“Kate, can I see you for a minute?” Frank called to me while I was doing some laundry at a Laundromat.

“Uh, sure Frank, I have some time to kill until my whites are done,” I said, putting down my summer reading book Sheila had made us all read. Some stupid book about a dwarf in Germany in World War 2.

“Well, I need you to play hostess for a few days. One of our roadies’ daughters is coming on tour for a few days, and then she is going ahead to Germany. We’re going to see her again when we get there. But now, we need someone to spend time with her. She’s a bit quiet and she doesn’t speak much English. Do you think you could watch her?” Frank asked me as if he was asking me to watch an A-bomb.

“Yeah sure. I’d love to. What language does she speak?” I asked him.

“Um, German. That’s why she is going ahead of us. School starts for her soon. You too, I suppose,” Frank said with a smile. Oooo, die scum.

“Do I get extra credit for taking her?” I asked with a sickly sweet smile.

“No. Now her name is Tayla and she will be here tonight. She’s gonna stay with you and Natalia because your room is larger,” He said, taking the clothing out of the basket and folding them.

“Well, actually no it isn’t. Scott’s is,” I said, trying to pry her off me.

“Absolutely not. I’m not leaving her in Scott’s care. I’m depending on you to watch out for her,” He said, giving me a stern look. Oh, I will. If she so much as giggles at something he says she’ll be on that plane back to Germany faster than she thinks.

“Ok, ok. It was just a joke,” I said, turning around to get my laundry. A new girl for a few days might liven things up. It gets so boring with the same people everyday.

SCOTT

“Hey, when is that girl Tayla supposed to be coming?” Nati asked as we were getting ready to go to the local pub for some entertainment.

“I don’t know, he just said sometime tonight,” Kate said, lacing up her shoes. Is she gonna be done yet? Girls take so incredibly long. Wait, so does Dave...

“Is he bringing her to the pub?” Sara asked, also waiting for Nati and Kate to hurry up.

“Yeah,” Kate came over to me and gave me a peck on the cheek. “How do I look Scott?” She asked, turning around for a full view.

“Absolutely charming. Are we ready yet?” I said, getting impatient. I guess it showed cause Nati gave me a look and nodded.

“Yes, eager boy. We can go. What are you so anxious about? Is it happy hour night?” She asked me, closing the door behind her. Ha ha, fuck you.

“Nati, please,” Kate said. Oh, well thank you.

“Where’s Dave and the rest of them?” Nati asked, ignoring Kate’s remark.

“They are downstairs trying to get a taxi,” I told her. Hopefully they did.

“Oh, ok,” She said, taking the stairs two at a time. We got outside and into the waiting taxicabs. We got to the pub and went right in.

“Kaithlyn! Darling, I’ve been in agony. Where have you been all my life?” said a cheesy Englishman to Kate. Who is he and what does he want with her?

“Charles! Oh, I’m sorry I’m late,” Kate said, hugging the strange man. “I’ve brought some friends. You know Nati Sara and Liv. This is Scott, Clint, Dave and Bob. You guys, this is my very good friend Charles.”

“Hi Charles,” The girls said. So, they knew him and we didn’t. What’s wrong with this picture?

“Um, we’re gonna go get some drinks,” Clint and Bob said with a smirk. Thanks a lot, leave me alone with them.

“I’m gonna come with you,” Olivia said. She followed the two to the bar.

“This is my chum Peter. We’re neighbors,” Said Charles. Peter gave a sidelong glance at Dave.

“Hel-lo. Oh, you are too good to be true. Tell me do you like to dance?” Peter asked. Dave shrugged.

“Sure, I guess so,” Dave said, shifting his weight from foot to foot. Peter grinned, grabbed Dave’s hand and dragged him to the dance floor. Natalia and Sara burst out laughing. I can’t believe it. A gay guy just picked up Dave.

“Natalia!” Dave shouted, looking horrified. Natalia waved to him and turned back around to Sara. Ah, I guess she figures he should make friends.

“So, Scott, that’s your name right? Kaithlyn tells me you are a singer. What kind of music do you sing?” Charles asked, sipping a mug of beer. Tempting...but no.

“Oh, my brothers and I have a band. We play our own music and write it too. We’re on tour here with in Europe,” I told him, trying to figure out what was going on.

“We have a joint tour. You can see us play too,” Sara told him.

“Oh well, that’s simply wonderful. I will have to come to a performance to see my Kaithlyn play. Tell me, are you any good?” He asked me. I felt threatened.

“He’s awesome,” Kate said, saying it proudly. Ok...

“Oh, you must drive the ladies wild,” Charles said. Natalia snorted. Hey, what’s her problem?

“Yes, he drives us all crazy,” Nati said. I’m gonna kill her.

“Natalia can I see you for a second?” Dave said, able to get away from the Screaming Queen for a second. He was obviously mad.

“Yes David dahling. What’s up babay?” Natalia said in an English accent. Dave grabbed her hand and dragged her away from us. At least she’s gone now.

“Oh, look, there’s Frank!” Sara said, waving towards the entrance.

“Frank! Over here!” Kate said, standing up from her seat. Dad came over to us and following him was Tayla.

“Hello everyone. This is Tayla; she’ll be spending some time with us. Kate, you are going to help her out right?” Dad asked Kate. Hey, can I help too?

“Oh, yeah, of course. Come over here Tayla. I’m Kate; this is Sara, Scott and my friend Charles. Bye Frank!” Kate said as Dad left us at the table.

“Hello.” Tayla said perfectly in English. Isn’t she supposed to be German?

“Would you like anything to drink?” I asked her. She nodded. I sat there waiting for her to tell me what she wanted.

“Um...what do you want to drink?” Kate said after a minute’s silence.

“Oh, I’d like a Coca-Cola. Thank you,” She said. I could tell she was intimidated by me. I couldn’t blame her; I’m a god to most women.

I handed her the drink, grinning widely. A small smile peeked across her lips. She looked very cute, a little dimple in one cheek. If Kate can play that game with Charles, so can I.

“Scott,” Kate said, snapping me out of my trance.

“What?” I asked her. Her eyes ran from me to Tayla and then narrowed back at me.

“Nothing.” She murmured.

“So Tayla, are you ready to come on tour with us?” Kate asked her politely.

“Oh yes. I cannot wait. I look forward to viewing you play your music. Tell me, are you any good?” Tayla asked with genuine interest. Kate, don’t be stupid now.

“Oh yeah. We’re good, I think. You’ll have fun, don’t worry,” Kate said, sipping her coke. Thank god, that’s all she said.

“Scott honey, can I talk to you for a minute?” She asked me. Oh shit.

“Um, sure,” I said. “Excuse me for a moment,” I said to Tayla, smiling sweetly before being pulled away ruthlessly by Kate.

“What the hell was that?” I asked her. I rubbed my wrist where she pulled me.

“Don’t ask me what that was. I’m gonna let it slide for tonight cause it’s dark in here and I might have seen something I didn’t want to,” Kate said, folding her arms. I felt kind of bad.

“Ok, give me a kiss,” I said, squeezing her hand and pulling her closer to me. She smiled thinly and brought her lips to mine, letting them linger for a minute before pulling away and walking back to the table.

Clint and Olivia had come back, but Sara was gone with Bob.

“Hey you guys, do you know we missed Liv’s birthday?” Clint said, eyes wide with shock.

“What?! Oh my god we forgot!” Kate shouted. She was supposed to know, she was friends with Liv before we were.

“When was your birthday?” Tayla asked.

“September 5th,” Olivia said. September 5th…what happened on that day? Oh my...that’s the day of...

“What happened on September 5th? Why didn’t you remind us?” Kate asked.

“That was the day that Scott, um, got bottle happy.” Liv said, giggling. Thanks a lot.

“Oh. Well. We can still celebrate your birthday right?” Clint asked her, nodding.

“No, that’s ok. You really don’t need to,” Olivia said, shaking her head.

“Oh, Olivia sweetie, we have to throw you a birthday bash!” Charles said in his stupid accent.

“Oh yes we are. It’s gonna be great, I promise,” Clint said, giving her a kiss on the forehead and hugging her tightly. God, I hope we don’t look like them.

“Ok, great,” Liv said, grinning.

“Hey where are Sara and Bob?” I asked. And Natalia and Dave?

“Um, I don’t know. They just went off. What time is it?” Kate said, pulling my watch in front of her face. “Oh shit, quarter to twelve. We should be getting home.”

“Oh, well, we’ll go outside and get some taxis. You go and get the rest of the guys,” Clint and Liv said.

“Oh, Kaithlyn, when will I see you again?” Charles asked her, grabbing her hand. Kate glanced at me and then back to Charles.

“Soon. I’ll call you; we can go out to lunch. I have to go. I’ll talk to you later. Bye Charles,” She said, kissing his cheek. What the hell is going on here?

I forgot Tayla was still with us. “Oh, Tayla, want to come with us?” I asked her. Kate gave me a look.

“I’d love to,” She said. She picked up her jacket and we went to look for the couples.

“Oh, look, over there. Is that not Sara?” Tayla said, pointing to where Sara, Natalia, Bob and Dave were sitting in the back. Why didn’t they stay with us?

“Yes that would be them. Stay here, I’ll go get them,” Kate said, running up to the group. She said something to them and they started to pack their things. Natalia and Dave came up to me first.

“Hey, what happened to the Scream Queen, Dave? Lose him on the dance floor when they were playing ‘YMCA’?” I asked with a smirk. Dave glared at me and then at Natalia.

“You guys are horrible. Why didn’t you help me?” Dave asked.

“Eh, you needed to make new friends,” Natalia said, kissing his cheek.

“A ha, a ha, very funny,” He said, nodding his head.

“Ok, everyone, lets go now. Clint and Liv are outside with the taxis. Oh, Tayla, this is Bob, and this is Dave. You haven’t met them. You guys, this is Donald’s daughter,” Kate introduced Tayla to the guys. They shot her a sidelong glance and smiled meekly.

“Hello Tayla. Nice to me-et you,” Bob said, voice cracking. Smooth one. Sara kicked his shin.

“Nice to meet you Bob, Dave. You are Scott’s brothers correct?” She asked them. Dave nodded, afraid of sounding like Bob.

“You guys, the taxis?” Kate said. She gave me the look of death and grabbed my hand until I had no feeling in it anymore.

SARA

I had finally dozed off after tossing and turning for almost an hour in the stuffy hotel room. Olivia had been so fed up with me she went into Kate and Natalia’s room with Tayla. I was all alone in my room and still not sleeping well. Ahh, dreams of Joseph Gordon-Levitt and singing with Aerosmith...

“RING!” the telephone woke me up. Damn, just when Joseph took me into his arms...

“RING!” The damned phone went off again. I picked up the phone without turning on the light.

“Hello?” I asked. There was silence on the other end.

“Hello? Anyone there?” I asked a little louder.

“Oh, sorry. Sara, did I wake you?” Asked Bob through the phone. I turned on the night table light.

“No, I couldn’t sleep either. What’s up?” I asked him, smoothing back my hair and kicking back the sheets.

“Not much here. Everyone’s asleep, but I can’t. Can I come over?” He asked.

“Sure, Liv got fed up with me and went into Natalia and Kate’s room. If you fall asleep in here you can have her bed,” I said, straining the phone cord as I was trying to throw our dirty laundry under the beds.

“Oh, ok. I’ll be right over,” He said into the phone. I hung it up and ran quickly to the bathroom. I still looked ok.

I soft knock came at the door.

“Who is it?” I asked out of habit before I could slap myself in the head. A laugh came from behind the door.

“Hehe, I think you know who it is,” Bob said, as I opened the door and let him in. He pushed me up against the wall and kissed me roughly, letting his hands run over me.

“Hey, hey. At least let me catch my breath every few seconds,” I said, wiping my mouth. Bob laughed and sat down on my bed.

“Hey, how come you don’t have a TV in here?” He said, frowning at the watercolor painting where the TV should be.

“Some people can live without one. I don’t have cable at my house,” I said.

“You poor, poor child. I pity you,” He said, slipping his arms around my waist and pulling me down to the bed with him. I do not intend to go that route tonight.

“Hey, Bob. I don’t really feel like, you know, just not tonight,” I said, sitting up and pulling my shirt back on.

“Why not?” He asked me, a small pout forming on his lips.

“Well, I just don’t feel like it ok?” I said, getting up from the bed and taking a sip of lukewarm root beer from earlier that night. Ewww gross.

“Oh. Ok. What do you want to do then?” He asked me.

“Well, I was trying to fall asleep when you called,” I said nicely.

“I thought you told me you weren’t sleeping!” He said, getting loud.

“Shhh, and well, I wasn’t. Just trying to,” I said, getting into the bed and patting the space beside me. He came over to the bed and laid himself flat on me.

“I’m a human blanket, I’m a human blanket,” He said, trying to cover me completely. I had to laugh.

“Ok, human blanket boy. Get into the bed if you want to stay in here, cause I’m going to bed,” I pulled the blankets over me and Bob put his arms around me.

“I love you Sara,” He whispered as he turned off the light.

“I love you too.”

NATALIA

“House keeping, house keeping. Would you like a chocolate?” Scott banged on the door. Kate rolled her eyes and motioned me to let him in.

“Thank you very much Natalia dahling,” Scott imitated Charles, Kate’s friend. I burst out laughing, but Kate didn’t look amused.

“Shut up Scott. I wouldn’t be talking. You have a lisp when you sing,” She said, brushing her hair for the millionth time.

“Touchy, touchy. So what are we doing today? Clint wants to plan for Liv’s party,” Scott said as he flopped down on the couch, threw some shirts on the floor and turned on the TV. Oh, make yourself at home Scott. Don’t mind us at all.

“Shhh!” Kate said, pointing at the bathroom, where Liv was.

“Like she doesn’t already know she’s getting a party,” Scott said sarcastically.

“Well, just try to keep it a surprise,” Kate said, and resumed brushing her hair. A knock came at the door. I went to open it.

“Ahh, hello Tayla. Did you get your stuff from Frank?” I asked her as she entered the room as if she was walking on broken glass. That girl was strange, more than I was. But she was German, whatever.

“Oh, yes, I did. Hello Scott,” She said, smiling warmly at him. Maybe it’s a German custom or something, I don’t know.

“Hello Tayla. Did you sleep well?” He asked her, getting up from the couch so she could sit down. Kate glared at him, but he didn’t even notice her. Scott’s gonna get his ass kicked if he keeps it up.

“Kate, what are you doing for lunch today? Want to go see a movie?” I asked her, putting some clean clothing away.

“I can’t I’m busy,” She said.

“What are you doing?” Scott asked her, suddenly interested.

“I’m going to lunch with Charles,” She said, matter-of-factly. Scott narrowed his eyes and his neck tensed up. What? So he can flirt nonstop with Tayla, but she can’t go to lunch with a friend?

“Oh,” He said, calming down a bit. I looked at the clock.

“Damn it! I’m supposed to meet Dave somewhere,” I said, running for my shoes and pulling them on.

“When are you supposed to meet him?” Tayla asked me.

“About ten minutes ago. I gotta jet. See ya later,” I said, slamming the door behind me and leaving the three to themselves.

SARA

“When is Olivia supposed to come?” Dave asked as Kate and Natalia hung up streamers in Scott’s room, since it was the biggest.

“A little higher,” I said, telling them where to put the brightly colored decorations.

“Um, Clint has her occupied until about three. It’s two thirty now, so we’ve got to hurry,” Kate said, taping the blue streamer in place. Someone burst through the door.

“Hi, sorry we are late. We had to pick out the cake,” Tayla and Scott said as they placed the cake on the dresser.

“That looks good you guys. Why don’t you put it in the bathroom until we’re ready? We’ve got sodas chilling in there too,” I said. I motioned to Bob.

“Come on! Get off your butt and help us!” I said, getting frustrated.

“Sorry, I was busy staring at your butt,” He said, smiling sexily. I rolled my eyes and handed him some balloons.

“Help me blow these up,” I said. I can’t take any shit right now; I’m going insane with sleep deprivation.

“I know what you can blow up for me,” Bob said, opening his mouth and making sucking noises.

“Bob! You dick, can you calm your hormones for one second? You sound like Scott!” I said, grabbing the balloons away from him and getting myself a drink.

“Come on, we’ve got some time to kill. Liv won’t be here for a while,” He whispered into my ear as his hands wandered around my body. I slapped his hands.

“Stop it! No, Bob. I’m not servicing you right at this point in time. Call a hooker, I’ve got no time for you right now,” I said, walking over to Kate and Natalia to help them with decorations.

“What the hell is Bob going through? One second he is the sweetest guy I know, the second he’s being a total perv,” Kate said.

“I don’t know. I hope Scott isn’t influencing him or anything. I’ve got enough hassles to deal with,” I said, putting up a birthday sign.

“Hey! She’s here you guys,” Dave said, and waved to Clint outside. Nati pulled his hand away from the window.

“Damn you Dave! She’s not supposed to know!” Kate said.

“I’m in my own room! How’s she gonna know?” He shouted. Oh, I give up.

“Should we hide or something?” Tayla asked.

“If you want to,” Kate said. I could tell she was losing patience too.

We hid behind couches, doors, chairs, and behind the door. Oh, no. Olivia doesn’t suspect a thing.

A noise came from the door.

“Clint, I just have to go to my room. It’ll take a few seconds. I’ll be right back,” Olivia whined.

“No! Scott told me that…um…he and Kate are gonna be in there, so you shouldn’t go in,” He said, trying to save the situation.

“What? They shouldn’t even be in there! I’m going to get them,” Olivia said, storming down the hallway.

“WAIT! Sara and Bob are in there too. They’re doing, like, an orgy thing or something. Not pretty. You should come in here instead,” Clint said. Ok, I’m gonna kill him. I’m seriously gonna kill him.

“Ewww. Sara would never do that. And I can’t even picture anything with Bob. She’d break him in half,” Olivia said, obviously not suspecting that we were in the room. I glanced over to Bob, whose face was a distinctively bright crimson color. I kissed his cheek to make him feel better. I wondered what Kate and Scott was thinking.

“Ok, come on in,” Clint said, opening the door to let her go by. Olivia came in and we sprang out of our hiding places.

“Surprise!” We shouted at her. Her face turned as red as Bob’s and she looked scared at Bob.

“Hi everyone,” She said, giggling happily.

“Happy Birthday Olivia!” Nati shouted. She gave Liv a big hug.

“Nice saves in the hallway Clint,” I said. He is so dead.

“Uh, sorry. I had to keep her from leaving,” He said sheepishly. Yeah right.

“And you had to use us in the example,” Scott said. Clint nodded and grinned. Scott shook his head.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

“Who is it?” Scott called. Who could be interrupting us? Not everyone knew about the party.

“It’s me, Charles. I’ve come for Olivia’s birthday party. May I come in?” Said the voice through the door. Scott cringed.

“Dave go get the door,” He ordered. Dave got up and let Charles in.

“Olivia! Happy Belated Birthday!” Charles said as he gave her a big hug.

“Thank you,” She said with a grin.

“So sorry I’m late. Please, let the fun begin now,” He said as he gave Kate his ritualistic kiss on both cheeks. Scott’s fist got more and more clenched.

“Scott, come help me with the cake,” Tayla said as she walked towards the bathroom. Scott glared at Charles, followed her in, and shut the door.

“Olivia, you are gonna love your presents,” Natalia said as Dave sat down next to her.

“I am? When can I open them?” Olivia whined.

“After your cake. It’s gonna melt so we gotta do that first,” Kate said, staring at the bathroom door that had been closed for two minutes now.

“What could they be doing in there?” I whispered to Bob. He shook his head. God, please don’t let him be doing what I think he is.

Kate walked up to the bathroom door slowly. ”Kate,” I said, trying to keep her from doing anything stupid. But she walked right up to the door and turned the handle.

“You guys, it does not take five minutes to get a damn cake,” She said, flinging open the door. She gasped.

“Oh my god!” She clamped a hand over her mouth and stared at the people in the bathroom.

“Kate,” Natalia rushed up to her and looked behind the door.

“Kate, I can explain,” Scott’s pleading voice came from behind the bathroom door.

“Oh no,” Clint said. He looked at Olivia, who was getting ready to bolt out of her seat.

“Yeah, explain it to me Scott,” Kate’s annoyed voice answered back.

“Well, we were trying to pick up the cake to bring it in, and I kind of pushed her into it and then we were trying to fix it. I’m sorry Kate,” He said, begging for forgiveness.

“Damn you Scott! I don’t believe you for a second!” She said, knuckles becoming white.

“I swear that’s all that happened!” He said, coming out of the bathroom and leaving Tayla behind.

“Right Scott. I believe that load of bullshit. I’ve seen how you’ve been eyeing her. I’ve seen how you talk to her and act around her. I can see what’s happening Scott!” She said, suddenly screaming. I glanced at Bob and gripped his hand tighter.

“What are you talking about? You’re the one drooling all over Charles! Charles this, Charles that. You’ve known him how long? And you’re completely forgetting we’re together!” Scott said, stepping up to Kate and getting in her face.

“What the hell are you talking about? You’ve gone mental!” Kate shrieked. Olivia blocked her ears. Dave looked scared.

“Just tell me you aren’t fucking him, Kate. Just tell me that,” Scott said, folding his arms across his chest. Kate’s mouth dropped open. She glanced around at us.

“Fucking him? That’s what you think? Scott I won’t even fuck you! He’s gay Scott! How dense can you be?” Kate screamed at the top of her lungs. Scott’s mouth dropped open like he was going to say something. He glanced and Charles and quickly shut his mouth.

“He is?” Scott asked in a normal voice.

“Yes!” Kate told him. Scott turned red and ran his fingers through his hair. Bet he felt stupid now. Oh, well he should be used to it by now.

“I guess I owe you an apology,” He said. “Sorry Charles. Sorry Kate,” He waved his hands at them and fell down on the couch.

“You know I’d never cheat on you Kate,” He said, looking up at her.

“I think I know that. But don’t let me have reason to doubt you Scott. Because if I can, chances are I will,” Kate said. She sat down next to Natalia and looked at Olivia.

“Sorry about that. Want to open your presents now?”