Later in the day…
“Hi. Ann? It’s Kate. How are you?” Ann smiled at the sound of her friend’s familiar voice. “Oh, just fine. I was just going to call you.” Kate was surprised. “You were? Well, let me go first and we’ll see if it has anything to do with each other, because I have a feeling it does.” Ann smiled. She had felt the same thing. Kate Riley started talking, “I got off the phone a couple of hours ago with my daughter Kelly, and somehow your son came up. Apparently he had a little accident yesterday and Kelly ended up taking care of him. She’s a doctor over at New York County. Anyways, Kelly seems to have taken a liking to your son. She only saw him at the hospital, but she would really like to see him again. Have you talked to Kevin lately? The two spoke a little yesterday at the hospital, but really the only thing she knows about him is that he is from Lexington and he’s a Backstreet Boy…” Ann interrupted her. “Why, yes my dear. In fact, I just talked to Kevin also today. And guess what the main subject of our conversation was Kelly. It seems he has taken a huge liking to her. But here’s something I bet you didn’t know. Last night Kevin and the rest of the guys went out clubbing and I guess Kelly and her friend Madison were at the same club too. Well, Kevin and Kelly found each other, although Kelly has no clue. Kevin ran smack dab into her and knocked her out cold. I guess Kevin carried her around and came across Madison and somehow, it was a little confusing, but somehow they all ended back at Kelly’s place. Kelly was out the whole time. I guess Madison and Kevin got Kelly put to bed and they started talking. The guys invited Madison and Kelly to their concert on Tuesday. They are having a limo come and pick them up. And then the next night, Wednesday, Kevin and Madison are modeling in the Versace show. Madison invited Kelly to watch her and now she and Kevin will see each other again. Madison and Kevin are keeping it all from Kelly. They want to surprise her. You think it will work?” Kate laughed over the phone, “Oh yeah. Kelly is so busy at the hospital, she won’t have any clue if Madison and Kevin keep in touch to plan things. Kelly will tell everyone that she has forgotten him, but I know she won’t forget him for awhile. I have a feeling that our kids have made a love connection.” Ann laughed, “I agree. But that’s not what I really called for. Well, in a way it is. Kevin is coming home for Christmas on the 17th, and I remember that you said Kelly was coming home on the 17th too. I told Kevin this and his mind started rumbling. Do you know when Kelly’s flight comes in?” Ann heard Kate Riley rustle some papers around. “Ah ha. Here they are. She comes in at 7:10 pm. Why?” Ann sighed a big relief, “Kevin comes in at 6:50 from Orlando. He was wondering if our families would come together to pick them up. He would love to triple surprise her as he says. Do you think that it would be all right with you and Dan to come with me to pick up the kids?” Kate could tell that everything would work out, but she said the following just to be careful. “Sure, that would be wonderful. From what the kids are saying about each other to us, I think it would be good for both of them to be with each other in their hometowns. I just hope that things go well for the two of over the next couple of days. If they don’t I’m sure one of us will find out, and I think we should call off the little airport arrangement. Let’s keep in touch over the next couple of days and see how things go, but I have something to tell you more.” Kate paused. Ann spoke up, “What is it?” Kate Riley started slowly. “Ann, this is very personal. No one knows this information except Dan and I and Kelly’s best friend Madison. I am only telling you this because I think it is important and because I think that Kevin and Kelly will stay together. A year ago Kelly’s apartment was broken into while she was there and a man entered. He stabbed and raped Kelly, and almost killed her dog. Her life about ended soon after that. She has a severe eating disorder and she can’t go a day without running. She is still fearful of men and has not dated since then. If Kevin really wants to try this with her he needs to be patient and slow with her. Please do not tell Kevin about her problem. I’m sure if things work out Kelly will tell him when the time is right.” Ann was quiet. “Thank you for telling me Kate. That was very brave. I hope that she will do well and I hope that things do work out because I would love to have your daughter as a part of my family. I promise to you that I will not tell a soul. I have to go now, but let’s keep in touch over the next couple of days.” Both moms hung up feeling happy that their children had found one another, but both could not shake the feeling of despair over Kelly’s situation.
At The Versace Rehearsal…
Donatella had finished the rehearsals about an hour early. The snow was picking up and she wanted everybody home safely before it got really bad. All the models walked off the stage and over towards their chairs to pack up their stuff. Madison looked for Kevin across the crowd. She had seen him throughout the rehearsal, and she had to talk to him. He found her first though. “Hey, Madison. How are you?” Madison jumped as he put his hand on her shoulder. “Fine, now that I can breath. God, you scared me.” “Sorry. How’s Kelly? Did she get up all right?” Madison laughed at his concern. “Yeah, she was well enough to wake up at 6:00 and go running.” Kevin noticed the sarcasm in her voice. “Why do you say it like that? What’s the matter with her going running in the morning? I don’t get it.” Madison turned her head so that Kevin didn’t hear what she mumbled, but Kevin did hear. “What do you mean I wouldn’t understand? Last night you were so open to tell me about Kelly and now you’re all up tight. What’s going on? Did she wake up and remember that I saved her and then started to hate me or something and now you’re trying to do me a favor by blowing me off!!!” Just then Brian walked up. “Chill out Kevin. Hi Madison. How are you? Please excuse my cousin here. His heart gets in the way of his mind sometimes.” Madison smiled, “Thanks Brian. I do have to explain what is going on though. Please don’t be mad Brian. I would like to talk to Kevin alone.” Brian looked hurt, but a look of understanding came over his face. “Kev, you go with Madison wherever, and I’ll take your car home. Take your time. Just be home by 6:30. Madison, can I call you tonight?” Madison smiled, “Sure Brian. I’d like that. Kevin let’s go across the street to lunch.” Kevin threw Brian his keys and headed off with Madison. They went to a little quiet café. They ordered sandwiches and Madison began talking while they waited for their food. She started off slowly. “Kevin. I am not going to tell you everything that I should, because I can’t. I promised Kelly and her family that I wouldn’t, so I’m not. I will tell you a couple of things though, and if things go well, I’m sure that you will find out the rest. As you probably can tell, Kelly isn’t exactly overweight. She has a bad eating disorder called anorexia nervosa. It started about a year ago. Along with not eating she has a compulsive need to run every morning. Every single morning at 5:00 she gets up with her dog and runs for an hour. Every morning. It all started a year ago. I can’t tell you why though. Please, when I told last night that she had problems, this is what I meant. They aren’t little things. She hasn’t dated in a year. She has only had one boyfriend, the third person in our best friend group. Austin. He was good to her, and then it happened a year ago. Ever since then all Kelly has done is work, run, and not eat. She needs your help Kevin. You’re the first guy she has ever talked about liking since last year. You can get her out of this rut in her life. All it takes is patience, and I’m not sure that you have the time to do what she needs. Do you understand what I am trying to say? And that’s not all. Austin seems to have had a change of ways the past couple of weeks. It was him who yelled at you at the hospital yesterday. I’ve been trying to figure out why and I think I know. He has had Kelly all to himself for the last year. Ever since I moved about 10 months ago, it’s just been those two. I’m sure he saw you yesterday and saw the connection with her and it pissed him off a little. That’s a subject you’ll have to deal with too.” Kevin hadn’t said anything the whole time Madison was talking and he started slowly. “Well, uh, I guess I understand in a way. I wish I knew why all her problems started, but like you said, I guess time will tell me the answers or else Kelly will when she’s ready. I know that I have a busy life, but in two weeks we’re off for 2 months. If these next couple of days work out and she wants to continue with me then two months could build a strong relationship. We could work things out after then. I am willing to give it my best try with her. I haven’t had the best life either. I just got off a bad relationship, like I told you last night. Her name was Kristin and she won’t let it alone, but I’m trying to make her get the point. We could be good for each other, and she’s going home for Christmas to Lexington the same day I am. Our parents are going to surprise her.” Kevin smiled across the table. Their sandwiches had come a long time ago, but neither of them had started. When Kevin was done talking they both ate in silence. They finished their sandwiches and Kevin paid for their meals. They walked out to Madison’s 4 Runner. It wasn’t until they were both seated in the cars that Kevin spoke up. “So you think I’m good enough for her? She’s a pretty good girl it seems to me.” Madison had a tear in her eye. “You’re just the one she needs.”
Madison drove Kevin back to his hotel. On the way they talked about the surprise they had planned. It was decided that around 6:30 on Tuesday a limo would come by to pick up the girls from their apartment. Madison wouldn’t tell Kelly where they were going. After the concert, they could come back stage and hang out while the guys changed and then they would all go out and party. Kevin made sure that Madison wouldn’t spill her guts about how he was in he show so that Kelly would be surprised the next night.
Kevin invited Madison up to the hotel rooms when they got to the hotel. As they were going up the elevator, a lady recognized Kevin and asked for his autograph. He graciously signed one for her and took a picture with her. Madison watched how polite and generous he was. Kelly had found a good man and she would found out soon enough. The bell dinged and Madison and Kevin stepped out onto the penthouse floor. Kevin knocked on the two doors across from his and four sleepy guys dragged into his room. Madison laughed when she saw them. “So you all sleep all day and party all night.” Out of the blue Nick yelled out sleepily. “Hey why is there a Versace model in this room?” Everyone laughed when Nick had finally figured out who Madison was. Nick blushed “I knew I recognized you from somewhere. I just couldn’t place it till now. That’s a nice billboard of you over there by the MTV movie studios downtown.” Brian walked up to Nick and put his arms around his shoulder. “Nick, wake up before you realize that you just made a fool out of yourself.” Kevin sat the guys down and he and Madison explained what they had planned in the car. Everyone agreed to keep the secret and they all thought that it would be great. Brian walked up to Madison, “Enough about Kelly and Kevin. How about you and me?” All the boys hooted and hollered. Madison blushed. “How about I come pick you up around 8:00? I know you’re a big boy and you could pick me up, but if we want to keep this secret than I think it would be better if I picked you up. Dress nice, because we’re going to Antonio’s Café. It’s really romantic.” The last part of her offer she had whispered in Brian’s ear. He had heard it just fine though, and was blushing.
When he turned around, the rest of the guys had leaned forward to hear what she had said to him. They all snapped back around when he turned around. The guys waved bye to Madison as Brian walked her to the door. Before she said bye to Brian Kevin walked up to her. “Madison, Donatella said that I don’t have to show up for rehearsals until show night anymore. So I won’t see you till Tuesday after our concert. Don’t let her forget me. It’s Thursday. That’s five days until I see her again. Please don’t let her forget.” Madison shook her head and promised that she would keep Kelly talking about him and then she made her way to the door. Brian leaned up against the door as she gave him a look that sent chills down his back and said sexily, “Till tonight. Don’t be late. I’ll be downstairs in a red 4 Runner.” She waved and bounced off. “Damn, I think I’ve got a love connection.” Brian shut the door and turned around. The guys had been listening again. Nick stood up and put his hands on his hips and imitated Madison, “Till tonight Brian. Don’t be late.” AJ stood up and oogled like Brian had. Howie and Kevin were howling with laughter. They all sat down again and talked. “What’s going on tonight?” Howie asked. Brian spoke up, “Well, y’all know what I’m doing, so count me out of the decision.” AJ said, “Okay. What do the rest of you want to do?” Nick said, “It’s only 6:30. Let’s go see if we can get some tickets and watch a Knick’s game down at the arena.” “Great idea Nick. Are we all going, minus Brian?” Kevin shook his head. “Nah, I just want to chill alone tonight. I’m still pretty sore, and I didn’t sleep much last night. You and AJ and Nick go,” he said answering Howie’s question. “You sure man? You’re just going to hang out?” Howie asked one more time. “Yep, I’ll be fine. Y’all go out and have fun.” All the guys got up and went to their rooms to get ready. Kevin shut the door behind them. He decided to take a shower. He stripped and carefully stepped into his shower. He winced as the hot water touched his wounds. As he got used to the water he relaxed more. He began to think about last night. He thought about how beautiful Kelly looked in her green top, and how her hair felt on his neck as he carried her around the club. He thought about how cute it was when she mumbled things quietly on the way home. Then he thought about his conversation with Madison today. He had felt how skinny Kelly was. He had never had to deal with the problems that she had, but he prayed to God to help him with it. Kevin cleaned up and got out of the shower. He dried off and pulled on his black flannel pajamas. Just as he started to dry his hair he heard a knock. He walked out of the bathroom and opened the door. Brian stood there waiting. “Hi, sorry to bug you. I need help. Can’t decide what to wear.” Kevin smiled at his nervous cousin. “Get in here. It’s 7:30 and you’re still standing around in your boxers.” Kevin led Brian back to his closet. He pulled out a black hooded merino long sleeve sweater. It had a big pocket across the front. “Here, this is perfect. Wear a white T-shirt under this and go put on your cargo khaki’s. Now before you do that, will you help me again with my bandages?” “Sure.” They headed off into the bathroom and Kevin and Brian fixed up the bandages. “Thanks Brian. Now go get ready. Have fun. Are you gonna wake me up in the morning?” Brian smiled, “You bet. Have fun with yourself tonight. I know I’m gonna have fun. Bye.” He waved and shut the door as he left. Kevin sat in his black PJ’s without a shirt on in front of the TV watching Sportscenter. He was dozing off just as his telephone rang. “Hello? Who is this?” “Hi baby. It’s me,” a sexy voice replied. Kevin’s voice got excited, “Kelly, is that you?” “Kelly, who’s Kelly? Are you seeing someone else Kevin?” a squeaky voice answered. Kevin immediately knew who it was. “Kristin, how’d you get this number? Why are you calling me?” “I thought you’d be happy to hear from me baby. Don’t you love me anymore?” Kristin whined. Kevin started to get mad. “Kristin. We have been over this many times. This, us, has been over for 3 months. Get off of it and get on with your life. Let me live mine. Please stop bugging me.” Kristin was whining again. “Kevy Kev…” Kevin hung up on her before she could finish. “God, why won’t she leave me alone.” He paced around the room, getting all his anger out. Once he had calmed down he went back to watching Sportscenter and thinking about Kelly, and his talk with his mom, just enjoying his time alone. “I’ve got to call later this week and see if she ever got a hold of Kelly’s parents about the airport thing.” He turned off the TV and got into bed. He fell asleep thinking about how lonely his bed was, and how he wished that Kelly was there to be next to him.