Kevin sauntered in to the room, a smirk danced on his face as he went to AJ’s side. “I hope you told that girl what’s been coming to her for the last couple of years.

Shrugging AJ ignored Kevin’s comment and complained instead. “What do I have do to get a cigarette around here?”

Letting out a chuckle Kevin ran his hand through his dark hair before slumping into the chair that Maggie had occupied only moments ago. “Nothings changed has it?”

“What do you mean?” AJ eyed his friend with interest.

“She still has you both wrapped around her dainty little finger. You can’t stop loving her and Nick will follow her around like a pathetic dog, even after all the shit that happened. Am I the only one that sees her for what she really is?”

Arching his brow AJ took the bait. “And what would that be?”

“Selfish.”

It didn’t take much for AJ to loose his temper and Kevin’s conclusion pushed him over the edge. “Fuck you man. If any one of us is selfish, it’s you.”

Standing to leave Kevin gave a careless shrug. “Maybe, but I just want what’s best. Why are you defending someone who comes back after so long, spends ten minutes with you, then runs crying into Nick’s open arms?”

“What?” AJ sat up.

“You heard me; she’s with Nick. They’re probably laughing about you right now. Laughing at how stupid you were to use drinking to get her back, but you played your cards wrong and she got a free flight back into Nickolas’ embrace, while you wither away in that hospital bed a despicable drunk.”

AJ stood and stared in disbelief at his band mate. “Go to hell.” He spat in Kevin’s face before exiting the room to find Maggie before it was too late.

*

In the hospital cafeteria Brian and Howie sat with somber looks on their faces, neither paying much attention to the food on their trays.

“We’ve got to say something to the media.” Brian finally spoke up.

Howie nodded. “It’s important that the fans know AJ is going to be alright.”

The two went back into a comfortable silence as they half-heartedly ate their dinner. Neither of the two men was interested in following through with Brian’s earlier comment. They knew that after staying sober for over a year that AJ’s relapse would crush the community of fans that had stood by him before.

As both friends sat lost in their own thoughts a brunette came bonding over to the table.

“Like oh my gawd, are you like those OTOWN guys?” The girl said her hands on her slender hips.

Cracking a smile Brian reached out and pulled the girl onto his lap. “We needed your sense of humor right now Carmen.”

The girl smiled. “I try. So any word on when J is getting out?”

Brian shook his head and frowned. “He’s been stable since this morning; up and complaining as always. He’s been asking for an old friend of his. Nicky called her, but I haven’t found out if she actually came or not.”

“That wouldn’t be her with Nick, would it?” Carmen pointed to where Nick and Maggie had just entered.

Brain sucked in his breath.

“She came.” Howie gasped.

*

“They’re staring at me.” Maggie said, shifting uneasily from the doorway where her and Nick had just spotted his friends.

Placing his hand in Maggie’s Nick began to lead the way over to the table. “Don’t worry, Mags, they’ll be happy you came so far for AJ.”

As the pair approached Maggie noticed for the first time that there was a brunette on Brian’s lap. Before she had a chance to ask who the girl was they had approached the table.

Howie stood up and extended his arms to hug Maggie.

Taken a back by his kindness Maggie stepped cautiously towards Howie. “Good to see you again Howard.” She said, hugging him closely. Breaking a part from the hug Maggie looked to where Brian still sat. “Hi, I’m Maggie.”

Carmen took Maggie’s outreached hand and shook it lightly. “I’m Carmen.”

Nick put his arm around Maggie. “Before you ask, Carmen is one of our dancers.”

Then he directed his next comment to Carmen. “And before you, there was Maggie. She only danced with us for TV specials, but she had such talent. If things hadn’t…” Nick paused. “Nevermind.” He mumbled.

Before the moment could get any more awkward Brian wiggled his finger at Maggie, beckoning her to come closer. “How did things go with him?” He asked when Maggie leaned down to be face to face.

“I missed that about you Bri, always right to the point. However, there’s nothing to say about AJ.”

Pulling on Maggie’s hand Nick whined. “Maggie! I’m hungry!”

“Let’s eat.” She said, standing back up. Maggie’s small frame was brought close to Nick’s husky body as he draped his arm around her and walked towards the food line.

*

Kevin walked out of AJ’s room to see Kristen at the front desk. He smiled as the blonde argued with the young clerk. He ambled, undetected, over to his wife. As he got closer he heard the conversation that was being held between Kristen and the nurse.

“What the hell do you mean you ‘don’t know how the media got in the building?’” Kristen snapped.

Stuttering from the interrogation the girl said meekly, “I, I, I don’t know what to tell you miss. It is a public building, perhaps that is the reason the news reporters came in.”

Kristen’s hazel eyes glared at the girl behind the counter. “Are you mocking me? You’re lucky I don’t have you fired, you smart mouth little…”

Not having the chance to finish Kevin placed his hand over Kristen’s mouth.

“I’m sorry about my wife; she hasn’t had much sleep. None of us have.” He spoke sincerely before pulling Kristen aside.

Once the couple was away from the desk Kevin put his hands on Kristen’s shoulders and leaned down to her. “Listen, babe, if you want to help then don’t say anything at all. Your causing a scene only gives the media more to report. I can imagine headlines now ‘Backstreet Boys wife attacks hospital nurse’ plastered all over the papers.”

Shaking Kevin’s hands from her she smirked. “I wasn’t lucky enough to attack her. Now, can we go home?”

Leaning into to give his wife a kiss Kevin nodded. “Let me leave a note for AJ and then we can go out through the parking garage. I’m sure the reporters haven’t congregated there yet.”

*

It wasn’t hard for AJ to spot Maggie. She had her red curls pulled up into a ponytail and a smile adorned her delicate features. He watched as her and Nick walked through the food line, both seemed to be in good spirits. It wasn’t until Nick leaned down and kissed the top of Maggie’s head that AJ felt jealous.

“He’s not going to get her this time.” He sneered as he walked towards the pair, blind to the beckoning waves of Howie, Brian and Carmen.

*

Maggie felt at ease in Nick’s presence. It was like they had never lost touch. Secretly she wished her encounter with AJ earlier had been the same. As her mind wandered she felt a pinch on her arm. “Ouch! What was that for?”

The blonde gave a crooked grin and pointed to the cashier. “Time to pay.”

“How could I have been so stupid?” She joked, reaching into her purse for her money.

Nick leaned down and kissed the top of Maggie’s head. “It’s okay, I already paid.”

Rolling her eyes Maggie returned the wallet back to her purse. “Next time, remind me I owe you one.”

“It’s all good. I’m just glad to hear you say there will be a next time.”

His words hit her strong and Maggie struggled to smile. “Nick, I’m going home tomorrow. I can’t stay here. It’s just going to get worse.”

Just as Maggie finished her sentence she felt a strong tap on her shoulder. “Can I help you?” She said, turning around to find herself staring into AJ’s chocolate eyes.

“You’re running away again?” The raven haired man said, forgetting why he had come to confront his friend in the first place.

“Did you think I would stay?” She asked.

“Yes!” Nick and AJ said in unison.

“Well I’m not.” Maggie stated before walking past the two men as she fought back a fresh set of tears.