Brian Littrell sat in the corner of the empty dressing room strumming his guitar. No matter how hectic the Backstreet Boys schedule, he always seemed to find – and treasure – these quiet moments when he could be along with his thoughts and emotions. Usually he used the solitude to give his feelings words and music.
This new song was particularly special to him though. This song was dedicated to the love of his life, the woman he had proposed to only a few months ago, Leighanne Wallace.
It was only fitting that Brian would be inspired to start writing their wedding song in Atlanta, her hometown and the place they had decided to begin their life together. The Boys were to perform in front of 70,000 at the GeorgiaDome that night, and of those fans, some were her family.
He sighed contentedly. Brian couldn't be more satisfied with his life than he was at this point. Music was one of his passions and the Backstreet Boys had given him the opportunity to make a decent living doing what he loved. The group was one of the more successful artists of the last decade thanks to their infectious brand of pop, including catchy up-tempo tunes and heartfelt ballads. Their Millennium album had sold a record-breaking 1.13 million copies in its first week of release. The tour to support the record sold out in less than an hour.
The best part about the gig was being able to share the experience with four men he considered his family, his brothers. Well, Kevin actually was family – technically only a cousin but more like a brother when measured in emotion and heart. Brian thought about Kevin Richardson and his other bandmates, Howie Dorough, A.J. McLean and Nick Carter. At first meeting, the five strangers discovered that music was their lifeblood and also their connection, now that had combined with their love for one another. That blood pumped from one heart.
Brian was interrupted by Nick's Kramer-like entrance into the dressing room followed by the camera crew that was there to record the band's every move for use on the BSB website as Millennium TV. He was already wearing his new Batman-inspired, rubberized top and his newly short-cropped blonde hair was combed straight down rather than spiked. "Hey, Frick," the blonde greeted.
"Frack." Brian nodded in acknowledgement. "How much did ya'll pay them to follow you around? Or is it punishment for some sinful act in a past life?"
"Oh, HA!" he retorted. "I actually brought them here to watch a genius at work. Gentlemen, observe." Nick gestured to his friend. The camera focused on Brian as he packed away his guitar and sheet music. "Great, ruin a perfect segue...Actually, the real reason I'm here is because it's your turn to get into wardrobe and put your face on. It needs quite a bit of work today."
"Oh, and I'm sure you're first because you exude natural beauty. Sometimes I think you need to be at Notre Dame and I don't mean on a sports team, Quasimodo." The older man glanced at his watch. "I didn't realize it was so late."
"Oh, and Rok, Leighanne is here with some of your in-laws."
Brian only rolled his eyes at the teasing fully knowing that 20-year-old bachelor was still ribbing him about his upcoming marriage. "Thanks again..." he paused for dramatic effect before attaching his friend's much-hated nickname, "Little man."
"Excuse me. Hell, I'll show you who's little..." Brian heard Nick protest as he escaped out the door. "...You. Me. Basketball court. We're talking massacre..."
* ~ * ~ *
There was no feeling in the world that could compare to being onstage performing. Brian loved the way the floor vibrated to the rhythm of the bass and the drums underfoot as he executed the choreography. He loved the clear sound of the melody that came from his in-ear monitor. He had even begun to cherish the smell of the artificial smoke and the pyrotechnics they used as part of the production. But of the atmosphere that attacked his senses every night for months at a time, he loved one more than any other – the roar of adulation from the fans. The unrelenting chorus of cheers and screams was a music all its own.
Later that night, Brian was relaxing in the entertainment room in the back of the bus when he heard Leighanne calling him. "Back here, Leigh."
The blonde woman smiled as she approached. He was laying back on the couch, his eyes closed while Enemy of the State provided soft background noise. "You feeling okay, Bri?" She knelt down beside the couch and smoothed his curls away from his temple only to discover that his forehead was warm.
Brian grinned. "Yeah, just a bit tired already. It's only the first week of the tour." He thought for a moment and when his blue eyes met hers she could see the sympathy there. "I'm sorry about how the fans reacted to you tonight," he said referring to the lack of enthusiasm the crowd displayed when he acknowledged her family in the audience.
"Don't worry about it. They'll warm up to me soon."
He took her hand. "Nothing will stop me from becoming Mr. Leighanne Wallace."
"I think you got that backwards. Really, B, maybe you do have a fever because I think you are delirious." Her hand gently caressed his forehead again. "Are you sure you're feeling okay? You're a little warm. Maybe you should go lie down and take a nap. There are a few hours before we get to Raleigh."
He sighed knowing that he would give in. "Maybe I will...if you join me?"
