Rachel sat in her tiny apartment the following evening, surrounded by books, articles and brochures. She'd spent the day finding as much information about Caroline's disease as she could and had now submerged herself in reading and taking notes. How in the world she was going to get everything done in the next four days, she didn't have a clue. Beginning with a mental checklist, she soon realized she was going to have to write things down or she'd forget something. But she would start on that list tomorrow, after doing more reading.
When she finally lifted her head from all the pages of text she'd been pouring over, it was well past midnight. She'd never understood why she worked so well late at night. At least it would come in handy with this book, because late evenings would probably be her best shot at getting quiet time with Howie to start picking his brain and getting his stories out onto paper. Thinking about him set her off into a momentary daze, remembering those liquid brown eyes watching her over breakfast the previous day, practically begging her to say yes.
Carefully tidying all her work, she pulled on her favorite pajamas and finally curled up in bed and succumbed to sleep, despite all her excitement and anxiety.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Two days later, Rachel was running around like a mad woman. She'd spent so much time reading and note taking, that she was now behind in tying up her "loose ends" before she left the next day. Glancing down at her checklist, she bucked down and got busy. Cancel newspaper, check. Take out ALL trash, check. Have neighbor check and forward mail, check. And the day went on, slowly getting through her list. She grabbed take out from her favorite Chinese place and dashed back to the apartment to begin packing.
She starred blankly at her closet, her head in a fog as to what to begin to pack. Being a list person, she pulled out her next bit of paper and started with the basics - personal care, makeup, underwear, socks, toothbrush. Slowly her bag began to fill up, and she pulled out her big suitcase for clothes. After fiddling and worrying, she ended up packing mostly casual things, with a couple nice outfits just in case. Glancing around to make sure she wasn't missing something, she saw her favorite teddy bear sitting by her bed. She narrowed her eyes for a moment, then thought 'screw it, let them think I'm a fruitcake' and grabbed the stuffed animal, setting it with her bags.
Rachel had just gotten done setting her bags in the den when she heard her cell phone ring. "Hello?" she answered with a sigh, wondering who it could possibly be at this late hour.
"Rachel? It's Howie," she heard his smooth voice on the other end of the line. "How's it going? Are you ready to go?"
She couldn't help but laugh a little. "Actually, I just now got done packing. I hope I don't have too much," she admitted, nervously twisting a curly strand of hair between her fingers. "So what's the plan for tomorrow?"
"I was thinking it would be better for you to meet us at the arena before the show - maybe around 1:00 when we get there. That way I'll have time to get you settled on the bus before we have the soundcheck and interviews, which I'd like you to attend."
"1:00? Ok, sounds fine," she agreed. "That way I can run around in the morning wondering about what I've forgotten," she smiled into the phone.
"Great Rachel. I'm so excited. I can't wait for us to get started on this! When you get there, just go to the security gate in the back. I'll leave your name with Billy who's our head of security, and he'll get you to me."
Rachel quickly jotted down the instructions Howie gave her. "I think I have it. So I'll see you tomorrow then," she sighed, trying to picture him as she heard his voice.
"Tomorrow," Howie said, beaming as he heard Rachel hang up.
The next day moved slowly for Howie and Rachel. When she arrived at the arena with her bags she stared openmouthed at the throngs of fans just aching for a glimpse of their beloved boys. "Amazing." she said under her breath. Today she was wearing jeans and a grey T-shirt, her standard clothes of choice. She walked up to the back where she saw a big man with his arms folded like a guard for the king of thieves in front of the treasure cave. Rach chuckled at the image.
"You can't be here, miss." he said kindly but firmly.
"Are you Billy? My name is Rachel Walker. I am here for Howie Dorough."
Billy took a quick look at his clipboard then smiled. "Sorry, standard procedure, Miss Walker. Very nice to meet you. Welcome aboard. if you ever have any questions or problems, feel free to come to me." he shook her hand with a surprisingly gentle huge paw.
"Thank you, Billy. It nice... well, frankly rather amazing to be here."
Billy smiled understandingly. "Why don't you give me your bags, Miss, and I'll have them put on the bus. You go on back. Follow the hallway all the way down, it's quite a ways, and eventually you'll make it to the soundstage."
"Thanks again!" Rachel gave him the bags. "Oh, and call me Rachel, please."
Howie was wondering where Rachel was, when he saw a flash of red curl backstage. "Rachel!" he said warmly, "Come meet everyone." he gave her a big smile and led her out onto the stage. "Rachel, AJ you've unfortunately met,"
"Hey," said AJ in a mock hurt tone as he kissed Rachel's hand.
"And here's Brian, Kevin, and Nick." the guys all waved and smiled. Nick's eyebrows shot up as he looked her up and down.
"Nice to meet y'all." said Rachel nervously. "Don't let me get in the way."
"Rachel," said Kevin walking up to her as he stretched his arms above his head, loosening up, "Howie told us about you. Nice to have you aboard. Since you are going to be on the tour anyhow, we were wondering if you might do us a favor?"
"Sure..." said Rachel.
"Well, we have a web site, it's won awards."
"I know, I love it." said Rachel.
Kevin grinned. "We were wondering if you'd mind doing a little tour diary for the site, you know, just write up what's happening and all, just every couple days. If it wouldn't be too much trouble."
"Are you kidding? It sounds like a blast! Of course I'll do it." Exclaimed Rachel, eyes shining.
"Oh, that's great. Thanks." said Kevin. "Feel free to ask us questions and interview us whenever. OK, guys, let's vent the ol pipes."
Rachel jumped down from the stage and took one of the front seats, eagerly watching the guys warm up and run through a couple of quick numbers. She focused her attention on Howie, needing to get 'into' him if she was going to have this book sound like him. Paying special attention to his mannerisms, facial expressions, and phrases, she jotted notes furiously on a little notepad that she always kept in her bag. Looking up, she smiled occasionally when she caught one of the guys watching her.
+++++++++++++++++++
"Damn Howie, you didn't tell us she was a knockout," Nick stated, watching the redhead from the corner of his eyes.
"Don't even think about going there, Nick," AJ laughed. "That one is a bit too much woman for you my friend," he teased his younger band mate.
"I should say the same for you too AJ. I saw how you were eyeballing her when you kissed her hand," Kevin jumped in. "Both of you just need to put your pants back on. She's here to help Howie, not find dates," he scolded playfully. "Besides, I think there might be a bit of an age difference too," he guessed.
"There is," Howie smiled. "You know The Firm, they had to do a background check on her before they'd allow me to have her on tour. She's 31 believe it or not," he filled them in, allowing himself to finally glance at her out in the audience seats. "Good lord, she scribbling already," he noticed, amazed.
Kevin and AJ watched Howie as he watched Rachel, and looked at each other knowingly. Howie had that look in his eye, the look of a man
interested in a woman, whether he'd admit to it or not. "Let's get back to work you guys. I'm starving," Kevin urged them.
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