Chapter

The rest of Kaylee's day passed without incident. She ordered a light lunch from room service, and just layed down until it was time to leave for dinner. Ali had stayed out the better part of the day and Kaylee wished she had stayed with Ali. Laying in the room, by herself, made her realize how screwed up things were in her life. And, now, just what she needed....to find herself drawn to a handsome stranger. A handsome stranger named, Kevin. She had hoped to see him again, but was too afraid to even leave the room. Too many strange things happened to her everytime she did! She swore she had heard him call out to her earlier in the day. She hoped it was him...but at the same time, she was afraid that it would be him! She wouldn't know what to say in the light of day.

So, she just stayed in the room all afternoon.

Ali finally arrived back at the room and yelled to Kaylee, "Woman! Its time to make ourselves beautiful for our big night out. Let's get moving!"

Kaylee looked at Ali, who was so full of enthusiasm, and realized she could never let her friend down.

"Well Ali...before I get dressed, I do have one thing to tell you....and it involves my mystery man."

"Ooooohh...Adonis, you mean?," Ali asked, with a giggle.

"Yeah Ali, Adonis. He does have a name you know?"

"Oh don't I know it, Kay. Kevin Richardson", Ali shrieked as she tossed a pillow at Kaylee.

"Oh for god sake Ali! THAT is what I'm getting at...he is NOT Kevin Richardson, Backstreet...whatever! And, I have proof!", Kaylee said while defiantly sticking out her chin.

"Really...proof, you say??? And, how would you have proof? You've been holed up in here all day. What..he came to the door or something?", Ali inquired.

"No, Ali...I have NOT seen him! But, earlier today, remember when I told you I saw three buses..Backstreet buses? Only three? Well..my question was answered on the way in here, when I came back into the lobby. Guess what?? There were more buses that just showed up. There are five buses parked around the side! Three buses earlier..3 guys. 5 buses now..5 guys. I know that the 3 guys from yesterday... were NOT Kevin! So..are ya following me???", Kaylee rambled. "If the 3 guys from earlier were NOT my Kevin..and the two others just got here....ummm...Kevin was here last night.....SURPRISE! Ali, MY Kevin is not Backstreet Kevin! Thank God!"

"Oh WOW Kay! That may win you a nobel peace prize for research! That was a good explanation of exacly what you think you don't want, but your eyes tell me a different story! Deny it all you want, but this Kevin guy has gotten to you...and you WANT him...", Ali giggled to Kaylee, "admit it...you want to see this guy again, whether he is Backstreet Kevin..or plain old whoever Kevin."

Kaylee glanced down at her clenched hands and whispered, "Yes Ali", she sighed, "I really would love to see him again. And, believe me..there is nothing plain about THIS Kevin...my Kevin. I just don't know how to go about finding him."

"Well, we'll deal with that later, but right now...GET DRESSED and lets get out of here", Ali said enthusiastically.

Kaylee and Ali took their showers, dressed, and prepared to head out for dinner.

Kaylee found herself overly nervous and glanced at the mirror every chance she could. She couldn't understand why these feelings were washing over her. She was ready for a big night out...ready for fun for a change. And, dammit..tonight was going to be HER night! Her's and Ali's chance to cut loose!

She had bought new clothes and thank goodness she had bought something appropriate for a concert. She chuckled to herself as she recalled going into every store without a damn clue as to what would be appropriate because she didn't know where she was going, or what she was doing. After trying on numerous things, she had finally settled on something fashionable, yet somewhat casual. The black leather pants fit her curves perfectly. They were low enough on her hips to be stylish, but not too low to embarrass her. She had settled on a silk blend, royal blue sweater with three quarter sleeves. It was meant to be worn off the shoulders, but Kaylee did not wear it all that way. She just let it fall at the top of her shoulders. It was short enough to bare a little of her midriff. She wore a simple silver choker around her neck, a silver cuff bracelet, and big silver hoop earrings. She let her hair dry naturally and it fell into loose. She clipped the one side up over her ear, and let the other side just fall around her face. Kaylee had never needed to work hard on her appearance. She did work out to stay in shape, but she had a natural beauty that required very little makeup. She applied a little blush..a pale lipstick..some mascara..and was ready.

"Damn Kaylee...you still got it...maybe," she said to herself while she stood looking in the mirror, examining her appearance. She had never felt as insecure as she did after her relationship with Jeff ended. She still had not gotten her confidence back. "And here you go Kaylee..dreaming about a man that would never..ever..give you a second look", she muttered, "just forget this Kevin..and have a good time!"

Kaylee yelled over her shoulder for Ali, "Who's the one moving slow now sweetie?"

Ali ran out of the bathroom, grabbed her purse and was heading for the door, when she stopped dead in her tracks and stared, open mouthed, at her friend.

"Kay...you look great! Do you know that?? I mean, I'm sure you know that...but, wow...its been so long since we've really gone OUT....and it does my heart good to see you looking like you want to have fun! And, I guarantee you will have the night of your life. A night you will never forget as long as you live," Ali said as she hugged her best friend in the world.

Together the two friends headed out the door, down the hall and into the elevator with a renewed enthusiasm for where they were going..and what they were doing.

Although Kaylee couldn't help but wonder what Kevin was doing... is he still hurting? Is he alone? Would he ever really want to see me again? Kaylee sighed...grabbed her friends arm...and together the two woman pushed through the mass of people in the hotel lobby and headed outside to face the world. Tonight would belong to them...and no one could change that!