When Elle got back to her dressing room after the interview, her whole body relaxed. "I hope that I didn't make too much of an ass out of myself," Elle said to her makeup artist and hairstylist, Maria.

"Don't worry about it. I bet you did fine. By the way, were you expecting a phone call from someone?" Maria asked.

"Not that I know of, why do you ask?"

"Your cell phone has been ringing off the hook since 7:45."

"I don't have a clue who that could be, but if it's important they will call back."

Elle and Maria's conversation came to an abrupt end when someone knocked on Elle's dressing room door.

"Just a second," Elle answered as she got up from the chair and walked to the door. As she opened the door, her heart pounded when she discovered who it was. "Can I do anything for you Nick?" Elle asked.

"Kinda. Can we talk?" he asked.

"Sure, is something wrong," Elle questioned.

"Just that, I need to say something and it can't wait."

Taking the hint, Maria told Elle congratulations and left the room.

"All right Nick, what can't wait?" Elle said in a playful tone.

"I want to apologize," Nick answered looking into Elle's eyes.

"For what? You didn't do anything wrong in the two hours that you have been here. Is that some kind of record?" Elle asked, secretly hoping that Nick would pick up on the flirty tone in her voice.

"Well, it's just that, I didn't keep in touch like I promised I would when I left home to join the group. I didn't even know that your parents were killed. I'm sorry Elle, let me make it up to you."

"It's okay Nick. I work for Jive remember. I know that you guys work really hard everyday. You don't have to be sorry."

"Yes I do Elle, please let me make it up to you."

"Okay...I guess so. What are you thinking of doing?" Elle asked.

"What about if I take you out to dinner to catch up on things. There's that new Italian place around the corner. Last time I checked, lasagna was your favorite food." Nick answered.

"Lasagna is Heaven sent, but, you know, I have been craving pizza all day. Are you game?" Elle said as she smiled.

"Oh, now that sounds like my kind of women."

"Nick?"

"What"

"Nevermind, let's eat."

Nick waved good-bye to the boys as he and Elle were leaving the studio. Just as the two had stepping into the parking lot, Elle's cell phone rang. "Oh my God. Can you hold on just a second Nick?"

"I can wait an entire minute Els." Nick answered jokingly as he stopped and waited for Elle.

"Elle Bradley, Jive Records New York."

"Hello Miss. Bradley. My name is Connie and I work at St. Luke's Metropolitan Hospital. I am afraid that I have some bad news for you."

Elle felt her heart drop. The last time that someone from St. Luke's had bad news for her, she found out that her parents had been killed in a car accident. "What's the bad news?"

Elle asked. She answered Nick's questioning expression by holding out her hand. In turn, Nick took Elle's hand and held it in his.

"Your sister Carrie was caught in the crossfire of a shooting this afternoon. We have been trying to stabilize her all evening, but I am afraid that there is nothing more that we can do. Carrie lost too much blood before the ambulance could get to her. I am sorry, but she is dead."

Elle went pale white. "Are you sure? Do you have the right Carrie? Is there a chance that she's not gone yet? Is there anything more you can do?"

"I am sorry Miss. Bradley, but we did all that we could. We need you to come down here."

Elle managed to choke out "Okay," before she clicked her cell phone off.

Nick looked in Elle's sullen eyes that, only minutes before had been bubbling over with happiness. "What's wrong Elle?" Nick asked.

"Carrie...is......dead," were the only words that made it out of Elle's mouth before she collapsed into a fit of sobs.

Nick didn't know what to do. He pulled Elle's close to his body and just held her as she completely fell apart. Elle and Nick stood in the parking lot for what seemed to be an eternity. Nick had to practically carry Elle to the passenger side of her navy blue Jeep Wrangler. The whole time, Elle's entire body shook with devastation, heartbreak, and sorrow.

"What hospital Els?" Nick asked soothingly.

"St. Luke's," Elle choked out. With that, Nick began making the half hour trip through the crowded New York streets with Elle holding his hand and sobbing next to him.