Swollen Issues - Chapter 8
Japanese journalist as well as press people from around the world were gathered in the
small press room, waiting for the boys to make an entrance. They were behind schedule
and there was loud talking abou twhere the guys could possibly be. Nick’s name was
mentioned and one of the journalists stated that the young singer had looked really out of
it at the meet and greet yesterday. This started some speculation over his well being. In an
adjoining room, Kevin, Brian and AJ, stood ready to take on the press conference. There
was a look of annoyance on Kevin’s face since he disliked being late for anything.
"Where the hell are they?" Kevin muttered, looking towards the door, while tapping his
foot impatiently. This was a bad habit that Kevin had everytime he was stressed out and
this had him earn the nickname " Astaire" from Nick. Kevin hated that name as much as he
hated running late on schedules.
"Chill out Kev," Brian said as he layed down the newspaper on a chair. "Howie went to
get Nick, they should be here soon.”
AJ said nothing, adjusting his glasses. He was still pissed over the deal with the formal
dinner and spent the time quietly sulking. Luckily, Bruce was no where in sight, and they
all were thankful for that, otherwise there would have been even more cussing than what
was going on from under Kevin’s breath.
Just as Kevin was about to open his mouth to utter yet another complaint about Nick’s
immature behavior as well as tardiness, Howie entered the room, alone. "Didn´t you get
him?" Kevin asked when he notice thatt here was no Nick in sight.
"Yup, he’s coming soon," Howie said calmly. It wasn´t for nothing that he was the bands
peace maker and could easily make even the most stressed out Kevin calm and tranquil.
"See, told ya," Brian said, laying an hand on hís cousins shoulder. This was also an
effective gesture to calm down the oldest member. It always worked and Kevin only
muttered under his breath , "Wait until I get myhands on his ass!"
AJ was about to make an snide remark, but was stopped with a stern look from Brian,
which had him immediately decide it wouldn’t be a good idea this time. The door opened
once again, this time from the other side of the room and once again, Bruce stuck in his
head. " Is he here yet?"
Kevin shook his head, " Nope!"
"Alright, we have to go. The press is starting to get impatient. Nick can join when he and
if he decides to come down," Bruce sighed. The youngest member was starting to ditch
meetings at a rate that had the PR manager deciding that he was gonna have a long and
serious talk one of these days. Right now he had to get the show moving, with or without
the blonde heart throb.
Just as the boys were about to go out to the conference room, Nick came in panting like
he had been running."I got lost!. This hotel is so fucking big," he exclaimed. Brian gave
Nick as if he were to say ‘no shit....I don’t think so.’ Kevin was about to chew him out
when Bruce stuck his face into the room again.
"Has he???… Oh good, Nick! Now get out there and let’s make some good business
impressions." He gestured towards the door and the men left the room single file,
plastering some smiles and getting mentally ready to get asked questions.
Nick stopped Brian, pulling on his arm as he desperately tried to stop him. "Bri..I have to
go to the bathroom, can you…" he stopped asking once he caught the steely stare of
Kevin’s green eyes upon him. Hanging his head, Nick sulked as he followed the group into
the room.
Chapter Nine