Carmen looked around the table of solemn faces. “Did I say something wrong?” She asked, oblivious to the history that lingered between Maggie, Nick and AJ.

Howie patted her hand and shrugged. “It was nothing.”

Confusion registered on Carmen’s face. “For being nothing you guys sure are being quiet.” She pressed the issue more.

“Listen, Carmen, honey,” Brian spoke, his southern drawl very noticeable, “it was really hard for Maggie to come back today because two years ago shit hit the fan between her and AJ…”

Nick stood and glared at his band mate, before cutting Brian off. “Dude, we REALLY don’t need to go there.” He snapped. Then with out a good bye he stalked over to the exit.

“Oh, now I have to know what happened!” Carmen exclaimed, as she rubbed her hands together in anticipation.

*

In the comfort of the Jeep Cherokee Kevin let out an amused laugh. “She came back.” He told his wife.

“She who?” Kristen questioned.

“Never mind.” Kevin said quickly while starting the car.

“Oooookay.” The blonde next to him shrugged. “So what do you want to do with the rest of the night?”

Turning onto the main road Kevin thought about the question before giving a slight wave of his hand in a careless gesture. “You decide. I’m beat.”

A mischievous grin danced on Kristen’s pretty features. “I’ll think of something.” She teased.

*

Maggie searched every floor of the hospital that she thought Nick might go to, but had no luck in finding him. Giving up she journeyed outside for some fresh air. When she exited the automatic doors she spotted the tall blonde surrounded by media. She watched from a far, her hands deep in her pockets and her jacket pulled close to shield the chilling wind. The lights from the cameras and the various reporters pulled Maggie back into her memories.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“I can’t believe we’re going to be on TV!” AJ shouted. He ran over to Maggie and picked her up in a tight bear hug.

Giving her friend a light smack to be put back down she smiled. “It’s great, Alex, You guys will do a great job. The United States will embrace your boy band.” Her voice had a hint of sarcasm.

AJ noticed and leaned in close to Maggie. His breath smelled of cigarettes and alcohol because the two friends had been up celebrating the Backstreet Boys return to the US. Maggie felt startled by his actions, but didn’t object as AJ placed his strong hands on her hips and brought her body not quite to his. “Are you not happy for me?” He breathed into her ear.

The feeling of soft air blowing on her skin caused Maggie to flinch, but she didn’t pull away. Closing her eyes tightly she feared opening them.

AJ took this as his cue to indulge further in the closeness of their bodies. He brought his lips to the nape of her neck and laid gentle kisses on her soft skin.

It was more than Maggie could handle. They had been friends for three years and there had been times when she found AJ desirable, but then he got caught up in performing, then there was the Backstreet Boys, European tours and Nick. Nick. Maggie sucked in her breath, than pushed AJ back.

“I can’t.” She whispered. “I’m with Nicky.” As she spoke the words she played with the promise ring her boyfriend had given her only a month ago.

Her words stung. AJ had wanted to be with her for so long and now he was finally taking the chance, but she rejected him for a younger boy. That boy was his new group mate though. As he tried to rationalize the alcohol made his head spin. He felt crushed and angry at the same time. “Just go.” He managed to speak before entering the bathroom.

Maggie watched the door close and the sting of tears threatened to spill from her emerald eyes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“You ready to go?”

“Huh?” Maggie shook herself free from the reminiscences and looked up to see Nick standing by her side, the media were now scattered about or leaving the scene.

“I asked if you were ready to get out of here?” Nick repeated, giving Maggie a crooked smile.

“Yeah, sure, let’s make our way back to the Hotel ala Carter.”

*

Brian shifted in his seat. “I think I’m done eating.” He said, tapping Carmen on the shoulder.

“Oh right. I have to stand.” She sighed. Then her chocolate eyes lit up. “Or maybe, I’ll stay here until SOMEONE explains what the hell this awful past is that no one wants to talk about.”

“You said it yourself.” Brian retorted. “No one wants to talk about it.”

“Fine.” Carmen pouted. “Be like that.” She stood, allowing Brian to move.

He ran a hand through his sandy blonde locks. “I’m sorry, it’s just best kept in the past. No need to drag it out again. Hey, I’m going to go see AJ, you guys coming?”

Both Howie and Carmen shook their heads.

“I need a cigarette.” Carmen commented.

“I’ll join her.” Howie said.

“Let’s go Sweet D.” Carmen said linking her arm in his.

- - - - -

Once the pair had exited the hospital Carmen looked at Howie with her big brown eyes. “You’ll tell me, won’t you?” She begged.

Nodding Howie zipped his coat. “I don’t even know where to begin.” He sighed, trying his best to pull out old history.

*

The red jeep pulled up to the gated community that Kevin and Kristen had made their home.

Stifling a yawn Kevin parked the car in the driveway. “Home sweet home.”

Kristen smiled over at her husband. “Kevin, I’m not getting out of this car until you tell me who this ‘she’ that came back is.”

It was a fair question, but Kevin felt trapped. “Just an old friend of AJ’s.” He replied nonchalantly.

Raising her brow to the raven-haired man Kristen crossed her arms over her chest. “We’ve been together long enough that I know when you’re hiding something from me.”

“Fine.” Kevin gave in. “It was Maggie.”

The words slipped off his tongue with bitterness. He knew Kristen’s reaction would be just as resentful.

“That fucking bitch!” The blonde screamed. “What the hell does she think she’s doing?”

Feeling tired, Kevin gave a hopeless shrug. “Who knows, but she’ll be gone in the morning, so there’s nothing to worry about. Now can we go inside and get back to that something you had in mind?”

“No.” Kristen snapped. “I know you’re the one that brought her back. What were you thinking? Why would you even make the arrangements for that little tramp to come back into our lives?”

Her point was valid. Kevin wasn’t even sure why he had helped bring Maggie back, but he knew that Kristen wanted answers. “I was helping my brother. He asked for her. I got her. Case closed.”

Before Kristen had a chance to argue Kevin exited the vehicle and slammed the door shut.