Chapter 83
The interview was over as Chelsea made her way through the crowd of reporters in the ‘Green Room’. She was so excited that she was about to burst and when she finally reached AJ, she bounced into his arms.
“OH MY GOD! Alex!” she squealed.
“Whoa! I LIKE this kind of greeting,” laughed AJ catching her. “What has you so excited though?”
“I passed my exam! I’m DONE and get to graduate!”
AJ spun her around as he exclaimed, “That’s AWESOME, Chels!”
The other guys were there too and chorused their congratulations.
AJ set her down and Chelsea explained, “Professor Bligh said I had one of the best papers they’ve ever seen.”
“That’s ‘cause my woman is the best at everything she does,” praised AJ hugging her tight.
“When is graduation?” asked Kevin.
“December! Now, all I have to do is take the bar exam and I’ll be a full-fledged lawyer.”
“I think we need to have a blow-out!” said Nick.
“Most definitely!” agreed AJ. “Tonight, after the show, my treat!”
“Hate to put a damper on the celebration but we’ve got a show tomorrow night,” reminded Kevin.
“Besides, we want to do this right,” said Brian. “We need to plan this for a night when we don’t have a show.”
“Rok’s right,” said Nick. “We should have it when we don’t have to worry about a show.”
“Guys, it’s not necessary,” insisted Chelsea.
“Yeah, it is,” replied Nick. “You’re one of us and you got good news. We always celebrate good news!”
“Nick’s right,” said Kevin. “We’ll check the schedule and see when we have a free night.”
“B-Rok and I’ll plan the party,” said Nick.
“Thanks, guys,” said Chelsea humbly.
“Okay, we’ve got some time before sound checks. Don’t be late,” announced Kevin authoritatively. “We’ll be having fans there and we don’t want to disappoint them.”
“Alex, let’s go shopping,” whispered Chelsea looking up at him.
“For what?”
“Wait for it,” said Nick dramatically. “Did you hear it?”
“Hear what?” questioned Brian.
“Hell just froze over!”
Testily, Kevin asked, “What are you babbling about?”
“AJ just questioned going shopping. He’s NEVER questioned going shopping.”
Everyone laughed and Chelsea hugged AJ as she said, “You are known for your shopping.”
“You guys are NOT funny! I was just surprised because Chelsea doesn’t like to shop,” argued AJ.
“He’s got a point,” agreed Kevin.
“So, what do you need, Chels?” asked Nick.
“A wedding dress for me and something for Annie as my brides-maid.”
“But it’s bad luck for Alex to see you in your dress before the wedding,” said Brian.
Chelsea frowned, “I hadn’t thought about that.”
“I can help you pick out several dressed and then you can pick one of them. I won’t know which one you pick.”
“That could work,” said Chelsea thoughtfully. Then with a smile, she said, “As long as I’m with you, it doesn’t matter.”
Groans and gagging sounds erupted. “Get a room,” groaned Nick as AJ kissed her.
“Believe me, they had one and there was PLENTY of that going on,” smirked Kevin.
Chelsea blushed as fire flew through AJ. Fortunately, Howie saw it and was quick enough to cut off the possible argument as he said, “It’s cool that you two are so in love, AJ. It’s been a long time coming and Chelsea is an extremely beautiful lady.”
“Yeah,” agreed Brian. “You two are really good together.”
“Thanks, guys,” smiled Chelsea realizing what they were doing.
From the door, Michelle called, “Oh, Miss Whitlock! You have a date with me in the gym.”
“Crap!”
Nick motioned for Micelle to join them and when she did, he put his arm around her. “Baby, can’t you skip today’s session? Alex and Chelsea were headed out shopping.”
“She’s already missed three days and I noticed she’s limping more than normal,” frowned Michelle as she pinned Chelsea with ‘the look’.
AJ had noticed too so he said, “We can go later, Chels. I’ve got a couple things I need to do anyway without you tagging along.”
“Oh really? Like what?”
“A surprise.”
“Guess that means I’ll have to go look for a dress later. Lead the way, Michelle.”
With that, everyone broke up to go their separate ways. Nick and AJ decided to follow the girls to the guy first where AJ gave Chelsea a sweet kiss before saying good-bye.
Watching the girls go to the locker room, Nick asked, “What kind of surprise are you getting Chelsea?”
“A new phone. She’s got a piece of crap right now.”
“I take it she doesn’t want you to do it.”
“Probably not. That’s why I’m not taking her with me but I do want to be back when she’s done. Do me a favor; hang out here and if I don’t get back in time, stay with Chelsea. Don’t let her be alone with Kevin.”
“What’s going on with Kevin?”
“He tried to win her back.”
“That’s why he filed for divorce?”
“Yes.”
“But Chelsea clearly loves you.”
“I know. Just stay with her, okay?”
“No problem.”
