A New Day
Chapter 6
"What's up Nick?" Howie asked, trying to seem interested in what Nick had to say. He had a good idea what it was he was going to talk about already, after hearing AJ's account of the evening. The other problem was that he would much rather be anywhere but there with Nick, having this conversation, because he hated lying to his friends, and he knew that was what he was about to do.
It couldn't be helped though. He and AJ had talked more about what they were going to do, and had decided to definately keep their relationship a secret for a little while, at least until they were comfortable with it themselves. In order to do that, they would have to- not exactly lie, but be a little economical with the truth when talking to the other guys.
Neither Howie or AJ were entirely happy with this, but it was a necessary evil if they wanted to keep their relationship a secret.
"I'm not sure D." Nick replied. "Have you noticed anything strange about AJ recently?" He asked.
Howie tried to look as innocent as he could before returning Nick's gaze. "Why? Have you?" He asked, evading the question.
Nick ran a hand through his hair, making it spike up more than usual. "I don't know D. Sometimes I think there is, but then he goes and says or does something and I'm not so sure anymore. I don't want to talk to him in case I'm wrong and he gets all pissed at me, but I don't want anything to happen because I chickened out and didn't talk to him."
Howie sighed as he rested a comforting hand on Nick's forearm. "Look Nick. AJ's sorting through some stuff right now." Nick looked up at him sharply, concerned. Howie smiled and tightened his grip as he felt Nick tense. "It's okay Nick, it's nothing bad, I promise, but he just needs a little time to sort everything out."
"It's what you were talking about the other night huh?" Nick asked. Howie looked up at him, confused.
"Huh? When?"
"The night of AJ's party. When I called him yesterday afternoon, he was still asleep, he said you and he had been up talking most of the night."
"Oh. Right, yeah. We did." Howie stammered quickly, mentally kicking himself for forgetting AJ's phone conversation with Nick the day before.
"Are you okay Howie?" Nick asked, noting how pale and tired Howie suddenly looked. Howie looked up at him and smiled tiredly.
"Yeah Nick, I'm fine, just tired that's all."
"Really? I thought you'd be wide awake after last night."
"Why? What happened last night?" Howie asked worriedly. Did Nick know something and was trying to trip Howie up and catch him in a lie?
"Nothing- I tried to ring a few times and you didn't answer the phone, that's all."
"Sorry Nick. I wanted an early night, so I switched off the ringer. Not that it helped, cos I tossed and turned all night. Why, was it important?" Howie lied.
"It's okay, I was just confused after talking to AJ last night and I wanted to see if you had noticed anything."
"That's why you were here early this morning?" Howie guessed.
Nick grinned. "Yeah. You're usually early and I wanted to talk to you before AJ got here�"
"And to think we all thought you were getting responsible in your old age." Howie laughed and was relieved when Nick laughed along with him. He looked at the door, realising that AJ still hadn't returned. He was probably waiting for him somewhere outside. He suddenly got had a good idea, and put his hand on Nick's arm to get his attention.
"Hey Nick. AJ's not back yet, I'm gonna go and talk to him okay- see if he's alright. Can you cover for us?" He asked.
Nick looked behind him and saw that AJ wasn't back, and nodded quickly. "Sure thing D. Do you want me to tell them anything?"
"No. Wait until it's just us." Howie told him- there was still management and people from Jive in the room. Nick nodded in agreement and watched as Howie slipped quietly out of the room to go and find AJ.