Rachel tossed and turned as she tried to get to sleep. Her thoughts were spinning, wondering what Howie would think of the writing she'd given him. Then, would she go on tour with him to do this? 'Of course you would,' she thought to herself. It was an opportunity too good to pass up for any reason. Fluffing up the pillow, she rolled over and flipped on the TV, hoping it would help her sleep.
She flipped channels and found VH1. They were playing the boys' latest video, "Show Me the Meaning." Rachel watched it, feeling her eyes go all misty at the part where Howie would sing, the image of the girl representing Caroline fading in front of him. She eventually drifted off into an uneasy sleep.
Waking the next morning to the sounds of birds chirping outside, Rachel glanced at the bedside clock and jumped up. She was supposed to be downstairs in just under an hour. Jumping into the shower, she bathed quickly. She pulled her unruly curls into a quick knot and slid into a pair of black slacks and an off-white silk men's cut shirt. Checking her reflection one last time after putting on a touch of makeup, she took a deep breath and made her way downstairs. She stopped just outside the restaurant, willing her nerves to settle down. He was just a man. No need to be so nervous. But to her, he was more than that. Forcing herself forward, she stepped into the breakfast room and began to glance around, attempting to locate Howie.
"Hey," came a soft voice behind her. Startled, Rachel spun around. Howie was smiling at her.
"Hi! Good morning!" she said, nervously, again hyper-aware of the man's physical presence.
"Well, let's get some food and talk." Howie led her to a table, taking her elbow in his arm. They filled their plates and sat, looking at each other.
"Well?" she said.
"Well. I read your work: all of it." said Howie, pausing for a bite of eggs. "Wonderful. I am convinced that you are the woman for the job. I'll pay you... $100 a day plus expenses, and all the free concerts you can stomach." Howie said ruefully. "So? What will it be, flamegirl? Will you hit the road and the words with me?"
As they stared into each other's eyes there was a whoop and AJ McLean grabbed a chair and turned it backwards next to Howie. He looked at Rachel and whistled, making her blush. "D, man, you were so far off base. This woman is more than beautiful, she is a goddess incarnate."
Rolling his eyes, Howie said "Rachel, AJ, AJ, Rachel."
AJ Picked up her hand and kissed it, keeping his eyes steady on her own. Rachel felt like a deer caught in headlights. "Charming, charming. And talented too, I understand. Well, welcome to the family." AJ Grinned and sauntered off to get some coffee.
"Well... said Rachel, catching her breath and laughing unsteadily. "I guess that means.... yes. Yes, I will help you write your book."
Howie captured her small hand in both of his, and held it to his cheek. "Oh thank you, Rachel. This means so much to me!"
Rachel felt a shiver go through her when Howie took her hand. "Well, I just hope you won't be disappointed," she admitted nervously.
"I highly doubt it," Howie smiled, ecstatic that he'd gotten her to say yes. "So when can you start?" he asked as she took a bite of the bagel in front of her.
"I'll need a few days to get things done - loose ends tied up," she trailed off. "I'm not sure how that works with your schedule?"
"Tell you what. We have a couple shows in South Carolina and Georgia then we come back up through Raleigh over the weekend. That would give you four days. Is that enough?" he tried, scanning through his planner to see when they were where. He couldn't keep it all straight in his head anymore. "You could join up with us there."
Rachel thought for a moment before speaking. "That should be enough time," she finally assured him. "I'll try to pack lightly. And I'll have my own laptop," she added.
"Fantastic. Do you mind sharing a bus with me and AJ? Nick has his own, and Brian and Kev use the other bus with their fiancée when they can," Howie explained quietly. "I figure that way we could work some while we are traveling."
"Sounds fine with me," she assured him over another bite of breakfast and a sip of orange juice. She was so spellbound and nervous around him that her appetite was almost non-existent. "I'll probably start doing some research before you guys get back up here. I need to get a grasp on the topic itself before I start trying to write your and your sister's story. For now though, I should probably hit the road. I've still got an article to finish, and I know you are a busy man Howie," she managed a shy smile. "I've taken enough of your time the past day or so. AJ looks like he's dying to get a hold of you for something," she laughed, seeing his band mate watch them every so often.
"Yeah. Well, I'd better see what he wants, then I have to pack! Rachel, thank you thank you." he gave her a quick peck on the cheek and ran off to walk out with AJ.
Rachel put a hand on her cheek, dazed. Well, she had been bored, but when she wished on a star for some excitement her wish came true!!
+++++++++++++
Howie was beaming and practically floating down the hall with AJ. "I take it red said yes?" said AJ, amused.
"Yes!" Howie shouted, punching the air. "She's joining us in Raleigh in four days."
AJ gave him a lopsided smile. "Well, that's great, D. Maybe I need to get a book going too."
Howie laughed. "Oh, yeah, the adventures of the Bone-Man. Instant bestseller."
"Yeah, yeah yeah... anyhow, I need to talk to you about some of my Johnny Suede gigs. Can you help me with some song ideas?"
"Sure. Hey, man she's going to come with me!"
"Hey, don't jump the gun, you don't even have her in bed yet."
"Why I oughta...." they said together tousling around.
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