Chris drove straight through from Ft. Lauderdale to Orlando, stopping only once for gas. When she let herself in the house, it was almost 4:30. Without turning on the lights, she locked the front door and felt her way into the living room, where she collapsed on the couch, succumbing to exhaustion.

At about 1:00 the next afternoon, Chris woke up, shielding her eyes from the sun, which was shining brightly through the curtains. She waited a bit, listening, then remembered she was alone.

Hmm. No one here except me. I can be like Rachel on Friends and walk around naked. Chris shook the thought out of her head. Nah. I’m not that gutsy. Besides, I’m too bony.

"Ugh," she groaned as she rolled off the couch. "Darn it. I slept in my contacts again." Chris blinked, trying to moisten her eyes, and carefully stood up, yawning. "What am I going to do with myself for a month? Maybe I’ll take a shower first and think about it later. Actually," she continued to herself, "a bath sounds nice and relaxing."

Before Chris went upstairs, she went outside to get her suitcase out of the car. It was typical Florida weather: hot and humid. Did I really miss this? Chris thought, thinking of the fall weather in Europe. Yes, actually, I did.

"Oie!" she grunted as she struggled with the suitcase which was wedged on the floor between the back of the passenger seat and the backseat. "You weren’t this heavy yesterday! Oh, that’s right. I didn’t carry you yesterday. Duh!" Chris went back into the house and up to her room, slowly dragging the suitcase up the stairs, and cringing at every bang! bang! that it made. "I’m never packing another suitcase as long as I live. No, I’ll change that. I’m never carrying a suitcase I packed as long as I live. It’s no wonder guys wonder why women take so many bags. It’s because of how heavy one bag would be if we crammed all our stuff into one. Geez!"

After an hour in a bubble bath, Chris changed into a tank top and a pair of cotton grey shorts, unpacked, and went to the back room to do the laundry. She needed something to keep her mind off of her health and off of AJ, who somehow caused her stomach to turn over anxiously, just like it did when they had first met. Well, when they had first gone out. No, it was when they had first met, Chris decided emphatically as she loaded the washer.

"This needs fixed," Chris said, as she watched the washer shake and jump after she had pressed the start button. "My clothes can’t be that heavy. Unless I put them in unevenly. Hmm." She turned her ear toward the hallway, listening. It sounded like the phone was ringing.

"The phone!!" Chris sprinted down the hall, and reached for the cordless phone on the coffee table in the living room. She missed it and kept running, colliding with the entertainment center. What ring is it on? Four? Five? Why doesn’t the machine pick up? Rubbing her head, Chris turned back toward the table and deliberately planted her feet as she picked it up. "Hello?" she answered breathlessly.

"Gee, I hope I’m not interrupting anything," a man said on the other end, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Chris didn’t recognize the voice so she didn’t make a sarcastic remark. Instead, she said, "No, no, you’re not. I didn’t hear the phone ring."

"Run and miss?"

"Beg pardon?"

"Did you run for it and miss?"

"How’d you guess?" Chris asked, startled. She put on a cautious voice.

"I just guessed. I know a girl who’s the klutziest thing in the world. She tried to fly off her bed once and hurt her wrist. Broke her wing, you could say."

"I did not try to fly," Chris defended, immediately recognizing Howie’s voice. "What’s happening, ‘D?"

"Ah, not much, Chris. We’re backstage at the venue going over last minute stuff before the show tonight. How are you?"

"I’m doing fine. I just got up a little over three hours ago."

"When’d you get in?"

"About four-thirty. I let myself in and collapsed on the couch. Slept like a baby. How’s everything in..where are you again?" Chris asked, feeling stupid. I should know this.

"South Carolina," Howie answered. "And everything’s fine. It’s a little quiet here without you."

"Please don’t give me a guilt trip. I was doing fine not missing you guys until you brought it up."

"I’m sorry."

"Don’t be. I’m too emotional."

"Now there’s a surprise," Howie teased.

"Oooh, don’t go there," Chris warned, smiling.

"I think that’s an empty threat."

"No, it’s not. It’s just the best I could come up with right now. Besides, shouldn’t you guys be practicing or something?"

"Yeah, but I’m taking a water break. I wanted to make sure you got in okay, and had a few hours’ sleep. That’s why I called so late."

"Don’t think me rude, but--"

"--why didn’t AJ call?" Howie interrupted. "I don’t know. I’d have you ask him, but I don’t see him right now."

"I’m sorry I asked," Chris said, a little hurt.

"Don’t be. You want me to give him a message?"

"Nah. Just tell everyone you talked to me and I’m fine. Have a great show and don’t worry about me."

"I’m not worrying. I was bored," Howie said.

"And I’m assuming I’m the next best thing to doing nothing, right?" Chris said, returning to her old self.

"I don’t think I have the authority to answer that one," Howie replied. There was a moment of silence.

"Okay, then," Chris said finally. "That was awkward. I think I’m a little too open."

"Let’s not go any farther with this."

"Sounds good to me."

"Hey, the guys are back, but I don’t see AJ. You wanna talk to anyone else?"

"No, that’s okay. You go do your job, and I’ll talk to you guys later, alright?"
"Sure thing. If you need anything, call. I’m gonna go."

" ‘Bye!" Chris said.

" ‘Bye!" Howie hung up. Chris waited a second before she turned the phone off and tossed it on the couch.

Howie put his cell phone back into his grey duffel bag backstage. He saw Brian and Nick approaching out of the corner of his eye, so he stood up straight and looked at his watch. They were on the same time as Chris was back in Orlando, and it was about four o’clock.

"How’s it going, guys?" he asked.

"Not too bad, ‘D," Nick replied. "How was your break?"

"Too short. Are you ready for tonight?"

"Yeah," Brian answered. "I think we’ll have a good show. That’s assuming AJ gets his butt back here in time."

"Where did he go, by the way?" Howie asked. "I called Chris to check up on her and she asked why he didn’t call. I told her I didn’t see him anywhere but I’d give him her message."

"Which was...?" Nick prodded.

Howie shrugged. "Just that she’s fine and will see us at Christmas."

"That was a bad message," Brian said. "Why not something really mushy? Something like ‘I love you so much and I can’t get through twelve hours without you?’"

"Either she didn’t think of it, or she knew it would embarrass me to repeat it," Howie said. "At any rate, where is he?"

"I have no idea. Probably chilling somewhere," Brian said. "In his room maybe. We don’t need to be ready until about seven. Maybe he’s eating or something."

"Got me," Nick said. "Shall we go check it out?"

"Check what out? I don’t think he went back to the hotel. Maybe he’s in the dressing room."

"Or on the bus," Howie said. "It doesn’t matter, really."

"Okay, then," Nick said. "I’m gonna check out the venue a bit. Hang out in the rooms and stuff. Take a nap. You know, all the important things." He gave a little wave as he left Brian and Howie backstage.

"Have fun!" Brian called. "Do you want to look for him?" he asked Howie when Nick was out of earshot.

"Nah. If I happen to come across him, let it be. I don’t think I want to waste my time looking for him." Howie lifted up his bag. "I’m going back to the dressing room for a nap. He’s an adult. He can take care of himself."

Howie didn’t meet up with AJ until it was practically time for the show. He meant to ask where AJ had been, but didn’t get a chance with the hustle and bustle of the show. Nor did he have time over the next week. There were photo shoots, meet and greets, press conferences, interviews, and other important engagements that took up the Backstreet Boys’ time. Howie pushed the thought from his head after a while, deciding that AJ probably had his own personal reasons that were none of his business.

Chris had called once or twice, but had only left a message with whomever had answered. AJ always got the messages, which usually consisted of her saying she was fine and hoped everything was going well, however, their schedule had not permitted him time to return her calls in private. Finally, on the way to an interview in San Francisco, AJ called her. It was three weeks into the US tour and Thanksgiving had already passed. So Chris was surprised when the phone rang at nine o’clock Friday morning.

"Hello?"

"Hey, baby!"

"AJ! Hey!" Chris tried to control her emotions. She didn’t want to seem too eager to talk. "What’s up?"

"We’re in the limo going to a radio interview. In San Francisco."

"I know. It’s a little early there, isn’t it?"

"Just a bit. I haven’t even had my coffee yet. You’d think that after all these years I’d be used to it." AJ yawned. "Sorry."

"I’ll bet that after a million years I still wouldn’t be used to it. How’s everything? I only called twice because I knew you all were busy and wouldn’t have a chance to talk."

"That’s okay. I wish I had had time to talk to you. In person."

"I know. There’s been a lot happening here. But I don’t want to take up your air time."

AJ laughed. "That’s sweet, but I’m a zillionaire, remember? I think I can handle paying for a little phone call."

"It’s not just the phone call. You don’t want to be late for your interview."

"We’re always late. At least now I’d have an excuse."

"That’s not funny. I’m not a troublemaker."

"I’d have to differ on that one."

"Hey!" Chris said, acting hurt. "Where do you get off calling me a troublemaker?"

"You said it, I didn’t." AJ paused. "Is everything okay?"

"Everything’s fine. Why do you ask?"

"No reason. What’ve you been up to?"

"Hmm. I’m pretty much lazing around, sleeping a lot, tanning a lot. I have this really nice golden-thing going on."

"Interesting. Just as long as you don’t have an overcooked lobster-thing going on."

"Actually, that’s what it started out as, and then it turned to a golden turkey."

"Did you wear sunscreen?" AJ asked.

"Do you know me at all?" Chris returned. "I put it on before I went out. I guess I forgot to refresh."

"Yeah, right."

"I did!"

"If you say so, Chris." AJ looked at his watch. They were supposed to be at the radio station already, and they just pulled into the parking lot. He had to end the conversation. "Hey, I’m sorry, but we’ve just pulled in, and we’re late. I’ll have to talk to you later."

"No problem. It was great to hear from you."

"Yeah, you, too. Be careful, okay? ‘Bye!"

"I love you," Chris said, but AJ had hung up before the words had left her lips. She stared at the receiver in disbelief. After a few minutes, the silence on the other end became an annoying buzz and she hung up.

"Well, how are things at home?" Kevin asked AJ as they raced into the studio.

"Fine, I guess. All she said was that she’s tanned, a lot’s been happening, and she’s okay. But we didn’t really say much of anything, as you heard."

"What, exactly, is ‘a lot happening’?"

"I don’t know. Why don’t you ask her when she calls again?"

"Why don’t you? You’re the one dating her."

"Yeah, well, you’re her cousin."

"AJ, I wonder about you sometimes," Kevin said as they entered the studio.

As soon as Chris hung up the phone, she turned on her computer and logged onto the Internet, doing an extremely quick search for radio stations in San Francisco which would be interviewing the Backstreet Boys. She located the correct one, and connected, sitting back in her chair waiting for it to start. After a set of commercials, the morning program resumed.

"And we’re back. For all you listeners who just tuned in, this is Morning Glory and I’m sitting here with five young men that you all know and love. They’ve just arrived over the commercial break, and these guys are not strangers to you. They’ve been around for years, and since they’re performing right here in San Fran herself, the Backstreet Boys have been nice enough to give us a quick interview about their new tour. Why don’t you say ‘Hi!’ guys?"

"Hey ya’ll, this is Brian," Brian said. His voice was tired, but cheerful. Chris found it surprising, considering it wasn’t even seven there yet.

"Wuz up? This is Kev."

"Hey, this is Howie D."

"Yo, this is Nick."

"What up? What up? This is Da Bone," AJ said in exaggeration. Chris shivered at the hoarseness of his voice on the radio.

"Well, good morning to you all," Morning Glory said. "I guess the first question of the morning is, how are you enjoying being back on tour again?"

"I think we’re all glad we’re back in the groove again, making people happy, keeping busy," Brian said. "I know I personally am having a wonderful time."

"And the others agree," Morning Glory relayed to her audience. "So, how long is your tour, and how long are you going to be in the States? I know some fans might want to know how long you’re going to be here in San Fran."

"Well, we only have one show here, and then we’re on our way to LA, San Diego for a couple days," Howie answered. "Then we back track East, hitting a few more cities, and Toronto. By that time it’ll be Christmas, and we’re going home to spend it with family. After Christmas, the day after, in fact, we head back out for a month doing a few more shows in some cities we missed, and then we’re off again."

"That sounds like a pretty busy schedule. I admire you for that."

"I’m sure that’s not all you admire them for," Chris said to herself. Morning Glory proceeded to ask some questions which were sent in by fans, and Chris listened in amusement as the Boys tried to be nice as they answered. She could just imagine Kevin’s face on some of the questions being asked. He had come home more than once saying that sometimes the questions were nuts.

"It’s like people just make up questions to ask them. There’s never any thought involved."

Chris had to agree that some were outrageous. But the ones on the morning show were clean and simple. When Morning Glory started asking about their personal lives, Chris tuned back in closely.

"I think the question every female wants to know is your guys’ dating status. Well, what is it? Who’s taken, and who’s looking?"
"Taken," Brian said proudly. "By the most wonderful woman in the world."

"That’s sweet, Brian," Morning Glory said. "How about you, Kevin?"

"Not taken, but not looking right now, either," Kevin said. "I want to concentrate on the tour right now."

"I understand completely." Chris could practically hear Morning Glory nodding her blonde head enthusiastically. She rolled her eyes.

"I’m not taken, but I am looking," Nick said, speaking loudly into the microphone. Chris laughed as she imagined him giving Kevin a you’re-so-boring-old-man look.

"I can hear a million girls flocking to their phones to see if you’ll go out with one of them," Morning Glory laughed. "Be careful when you leave, Nick. What about you, Howie?"

"Well, I’m not taken, but I do have my eye on someone. Unfortunately, she is taken."

"Anyone we know?" Morning Glory prodded.

"I’d rather not say. I don’t want to be knocked out in the street because her boyfriend found out." Ah, Howie. Always the peacemaker, Chris thought. She felt her pulse begin to quicken.

"Smart thinking, Howie. Now," Morning Glory continued, "we’ll move on to the final Backstreet Boy. AJ, how are you handling the ladies?"

"Morning Glory, I can honestly say that there are a lot of truly beautiful women in the world. And I haven’t had the chance to look at all of them."

"So what you’re saying is...?"

"Not taken, but very actively looking."

Chris felt her breath catch in her throat. What did he just say? She moved her mouse and tried to rewind to AJ’s response, but it was a live show, making real-time rewind impossible. Chris vaguely heard Morning Glory say something about that being the last question and thanks for stopping by, "We’ll be sure to check out your show tonight. Good-bye, guys."

" ‘Bye, Morning Glory," the guys chorused.

Chris replayed the question and answer in her mind to make sure she had heard it correctly. "So, what’ s your dating status?" "Not taken, but very actively looking." Not taken...not taken... 

"AJ!" Kevin pulled AJ aside as they went back out to the limo. "I need to talk to you."

"What is it?" AJ asked.

"What kind of stunt did you just pull in there? Do you know what you just said?"

"Yes, I do. I said that I wasn’t taken, but actively looking." He held a hand up to Kevin’s face and continued. "And before you beat my face in, I just said it because that’s what she wanted to hear. I protected Chris."

"How, might I ask, did you protect Chris?" Kevin demanded angrily. "You wouldn’t have had to give her name or address. All you had to say was that you were seeing someone. I know you’re not one to settle down, but sometimes tell the truth to the public. You never know who might have heard. And you know what would happen to Chris if she found out."

At that moment, the cell phone in AJ’s pocket rang. Saved by the bell. He answered it. "Hello?.....Yeah, hold on." He put his hand over the mouthpiece and handed it to Kevin. "It’s for you."

"Hello?" Kevin asked, his voice slightly irritated.

"Kevin?"

"Hey, Chris!" He looked at AJ, who shook his head and backed away. "How’s it going?"

"Not too bad. I’m sorry to call so early, but I had to ask you a question."

"Shoot."

"Do you guys always tell the truth on your interviews?" Kevin felt his heart stop.

"What?"

"Are you guys honest when you do interviews? Before the press screws up and rewords your answers."

"Usually, yes. Why?" Kevin was walking down the hall toward AJ. When he reached him, he grabbed him by the shoulder and held the phone so they both could hear Chris on the other end.

"I was just wondering." Chris felt her voice catch, and she took a deep breath. "It just occured to me after I talked to AJ this morning that he might say my name on the air and thousands of people might come to the house hating me or something."

"No, he didn’t say your name."

"That’s good. Okay, well, I’m sorry to bother you. I’ll talk to you later."

"Okay. ‘Bye." Kevin made to hang up the phone, but stopped when he heard Chris still talking.

"Wait! Are you still there?"

"Yeah. What do you need?" he asked, returning the phone to its place between his ear and AJ’s.

"Could you tell AJ that I, too, am not taken but very actively looking?" Chris spat angrily. Then she hung up.

"Chris? Chris!" Kevin quickly dialed her cell number, but the call was denied. Then he dialed their home number, but the phone kept ringing. The answering machine picked up.

"Hey! Hopefully you’ll reach who you’re trying to reach here, but only if you leave a message after the beep." Beeeeeep!

"Chris? Chris, this is Kevin. Pick up." He waited for a few seconds. "Look, this is important. I know you’re still in the house. This is a big misunderstanding. I’ll be calling you later so we can talk about this, okay? Don’t do anything stupid." He hung up and looked at AJ.

"You really screwed up this time."