Chapter 33
January 21, 2007
"This is Kurt Loder with MTV News." Rachel paused in front of the TV as her ear was caught by the background sound of the new BSB single. "The Backstreet Boys are back in Orlando, rehearsing for their upcoming tour. We caught up with them at the rehearsal hall and got an update on what they've been doing in their spare time. Aside from the various charity organizations that the guys support, the biggest news is that Kevin Richardson has been seen around town with a date on his arm. When asked if there was anyone serious in his life, he told us that at the moment he's just getting into the swing of dating again. So after a long period of recovery from his late wife's death, it would appear that at least this Backstreet Boy is Back."
"My G-d, could you make it any cheesier?" Rachel groaned. Then she smiled as a publicity headshot of Kevin filled the screen. Hearts are aflutter all over the world tonight, she thought wryly. She reached down to turn the set off as the phone rang.
"Rachel?" He sounded tense-worried.
"Hi, Kev." She couldn't resist. "So-I hear you're 'back'," she giggled.
"Honey-I'm sorry. I didn't know they were going to do that. I will kill Kurt Loder," he said flatly.
"Why?" Rachel laughed. "I mean aside from the fact that you're not going to get a second's peace if you're out in public with someone."
The relief was evident in his voice. "I should have known you'd take it that way. I didn't want them to make a big deal of it. But they got so focused on who was I out with and why, that I had to say something so they'd leave me alone."
"It's fine, Kev. We agreed on that before you left," she said softly. "Remember?"
"No-you agreed," his voice was a whisper. "I just went along with you."
"Oh, no you don't!" she smiled into the phone. "You promised. I heard you and I'm going to hold you to it!"
"You're a hard woman, Rachel Daniels." She could hear the smile in his voice.
"I am," she replied gently. "That's why you have to be sure."
"Don't get me started," Kevin said softly. "You may be a hard woman, but I know how to soften you up-you want me to do that right now?" There was silence from the other end of the line. "I didn't think so."
"So-why the call?" Rachel said briskly. "Just to apologize for Kurt Loder?"
"No," he chuckled. "I also needed to let you know that there'll be a shipment of storage boxes arriving sometime in the next couple of weeks." He paused. "Mac finally sold the house in LA," he said quietly. "I asked Denise to go out there a couple of days ago to supervise packing up." He stopped again. "I just couldn't face going back there again." It was a whisper.
"It's okay, Kevin," she said gently. "And I think you're doing the right thing. I'm glad you're moving forward. Just don't kick yourself if things don't come together right away. It takes time-and you're really just getting started."
"Thank you, Rachel," he said softly and then hesitated. "Are you gonna let me say it? Just once?" He waited but Rachel didn't respond. "I guess that means yes." Still no response. "I love you, Rachel Daniels. Rachel? Say something, baby-please."
"I love you too, Kevin Richardson," she whispered. "I'll talk to you soon." She hung up without waiting for an answer. She didn't trust her voice-and the tears were making it impossible to see things clearly.
Kevin hung up slowly with a smile on his face. She loved him. It would be all right.
He had worried that Rachel was pulling away from him after the misfire on New Year's Eve. They hadn't slept together on the remaining two nights before he left for Orlando, and while he was relieved that he didn't have to prove himself, he wondered if she was also avoiding the situation because she knew what the outcome would be. But now that he was sure that she cared, maybe it was better that they hadn't pressed the issue right away. It had to have been a temporary thing. Maybe he had had too much to drink.
So he'd humor her for a little while longer with this 'dating' nonsense that she was insisting on and then they could be together again. Maybe he'd bring them all to Orlando. Rachel and Aaron had never seen the house and Jemma was too young when she was here last to remember it. It would be good to have them to come home to at the end of the day. He liked the house, but it was big and right now it was empty. He wandered through the rooms, picturing them there. He was finding it easier and easier to look to the future-with the kids and Rachel-without thoughts of Kristin intruding in a negative way. He just needed Rachel's presence to help him wipe away the bitter memories. The house in Lexington was 'Rachel's house' now. As soon as he could bring her here, this would be her house too.
By this time he had wandered up to the bedroom. It was late and he needed to get some sleep. Another long day of rehearsal tomorrow. He hesitated. I really ought to work out. Help me sleep. But his mind was lingering on the sound of Rachel's voice and he didn't want to disrupt the warm, comfortable feeling he was wrapped in. Maybe I'll just find something sexy to watch on TV and-. Yeah. That'll help me get to sleep.
* * *
He was yanked from the nightmare by the sound of his own screaming. He lay there drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. The house was silent. The TV was a blue screen of light casting a cold glow on the room. Appropriate for the way he was feeling right now. And his next thought was, 'Thank G-d Rachel wasn't here to see this.' He got up and went into the bathroom to splash some water on his face. As he wiped the water from his eyes and ran his hands through his hair, he looked at his reflection in the mirror. "What do you want from me Kristy? What's it going to take to get past this?" he whispered.
Chapter 34
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