"Hi honey. It's so good to see you again."

"You too mom, did they treat you good?"

"Yes everyone was so kind. Where is everyone?"

"They're on stage checking everything out. Follow me." Kenzie lead her mother onto the stage where the others were warming up for a run through. "Mom, this is Andie, Sandrea, and Leeny. You know who the fellas are."

"Of course I do. It's a pleasure meeting all of you. Where's Kevin?"

Kenzie looked around, "he's checking out the back row. He always does that to make sure all the fans can see and hear properly. Kevin, come down here! There is someone who wants to meet you."

Kevin ran down the stairs and pulled himself onto the stage. He smiled, "Mrs. Johnson, it's great to finally meet you." He shook her hand.

"The pleasure is all mine. You sure are a lot more handsome in person."

"And he's all mine," Kenzie said putting her arms around him. "Where's Dad?"

"He's probably back in the green room. One of the stage directors was giving him and Joshua a tour."

"Joshua? What is he doing here?"

"You sent three tickets and Terry couldn't make it. I thought you'd be thrilled to see Josh again."

"Well yeah, I mean I am, or actually will be thrilled." Kenzie couldn't believe it. She held onto Kevin's arm for support. She felt like someone knocked the wind out of her.

Kevin felt her uneasiness. "What's the matter Kenz? Who's Josh?"

"Nothing, I was just a little surprised. Josh is my ex-boyfriend."

"They dated for about three years. They were best friends all their lives. He's a sweet kid, you'll like him." Mrs. Johnson said not noticing the nervous look on her daughter's face.

"Leeny are you ready to start?" The stage director called on the microphone.

"Come on guys, let's let Leeny practice." Kevin said walking them off stage.

They sat watching Leeny perform when Kenzie saw her father and Josh walking towards them. Her stomach ached and she thought she was going to vomit. Standing up she tugged at her sweater nervously.

"Hello sweetheart." Mr. Johnson said pulling his daughter in for a hug.

"Hi Daddy. Hi Josh."

"That's it? A hi, don't I get a hug too?" The handsome blonde smiled with open arms.

Kenzie reluctantly let him hug her and immediately turned to her parents. "I can't wait for you guys to see the show. I'm really proud of the choreography. I also did the new choreography for Leeny's numbers."

"She's gorgeous. Are you going to introduce us?" Josh asked watching Leeny go over the dance break with her dancers.

"I'll introduce you later. Look I have to get up there and help her out. I'll see you guys later." She climbed onstage and helped Leeny.

*Before the Show*

"Are you feeling sick?" Kevin asked as Kenzie zipped up her jacket. "It's a little chilly but you're dressed for a snow storm."

"I think I'm coming down with something." She lied.

"Do you want me to have Andie call you a doctor or something?"

"No I'll be fine. It's probably only a twenty four-hour thing. I'll be fine."

"Ok, hey I noticed Josh and Leeny talking earlier. Is she getting over AJ already?"

"I don't think so. Josh isn't really her type."

"She said that he was cute. Maybe she should think about seeing other people. With the way your mom talks about him he must be a good guy."

"I don't think he's right for Leeny."

"But if he's nice and she likes him I don't see any reason…"

"I don't think it's a good idea ok so stop trying to play cupid."

"Why are you getting so defensive for? Do you still have feelings for this guy?"

"No way! I just don't believe in getting involved with other people's relationships. It's hard enough keeping up with my own why would I…"

"Since when has our relationship become hard to keep up with?"

"I didn't mean it like that Kevin and you know that."

"Well how else am I supposed to take it? I thought we had a perfect relationship."

"I'm sure that's what you told Marsella too." Kenzie whispered under her breath.

"You know she meant nothing to me."

"Yeah well it still hurt. Our relationship is far from perfect Kevin."

"What the hell is your problem today? You think you would be happy that your parents are here. Instead you are complaining about our relationship."

"I'm not complaining and I don't have a problem. Let's just drop it ok?"

"That's fine with me." Kevin said storming out of the room.

'Why am I being so stupid?' Kenzie thought to herself. 'If I keep acting up he'll realize there is something up with Josh and me. And if he finds out I might be the next one to be leaving the tour.' Pulling herself together she went after Kevin.

"Hey Kenz, I never knew you played basketball in high school," Leeny laughed. She was sitting with Josh on the couch.

'Act normal Kenzie or people will notice,' she told herself. "Yeah, I played a little."

"I bet I could beat you," Leeny joked. "You know, I played a little too."

"You played basketball! I don't believe it," Brian laughed.

"Well believe it! Leeny was the star forward on our junior varsity team back in LA." Andie stated backing up her friend. "And I happened to be the star defensive player on our team."

Now Brian was really laughing. "You've got to be joking."

Andie slapped Brian on the arm. "I bet the both of us could beat you with our hands tied behind our backs."

"Whatever!"

"Even ask Nick, he'll tell you what a good player I am." Leeny said.

"She's ok," Nick mumbled quietly.

"Oh, don't be stupid. He's just mad because I've beaten him at one on one each time we've played."

"Is that true?" Howie asked enthusiastically. He was very excited to finally have something to tease Nick about.

"She wiped the floor with him," AJ announced walking into the green room.

"I told you!" Leeny squealed triumphantly.

"Why should I believe him? He's a liar!" Brian joked not realizing what he had said.

Leeny's eyes went wide with surprise and she turned to AJ. AJ looked down to the floor knowing that Leeny was probably silently agreeing with Brian.

"I'm sorry bro. You know I didn't mean it that way. Leeny, you know I didn't mean…"

"It's cool dog," AJ said about to leave the room.

"Wait!" Leeny called to him. She wasn't sure why she called him all she knew was she needed him to be in the room. She felt sort of empty when he wasn't around. He stood there watching her. "Uh, why don't we all play some basketball tomorrow morning before the show. We can do guys against girls. Josh, you can play too."

"I don't know, won't it be uneven?"

"You can take my spot," AJ offered. He noticed Josh and Leeny flirting and he didn't want to be feeling jealous throughout the game.

"No, you make ten Josh. It's perfect. You can play with the girls AJ, because you're the one who knows we can play." Leeny said with a hint of pleading in her voice.

"Ok," AJ agreed. He could never say no to her.

"What! You can't play with the girls, it won't be fair." Nick complained.

"Don't have enough confidence in your game Carter?" Leeny teased.

"Excuse you Carter, but I'm the original Carter with the original skills. I'll see you on the court."

"Bring it!"

To Chapter 55 Part 2
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