“So, my brothers and I went to Lowe’s, to get all this paint and painting stuff. And, while we were there debating why we were getting all the paint for our house, we received a call from Garbo.” Kevin pried as Katie sat the paint cans down in the living room.
“Really? A call from Garbo.” Katie asked, pretending to be surprised.
“Yeah. And he said that my wife had called him about some grand reopening concert for her business.” Kevin added.
“He said of that?” Katie asked.
“So, what’s this concert idea of yours?” Kevin asked.
“You, Joe and Nick. And, you guys singing some songs.” Katie slowly informed Kevin.
“With our old band?” Kevin asked.
“Yeah.” Katie answered.
“Kate Lynn.” Kevin warned.
“No ulterior motives. Just a get together concert.” Katie replied.
“You have a call out to Big Rob?” Kevin asked.
“Not yet, but if the need should arise…” Katie mentioned.
“Katie, do you remember how hectic tour was?” Kevin asked. “And this time, it’s not just you and I. We’ll have Isabella that we’ll have to worry about.”
“I know. But if you were going to get a chance to live your dream, wouldn’t you take it?” Katie asked, opening up the red paint and stirring it.
“Katie, I lived that dream once already. I’ve already been there.” Kevin said.
“But won’t it feel great to be back on stage with your brothers, even if it’s just for one day? Garbo, Ryan, Jack, John, everyone back in the band.” Katie added.
“Katie….” Kevin started. “I know you feel responsible for the tour ending and all of us coming back to New Jersey to lead normal lives. But, it was time.”
“Maybe it’s time again for something else.” Katie replied.
“I’ll talk it over with the guys. If we all agree, you can call the band.” Kevin said, as Katie smiled.
“Thank you.” She replied, painting a line of red down Kevin’s white t-shirt. He watched and then grabbed a paintbrush.
“One word, payback.” He said.
“That’s two words.” She teased.
************************************************************************
“I am never sneaking out to get cheeseburgers with you ever again.” Katie said as she and Joe jogged up the back stairwell of the hotel they were staying at.
“It was worth it though.” Joe said, clutching the bag closer to his chest.
“Oh yes. Because I just love running away from crazy fans.” Katie joked.
“What floor are we staying on?” Joe asked. “And what floor are we on now?”
Katie looked at the doorway above them, surprised to see someone standing next to it. “Joe, go get Rob.” Katie softly said as she stopped walking and leaned up against the stair railing. She kept peering over at the door, keeping tabs on the person.
“Katie, what’s wrong?” Joe asked.
“Just go get Rob.” Katie said, shooing Joe away. She started up the stairs and stopped at the doorway. “What are you doing here Reggie?” She asked, watching the guy smile.
“I came here to see you.” Reggie replied.
“I could have you arrested for this.” Katie shot back.
“That restraining order is only valid…” Reggie started.
“Bullshit! It’s valid everywhere Reggie. I can call up cops in Alaska and they can book you for violating the order.” Katie yelled. She heard footsteps through the door and stepped back to lean against the railing. “Reggie, just leave and I’ll drop all of this.” She offered, seeing the door open.
Kevin and Joe stepped out, as Reggie instantly stood taller and tenser. “You think your pretty boy boyfriend and his wimp brother are going to be able to do anything to me?” Reggie asked, laughing.
“Joe, call the cops.” Kevin said.
“I’d love to finally end his obsession with Katie first.” Joe said.
“Joseph.” Kevin warned.
“Oh please, I am not scared of him.” Reggie replied, stepping closer to Joe.
Joe didn’t back down. “Joseph.” Kevin warned again. “Just go back to the hotel room.”
“Kevin.” Joe pleaded, his eyes locked with Reggie’s.
“Bil.” Katie softly said, using a nickname she had for Nick and Joe. Joe shook his head and muttered something under his breath. He turned, tossed open the door and walked down the hallway.
Reggie took advantage of Kevin watching his brother and stepped towards Katie, causing her to step back. Her footing slipped a little on the edge of the stairs, causing her to grab a hold of the railing to steady her.
Kevin turned his attention back to Reggie once he made sure Katie was okay. “What is your problem?” He asked.
“Ask your girlfriend.” Reggie said.
“She’s my wife.” Kevin shot back.
“She’ll cheat on you too. She’ll cheat on you like she cheated on me, with you.” Reggie pointed out, stepping closer to Katie.
Kevin stepped in his way, as Katie’s hands grasped Kevin on the shoulder. “Dude, what really is your problem? Kevin asked. “She never did any of that. And she has moved on and is happy. She’s married; we’re expecting a baby…” Kevin said.
Katie saw something flicker in Reggie’s eyes. She stepped back a little, feeling the edge of the step in the arch of her foot. She looked behind her and gulped.
“Well, then let me congratulate you.” Reggie said, lunging forward. He pushed into Kevin with his shoulder. Kevin then proceeded to bump into Katie. Her foot slipped off the steps, causing her to fall down the stairs.
Kevin turned to grab her, only able to watch his wife tumble.