18 days and counting. Serena couldn't believe she had made it this far, but she had none the less. It wasn't so hard to get up in the morning anymore and she slept better at night. That, she knew, was because of AJ.
Serena continued to flip through the magazine as she sat at one of the tables in the cafetria. She wasn't really reading it anymore because her thoughts kept wondering. AJ's happy face stayed in her mind from earlier. His mother was here for a few days and Serena could tell he missed her a lot. She didn't think Denise would reember her, she only met her a few times when she was on tour with the guys. She did though. Denise ran right up to her and gave her a big hug. Serena smiled at the thought but then quicky frowned. It made her long for a mother.
When she came to the end of the magazine she closed it and stood. Serena walked to the lobby and stopped at the front desk. "Any mail for me Peggy?" She asked. Peggy smiled and handed her an envelope. "You've asked me that everyday since you got here and finally I can tell you that you do." Serena's eyes widened as she opened the envelope. She didn't actually expect to get anything.
When she read the letter she smiled then frowned, not sure if she was happy about the answer inside. She threw the magazine on one of the tables in the lobby and turned to go back to her room but froze whe she heard a familar voice. "I guess Serena DiMarco is to cool to say hi to people like me anymore."
She turned and saw Nick Carter sitting on one of the couches holding a magazine and looking up at her. Serena's eyes became wide. "Nick!" She squealed and jumped on the couch next to him. She wrapped her arms around him and knocked him over so she was practically laying ontop of him.
"What are you doing here? Oh my God!" She looked down at him and saw the look of shock on his face.
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I knew you'd be excited to see me but damn, I didn't expect you to jump on top of me." He laughed.
Serena just rolled her eyes and sat up. "Seriously though, what brings you here?" Nick looked at her like she was nuts. "What do you mean? I'm here to see you and AJ. I came with Denise. She told me that AJ said you were here." He was silent for a second as his face turned serious. "It really stinks that you're here. Well not 'stinks' cause it is good yo're here to get help but...you know what I mean. What happened though?"
Serena sighed. "Long story. I'll tell ya another time. Wanna go for a walk? I can show you around." Without waiting for his answer she stood and grabbed his hand while pulling him up. "We can walk down to the lake. Its so pretty there." Nick nodded and followed her as she led the way.
"What's in the envelope?" He asked as he followed her out the door. Serena looked down at her hand. "Just a letter from my sister. She's coming to see me soon."
As they walked down the path Nick couldn't help but smile. She still stirred something up that was deep inside him. She was one of the sexiest women he'd ever layed eyes on and what made her even more sexier was the fact that she didn't try to be sexy. He also thought she was the funniest person in the world. He could goof of with her for hours and then switch the mood over to something serious and then go right back to having 'mega laughing fits' is what she would call them.
He'd never admit how he feels about her to anyone but himself. AJ got to her first and it was sort of an unspoken rule that she was his, no matter if they were dating or not. Besides, it was just a crush. She was one of his best friends and he'd never risk what they have.
"So, Nicky, it's been a while since I've seen ya. You look good." Serena said as she reached up and messed up his hair, something she knew he hated. Nick just smirked. "Thanks. You do too."
"How are my boys? Seems like its been forever since I've even talked to those three." She asked. Nick just shrugged not really having an answer.
"Nothing new? I'd ask AJ all this but he doesnt seem to want to think about everything out there. I mean its no offense to you guys I'm sure, but he just needs to get away from that." Nick nodded. "Oh yeah I know that."
"Kevin and Kristin still as happy as ever?" Nick nodded. "And I'm sure the same for Brian and Leighanne."
Nick looked over at her and she noticed his smile fade. "You haven't heard?" Serena rose her eyebrows. "Heard what?" They were now standing at the end of the path near the lake. "They got a divorce about a month ago. Brian is staying with me until he finds his own place. I think it may be a while before that happens. He seems so sad all the time."
Serena couldn't believe what she was hearing. If anyone's marriage would have beat the odds she would of stuck Brian and Leighanne's right at the top of the list. "What happened?" She asked.
Nick shrugged and then crossed his arms over his chest. "No one knows. He won't talk about at all. He just says it didn't work out or some bull shit answer like that. I'm really worried about him."
"Give him time and he'll come to you when he's ready." Serena said as she grabbed a hold of his hand. Nick nodded and looked at his watch. "AJ wanted me to sit in on one of his meetings or something so I gotta jet."
"Ok. I'm glad you came to visit cause I've missed you."
Nick smiled and nodded. "Me too." Before Nick turned to leave Serena gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Love ya Blondie." The familiar butterflies returned in Nick's stomach. "Rigt back at ya Reni."
