Chapter Fourteen

An hour. It had been an hour since he'd left the arena, Sadie not far behind. Now he was sitting in the hotel room, worried sick about her. He had no idea where she was! What if something happened to her?

Stepping out into the hallway, he called to the nearest person. It happened to be Brian, "Rok! Hey, B!"

Brian kept walking, but answered, "Oh so, NOW you want to talk."

Nick huffed in frustration, "Look… I'm sorry, okay?" He pulled on Brian's arm, "I'm sorry. I've just had a really bad couple of days."

Brian turned around. Seeing the look of distress on his friends face, he asked, "What's wrong?"

He scrunched his eyebrows, "Have you seen Sadie?"

"Not since sound check," Brian answered.

Nick stomped his foot and placed a hand on his forehead, "Damn it… I shouldn't have left. I shouldn't have left without her. She doesn't even know the area. How did she even leave? What if she-"

"Nick… what's going on?" Brian asked with concern.

"She's not here, Rok. We got in a fight and I left," he shook his head, "I left her there and now I don't know where she is. I don't know what happened."

"Nick, she's a big girl. And she's lived alone in a new area by herself," Brian reminded him, "I'm sure she's fine. What's going on with you two?"

Nick stopped and slowly lifted his eyes, "Why do you think something's going on?"

"You two fought. You two never fight," Brian stated simply.

He chuckled humorlessly, "Yeah… That'll be the day."

Brian just looked at him.

"Sorry…" he sighed, "Umm… Things are kinda on edge right now cuz… Well, we're on a break."

"Oh… I'm sorry, Man," Brian said softly, not really knowing what to say. Truth be told, he'd been shocked when AJ asked Nick to be his best man. He was even more shocked when Nick agreed. Lately, he and Nick had drifted apart and he didn't know why.

"Thanks…" he breathed, "But right now, I just wanna find her. I'm worried shitless." One of the downfalls of being loved by Nick, he was far too overprotective.

"Like I said, I'm sure she's fine," Brian said, "Does she have a cell phone or a pager?"

"Yes," he said lowly, "I tried her cell, but it's off."

"I'm sure she's fine," Brian repeated, "If you want we can go for a drive and try to find her?"

"No…" AJ walked out of his and Julia's room, "I don't know what you're talking about, but we gotta go. We DO have a concert to get to…"

Nick turned to him, "Where's Julia?"

Julia poked her head out of the room, "I'm trying to get Aurora situated to get to the venue, and Alex is giving me a hard time." Julia avoided the topic of her and her husband’s real conversation.

Nick stepped up to her and took Rory in his arms, "I'll take her. Have you seen Sadie?"

Julia released the child into his arms, "Not since sound check. She's not here? We have to be leaving…"

He hugged the child to his chest as Aurora whimpered. Nick sighed, "No, she's not here. I'm going insane." Aurora sniffed again. "What's wrong with Rory?" he asked, lifting the girl's chin.

"Mama Dada yell…" Rory answered, sniffling again.

Julia glanced at AJ.

Nick smiled at the little girl, "Well, shame on them. That's not very nice. Wanna come with Uncle Nicky instead?" He needed something… or someone to keep him mind off things.

She shrugged her little shoulders and looked to her daddy.

AJ smiled, "Do what you want, Sweetie. Mommy and Daddy weren't yelling at you. You can come with us or Nicky."

Nick frowned, "Only she's allowed to call me that, Alex."

AJ laughed, "Sorry, Bro…"

"Nicky…" Rory stated.

Nick smiled and looked to Julia, "That okay, Jules?"

"That’s fine," she said and stepped up to Rory, kissing the girls forehead, "I'll see you later, Baby.”

Aurora snuggled against Nick.

He sighed and began walking away, "See you guys there."

Julia sighed, "Let's get going."

***

Sadie finished her walk and went to the hotel. She let herself into the room with a sigh. She knew the Boys had already gone to the venue. She just had to get her things and she'd be on her way. She grabbed her crew pass, her camera bag, and headed towards a taxi. After she was dropped off at the arena, she walked inside, slipped the camera around her neck. She stood with the security, and lifted the camera to her face, snapping her first professional picture.

Nick blinked as he was shot by a flash from a camera. That was no teenybopper disposable. It was professional. Turning his head, he was semi shocked to see Sadie's face staring back at him. Shooting her a glare, he walked to the other side of the stage.

Sadie chuckled. ‘Mission Accomplished… I guess…’ she thought as she went about her job.

Julia noticed Sadie only a few minutes late and sighed.

AJ watched his wife's facial expressions as she watched Sadie. Before he knew it, the song had ended and they were taking their places for the next dance number.

Nick took hold of Julia's waist, passionately pulling her toward him and throwing her back for the first dance move.

Sadie sighed, and snapped a picture.

Julia did as she was supposed to and walked back to Nick from behind, running a hand from his shoulder, down his chest, and to his stomach. She knew he hated that, so she quickly moved her hand from his tummy to his arm and wrapped it around her waist from behind.

AJ watched the interaction between his love and his friend… his love and her ex boyfriend. He knew he was being paranoid and probably too jealous. As Julia smiled at Nick, he couldn't help but think that she seemed to like his hand holding her leg in place around his waist a little too much.

Sadie mumbled some obscenities as she kept taking pictures. She hated watching him dance with other girls, especially during these dances… especially with Julia. She sighed, and took another one of Julia and Nick smiling at each other. Then she moved on to the next boy and their dancer.

Julia winked at Nick as she moved in front of him. His hands went to her waist and she dipped backwards, their hips meeting.

Nick rolled his eyes and chucked, remembering when he lived for this next move. As Julia bent over in front of him, her ass three inches from his crotch. He playfully swatted at her butt and thrust into it.

Sadie rubbed her face with her hands. She sat in the folding chair that was there for her, not wanting to look anymore.

AJ hated that dance move and Nick was the only one instructed to do it. None of the other boys did. They were all just supposed to look at the couple in ‘awe.’ He sneered and continued, knowing better than to make anything of it.

Julia stood and whipped around. Locking eyes with Nick for the next move, she slapped him lightly across the face and strutted off.

Sadie was glad she'd got a picture of that.

Nick looked shocked, but then smiled and ran back to the guys. AJ shook his head at him and Nick gave him a sincere look of ‘sorry.’ AJ smiled and pat him on the back.

***

Sadie sat backstage and waited for everyone to get together so they could all drive back to the hotel. That was the plan. She rubbed her eyes and didn't know how everything would be once Nick and her were alone again. Unfortunately, she didn't have to wait long. He was headed her way.

Nick looked at her and shook his head, "You did that on purpose, Sadie."

"Did what?" she asked innocently.

"Don't fuck," his voice was soft and low, not wanting to be heard by anyone else, "You knew I’d flip. I didn't know where the hell you were…"

"I'm a big girl, Nick," she stated, "No need to worry."

Nick shook his head, "But I do. And you know it."

She just looked at him. What did he want, an apology?

"Stop giving me that look," he told her, "I just wanted you to know, okay? That I know you did it on purpose now… but before… Yes, I was worried sick. Mission accomplished, Miss Pierce."

"Good to know," she stated simply.

He crossed his arms over his chest, "Don't do that again. Please… I can't stop you, but… don't. The least you can do is tell me where you're going."

Her heart softened and she knew he’d won, "I'm sorry. I won't."

Without warning, he pulled her from her seat and hugged her to his chest. He held on tightly, "I'm just glad you're okay."

She timidly wrapped her arms around him, reveling in the feel of him, "I'm fine…"

Nick noticed Julia looking at them. He sighed and let go, "I'm gonna head out. Meet you in the van?"

Sadie nodded. "Yeah…" she replied before sitting back down in the chair.

He smiled, "And don't run off this time."

She just shook her head, wanting to stand up and kiss him. His smile was driving her crazy.

Nick frowned slightly and turned to go. He ran smack into Julia and AJ, Rory in her father's arms. "Hey, Guys…" he sighed, "Ready for bed? I am…"

Julia nodded, wondering what was going on in his mind. She sighed and looked to AJ with a smile.

AJ took her hand with his free one and resituated his daughter on his hip. "Let's head out," he said softly, leaning over to kiss Julia's cheek.

Walking into the hallway, they were met with about fifteen fans that had managed to get back stage passes. He and Nick smiled and waved, then continued to walk. The fans obviously were not happy.

"I can't believe Nick still talks to her. She's such a stuck up bitch," a fan stated.

Julia over heard and she sighed. Squeezing AJ's hand and closing her eyes, she tried to hide the sting.

Nick and AJ stopped in their tracks and looked at each other and then at Julia.

"Don't bother…" she stated knowing they were looking at her.

Nick ignored her and turned around to look at them all, "Excuse me?"

No one spoke up. There was no way of telling which one said it. "Okay, fine…" Nick sighed and then gave a little smile. They didn't mean anything. They didn't know the whole story. Shrugging at his friends, he stepped forward, "So what do ya'll want? Autographs? Pictures?"

"I'll take Rory. Go give them what they want," she said to AJ softly.

AJ shook his head, "No… Let's go. Nick's got it."

"No, it's okay… go," she insisted.

He gave her a sharp look, "I don't want to."

She sighed, knowing he wouldn't give in, "Fine."

Nick took the pretty girl's pen and paper, "And what's your name?"

"Tanya," she giggled, wiggling her semi-covered breasts in his face.

‘Well, at least she's legal,’ Nick thought, trying hard not to stare down her shirt. He was a guy, after all. "Here ya go," he handed it back to her.

"Thanks," she grinned, grabbing him to give a little kiss on the cheek. Nick just blushed and pulled away.

Sadie felt her heart drop and she sighed. Her camera was still slung around her neck. Clenching her fists at her sides, she brushed past them.

Nick looked shocked as Sadie walked past. "Sorry, Guys," he waved, "I gotta go."

Most of the fans whined a little and finally just waved back, but one voice stood out. "Yeah, that's right, Nick… Follow the other whore."

Nick whipped around, "Who said that?"

Sadie stopped in her tracks momentarily, stunned at the tone of Nick's voice. She stood there, wanting to see how it would develop.

He repeated himself, "Who said that?"

"Well, that's what she is, isn't it?" a pretty brunette answered back.

He shook his head, "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"A concerned fan," she stated.

"Concerned, huh?" he walked over and towered over her. His tall frame was always very intimidating, "Well, keep your concerns for someone who cares. She's my girlfriend. That's who she is, you little slut. Take that to your teenybopper magazines."

"Is that how you talk to all your fans?" she asked, not the least bit intimidated.

"No, just the bitchy ones," he nodded, "You're one of them."

"So, I'm a slut and a bitch… Do you think that'll be good for your image?" she snapped back.

"Frankly, I don't give a shit. I don't need fans like you… Obviously, you're not a true fan if you can't accept the way I live my life. And it is my life. So, if you don't mind, take your damn autograph, snap a damn picture, and buy a record. That's all you see me as anyway." Without giving it a second thought, he stalked off, grabbing Sadie's hand as he noticed her standing there and continued out.

Sadie stumbled behind him, confused, but relieved in a weird way.

As they stood outside the waiting van, Nick turned Sadie around. "You okay?" he cupped her face.

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" he stared into her eyes.

She nodded, "Thank you. For that…"

He smiled, "Any time."

She hugged him, unexpectedly.

Nick chuckled, "Hey, now… You're okay. You told me so."

"I know, but I guess… I lied," she sighed, "That stung."

He rubbed her back, "I love you."

"I know," she answered, "I love you too."

"Come on, Nick!" Brian yelled, "Let's go!"

Nick glared at his ‘best friend’ and pulled back from the embrace. He helped Sadie into the van, sitting next to her.

Sadie looked out the window as tears fell down her cheeks. She wiped them away before anyone could notice.

Yet Nick did. He leaned toward her, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. I'll be fine," she gave a small smile.

He wanted to do something. He wanted to kiss her forehead… hug her… hold her hand… rub her thigh… anything! But it wasn't allowed. So instead, he sighed and gave a little smile back, "I'm still here for you, you know?"

"I know." Breaking a rule, she grasped for his hand. She needed to feel it, but was afraid he'd let go.

He was mildly surprised when she took his hand, but did nothing to stop it. It was a friend thing. If Julia had just been hurt like Sadie and she was depending on him, he'd hold her hand… or at least he told himself. Lifting their hands, he lightly kissed her fingers, fully aware that he'd crossed the line, but not caring.

Sadie closed her eyes, finally feeling the hurt go away as the van stopped outside the hotel.

***

Julia sighed as she walked into the hotel room. She placed the sleeping Rory in the crib, and kicked off her shoes while sitting on the couch.

AJ walked in behind her. She'd been quiet the whole way there. "Okay," he sat down next to her, "What'd I do?"

She just shook her head. "Nothing…" she stated, standing and unbuttoning her shirt.

He pulled her back down, "Julia… Tell me. I'm sorry for whatever it is."

"They hate me, Alex," she stated, "And now they'll hate me even more because you didn't sign some papers or take some pictures. They'll blame me because you can do no wrong."

AJ stared at her, "I… I'm sorry, Jule. I didn't think of it that way."

"No, because you never do," she started standing again.

Once again he pulled her back down, "Jule, I'm sorry."

"You're always sorry." Tears shot to her eyes again.

He soothed her hair, "I don't know what to say… What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing. I just want to sleep," she said, standing and walking towards the bedroom.

AJ forcefully shoved himself off the couch, throwing his hands in the air, "Why do I even bother? I should have known without even asking that you wouldn't talk about it!"

"Keep your voice down. You'll wake the baby," she sighed, "You never consider how anything you do will affect the rest of us, AJ. You're yelling just now proves it. It's always Alex, Alex, Alex… No matter what." She walked in the bedroom as she finished removing her shirt and bra before slipping a T-shirt on.

"In comparison to who, Julia?" he spat, following her in.

Julia just glared at him, knowing where he was going with this. She was not going there. Not again. She stripped off her pants and laid in bed, "I'm NOT having this argument again."

"Oh no," he gently, but forcefully grabbed her arm, "No, answer it. I'm truly curious."

"You're hurting me!" she shouted, "Stop it!" She pulled her arm from his grasp. "You want to know, Alex?! In comparison to any other guy? Nick… Nick stuck up for Sadie tonight! And they're not even together! I'm your Goddamn wife!" she screamed at him.

Alex dropped her wrist and stared at her, "That's what it is, isn't it…? That's where this all came from." He grabbed a pillow off the bed and walked back to the living room where the awakened Aurora was crying.

Julia followed him and stood in the doorway, watching him.

AJ took the baby from her bed and sat on the sofa to cuddle with her. Laying down and covering them both with a blanket, he said, "I'll sleep with Rory tonight."

"I thought we never went to bed angry?" she asked.

"I'm not angry. I'm upset."

"I won't sleep tonight knowing that," she stated with tears in her eyes.

"Well, I won't sleep knowing that you compare me to your ex-boyfriend," he commented, "So I guess we're even."

"God Alex… I… I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel like… I don't even know who I am right now. I just… I wasn't comparing you to him. I just, I… I'm sorry," she walked back into the bedroom.

Laying the sleeping Aurora back down, he went to his wife. He found her sitting on the bed, crying softly.

Alex placed his arms around her, "Baby, I'm sorry. We're all kinda on edge. And I know you're not comparing me to him. He's just on your mind cuz of this whole thing he's going through. And you're right… I should have stuck up for you and I'm sorry I didn't."

"I know, I'm… It's okay. Do you still think I was comparing you to Nick?" she whispered, "I wasn't… I love you so much."

"No, Sweetie," he smiled, "My mind just likes to make up things to upset me with."

"Are you still upset?" she asked locking eyes with her husband.

"No," he shook his head, "I'm upset with myself though."

"Why?" she turned to face him, searching his eyes.

"I really should have stuck up for you… I just let them get away with it. They hurt you and you don't deserve that, Baby."

She smiled softly, "It's okay, really. There just… jealous teenyboppers. It doesn't matter." She couldn’t figure out if she was telling him or herself.

He kissed her nose, "Okay… And… I really am sorry. I don't know what my obsession with you and Nick is. I’d trust you both with my life…"

"I know," she stated. But did she? Lately, she wasn't so sure. For some reason, she was extra tired tonight, "Let's go to bed."

"Alright. Rory's asleep." He pulled the covers down, and climbed in. Pulling her to his chest he whispered, "Love you, Jule."

She smiled, "I love you too, Alex." Her eyes slowly closed and she drifted off.

AJ sighed and kissed her forehead, "So much."