The ride back to Nicks was long and silent. Maggie even caught herself drifting off a few times. Eventually they pulled up to the sprawling Tampa home.

“We’re here.” The young blonde whispered, softly shaking Maggie from her light sleep.

“Mmmmm.” She replied.

Not bothering to try and wake her again, Nick exited the car and went over to the passenger side. He opened the door and gently lifted Maggie up from the seat.

“What are you doing?” She mumbled incoherently.

“Shhh…just go back to sleep.” He answered, while kicking the car door shut.

Maggie nuzzled herself into Nick’s arms and allowed the long day to pull her into much needed sleep.

It took a few tries for Nick to get his key in the lock while holding Maggie, but eventually the door swung open and he stepped into the foyer. Two small pugs ran with wagging tails up to their master.

“Hey guys, did Roberta take good care of you today?” He asked, referring to the housekeeper. The puppies just sniffed and jumped up on Nick’s leg.

“Sorry, I only have one for room in my arms, and she’s sleeping. Be good, I’ll see you in the morning.” Bidding fair well to his pets Nick trudged up the steps and towards the guestroom.

Once inside the enormous room Nick paused and looked down at Maggie resting in his arms. Her burgundy hair was spread out down her back, but a few curls clung to her forehead. Her eyes fluttered, as if she was having an intense dream. What tempted him that most was her crimson lips that pouted slightly. He had always been crazy about the way her upper lip had perfect definition, allowing her mouth to form a heart shape.

It was more than he could bear. Nick lay Maggie down on the lush bed. She stirred, but didn’t wake. He pulled back the covers and tucked her into the warmth.

“Thank you Nicky.” He heard Maggie say before curling up and drifting back into her slumber.

Lingering a little longer Nick finally got the courage to lean down and place a tender kiss on Maggie’s lips.

Just as he did Maggie’s eyes popped open. “Nickolas what the HELL do you think you’re doing?!” She screeched in shock.

*

Howie stood thinking for a while, collecting his thoughts on former times. Finally he inhaled and began to share his story while Carmen listened intently. “I guess it all started two years ago…”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“10…9…8…7…6…” The crowd of friends counted down to the New Year.

Nick and Maggie were glowing with joy, their hands interlocked with one another as they shouted the numbers down to the beginning of the new millennium. All their close friends had joined them for the celebration.

Brian and Leighanne were both smiling and laughing, his arms wrapped tightly around his new bride.

The second pair of newly weds, Kevin and Kristen, whom arrived fashionably late, were now sharing a glass of champagne and dancing.

Howie had brought his boyfriend of five months, Ruben, with him. It had been just recent that he had come out to his friends. They all accepted who he was and were glad to have the chance to meet Ruben for the first time that evening. Everyone embraced him as part of the family.

Then there was AJ. He had come alone. Even though Maggie had offered to set him up with her best friend Judy, he declined. Instead he spent the evening sulking by the open bar, a scotch in his hand.

Judy also joined the crowd with the younger Carter boy, Aaron, as her substitute date. All night she would pull Maggie a side and joke, “only 5 more years and this will be legal.” All the same she was enjoying herself and the companionship.

“5…4…3…2…1!” The Florida night sky lit up with brightly colored fire works.

Each of the couples kissed to ring in the New Year. Aaron even got a peck on the lips from Judy. This caused Nick to tease the pair.

“Grow up Carter.” Maggie ordered in a giddy tone.

Nick pouted and crossed his arms over his chest. “I won’t grow up. I’ll move to Never-Never Land and be a kid forever.”

“Dude, Aaron is more mature than you.” Judy shot back, the sarcasm in her voice very noticeable.

“Gee, thanks. What is this, pick on the Carters' night or New Years?” Aaron asked.

“I have an idea,” AJ spoke up from the bar, a fresh drink in his hand. “Why don’t you all just SHUT UP?” He raised his voice enough for everyone to turn their attention to him. “What the fuck are you all looking at?” He sneered.

Kevin stepped up to his friend and attempted to remove the drink from AJ’s hand. “I think you’ve had enough to drink.” He said, calmly.

Noticing what Kevin was doing AJ jerked back, keeping the drink steady in his hand. “No, man, I’m fine. I’m just sick and tired of watching those two,” he pointed an unsteady finger to Nick and Maggie, “be a perfect fucking couple.”

The once ideal evening slowly began to crumble.

“What do you mean?” Maggie asked her best friend. “I thought you were happy for us?”

Before he spoke again, AJ slung back the rest of the whiskey in his glass. Holding himself up by the bar he laughed dryly. “Happy? How the hell can I be happy when the only girl I ever loved dates my fucking brother and band mate?” The words slurred from AJ’s mouth before he could stop himself.

“What?” Nick and Maggie yelled in unison.

“I think we’ll wait inside.” Brian said, taking Leighanne by the arm then beckoning for Judy, Aaron, Howie and Ruben to follow.

“Stay.” AJ commanded. “This conversation is over.”

Shaking her head Maggie stepped close to her friend. “No, Alex, it’s just begun. Why would you do this? You know I love Nick and that’s not going to change.”

The alcohol helped AJ feel free with his words and although he knew what he could say could hurt everyone involved he lashed out. “Then what about the night we almost kissed? Back when we had come home from Europe. You know you wanted it. You begged for it. I had to pull you away from me.”

“YOU LIE!” Maggie screamed. Tears were now threatening to pour from her once joyful green eyes.

“And…and what about that time you fucked Kevin?” AJ continued, oblivious to the pain he was causing.

This time four people spoke at once.
“You bastard.” Kristen cried.
“Fuck you!” Nick retaliated.
“That’s enough.” Kevin spoke harshly.
“LIAR!” Maggie managed to say before choking on her tears.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Howie paused. “You still listening?” He asked Carmen.

“To every word.” The brunette said, nodding to emphasize her point.

“Good. Then you won’t mind if we continue this later? I have a date with Eric in an hour and I want to get some more time in with J before visiting hours are over.” Howie said, walking off towards the entrance.

“Intense crazy shit.” Carmen mumbled, taking one last drag of her cigarette and following Howie into the hospital.

*

In the hospital room AJ sat feeling despair. It seemed as hard as he tried he couldn’t stop himself from starting a fight with Maggie. It hadn’t always been like that. He could remember a time when all they did was laugh and tell each other everything. He had secretly wished that the time a part would bring them back together, not as the couple he was once dreamed of being, but as the friends they once were. He had to learn to accept Maggie’s love for Nick and now all he wanted was one more time to make things right.

A soft knock at the door interrupted AJ from his thoughts.

“J, are you awake?” Brian’s voice called quietly from the doorway.

“Just the man I wanted to see.” AJ smiled, gesturing for Brian to come in.

Taking a seat on the bottom of AJ’s bed Brian gave his friend a warm smile. “I’m glad to see you’re doing better.” He spoke honestly. “What can I do for you?”

“I have a plan.” AJ said with excitement.

Nodding Brian raised his eyebrows. “What kind of plan?”

“To get Maggie to stay.” AJ started.