It wasn’t long before Kristen’s prediction came true. In the spring of 1999, Westside, now called Westlife, released their first single "Swear It Again". The song went straight into the UK number one spot and began the amazing rocket shot to the top for Westlife. Seemingly overnight they became an international hit, with only America left to conquer. By the spring of 2001, they had 8 number ones in the UK, two successful albums and were headlining their very own tour.
Through it all, Kristen and Shane stayed the best of friends. Kristen was always just a phone call away for Shane. She became his shoulder to cry on, his rock of support, and the anchor for his feet when he began to get too high. And he was there for her whenever she needed him. The Irish press was convinced that Kristen was Shane’s secret girlfriend, but they were always just friends, much to Shane’s chagrin.
Shane had always wanted Kristen, but the time was never right. She dated Brian’s friend TJ, from the band Cartel, on and off for awhile. When they were broken up, Shane always seemed to be on the road. You can’t start anything serious while you’re touring, Shane knew that all too well. He just prayed the day would come when he could tell Kristen how he really felt.
"Shane? You awake over there?" Kristen asked, bring him back from a daydream.
"Oh, yeah," he said. "Just spaced out, sorry."
"That’s cool. Just wanted to make sure you didn’t fall asleep on me." They were driving up to Sligo for the weekend. That was until Shane’s mobile rang.
"Can you answer that for me Kris?"
"Sure," Kristen said and picked up the phone. "Shane’s mobile, Kristen speaking."
"Kristen, I need to talk to Shane." It was Nicky and he was crying.
"He’s driving right now Nix. Can I help?"
Shane asked Kristen "What’s wrong?" but she put her finger to her lips to silence him.
"Georgina broke up with me. She just left, no reason. Said she didn’t love me anymore." Nicky lost it and began bawling.
Kristen put her hand over the receiver. "Georgina just broke up with Nicky," she told Shane.
"Oh fuck, is he ok?"
"No," Kristen shook her head. "He’s crying like a baby. Maybe we should go back to Dublin."
"I can’t Kris, I promised I would be at Killian’s first show." Shane’s nephew and Godson Killian had his first riding show this weekend and Shane promised he would be there.
"Then take me home Shane. Nicky needs somebody, at least I can be there for him."
Shane sighed. Somehow he knew that was coming. Kristen had always had a soft spot for Nicky, even after she found out he had a girlfriend. "Fine," Shane said and turned the car around.
"Nicky, hang on. I’m coming to Dublin as soon as I can. I’ll be at your place soon, ok?" Kristen told Nicky over the phone.
"Ok," he sobbed.
"Bye sweetie, it’s gonna be ok, I promise."
"Bye," he said as he began to cry again.
Kristen hung up the phone. "Poor thing, he’s so distraught right now."
Shane slammed on the gas. Damn Nicky. Shane was planning on talking to Kristen this weekend about taking their relationship a step further, then he had to go and ruin it.
"Slow down Shane, you’re gonna kill us!" Kristen exclaimed.
"Gotta get you back so you can comfort Nicky." This was a hint of bitterness in his voice. Kristen had never seen him like this, he almost seemed jealous.
"I’d do the same thing for you Shane."
Shane sighed. "I know you would Kris. I’m sorry, it’s just I had plans for this weekend, for us."
"Oh, Shane, I’m sorry. I’ll make up for it sometime, I promise," Kristen said. If only she knew what was about to happen, how crazy her world was about to become.