“So, what happened?” John asked as we sat down on the plane. I was on my way to L.A. I was an emergency stand-in for someone who got sick and couldn’t announce Artist of the Year. Which, kinda made me feel like I wasn’t good enough, but I wasn’t going to complain, at least I get to be there.
“What do you mean?” I asked, looking at him confused.
“The past couple of days you’ve been kind of down,” he replied.
I opened my purse and pulled out the note Will had left me and handed it to John and watched him read it.
“What an asshole,” he exclaimed.
“You’re telling me,” I mumbled.
“I’m sorry,” he said looking at me.
“It’s ok, it’s not the fact that Im not dating him anymore that pisses me off, it’s the fact that he broke up with me because I wouldn’t sleep with him. I mean isn’t that high schoolish?” I asked.
“Yeah,” John nodded.
“Yeah, I thought so too,” I mumbled.
It was quite a few hours, almost 9, before we landed. We walked out of the tunnel. I saw a man holding a white sign with my last name written on it.
“There’s our limo driver,” I said pointing.
“Great, let’s go,” he said and we walked up to the man, who was wearing a dark suit and dark sunglasses.
“That’s me,” I told him.
“Great, let’s go,” he said smiling.
I smiled back and followed the man through the crowded airport. Finally I was sitting in my limo, sipping wine and looking out the window.
“Well, tomorrow night you will be on stage, showing Will you don’t need him. You’ve got your career,” John said.
“Yeah, that’s all I need,” I mumbled and sipped.
When I arrived to the hotel, I was ordered to drop my stuff off and I was to head right over to the theater, where the awards were being held.
When I walked into the theater, Britney Spears was on stage rehearsing.
“You just have to meet with a few people and it will all be over, we won’t have to see you until tomorrow night,” a producer told me.
“Ok,” I nodded.
*Later That Day*
“Does this look ok?” I asked turning to John.
“That looks gorgeous on you,” John complimented.
“Thanks,” I smiled. I looked in the full length mirror and examined myself. It was a short dress. It was metallic silver that had practically no back, it stopped right above my crack. It was figure fitting, showing some good cleavage. I smiled and nodded.
“What shoes?” I asked, looking at the line of shoes I had on the ground next to me.
“Those ones,” he said, pointing to strappy ones that were thick and tall.
“How should I do my hair?” I asked, picking up the shoes.
“Up,” he replied.
“Ok, well, first thing tomorrow morning, I have to go get my nails filled, I’ll get my hair done, and make sure everything looks good,” I said falling onto the bed.
“You must be tired,” John said laying in the other bed.
“Just a tad,” I whined and got up. I took the dress off, plenty used to John seeing me change. I slipped into a pair of short tight boy shorts and a white tank top.
“Im ready for bed,” I said jumping into bed.
“Good night Miranda,” he said laughing.
“Night,” I said and closed my eyes.
*About 10 the Next Morning*
“Sweetie, you have to get up now, you gotta get a shower and then go get your hair and nails done,” John told me.
I groaned and slowly got up.
“I’ll get room service, maybe it will be here when you get out,” he said.
“Ok,” I nodded.
I was excited about tonight, this is the biggest thing I’ve done yet.
They hadn’t even told me who I would be announcing with, most likely someone big.
I took a shower, brushed my teeth, ate breakfast, and we were gone for the salon. When we got there, the woman automatically put a face mask on me. She then worked on my makeup, and then my hair. The man pulled my hair half up and pulled the pony-tail half through, causing the ends to hang over the pony-tail, something that took a lot longer than it looked. I got my nails done in a simple French manicure and got a pedicure as well. By 3:30 I was leaving the salon.
“Now, I have to go to the hotel, get into my dress and finish getting ready, I have to be there by 6 o’clock,” I told John.
“Ok, come on sweetie,” he said leading me to the limo.
We arrived to the theater at 6:00 on the dot. The limo driver opened the limo door and I stepped graciously out of the limo and was suddenly blinded by flashing lights. John was at my side, smiling. I smiled for the cameras.
“Miranda!” Bryan McFadden called coming up to me.
I turned and looked at him.
“Hi,” I smiled sweetly, he was so fine.
“Are you excited about tonight?” he asked, looking right into my eyes.
“Yes, it’s all surreal, just looking around at everyone, all the limos, so many people,” I said looking around.
“I hear you’re announcing an award tonight, which one?” he asked.
“Artist of the Year,” I replied.
“Oh, the big one...”.
The interview continued for about 10 minutes and I then left to go inside. There were so many stars already there, sitting and patiently waiting. The show was supposed to start at 7:30, so hopefully everything was running on time.
It did start right on time, Will Smith was the host and everyone was laughing throughout the show, my stomach was hurting because I was laughing so much. It was about time for me to go backstage to announce the final award. I got up and followed a producer to the back and patiently waited. I was handed an envelope, I still had no clue who I would be announcing with.
“Miranda, this is Freddie, Freddie Miranda. You two will be introducing together,” a producer told us.
“Nice to meet you,” I smiled.
“You too,” he replied.
“Ok, go,” a producer shouted to us. We got the little elevator thing they had set up and it went down to set us on the stage. We walked out hand in hand to the podium and stood before the massive audience who were applauding.
“Every year, every artist hopes to take home the one award that reflects them as an artist,” Freddie began.
“Unfortunately it is only given to one artist,” I smiled.
“Now, the fans are the ones that choose this award,” Freddie said.
“And now, let’s look at the nominees,” I said and turned to the screen on the side of the stage. A group named, Backstreet Boys were played, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and 98 Degrees.
“And the winner is...”
“Backstreet Boys!” I exclaimed after opening the envelope.
Freddie and I watched as five figures walked down the aisle and to the stage. I did a double-take of one of them, recognizing him as Nick, the guy who had “rescued” me at the beach.
He smiled at me as he walked over and hugged me and then moved to shake Freddie’s hand. I got a hug and slight kiss on the cheek from the rest of the guys, not that Im complaining or anything, they were all hot.
They said a thank-you speech and we directed them off the stage.
“I didn’t know you were a model?” Nick said to me. I turned to him and smiled.
“And I didn’t know you were some big music artist,” I said smiling.
“I dont like to brag,” he shrugged, laughing.
“I can’t believe you remember me,” I told him.
“Why wouldn’t I?” he asked.
“It’s not like you dont see hundreds of girls everyday,” I told him.
“They’re not all beautiful,” he told me. I blushed and looked away.
“Hey, we’re throwing an after party, would you like to come?” he asked.
“Um, wouldn’t I be imposing?” I asked.
“No, not at all, come on. It’ll be fun,” he said.
“Um, sure, I havent anything to do,” I said.
“Great, you can ride over with me in my limo,” he said.
“You each have you’re own limo?” I asked.
“Yeah, it makes it a little easier to leave the hotels, one by one,” he said.
“Oh, I see,” I nodded.
“So, let’s go,” he said smiling.
“Well, I have to find my manager, you remember John, and tell him what Im doing,” I said looking around.
“Does he have a cell phone?” Nick asked.
“Yeah,” I looked up.
“Here,” he said handing me his.
“Thanks, I left mine at the hotel,” I smiled.
“I should have, but you never know when you’re going to find some beautiful young lady in need of a telephone,” he smiled.
I blushed again, and dialed John’s cell.
“Go on, I know what you’re going to ask,” he said.
“How’d you know it was me?” I asked.
“Well, I figured Nick Carter swept you off your feet and since your using his cell phone, Im figuring I was right,” he laughed.
“Ok, bye John!” I said and hung up.
“Well, are you ready to get criticized?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“We didn’t show up together, yet, we’re leaving together,” he smiled.
“Oh,” I nodded, “I could have my limo follow yours,” I said.
“No, don’t worry about it. Come on,” he said and took my hand. Oh yeah, just go ahead and make it worse.
We walked out of the theater, I no longer saw the rest of the Backstreet Boys who had already gotten in their limos.
“Nick! Can we get you for a quick interview?” Carson asked rushing up. He stopped and looked down at our hands.
“Sure,” Nick nodded.
I smiled, “So, how does it feel to have won Artist of the Year?” he asked.
“It’s nice, all those other artists were great competition, but Im happy with the outcome,” he replied.
“Are you two dating?” he asked, looking from me to Nick and then back at me.
“No, we’re just friends,” he said.
Carson nodded his head and looked at me.
“So, when should we expect something new from you Miranda?”
“Um, well right now, Im just working on commercials and ads and stuff like that, nothing too big,” I replied.
“Ok, well congratulations Nick and good luck Miranda,” he said.
“Thanks,” Nick and I said at the same time.
Nick led me to a limo and let me get in first. We sat in the limo and I leaned my head back.
“So, tell me something about yourself Nick,” I said smiling.
“What would you like to know?” he asked.
“Why did you invite me to this party?” I asked.
“Well, Im not going to let you run off a second time without getting your number,” he said smiling.
“Oh,” I said, not sure what to say.
“I like your dress,” he said smiling.
“Is my crack peeking through?” I asked turning to see.
“No, it just looks nice on you,” he laughed.
“Thank you,” I smiled.
“I didn’t think I would see you again,” Nick told me.
“Me either,” I agreed.
We talked nonsense for the rest of the ride to the huge hall where the after party was being held.
“Wow, this is nice,” I complimented walking in. Nick had taken my hand again, it was large and soft, and I wasn’t about to take it back.
“Whoa Nicky how’d you manage this lovely young lady?” a guy a little taller than myself asked coming up. He had dark hair that was kinda just sticking up everywhere and dark sunglasses covering his eyes. He was wearing a white wifebeater and baggy jeans and a leopard print cowboy hat.
“This is Miranda, she’s the one who announced us for Artist of the Year,” Nick informed him.
“I know, Im just wondering how you managed her,” he said smiling.
“Miranda, this is AJ,” Nick introduced.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I said sweetly, shaking his hand. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it softly.
“Hey, back off,” Nick scolded him.
AJ laughed, then noticed someone on the other side of the room and walked off without another word to go talk.
“He’s the weird one,” Nick said smiling.
“Aww, he seemed normal enough to me,” I laughed.
“Wait until you get to know him,” Nick said.
“Will I be?” I asked looking up at him. That was a flirty question, only wanting a flirty answer.
“Only if you like me,” he said smiling.
I blushed, I have never blushed so much in my life.
“Hey Nick,” a tall, dark, and handsome man came up to us. He fit the American dream description. He had a blonde clasped onto his arm, holding on for dear life. I had to smile at that.
“Hey Kev,” Nick nodded.
“Miranda, right?” Kevin asked.
“Yeah, nice to meet you,” I smiled.
“You too,” he smiled and him and his date walked off.
“Not as flirty as AJ,” Nick laughed.
“Yeah,” I nodded.
“Would you like to dance?” he asked.
“Sure,” I nodded. Nick led me out to the dance floor and we began to dance. The lights were low in this room and it was crowded with drunks.
Nick and I were being pushed together and I think if our bodies came any closer we’d be having sex.
“So, where did you get that cute little accent?” Nick asked.
“Georgia,” I smiled.
“I like it,” he nodded.
“Thanks,” I said.
Nick and I were with each other the rest of the night and it turned out he was staying in the same hotel as I was. He walked me to my room at about 3:30 in the morning. The only reason we left the party so early was because we both had flights at around noon.
“So, is it ok if I stop by in the morning, just to say good-bye?” he asked smiling down at me.
“I would like that,” I smiled back up at him.
“Then maybe I could get your number,” he laughed.
“Yeah, this time,” I joked.
“Well, Miranda, I had a nice night tonight,” he told me.
“I had a lot of fun,” I said.
“Then, would I be out of place if I kissed you?” he asked.
“Not at all,” I said boldly. Nick leaned down, closing his eyes as my eyes drifted closed and I felt his warm lips seal mine. They were sweet, like the wine we had been drinking all evening and they were warm. At the same time our mouths opened and our tongues were introduced. We stood in front of my hotel room door kissing for what seemed like forever.
“Oh yeah, I definitely want to see you again,” he laughed.
“I can’t complain,” I winked.
“Good night Miranda,” he said.
“Good night Nick,” I replied and watched him walk down the hall and to the elevator.
I opened the hotel room door and ran inside.
“John!” I exclaimed. He jumped up and looked at me.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I just had the most amazing night!” I said throwing myself on the bed.
“Honey, tell me about it on the plane. It’ll give you something to talk about,” he said.
“But, I wanna talk about it while Im still really excited,” I said.
“You will be and I dont want to hear about it until we’re on the plane,” he said.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because hon, I want to sleep,” he said.
“You’re no fun,” I whined.
“Go to sleep Miranda,” he ordered me.
“Im not tired,” I said.
“Close your eyes Miranda,” he said.
I closed my eyes and sure enough I fell right asleep.
Chapter Two
Chapter Four
Until I Found You Index
Nick Fanfiction Index
BSB Fanfiction Index
Backstreet Island