The first thing Brianna noticed when they walked into the banquet room was that it was crowded. No wonder Kevin reserved this. Not all of these people would fit into one of the rooms, or even the regular dining room for that matter, what with all the other guests in the hotel. The second thing she noticed was AJ and another girl, someone other that Amanda. She knew they had broken up, but it was just strange seeing him with someone else. About that time AJ noticed her and came bouncing up to her.

“Brianna, my girl. I’m so glad you came.” Then one after the other each of the Boys pulled her into a hug saying how happy they were she was here and that it was going to be a fun visit. While they sat and ate she took her time studying each of them. AJ had finally put on a little weight, but he was still a bony thing. She had seen pictures of Howie with his short hair, but this was the first time she had seen it in person. Same with Kevin and his hair in cornrows. Brian and Leighanne looked as in love as they ever did. There was a new face among the crowd. A big guy, and Brianna figured he must be Nick’s new bodyguard. She’d have to ask Nick later what his name was again. Mike was there, but Tony was noticeably not. The new girl with AJ was introduced as Sarah. Everyone seemed a bit wound up.

Finally she leaned over to Nick only to notice him looking over his shoulder towards the door. “Expecting someone?”

“Hmm? Oh, yeah, well maybe.”

“Anyone I know?”

He gave her a big grin and simply replied, “Well, you’ll just have to wait and seen now won’t you.”

She shoved him on the shoulder. “Oh, you!”

“Hey, cafeful there. I’m delicate merchandise.”

She cracked up laughing at that and he pretended to pout. When she looked up Howie was smiling at them and he winked at her. She smiled back. “So are you going to tell me exactly what is up tonight?”

“I can’t believe you don’t know. What type of fan are you anyway?” He was teasing again. He was making her force it out of him.

“A busy fan who isn’t obsessed over every tiny thing you do that I have to consult the internet freaks everyday regarding your tiniest step and shallowest breath.”

“Oh, well in that case…” He was going to say more but was cut off by someone shreaking his name. At first Brianna thought it was a fan who managed to sneak in. But looking towards the sound of the scream she noticed a blond head rushing towards Nick who immediated stood up and opened his arms. It was Aaron, of course.

“AC, man you made it.” There was a round of Aaron’s from the crowd before Aaron sat down in the chair on the other side of Nick. “So, where’s everyone else?”

“I don’t know. I lost them once we got inside.”

“Bro you can’t be doing that. You know how packed this place is? What if you were recognized? What if you were attacked?”

“Nick man, chill.”

“Yeah, all this coming from the Backstreet Escape artist himself.” Kevin added.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s not like you never ditched security, now is it?” Brian continued.

Nick gave everyone that sheepish grin, like, ‘yeah, I’m busted.’ “Okay, okay. Just be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to ya.”

Kevin said, “Well, you know what they say, Nick? What goes around, comes around. Now maybe you can understand why WE all worried so much when you just disappered.”

Nick rolled his eyes and continued on with his brother. “I’m glad you made it. Last I heard things were still up in the air. You gonna hang with me tonight?” Brianna was kind of hurt that he hadn’t said ‘hang with us’ but figured it was just an oversight on Nick’s part. Even if it wasn’t she couldn’t ever be jealous of him spending time with Aaron. Usually Aaron got to see Nick even less than Brianna herself did.

“You know it. So, what we got planned? Anything good? Any trouble?” Just then Aaron noticed Brianna. “Nick man, you didn’t tell me she was here. Hey girl!” He jumped up and gave Brianna a big bear hug.

“Well, hyperactivity, you didn’t give me a chance. Bree just got here this morning, before us actually.”

“Cool. This should be really fun.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Aaron and Brianna looked at each other and then at Nick who had turned his attention back to his lunch.

“Okay. Brianna, it’s good to see you. It’s been such a long time.”

“You too Aaron. Glad you could make it for tonight. What ever tonight is.”

Aaron, AJ, Sarah, Kevin and Leighanne all heard her statement and exclaimed “What!” at the same time. They each exchanged looks then looked at Nick who just shrugged his shoulders.

“He didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Tonight’s show is being broadcast worldwide over the internet.” Aaron supplied.

“The entire show?”

“Yes.” They all said at the same time. Then Brian threw a roll at Nick hitting him on top of the head. “You didn’t tell her? I can’t believe you didn’t tell her.”

“It was supposed to be a surprise.” He was combing crumbs out of his hair. Then he looked at Brianna, “Surprise.”

Brianna was stunned. This was something big, major. Actually, she had never ever heard of another group doing something like this. “Wow! That’s so cool! Yes, I am surprised. I’m glad I brought my cameras. Well, that is, can I take pictures tonight? It’d be great to have this on film, you know momentos of such a big event.” She didn’t always take pictures when she saw them, but this was something to remember.

Denise was the one to speak up. “Of course you can. Take as many as you’d like. Actually, I’d like to see how they turn out. Nick is always telling us how good of a photographer you are.”

“Well, I’m sure if I know Nick he exaggerates it quite a bit. I’m still learning.”

The next hour or so was filled with small talk, joking, teasing, and basic Backstreet chatter. The guys wanted to tell Brianna about the changes but Nick kept interrupting them. He didn’t want them to give the secrets away. He wanted it all to be a big surprise for her that night when she actually saw the show. When they were leaving the banquet hall AJ pulled her back and whispered, “If you wanna get some good pictures have your camera ready during Larger than Life and Backstreet’s Back.” He wouldn’t say more, just laughed and walked away.

<~ Chapter 62 or Chapter 64 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003