CHAPTER FIFTEEN-“His Sweet, Sweet…”

 

The top floor of the hotel was in frenzy, as they got a girl and five boys ready for the MTV, New Years 2 Large Party.  There were stylist, make-up artist, security guards, and managers running around everywhere.  I even had a make-up, and stylist of my own; except I don’t think she’s a professional.  Kristin convinced me to let her do my make-up.  She also picked out what I would be wearing.  We had gone shopping in Soho, where she found me the most out lavish outfit.  Normally, I wouldn’t have picked it out for myself, but after I tried it on.  I loved it.

 

Kristin’s outfit looked great.  She was in a sparkly gold, backless, pants body suit, which made her look even taller.  The fold falling slightly below her waist, and it was held up by thin diamond chained straps.  Gold and diamond studded, flat, strappy, sandals adorned her feet.  Her hair was up as to not cover her back.

 

When she was done, she led me to the full-length mirror that was behind the door of my bedroom.  I smiled, practically not recognizing myself. I looked absolutely gorgeous, I thought to myself, then immediately felt guilty for being so conceited.

 

“It’s ok.”  Kristin assured when she saw my smile diminish.  “You look beautiful.”

 

I stared at myself in the mirror, and smiled again.  “You did a wonderful job on my make-up.”  I told her.  She had given me a frosted look, accentuating my brown eyes, with black mascara and frost eye shadow, and given my lips and cheeks a soft, glittery pink glow.  My dark hair was blown out straight falling around my face.

 

I was wearing a silver shimmer, v-neck, tank top with wide straps.  The pants were fixed, featuring a streamlined, flat-front styling and tapered legs; they ended just below my ankle in the same silver shimmer color.  On my feet I had on opened toe, squared Stiletto heels, with one strap around my ankle, and two criss crossing over my toes.  They too were of the same color as my top and pants.

 

“Are ya decent?”  We heard a deep voice call from the other side of the door.

 

“Yeah.  Come in Kevin.”  Kristin said as we moved out of the way.

 

“WOW!”  He said when he saw us.  “You two look…WOW!”

 

We both laughed.  “Thank you.”

 

“Well, look at you.”  Kristin said.  Kevin spun around for us, showing off his outfit.  “You look great baby.”

 

He was wearing all black.  Straight leg black pants, a black turtleneck, and a long black leather jacket. 

 

“No really, you two look breath taking.  I almost forgot why I came here for.”  Kevin said.

 

“And what was that?”  Kristin asked.

 

“To tell you two to come with me over to Nick’s room.  We have a little surprise.”

 

Kristin and I looked at each other, and giggled with expectation.  We were already giddy and the night was just beginning.  We followed Kevin into Nick’s room where everyone was gathered around.  Immediately we were inundated with compliments.  And Nick wouldn’t stop whistling. 

 

“Pssst…hey mammy, come here for a sec.”  He said pretending to make a pass at me.  Everyone laugh, except for the girl sitting next to him.  She playfully slapped him on the shoulder.  “Oh yeah, forgot you were still here.”  He told her.  “Isabelle, this is my date, Carol.”

 

“Hello,” she said in a British accent.  “Nice to meet you.”

 

“Likewise.”  I said.  The girl was pretty.  She was wearing a lavender dress that was way too short on the bottom, as well as on the top.  Her long golden locks falling around her face.

 

After one of BSB’s managers got everyone to quiet down, he began.  “Ya all know, that tonight we are going to premier Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely on MTV, right.  Well I thought it would be nice, if ya saw it before hand.  No one’s really seen it.  I know the boys haven’t seen the final cut and neither have I.  Anyways just in case you guys,” he said looking at the boys.  “Are asked any questions, you know what to say.  Don’t want ya to look stupid on camera or anything.”

 

“Oh gee, thanks.”  AJ said. He and Lina were sitting over by the couch.

 

He put the video in, and it began to play.

 

Lina and AJ looked adorable together.  They were sorta wearing matching outfits.  She had on a white, body hugging silhouette dress that came above her knees, and had a rear slit.  She had on over that a knee long, black and white pony print simulated suede jacket with black, thin healed pointed boots that came just below her calves.  And of course her most expensive watch.  She looked hot, as usual.

 

AJ was wearing white, straight-legged pants, with a black and white pony print belt and a black and white pony print cowboy hat to match Lina.  He had on a black sleeveless nylon shirt with a spherical shaped, silver design in the center. It somewhat resembled the ball that was going to be dropped on Times Square at midnight.

 

Howie was wearing black trouser pants, and a black turtleneck similar looking to Kevin, but instead of a long leather jacket, his was suede.    He had his arm around a petite red headed girl.  She was wearing a long black suede dress, I guess in accordance with Howie’s outfit.

 

Nick was sitting in the arm of one of the couches, and Carol, his date, was opportunely sitting on him.  He was wearing black as well.  I guess that was their theme tonight.  He had on black leather pants, which accented his um...ass nicely, and a black, thin knit three-quarter sleeve sweater.  His gold cross, sticking out over his sweater.

 

Brian was standing in the corner opposite of me.  He had a drink in his hand, and from the time I stepped into the room, till now he had not once looked my way.  Strangely enough, that made me feel insecure.

 

“Oh my god.”  Nick said after the video was over.  “Oh no, ya didn’t keep that version with me and that dumbass hat, it makes me look like a pimp daddy.”

 

AJ laughed.  “Well next time keep your head out of my closet.”

 

“I look stupid with that hat.”  He commented.

 

“No you don’t Nickay.”  Carol said, her accent strong.  “I thought it looked good on you.” 

 

He ignored her.  “Tell me that ain’t the version coming out tonight.”

 

“Afraid so kid.”  Their manager said as he ushered everyone out of the room.  We were on our way out the hotel and into the van Peter had waiting for us.

 

“Ah shit.”  He swore.

 

“Don’t worry Nickay.”  Lina mused walking out.  “Your fans would think you look hot even if you wore a lime green shirt and stripped pants.”

 

“He did wear that once.”  AJ said remembering.

 

“Shut up.”  Nick said.  “That was a long time ago, before I dressed myself.”  He said walking past them.  “And I don’t wish to talk about it.”

 

Lina and AJ laughed.

 

Before I made it out the door, I froze when I saw Brian headed my way.  In my head all that went on was. ‘Just say no.  The answer is no. No.  Tell him no or else you will regret it.’ 

 

He was wearing plain, black dress pants, with a charcoal, zippered funnelneck, fitted sweater.  He had it zipped up half way.  The sweater had a cableknit pattern coming down the center.

 

I breathed in and held it as he set out his arm for me to link mine over.  I was about to say ‘I’m sorry Brian but after careful consideration, I’ve decided that it wouldn’t be the wisest choice for us to make anything more out of this relationship than it already is.’  I had memorized that line the night before when I had finally made my decision. But before I could say anything, he said,

 

“You know, since the moment you walked into the room, I’ve been trying so very hard not to look at you.  I was afraid that if I did, I wouldn’t be able to keep my eyes away from you.  You look amazing, Belle.”

 

I exhaled as my heart melted,  “Thank you.”  I said and smiled as I linked my arm over his and we made our way out the door.

 

Everyone had already gone down when we got to the elevators.  “Brian,” I said.  “Aren’t you the least bit worried about what they will say?” 

 

“Who?  The fans?  They’re oblivious to it.  They don’t care who we’re dating, they only care that we are dating no one.”  He said with a wink.  “Trust me they won’t find out.”

 

I nodded my head.  “No, I meant everyone else.  Like the guys…your management…your family…your fiancée, Leighanne.”

 

He smiled and gently caressed my cheek with the back of his hand.  “Don’t worry about it.  Just enjoy tonight.”

 

The entire night, I tried to do as he’d said.  Just enjoy tonight, but that seemed impossible when I was on a date with an almost married man.  Well, it wasn’t much of a date, since I was just hanging around with Kristin and Lina.  The boys were in the green room getting ready to perform.  MTV was packed.  Just like it was outside on Times Square.  There was not one square inch that was not flooded with people wanting to ring in the New Year.

 

“Where’s Angelina?”  Yvonne asked over the loud music. 

 

I hadn’t noticed she’d walked away.  “I don’t know.  She was here just a minute ago.”  I said looking around.

 

“She went looking for you.  Someone came around and said she was going on in ten minutes.”  Kristin informed us.

 

“Ok, come on Isabelle.”  She said not giving me much of an alternative but to follow.  I eyed Kristin letting her know I wanted her to come along.  She did.

 

When we found Lina, she was with Carson, rehearsing what was about to happen when the cameras went on.

 

“We’re going to let you introduce them.  All right.  Just look straight ahead, and read the cue cards.”  Carson was telling her.

 

Lina nodded.

 

“And you’re on in five...four…three…” The program manager counted off.

 

“Remember to smile.”  Yvonne yelled.

 

Lina immediately put on a grin.

 

“Two…One.”  The program manager finished giving them their cue with a point of her finger.

 

“Oh my god. The crowd outside is unbelievable.  And can you believe those people outside braving the thirty-degree weather.  But here inside MTV studios, where 2 Large is going on, we are nice and warm.  Wouldn’t you agree with me?”  he said putting the mic over to Angelina.

 

Angelina smiled and read the card.  “Yes, it’s so much better in here than it is outside.”  She said pretending to peak out the window.  “But I don’t think they mind outside.  They look like their enjoying themselves just as much as we are.”

 

“For everyone out there who doesn’t know, here with me is Angelina Mayfield.  And who wouldn’t know.  This past week you were on like what, ten different talk shows, including TRL.  I know we asked you this yesterday, but how’s it going, being on tour with one of the biggest boy bands out there right now.”

 

“It’s wonderful.  The fans are great, the boys are fantastic.”

 

“What do you think of the “boys”.  Carson said forming quotes as he wickedly smiled into the camera.

 

“You know, I really look up to them, because they have to go out there and do what they do every night.  And you never hear their fans complain, and more importantly you never hear the boys complain.

 

“That’s really great.  I know you’ve just started the tour, but at anytime does it get lonely.  Do you get homesick at all?”

 

“Not really.  I mean, I miss my parent sometimes, who by the way are here in New York right now.  Hi dad, mom.”  She said waving at the camera.  “But I don’t get lonely at all.  There are always people around.”

 

“I heard you brought your cousin along just for that reason.”

 

“Yeah, my cousin Isabelle is touring with me.  She’s great, she’s like my best friend.”  She said pointing at me.  One of the cameras followed her hand.  And I smiled.

 

“Well since you’re touring with them, why don’t you introduce our next act.”

 

“Sure, Carson.  Here with their new single, which they are going to debut the video for tonight, are the Backstreet Boys, with Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.”  She said.  The camera’s cut to the stage, and the boys began their performance.

 

“That was great.  Thanks.”  Carson said shaking her hand and quickly rehearsing for the next segment.

 

“Whoa, that was weird.”  Lina said as she joined us.

 

“You did great, hun.”  Yvonne said as she walked away leaving us.

 

“Why weird?”  Kristin asked.

 

“I don’t know, it was like talking to nobody, yet millions of people were watching.  I was a bit nervous.”

 

“Well you didn’t show it.”  I told her.

 

Everyone applauded when the performance was over.  The Backstreet Boys got off stage.  Nick and Howie walking over to where Carol and Howie’s date were.  I think her name was Kathy.  And Kevin and AJ came over to where we were.  Brian walked away in a different direction.  The DJ began to blast the music again.

 

“You guys were great.”  Kristin told them.

 

“Thanks” Kevin said wrapping his arms around her waist and leading her to the dance floor.

 

“Hmm…that looks like a good idea.”  He said doing the same by leading Lina to the dance floor, but not before he gave her a kiss on the lips.

 

If we had been anywhere else, Yvonne would have had a heart attach.  But as it was, the MTV party didn’t hold room for guest reporters or photographer, and under contract, MTV was not allowed to go against any artist’s word on privacy.

 

“Hi,” Brian said coming up behind me and handing me a drink.

 

“Thanks.”  I said.  “You guys were wonderful.  I told him.”

 

“What?”  He said, pointing to his ear. The music was way too loud.

 

I leaned in closer, inhaling the overwhelming aroma that came from his cologne.  “I said you guys were wonderful.”

 

“Thanks.”  He yelled back, then took my hand and led me to the dance floor.  He timidly smiled.  “Ok, don’t laugh but I’m like not the greatest mover in the world unless my steps are choreographed.”

 

I laughed.

 

“I said don’t laugh.”

 

I laughed again.  “I’m sorry.  It’s just so adorable the way you came out and said that.”  He did look adorable. 

 

His blue eyes suddenly shone with excitement as we began to dance.  “So, you think I’m adorable now, eh?”  He asked.

 

“Maybe.”  I said; slightly turning my head so he wouldn’t see me blush. I can’t believe he doesn’t think I’m attracted to him I though.  God, Brian, your…ugh!  It’s not that I’m not attracted to you.  You’re perfect.

 

“Just maybe?”  He asked making a puppy face.

 

“You know you’re gorgeous.” I said candidly

 

He laughed.  “Oh, stop it.”  He teased.  “You’re going to make me turn as red as you.”

 

I laughed.  Yes Brian, you are perfect.

 

About half an hour later, the boys were called together, so that they could introduce their new video. 

 

“Hey, hi, was sup.”  They all said, not necessarily in unison.

 

“Hey, first of all,” Howie began.  “We want to thank all the MTV viewers for making our videos a success on TRL.  We hope you enjoy the world premier, actually the last world premier of 1999 with our new video, Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely.  Well, it’s the last world premier for the century here on MTV.  And right now we’re going to open the floor, talk about and explain what the video consists of.”

 

Then Kevin added.  “This was basically a collaboration between us and Stewart Gosling, the video director.  It’s the first time we used his direction. And its basically a story, each of us doing a storyline, about loneliness or loss either in a relationship or family.  And I hope you enjoy it, God bless and happy New Year.”

 

“Happy New Year,” AJ” added.

 

“See ya.”  Brian said.

 

“See ya.”  They all followed.

 

Unlike what most of the viewers think at home, the video was not played in the studio.  Instead, the Backstreet Boys were welcomed back to the stage where they were to perform again.

 

The lights were dimmed as each of the boys sat on a counter stool.

 

“You are, my fire.  The one desire.”  Brian sang a cappella.  “Believe when I say, I want it that way.”  Then the music began.

 

“But we are two worlds apart.  Can’t reach to your heart. When you say that I want it that way.  Tell me why.”

 

Never before had the words to this song made so much sense to me.  Especially since Brian specifically made eye contact with me while AJ sang.

 

“Am I your fire?  Your one desire.  Yes, I know it’s too late.  But I want it that way.  Tell me why.”

 

“Ain’t nothing but a heartache.  Ain’t nothing but a mistake.”  They sang.

 

“But a mistake.”  Nick interjects.

 

“I never wanna hear you say.”

 

“Never wanna hear you say.” 

 

“I want it that way.”

 

“Cuz I want it that way.”  AJ crooned.

 

“Wow!  That was great.  Give it up for the Backstreet Boys!”  Ananda said getting up on stage.  How you guys doing?”  She asked them.

 

“Great, just fine.”  AJ said.

 

“Just waiting for the New Year.”  Kevin added.

 

“Can you guys even fathom the crowd outside?  I mean, was it this hectic when you guys were last here.”

 

“No, no, no.”  Howie said laughing.  “It was nothing like this.”

 

“But you guys have been known to draw a crowd.  I mean besides this which is a bit of a stretch, you guys had drawn the largest crowd on TRL.”  Ananda said.

 

“Yeah, it was pretty crowded the last time we were up here.”  Kevin said.

 

“Are you guys nervous at all about being in Times Square with all the rumor going around of Y2K, and terrorism?”

 

“No, we really aren’t.”  Nick said.

 

“Yeah, if we did have any second thoughts about it, we wouldn’t be here.  We wouldn’t risk it.”  Brian said.

 

“Well obviously a lot of people feel that way too Brian,” she said turning to the camera.  “Because outside we have a mundane of people who in about 30 minutes will be going chaotic.  That’s right folks, only thirty minutes till the New Year.  So stay tuned to MTV’s 2 Large Party where we have coming up a surprise performance exactly at midnight.  So don’t ya go nowhere. Ya here.”  And they cut to a break.

 

The boys were once again ushered off but this time to the green room.  I was standing around with Lina and Kristin again, when AJ came around to us.

 

“Hey.”  He said wrapping his arms around Lina’s waist.  “Come here, I got something to tell you.”  He said pulling her away.

 

“Wait AJ,” Kristin called,  “Where’s Kevin?”  She asked.

 

“He should be around here, I saw him come out.”  He yelled back to her.

 

“Wait here Isabelle.  I’m going to go find Kev.”

 

“Ok.”  I said as she walked away leaving me to myself. 

 

The time was drawing near, and I couldn’t find Lina, Brian or Kristin.  Or anyone I had come with.  I went to the corner, where the glass meets the glass, and stared out to the crowd of what two million people.  I had a perfect view of Times Square.  I could clearly see the gigantic platinum ball as everyone in unison began to count down from 20, 19, 18.  I saw the massive sphere begin to descend.  10, 9.   In all my time living in NYC and coming down to the Square to view this, I had never had such an idyllic view; I wasn’t going to miss this.  5, 4, 3.  I suddenly felt two strong hands on my waist, as I was turned around.  I came to face the most clear and sincere blue eyes I had ever seen.  Brian smiled as we both counted down 2, 1.

 

“Happy New Year.”  He whispered through all the cheering.

 

“Happy New Year.”  I said back as my pulse quickened.

 

As he leaned towards me, I lifted my mouth in anticipation of his kiss.  His lips touched mine and though the crowd was loud I heard him softly moan as his tongue touched mine.  His sweet, sweet kiss was slow and long and felt hot, soft, and moist.  

 

My lips parted beneath his prolonged kiss.  And as he looked at me with unbelievable desire, I asked.  “Were you singing to me, back there when you performed?”

 

“Since the day I met you I’ve been singing to you.”  He answered back.

 

“Do you think the words you sang were true?”

 

“No,” he said.  “At least not for us.  It’s not too late for us.”  He said smiling as his lips returned to mine.

 

After the ball dropped and the crowd had parted in Times Square, the party at MTV still reigned large. 

 

Some of the guys had already gone back to the hotel.  Brian and I and Kevin and Kristin were still at the party when one of our security guards told us we should be heading back as well.

 

“I guess this is goodnight.”  Brian said when we got to the door of my suite.

 

“Yeah, guess so.”

 

“Alright then,” he said taking both my hands and kissing me.  “Goodnight, Belle.”

 

“Goodnight, Brian.”  I said.

 

A couple of minutes later I was knocking on Brian’s door again.  “Hi.”

 

“Wow, you just can’t get enough of me can you?”  He joked.  Making me laugh.

 

“No, I can’t.  Actually when I walked into the suite, and walked towards the bedroom door I saw a cowboy hat on the knob with a note on it that read ‘do not disturb.”

 

Brian laughed.  “You’re welcomed to spend the night here.”  He said gesturing with his hand.

 

I smiled and came in.

 

He lent me one of his nightshirts and we spent the night in pure innocence.  He didn’t even try to kiss me.  Instead, he sat on the couch while I lay my head down on his lap letting him play with my hair, while we talked.  Just talked about everything and nothing at all till we both fell asleep in each other’s arms. 

 

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