the link she needed. He was the most involved of the group. If there were info to be had, Kevin would be the one to get it from. She had felt something between them true, but could she turn it into something more?

"Alex, I'm going to need your help." A plan was brewing in Star's head. "It's about Kevin."

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5

Star followed the signs to the room number on the key. With AJ's help she gotten a key out of the front desk. They didn’t know the difference. If he said he was Kevin Richardson who happened to have left his key in his room, then he was. Guilt nagged at her. AJ was all for a private late night liaison between her and Kevin, if only he knew the real reason why she had to do this. She slid the key through the lock and pushed the door open. Lying there on the bed sat Kevin in his boxer shorts.

They stood looking at each other for an awkward moment. This was not the image Star had expected. But live TV had prepared her for anything. Improv was one of her talents.

"I know what you're thinking."

"You do?" Kevin quirked an eyebrow.

"Yes and trust me it's not exactly what it looks like."

"Really? What does it look like?"

"Like some groupie sneaking into the popstar's hotel room late at night hoping for some action."

"So that is what it looks like." Kevin stood. "What's the real story?"

"Actually there's more to it than that. I met AJ at the club tonight and he made me see some things. Somewhere between the dancing and all the alcohol of course, things came to light. It's all plain and simple now. So I'm here." She sat in the chair opposite the bed.

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"What was the great revelation? You should learn not to listen to AJ when he's drunk."

"He wasn't drunk. Hadn't had a drop, I made sure of it. But there was some interesting conversation in there."

"Really? About what?"

"What a bitch his wife is."

"Yeah that's Veronica for you." Kevin sat back on the bed seeing there was no cause for alarm. "That isn't any surprise."

"And he also said something about you and me."

"Like what?" He watched her as she slipped off her heels and undid the buttons on her long jacket.

"Like how we need to stop being fools and open our eyes to what we have with each other. Something like that." She made sure his eyes were on her as she removed her stockings.

"What do you think?" He asked.

"Personally I agree." Star moved onto his lap. "Maybe for the first time in your career the fans shouldn't be your first consideration. You should think of your own personal life and go after what you want."

She gave him a slow sensual kiss, a little teaser for what was to come.

"What do you want?" It was a hot whisper.

"You. All of you." He pulled her blouse over her head.

"Now what are we going to do about it?"

He pulled her onto the bed. Beyond this point there was no turning back.

6

Star woke the next morning and slipped out of the bed careful no to disturb Kevin. She walked over to the wet bar and mixed herself a drink. She sat down and slowly sipped it on the couch. She ran her fingers through her tangled hair, realizing what a mess it was. There was a certain way she liked to look in the morning to her lovers.

It was all in the presentation and the performance of course, that kept them coming back. Not that they all had information to give up. The secret to men was easy, if they would figure out women, that'd be the miracle.

She found her bag amidst the clothes on the floor and retreated into the bathroom. Just as she closed the door her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Why are you whispering?"

"He's still asleep. What do you want?"

"A late sleeper huh? Just seeing how things went."

"I don't need to be checked up on John, but if you must now, last night was great. I'm very sore, in fact."

"Don't tell me he's better than me?"

"He can keep it up all night, at least. That's more than I can say for you. I pity your wife. And there's this thing he does with his hands just right that drives a woman wild." She said for John benefit.

"Spare me the details."

"You asked. She was certainly getting more out of him than money."

"So how are things in other areas?"

"Fine. Let me handle this. I think he's waking up. Gotta go."

"Check you later."

"Whatever." Star snapped the phone closed. She rolled her eyes as she took another sip of her drink. John was an idiot, pure and complete.

She showered and finished fixing herself up. When she finally liked the way she looked in the mirror, she stepped out of the bathroom. She posed in the doorway and waited for him to wake up. After a few minutes she sighed and walked over to the bed. Star waved her hand in front of his face impatiently. He was knocked out still.

Was she that good last night? Is it possible to be too good?

Star crossed her arms in front of her. Kevin opened his eyes and found her that way.

"What's with the face?"

Star studied him, upset for a minute. "You don't play by the rules do you?"

"Not usually." Kevin sat up and reached for her. "Come 'ere."

His voice was full of sleep and he sounded like a small child. Star let a tiny smile slip despite herself. She climbed onto the bed. She kissed his lips, his jaw line, and moved to his ear.

"No." He brought her to meet his eyes. "Talk to me."

"About what?" Star was caught in a moment of panic. He hadn't found out so soon had he? Why else would he want to talk instead of sex?

"Anything. Tell me about yourself."

"Okay. What's there to know?" She laid her head on his chest.

"Where did you grow up at? How was your childhood? The things that made Star March the woman she is today."

So he really did want to talk. Another smiled crept onto her lips. This one definitely did not play by the rules. Surprisingly enough, she liked that. Kevin Richardson was not your average typical male. For once this would prove to be a welcomed challenge.

 7

"So how did things go last night? I didn't see either of you at breakfast."

"We stayed in bed. It felt really good to just talk, you know. I just got to work." Star twirled a pencil between her fingers. "AJ, I don't know if I thanked you last night. So, thank you for helping me. The outcome of last night affects more than you know. It couldn't have happened without you."

"Just returning the favor. I'm having my lawyers look into that divorce matter. I hope it won't take as long as Kevin's."

"I thought that was all settled?"

"Kirsten is putting up a fight. She liked the Mrs. Backstreet Boy title a little too much."

"So is it money or property she wants?"

"Anything of value it seems. This isn't going to affect things with you and Kevin, is it?"

"No, I just wanted to know what was going on."

Star ended the connection and dialed in another number. "Hey baby, how are you doing?   . . .Yeah?  . . . That's good. Who's that in the background?   . . . Let me speak to her . . . Plans need to be made, as soon as possible . . .Take care of things on your end. Send me all the bills as usual. . I'll handle things here . . . Let me say goodbye . . . I love you. Talk to you later. Okay? Bye."

"Knock knock." Kevin tapped on the doorframe of Star's office.

"I thought we were going to meet back at your hotel later." She immediately went over to him.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about."

Star languished the feel of being in his arms. His strong arms held her close and tight. She didn't remember ever feeling as safe as she had in the past few hours.

"Come in if you're going to talk." Star didn't want anyone gossiping about him in the office. More specifically, she didn't want word to get around to John. She closed the door. "Now tell me why is it you want to talk to me so much when there are other things I could think of doing with you."

"Are you sure you want me to tell you?"

"Just shut up." Star kissed him. Star felt like she was falling and tried to catch herself in time. This was only a job. All she needed were a few interesting tidbits and then she was out. It'd be better when she had to break things off.

She already knew she would miss this, holding and kissing. She was getting too involved. Could she be falling too fast to stop? She tried to get herself focused again. It wasn't about love or emotions but the story and facts. The facts were if she couldn't stay concentrated on this, she'd have thrown away everything she strived for.

Something she was not about to do. Yes, Kevin was a great guy and all, but it was laughable to even think Star was about to give up the independent, secure life she lead.

8

There had to be a way out of this. John was blackmailing her, so couldn't she blackmail him? She was the best in this business of uncovering secrets. He had to have something to hide. What secret dealings Star knew of him would incriminate him as well as her, but that would defeat the whole purpose.

What about his wife? He never talked about her. There had to be something behind all that. There had to be a way. Suddenly Star wanted to be with Kevin without all the secrets in a real relationship, not some fucked up spy mission. Just to see how it would feel to be able to relax comfortably in his arms.

"Seriously, about tonight," Kevin sat her down on her couch.

"One minute baby, I just have to write down this one thought." Star jotted a note onto the pad on her desk. She joined him on the couch.

"Now, you have my full attention."

"I thought I did a minute ago."

"You did. A case I'm working on came to mind only for a second."

"Some scandalous story?"

"You know, I can't really discuss that. Now about tonight. What do you have planned?"

"I was thinking maybe dinner in a little French restaurant I know then we could go back to the hotel."

"Hmm, sounds good. I can't wait to get you all to myself again."

"So, I'll have my driver pick you up at 7, from where?"

"My apartment uptown. Here." She wrote down the address on the small notepad. "And I'll see you then."

A brief kiss, then Kevin was gone. Star fanned herself with the pad as she anticipated tonight. John peeked his head in her door.

"Stop dreaming off into space and get to work."

"I am. I have a date tonight with none other than Mr. Backstreet himself."

"No. Bad idea, toots."

Star stopped her fanning and looked at him. "Excuse me?"

"Are you stupid?"

"I must be. Would the great and powerful John like to share?"

"If I must enlighten the common folk. Do you realize whenever you go out you're on the front page the next day."

"So? I don't pay attention to those damn papers and neither should you. Since when do you care about my private life?"

"When it concerns your job. I've been talking with Victor in Public Relations. Each of these dates has an effect on the show."

"Yeah, they help ratings."

"Depending on the date."

"John, get to the point. How is Kevin Richardson any different from the rest?"

"You're dating both Kevin and AJ now?"

"Whoa. AJ? Where are you getting that from?"

"My resources must be better than yours if you don't know who you're seeing. It's no secret you and AJ are seen together all over town. I thought you got all your info from him."

"I'm not as underhanded as you. Don't go assuming shit, John. You make an even bigger ass out of yourself."

"So why don't you tell me what's going on. Have you got anything from either of them?"

"It's only Wednesday. Patience is a virtue." She said sweetly.

"Not in this business. Here's a hint: try concentrating on that blank space that consisted of the past five years. Where were they then? What were they doing? Everyone is dying to know." Star shivered in the overheated office. She knew what happened five years ago. To her that was no mystery. She was prepared to just dig up some shit that was simple. No to have to revel the one secret she'd promised not to tell. She didn't know if she could do it. She had to think, somewhere away from John. "Go fuck off, John. Far away from me."

"Been there, done that already today. How close are you and AJ, by the way?"

"Old friends. That’s all you need to know. Go do some actual work."

"I do work. I'm the one that keeps your show on the air remember? You have two more days."

There were a lot of things Star remembered. Most of them she'd like to forget.

9

"Kevin, I have to go." Star rushed around the room searching for her other heel.

"Can't you stay for just a little while?"

"I've been here all night and day. I have to get to work sometime today. It's not really 'The Star March Show' without me. Don't you have something to do today?" She fell to her knees to hunt under the bed.

"Not till four."

She spotted it and reached to grab it.

"Well unlike you," She stood and put on the shoe. "Some of us have to start work early in the day."

From his spot on the bed Kevin pulled her down on top of him.

"Kevin! I really have to go now. If you hadn't kept me up all night, I wouldn't be late now." She squirmed in his grasp.

"I didn't hear any complaints. Do you know what you do to me when you move like that?" He whispered against her ear. "You're so beautiful, natural, instead of all that makeup like the other morning. I prefer you this way."

"Don't start again." He kissed her neck. "I'll be here all day."

"That could be such a good thing in so many ways." His tongue outlined her lips before joining hers.

Star only moaned through the kisses.

"As much as I want to right now. And I do, trust me." She licked her lips. "More than you know. But I can't. Sorry. Work is too important. Especially this week."

Kevin released his hold on her.

She stood and straightened her clothes. Kevin studied her. She wore only her jacket and a skirt. "You do realize, don't you that you were wearing more clothes than that last night? Do you think we left some of it in the cab?"

"I hope not. That blouse was a Gucci original. And I think a earring is in the bed."

Kevin smiled as he held up a lacy black bra. "Among other things."

She snatched it out of his hands and stuffed it in her bag. " I don't have time to find my other stuff now."

"Which means you'll be coming back to get them."

"I planned on coming back anyway." She gave him a long kiss and left the room.

"Hey babe." AJ encountered Star in the hall.

"What's up, McLean?"

"Nothing much. Just roaming the halls. You?"

"On my way to work. Kevin's going to get me fired, I'm afraid."

"Don't worry about it. His tendency to over sleep has almost gotten his fired a few times. Are we on for tonight?"

"Tonight?" Star thought she had forgotten something. "What's tonight?'

"Nothing just Friday. There's a club uptown we could hit up. Unless you have something planned with Kevin?"

"Not that I know of." It hit her slowly. "I'm going to have to take a raincheck on tonight. I have a story due today that I'm kinda falling behind on."

The only thing she was working on was blackmailing John. She had a few leads but nothing solid enough to work through. All her free time went to Kevin, making him happy, therefore unsuspicious. Work consisted of whispered phone calls and hidden files all the while hoping John wouldn't be snooping around corners as usual.

But today was the day that she had to deliver. Not the dirt on John that she had been researching but uncovered secrets on the Backstreet Boys. Being part of their close circuit for the past week had gained her some information. Not much, but the public would eat up any juicy tidbits they got their hands on.

Now would be the test to see if she could use it to her advantage to hold off John just until she found exactly what she needed. Then it wouldn't matter when exactly the air got cleared. Star March would guarantee her own insurance to always come out as Ms. Hollywood. As her Grandma said in the Jersey projects, you had to look out for self and no one else. At the end of the day, Star knew she was always right. Since the age of 6, it was that lesson that kept Star right where she wanted to be. On top, always, right where she belonged.

__________

  10

Kevin rolled over and grabbed the phone.

"Hello. Smith law firm."

"Yes I need to speak to Mr. Smith please."

"Certainly. I'll put you through."

"Hello?"

"Bill this is Kevin. I'd like the divorce over and done with. As of yesterday. What's with the wait?"

"It seems Mrs. Richardson-"

"Kristen."

"Well, um, she's not agreeing to anything."

"The sum wasn't good enough for her?"

"Apparently not. She's asking for a larger amount."

"Raise it but don't give her what she wants."

"She's threatening to go to court. That's something we don't want. Actually that’s part of the reason I’m glad you called. Do you realize you have been spotted with Star March on a number of occasions, this week alone? Kristen will, I'm sure, use this against us. You have to remember you are not, I repeat not, divorced yet."

"Whatever Bill just make sure that it gets done. Do what I'm paying you for. I'm ready to move on.”

“I don't want to hear or see Star March’s name linked with yours again. Kevin are you listening to me?” He knew how stubborn his client was. “"I'm serious. Don't screw things up, not this close to the end."

"Just how close to the end are we?”

“Very. Things should move smoothly from here."

“Good. I'll be in touch." He ended the connection, as there was a knock on the door.

He covered in a robe and opened it.

"So I heard you had a good night." Brian walked in.

"You could say that." Kevin smiled.

"That's exactly what's I'm saying. I heard you last night."

"We didn't mean to disturb anybody. What about you and Leighanne? You should've had enough to keep you busy from listening to other people."

"Things between us have been tense lately. So is this going to be a regular thing with you and Star whenever we're in town?"

"More than that, I hope."

"So things are getting serious?"

Kevin heard the apprehension in Brian's voice. "Yeah, and?"

"Just watch out. The media is going to love this."

"It's more to it isn't it?" He saw through him. "Brian what's the real problem here?"

"Be careful how you approach this one."

"What exactly are you saying? You don't approve of Star and me?"

"It's not up to me to approve. Star just seems to me-" Brian sighed. "She's very busy with her show. It always seems most important to her. Where is she now?"

"At work. That means nothing. It's her job, her way of life. You can't expect more."

"We're not in town long only a couple of days. Gerry called. Next week we might be shipped back to O-town. I just think you two need some time together before distance gets in the middle of it. That's all."

He left leaving Kevin even more determined hurry the divorce and start things with Star.

Between Brian and Bill, Kevin knew they both had some good points. He thought about Star and the way things were progressing. Things between them were moving fast, almost too fast. There was something in the way Star was pushing things. As if she wanted things to be over and done with. Kevin pushed the crazy accusations away.

He knew Star was real. Something told him she was real. They way she cried his name at night. It was more than the sex.

But he was also sensible enough to heed Brian's advice. He thought about Kirsten, in the old days when they were happy. When things were perfect. A feeling of deja vu came over him. In the calm before the storm. The way it was with Kirsten. When he thought she loved him for him not the Backstreet title he carried. Star was different he thought, no he knew. She had money and fame already, what else did she have to gain?

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