“I say we drive home,” Nick mumbled as the plane stopped in front of the terminal.

 

“I’m not sure I could spend four days straight in a car. Tour bus, yes. Car, no. Especially not with you.” Riley teased.

 

“Thanks. Love you too.” He rolled his eyes as he stood up.

 

“You know I’m joking. About you anyways. I couldn’t do a four-day trip. You couldn’t either.”

 

“Probably not. Hey? You know what? We’re not supposed to be talking right now.”

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“I told you I wasn’t talking to you again because of those damn costumes.”

 

Riley snorted, nearly choking on laughter. “Just get over it already.”

 

He was about to protest, but she slid her arm into his and led him from the plane. A rush of cool air encircled them as they entered the airport.

 

“Do you see him?” Riley asked, standing on her tiptoes in attempt to find Kevin.

 

“Yeah. Straight back.” Nick grabbed her hand and weaved her in and out of the mass of people.

 

“Hey guys.” Kevin greeted in a booming voice. “How was the flight?”

 

“That’s not a good question to ask him,” Riley said as she hugged him. “He’s grouchy.”

 

“I’m not grouchy.”

 

“Yep, definitely grouchy,” Kevin replied.

 

“I… never mind. I won’t win this.” Nick rolled his eyes.

 

Kevin slung his arm around Nick’s shoulders as they headed towards the baggage claim. “You know we’re just playing with you. Don’t be such a grump. How are you feeling anyways?”

 

“Just peachy, thanks.”

 

“Did you guys remember your costumes?”

 

“Unfortunately,” Nick mumbled, ignoring the evil glare from Riley.

 

“It can’t be as bad as my costume, Nick. I swear, this is the last time I let Kristin choose.”

 

“What’s yours?” Riley asked.

 

“Aladdin.” Kevin smirked. “She found some old pictures from Disney and got all excited.”

 

“Well, at least we’ll match. She’s got Cinderella and Prince Charming for us.”

 

Kevin snickered. “I won’t feel as bad then, seeing as I’ll have a fellow friend who’s not appreciative of the costume.”

 

They maneuvered their way through the thick crowd around the baggage claim.

 

“What’s your bag look like, Rye?” Kevin asked, peering over the heads of the people in front of him.

 

“Black with a pink tag.”

 

Riley stepped away from the crowd, beginning to feel claustrophobic. Kevin and Nick joined her a few minutes later.

 

“I hate this airport.” Nick said as Kevin led them through the airport towards the parking lot. “You guys need to move to somewhere less crowded.”

 

“I’ll get right on that.”  Walking through several aisles of vehicles, they soon came upon Kevin’s black Denali. “Or you could move out here so you wouldn’t have to deal with the airport altogether.”

 

“And leave the ocean? I think not.”

 

“Nick, there’s an ocean here, too.” Riley laughed, getting into the backseat of the vehicle.

 

“But it’s not the same.” Nick joined Kevin in the front of the SUV. “There’s less people in Marathon, too. You don’t feel you’re rushing around everywhere.”

 

Nick hadn’t realized how exhausted he was until he leaned back against the seat. It seemed as though every muscle in his body was weak. He sighed deeply, yawning in the process.

 

“You okay?” Kevin asked as he backed out of the parking spot.

 

“Yeah. Just tired. Jet lag, probably.”

 

The ride to Kevin’s house was fairly quiet. Nick stared silently out the window while Riley and Kevin chatted back and forth occasionally.

 

“Howie gets in this evening, but he’s staying over at AJ’s, so it’s just us four here at the house.” Kevin pulled the vehicle into the garage and turned the engine off before they climbed out. “Kris went to a few meetings with her agent, so she’ll be back early this evening.”

 

Leading them into the house, he closed the door to the garage.

 

“Are you guys hungry?” Kevin asked, setting down Riley’s bag by the stairwell.

 

“I’m starving,” Riley replied, glancing at Nick.

 

“Actually, I think I might go lie down for a while.”

”You okay?” Riley asked quickly, a worried expression on her face.

”Yeah, I’m fine, just tired.” He gave her a reassuring smile but she knew he didn’t feel fine. He looked paler than usual and he had been more tired in the past week then he had in quite a while. But she knew he wouldn’t give in so easily. “Same room, Kev?”

 

“Sure. Whatever you want. They’re all ready for guests.”

 

Nick disappeared up the stairwell as Kevin went into the kitchen.

 

“What are you up for?” He asked, opening the refrigerator.

 

“Anything you have is just fine.” She sat down at the island on a barstool, admiring the house as she did. “Your house is so awesome.”

 

“Thanks. So how’s business in Marathon?”

 

“We haven’t really started much yet. I’ve mostly just been trying to decorate the building. I have contacted some people about needing employees, though, so I should be hearing back soon.”

 

“Sounds like a plan. Hey, how about hamburgers? I can toss a few on the grill.”

 

“Okay. Can I help with anything?”

 

“Want to make some salad? There should be some vegetables in the drawer in the fridge. Cutting board is beside the dishwasher.”

 

Riley helped herself to the vegetables while Kevin went onto the back patio to start the fire. He returned to the kitchen and began to gather ingredients for the burgers.

 

“Want a beer?” He asked as he opened the refrigerator.

 

“Sure.”

 

He took out two, along with a package of ground beef. Opening a drawer, he used a bottle opener to pop the caps off before handing the bottle to Riley.

 

“Thanks.”

 

She took a long swig from it before setting it back down.

 

“So how do you think he is?”

 

She looked up, hesitant for a moment as she watched him add seasonings to the meat.

 

“I’m not sure. He has his days, really. There are some days when he seems to be really tired and worn out, and others when he’s full of energy like the regular Nick. But he won’t tell me if he’s feeling bad.”

 

“Imagine that.” Kevin rolled his eyes. “Is he doing better, stomach-wise?”

 

“Yeah. I had to practically cut his arms off for the last few weeks because he kept trying to lift things or do things he shouldn’t have been.”

 

“Maybe the trip just wore him out.”

 

“Probably. He’s still not back to one-hundred percent yet.”

 

As Kevin lifted the plate of hamburgers from the counter, the doorbell rang.

 

“I can get it.” Riley offered.

”Okay. Thanks.”

 

Riley slid off the stool and went through the foyer to the front door. She peered out the side window by the door to see Howie standing on the porch. She unlocked the door and pulled it open.

 

“Riley!” Howie exclaimed. “I didn’t expect you to be here yet.”

 

“Yeah, we just got in.” He pulled her into a tight hug.

 

“What are you doing here? I thought you were going to AJ’s?”

 

“I was but the dimwit left a messages on my voicemail telling me he had just remembered he had a meeting with his JNN manager that could last a few hours. So, I decided to rent a car and come over here to hang out for a while.”

 

“Well now you can spend more time with me,” She grinned cheesily, making him laugh. “Are you hungry? Kev is just putting some burgers on.”

 

“I’m sure I could eat.”

 

She grasped her hand and pulled him into the house before closing the door. Leading him through the foyer, they met Kevin in the kitchen as he came back into the house.

”Hey D. What are you doing here?”

 

“AJ has a meeting and forgot until this morning. I figured I’d come hang out over here until he was finished.”

 

“Hungry?”

 

“Gee guys, am I really that fat?”

 

A confused look came over Kevin’s face.

 

“I already asked him,” Riley laughed.

 

“Where’s Nicky?” Howie asked, sitting down beside Riley at the bar.

 

“Upstairs. He said he was tired so he went to lie down.”

 

“Is he doing okay?”

 

“He says he is.”

 

“We’ll have to take his word for it, won’t we?”

 

The afternoon lingered on slowly. After eating and cleaning up the kitchen, they sat in the living room, each nursing a beer as they chatted, mostly catching up on each other’s lives.

 

“I’m going to go check on Nick real quick.” Riley said, setting her beer down on the coffee table. “Which room is he in, Kev?”

 

“Second door on the left.” Riley abandoned the two as she went through the kitchen to the foyer. As she climbed the stairs, she realized how exhausted she really was from the plane. As she reached the top of the stairs, she walked several feet down the hallway to the second room. The door was slightly ajar, allowing a stream of sunlight to splash across the carpet of the bedroom. Riley knocked quietly as she slowly pushed open the door. Though the blinds were closed, they allowed in enough light for her to see his silhouette lying atop the bed.

 

“Riley?”

 

She jumped, startled from his voice.

”Yeah. I was just checking on you. How do you feel?”

”I have a bad headache.”

 

“Do you want some Advil or something?”

 

“I already took some.”

 

“Are you hungry?”

 

“No.”

 

“Okay. Do you need anything?”

 

“Can you hand me that blanket?” He motioned towards a quilt that sat in the window seat. She opened it and laid it across his body.

 

“You’re cold?”

”Freezing.” With her gut instinct, she automatically placed her hand on his forehead.

 

“Fever?”

 

“No, but you feel cold. Just sleep. It’s probably from the flight.”

 

“I’m sorry I’m not being very social.”

 

“They don’t care, babe. It’s just Howie, Kev, and I. They know you don’t feel good.”

 

“Will you wake me up for dinner if I’m not awake before?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

She left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Returning downstairs, she was greeted with curious looks.

 

“He’s got a bad headache.”

 

Though worry still appeared in their eyes, they nodded. She, too, was worried about him. But she realized now that she would always worry about him.

 

~~~

 

“Nick, are you ready?” A voice called from the foyer.

 

“Yeah.”

 

He stood from his chair at the kitchen table.

 

“You going to be all right here by yourself for a while?” He asked as he set his empty plate in the sink.

 

“Yes sir. Kris is taking me to Rodeo Drive.” Riley said, setting down her mug of hot chocolate.

 

“Then we probably won’t see you two until tomorrow night?”

 

“Funny. Now go before you make yourselves late. Have fun. Tell the other hi for me.”

 

Nick went into the foyer where Kevin was patiently waiting by the garage door for him.

 

“Ready?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

He followed Kevin into the garage where they got into the SUV.

 

“Did you know that your wife is taking Riley to Rodeo Drive?”

 

“Are you serious?” Kevin rolled his eyes as he started the vehicle. “We can plan on eating dinner by ourselves tonight.”

 

“I got a dirty look for saying something like that.”

 

There was suddenly an uncomfortable silence. One of those where you don’t know what to say, but you want to say something to break the silence. It continued for a few more minutes before Kevin turned the radio on.

”So do you feel better today?” He asked, talking over an old Eric Clapton song.

 

“Yes… much better.”

 

“Good.”

 

It was the truth. He did feel much better than he had yesterday, though; but he still wasn’t totally up to par.

 

Kevin steered the vehicle into a small parking lot of a white business building. Brian had arrived at the same time and was already stepping out of his BMW.

 

“Hey cuz,” Kevin greeted as they got out of the car.

 

“Hi Kev,”

 

Brian glanced at Nick, but quickly looked away as their eyes met.

 

“Someday you both will grow up,” Kevin mumbled as he led them into the building. They walked through an empty lobby before taking a sharp left into a conference room. A large table sat in the middle, surrounded by ten overstuffed office chairs. A pitcher of water sat in the center with overturned glasses beside it.

”Hi… you guys are here for a meeting with Rob?” A woman asked, stepping into the room.

 

“Yes,”

 

“He’s running a few minutes late, but should be here shortly. Make yourselves comfortable and if you need anything, I’ll be around.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

Nick, eager to rest already, sat down in the chair nearest the window. Kevin sat beside him, at the head of the table, as he poured himself a glass of water. Brian fidgeted, unsure of what to do with himself. He suddenly turned around and left the room.

 

“I don’t understand you two,” Kevin shook his head.

 

“What?”

 

“You’re both grown men playing the “silent” game.”

 

“It’s not me, Kev. I’d do anything to have my friend back. He’s the one that won’t even look at me.”

 

Brian returned with AJ and Howie on his heels.

 

“Hey kid.” AJ greeted Nick, hugging him tightly.

 

“Hi J. How are you?”

 

“I’m good. How about you? Holding up okay?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Awesome.” AJ took the seat beside Nick as Howie and Brian sat across. A tall, thick-shouldered man entered the room, a stack of folders in his arms.

 

“Hey guys, sorry I’m late.”

 

A round of greetings filled the room as Rob handed the folders out.

 

“I think we can make this real quick if we just get a few things done with first.”

 

Within an hour, the meeting was over. Their next year was tentatively scheduled with recording studio dates and possible appearances. The record company wanted the album out by the same time next year or earlier if possible. That would mean a tedious schedule of studio time. The brief thought of “what if…” entered Nick’s head, but he quickly pushed it away.

 

“You guys up for lunch?” Howie asked as Rob left the room, leaving the five alone.

 

“Uhh… sure,” Kevin said, “Kris took Riley out shopping. Might not see them for a few days. Nick, lunch?”

 

“Yeah, that’s good.”

 

“I.. uh.. actually have to get back home. Leigh’s got an appointment and can’t take Baylee.” In his eyes, Nick could tell he was lying. Brian always looked down if he were lying about something.

 

“Oh… okay. Well, we’ll catch you tomorrow night then, Bri.” Howie said.

 

Nick slowly closed his folder, waiting for the others to leave.

 

“Brian, wait.” Nick said, as Brian was about to walk into the hallway.

 

He stopped, but didn’t turn around.

 

“I know you’re pissed at me and I don’t blame you, but don’t take it out on the other guys. You’re just as much of a part of this group as the rest of us; so don’t pretend like you have somewhere to go when we’re doing something as a group. Don’t worry. I won’t talk to you or make eye contact with you, and I sure as hell won’t touch you, okay? Just suck it up and get over it. The others have, why can’t you?”

 

Nick pushed his chair roughly, causing it to bang against the desk. He slipped out the door beside Brian, making sure he didn’t brush up against him.

 

The other guys were standing by the cars when Nick got outside.

 

“You okay?” Kevin asked, noticing Nick’s flushed cheeks.

 

“Yeah, I’m fine. What’s for lunch?”

 

“We were just talking about that. What do you want?”

 

“A big juicy cheeseburger full of grease.”

 

“Someone’s feeling better than yesterday,” Howie snickered.

 

“I do have to agree with Nicky, though. A cheeseburger sounds great. How about Johnny Rocket’s down on Melrose?”

 

“Sounds good. We’ll meet you there?”

 

“Yep.”

 

Kevin let AJ back out first so they could follow him.

 

Kevin waved to Brian as he walked out of the building.

 

“He looks upset. Did you say something to him?”

 

“Yeah. I told him not to take hating me out on you guys. It’s not fair for you guys not to see him just because he hates me.” Nick said, staring out the window.

 

“I hope Baylee doesn’t learn anything from this.”

 

 

Chapter Seventeen

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