Chapter 9


**Bryan**

Bryan said in his room at the hotel, the other guys were on their own dealing with the issues at hand. Bryan sifted through the tour schedule that was left; every city was becoming a blur for him as he read the dates and locations. The fans were becoming faceless and the songs were becoming routine. Bryan simply wanted to see his Erica, ask the question that had been burning in his soul and prepare his future with her. He knew that he loved Erica; he knew that his future was with her, his heart was forever with�

 

�Why now?!� Bryan yelled pushing the paper to the side. He leaned back in his chair, thinking of the meeting that happened that morning. The guys sat around the restaurant table, Louis�s hand holding the video concept and began reading the ideas. Shane and Kian listened intently hearing the words of their scene, kissing the most beautiful woman, holding her close and then to be able to touch her in ways that they had wished they could with the woman they loved. Mark had other thoughts on his mind until her heard his scene of a bubble bath and strawberries. He instantly thought of his woman, her eyes and the love that he was torn with. Nicky only had thoughts of Caz, his last words to her and the hurt that he saw in her eyes. He couldn�t think about work or the tour, only seeing the woman he loved and making it right.

 

But it happened, the name, the memories, the hurt all came back in a second. Of all the directors, of all the production companies, of all the cities, how small of a world when the first woman that Bryan loved, the first woman that he made love to and the first woman that broke his heart would be directing a video for Westlife. Bryan closed his eyes, the guys staring at him for the next reaction. He was speechless. What could he say?

 

Bryan stood up from the chair and made his way to the bed. His head was spinning with thoughts and choices. He slowly laid down, his hands behind his neck, staring at the ceiling, watching the blades of the fan turn. He had a quick thought of canceling the video, telling Louis that he wouldn�t work, that he couldn�t see Sherry but then the weight of the band would be on his shoulders. He didn�t know if the guys would understand his reasoning. Bryan closed his eyes, trying to vision Erica. Her beautiful face, her smile that always gave him peace, her eyes that always lit his way. He thought about the last time that they were together, how he held her, stroking her hair, life was perfect in the holding of Erica�

 

Shit!� Bryan yelled standing up. He walked over to the wet bar, grabbed a bottle of Vodka and began slamming it down his throat. �WHY?!� Bryan yelled kicking the trash container. He put the bottle on the counter and began pacing. He moved his thoughts to Erica, making love to her. He loved her body, he loved how she moved when they made love and then the simply movement of her hair falling on his face in the highest moment. He would brush back her hair, see her smile of pleasure and began the act again. He had felt new things when he was with Erica, she made him smile when life sucked, and she gave him strength when his was gone. Just the sound of her voice could give him light in a dark world. So then why was he questioning his feelings? Was it in the way she sounded the last time they talked? Was it in the distance in her voice or the quick good-bye while she ran off to work?

 

Bryan picked up the bottle and began gulping the last half of the sweet liquid. Her laughter haunted him still. It was the first thing he loved about Sherry. It was the last sound that he heard when he finally said good-bye to her. He had quick thought of their time together, times that he had forgotten about. When she sat quietly in the audience as he sang his heart out for Louis and the guys.She was there when he was told of their number one record. She was there when they got their first Smash Hits award. She stood by him when the critics said that he was too fat, when they said that he couldn�t sing. Sherry stood by him and continued to encourage him. But Sherry was also there when Bryan got too much fame, when he stood too high in the light and then too find the loneliness that came with it. Sherry stood by him no matter what because she loved Bryan before he was Bryan McFadden of Westlife. The road led them apart but now it was bringing them together. Why? What was the purpose? Why now?

 

Bryan finished the bottle of Vodka, threw it in the bin and walked out of his room. He stumbled down the hallway, his hand tracing down the wall, finding some answers and peace at the bar. Or maybe just wanting to forget what his heart was telling him.

 

 

 

**Shane and Nicky**

�It won�t be long.� Shane whispered in the phone. Nicky sat on the bed, watching TV. �I miss you too, babe.� Shane closed his eyes. Her voice quickly took away the fear, the loneliness but made the desire for her even more. �I can�t wait to see you.� He said visioning the way her lip curved up when she smiled. He saw the sweetness in her eyes as they looked at him and the way her tiny hands fit into his. Shane was so lost without her; her soul was what completed him. Nicky couldn�t help but smile listening to his friend but he also knew the pain that Shane had. At least Nicky could be with Caz even if he did lie to her.�Okay, I�ll call you tomorrow. Please don�t be sad, it will work out.� Shane said hating the fact that he couldn�t be with her, help her and be the man she needed. �I love you.� Shane said with a slight pause, the love was returned. He hung up the phone, running his hands through his hair.

�You okay mate?� Nicky asked turning the TV off.

�Yah.� Shane said looking away. He couldn�t wait to get to Orlando but even being in her presence, seeing her beautiful face and her smile was almost too much. Too much for him as he couldn�t be with her in the way he wanted to be.

�What is it Shane?� Nicky asked looking at Shane.

�Nic, I just want to be with Tonya. God, I love her so much.� Shane said with a crack in his voice.

�You will.� Nicky said smiling.

�No, I won�t. I asked her to marry me.� Shane looked away.

�And?� Nicky quickly asked.

�She didn�t answer me.� Shane turned around and walked toward the couch. �She just stood looking at me.�

�When did you ask her?� Nicky asked looking at Shane�s back.

�In the Virgin Island.�
�Shane, she was engaged to Brad at the moment. Of course she couldn�t answer you.� Nicky put his hand on his shoulder. �Shane, besides Mark and Megan, I don�t know any other couple that deserves to be together.�

�What about you and Caz?� Shane asked turning around.

�I don�t think she will ever forgive me.� Nicky said his head down.

�Caz would never hold a grudge. She loves you.� Shane smiled knowing that his words were true.

�I hope you are right. I can�t live without her.� Nicky said thinking about Caz. She stole his heart the minute he saw her. She looked so torn and lost. He knew at that moment he would never let her feel that way again. But he did, he hurt her and that was something he could not let go. It wasn�t a matter of Caz forgiving Nicky, it was Nicky forgiving himself.

�Why are we like this?� Shane asked finally breaking the silence. �The one thing we both want we just let go.�

�Because we love them?� Nicky asked.

�Or we are just stupid.�

�We are stupid.� The two laughed and then began their stragedy of the Tonya/Caz operation. Operation of winning their hearts forever.

 

 

**Mark**

�I�ll be gone for a month.� Mark said sitting on his bed flipping through the channels. �Shooting a video, a Disney concert and then up to New York for TRL.� Mark found a music channel, turned it up and threw the controls on the bed next to him. �No, I don�t think she will go to New York with me.� Mark crossed his legs and positioned the pillows under his head. �She has to work.�Mark said with no emotion.

 

The conversation was one of many in the last few months. Words of being torn, words of confusion and words of being lost. He would be seeing Megan in a few days. He knew that when he saw her, he would be even more lost.

 

�Erin, I don�t know if she is going to New York. I haven�t asked her.� Mark said getting annoyed with the questions. �I�m sorry.� He said trying to sooth over the words. �I miss you too.� Mark closed his eyes, Megan�s face embedded in his mind when she found the note. The anger, the hurt in her eyes played in his heart. He tried explaining himself after Tonya and Brad left but it was useless, the damage was already done.

 

Erin had a hold on him, the affair had continued even after that night. No, Erin didn�t have a hold on Mark, Mark was with her willingly. Erin gave him something that Megan didn�t. But it was something that even Mark could not explain. He had history with Megan; she was his first love, his first in everything in life. When he saw himself, he always saw Megan. But then Erin came along. She gave him life, showed him life and made him feel things that he had never felt before. It was supposed to be a one-night stand. One night, a chance meeting through Ronan but that one night led to many until Mark found himself living the lie of being faithful to Megan. Erin was not the other woman; she was the woman who gave him life.

Mark hung up the phone, turned off the TV and laid quietly thinking about everything. He knew a decision had to be made in Orlando. It was only fair to Megan, to Erin and to himself.No matter what, someone would be hurt.

 

 

**Kian and Bryan**

�How�s it going, Bry?� Kian asked patting Bryan�s back sitting down next to him at the bar. Bryan just grunted slammed his drink on the counter signally to the bartender that he wanted another one. Bryan didn�t look up but took a sip of his drink. Kian ordered himself a drink and joined in with the depression celebration.

�What the hell am I supposed to do?� Bryan finally said.

�About what?� Kian asked.

�Erica�Sherry�SHIT!� Bryan took another drink, slamming the glass down on the counter.

�Settle down, mate. God you haven�t even seen Sherry yet. She may have a boyfriend.� Kian said laughing.

�Yah, you�re right.� Bryan patted Kian�s arm. �I love you, Kian.�

�Thanks Bryan.� Kian said laughing.

�So, you and Ann hooking up in Orlando?� Bryan said slurring his words.

�You bet, Bry. I am determined to get that girl in bed.� Kian said with the biggest grin. �After all, God knows she can�t resist me.�

�No one can resist you, Ki.� Bryan stood up, falling towards Kian.

�Okay Bryan time to get you to your room.� Kian put his arm around Bryan and began leading him through the bar.

�Ann�s a fool to turn you down, Kian. You are hot!� Bryan continued in the elevator. Kian simply laughed at his friend.

Kian�s thoughts began wandering to Ann. He couldn�t wait to see her, so much was unsaid. He knew why she left him that night but he should have told her of his feelings. He should have spoken his heart. From the time he met Ann; his heart was gone. Kian never thought he could be faithful to a woman, give his heart completely but with Ann that was all he wanted to do. He had never loved a woman like Ann before. He found his purpose for the first time in her and being without her, scared him. He had to tell her and prayed to God that she felt the same.

 

 

**Kevin**

Kevin sat watching Michelle conduct her business. She was so sexy playing the game with the record company. He simply got turned on listening to the tease. But he was there for a reason; his desires would have to wait. Michelle finally finished her business, hanging up the phone and stood up walking over to Kevin. She ran her hands across his back, lingering on his neck.

�How are you, sweetie?� Michelle asked with a soft whisper.

�We need to talk.� Kevin said trying to control himself.

�Darling, I don�t have time to talk.� Michelle said leaning in biting his ear. She ran her hands down the front of his shirt, stopping at the button on his jeans.

�This is important.� Kevin said grabbing Michelle�s hands. He pulled her around facing him.

�It better be.� Michelle sat down on her desk, crossing her legs showing him what he was missing.

�Kimber knows about us.� Kevin said looking start at her.

�So.� Michelle picked up the small gold globe on her desk and began playing with it.

�She will be upset.� Kevin said taking the globe from Michelle.

�I repeat myself, so.� Michelle smiled brushing her hair back.

�She will demand that we break up.� Kevin was doing everything he could not to jump Michelle. He knew that he was seducing him and she was almost succeeding.

�Demand? Kevin, sweetie, no one demands anything from me.�

�I could tell Kimber that I am leaving her.� Kevin placed his hand on Michelle�s leg.

�Well, whatever you want to do, Kev.� Michelle moved his hand up along her leg, going under her skirt, the warmth of her body running through Kevin.

�Tell me, Michelle what happens if I do? To us?� Kevin said getting close to what he wanted so badly.

�Us? What do you mean?� Michelle closed her eyes as Kevin seized the moment with his hand.

�We could be a couple. We wouldn�t have to hide anymore.� Kevin stood up, moving his lips close to her neck.

�But what would the fun be in that?� Michelle said pushing him away. �Honey, I am not a commitment type woman. I like the thrill, the excitement of conquering.�

�Michelle, I love you.� Kevin said putting his arms around her.

�Love?� Michelle said laughing. �Oh Kevin. You are so funny.� Michelle pushed him back and walked behind her desk. She sat down and leaned back in her chair.

�I am serious. I will leave Kimber and then we can be together�� Kevin stopped while Michelle picked up her phone and began dialing.

�Jon, darling.� Michelle said turning around in her seat. �I need some fun tonight. Is the wife gone?� Michelle said with the same �meow� voice that captured Kevin. �Wonderful. Same hotel. You know how I hate New Jersey.�
Kevin sat listening in awe. He couldn�t believe what Michelle was doing, setting up another date with a guy? With him there?

�I�ll see you in a few.� Michelle hung up the phone and turned around to face Kevin. �Go home to your wifey. I don�t have any use for you.� She stood up and walked to the door.

�Michelle, I��

�Save it. You want me�then don�t tell me you love him, don�t ask for a commitment and don�t demand anything from me. You want love, go back to Kimber. If she will talk you back.� Michelle opened her door and left Kevin alone in her office. There was only one thing to do�. convince Kimber�make her love him again.

 

 

**Dan and Jacob**

Dan sat in his room, listening to his music and writing some letters to his family. He tried to keep occupied, his mind off what was really bothering him. He opened up his drawer of his desk, grabbing some envelopes when he ran across some pictures. He quickly scanned them but found himself lingering on the one of him and Erica in Germany. It was taken at a hole-in-the-wall pub in Berlin; Erica had dragged him there to experience life of the people.

They had met an elderly married couple that shared their joys being together. It was that couple who took the picture as Dan held Erica close the couple commenting afterwards that Dan and Erica looked like a happy married couple. They were in their own world in Germany, no one else mattered. Dan shared his feelings with Erica; he got to kiss the lips he had been desiring and almost got Erica to share. He saw it in her eyes, her eyes could never lie.

�Dan, Trev and Eric are going to Pleasure Island.� Jacob said popping his head in the doorway of the room. �Up for it?� Dan looked up and shook his head �no�, returning to his writing.

�You okay?� Jacob asked.

�Sure.� Dan said finally putting the picture away. �Just catching up on some writing.�

�When does Bryan got here?� Jacob asked sitting down on the bed.

�In a few days.� Dan said looking away.

�You need to either fight for her or move on, Dan.� Jacob said. �I know it sounds harsh but you can�t live like this.� Dan didn�t say a word. �Dan, I am your friend.�

�Jak, I have never loved a girl as much as I love Erica. She is just everything to me. I just can�t imagine my life without her.� Dan said finally looking at Jacob.

�Tell her.�

�I did.� Dan turned back around and began folding his envelopes.

�How does she feel about you?� Jacob said standing up.

�I don�t know.� Dan said putting the letters in the envelopes. �Are you going to ask Chrissy out?� Dan asked changing the subject.

�First chance I get.� Jacob said smiling. �Not going to end up like you, my friend.�

�Good, glad to know I am an example.� Dan said with a laugh.

�Come on, Erica will give us hell for staying out late but Pleasure Island awaits us.� Jacob pat Dan on the back and left the room. Dan stood up sighing heavily. Jacob was right, something had to be done. No matter the end results. At least Dan would know.


Chapter 10

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1