-Their Game-

“I found her Aje,” Nick said into the phone the minute his friend answered.

“Who?” AJ asked, briefly forgetting about their game and all that went along with it.

“The girl… you know… for the dare!” Nick said excitedly. A little too excitedly.

“You do remember the rule of not falling in love with her right?” AJ asked cautiously, praying it wasn’t too late.

“Uh yeah,” Nick quickly nodded, even though AJ couldn’t see him, “I’m just surprised I found someone that met your standards.”

AJ laughed, “Well, when do I get to meet her? See if she’s really that good.”

“Oh she is,” Nick laughed as well, “And I’m bringing her today. Which reminds me, I better start getting ready.”

“Okay,” AJ agreed, “Nick, just one thing.”

“Yeah?”

“What’s her name?”

“Memphis.” With that Nick hung up.

Nick spent all of the afternoon telling himself to not get attached to Memphis. He worked hard on desensitizing himself to her cute little blush, or sweet welcoming giggle. And he was determined to act like he was just as interested as the night before.

After all, this was for his best friend. The best friend who had helped him out countless times. The best friend that had fallen in love but needed some incentive to get that love together.

This was for AJ. And for Howie. For everything they could be. Together, as a couple.

Nick smiled at how happy his friends would be. See, he could prove to the world that he wasn’t a heartless jerk. Though the thing with Memphis might not help. He’d rather touch his best friend’s of almost 10 years, compared to some girl he’d just met the night before.

Even if the girl was cute, undeniably so.

These are the thoughts that ran through him as he pulled into the parking lot of Memphis’ apartment complex. She had been specific on her directions the previous night, as if she were afraid that he wouldn’t show up.

Nick rang the door bell, glancing up and down the hall as he waited for someone to answer. A man appeared at the door who looked strangely familiar. Where had he seen him before?

“Ah, you must be Nick,” The man said, gesturing Nick inside.

“Yeah and you are?” Nick asked, stepping into the entrance hall of the apartment.

“Joel Madden, Mem’s older brother,” Joel and Nick shook hands.

Just then another man came down the hall. Both men, Joel and the other, where dressed in black. The new man had a beanie on but it was obvious the two where identical twins. Even with the tattoo’s lining their arms.

“Joel, do you know if Mem’s got any potato-“ The man stopped when he saw Nick there, “So you’re the fabulous Nick Carter… Mem’s talked non-stop of you since she got home last night.”

“Um yeah, I’m him,” Nick smiled, that was a definite good sign.

“I’m Benji, Mem should be out in a second.” Benji was quick to respond, picking up on Nick’s eagerness to go.

“Oh…” Nick nodded and it hit him, where these two guys where from, “Good Charlotte.” He said suddenly. Both men looked at him with funny expression. And Nick continued on, “You’re both from Good Charlotte.”

They laughed and Joel nodded, “Yeah, we are. But we don’t brag about it. You understand how that goes.”

Nick nodded; boy did he understand that, “Yeah, it just explains why Memphis wasn’t too fazed by me last night. She must be used to being around celebrities.”

“Yeah, Mem’s good with the whole celebrity thing.”

“What whole celebrity thing?” Memphis suddenly appeared in the doorway.

The three men turned to her and Nick once again found himself struggling not to jump her right then and there. She looked even more gorgeous in a light blue feathered sun dress then her mini-skirt from the night before.

‘God,’ Nick thought, ‘This is for AJ…’