She smiled an almost too warm smile and asked politely, "May I help you?"
Leeny took a big gulp of air before she answered. "I sure hope so. I'm looking for a Mr. Bob Carter."
The woman's smile began to fade a little. She stepped aside and gestured for Leeny to come in. "Won't you come in?"
Leeny stepped into the house regretting she ever stepped foot in Orlando. She felt very uncomfortable in such a nice house dressed the way she was. She straitened her black tank top as the woman called for Mr. Carter and eyed her suspiciously.
"My name is Jane," the woman said reaching for Leeny's hand. "I'm Bob's wife."
Leeny shook her hand and introduced herself. Soon Bob walked into the living room followed by a handsome blonde boy. The boy looked so familiar to Leeny. She stared at him for a second and then turned her gaze to Bob.
"Hello," Bob greeted her politely. "May I help you?"
Not knowing where to start she blurted out. "Hi, I'm your daughter."
Silence fell over the room. All eyes were on this strange girl. The handsome blonde boy laughed. Almost snorting. "What won't you fan's say? Look, if you wanted an autograph, all you had to do was ask. You don't have to start some drama."
Leeny looked at this young man not really knowing what to say. "I know it sounds crazy but it's true. My mother is Diana Rodriguez. We lived in L.A and well she passed away a month ago. I had no where to go so I packed up all my things and her things into my car and started driving. I barely had enough money for gas and food. About two weeks ago I was looking threw my mothers belongings and I found this." She handed Bob a letter. "Please read it."
The blonde boy took it out of his father's hand and threw it at Leeny. "Look, this is getting out of hand. Please take your fake letter and just leave us alone."
Leeny stared at this boy with anger. How could he treat her so bad? She then realized who he was. He was Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys. "Oh, my God! You're Nick Carter."
"Playing dumb won't get you any where…"
"Nick be quiet!" His dad yelled. "She is telling the truth." Jane stared at her husband in disbelief. Nick's eyes were wide and he was confused. "I'm sorry I never told anyone. 17 years ago when we barely moved here to Orlando I had that business trip to California. It was for two months. I met a woman down there Jane. This young ladies mother. I told you I was unfaithful to you but I left out the part where she got pregnant. I wrote this letter giving her our address just incase she needed anything." Bob looked at his daughter, tears welling up in his eyes. "I am so sorry."
Jane ran out of the room sobbing. Nick looked at his father with disgust and ran after her. Suddenly Leeny felt like a home wrecker.
*Half-hour later at Brian's house*
"Can you believe it Brian? I have another sister. She's a little younger than B.J. I can't believe she's been around all this time and I never knew about it. I mean the nerve of that girl coming over here and messing up my family. Why couldn't she fucken stay in California huh?" Nick confided in his best friend.
"How did your mom take it?" Brian asked.
"She started crying and ran up to her room. My dad came in to talk to her and that's when I left."
"Where's this girls mother?"
"She's dead."
"Oh, well that must be hard on her."
"Yeah, well I think she's just here for the money. She probably realized who we were and decided to stake her claim in us. Well she ain't getting a penny from me that's for sure!"
"Nick, she's your sister."
"So?"
"So I think you should be a little more compassionate. She's been through a lot."
"Yeah well. I guess I better head back home now. Thanks B."
"No problem."
*Back at the Carter House*
Leeny waited on the couch patiently while her father was upstairs talking to his wife. She felt bad for barging into their home like this and causing problems but she had no where else to turn. Besides it wasn’t her fault if he never told his wife.
Finally Bob came downstairs with his wife. He sat down across from Leeny. His eyes were watery.
"Well Leeny, we would love for you to join our family. Unfortunately we don't really have any room for you in this house. But my wife and I have decided to ask Nick if you could live with him. You guys are only a few years apart. You can attend the public high school there. It's only a fifteen minute drive from here. Does that sound ok?"
"That sounds wonderful Mr. Carter. But I don't know how Nick would feel about that? He didn’t look to thrilled when he heard I'm his sister."
"I know you probably feel weird calling me dad right now but please don't be so formal, call me Bob."
Jane spoke, "Nick's a big boy. I'm sure he'll realize that this is the only logical thing to do."
Just then Nick walked into the house. "What is she doing here still?"
Bob sent Nick a sharp glance and said, "Nick we decided that it would be best if Leeny moved in with you. It's much to crowded here and you two are only a few years apart."
Nick began to protest but he seen the pleading look in his parent's eyes. "Yeah, that would be ok I guess," he said half-heartedly.