“So you two really called it quits? Everyone thought you two were the cutest couple!” the interviewer said with a sad smile.

“We made better friends, that’s all. And we are, we are really close, it was just too hard being lovers, it really was.” Regina replied.

“Yeah, we still hang out, still trade lyrics, we didn’t change our relationship that much. We just stopped doing the obvious,” Marshall added.

“And we hear, that you have moved on to bigger and better things, are we right?”

“Yes, I did move on, currently I am dating AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys. We met at the MTV Movie Awards a few months ago where I did my first performance. And it’s been great,” Regina replied holding up her microphone.

“Can you believe this, she prefers a Backstreet Bitch over me,” Marshall laughed.

“Ha ha, very funny Marshall,” Regina laughed.

“Are you jealous of Mr. McLean?” the interviewer asked with a lilt to his voice.

“No, no, of course not. AJ’s been great to her, and he is a nice guy, I wish them all the best. He can give her, what I couldn’t, so it’s been a fair trade,” Marshall nodded.

“Well, we wish the best of luck to the both of you, thanks for coming and being on today’s show.”

Once off the set they raced back to the venue and got ready to do their concert. It was a great night, they even did an encore of ‘Bangin’ and one of D-12’s songs. It had been a great concert, adrenaline was pumping and by the time they were out, everyone was raring to go home. It was the day before Christmas eve and everyone had red eye flights out of New York where they had finished the first leg of the tour and were taking their first big break.

“What time is your flight?” Regina asked Marshall as they rode back to the hotel from the venue.

“One AM, you?” Marshall replied.

“Twelve thirty. You got a short flight though,” Regina replied.

“Yeah, and you’re waiting for his mother in Chicago right?” Marshall asked.

“Yup, three hours, I just wonder what we’ll do,” Regina laughed.

“Knowing you, you’ll find the most private bathroom stall possible and remind him why his nick name is bone,” Marshall laughed.

“We haven’t had sex yet, Marshall,” Regina replied with a face.

“You? You haven’t had sex with him yet?” Marshall asked with wide eyes.

“We’re taking it slow, if you don’t mind. I’ve only known him four months,” Regina replied with a snort.

“And you knew me, what, four minutes?” Regina promptly smacked him hard on the arm.

“Ass,” she muttered, but couldn’t help but smirk in spite of herself.

“So you really haven’t had sex with him?” Marshall asked.

“Just because I’m in a relationship with a guy, does not mean I have to have sex with him, seven days a week, you know,” Regina replied.

“You’re just enjoying having a boyfriend, right? Not a full time commitment right away?” Marshall asked again.

“Yeah, something like that. He enjoys being the hopeless romantic, and to tell you the truth, I don’t mind.” Regina smiled as she thought about the last thing AJ had done for her, just the other night. A candle lit dinner followed by dancing on the balcony. He was so sweet to her.

“I never was one for the romantic stuff myself,” Marshall remarked.

“You were, the one time, remember, our one date, you did pretty well for yourself,” Regina replied looking over at him.

“Yeah, that was pretty good,” Marshall gave a cheesy grin.

“Good, we’re here,” Regina breathed a sigh of relief and popped out of the car, Marshall behind her on their way into the hotel.

“You still have to pack?”

“Yeah, both of us do. AJ can’t wait to get going. Did I mention, that my mom is speaking to me?” Regina asked on their way up to their floor.

“Really?”

“Yeah, because I’m bringing home a half-Italian, half-Spanish guy, well, she won’t be too pleased when she finds out he’s Puerto Rican, but, I’m now considered a part of the family again,” Regina laughed.

“Catalina excited about having a Backstreet Boy as a possible brother in law?” Marshall laughed.

“Not funny Marshall,” Regina said giving him a sideways glance. Marshall put his hands up in defense.

“You know, that you and Hailie are welcome to spend Christmas with us,” Regina said as the doors opened.

“Thanks, but we’re having an old fashioned family Christmas. Nathan and my grandmother are coming home, and well, Kim’s letting me stay over at her house, so that I can spend Christmas with Hailie,” Marshall explained as they stepped out. They walked down the hall a few steps in comfortable silence.

“You and Kim giving it another try?” Regina asked.

“We’re on better speaking terms than we’ve been in years. But we’re gonna take it slow. The most important thing that we think about, is Hailie.”

“Good for you,” Regina smiled.

“Hey you!”

Regina squealed as AJ sneaked up behind her and lifted her into the air.

“Mind if I steal my girlfriend from you Marshall?” AJ asked as he turned to face him, Regina shaking her head but smiling all the same.

“You go right ahead AJ, I’ll see you both after Christmas,” Marshall said with a grin.

“You going out or something?” Regina asked.

“Yeah, I’m all packed, gonna grab a drink with the guys before I leave.”

“We got to pack Reggie doll,” AJ reminded.

“Okay, all right, give me a kiss, I’m not gonna see you, for what six days?” Regina asked.

“A tragedy, I’m sure, AJ, keep her entertained,” Marshall warned as he leaned in and gave Regina a kiss on the cheek.

“All right go on you two, and Reggie, keep your hands to yourself,” Marshall warned.

“See ya man,” AJ gave a small nod and a wave and took off down the hall with Reggie in his arms, swinging her around. Marshall heard her laughs all down the hall and watched as they disappeared into Regina’s room. He smiled to himself and went to change before he went out with the guys.