Chapter 3

three months later…

“Nick honey, will you help me with this box?” Kyla asked.

“Sure babe…” Nick said as he looked over at Kyla, who was struggling with a huge box of dishes.  “Trinnie, you didn’t have to bring ALL your stuff.  I have dishes and everything.” Nick laughed.
“I know, I know…but some of this stuff means the world to me.  And anyway…with all of our friends…we need tons of dishes.” she replied.

“Well, I know that all this seems to be a bit rushed and all, but having you hear with me makes me feel better.  I hate to sit and wait while you drive yourself home every night.  You and I will be better off here.  And…I have a surprise for you.” he said as he took her by the hand.

“What?  I love surprises.” she said excitedly.

Nick walked her upstairs to a corner room.  On the door was a drawing that Nick had done and had framed for her.  It was a collage of characters from her stories…in the eyes of Nick.  As he opened the door…she was stunned at the site.

“My God Nick, this is beautiful!” she exclaimed.

“Well, Trinnie…you are a famous writer…and well…this room was made just for you.  I wanted you to have everything you needed to write.  I got you a brand new computer…with all the latest software and hardware.  And, if you notice…all those framed pictures.  I am kinda proud of those.” he bragged,

Trinnie glanced around the room…noticing these extraordinary pieces of artwork.  “Nickolas, did you do all these?” she asked softly.

“Yes…there is a drawing for each of the stories in your book ‘Out Of The Darkness’.  I thought you would enjoy them.” Nick answered.

Trinnie was amazed.  No one had ever taken such an interest in her books…and to actually take the time to make such detailed and extraordinary renditions of her little worlds, that was just too much.

“Nick, you shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.  Honest.” she said.

“Well, I would only do this for someone I love very much.  And Kyla Trinity…I love you with all my heart.” he said sincerely.

“And I love you Nickolas Gene.” she said as she kissed him gently.

The two of them brought in the rest of Kyla’s belongings.  Nick had decided it was best for her to move in with him.  In fact, it was to her advantage, because she was closer to Orlando, where her agent was, and it was easier for the two of them.  Kyla wouldn’t have to drive for an hour to get home, and Nick wouldn’t have to worry about her being out late, without him.

“Trinnie honey, umm, I was thinking…what day do you have to go to New York to have the editors look over your book?”

Kyla stopped and put down the box she was carrying.  “Umm, I have to go up in a few days.  I have been putting it off…and the editors are driving me crazy.  But first, I wanted to get settled in.” she answered.

“I was hoping that we could make a trip of it.  We have some time before rehearsals start.  Would you like to do something while we are in New York City?” he asked sincerely.

“Umm, sure…but let’s wait to see what my editor says.  I don’t know what kind of schedule he has in mind for me.” she answered.

Nick looked at her thoughtfully.  She loved her life…and her career.  Afterall, she was a very successful writer, and children and adults loved her stories.  He knew that her newest book meant so much to her, so, he decided not to get in the way.  If they got to New York, and she was scheduled for every moment in her day…then he would settle for a nice dinner somewhere.

“Kyla, look, you just concentrate on your book, and when you have time to do something…then we will.  I will just tag along with you to keep you company.” he said sincerely.

“That sounds wonderful Nick.  I love you babe.” she replied.

*** *** ***

a week later…

“Look, I have worked hard on this book.   Nick loves it, Howie loves it, Kevin and Brian love it…why can’t you love it?!” she yelled at Jack, her editor.

“Kyla, I don’t know what you see in those boys.  They certainly don’t help stimulate your creative mind.  In fact, since you have been dating that Nick Carter boy, your stories have lost something.  I don’t know if you just don’t have time to concentrate or what…but you are losing your touch.  If you don’t do something soon, you won’t have a writing career.” Jack said sternly.

“Jack…I am not going to get rid of Nick, just so you can be happy.  I will just have to spend more time on the stories.  I will have a revised version to you in a week.  I will over-night it so that it will meet your deadlines.” she said, and then picked up her belongings and left the office.

Kyla walked down the street towards the La Plaza Hotel, where she and Nick had decided to stay.  Nick wanted to give her to the royal treatment.  However, Nick was one of those kinds of guys who found tuxedos, suits, and ties were too uncomfortable, so, he insisted on wearing pants and a shirt.

“Nick, look around you…everyone else is dressed up.  If you want to go to eat in that high class restaurant, we are going to have to go and get some dinner clothes.” Trinnie argued.

“But honey…I like what I am wearing.  And you look very nice in that dress.” Nick complimented her.

“But babe…a business dress is not formal…and this place is very very formal.  Look, I know where we can go.  How about Chez Josephine’s.  They are a classy restaurant, but you are dressed appropriately for the occasion.” she offered.

“Sounds good…do they have pizza or hamburgers?” he asked slyly.

“Nick, I hate to break this news to you…but Chez Josephine’s is a French restaurant.  But, I am sure you can get spaghetti. You will like it.” she continued.

The two of them soon were on their way and spent the evening dining at the secluded restaurant.  Luckily no fans had spotted them, so the evening was very pleasant.

*** *** ***

“Nick, I have to talk to you.  This is very serious.” Kyla looked at him in the eyes.

“What is it Trinnie…did something happen today at your meeting?” Nick asked, now concerned with her seriousness.

“I don’t know how to tell you this…but I am going to need a few days of quiet time to re-write the book.  You see, Jack, my editor feels that the book isn’t up to the usual standards.  He feels that my writing has gone downhill in the past few months.” she said nervously.

“Well, you have been a bit busy…and with all the moving and stuff going on…you got a little behind.  Trust me, you will fix it.  Don’t worry…I will help you.” Nick tried to comfort her.
Kyla felt bad, but she had to tell him.  She couldn’t lie to him, especially not now.  “Nick, that is the problem.  Jack thinks that you and the guys are keeping me from my writing.  He says that if I don’t straighten up soon, I will not have a job.  And, he feels that my problem is you.” she said as she turned her head away.

Nick was stunned.  He had given her everything in the world to make her happy.  He moved her in to live with him, he bought her a new computer…had a room specially set aside for her and her work, he took her anywhere she wanted…and also gave her the space she needed.  He loved her very much, and to hear all this was tearing him up inside.

“And you believe that shit?!” Nick protested.

“Nick, calm down honey…don’t make a scene.” she whispered.

“No, I am not going to calm down.  That guy doesn’t know me…and he doesn’t know how much you mean to me.  I am trying everything to help you…and he feels that I am the problem?!” he responded, obviously upset now.

Kyla turned and noticed several people glancing at them. Nick was causing so much commotion that others were getting annoyed.   Kyla tried to calm him down, but it seemed useless.  When Nick got upset, that was it.  It was like the entire world had to come to a complete stop.

“Nick, maybe we should go.” she said as she summoned the waiter.

The waiter came over and she paid the bill, insisting that he keep the change for all the inconvenience, and then the two of them stormed out of the restaurant.  Kyla hailed a passing limo, and they climbed in.  Nick was obviously sore about the comments, and sat their grumbling.

“Dammit Nick, why did you have to do that?  You were embarrassing me!” Kyla yelled.

“Trinnie…” Nick said but was suddenly cut off.

“Nick, you listen to me.  My editor wants me to take some more time to work on the story.  When we get back to Florida, I need to work my ass off to get the story up to par…or I will lose the book deal.” she said sadly.

“Trinnie, honey, you take all the time you need.  I will give you space.  Honest.  And, sweetheart…I am so sorry for embarrassing you.  I didn’t mean that.  It’s just that Jack must think I am some big joke.” he said and then turned to look out the window.

The entire rest of the ride was in silence, and the duration of their time in New York was spent quietly, giving each other plenty of space.