|
I knew right from the start
you were living with a broken heart
Aliesa paused her stirring. It was definitely a cell phone. And it wasn’t hers. “NICK! Your phone!” Nothing. “NICK!” He wasn’t responding, and to her mild irritation his cell phone kept on ringing. She stared at the pot in front of her. It wouldn’t burn right? She dashed out of the kitchen in a flurry. Nick was sprawled out on the carpet, his concentration on the video game playing out in front of him. “Didn’t you hear the cell phone?” She questioned her hands on her hips. “What?” He said briefly, his eyes never leaving the screen. “Never mind. It’s a lost cause,” Aliesa griped, walking purposely in front of the television and further into the room to the ringing phone nestled by his car keys on the nearby table. “Videogame Addicts Anonymous,” she answered shaking her head as she watched him curse at the screen in front of him. She would never understand boys and their toys. “Finally!” “Shannon?” Aliesa said back surprised to hear her voice. “Why are you calling Nick’s cell? Why didn’t you just call the house phone?” “Maybe because you two honeymooners aren’t answering your main line.” “Oh that’s right,” Aliesa realized. “I forgot we turned the ringer off. It’s our attempt at relaxing today,” she apologized as she steeped over Nick and made her way back into the kitchen to make sure nothing was burning. “If you were trying to reach me you could have called my phone.” “Well I called your cell first. It just leads me to voice mail.” “What? Oh.” Aliesa remembered where her phone was, buried deep at the bottom of her rehearsal bag in Nick’s car. The battery must have died by now. “Definitely will check on that.” “Which leads me to why are you answering Nick’s phone?” “Hearthrob is playing video games and I couldn’t take the ringing anymore so I took it upon myself to play answering machine. I think he shut off the voicemail feature on his phone so he wouldn’t have any obligations.” “I will never understand how you two work. You both are avoiding calls now? Don’t you know the stress I endure with you guys alone? You’d think with you being my best friend and me working with him on a regular basis that you guys would try to be a little more helpful because of obligation.” “Based on that alone I can already tell that this is not a courtesy call. So what wonderful task do Nick and I have to complete in the name of keeping up appearances? What have you thought up over there in LA? How is California by the way?” Aliesa asked. “Sunny. But I only know that because I have a window. I haven’t seen the light of day in a while. Stuck in the office doing overtime kills any hope of that,” Shannon complained. “But I suppose it’s just what happens when I try to salvage careers here. Count your blessings that your best friend is good at what she does.” Aliesa smiled at the sentiment. Wasn’t that the truth? As much as she liked to believe that Nick and she were the ones pulling this off she knew Shannon was a big reason their cover hadn’t been blown yet. She heard papers shuffling in the background and Shannon’s voice boomed into her ear once again. “You have a radio interview tomorrow morning right?” “Yup,” Aliesa replied affirmatively as she picked up the wooden spoon and began to stir again. “Take Nick with you. According to the schedule I have for the guys he’s not due in the studio till later on that morning. He can fit it in and you guys can do some double up promotions. I think the station will love you for it and the listeners will eat it up.” “Already one step ahead Shan. He’s coming with.” “How about the benefit concert tomorrow night that the guys are performing at for that one radio station? The one with the meet and greet and Q&A before hand that’s only open to winners of some contest?” “Cleared it with Jeanne just yesterday,” Aliesa answered breezily. “Anything else?” “Yeah. Tell me when and how your best friend woke up in the Twilight Zone. A place where you and Nick not only don’t have to be dragged into doing stuff, but you’re setting it up yourselves and you aren’t even complaining about spending time together.” Aliesa chuckled. “You two I swear are going to cause me some sort of premature coronary heart something or the other with all your back and forth crap. Can I tell you I nearly died when I saw pictures today in People of you in that red dress I helped you pick out? I’ve only seen that sucker once. And we BOTH know why you wore it the first time around.” Aliesa stopped stirring as Shannon continued. “And not only were you wearing it Al, but you and Nick looked mighty comfortable dancing together. MIGHTY comfortable.” “Is that a compliment?” “It’s an observation. Something you want to tell me?” “Nothing but the usual same ol’ same ol’ around here Shannon.” “If you say so, but I think I know better.” “As much as I would love to decipher exactly what you are trying to imply and then deny it venomously I have to cut this conversation short. I’m cooking.” “You’re cooking?” Shannon laughed so hard that Aliesa made out a snort somewhere in between her fits of giggles. “Okay I really am in some sort of Twilight Zone.” “Funny,” Aliesa remarked feigning offence. “This from the woman who lives amongst take-out boxes.” “Point taken. I’ll let you go. Say hi to the hubby for me and don’t get into any more trouble. You still have a couple of months to go before we’re in the clear.” “Aye Aye Captain.” “Bye Al.” “Bye Shan.” And with that Aliesa pulled the phone away from her ear and hung-up. “Are you going domestic on me?” And with that she dropped the phone. She had to stop being so jumpy. Aliesa put her hand on the counter to regain her composure before settling her gaze on the man beside her. “Nick. Sheesh. Stop creeping up on me. What are you in here for anyway? I thought you were dead to the world in front of the TV.” Nick laughed to himself as he picked up his phone off the floor and tucked it in his jeans. “Well I did notice you walking in front of the TV didn’t I?” “Hardly. I’m surprised you got up from that game.” “I just beat the last level,” Nick said proudly lifting his arms up to cheer. Aliesa rolled her eyes at his antics. “Shannon on the phone?” Nick asked as he leaned forward on the countertop. “Yeah. She called about the radio interview and the concert tomorrow. And what do you mean domestic?” Aliesa inquired backtracking conversation. “This.” He lifted his hand up waving it back and forth. “You know wife type stuff.” “Wife type stuff?” She repeated slowly. “I would be doing W-I-F-E type stuff like you would be doing H-U-S-B-A-N-D type stuff.” “You know what I mean,” he defended flustered. “Cooking and everything…” “Cooking is wife type stuff?” She stepped away from her stirring to briefly pat his hand. “You know we are living in the 21st century. Wives don’t just cook anymore.” He rolled his eyes. “Ali.” “What? Duh?” He buried his face in his hands with exasperation. “You really know how to drive someone crazy you know that.” “And you’re just noticing this now?” He gave his head the tiniest shake. “So HUSBAND are you going to help me?” She teased poking his head. “Well…” he said, spreading his fingers so his eyes looked out at her through his hands. She smacked him. “It’s not a choice doffus. It’s an order. Besides I don’t think most people consider macaroni and cheese from a box as real cooking so you don’t have to lower yourself to doing wife type stuff.” “Yeah whatever. That definition doesn’t pertain to two popstars who haven’t gone grocery shopping and are too lazy to get in the car to get food.” “Hey I was more than willing to go,” she replied before pointing to the sauce packet behind him. “Pass me that will you.” “You collapsed on the sofa,” he reminded her passing it. “Rehearsals were tiring.” “That’s not an excuse.” “Hey I’m not the only one who had opportunity. You know you could have stopped by on the way back from the studio and grabbed something.” “I thought you were going to.” “Let me guess? Was it because you thought it was wife type stuff?” She handed him the mixing spoon. “Be a man and stir.” He begrudgingly took the task. She watched him with humor. His tongue was sticking out slightly and he made it look like stirring was the hardest manual labor he had ever performed. She got a fun thought. While she had him where she wanted him she was going to go for it. “So…can we talk about how you had a thing for Britney Spears?” He stopped stirring and gave her a look. “Don’t stop or you’ll burn it,” she ordered. “I knew I shouldn’t have told you that.” “Hey it’s not my fault that when you start drinking alcohol you start confessing. Stir.” “At least I’m not a pedophile. I can’t believe you have a thing for my brother,” Nick retorted shivering at the thought. “Eww.” “You DO know that he is related to you. You share genes. Mocking him is only mocking yourself.” “It’s sick Ali. He’s 13.” “I didn’t’ say I was going to date him. I said I thought he was cute, which I can say is better than what you said about Britney. If Justin heard what I heard about what you wanted to do to her…you would be in so much trouble. Major smack down.” “Hey it was all before they were dating. Anything pre-dating is fair game.” “And what is that according to? Man Rules 101?” “You know it. You don't have anything on me,” he smirked. “So you want to go over random stuff? You know basics? We’re going on the air tomorrow morning and you never know what that DJ will ask. And plus since they’re taping that last bit for Diary too we should be prepared.” “Good point.” Aliesa sat herself up on the counter. “Enough about the twisted things you wanted to do with Britney…we’re going to eat soon. Don’t want to puke.” Nick lifted his eyes to the ceiling mumbling under his breath. Aliesa sat back, leaning against her hands. She had to admit she sort of liked it that she could push his buttons like that. It was sort of endearing. He was cute when he was flustered. She tapped her fingernails against the countertop thinking up a question. “Okay, got one. When’s our anniversary?” Nick’s nose immediately scrunched up. “Geez go for the killer one right off the bat.” Aliesa leaned forward on her knees. “Does that mean you don’t know?” He shook his head, unwilling to admit defeat. “Give me a second.” Nick squeezed one of his eyes shut and jogged his memory. “Billboard was what April 14th? Sunday. And we got married in the early morning so technically it was Monday, which would make it the 15th. Our anniversary is April 15th.” Aliesa clapped, unable to hide the grin that took over her features when he rolled his eyes at her. “And here I thought I could tease you for being the typical man who can’t remember his own anniversary,” Aliesa said wistfully as she acknowledged he was right. “Believe me I don’t think I could ever forget that day even if I wanted to.” “Why is that?” Nick cleared his throat, reminding her the obviousness of that. “My turn. What’s your favorite Backstreet Boys song?” He asked her, tilting his head. “And we’ve started the Teen Beat questions,” Aliesa smiled. “Hey! This is stuff they’re bound to ask. You’re married to one.” “From which album?” He stopped stirring. “You have more than one favorite?” “Hey don’t stop stirring. It’ll burn,” Aliesa stated tapping his shoulder. “And my favorite song depends on which album. You do have more than one you know.” “You don’t just have one that stands out from all the others?” “Think of it this way. Wouldn’t it be better for our image as a happily married couple if I couldn’t decide which song of yours I like the best,” she countered. “Oh we’re going devious here,” Nick said understanding. “I can work with that.” He nodded. “Okay. Millennium then.” “Umm…No One Else Comes Close,” Aliesa answered easily. Nick lowered his chin, rubbing it thoughtfully. “Since we're going the devious angle shouldn’t you say I Need You Tonight? It’s my big solo and all.” “But I like No One Else Comes Close better.” “Why?” “Simple. You sound better when you sing low. It’s sexy.” Aliesa hopped off the counter and turned off the stove. “Food is done. You can stop stirring.” Grabbing some bowls from the cabinet, she whirled around to find Nick smiling broadly at her. She knew he was thinking something evil, his dimple was showing through. Her eyes narrowed tentatively waiting for the comment she knew that was coming. “Ali. Ali. Ali,” he began his blue eyes playful. “First I found out you think I’m hot. And now I’m sexy. I knew it.” He leaned against the countertop lazily in his best pose. “Face it. You want me.” Aliesa laughed so hard she almost dropped the bowls. Nick had to rush forward and grab them from her to keep them from falling. ************************************** Aliesa glanced overwhelmed at the commotion
surrounding the guys backstage. Meet and greets always seemed to be like
an open field day. You never knew how many people were going to be
there or how long you were allotted to stay. But this was simply
ridiculous. There were so many people vying for the group’s attention
that she wasn’t sure they would be able to meet everyone. She was
glad that she didn’t have to participate in the pandemonium herself.
She was tired. She was cranky. If someone suggested PMSing,
she wouldn’t contest it.
“Aliesa?” Startled, Aliesa turned her head abruptly to find a girl about her age standing by her awaiting her acknowledgement. “I’m sorry to bother you but I was hoping that maybe…would you mind?” she asked bashfully holding out a pen and CD cover. “I saw you over here and I couldn’t help myself.” The girl trailed off hesitantly unsure of what Aliesa’s reaction would be to her interruption. “If you’re busy I could just leave or,” she continued cowering as Aliesa’s security guard drew near. Aliesa held him off. “No of course not. I’d be happy to,” Aliesa said warmly, stepping towards her, impressed with her cordialness and thankful for a diversion. “Thanks a lot,” the girl said relieved that she hadn’t bothered Aliesa. “I saw you in concert in California, when you first came out.” Aliesa instantly smiled. “Was it the showcase in LA?” she asked taking the pen in hand. “Yeah. Yeah. Actually it was. I thought you were amazing!” the girl replied surprised she recalled it. “Thanks. I’m glad to know you didn’t think I was half bad. I remember being really nervous for that one.” Aliesa beamed as her hand swept across the insert, signing her name. “I’m such a big fan of yours. I’m so glad I ran into you.
I’m here tonight mostly because
“To see me? Not for the guys?” Aliesa asked bowled over at the concept. “Nope. I couldn’t care less. No offense or anything.” Aliesa eyes widened. “Truthfully?” “Honest.” The girl blushed, looking around quickly before leaning in towards her and adding in a hushed manner, “I like *NSYNC better.” She cracked a smile at the confession, eliciting a burst of laughter from her idol. “What’s your name?” Aliesa asked her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Kelsey.” “So tell me Kelsey how did you find your way backstage today then knowing that you know?” Aliesa inquired, referring to her announcement and the contradictory fact that she had a Backstreet Boys backstage pass around her neck. “Oh well I’m here with my best friend. She won these over the radio and so I was obligated. I figured it wouldn't be that bad since there was a minor chance you'd show since you and Nick are married,” Kelsey explained. “Ahhh…I see. So where is this best friend of yours? I’d love to meet her.” “Oh Leslie’s over there talking to Nick.” Kelsey pointed over to the other side of the room towards the blonde that Aliesa had been staring at earlier. Aliesa felt the blood rush to her face. Quickly hiding any conflicting emotion, she continued her friendly talk. “So you like *NSYNC huh….They’re really nice guys. I opened for them their last tour. Did you know they were in town? I think they might be filming a video or something like that…” “They are?” “I’ll tell you what …” Aliesa began a thought forming in her mind as she watched Nick continue his conversation. There could be a way to interfere. “If you come with me and repeat that bit about not caring to see the guys to Nick and the other Backstreet Boys over there I will personally make a call to see if I can get you to meet them.” Aliesa offered a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Because honey…the boys HAVE GOT to hear that one.” ******************************************** She was biting her nail again when Brian found her later on. She couldn’t help it. Bad habits die hard, especially when her nerves were on end. Despite her best efforts Nick was still talking to that blonde girl Leslie. She supposed he was just being friendly. But she couldn’t help but be a little wary. So, she watched them, or she did until Brian came up and blocked her view. Now she was just pretending like she wasn’t. Pretending was the easy part. Denying was the hard one. “That was nice of you. You know…giving that girl and her friend tickets.” “Least I could do. She was a nice girl,” Aliesa said modestly leaning against the table adverting her eyes from Nick’s form across the way and focusing on the other Backstreet Boy next to her. “Right. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that you found it amusing that she wasn’t here to see us,” Brian deadpanned. “Well…THAT too,” Aliesa admitted. “It was funny.” Brian raised an eyebrow in protest. “Brian! You KNOW it was hilarious! Admit it! It was
funny,” she said nudging his
Brian again disagreed, shaking his head in distaste. Aliesa tapped him on the chest. “Please! Did you see the look on Kevin’s face when she said she liked *NSYNC and that she’d been dragged to see you guys?” She continued defending herself. “I could have died on the spot.” Kevin had tried to cover his scowl with a toothy grin. Brian could still see the mortification on his face when the girl commented that she thought Joey Fatone had the same shirt. “It was wasn’t it?” He chuckled remembering the moment. “If looks could kill…” Aliesa cracked up. “Oh I’d be SO dead.” “But *NSYNC tickets Aliesa?” He waved a finger at her. “You should have been trying to reform the girl not send her to the enemy,” he teased. “Good music is good music no matter who sings it,” she pointed out. “Besides have you seen Lance these days?” Aliesa wiggled her eyebrows and then proceeded to fan herself. “Let me tell you the boy is HOT! I wasn’t about to deny a fellow woman the chance to see that FINE specimen of a man.” Brian knew a moment when he saw one. “Hey NICK!” He called out across the room. Nick turned from his conversation towards them. “ALIESA THINKS…” Aliesa’s hand clamped over his mouth before he could finish the sentence. “Spoil sport,” she hissed as she waved innocently at her husband. She made hand signals for crazy near her ear, before patronizingly patting Brian on the head. Nick smiled and returned to his conversation. She suppose she should have thanked Brian for the little disruption that got Nick to divert his attention from the blonde, but Aliesa was embarrassed and she wasn’t even supposed to have been noticing the blonde. So she glared at Brian and reprimanded him instead. “If I take my hand away do you promise to behave?” He nodded. “Just remember…I know things about you too Mister,” she warned before removing her hand. Brian laughed when she finally released her hold on him, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and squeezing. “You are the best you know that?” “Yeah, yeah,” she grumbled begrudgingly. “Tell me again why you ended up with Nick and not with me.” “Well let’s see… maybe because you’re a huge flirt, you love someone else, you never asked me out, you seem to have a ring that look suspiciously like a wedding band on your finger…” Aliesa counted off on her fingers. “And the number one reason…It’s the big one here. You didn’t ask me to marry you in Las Vegas and he did.” Aliesa finished biting on her nail again. He took her finger from her mouth. “Well precious, if I’d known I would have stopped the wedding and stolen you away,” he winked. “Wish you had Brian…” Aliesa remarked playing along with the banter, but agreeing with it more so then she let him on to believe as she peered around him absently and watched Nick and Leslie talk realizing she really meant it. “Wish you had.” Her trouble was, somehow, somewhere along the way she had started to care a little bit about what Nick Carter thought and in a game like this that was dangerous. Chapter
22
Copyright©2001 Obscure Thoughts, JessNJules Writing. All Rights Reserved. |