"Ya, I think so...who's the girl she's with. I don't recognize her?"
"Well, maybe she's a friend of Mel's. I mean, she is having lunch with her and all!" Nick said jokingly at his friend.
"I guess. But, it's like I've seen her before. I dunno. I just know her face. It seems so familiar!" Brian mumbled while biting his lower lip as he always does when he's puzzled about something.
"Maybe you've seen her in your dreams, Bri??!?!?!" Nick teased.
"Shut up Nick...you're so immature!" Brian said as he flung his crumpled up napkin towards Nick's face.
"Oh yeah Brian, that's real mature!!"
"Hi guys! How was your pizza today?" Melanie asked as she walked over and interrupted Nick and Brian's teasing session.
"It was great. It hit the spot!" Nick answered all too quickly.
"Who's your friend?" Brian asked curiously, as Nick elbowed him in the stomach.
"What was that for?" Brian mumbled under his breath to Nick.
Nick just looked at him and smiled. He loved teasing his friend even though he knew nothing was going on with Brian and Melanie's friend. But, it was just so much fun for Nick to embarrass him because he blushes so easily.
"This is Michelle Lucen. She's a writer for the NY GAZETTE. I met her in the office today. We decided to go to lunch together. We seem to have a lot in common." Melanie answered in response to Brian's question.
"How do ya do?" Brian said with his adorable southern accent, as he took Michelle's hand to shake it.
"I'm fine thanks. But, I have to admit...I'm a little nervous to be shaking your hand, being that you are a big rock star and all!" She added with a small nervous laugh.
Michelle took notice of his strong grip. His soft hands were comforting and welcoming, yet slightly disturbed by his blistering-guitar worn fingertips. As his hand enveloped hers, she felt his gentle qualities become a part of her. Just as his blue, sparkling eyes met hers, intense and green with color, he released his hand from her grip.
"I knew I recognized you from somewhere! I've seen you at the office. I didn't know you were a reporter for the GAZETTE. Your name sounds familiar, and I think I've read some of your articles." he exclaimed, happy with himself to have placed a face with a name. He politely added, "Ohh, don't worry about being nervous. I'm just a normal guy, I promise."
"Thanks...I'll keep that in mind. So, Mr. Littrell, you said that you have read some of my work. What do you think?" Michelle asked wondering if she was coming on a bit too strong.
She found herself mesmerized by his genuinely friendly grin. It was hard for her to keep focused on her main goal.....the story. But his smile was just so overwhelming and not to mention his adorable southern accent. She loved the way each word took its time rolling off his tongue and slowly made its way to her ears.
"Please, call me Brian. I think your latest work on the factory scandal was your best yet. I was amazed at the awful working conditions that you uncovered and brought out in your research column." Brian truthfully told Michelle, who was wide eyed with gratitude.
With a beaming smile she thanked him for his compliments. She couldn't believe that he, Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys, had taken the time to read HER article. Of course it was her pride and joy, but to have someone with such a busy schedule actually comment on her research and writing, it had felt wonderful. Maybe he would let her do the interview after all.
Nick interrupted their conversation, "So what were you doing at the office? You weren't trying to find out some nasty scoop on us, that could ruin the BSB, now were you?"
Before Michelle had the time to answer, Brian cut in. "Now Nick, what scoop could she possibly find about us? We've got nothing to bring us down buddy...you're jumping to conclusions!" he said, hoping his friend would keep his mouth shut about the whole Karen mess.
Brian couldn't help but worry that Michelle already knew about the 'Karen situation'. If she got a hold of all the details, it would surely get into print and upset a whole lot of fans. He couldn't let that happen. If she wrote the story, it will surely be read by tons of people, after all, she wrote for a reputable paper. Why wouldn't people believe a well-known paper? They would have no idea that they wouldn't print the truth just for a decent scandalous story. But yet, nothing about Michelle seemed threatening to him. She seemed like a decent woman, she didn't seem to want to cause trouble for him. But, then again, Karen didn't seem to want to cause trouble in the beginning either. He didn't know what to think, but all he did know was that he was distracted by the way she looked at him. Her intense eyes seemed to pierce through him and see all he was trying to hide. Even though it distracted him, he couldn't honestly say that he minded it.
Melanie cut in quickly, "Oh, Nick...don't be silly. Michelle just wanted to talk to Brian about what's been going on. She's heard Karen's side of the story, but she wants to hear his side too. She's been extremely patient while dealing with all your body guards and all. They haven't even let her speak to you. She deserves a chance guys. She wants to have an interview."
"Well, umm...If that's okay with you, Mr. Litt...ah...Brian. I don't want to pry or anything. I just want the facts. Truthfully, I don't believe Karen's story...her being pregnant and everything. It just sounds too good to be true...she'd ruin your career, Brian, and not to mention score quite a bit of money from you. The pieces of her story seem to fit too perfectly, if you know what I mean." Before Michelle could go on, Brian stopped her.
"Look, just because you think you know all the facts, doesn't mean you deserve the story. It's my life, so why don't you stay out of it. I just met you. Your articles are great, a nice read really, but who said I wanted my love life situation to become just another scandal for you to write about?" Brian exclaimed, a little shocked by the tone of his own angry voice.
"I'm sorry. You're right. It's none of my business. I was trying to help get the truth out, before someone else picks up your story and destroys it!" Michelle yelled aloud, embarrassed and hurt for his sudden change in attitude. She quickly excused herself and ran out of the pizzeria almost in tears.