He shook his head. "Nick? You can tell me." "No, it's crazy." She put her arm around his waist and held him. "No, it's not. Tell me what is bothering you." Nick stood and walked around the room, hesitating now and then to touch the table or the wall. Kathy let her eyes follow him , but she stayed on the couch, giving him some space. "I'm scared." he said, finally. "I'm scared as hell about singing again." He grasped the back of the chair in front of him and Kathy watched his knuckles turn white from the force of his grip. She went over to him and rubbed his arms. She could feel him shaking as she ran her hands over his. "Come and sit down." He let her lead him back to the couch and he sat obediently. She held his hands in hers, saying nothing, just letting him settle down. Her gaze fell upon the scar from the wound on his cheek and she stifled the urge to run her fingers across it. When she felt his shaking subside she touched his chin gently. "Why are you scared?" He brushed his hands through his hair in frustration. "I don't know. I've thought about it a lot and I'm terrified of it." "Kevin said they can get someone in to work with you, to get your voice back in shape." she offered. "That doesn't bother me now. Brian told me the same thing in the hospital." Nick sighed and flopped against the back of the couch. "I think it's everything else. After the record is released we will do interviews and photo shoots, and tour..." His voice trailed off and Kathy realized instantly what he was running through his mind. She could have hit herself for being so stupid and not knowing sooner. "You'll have to fly again."

Nick nodded. "Yeah. I didn't do too well last time, did I?" Kathy thought for a moment. "Would you have to fly though? Couldn't you drive?" "Well, sometimes we could, but it's not always good. Sometimes we have to be someplace the next day and there is no way we would get there driving. Not to mention touring overseas. Have to fly there." She cursed silently. "It's not just that." Nick added, quietly. "I know all the interviewers are going to ask me about the crash and I don't think I can talk about it without breaking down. And then photos..." "Hold on." Kathy put her hand his arm. "One thing at a time. Why couldn't you do one interview that would be released to all the news organizations? Have one person you trust interview you, have all the guys with you, do it here. Then you are done with it and make it clear that this will be the only time you are willing to talk about the accident." Nick smiled at her. "That could work." "I'll tell Kevin to get management working on that for you." "What about the other stuff?" he asked. "One thing at a time, Nick. The most important thing right now is to get the interview out of the way and get you singing again. We'll deal with the other stuff as it comes along, okay?" He nodded happily and put his hand up to cover a huge yawn.

Kathy checked in Nick's room before she headed to her own. He had apologized and headed for bed right after their talk. Kathy called Kevin and explained things to him. Kevin had been very enthusiastic and agreed to get the ball rolling with managment about the interview, and also to get their vocal coach to come the next day to work with Nick. He had thanked her profusely for talking to Nick and told her again what a good team they made. She laughed quietly, remembering, as she peered into the dim bedroom. Nick was laying on his side, the moonlight dancing over his features. She noticed he had opened the window and the sounds of the ocean rolled peacefully through the room. The dogs were curled up around his feet, almost on top of one another. She sighed and moved to close the door and head for her room. "Kathy?" She popped her head into the doorway again. "Yes, Nick?" "I've been waiting for you." he called out. Her breath caught in her throat. "Oh, I don't know..." "We don't have to do anything." his sleepy voice protested. "I just like holding you, I sleep better." Kathy put her hand to her mouth and giggled softly. What a line! "Let me get changed, okay?"

She lay down beside him a few moments later, the dogs grumbling about having to move to give her space. His arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. "Thank you." She tapped his nose. "Just remember I am only here to help you sleep!" she smiled. Nick kissed her cheek and nuzzled her ear. "No problem, but one thing at a time, right? One thing at a time."