From that afternoon on things changed. It was slight at first, almost unnoticable, but slowly things were starting become different. Just two days later I got a call from Lily, which was strange seeing that it was the first time she had since I moved to Florida.
“Carra, are you working tomorrow?”
“Not at the office, why?” I questioned.
“Just wondering if you wanted to have lunch.”
“Well, I would, but Nick and I already have plans.”
I expected Lily to start pestering me and asking just who Nick was, but she merely commented that it was a shame and hopefully we could get together again soon. I hung up feeling confused but pretty much ignored it, chalking it up to Lily and impulsiveness.
On the day she inquired about Nick picked me up and headed to an exclusive restaurant in the more upscale part of Orlando, complete with a table in the private dining room. When I told him I didn’t need such extravagance he just shrugged.
“Best to go places I won’t get recognized. Makes things more...private,” he said, giving me his best smile before he turned back to his menu. I laughed and happened to glance up at the door, then did a double take. Jason was walking in, alone this time. I picked up my menu quickly to hide my face.
Nick’s finger ducked over the top and pulled it back down some. “What are you doing?”
“What? Nothing. Just looking at the menu.”
“Why are you whispering?”
I had lowered my voice, a lot. “I’m not.” I took a peek out and saw Jason being seated just a few tables over. “No, please,” I muttered, hiding again. Nick laughed.
“Carra, what is with-- Hey man,” he suddenly called. I peeked again and was horrified to see Brian walking in as well.
“Hey,” he returned, “mind if I join y’all?” Nick shook his head but I was too overwhelmed to respond. I wanted to crawl under the table, as the exchange had drawn Jason’s attention. When he spotted me he smiled and came over, funny enough standing right next to Brian.
“Carra, hey, I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said in greeting, laying a hand on my shoulder. Nick just looked at him blankly but there was recognition in Brian’s eyes.
“Hello Jason. Guys, this is Jason Cunningham. Jason, this is Nick Carter and Brian Littrell.”
“Nice to meet you,” Brian said almost immediately, holding out his hand. Nick’s eyes just widened as he recognized the name and looked from one man to the other, then at me. I returned the gestured as answer to his silent question. Jason took Brian‘s hand, eyes narrowed slightly in thought.
“Same here - seems I know your names from somewhere.”
“I feel the same way about you,” Brian said, and I noticed a distant twinkle in his eye. “I know this originally wasn’t my table, but I’m sure Nick and Carra wouldn’t mind if you joined us?”
‘What?!’ my mind screamed.
“Uh...no, have a seat,” Nick managed. All I could do was shake my head. What was he thinking?
“Well thank you, it beats eating alone,” he accepted, sitting down.
“Hope you won’t mind me pointing out the accent I hear there, Mr. Cunningham,” Brian observed with a smile. Jason shook his head.
“No, it’s a Kentucky ‘twang’, Mr...?”
“Littrell but please, call me Brian. You’re a fellow Kentuckian?” Jason nodded, seeming a little flustered. Brian laughed. “What are the odds? What part do you hail from?”
“Uh, near Lexington.”
I cast Nick a glance across the table and he shook his head. Brian was enjoying this, for some reason. This man should’ve been his arch enemy and here he was treating him like his new closest friend. I watched in awe as Brian chatted animatedly with Jason all throughout the meal. His overly friendly demeanor seemed to throw Jason off guard, which looked like it only delighted Brian more. Even Nick eventually got a big kick out of it. Finally, after we had finished eating Brian glanced at his watch.
“Well, everyone, it’s been a great lunch but I should be heading home. I’m expecting company soon, friend of mine.” He looked at me. “I think you two might know each other, Carra.” I looked at him and got a quick wink before Jason too looked his way. Nick caught it and started coughing. I nodded again as hit me just why Brian had been so kind to Jason.
“G-good seeing you, Bri,” I said, giving him the best smile I could. Brian nodded, giving Nick (who was still coughing), a hearty smack on the back as he did.
“As always. You all right, man?”
Nick swallowed some of his soda and nodded too. “Yeah, I’m fine. See ya, B.”
Brian held his hand out to Jason again and shook the man’s hand heartily. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Jason. Next time I need legal advice I’ll have to give you a call.”
“Well entertainment law isn’t really-” Jason began but Brian had already started away from the table, giving one last wave before he exited. Jason watched him, his eyes narrowed again. “There’s something about him that’s so...” But he stopped and shook his head. “I don’t know. I should probably be off too, get back to the office.” He held up his hand and got our server’s attention, but when he asked after his bill the server shook his head.
“The other gentleman that was seated here took care of it before he left.”
“The whole bill?” Jason clarified. The man nodded. “Oh, well.” Jason stood and straightened his suit. “Give your friend my thanks, then. Nice meeting you, Nick, and always a pleasure, Carra.” He gave a brief wave as he walked away and I turned to look at Nick after he disappeared.
“That was the strangest thing I have ever sat through,” I declared as I put my napkin on the table. Nick laughed.
“He’s an evil bastard when he wants to be,” he said, shaking his head. “You have to admit that was funny.”
I smiled and raised my eyebrows. “I’m standing by strange,” I told him. “Just like everything else has been.”
Chapter 7
