chapter six
chapter list
chapter eight
Chapter Seven
"Nikki...Nikki, sweetie wake up." When I woke up Nick was rubbing my cheek with his thumb and coaxing me to get up. We were wrapped up in the blanket.
"Honey, it's 6am. This beach opens in an hour, and as cute as you look naked, I don't think you want to show everybody." I smiled and kissed his cheek.
We got up, got dressed, and packed everything into the van. When we got back to the site, everything was quiet. No one appeared to be awake yet. Just as Nick was kissing me good bye, I jumped. I was a little surprised to see AJ pop his head out of the tent.
AJ smiled widely as he climbed out of the tent he shared with Howie. "So, how was your night, lovebirds?" Nick and I both blushed to a deep shade of crimson.
"Awww...our precious Nicky's finally-"
"AJ!" Nick shouted angrily.
"Wait a minute. Nick, you were a-"
"Yes, I was a virgin."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You didn't tell her, man? I'm sorry, Nick. I never would have-"
"It's ok, AJ. Can we please be alone for a few minutes?" AJ nodded and walked back into his tent.
"Nick, you lost your virginity to me?" I was completely shocked.
"Yeah. You're special. AJ was the only one who knew I was a-" I silenced him with a kiss and he happily returned it.
"I'll come tell you good bye before we leave."
"Wait! Wait Nikki! I have some good news for you!" Brian came bolting out of the tent that he shared with Nick.
"What? What is it Brian?"
"I want you to audition to be in the Backstreet Boys Band. Our percussionist, Obie, is leaving after this tour. We need someone who can play percussion and sax. I made some calls. Donna Wright will be here at 7 to here you." He was nearly out of breath as he finished rambling.
"Wait a minute! You got me an audition to be in your band. It's in one hour, and I have no percussion instruments or a sax to audition on."
"Donna's going to bring a tenor sax, congas, symbols, and mallets. She said I should call her when I find out what size and brand reed you use."
"I use Rico Royals, size 3."
"Ok, then it's all set. Will you do it?"
"Of course. I'd be a fool to pass this up."
~<3~<3~<3~
I couldn't believe what was going on. I was nervous beyond belief. My hands were shaky and my knees were weak. The boys weren't helping any. Brian had woken them all up, so they could be there for my audition. They were already talking about arrangements for me joining the tour.
"But what if I don't make it? What if I'm not as good as you're all expecting? What if I make a fool of myself?" I was exasperated. I was on the verge of tears. I didn't know how I would make it through this.
"Now you're all laughing at me?" All five of them were in hysterics. They were practically rolling on the ground.
"You just look so cute when you're upset," Kevin said while trying to be serious, but not doing a very good job at it.
"I need to get away. I need to relax. I'll be back by 7." With that I took off, nearly running, to the path around the lake.
~<3~<3~<3~
"Where is she? It's only a few minutes until 7. Donna will be here any minute."
"Nick, don't stress yourself out. She'll be here."
"Ok, Brian, but if she's not here in five minutes I'm going to look for her." Nick walked away and went back to the tent.
'God, he really loves her. I have no chance. What can I do?'
~<3~<3~<3~
"Kev, can I talk to you?"
"Yeah, Bri. Whatever you want. You don't look so good."
"Thanks. Kev, you can't tell anybody about this. I know it's not right, but I want Nikki. I know she loves Nick and I know Nick loves her, but I want her. I want her more than anything. I would break up with Leighanne for her. What should I do?" He had been avoiding Kevin's eyes while speaking to him. When he finished, he looked up at Kevin waiting for his answer.
"Wow. That's a lot to hit me with. You know they love each other. I think you should leave them alone. Let them be happy, and be happy for them."
"Kev, I saw her first. I met her first. I had feelings for her before Nick ever laid eyes on her." Kevin started laughing.
"You can't reserve her. You can't say that because you saw her first that she's yours. Bri, let it go. Just be their best friend."
You're right. I have to give it up and be there for them." Brian left the tent moping.
~<3~<3~<3~
"Oh, hello, Donna. Nikki should be-"
"I'm right here. Sorry I'm late." Nick came out of the tent when he heard the people talking outside.
"Ok, I'd like to get this started. Here's your reed. Let me get the sax and drums out for you." She went back to her car while I began to soak my reed.
"Here you go. Warm up for a few seconds, then we can get this over with." All of the guys came out of their tents and gathered around for the audition. I was kind of hoping they wouldn't notice and not come out to hear me.
"Ok, Nikki. Whenever you're ready." I began to play the saxophone. I felt pretty confident. The sax was one instrument I knew better than almost any other. I started out slow and moved to an upbeat jazz song to a swing to a fast song. When I was done I paused. I didn't realize I wasn't breathing.
"Nikki, breathe honey. I have to hear you play some drums. You can't die before you do." I let out my breath. The guys all let out their breath too.
I began to play the congas with symbol crashes in between. When I finished I looked up at Donna. I was scared to death of this woman. She held my fate in the palm of her hand.
"Ok. Let me talk to the boys privately." She said it with no emotion at all. I was sure that meant something bad.
chapter six
chapter list
chapter eight
