Chapter Five ~ Making the Relationship
"So, Rachel, tell us more about yourself," Erik questioned from the backseat of the car, hoping to find out more about this beautiful girl.
"Well, my name is Rachel Jolene Bukator. I'm 20 years old and just moved to Orlado 2 years ago to persue my dream in the music industry."
"You want to be a singer?"
"Heavens no," Rachel laughed. "I couldn't carry a note if my life depended on it. I want to manage upcoming groups. I graduated top of my class in university, and my professor said I had potential. Lou gave me the oppurtunity to co-op with him a few months ago, and of course I jumped at the chance."
"Where are you originally from?"
"I was born and raised in New Jersey. My parents have always supported me in everything I chose to do, but since I'm an only child me moving up here has been really difficult on them. We talk atleast once a day and they come up here every two months or so to visit."
"I bet its hard on your boyfriend. I mean you being so busy with work and all," Erik hinted trying to find out if he had a chance with Rachel.
"Actually, I'm a single woman," Rachel replied laughing silently, knowing exactly what Erik was doing. "I've dated several guys, all of whom were wonderful. I just haven't found the perfect Romeo yet."
"That's too bad," Erik said trying to sound really sorry while he was screaming with joy inside as Rachel pulled into the parking lot of the new Disney Club.
"Alright you two remember to be on your best behaviour. Cameras are recording every step of your journey, and if you do something stupid now it will affect your reputation later on down the road. Is that clear?"
"Clear," both guys reapeated as they followed Rachel to a table in the back of the club where Lou, Mark, and the rest of the guys were sitting and waiting.
Erik pulled out a chair and motioned for Rachel to sit down before he took the seat next to her. Jacob waved at Ashley letting him know that he had saved a chair for him on the other side. They ordered their dinners, and a few pitchers of Pepsi which they could drink while waiting for their food.
"So, how's it going so far guys?" Lou asked, genuinely concerned of the boys feelings.
"Whoooo, it's wonderful down here," Paul hollered. "I just can't wait till we get further into the process."
"How you doing, Ashley?" Lou questioned seeing the uncertainty in his eyes.
"I'm having a great time. Just missing my sister a bit more then I expected."
Their food arrived, and everyone dug into their orders. After they had finished, and sat for a while, Lou excused himself from the table telling the boys that they were welcome to stay for a bit longer and dance as long as they weren't late getting to the studio tomorrow.
"Rachel, would you like to dance?" Erik asked holding out his hand for Rach to take.
"I'd love to Mr. Estrada," she smiled as Erik led her out to the dance floor as the *Nsync song "God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You" came over the speakers.
"Ash, that could be me and your sister if you'd let her come down here and visit you."
"Whoa, hold up Paul. What makes you so sure shes going to pick you? I think she'd prefer someone like me," Jacob replied
"Wait a second," Trevor started. "Your both trippin'! That girl is definately MY type."
Bryan laughed. "Ashley your sister must be gorgeous if these three are already fighting over her."
"Well, if I have it my way none of them are getting their filthy paws anywhere near her," Ashley laughed.
"She has nothing on Malia," Ikaika chirped in. "Malia is the most beautiful girl in the world. Ahs, no offence, but your sister is a dog compared to my girl."
"Ikaika, man, that was a bit harsh," Mike came to Nicole's defense. "We all know you love your girlfriend, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
"Yes, and my eyes tell me that Malia is the prettier of the two."
Bryan could see that his comment was going to cause a scene if he didn't put an end to it soon. It was quite obvious by the look on Jacob and a few of the other guys faces that Ikaika was not making a good impression. "Hey, guys, look at Rachel and Erik. Looks like we may have a new couple on our hands."
Everyone turned their attention to the dance floor where Erik seemed to be moving quite quickly. "when I look into your eyes I know that its true, God must have spent a little more time on you," Erik sang quietly into Rachel's ear.
"Are you trying to charm your way into my heart, Erik-Michael Estrada?"
"It depends. How am I doing?" Erik ran his fingers over her back.
"Your doing just fine," Rachel gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "We have to definately do this again sometime, but right now Mark is motioning for us to join the group. It's time to go."
Jacob joined Ashley and Erik in Rachel's car on the ride home as he didn't want to be anywhere near Ikaika. They arrived home where Paul told Ashley there was a message on the answering machine.
"She sounds just as good as she looks," Paul grinned revealing his amazing dimples, letting Ashley know that it was his sister.
Ashley went to the machine and pushed the button under the red flashing light.
"Ash, it's Nic. It's like 10:00 and well, I need to talk to you Ashley."
Ashley could tell that his sister was upset as her voice was shaking like it always did after she had been crying.
"Ash, I need to get away from here. Dad is nuts. He won't let mom and I talk about you. If I mention your name I pay for it. Ash, please let me come visit you NOW!!"