Chapter 14
I loved you from a distance
Thought I couldn't reach that far
I can't believe how close that we are
Spanish Eyes
The other guys weren't that much help to Howie. Seeing Howie lose his girl made them realize that they have been taking theirs for granted.
I was specially concerned about Brian. He got not only one heartbreak, but two. We found out that Kara was engaged to a famous photographer back in Paris. He tried to hide it, but Nick told me he was devastated. Brian was seeing Anne for quite some time now. It didn't look serious to me, but I was wrong. Suddenly they were inseperable and Brian wanted her with him eveywhere.
Brian invited the boys and their girlfriends to his house for lunch because he had an announcement to make. AJ showed up with Marie. I was with Nick, and Kevin and Howie were by themselves.
When we were all there, he stood up, along with Anne and told us that they were getting married in a month.
"What?!" we all said at once, shocked.
Brian said, " I'll have to quit the group".
Everyone started talking at once.
Kevin got up in defense of his cousin. He held up his hand and said, " Okay, I know that this comes as a surprise to you guys and it's a very serious matter. But, we've been talking about solo careers for a while and I think it's time we do something about it."
I know there was another reason that the guys couldn't be a group anymore. It was Howie. The poor guy was having a hard enough time with this tour. He was depressed and his leg was killing him.
I stole a glance at him and saw him sitting quietly in the corner. He glanced up and saw me looking at him and avoided my eyes.
Kevin spoke again," Brian and Anne can get married and we just have to finish this tour. We will announce that we are parting ways after that. We will have to meet again and arrange our finances. Afterwards, well I guess, we're on our own."
I have always admired Kevin for his businesslike manner. I didn't think parting ways would be easy for the group, but with Kevin in charge, I knew they were going to be fine.
Nick didn't look that bothered with the news. I could see him looking hurt though, because Brian hadn't told him about his plans. We ate quietly and excused ourselves to go home.
Nick noticed the time Howie and me spent together, but he understood how much Howie needs my help. We would sometimes argue about it and he would accuse me of wanting to take Angela's place. But I told him he had no reason to be jealous. I was wrong.
There was one time when Nick was away visiting family in California and wasn't supposed to be back til later that night. Howie was over at my apartment. We were sitting out on the patio swing, talking. I asked him what his plans were. He told me that he wanted to stay with the guys, because he didn't want to let them down.
"That is so noble", I told him.
Howie looked at me and I can't help but stare at his deep-set eyes. I saw all the pain that he felt, but I saw something else. I didn't know what it was, but it seemed like adoration. I saw him studying me too. Then he leaned over to me.
I didn't know what was going on, and I felt his lips on mine. I was confused, but I kissed him back. His kisses were like fireworks, beautiful, yet dangerous.
"I'm not so sure about this Howie," I whispered, my lips lingering on his cheek.
"You know what you want, Cathy..." he replied.
"Yes..." I answered and pulled away from him. I looked into his face, "...I want you."
He ran his fingers through my long hair and kissed me harder. I returned them with more passion.
Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw a green shirt, but I wasn't sure. I broke away, thinking about Nick.
Howie stood up and began apologizing. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that, I...", he stuttered.
"No, don't. It's my fault too"
I looked at him again and I can't help but want another kiss. He looked at me and understood. I felt his mouth on mine, and I closed my eyes.
As we were kissing, I felt so guilty and esctatic at the same time. His lips became more urgent, and I became lost in the moment. His scent was intoxicating and his kisses were so inviting.
I thought somebody might see us, so I stopped. I looked at him one last time and ran into the house.
He walked up and left, too. He didn't even stop by the house to say goodbye. He just got in his car and drove away.
