CHAPTER TEN – GETTING TO KNOW YOU

The dark green Ford Excursion pulled over to stop and Kevin saw the other guys inside motioning for him to get in the front seat. He yanked the door open and jumped in, fumbling for a moment with the seatbelt.

"Nice SUV, Xavier," he commented, noticing that this was not their usual mode of transportation. "Yours?"

Xavier nodded in reply and swung out onto the street, heading for the highway. Kevin craned his neck around to see the other guys settled into the back seats. "Where are the other guards and the Suburban?"

Xavier answered for him. "I sent the others ahead to scout the radio station. Figured I’d chauffeur and get to know you guys a little better."

AJ, sitting next to Nick, was curious on Xavier’s ability to give orders to the other experienced bodyguards since he was the newbie, but said nothing. Nick was fiddling around with the various gadgets on the SUV and AJ slapped his hand in annoyance. "Stop," he mouthed to Nick, slightly uneasy about Nick screwing around with the bodyguard’s Excursion. Nick shrugged, and leaned over to look at Brian laying prone in the very back seat, his hands covering his face.

"You okay, Bri?"

"Yeah," came the muffled reply. "Just waiting for the Advil to kick in." He had woken up with a splitting headache and knew a migraine would appear if he didn’t take something soon. "How long till we get to the station?" he asked.

"Half hour, give or take traffic," came Xavier’s answer.

"Okay," said Brian, nodding off. "Just wake me when we’re there…" Brian tried to smack the hand away that was jabbing into him. "Stop!"

"Bri, were here."

"Huh?" He struggled to sit up. "I just fell asleep," he protested, unable to believe they had arrived.

Howie laughed. "You’ve been sawing logs for almost an hour; traffic was a bitch!"

Xavier swung his Excursion neatly into a handicapped parking place near the back entrance and smiled convincingly at Howie’s disapproving frown. "I’ll move it in just a second."

He shut off the engine and motioned for the guys to stay put while he hopped out to survey the area. "What’s he doing?" complained Nick, impatient, noticing that there was not a soul on the lot. "There’s no fans around."

Kevin shrugged. "He’s a bodyguard. Gotta check. Humor him, Nick."

They waited and a few moments later Xavier came into view, opened the door and motioned them to quickly follow him. As they poured out, AJ saw a Suburban with the other bodyguards circling the area. Xavier gave a hand signal and the Suburban rounded the corner of the building and left.

A young man, dressed all in black, was waving them over to the now opened back entrance. They followed his direction and walked inside, Xavier bringing up the rear. Enjoying the dark coolness of the interior, the group trailed the radio assistant through another door and into a secluded lounge area. The assistant motioned them to make themselves comfortable, showed the assorted conveniences at their disposal, and then turned to leave.

"Uh, you guys wouldn’t happen to know Metallica, would ya?" he asked hopefully.

"Sorry, dude," replied AJ.

"Fucking boy bands," mumbled the teenage assistant. "We never get anyone good." He closed the door with a none-too-subtle slam and the guys looked at each other in amazement.

"Well," AJ said, clearing his throat. "At least we know where he stands."

Howie laughed, reached down for an apple on the table, then collapsed onto the couch. "Damn. And I was hoping I coulda autographed something for him."

Brian smiled, glad that his headache was gone. He sat down next to Howie and looked over to Xavier who was patiently standing near the door, arms crossed in front of him. "Hey, Xavier. Relax. I don’t think anyone is going to be busting down those doors, okay?"

Xavier smiled warmly at him. "Thanks, but you can never too careful. See you guys in a minute; got something to do." He left the room and AJ shook his head as Xavier disappeared down the hallway.

"Man, is he intense. I’m not too sure about him."

"Just doing his job, Bone," said Brian, watching Nick trying to toss a piece of popcorn into his mouth and catch it.

"AJ’s right," agreed Nick, as he missed and went searching for the lost kernel. "You should have heard all the questions he was asking about you while you were asleep."

Brian looked confused. "So? He’s my bodyguard, right?"

Nick tried to clarify. "What I mean is the way he was asking."

AJ explained. "He wanted to know all about your likes, dislikes."

Brian dismissed this with a wave. "Big deal. My life is an open book already. I’m sure he could read it all in Teen Beat."

"But not about you being gay," Nick warned and AJ covered his mouth with his hand, trying to keep a straight face.

Brian opened his eyes wide, aghast. "Oh come on, you guys didn’t tell him I was gay, did you?"

AJ played into the game. "Maybe."

"AJ!" hollered Brian.

Kevin tried not to smile. "How much is it worth to you?" he challenged his cousin.

"You guys...," protested Brian.

Seeing the distress on his friend’s face, Nick burst out laughing, unable to contain the practical joke. "God, Rok, you are such a sucker."

Realizing the prank played on him, Brian objected indignantly.

"Yeah, well I remember what happened the last time you jerks did that to me. Took me ages to convince that girl I wasn’t gay!"

Howie laughed, trying to pinch Brian on the cheek. "I understand Brian, my brother is gay too," he mimicked in the girl’s high voice. Brian slapped his hand away, remembering the incident.

"Very funny. You’re never gonna let me forget that, are you?"

Howie leaned over and reached for a drink on the table. "Nope."

AJ sat across from Brian, wanting to get back to the topic. "Seriously Bri, he asked some pretty personal questions."

"You didn’t tell him anything, did you?"

The guys shook their heads. "Of course not." AJ looked at Brian with a solemn expression. "I dunno... he kinda gives me the creeps."

Brian looked questioningly at Kevin, Nick and Howie. "Seems okay to me," decided Kevin. Nick and Howie looked at each other, shrugging.

Brian sighed. "Okay. Don’t worry, AJ. He’s just a bodyguard, right?"

CHAPTER ELEVEN – THE FIASCO

The annoyed assistant came back again and asked the Backstreet Boys to follow him down to the DJ’s studio. Chris Felix, a popular DJ in the Orlando area, known for his nickname of "the cat", greeted them warmly as they settled into their chairs. Felix leaned into his microphone, nodding to the guys that they were ready to start.

"Hello, Orlando. For all you fans out there, I have none other than the Backstreet Boys here with me..." he rambled on giving the listeners facts, info and unconfirmed rumors regarding them. The guys relaxed in their seats as they listened and answered politely the standard questions all DJ’s seemed to ask. During a commercial break, Felix sipped on some lukewarm coffee and gave a questioning look. "Everything okay? Anything I can get you?" They all indicated they were fine. The commercial was over and Felix resumed his interview, turning to look squarely at the guys.

"We all know about your upcoming tour and how successful your other ones were. Tell me, why do you feel the need to become even richer?"

The guys’ faces fell, confused by the unexpected turn in questioning. They looked toward Kevin, making him the designated spokesman. Kevin coughed, stunned by the obvious contempt in the DJ’s voice.

"Well Cat, it’s not a question of money."

"Really," jeered Felix, his tone now changed to one of hostility.

"Uh, yes. We created a great album and just want to share it with our fans."

"So you charge seventy-five dollars a ticket," scorned Felix.

Nick looked at Brian with a "is that how much we charge’ look and Brian gave him a subtle "don’t ask" frown.

AJ broke in. "I’m not sure what we charge."

"Oh, I see," the Cat drawled sarcastically. "Your concern for your fans is limited."

Howie wanted to ring the DJ’s neck. He could see that Cat was now out to crucify them; he should have suspected something by their sullen teenage assistant. He shifted uneasily in his chair, not sure what to do.

Brian spoke up. "Our concern for our fans is real. We don’t charge anymore than other bands."

"How about the disadvantaged? The handicapped? Are you accommodating towards them?"

AJ wasn’t sure where this was leading. "We try to be. If there is a problem we don’t know about, maybe you could inform us." He glared meaningfully at him.

Felix leaned back into his chair, smiling maliciously. "You guys play to a certain type of audience, mainly adolescent girls. What about your gay following? Don’t you have anytime for them?"

The guys exchanged silent looks. Gay following?

The bewildered look on the Backstreet Boys’ faces was priceless and Felix went on hurriedly. "Well, it just so happens that I’ve invited some loyal gay fans to come visit the great Backstreet Boys. Fellows, come on in!" Cat signaled to an assistant to allow the group of men to enter. This is going to send my ratings sky-high he thought eagerly. One by one they filed in, till the small room filled to capacity.

The guys’ disbelief grew as Felix introduced each gay man, some dressed casually, others only in G-strings or tight shorts. The gazes of adoration and desire made each Backstreet Boy squirm with uneasiness and Cat gleefully noticed it.

"So Boys, what do you think of the boys?"

Howie, ever the diplomat, came to the rescue.

"Uh, Cat, our group appeals to all types of fans. We try not to be particular to one group. We embrace all types." Howie cringed as he realized his mistake of wording. So did the other Backstreet Boys.

Felix pointed to one of the men standing in front. "Come closer, come closer," he encouraged cheerfully. "Tell us, which Backstreet boy do you like? Do you have anything you want to say to him?"

A short, red-bearded man, excited to be chosen, could hardly breathe. "Howie!’ he struggled, unable to say more. Howie gave him a weak smile.

"AJ!" yelled another. "You are the best..."

"Brian!" interrupted another one in the back. "Anytime you’re ready, I’ll be waiting!"

Brian felt his headache coming back and shook his head slowly. Why me?

Felix noticed this and egged Brian on. "What’s the matter, Brain? How come you’re shaking your head?"

Brian glared at Felix then looked at Nick for support.

"Oh, I get it..." said the DJ. "You like Nick." Felix waved his arms expansively to the group. "Sorry guys, he’s taken."

"Now just a minute..." exploded Nick and Brian as they sat up from their seats.

"Ooohh... what’s the matter guys?" taunted Felix.

Disgusted, AJ sat up too, ripping his headset off. "This is crap. We’re outta here." He motioned to Howie and Kevin to stand up. The throng of men, sensing their departure, surged in closer and all five backed away, immediately aware of the potential trouble. They gave each other a silent oh shit, how are we gonna get out of this? look. Kevin and Nick both thought about making a break for it, Howie and AJ wished they could kill the DJ, and Brian was wondering where the hell Xavier was.

Felix, of course, was loving it. He was up, out of his seat, seizing AJ’s arm. "Hey, don’t leave just yet. Everyone here wants to know more…" AJ angrily ripped his arm away from his grip. "Don’t touch me," he growled.

Felix feigned alarm. "Oh, maybe you’d rather have one of them grab you..."

A large arm intervened between AJ and Felix, gripping tightly around the DJ’s wrist.

"That’s enough," Xavier said quietly.

Felix looked up to argue, but the pain from the bodyguard’s grip rendered him speechless. He stared into a pair of brown eyes calmly daring him to disobey, the pressure increasing ever so slightly. Xavier watched him nod his reply, then pushed Felix back into his chair. Leaning over the DJ, massive arms resting on each side of Felix’s chair, Xavier spoke in a low voice.

"Now end it. Go to a commercial." Felix looked defiant and Xavier felt his blood boil.

"Now!’ he roared and everyone jumped.

Shaking, Felix punched a few wrong buttons before finding the right ones. Xavier turned to see the other two bodyguards who had slipped quietly in and nodded to them. They opened the door and Xavier turned to the guys. "Alright, we’re leaving."

Felix, regaining some of his composure, felt brave enough to jump back out of his chair.

"Hey, who are you to come barging in..." he began, his voice faltering as Xavier turned to look at him in disbelief. The intense, raw anger Felix saw caused him to quickly comprehend the threat of the man who loomed before him. Xavier smiled ever so slightly as Felix paled, then stumbled back into his seat. Xavier met the DJ’s fearful expression. "Good man," he whispered, satisfied that Felix understood his silent warning. He focused his attention back to the Backstreet Boys. "Ready?"

The other bodyguards, their arms outstretched, had cleared a small path for them and the guys began walking cautiously through. As if sensing a sinking ship, the group of gay men became panic-strickened, realizing that their chance to see their idols was disappearing. A sudden rush toward the Backstreet Boys broke the guards hold, and pandemonium erupted. Frantic to touch them, they grabbed, tugged, pulled, hoping for anything tangible.

"Run!" yelled Xavier to the guys. Trying desperately to see if Brian was okay, he roughly shoved anyone in his way. He discovered Brian, arms covering his head, attempting to fend off the intrusive hands. Xavier grabbed Brian around the waist with one arm and then noticing Howie in a similar situation, grabbed him with the other.

Kevin, Nick, and AJ were faring better, but not by much. The two bodyguards were doing their best to take the brunt of the onslaught, propelling the other three down the hallway, with Xavier running ahead. Xavier kicked the back door lever open with his foot, then released Howie and Brian from his grip, pushing them outside. Kevin, Nick and AJ came rushing up, and Xavier managed to escape outdoors with them, turning around to slam the back exit door. Inside, the two bodyguards ran up to the closed door, then turned around to face the agitated fans. Blocking the door with their bodies, they effectively barricaded the crowd from exiting.

CHAPTER TWELVE – THE ESCAPE

"Come on," urged Xavier as he motioned them to run to his SUV. Fear gave flight to the five as they raced toward the Excursion, AJ and Nick vaulting effortlessly over a low hedge in pursuit of freedom. Pointing his keyless entry at the SUV, Xavier hopped in and quickly started the engine, barely giving the Backstreet Boys time to jump in themselves before backing out.

"Damn!" cried AJ, looking toward the studio. "I’m gonna kill that asshole, Felix!"

Xavier rammed the SUV into first gear, squealing the tires as he began to race out of the parking lot. Suddenly he hit his brakes and all five guys were thrown forward, causing them to shout in surprise.

"Hang on," he warned them grimly, then slammed into reverse, and hit the accelerator.

"What the hell..." screamed Kevin as he saw Xavier’s Excursion fly backwards, its massive rear bumper crashing ruthlessly into a red convertible. The sickening sound of metal against metal assailed their ears and they all turned to look at the crumpled mass behind them. Xavier kicked his SUV into gear and raced down the street, as Brian, his head still twisted to survey the damage, saw figures spilling out from the front of the station, in search of the long-gone singers.

Shocked, Brian met the faces of his friends who were equally stunned. Sitting in the front seat with Xavier, the young singer turned to stare at him.

"What in God’s name did you do that for?"

Xavier flashed him a wide grin. "That was the DJ’s car."

Shaken, it took a few moments before Xavier’s reply began to sink in. Nick and AJ began howling with laughter and the others joined in.

"Oh man!" cried Howie. "This is too much!"

"Xavier, you are da bomb!" crowed AJ.

Brian leaned over to give Xavier a playful punch on the shoulder. "Awesome! You’re one hell of a bodyguard. I love ya, man!"

Xavier reacted to the last sentence, and turned to give Brian a startled glance, but Brian missed it as he reached over the seat to high-five Kevin in delight. Xavier drove on, his mind racing with Brian’s compliment.

Nick slapped Brian’s hand also, then turned to slug Aj good-naturedly in his arm.

"Ow, dammit, Nick!"

"Sorry, Bone." Nick inspected AJ then the others with a critical eye. "Man, you guys got nailed. Look at yourselves!"

This prompted everyone to immediately survey the damage. Kevin pointed out the scratches on Brian’s neck and shoulder where his shirt had been ripped open. Nick discovered a few red marks and a small but nasty bruise beginning to color on his cheekbone. Kevin, being the tallest, survived facially intact, but his clothes had suffered rips and tears, and his watch was missing. Howie had more than a few strands of hair painfully yanked out and the beginning of a swollen bottom lip. "I think someone pinched by butt," he complained, feeling a welt on his backside.

AJ snorted. "Hey guys, Howie got to first base!"

Howie took a swipe at him but missed and Nick laughed.

"Say AJ, where’s your hat?"

AJ swore as he realized it was missing. "Shit! That was my favorite hat!"

"Don’t worry," drawled Kevin. "I’m sure you’ll find it for sale soon on E-Bay!"

"Your chain is gone too," informed Brian.

"Fuck!"

Howie shook his head in sympathy then relaxed back into the leather seating, sighing.

"So, just what exactly happened back there? I thought I heard that Felix was a pretty decent DJ."

"Obviously you heard wrong, D," replied AJ dryly.

Howie shrugged. "And I thought Howard Stern was weird. Felix makes him look good!"

Brian spoke up, interested. "I thought you guys hated that interview." He and Nick had missed it due to prior commitments.

AJ looked at Brain. "At least Howard Stern liked us. Felix is just plain psychotic. Man, I hate being set up!"

Kevin took a deep breath and exhaled. "Whatever. We are never, ever going to do anymore radio interviews again, okay guys?"

"But what if they have really cute girls? That’s okay, right?" asked Nick hopefully and Kevin shook his head in exasperation.

"Oh, I don’t know..." trailed off AJ. "I thought the red-headed guy was pretty cute, but he liked Howie. Damn." This time Howie didn’t miss and slugged AJ.

"Kevin’s right. I don’t want anymore surprise fans," agreed Brian.

Howie nodded and then heaved a sigh. "I need a drink."

Xavier smiled. "It’s a little early for that guys, how about I stop off at the next convenience store for some soft drinks?"

The Backstreet Boys agreed and Xavier pulled into the store as they gave their requests. It took just a few minutes before he returned, handing out the cold glass bottles of Coke, ice tea, and water to eager hands. He jumped back into the Excursion, merged onto the freeway and set a course for the arena, where they were scheduled to practice. Kevin took a long sip of his water, not realizing till now just how thirsty he was.

"Nothing like crazed gay fans running after you to make you dehydrated."

Nick agreed and chugged deeply from his glass bottle. AJ saw Brian smile devilishly as Nick downed his drink.

"Hey Nick, let’s see if you remember how to "deep throat" it!"

Nick choked, then spewed the contents over AJ who was howling at Brian’s joke. Nick swore a blue streak at his friend in between coughing and hacking as the rest laughed at Brian’s perfect timing.

Xavier leaned over to the glove box, pulled out some tissues and tossed them to a grateful Nick in the back seat. "You guys are pretty anti-gay, aren’t you?" he questioned.

An uncomfortable silence followed and Kevin realized how they must look to the bodyguard. "Xavier..." he began, then faltered, at a loss as to how to explain.

Brian spoke up. "It’s like this. We’re not anti-gay. We understand that we have a large gay following; a lot other bands do too. To be perfectly honest, all of us are straight and having gay men mob us isn’t exactly on our top ten list of fun things. Straight or gay, fans can be dangerous in the wrong situation. So we joke, to relieve the tension, but we’re not against homosexuals."

The boys agreed, verbalizing their support.

"It’s just us being us. We tend to joke when we’re edgy. We can get a little crude," Nick admitted.

Xavier nodded. "A toast then," he declared suddenly, holding up his own bottle of water like a sword, trying to mimic a knight of the round table. "To me, Xavier Delgado, bodyguard to the Backstreet Boys, death to all who would seek to harm the chastity of these fine virgin young men!"

"Chastity! Virgin!" screamed all five, relieved and delighted to see the aloof bodyguard displaying a sense of humor.

"Hey, you don’t have to protect me from nothing!" boasted AJ. "My sword is my shield!"

"You wish," shot back Howie.

Xavier turned to look at Brian, who was grinning at him. The blond singer gave him a thumb’s up signal. "Welcome to the group."

Next
Mind Games Index
Michelle T's BSB Stories