"I smell love in the airrrrrrrrrrr!" AJ sang as he walked behind Kevin and Howie who both threw their hand up into the air giving AJ the bird. "Oh, is that how you thank Cupid?" he asked in a crushed voice. Brian and Nick were laughing so hard tears were streaming down their faces.
"Love isn't in the air," Kevin informed AJ. "It's sexual tension." he said under his breath.
"Well, I don't care what you say! I saw the way you were lookin' at pretty little Eve. My friend, that was love." AJ stated.
"Ok, we can drop it now. Let's just see where things lead us this weekend." Howie said trying to kill the tension he felt between Kevin and AJ.
"So, Nicky, how did Breanna look naked?" AJ asked.
"WHAT!?" Nick screeched while Howie stopped in his tracks shooting a dead glare at Nick.
"I saw you undressing her with your eyes when that skirt slipped off. Don't worry, we all did." AJ said as he and Brian started cracking up.
"C'mon guys. You're gonna be late for rehearsal if ya don't get a move on!" Q called out as the guys piled into the limo.
Eve and Breanna took their seat at a nice little table in the middle of the dead restaurant. "You know what we need to do?" Eve told Breanna.
"No, but I bet you're going to tell me." Breanna said as she took a sip of her water while scanning the menu.
"We need to figure out who these guys are. They're on our floor, the most expensive floor in the hotel. They seemed to be protected by bodyguards too. I mean, that's kinda strange, isn't it?" She added.
"Yeah? Well, I'm sure they have a million things they want to find out about us, too." Breanna stated.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Well, they have all weekend to find out." Eve said. She was on cloud nine. Kevin was the guy she had always dreamed about and so far he seemed very kind and charming. A little on the quiet side and definitely serious. He was ideal. Eve had had enough heartache with the men in her life. She was about to abandon them altogether. Her father had left her when she was 5, her first step-father was physically abusive until he was arrested when she was 9, her second step-father was the father she never knew but always wanted but he died when she was 14, and all of her boyfriends were reckless with her heart. She let men walk all over her until she realized that she wasn't getting anywhere with them. Her recent ex-boyfriend repeatedly abused her and even attempted to rape her once but stopped when he realized what he was doing to her. Eve never told Breanna for fear that Breanna's over-protective nature would send her off into a rampage. She knew Breanna would try to hunt down Skylar. Eve preferred never to see him again and made up a lie to Breanna saying that they decided to date other people. Eve decided to see how things went with Kevin but in the bottom of her heart she knew it was a waste of time. He probably lived in California and she would be leaving for Florida soon. It wouldn't be worth the heartache to start anything with him but she knew she had to try. She wanted to feel the love of a real man, someone who could protect her and love her for who she was even if it meant for only two days.
"Eve?" Breanna asked carefully. "You ok?"
"I'm fine, Breen." Eve said.
"You haven't called me Breen in a long time. Eve, I've noticed in the past year that you've changed. You're the same Eve that I know and love but you're also a little distant. What's been going on with you? I'm your best friend, you know you can tell me anything." Breanna said. Eve was touched.
"No, Breen, I'm fine. Just trying to adjust to being a real adult. I kinda liked being a young, silly girl with no responsibilities." Eve said.
"Hmmm....I some how don't believe you, Eve, but I'll accept that answer for now." She cautioned Eve. Just then a waiter came over and took their orders.
Rehearsals for the guys went on like normal. AJ goofed around too much, Brian and Nick were constantly trying to out-do each other while Kevin and Howie took their work seriously, though Howie sometimes messed around with AJ too much. "Man, that was wack! I can't believe you forgot the words." Nick said to Brian who was playing around with the microphone stand.
"I didn't forget the words. I got sidetracked cause you missed a few dance steps." Brian said as Nick tried to blow off the situation.
"Ladies, let's calm down!" AJ said as he put his arms over his friends shoulders bringing them closer together.
"Yeah, thanks AJ." Brian said as Nick tried not to laugh.
"You guys ready to go? We don't need to rehearse this stuff. We've played this venue enough times to know the stage layout and we've sang these songs enough to sing them backwards and not forget a word." Kevin said.
"Brian can't!" Nick joked.
"Man, shuddup." Brian mumbled as he grabbed his water bottle.
"So, we're going to the radio station next?" Howie asked.
"Naw, let's stop at Mickey D's!" AJ shouted from the back of the stage as the guys started gathering their things to leave.
"Ok, we're getting food and then we're heading on downtown. Q says there are already a few thousand fans gathered outside of the studio." Kevin said.
"Oh man, so we're gonna have to open up a window to get into the building from the limo again?" Nick complained.
"Yeah, that's what you're probably gonna do." Q informed the guys as they all headed to the limo. Kevin was the last one to enter the limo as he checked his clock. 8:15. A little less than two hours before he would be back at the hotel where Eve would be.
Eve and Breanna enjoyed a nice conversation over dinner. "We haven't talked this seriously since I don't know when." Breanna commented.
"Uh, B, we were talking earlier today." Eve said.
"No Eve, I mean really talked about us. Not about our guy problems or lack there of but of our lives or future and the guys." Breanna said in reference to Kevin and Howie.
"Yeah, you're right." Eve said as she glanced at her watch.
"So, what time is it?" Breanna asked.
"A quarter 'til 9. I want to go upstairs in a few minutes and wait awhile before going out dancing. I can't believe how tired I am." Eve said.
"Me neither but once we're out on the dance floor I'll be totally awake." Breanna said as she grabbed the bill and placed her Visa in it.
"No, B, I'll get that. It's your birthday." Eve protested.
"No, Eve, my birthday is tomorrow. Besides, my dad said he'll pay for part of this trip if I save my credit card receipts." Breanna said with a smile.
"I'll take that for you, ladies." The waiter said.
"He's kinda cute." Eve remarked to Breanna.
"Yeah, I guess." Breanna said as she glanced around the hotel which was a lot busier now.
"Breanna?? You're not checking out every guy like you normally do. Even when you were with Christian you stared and drooled." Eve joked. The mention of Christian showed on Breanna's face as she grimaced. Eve didn't seem to notice. "Howie must have really left his mark on you and you haven't even groped him yet!" Eve laughed.
"Eve!" Breanna said in shock.
"C'mon! You know it's true." Eve said.
"haha, you're right." Breanna said quietly.
"Here you go, ladies. Have a nice evening." The waiter said as he handed back Breanna's credit card and receipt which she put away in her wallet quickly.
"Ok, let's go back up to our room." Eve said as both girls stood up and walked to the elevator arm in arm.
The radio interview went along uneventfully. They laughed and talked about the same ol' things that they always talked about. Who had girlfriends? Nick, and Brian. AJ made sure to tell everyone that Kevin and Howie met two remarkable young women that weekend and were very close to being taken off the market. What were their plans for the next few months? Possibly but doubtfully take a month break then head back into the studio to record new material and plan another tour. After a half an hour Kevin and Howie kept looking down at their watches in anticipation of leaving the radio station and head back to their hotel. AJ just couldn't contain his laughter. "Man, you two! Stop staring at your watches! You'll see the ladies soon enough." AJ said on the air. The look of horror splashed across Howie's face while annoyance was on Kevin’s. He and Kevin had to laugh. AJ was right. In his own little way, AJ was always right. Nick and Brian couldn't help but laugh. Seeing the two most serious guys in the band being on the edge of their seat was just too funny for them.
"Well, it's 9:30" Breanna commented to Eve as they sat on the couch channel surfing. "Nothings on, anyway." Breanna said.
"Let's see what EmptyV is playing." Eve said to pass the time.
"Look!" Breanna shouted. "That guy kinda looked like AJ! Oh, it's over!" She said disappointedly as the video faded out.
"Oh well, it's over. C'mon B, let's get going downstairs." Eve said as she stood up and stretched.
"Alright," Breanna said as she held her hand out.
"Help me up, Eve." She said lazily. Breanna got up and stretched. Her shirt was a little too short when she put her arms up but she didn't mind.
"I really want to get in a few good songs and maybe some drinks." Breanna said as she grabbed her security pass and room key. She placed them in her wallet.
"You really want to see Howie is what you mean." Eve sighed.
"Yeah, I do." Breanna said seriously. Eve put her arm around her friends shoulder.
"I want to see Kevin. I got in maybe 10 words all together with Kevin but I already miss him. I think it's his presence." Eve stated.
"Well, I have a funny idea. I'm not sure if you'll go for it." Breanna said as she touched up her lipstick in the mirror.
"What is it? I'm afraid to ask."
"Well, today is St. Patrick's day. No, you don't! Don't try to pinch me, Eve. Try to pinch Kevin." Breanna said as she jumped away from Eve's fingers in her attempt to pinch Breanna.
"You're right! They weren't wearing green. None of them were!" Eve said.
"I get to pinch AJ and Brian!" Breanna said as she claimed her men.
"Oh, ok. I'll just settle for Nick and Kevin. Oh, let me pinch AJ, please?" Eve pleaded with Breanna.
"Well, we can both pinch him, k? Knowing him, he wouldn't mind." Breanna stated. With that happy thought in mind, both girls ran out the door happy with their little plans for the night, wherever they may lead.
"Well, thank you guys for coming into the studio this evening. I know some of you would have rather been elsewhere." The DJ said pointedly to Howie and Kevin as the rest of the guys laughed.
"No, man it was fun talking to the fans." Howie assured the DJ and the rest of the public. As soon as the interview was over Kevin and Howie pretended to take their time leaving by taking extra time to sign autographs for fans who had sneaked into the studio. Little did everyone know that Kevin and Howie were barely signing their names and sometimes misspelling them all together. "Um, he only wrote 'D' " one fan complained about Howie's signature. After ten long minutes Howie and Kevin ran towards the exit to the limo. As soon as they got to the back door of the studio they both looked at their watches impressed by how much time they had to spare. They pushed the door open slowly and eased into the limo where the other guys were waiting. As soon as the limo took off towards the hotel the rest of the group cracked up.
"Man, I saw how you were signin' those things!" Nick said to Kevin.
"I bet a lot of those fans have misspelled autographs." Brian said laughing. AJ just sat there with his hands in his lap staring out the window.
"What, no smartass comments from Bone?" Kevin asked in shock.
"No, I've said enough tonight." AJ said seriously. "I need to prepare for tomorrow." He added. Kevin and Howie rolled their eyes.
"I can't wait." Kevin said as he nudged AJ in the shoulder.
"Haha, I saw that D!" AJ yelled, pointing as Howie glanced up.
"Saw what?" Howie asked innocently.
"I saw how you turned to look out the window but all you did was check your watch!" AJ laughed.
"What's wrong with checking my watch?" He asked.
"Nothin's wrong but you check it every five minutes! It's only five minutes later than it was five minutes ago." AJ stated. Howie smiled at his friend and shook his head in disbelief. AJ was right.
"It's 10:30, B. I don't think we're gonna see them tonight." Eve said.
"Huh? Oh, don't worry Eve. Let's dance." Breanna said as she dragged her friend away from her drink and onto the dance floor. They had danced the entire evening straight. Breanna stayed near the club entrance so she could monitor who came into the hotel.
After a while and three drinks later she decided to just enjoy herself. She danced with four different guys, all of them were good looking and all were successful. Eve had her share of men to dance with but she kept her alcohol consumption low to keep an eye on Breanna. Something was definitely bothering Breanna that night but Eve couldn't figure out what it was. She knew Breanna well and she knew that Breanna would come to her eventually when she couldn't deal with her problem alone anymore. "Wanna dance?" a tall good looking man asked Eve as she took another sip of her drink.
"Sure!" She said as he lead her to the dance floor. Will Smith's "Get Jiggy With It" came on and Eve danced as she had never danced before.
"My name is Scott!" the good looking man yelled out over the loud music.
"Eve!" She smiled back to him.
"You here with anyone?" Scott asked Eve.
"My best friend." She said pointing to the short brunette who was dancing seductively with a tall, attractive, blonde man.
"Oh, looks like she's having fun." He noted.
"I hope so." Eve said.
"You're not here with anyone else?" Scott asked, obviously fishing for her dating status.
"Oh, no, not yet. I'm waiting for someone." Eve said deciding that being honest would be the best thing. Scott felt a little let down.
"How about your friend?" He asked.
"What a slimeball!" Eve thought to herself. She only nodded her head in response to his question. After the dance was over Scott kissed Eve on the cheek and thanked her for the dance and moved on to his next lady of the night. Breanna came to join Eve at the bar with her fourth drink in hand. "Where'd you get that?" Eve asked as she looked back at the club entrance.
"Each guy I dance with offers me a drink. So, who am I not to take a nice looking man up on his offer?" Breanna said simply.
"Girl, if you drink too much you're definitely going to get lucky tonight." Eve said.
"Just to inform D and Kev, it is now 10:45pm. Five minutes later than it was at 10:40pm." AJ stated.
"Smartass." Howie and Kevin mumbled to themselves as they pulled up to the hotel.
"Are you going to their room first?" Howie asked Kevin as they climbed out of the limo. "Cause I'm going to go change first. I'm not going to dance in these clothes." Howie said as he grabbed at his shirt.
"Ok, I think I'll do that, too." Kevin said.
"We'll be in the club." Nick informed everyone. "I can't wait to see their suave moves on B and Eve." AJ said to Nick and Brian as they walked into the club.
"AJ is just lovin' this, isn't he?" Kevin said as they rode the elevator up.
"Yeah, I haven't seen him this way in a long time. He used to tease Nick when his voice was changing but now it's us. We've dated a lot of different women before. I have no clue why he's teasing us about these two." Howie said as he grabbed his security pass out of his back pocket.
"Probably cause he knows something we don't know." Kevin said. When they arrived on their floor they spoke to each other a little bit louder than normal in hopes that the girls would be in their room. After a quick clothing change the guys went to Eve and Breanna's room.
"They're downstairs dancing." Mark the security guard said. "I saw Breanna come back up here 15 minutes ago to make a quick phone call. She said to tell you guys if I saw you that they would be downstairs in the club but I'm not supposed to tell you that they asked me to tell you that, okay?" Mark told Kevin and Howie.
"Sure thing, man." Kevin said as they got into the elevator.
"Oh, keep an eye on Breanna. I think she's had a few drinks tonight. I wouldn't want someone to hurt her. I haven't seen Eve tonight so I don't know how she's doin'." Mark mentioned.
"Thanks, Mark." Howie said as the doors closed.
"LADIES!" AJ said as he spotted Eve dancing with a tall man in a suit and Breanna sitting on the lap of a man who looked a lot like Liam Neeson.
"AJ!" Breanna said as she hopped out of the lap of the Liam look-a-like. She ran over to AJ and threw herself in his arms in a large embrace. AJ shot the man an evil glare over Breanna's shoulder. The man took the hint and got up quickly to leave.
"And how are you this fine evening?" AJ asked.
"I'm wonderful, AJ!" she stated.
"Oh, and AJ. I must do this to you." Breanna said teasingly to AJ as she reached behind him to pinch his ass.
"Ouch! What was that for? I kind of enjoyed it." He said as he lead Breanna to the dance floor to keep an eye on her until Howie arrived.
"It's St. Patrick's Day". Breanna explained.
"Oh, that's right!" AJ said as a slow song came on. It was "Show Me the Meaning". AJ looked at Nick and Brian over Breanna's head and grimaced at the fact that it was one of their songs.
"Well, Bre, you're not wearing green either." AJ noticed as he pinched her back in the same spot. Brian's eyes widened and almost fell out of his head while Nick's jaw dropped to the floor. "It's St. Patrick's Day, guys! Get over it!" AJ yelled to them in explanation. A few minutes passed and they were still slow dancing.
"Like this song?" AJ asked Breanna.
"I've never heard it before but it's really nice." Breanna said as AJ pulled her closer to him towards the end of the song. He mouthed "She doesn't know it's us!" to Brian who was standing across the club nodding.
"Wanna dance?" Nick asked Eve who didn't notice that the guys were back.
"What?" She said as she turned around and saw Nick's expectant face.
"Nick!" Eve was ecstatic as she gave him a large hug. "Ok, let's dance!" They were dancing to "Set Adrift On Memory's Bliss". Nick looked at Brian with a questioning face. Brian only shrugged and went to talk to the DJ.
"Hey man, why are you playing a lot of BSB tonight?" The DJ recognized Brian.
"It's partly because you guys are staying in the hotel and also because it's block night. We play two songs in a row from each artist." the DJ explained.
"Oh ok, thanks man. Please don't mention that we're here tonight, k?" Brian asked as he walked away.
"So, what's the story?" AJ asked as he came up from behind Brian with Breanna's arm in his.
"Oh, nothing. It's block night. Two of each artist." Brian explained while trying not to give themselves away.
"Hey Breanna! How are you?" Brian asked. "I'm fine. AJ's keeping an eye on my tonight." Breanna said as she glanced back to the club entrance.
"Ah, he's good at that." Brian said in his rolling Kentucky accent. Breanna loved his soothing voice but he was off limits. She could see "girlfriend" written all over his face.
"I gotta protect Breanna until Howie gets here." AJ stated. Breanna gave Brian a quick glance.
"We all know you're attracted to him." Brian whispered in her ear with a smile.
"So, did you like that song?" Nick asked Eve as they walked toward the rest of their friends.
"The one we just danced to? I've never heard it before but I actually liked it. B and I have never listened to that type of music." Eve explained to Nick.
"Maybe you should expand your music tastes." He told her.
"Yeah, I should. So, do you have that CD?" Eve asked. Nick gave Eve a crooked smile that made him look adorable.
"Ya know what, I think I just might have it with me in my room. I'll let you borrow it." He said.
"That would be great." Eve said.
" So, how long are you guys staying here?" Eve asked as they reached the group who were already engaged in a conversation.
"Until next week. You girls?" Nick asked.
"Same. It's Breanna's twenty-first birthday tomorrow so we're here to celebrate." Eve explained.
"Really?" AJ couldn't help but over hear.
"We have a party to plan!" AJ shouted with excitement. He loved parties.
"We do?" Howie asked as he arrived in the club.
"Yup! It's Breanna's 21st birthday tomorrow." AJ informed Howie. Howie’s face lit up but he couldn't think of what to say to her. All he could do was stare at Breanna who was paying close attention to every word AJ had to say. For a second he felt a sharp pain of jealousy shoot through his body but he realized that AJ and Breanna had become good friends that day. That's all. The real reason Breanna was paying close attention to AJ was because of alcohol. She had drank too much that night and needed something to focus on. When she realized that Howie was staring at her she decided staring back at him would be easier and more fun for her. Actions spoke louder than words in Breanna's opinion and if Howie returned the stare then he definitely had interest in her. She was right. Howie did return the gaze. Another slow song came on. It was one of Breanna's favorite. Depeche Mode's "Somebody".
"Breen, it's your song!" Eve exclaimed.
"Is it?" Howie asked her with a smile that melted Breanna on the spot. All she could do was nod her head yes.
"So, are you two gonna stare at each other all night or dance?" Kevin asked as he joined the group.
"Yeah, let's get a move on! I wanna see some slow action on that dance floor!" AJ urged Breanna to take Howie's hand.
"Shit, I'm either going to do this or I'm not" Breanna thought to herself as she grabbed his hand and dragged him out to the dance floor. They slow danced for a few seconds before Breanna lightly pulled away to look into his face.
"So, are you going to talk to me?" Breanna asked.
"What do you want me to say?" He replied.
"I don't know. I just wanna see if there's a personality in there somewhere." Breanna joked at him as she laughed. He loved hearing her laugh. It made him smile but he could still see the pain in her eyes.
"Well, what do you want to know about? I'll let you ask me anything you want and I'll be honest with you." He stated.
"Ok, that's easy. Do you have a girlfriend?" Breanna shot at him.
"C'mon Breanna. You know I don't. Ask me something else." he said.
"Ok, how long are you staying in Vegas?" She asked.
"A week. Next question." He said.
"You're staying a week? You can't be!" She said in disbelief.
"Well, I am. Why? How long are you staying?" He asked back.
"A week." She said still looking at Howie in disbelief.
"Good, we'll have more time for this." Howie said as they danced on.
"Ok, another question." He said. Breanna looked sad for a second before deciding that she had to ask him.
"Where do you live?"
"If I told you, you wouldn't believe me." He said to her with that smile of his.
"Tell me!" She urged.
"Orlando." Breanna stopped dancing with him for a second.
"Huh? Orlando? As in, Florida?" She asked.
"Well, I think that's the only place where Orlando is located. Well, that I know of anyway." He said as he lead her around the dance floor. Breanna laid her head against his chest.
"Well, am I allowed to ask you anything?" Howie asked quietly.
"What do you want to know?" Breanna asked.
"Why you look so sad?" He said.
"I'm not sad!!" She argued. "Why do you think I'm sad?"
"You're eyes don't glow as much as the rest of you." He informed her.
"I'm very tired. I just finished midterms which took a lot of strength out of me." She smiled to him.
"Oh, that must be it." He said unconvinced.
"Another question." Breanna demanded.
"Ok..." Howie started laughing. "How much did you have to drink tonight?"
"Too much. That's why I'm clinging to you and that's why I was clinging to what AJ had to say tonight. But if you asked me what he had to say, I couldn't tell ya!" He loved her attitude. He knew that they would become very close. "Ok, ask me something else." She said as the song was coming to an end.
"What do you want to do for your birthday tomorrow?"
"I don't know yet. What is there to do around here besides gamble, dance, and get drunk?" she asked.
"Well, want to go to a concert?" He offered.
"Tomorrow? With you?" She said as the song ended.
"Yes, with me, and the rest of the guys and Eve if she'd like to go. I'm guessing that Kevin will ask her though." Howie said as they walked back to everyone else.
"Sounds wonderful! Who's performing?" She asked.
"Some friends of mine." He told her. He hated lying to her but it really wasn't lying too much when you thought about it. The rest of the guys were his friends and they were performing. "You'll have backstage passes and the best seats in the house." He told Breanna. Dancing with a man like this, having him be so perfectly honest with her, and then going on a semi-date with him tomorrow on her birthday along with Eve was just too perfect for Breanna but she accepted the invitation with glee.
"So, the prince and princess are out there enjoying each other. When are you two going to dance, big bro?" Brian asked Kevin about Eve. Eve didn't know what to say. She really wished that she could have been like Breanna. Tipsy but able to walk and talk. Luckily Kevin wasn't as shy as Howie.
"C'mon!" He said as he grabbed her hand. "So, let's talk. I'd like to know everything about you." Kevin said as Eve looked up at him while they danced. He was definitely tall at 6 feet compared to Eve's small 5'4. He had 8 inches on her.
"Well, I'm from the LA area, Breanna has been my best friend since we were juniors in high school, I turned 21 last February, Breanna turns 21 tomorrow so that's why we're here for a week, and Breanna and I will be moving to Orlando this summer for graduate school." Kevin's chin dropped.
"What's wrong, Kevin?" Eve asked as she giggled. He looked in shock.
"Well, I live in Orlando. All the guys do. Well, Nick lives in Tampa right now but it's close by." He explained.
"So, I'll live near you?" She asked.
"Well, at least in the same town." He smiled. Just than, a dirty thought popped into Eve's head.
"Well, this'll have to do for now," she thought to herself.
"Ouch!" Kevin yelled out. All eyes were on them.
"St. Patrick's Day" AJ warned the rest of the guys. "Watch out! Breanna already got me." He stated proudly.
"You did?" Howie asked Breanna as she looked to the ground staring at her feet trying to avoid his eyes.
"Yeah." She giggled. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist!" She laughed.
"Ouch!" Breanna yelled out.
"I'm sorry, *I* couldn't resist." Howie replied to Breanna.
"You'll pay for that!" She shouted as she chased Howie back out onto the dance floor.
Looking around the floor, Breanna noticed Brian, AJ, and Nick in the arms of different beauties. She smiled to herself. Then she caught Eve's eye. She was in a heavy conversation with Kevin and they looked extremely comfortable around each other. Both girls smiled to each other.
"So, what are your plans for tomorrow?" Kevin asked.
"Tomorrow?"
"Yeah, you said it's Breanna's birthday tomorrow. What are you two planning to do?" He asked again.
"Oh, knowing B, she'll want to prove she's 21 by getting wasted then the next day she'll swear she'll never drink again. That's her birthday ritual." Eve said laughing.
"Well, how about a concert?"
"A concert? Who's performing?" Eve asked Kevin as he gazed down into her eyes.
"A singing group. They're really good. The guys and I have really good seats and backstage passes. So, do you wanna go?" He asked.
"Well, I don't know. I'd have to ask B..." Eve started to say.
"We're going. Howie already asked me." Breanna said to Kevin and Eve as she and Howie danced near them. Howie winked at Kevin while mouthing the words "they don't know who we are." Kevin smiled and pulled Eve closer. As the song ended, Kevin, Howie, Eve, and Breanna walked towards the table that AJ, Nick, and Brian had saved.
"Hello cute couples!" AJ welcomed them back. There was only two chairs left at the table. AJ looked proud of himself while Nick and Brian tried to keep a straight face.
"AJ's playing cupid again," Howie thought to himself.
"We're just going to have to lap it." Kevin said as he sat down while pulling Eve onto his lap.
"I'm not complaining." Howie said as he grabbed Breanna by the waist.
"Breanna and Eve are coming with us to the concert tomorrow." Kevin stated.
"Kewl!" Nick said. He couldn't supress a cheesy grin from his face.
"Nick, what up, boy? You look like you're hiding something." Breanna said.
"Naw, I just got him a drink. He's buzzin'." Brian said.
"So are you it seems." Kevin said looking at Brian's eyes.
"Just a tad." Brian said bursting into laughter.
"AJ, don't let them get drunk!" Howie said laughing. "You remember what happened last time?" He reminded AJ.
"Sorry man, it's too late. They're old enough to think for themselves." AJ said.
"Speaking of age," Breanna started. "...how old is everyone?" Eve finished.
"I'm 28." Kevin said.
"16...no, wait, shit! I'm 20 I think. I am, right Frick?" Nick asked Brian.
"Phhh! I don't even know my name." Brian said. "But I do remember being around 25 or something. I'm not sure, but there is a 5 in my age. I don't think I'm 52," Brian said giggling.
"I'm 26." Howie said looking into Breanna's eyes. "And AJ?" Eve asked.
"22, sweetheart." He replied lifting up his almost empty drink in a salute to her. "And beautiful Breanna will be 21 tomorrow but it seems she's celebrating early." AJ noticed.
"No, I'm cool. Just a tad bit tipsy."
Eve giggled at her friend. "There's no such thing for you, Bree." Eve shot at her friend.
"Well, I'm getting another drink. Anyone want anything?" AJ asked as he got up.
"Could you get my a screwdriver and a shot of Gold Schloger?" Breanna asked. Howie tightened his grip on Breanna's waist. "I'll be ok." She said looking at him. AJ looked to Howie who nodded his head in approval.
"All right, I'll be back. Anyone else want anything? Last call!" AJ shouted out.
"Yeah, get Frick here a beer. Oh hell, I'm Frick. That means your Frack, Nick." Brian said.
"Am I?" Nick said. "OH! I am! Yeah, get me a beer, Bone!" Nick shouted to AJ.
"I can tell right now that tonight is going to be a lot of fun!" Eve said to Kevin.
"Oh, you have no idea. Get Brian and Nick drunk and just sit back and enjoy the show." Howie commented.
"Um, well, the way B's going, she'll be joining that show." Eve said laughing. Breanna only laid her head back against Howie's shoulder.
"You're not going to have a drink?" Breanna asked him.
"No, I think I'll just keep an eye on you and everyone else." He said with a laugh. "This is going to get interesting." He said over Breanna's head towards Kevin.
"Got your camcorder ready?" Kevin said back to Howie.
"You know it! It's in my room ready to go just in case Nicky here decides to streak down the hallway again." Howie said laughing.
"Here you go beautiful lady." AJ said as he placed Breanna's drinks in front of her. "Are you guys talkin' about Nick's last drunkin' experience?" AJ asked as he placed a large glass of beer in front of Nick who gulped it down.
"Yeah!" Kevin and Howie said together.
"I remember that!!" Brian said laughing hysterically.
"I give him a minute before he falls out of his chair." Howie said.
"$20 bucks says 2." Kevin jumped in.
"You're on!" Howie said. Breanna stared at her drink for a minute before gulping it down.
"Geez, girl! Calm down! Christian got you addicted to those things." Breanna said without thinking. That painful looked splashed across Breanna's face again. Howie knew there was something more behind that look. Breanna started thinking about Christain again. She couldn't deal with it anymore. Tears started coming to her eyes.
"I've gotta go!" She cried out and ran towards the elevator.
"I'll be right back!" Eve said as she got up and ran after Breanna.
"Something says that this night isn't going to turn out like we thought." Kevin said to Howie. "I think we should head back upstairs."
"Let's go! I'll take one, you take the other." AJ said in reference to a very drunk Nick and Brian.
"I can walk, I just can't figure out which elevator to get into." Brian said as they stumbled towards the elevators. Nick leaned against Kevin laughing.
"Yo, Bri, there are two elevators but if you close one eye, you'll see only one! It's like a David Copperfield special." Nick stated.
"Bri, there's only one elevator." Howie told him as the doors opened up.
"C'mon Brian," AJ said as he assisted Brian into the elevator. Kevin and Howie had to grab Nick by the arms to help him into the elevator.
"I wonder what that was all about." Kevin said to everyone else.
"That look's been in her eyes ever since I met her." Howie mentioned.
"What's wrong with her, D?" AJ asked.
"She said she was fine. She'd tell me later. I asked her again while we were dancing and she said she was just stressed out because Midterms were over yesterday. I didn't believe her." Howie said to AJ and Kevin as the doors opened.
"Is it hot?" Nick asked as he walked with Kevin's assistance.
"NO!" All the guys shouted in fear that Nick would end up streaking down the hotel hallway again.
"Hey Mark." Howie said to the security guard.
"Who pissed off Miss Thang?" He said pointing to the girls room.
"We don't know. That's why were up here so early. She just got upset and ran away. But I'm about to find out." Howie said as he knocked on the door.
"I'll be right back, ok? Then you can tell me everything." Eve said to a sobbing Breanna. Eve flew down the stairs before the guys got a chance to ring the bell.
"Hey guys, I guess come in." Eve said as the guys piled into the room.
"How is she?" A very concerned Howie asked while he helped Kevin sit Nick down on the couch. He was still laughing.
"She's ok, I guess. She hasn't told me what's bothering her. I have an idea but I'm not sure yet. Um, I'm gonna go talk to her and we'll be down when she's a little calmer. You guys will be all right down here, right?"
"Where am I?" Brian asked.
"We'll be fine, Eve, thanks." Kevin said as they locked eyes for the hundredth time that night.
"Brian, you're gonna be so hung over tomorrow!" Eve laughed as she ran back upstairs.
"Oh, D, I know that look." AJ said as he walked to the kitchen to get a drink.
"What look?" Howie asked.
"*That* look." AJ said pointing to Howie's face.
"I'll be right back." He said as he walked up the stairs.
"Oh, that's not smart." Kevin said.
"What is it, Breen?" Eve coaxed.
"I killed him!! I know I did!" Was all Breanna could say before she started to sob again. Howie couldn't understand what she meant as he listened at the door.
"Killed who? What are you talking about, hun?" Eve asked.
"Christian!" Breanna cried.
"What?" Eve asked.
"My cellphone. My voicemail. Christian called. Michael called to tell me." Breanna couldn't talk anymore. She was hyperventilating. Eve grabbed Breanna's cellphone and dialed her voicemail. After she entered the passcode she listened to the messages. A minute passed before Howie could hear anyone talking.
"Oh, Breen! Oh god, it wasn't your fault. He killed himself! You didn't do it!" Eve said trying to comfort her best friend.
"But I broke up with him. You said he looked miserable at school!" Breanna said quietly. She was starting to calm down.
"Hun, were you still in love with him?" Eve asked. Howie was confused as he listened on.
"No, today I realized that I didn't love him anymore. Actually, I never did. I felt sorry for him, I wanted to help him but I couldn't. If I did then he would still be alive today." Breanna explained.
"Hun, what you're feeling is guilt. But you shouldn't. Ever since you knew him he was depressed. When he started bringing you down with him you decided to end it. You had to do what was best for you, not what was best for him. What happened to him was his fault. He wasn't happy so he ended it all. Look around you, sweetie. Outside that door is the perfect guy. He's sweet, caring, and he's been keeping an eye on you all night. He even left the bar where all the fun was to come back up here to make sure you're all right." Eve said trying to cheer her friend up.
"I know you're right. I just feel incredibly guilty. Here I am having the time of my life with some of the funnest guys I've met in a long time. Now I find out that they live where we're moving this summer. Things are going too well but Christian is also dead." Breanna said, sighing at the recollection of the past day. After a few minutes of silence Breanna wiped her eyes, "I think I just needed to cry this out, the alcohol didn't help either." Breanna laughed to herself.
"You're right about the alcohol, though." Eve said as she handed her friend a tissue.
"Go wash your face with cool water and then come back downstairs. Trust me, Brian and Nick will cheer you up. I know Howie will." Eve said as she winked at her friend.
Howie ran quietly back down the stairs and threw himself onto the couch next to Brian.
"Hey D! Did you just fall from the sky?" Brian asked with a beer in his hand.
"More alcohol, Bri?" Howie asked laughing.
"Hey, whatever the man wants!" AJ exclaimed from the kitchen.
"Wanna drink, Howie?" AJ asked.
"I think I'll need one." He stated.
"Why, what happened?" Nick asked him seriously.
"Nick, I thought you were drunk?" Howie asked confused, laughing.
"I don't know, am I?" He asked giggling.
"Yo, Nicky, you wanna nother beer?" Brian said handing Nick his beer.
"I think I figured out what was wrong with Breen." Howie said. "Her ex committed suicide today and she was blaming herself. She was feeling guilty for being here having a good time." Howie explained.
"Poor girl," AJ said as he sat down.
"Why all the gloomy faces?" Breanna asked as she walked down the stairs with Eve next to her. It was obvious that she had been crying.
"Hey," Howie said as he walked towards her. He couldn't help it, he hated seeing someone crying especially one who seemed so strong on the outside but was crumbling on the inside.
"Hey," Breanna said back to him. They stood there for a while looking at each other. "I'm sorry." He said quietly to her as he put his arms out. Breanna walked up closer to Howie and laid her head against his chest as he covered her with his arms in a snug embrace. She felt safe and comfortable.
"Oh, how sweet!" Brian cooed.
"Kiss her!" Nick shouted. Howie and Breanna realized that they weren't alone and started laughing.
"They're still drunk?" Breanna asked as she looked up at Howie.
"Drunk as a skunk, sweetheart." AJ said as he took a swig of his beer and placed his legs on the coffee table.
"Give me a sip of that." Breanna said to AJ as she walked towards him.
"No, I think you should ask Howie." AJ said.
"I'm not asking anyone. I shouldn't have to. Give me a sip." She snapped.
"What will you give me?" He asked. Howie raised an eyebrow at his friend.
"Well, I don't know." Breanna contemplated. "How about a swift kick to the groin." She threatened as she sat herself down in AJ's lap.
"Here ya go, hun. Drink as much as you'd like." He said while looking at Howie.
"She's feisty, too!" He complimented.
"You better believe it." She replied as she finished his beer. Howie didn't like the scene that was unraveling before his eyes. He walked over to the couch and sat next to Breanna and AJ with his beer. "Here, you can have your beer back. I'd rather be on his lap." She said to AJ as she gave him a small peck on the lips. AJ winked at Howie mouthing the words "KEEPER!" and giving him the thumbs up.
"Bre, if I have a beer, will you sit on my lap and we can talk about the first thing that pops up?" Nick asked.
"Do it if you want to die, Frack." Howie replied.
"Where'd Eve go?" Kevin asked as he looked around the living room.
"I think she went outside." Breanna said pointing to the sliding glass door.
"I'll be right back." He said as he walked outside.
"What are you doing out here all by yourself?" He asked Eve as she looked out at the city.
"Nothing. Just thinking about what Breanna's going through." She commented. "I heard. She shouldn't blame herself for someone else’s actions." He said as he walked over to Eve.
"How'd you know?" Eve asked in shock.
"Oh damn...ok, Howie was really worried and he went upstairs. He heard the entire thing." Kevin confessed.
"I guess he likes Breanna." Eve said as Kevin put his arms around her.
"More than any of us originally thought. But not as much as I like you." He said quietly.
"AJ is the little match-maker isn't he?" Eve joked as they looked out at the city together.
"Well, I couldn't understand why he had wings tattooed to his shoulders but now I think I know why."
Kevin joked before he kissed Eve for the first time. It was a soft kiss, a searching kiss. It was the kiss that lovers shared. It confused Eve but it confused Kevin even more considering he was leading the kiss. After a couple of minutes they pulled apart, Eve staring into his green eyes. "Let's go join the others." She said to him.
"No! I don't think that's right! I was there and you fell down the stairs." Brian argued with Nick.
"What's going on now?" Kevin asked as he and Eve walked inside hand in hand.
"Oh, you're missing the fun. They're discussing their last drinking binge but they have no clue what the fuck their talking about cause they don't remember jack shit." A very drunk AJ stated. Breanna had tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Oh, Breen, what's wrong?" Eve asked concerned.
"Huh? Oh, nothing! They are just too damned funny!" Breanna explained as Howie started cracking up.
"Look at this! I'm huge!" Nick said as he grabbed his pants.
"Uh, Nick? There are ladies in the house. Let's cut out the raunchiness." Howie stated.
"No, we can handle ourselves." Breanna said as she turned to face Howie.
"KISS HER!" Nick screamed as he fell off the back of the couch.
"Ten bucks says Brian'll fall off the couch from laughing so hard in 4, 3, 2, 1.... HAHA! Someone pay up!" AJ shouted as Brian laid on the floor holding his stomach from the pain of laughter.
"Nick fell! Off the! COUCH!" Brian screamed. Kevin and Eve couldn't help but laugh. Tears were streaming down everyone's faces from laughing so hard. When things died down Nick climbed up the back of the couch and screamed
"YOU DOG!" When everyone looked up to see what Nick was talking about they saw Howie and Breanna kissing.
"Oh, my little man
is
growing up." AJ said as he pretended to wipe a tear away from his eye.
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