Chapter 28

"This is getting out of hand," Denise said, "I don't know what we can do, it is too late for damage control."

"The press knows that Gwen and Nick are in a relationship and -" Brian said.

Cutting him off, Denise said, "But they didn't find out until after the fact, not to mention that they are having a field day with Collin and how Nick supposedly broke them up."

Nick just sat there, staring down at the table as Denise continued, "Nick, how could you be so careless?"

This was more than he could take, "CARELESS?" he yelled.  "I was on making love to the woman I love on a PRIVATE beach.  I am sorry Denise but the last thing I was thinking about was some pervert photographer hiding in the bushes."

"Nick you know you live a high-profile life, you are a celebrity.  You have to think about that constantly, people are always watching you and and you have to make sure you don't jeopradize it."

"Look guys," Nick said calmly as he looked up at his four friends, "I can't do this anymore."

"Can't do what anymore, Nicky?" Howie asked as they all stared at Nick.

"This," Nick said as he held up a copy of the Globe, "Being famous isn't worth this.  Because of who I am I have nearly destroyed the most important thing in my life, my relationship with Gwen.  This isn't fair to her.  I love her and plan on continuing to love her for the rest of my life.  We can't live with a constant invasion of our privacy."

"Nick, what are you trying to say?" Kevin asked.

"I am saying that I choose Gwen.  I have never wanted anything as much as I do her, not even this fame or money.  I love you all like my brothers but I can't go on like this now that I have someone else to think about."

They all sat there in silence.  The other Backstreet Boys knew that there was no arguement they had that would make Nick see it another way, they knew how he felt.  Of course, Denise had to speak up, "Nick, you have only known her for 6 months."

"So, I know how I feel.  I have screwed up everything because of the fact that I am famous.  I asked her to marry me last night and she ran out on me."

"You what?" AJ asked shocked.

"I asked her to marry me.  Now, I am going to go to see if she will have me and if she will let me make this right with us."

"I can't speak for the others, but I understand where you are coming from." Brian said.

"Thanks man," Nick said as he got up, "I will be in touch."

Nick smiled and walked out of the room, leaving his life as a Backstreet Boy behind him, going to face the woman he loves, hoping he didn't scare her away.

Chapter 29
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