Chapter Seventeen


Night fell quickly. The first stop on the tour was in Montgomery, Alabama, almost twelve hours from Tampa Florida. Kaity sat on the couch most of the drive, watching the scenery of the highway fly by. Around 8 PM she stood up and flipped the overhead lights on so she could see the inside of the bus. Following the sounds of Nick and Brian laughing, she made her way to the back room of the bus.

“Dude! You can’t do that!” Nick squealed.

“Can too! That move is no worse than the shit you’ve pulled with me.” Brian shot back. Kaity rolled her eyes. Video games.

“Come on!”

“Shut up, Nick. Your girlfriend is watching.” Brian said giving Kaity a quick smile.

“Wha? Hey, baby!” Nick said looking up from the game smiling.

“Sweet! I win!!” Brian said dropping his controller on the floor in front of where he was sitting.

“What?! No way! I was totally distracted!” Nick whined, looking back at the television.

“Sorry, man. You looked up.” Brian said shrugging his shoulders.

“Man! I will kick your ass soon enough Rok.” Nick said turning his game off. He flopped down on the couch and opened his arms for Kaity.

“Sorry” Kaity apologized sheepishly.

“Nah, I don’t care about the stupid game. I care about you.” Nick said tapping her nose lightly as she sat next to him. “What do you wanna do?”

“I don’t know. I’m not a pro at this.”

“Well, we could watch a movie, watch TV, eat something, go to bed early, play video games, or...sit here and do nothing.”

“Um..”

“Oh! I forgot one. Suck face.” Nick said poking Kaity lightly in the stomach.

“There you go again. Not acting your age.”

“Tell me you don’t think I’m adorable...and I’ll grow up.”

“Shut up..you know my answer.”

“You know? I’ve been thinking. It’s good to be cute.” Nick said dropping his arm on the back of the couch.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, I mean. Who would you rather kiss...me or AJ?”

“Definitely AJ.” Kaity said shaking her head.

“See..wait what?” Nick asked surprised. “Did you say AJ?” Kaity laughed.

“Yes.”

“You did?!” Nick asked giving Kaity a hurt look.

“Don’t give me that.”

“What?”

“The ‘Puppy dog’ look.” Kaity said turning away from Nick.

“Would that be..this look?” Nick asked turning Kaity’s face up towards his.

“Ah!” Kaity said covering her eyes. Nick laughed.

“I have power!” Nick said pumping the air with his fist.

“You are such a dork.”

“Oh! So now I’m a dork? I’m hurt.” Nick said shooting ‘the look’ again but Kaity still had her eyes covered. “Will you stop that.” Nick said pulling at her wrist.

“No.” Kaity said smiling. She parted her fingers and peered cautiously through the slits. “Are you finished?”

“Yeee-eees.” Nick said in a sing-song voice.

“Promise?”

“Kaity..come on.” she dropped her hands. Nick smiled at her. “Much better.” he cupped her face and brought her lips to his. Kaity’s eyes widened in surprise but she kissed back. He pulled back. “I have a secret weapon.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll only use it when I absolutely need to.”

“I look forward to it.” Kaity said kissing him again. “Hey...”

“What?”

“What time are we getting to the hotel?” Kaity asked.

“Late, why?”

“We’re sharing a room, correct?” Kaity asked.

“Yeah...unless you don-”

“Nope, that’s fine. Just checking. What time do you guys need to be up tomorrow.”

“Eight, I think. We have an interview at a local radio station. You don’t have to come, though. Just stay at the hotel and sleep.”

“Sounds perfect. Jeez, what a life I’ll live. Sleep as late as I want to while my boyfriend does all the dirty work, and then go to a concert every other night and watch you do that erotic dance with the pole.”

“I thought you’d like that.” Nick said smiling. “I think of you.”

“Well, that has it’s ups. At least I’m skinny then.”

“Yes, thinking of you when I’m dancing erotically with the pole has many ups.” Nick said wiggling his eyebrows.

“Man! Get your head outta the gutter, perv.” Kaity said smacking Nick on the arm.

“Sorry, you set it up for me.”

“Whatever...I’m going to bed. I barely slept at all last night. Wake me when we get to the hotel?” Kaity asked standing.

“Sure, Love Bug.” Nick said standing up to give her a kiss goodnight.

“Cute nickname.” Kaity mumbled as she headed for her bunk.

Hours later she awoke to darkness and Nick whispering her name. She could see his dark shadow looming over her head.

“What?” she asked.

“We’re at the hotel. You want me to carry you?” he asked.

“No, I can walk.” Kaity mumbled as she climbed out of the bunk and stretched. She hadn’t realized how cramped those holes in the wall could be.

“I know, they’re small.” Nick commented seeing her trying to get the knots out of her back.

“Tell me about it.” Kaity grabbed her duffel bag and followed Brian off of the bus and into the luxurious hotel. She met with the large group on the tour in the middle of the lobby. Denise was calling out names and handing out keys.

“Nick and Kaity...here are your keys, room 644.” Nick grabbed the keys and Kaity’s hand and pulled her towards the elevators.

“Come on, let’s get back to bed.” Nick whispered as he repeatedly jabbed at the elevator button. A ding came and the doors opened before them. Pulling Kaity inside, Nick pressed the sixth floor button and leaned against the back of the elevator, closing his eyes.

“Were you sleeping?” Kaity asked quietly.

“Yeah, I fell asleep on the couch about an hour after you went to bed.” the door opened and Nick found their room, sliding the key into the slot. They heard a click and Nick opened the door. “Let’s just go to bed.” Nick said glancing down at the clothes he was still wearing from the day before.

“You sure you don’t want to change?” Kaity asked as she made her way from the main room to the bedroom. Flipping the light on she was met with a queen size bed.

“Did you want two beds?” Nick asked seeing her face pale.

“No...this is okay. Come on.” she said pulling Nick into the room. She pulled back the blankets and let Nick lay down. She pulled the blankets up over his body before moving to her side of the bed. Kaity flipped the light switch before climbing into bed next to Nick. He automatically curled against her.

“I love you.” he whispered before falling asleep.

“I love you too.” Kaity listened intently to his rhythmic breathing and smiled.


Three weeks later


“Ahhhhhhh!” Kaity squealed as she saw Emily coming out of her Gate at LAX airport in Los Angeles, California.

“Kaaaittty!” Emily squealed back as she wrapped her best friend in a tight hug. “Girl, three weeks is waaay to long to be apart. Look at you! You look amazing!” Emily said looking at Kaity. She had grown accustomed to touring. She knew exactly how to look well rested and energetic on very little sleep, and she knew how to dress so that she would be comfortable.

“Trust me, it’s not easy.”

“Have you lost weight?” Emily asked. “You look thinner.”

“Probably, there is a lot of running, walking, moving in general involved in this business. I haven’t sat still in three weeks!” Contrary to Kaity’s first impression to touring, it was not, ‘sleep in late and attend a concert every other night’. It was more like, ‘roll into a new city at the crack of dawn, be awaken from her slumber by a barley conscious Nick, dragged into an unfamiliar hotel room only to be wide awake and not able to fall asleep for another hour. Wake up four hours later, shower, eat and head down to the arena where she would sit for the next eight hours. Watch another concert, which she could probably perform word for word, dance for dance, she’d seen it so many times, climb back on a bus and then start all over again’. It was exhausting...but fun.

“How is everyone? The guys? You and Nick??”

“Everyone is great. Tired, but great. Nick and I have never been better.”

“That’s good to hear. I can’t wait to see Brian.” Emily said smiling.

“Em, the boy is ecstatic you’re here. He wanted to come with me to get you, but they had sound check and a had to go over some dance steps they’ve been screwing up during the show.”

“Ah! Is he still hot?” Emily asked as she headed for baggage claim.

“Totally.”

“I’ve been surfing the Web. I found some pics of the new tour. It looks awesome!” Emily chattered away as Kaity followed.

“Yeah, but trust me, it gets old. After the week you’re here...you will know ever dance by heart. I swear to God.” Kaity said catching up with Emily. “How can you walk so fast?”

“Sorry, I’m a little excited about seeing everyone. What is the bus like? I didn’t get to see it before you left.”

“Some things are amazing...some aren’t.”

“Huh?”

“The bus is huge, the kitchen is amazing, the back room is stocked with a big screen and video games. But the bathroom is tiny, and the bunks are cramped.” Kaity explained.

“How often do you sleep on the bus?” Emily asked grabbing her bag from the conveyer belt.

“Um...practically every night for a little while at least. Usually we don’t get into a new city till 1 or 2 in the morning.”

“Really? Are the bunks comfortable?”

“Try, no.” Kaity said laughing. “For me they’re not. You might think they are. Brian is usually out like a light, I fall asleep around 11:30, midnight, and Nick falls asleep on the couch and rolls off when the bus comes to a stop. He’s the one who wakes Brian and I up.”

“Really? He rolls off?”

“Seriously, I was awake one night. The bus stopped and I heard this loud thump followed by Nick cursing. It was pretty funny. I got out of bed and found him on the floor wrapped in a blanket in front of the couch.”

“Why does he sleep there then?”

“Well, one, he can’t help falling asleep there, it just happens. Two, I think he wants to be the first one awake when we hit a new city.”

“Ah, I see.” Emily said leading Kaity into the bright California sunshine.

“Which ride is ours?” Emily asked scanning the parking lot.

“This one right here.” Kaity said stepping up to a black limo.

“Kidding right?”

“Nope, this is Jerry.” Kaity said introducing Emily to the limousine diver.

“Hey, Jer. What’s up?” Emily asked as Jerry popped the trunk of the luxurious car and tossed Emily’s bag in to the back. He came around to the side and opened the door for the two girls. “Talk about living large! Kait, you forgot to mention you were traveling in style?” Emily commented raising her eyebrows.

“Sorry, slipped my mind. I’m so used to these things now....I’m in one three or more times a day. They get old.”

“Well, I’ve never been in one. Mini-bar?”

“Over here. Kaity said tapping her hand on the wooden counter.

“Television?”

“Here.” Kaity said pointing to the small black box.

“Helicopter?” Emily asked smiling.

“We’re not that high-tech.” Kaity said rolling her eyes.

“Wow...I feel like a celebrity.” Emily sighed. “Which reminds me. There is a shit load of stuff about you on the Internet.”

“Really, is it bad?” Kaity asked.

“Hell no! My God, girl. Did I not tell you to stop worrying. All the fans love you! They say when they meet you, you’re really friendly. They think you and Nick make a cute couple.”

“Seriously?” Kaity asked in awe.

“Would I lie about something like this? There is a ton of stuff on Webpages...picture, and even some bios!”

“Bios?”

“Yeah, like, what’s your favorite color..when you were born...how long you’ve known Nick..stuff like that. Some sites even have quotes taken from Nick that pertain to you. Actually, you are quite the celebrity now. Nicky Carter’s girlfriend.” Emily said clapping her hands.

“You will be too, I’d imagine. Dating Brian Littrell....fans will know soon enough.”

“Yeah, but I have it easy.”

“How?”

“I’m Nick Carter’s girlfriend’s best friend. They love you...they won’t hate me. At least I hope they won’t.”

“Course they won’t.” Kaity said as the limo pulled up in front of the Arena. “Here we are. Be prepared...there are some fans.” Kaity said as she turned to the door. Jerry opened it and Kaity climbed out. Emily followed. “Come on.” Kaity said as she walked towards the back entrance.

“Kaity!!!” They both heard a small yell. Kaity turned to see three little girls running towards them, an exhausted mother running to keep up.

“Hello.” Kaity said smiling.

“Hi.” A little girl with red hair said shyly. “I’m Kim.”

“Hello, Kim, who are your friends.” Kaity asked kneeling before the girl who appeared to be around five.

“This is...um...Susy, and this is um..um..Nicki.” Kim said pointing to the two girls who accompanied her. Susy was small and had black hair and Nicki was blond. Kaity glanced up at the woman and smiled.

“They love those boys.” the woman commented.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you guys. What can I do for you?”

“Can we have your..um...autograph?” Nicki asked.

“Well of course.” Kaity said smiling she held her hand out and the girls shoved papers and pens into them. Kaity smiled and put two of the pens down. She began signing the papers.

“So...um...you’re Nicky’s girlfriend?” Susy asked cautiously.

“Sure am...would you like me to tell him you said hi?”

“Really? You would do that for us?” Nicki asked looking up at Kaity with wide eyes.

“Sure.” Kaity said standing up. She handed the girl each a paper with her autograph on it.

“Psst.” Susy whispered, tugging on Kaity’s shirt.

“What?” Kaity asked leaning down towards the little girl.

“Who’s dat?” Susy asked pointing to Emily.

“That? That is Brian’s girlfriend Emily. She just flew in here to see him.” Kaity informed the three little ones. Nicki smiled and walked over to Emily, holding out her paper and pen.

“Could we have your autograph Brian’s girlfriend?” she asked. Emily’s jaw dropped.

“Uh..sure, I guess.” Emily said kneeling before the little blond like Kaity had. She, too, signed the papers the young girls handed to her.

“Thank you.” The woman said as she led the three girls away. They giggled and talked way as they headed for the parking lot.

“Wow. Do you get that a lot?” Emily asked Kaity in awe.

“Eh...sometimes. I love the little ones the most though. They treat you like a Goddess..”

“What’s wrong with the older ones?” Emily asked nervously.

“They have a tendency to be nosy. For example ‘Is Nick a good kisser?’ ‘Do you guys share a hotel room?’” Kaity imitated as she pulled Emily into the Arena. The headed down a tunnel and came out on the inside of the Arena. Before them lay the stage. It was in the round. A huge five sided stage lay in the middle of thousands upon thousands of seats. The instruments were beings set up along with the mics and sound equipment.

“This is soo cool!”

“Wait until tonight when this place is rocking with the music and screaming fans. It’s a rush.” Kaity said as they headed down the center isle.

“Check one, two.” the girls heard the low deep country drawl.

“There’s Kev for ya. They’re starting. The guys are just under the stage checking their mics and then they’ll come out.” Kaity explained.

“Check, check. Can anyone hear meeeeee?” AJ’s raspy cry filled the Arena, and echoed.

“Jesus Bone! I swear, one of these days your mic will be cranked and we won’t able to hear.” Nick muttered into his mic. “Wassup Los Angeles!?!?” He yelled.

“Look who’s talking, Nicky.” Howie scolded.

“Aw...man, lay off.” Nick replied. Kaity and Emily took a seat in the third row. Kaity rolled her eyes.

“Them and their pre-concert antics.”

“Howdy folks, let’s get this show, here, on the road.” Brian said with his country twang.

“That was my baby!” Emily whispered.

“Yup.” Kaity nodded.

“Okay guys, looks like everything is working. Where are my ear plugs?” Howie asked.

“Right here, D.” Nick said.

“Okay, are we ready now?” Kevin asked sighing.

“Jeez, and I thought that Brian, here, was the only impatient one.” Howie shot back.

“Hey, now..I’m just excited to see Em.” Brian defended himself. “Come on, let’s go run through a couple songs.” Brian said.

“Brian...you are waay to peppy.” AJ muttered.

“Hey, Bone, you know how it is. He hasn’t seen his girl in three weeks. He’s a little hyper.” Nick explained.

“Nicky...you’re the same way every day and you see Kaity all the time.” Howie pointed out.

“This is true, but...my girl is damn sexy! Why the hell wouldn’t I be hyper to get my hands on her every day?” Nick asked.

“Right, right...she is quite the catch, Nick.” AJ said.

“You’re telling me. She makes me crazy!” Nick said laughing.

“But, that’s a good thing, right?” Brian asked.

“Hell yeah!” Nick laughed.

The girls watched the curtain below the stage part and Brian stick his head out. “Oh! You guys are back!”

“Absolutely!” Emily said standing up to greet Brian. He hopped over a barrier and pulled Emily into a hug.

“Brian!!!!!!!!” Nick yelled into his microphone.

“Jesus Nick!” Kaity screamed covering her ears. Nick looked out from under the stage.

“Oops!” he said innocently. “I’m sorry, baby.”

“Sokay...but one of these days...” Kaity said kissing Nick. “Oh, and word of advice, you might want to turn the mics off before you get into those guy talks about us girls.”

“Aw man! I thought I could hear myself echoing.” Nick said looking down at his mic. The button was turned to ‘on’.

“Yup...I’m sure that the fans outside could hear you talking. By the way...I’m damn sexy?” Kaity asked giggling.

“You know it.” Nick said burying his face in her neck, kissing her.

“I met three of your fans.” Kaity told Nick.

“Really?” came his muffled reply. His face was still against her skin while he breathed her in.

“Yeah, their names were Kim, Susy, and Nicki.”

“Nicki, huh?” Nick asked as he paused. “How old were they?”

“Young...around five or six, I think.” Kaity said as she wrapped her arms around Nick, running her fingers through the short hair on the back of his neck. He let out a deep breath on her neck.

“Were they cute?”

“Deathly adorable. I told them I’d tell you they said hi.”

“Cool. I like the young ones. They are so....normal.” Nick said as he began kissing Kaity’s neck again.

“They asked for my autograph...Em’s too.”

“Really?” Nick asked pulling away. “Are you cool with that?”

“Definitely, they were so sweet.”

“You don’t mind being in the spot-light?”

“Nah, as long as I’m with you.” Nick smiled.

“Always...remember that promise you made me.” Nick said. “You’ll never-”

“let you go.. I remember. You better believe that too, Mister.” Kaity said laughing. “So, ya think you might, maybe, wanna go say hi go my best friend?” Kaity asked. Nick smacked himself in the forehead.

“Sorry, I’m an idiot.” He turned around to see Brian and Emily still wrapped around each other. “Um...maybe I’ll say hi later.” Nick said turning back to Kaity who was laughing.

“Maybe that would work. Go do sound check.” Kaity said smacking Nick lightly on the butt as he walked back to the stage. He turned to her and winked as he climbed onto he stage to join Kevin, AJ, and Howie.

“Brian.” AJ said into his mic. Nothing. “Briiiii-aaan!” AJ sang. Still nothing. Emily and Brian were off in their own little world of lips and tongues. “Yo B-ROK!!!!!!!!!!!” AJ yelled.

“Shit! AJ! We just went over this! No yelling into the mics!” Howie said holding his head.

“Sorry, but it worked.” AJ pointed to Brian and Emily who were glaring at him.

“Bone...”

“Sorry, sorry, but we have to do this. When we’re done you can go back to..uh-uh.” AJ said doing a few hip thrusts.

“AJ!” Kaity exclaimed. Nick cracked up.

“Sorry, Kait.” AJ apologized, while smiling.

“Alright, let’s get this done then.” Brian said pulling away from Emily.

Chapter Eighteen
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