"Ha, ha, I will beat you, Scorpion!" Nick laughed evilly while his hands worked the game controller fiercely. Suddenly the phone rang, causing him to jump slightly and drop the game controller. He wondered who'd be calling him. Could it be his parents? No, they'd try the cell phone first. Could it be one of the guys? No, if something were wrong they'd just take the limousine back. Could it be a fan pulling a prank on him? It wouldn't have been the first time. He noticed it was still ringing as he stopped going over the list in his mind. Walking quickly over to the phone, he picked it up and wondered who would be on the other end. "Hello?"

"Nick, is that you?"

"Mandy, what are you doin' calling me?"

"You’re always answering a question with a question."

"You’re always pointing out the things I do wrong. Is that what this phone call is about? Did you want to remind me once more of all my faults and downfalls?"

"No, Nick, you seem to do a good enough job of that yourself." He swallowed hard at her comment, not knowing how to react. "This call was to ask you if it's okay for me to stop by the house and pick up some of my things while you're still gone."

"What, you don't wanna face me? Or do you just not have the nerve?"

"No, I'm afraid you'll initiate something that neither of us will be able to stop."

"Me, you're afraid I will? After the millions of times you couldn't keep your hands off me you have the nerve to throw out an assumption like that about me?"

"Nick, you're being immature like you always have been. I refuse to speak with you anymore when you act like this. I'll be stopping by the house to get my things before you get home." Not letting another word be spoken, she hung up.

Nick's eyes wandered around the room, the receiver still pressed against his ear as he heard the cold sound of a dial tone. The anger surged through his body as the conversation finally hit him hard. He didn't waste a moment in dialing the number of his gated community back in Tampa, Florida. "Security for Whispering Willows Community, this is George, how can I help you?"

"George, its Nick Carter."

"Nickolas, how's the tour life treating you?"

"It's the same as always, lonely."

"I hear you, son. Well, to what do I owe this phone call?"

"I need a favor, a huge one."

Outside the hotel
The girls clamored around the newly arriving limousine, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the Boys. They were a bit shocked when a single girl stepped out, all by her lonesome.

"Are you one of the girlfriends?"

"Are you here for one of the guys?"

"Do you know any of them?"

"Will you take a picture with me?"

Toria's head felt like it was turning in a million different directions as the young girls spoke. "I'm just here to visit someone," she commented, having a security guard push her through the crowd. Once she was inside she looked through the glass doors, seeing the sad faces stare back at her. "They'll do anything to get a piece of them, won't they?"

"It's been like this for as long as I can remember. It's a price of fame that some must pay."

"I hate to take up more of your time, but would you mind escorting me to the floor that I need to be on?"

"Not at all, Miss Sampson, follow me."

Toria's eyes studied her environment, taking in the exquisite decorating. Never once had she stepped foot in a place like this. She and the girls weren't up to that status quite yet. They stayed in Ramada Inns and Dollar Inns, keeping within their tight budget.

"Nineteenth floor, Miss Sampson. Enjoy your visit."

"Thank you," she smiled and then stepped off the elevator. She felt so small in the huge hallway, wondering for a moment if she was out of her league. Reality then hit her, realizing she was being given an opportunity that didn't just come along everyday. She slowly stepped towards the room she was told about, wishing it wasn't so quiet in the hallway. She knocked loudly on the door, just wanting contact of any kind.