"You have everything?" Trista asked. I looked down at my four suitcases and nodded.
"If I need anything else, I can just go shopping." I shrugged and Trista laughed.
"I'm going to miss you." I said.
"I'm going to miss you too. I'll be there before you know it." Trista assured me.

The doorbell rang and Trista opened it to Erica.
"Hey Erica." I said and she just walked past Trista and grabbed one of my bags.
"I'll be waiting outside." She said and I nodded before she left. Trista groaned.
"Oh, Nick called me while you were at the office." Trista said as she picked up one of my bags.
"I know." I smirked.
"How?" Trista asked as I picked up the remaining two bags and we walked out of the apartment.
"He called me first and told me he was going to." Trista laughed.

"So what did he have to say?" I asked.
"That he missed me."
"Aww..."
"And he can't wait to see me."
"Aww..."
"And I said I wish I could say the same."
"Aww...ouch! Tris!" I scolded. She laughed.
"You didn't really say that did you?"
"I did and he said the same thing you did."
"Aww?" I asked. She shook her head.
"Ouch."

"Well, it wasn't very nice."
"I told him I was kidding and I did miss him." Trista said and I smiled.
"Good."
"And he would like to have another shot. I told him I'd think about that." She smiled and I knew she'd give in.
"Well, I think you should give it to him."
"Mackenzie, of course you do. You always do that." Trista laughed.

"Do what?" I asked.
"Take the guy's side." I just laughed along.
"I do not."
"Yes, when George and Dana have their meaningless arguments...you always take George's side."
"That's because Dana' a flake and throws tantrums!" I laughed.
"And when Aaron was dating that chick he met in Denver and they broke up, you blamed it all on her..."
"Tris, Aaron's my friend of course I'm going to take his side." I sighed.

"Well, I just always remember you siding with guys." Trista said. I shrugged.
"Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I don't understand how stupid we can be." I laughed.
"Yeah, that or it's because you like taking their side because you know they can beat you up."
"That's true too." I laughed and we made our way outside to the awaiting car. I hugged Trista.

"Call me anytime. Have fun." Trista ordered.
"I will. Thanks for watching over the business for me." I smiled.
"Anytime." Trista said and then she turned toward Erica.
"Good luck out there." Trista said.
"Thanks." Erica replied before getting in the car. Trista looked at me and sighed. I hugged her once more and got in the car.

The driver pulled away and I looked over at Erica.
"Excited?" I asked.
"Yup." She grinned.
"Mike's going to be there." I reminded her.
"I know. So will Nick." Erica said and I nodded.
"Are you going to be okay with that?" I asked. She shrugged.
"I can be mature about this." Erica said. I smiled. I hope so.

The car pulled up to the meeting area where all the buses were. I smiled seeing everyone gathering around and greeting each other. I can't believe I started this thing. My eyes just lit up. Erica smiled at me and I returned it.

We got out of the car and I suddenly got nervous to make my speech. The driver began taking the bags out and I told him where mine and Erica's bus was. Keely was sharing with us too, but she was meeting us here.

I walked over to Dan, who was in charge of organizing the production of the concert. We hugged and talked for a few minutes before I felt someone tickle my sides. I jumped and turned around to see Nick. I smacked his arm and hugged him.

"Ah, it's good to see you." I said squeezing him.
"You too." He said kissing my cheek.
"Uh oh." He whispered as we pulled away.
"What?"
"Erica." He said. I noticed Erica walking over to us and I smiled at him sympathetically.
"Make things right." I suggested.
"I'll try." Nick assured me.

I walked away and said hello to some of the other acts like Howie from the Backstreet Boys and his sister Pollyanna. I'll admit when I was a teenager, I had a huge crush on Howie. I still couldn't look him in the eye without blushing. After Howie and Pollyanna walked away, Keely came over to me and hugged me.
"Excited?" She asked.
"You have no idea." I grinned.

"Where's Aaron?" I asked noticing he still wasn't here.
"Damned if I know." Keely shrugged. I laughed.
"Have you talked to him?" I wondered.
"Not in a few weeks. We're not a couple, remember?" Keely said and I nodded.

I started assigning buses and Aaron still wasn't there yet. I started to worry and Nick came over to me.
"Do you know where your brother is?" I asked.
"No. Did you call his cell?" Nick asked. I shook my head.
"Well, call him." Nick said wrapping his arm around my shoulder. Just then I noticed Aaron, Jane and Mike getting out of a car. I sighed in relief and Nick smiled.
"Everything will be great." He said reassuringly.

Aaron walked up to me and bear hugged me. When we parted, I smacked his chest.
"You had me worried."
"I'm sorry, but I have a good excuse for being late." He grinned.
"Mac, it's time for your speech." Dan said before walking away.
"Tell me when I'm done, okay?" I asked. Aaron nodded and Mike hugged me quickly.
"Hello Mackenzie." Jane said.
"Hello Jane." I said. I never called her Mrs. Carter in my life and I'm sure that probably pissed her off. We gave each other a cold stare before I walked over to a microphone stand that was set up.

"Hello everyone! Glad to see we all made it." I grinned. I looked over at Keely and Erica and then at Aaron and Nick before continuing.
"I just want to thank all of you for supporting Spotlight Magazine. It really means the world to me and I know we'll have a lot of fun. It will be a great tour. So happy traveling to our first stop in Albany where rehearsals will take place there as well. Good luck everyone and thank you for making this dream of mine come true." I finished and everyone applauded me.

I walked over to Aaron and he hugged me tightly.
"It's happening. I'm so proud of you." He said in my ear. I pulled back and tears filled my eyes.
"Don't cry. What's wrong?" Aaron asked and I laughed.
"I usually cry when I succeed one of my dreams." I said and Aaron nodded.
"So what's your excuse for being late?" I asked and Jane came over to us.
"Aaron, let's get on the bus."

"I'll be right there, Mom." Aaron said. Jane sighed and walked off toward the bus. I looked toward Nick as he followed. Mike walked a good distance behind them. I noticed some tension between Mike and Nick earlier, but I just shrugged it off.
"I'm waiting." I said to Aaron.
"And you're going to wait some more." Aaron laughed.

"So you're not going to give me your excuse?" I asked.
"I got you a present. That's all you need to know right now."
"Aaron..." I whined.
"Not attractive, Mac."

"I don't care. When do I get this present?" I asked with a smile.
"Not until about three months."
"Three months? Aaron Freakin' Carter, why do I have to wait that long?" I asked and he just laughed.
"Because it's special and it needs to be given at the right time." Aaron said. I sighed.
"Fine. You're lucky I like surprises." I said.

"Aaron!" Jane yelled.
"Go Mama's Boy, mother is calling." I said pushing him lightly. He laughed.
"See you later." Aaron ran off to his bus and I made sure everyone got on theirs before getting on my bus. "Spotlight Magazine" was written across it and I beamed. The feeling was incredible.

I got on my bus and checked it out a little before settling in the back sitting area next to Nick. I actually requested a bus with Nick since it would be like old times when we shared a room together. Plus, it saved Mac money.
"Is Mike still not really talking to you?" I asked. Nick shrugged.
"I would guess so since he didn't even say hi to me."
"This is ridiculous. Erica's a big girl and can stick up for herself. Mike doesn't need to be her bodyguard and lose his best friend." I huffed.
"Yeah, well maybe you should say that to Mike and not me." Nick said.

"Say what?" Mike asked coming into the room.
"Mike, we have to spend three months on this bus together and I don't want there to be any fights. Mac will have a heart attack." I said and both Mike and Nick looked at me funny.
"Mac?" They both asked.
"This tour is her baby. Don't ruin it for her." I said.
"Your brother is a jackass and all you care about is that Mac wouldn't want us to fight?" Mike asked. I sighed.
"Who you calling a jackass?" Nick asked standing up. I stood between them.
"Look, back up guys. Let Erica deal with Nick's shit." I said turning toward Mike. He just turned and walked down the aisle of the bus.

Nick and I played some videogames for a little while and about three hours later, the bus stopped. We got off the bus and I noticed Mackenzie go into the hotel. I saw Keely leaning against the bus with Erica and I walked over.
"Hey." I said leaning next to her.
"Hi." Keely smiled. Erica rolled her eyes and walked away. She stopped to talk to Mike and Nick walked over to them. Oh shit. A few moments later, Nick and Erica went onto my bus and Mike walked off annoyed.

"Can I come to your room tonight?" I whispered in Keely's ear.
"Mac's sharing a room with me." She said and I pouted. Damn. She couldn't come back to my room. I was sharing with Nick.
"Meet me by the buses at midnight?" I asked. Keely smiled and nodded. Mac came over and handed me a key and Dan checked me off on a clipboard. Mac continued to give Keely a key and then went to find everyone else.

Erica and Nick came off the bus. They didn't look too upset, so I'm hoping some progress was made. I kissed Keely's cheek before heading into the hotel. I ran into Howie in the hallway and we talked for a few minutes before I went to my room. A few minutes later, Nick came in and went into the bathroom. When he came out, he got in bed.
"So what did you talk to Erica about?" I asked.
"I just apologized." Nick shrugged.
"Did she forgive you?"
"Not really, but she did say we should try to be friends." Nick laughed.
"Be careful dude. Friends is what they all say." I sighed. Nick looked at me.

"Talking from experience there Aaron?" Nick smirked. I threw my pillow at him.
"No, I'm just saying that I'm sure Erica still has some unresolved feelings for you." Nick nodded and not before long, he was asleep. I looked at the clock and saw that it was only ten. I needed to find something to do for two hours. I got out of bed and I went to knock on Mac and Keely's door, but I heard my name called and I jumped. I turned to see my Mom.
"What?" I asked.
"Keely isn't in there." I narrowed my eyes. What does she keep tabs on her?

"I was looking for Mac." I said knocking.
"Why do you need to talk to Mackenzie at this hour?" She asked.
"Mom, it's only ten." I sighed.
"You should get some sleep." Mom said just as Mackenzie opened the door.
"Hi." She smiled.
"Hey." I said.
"I'm bored." I said desperately and Mac laughed before noticing my Mom.
"Go do something with Nick." She said and I knew she suggested that because Mom was standing right there eyeing her.

"He's asleep. Can I hang with you for a while?" I asked. I could see Mom's eyes narrow from the corner of my eye.
"Sure." Mac said and shot Mom a phony smile.
"Aaron..." Mom warned.
"Night Mom." I said before stepping inside Mac's room and closing the door.
"Are you trying to get me in trouble?" Mac asked. I laughed.
"Mackenzie, you're a big girl now. Don't let the mega-beast scare you."
"I'm not scared of your mother." Mac said and I nodded.
"Sure, you aren't."

Mac pushed me and I tripped over her shoe and fell onto the bed laughing. I pulled her by the leg and began tickling her. She squirmed away and I pinned her down, just to see how much I could get away with. I straddled her hips and held her wrists down. She stuck her tongue out at me as she tried to squirm away.

"Is that an offer?" I asked and she quickly closed her mouth. I laid my body on top of her and loved the way she felt underneath me.
"Aaron..." Mac said in a shaky voice.
"Mac, if I kissed you right now, would you kiss me back?" I asked.
"Aaron, no." She said and I was kind of surprised. I got off of her.
"Why?" I asked.

"You're with Keely." I said.
"Yeah, but I'm not with Keely." Aaron said emphasizing "with". I sighed.
"She's one of my best friends Aaron. We don't share guys."
"I'm sorry." Aaron said standing up.
"For what?" I asked.
"For fooling around with you just now. I wanted to see how far you'd let me take it." Aaron shrugged. What a disgusting pig.

"Well, now you know. Aaron, don't play around like that." I said kind of annoyed.
"I know. I don't know why I did it. We're just friends Mac, but sometimes I can't deny the fact that I'm a guy and you're a girl." Aaron said not looking me in the eye. I smiled at his youth. The way he said it was just like a confused thirteen year old.
"It's okay. Let's just forget about it. And how about we leave the fooling around to you and Keely and me and Nick?" I asked. Aaron's eyes widened.
"You and Nick?" He asked. I laughed.
"Me and Howie?" I then said.
"Ugh." Aaron said disgusted. I shook my head. Oh but he can sleep around with one of my best friends?
"Please tell me you're not serious." Aaron asked.
"That's for me to know and you to wonder." I grinned.

Chapter 25

A couple of days later, I was sitting in rehearsals in between Mac and Keely. It was a little awkward, but not as bad as you'd expect. A fairly new boy group was onstage and I was pretty bored. I looked over at Keely and smiled.
"What?" She asked.
"Let's go back to the hotel." I whispered in her ear. Mackenzie smacked me.
"Oww, what was that for?" I asked.
"It's rude to whisper."
"Sorry." I said before turning back to Keely. She shook her head and I pouted.
"I'm working." Keely sighed and I nodded before leaning my head on Mac's shoulder.

"I am not your pillow." She said pushing my head away.
"Fine." I said leaning my head on Keely's shoulder.
"Did I say you can make yourself comfortable?" Keely asked pushing my head away too.
"Forget you two, I'm going to find something to do." I said standing up. They just laughed as I walked away. I walked out to the buses and hopped on my bus. I walked to the back and stopped dead in my tracks. Erica was straddling Nick half naked and his hands were all over while his pants were around his ankles.

"What the fuck?" I yelled out of complete shock. Erica covered up quickly and climbed off of Nick.
"Aaron, get out!" Nick yelled.
"I'm not getting out! What the fuck are you two doing?" I asked.
"It's none of your business. Stay out of it!" Nick yelled.
"Aaron, please give us a few minutes to get dressed." Erica said a little timidly. I sighed and nodded before walking off the bus. Mac came toward me and I just smiled. She went to walk on the bus and I stood in front of the entrance.

It was almost time for Nick's rehearsal, so I decided to go to the bus and tell him. I walked outside and Aaron smiled at me kind of strangely. I walked toward him and went to walk on the bus, but he blocked the doorway.
"Can you move please?" I asked.
"Why?"
"Because...I need to get on the bus."
"Why?" Aaron asked. I sighed.
"Aaron, I'm working. I don't have time to play games."
"Well, maybe I can help you...you need Nick? I'll go get him for you." Aaron said eagerly. Why am I friends with such a weirdo?

Just then, Erica came off the bus looking guilty. She was straightening her shirt and just walked past Aaron and I awkwardly. My eyes widened and I looked back at Aaron. My first thought was to assume Aaron and Erica, but I quickly shook that from my mind. Especially when Nick came walking off the bus looking just as guilty. Nick wouldn't look at me.
"You wanted to talk to me, Aaron?" Nick asked.
"I do." I said forcefully.

"You need me for rehearsals?" Nick asked looking over at me.
"Yeah, but first let's talk." I said crossing my arms.
"I have nothing to talk about." Nick sighed.
"I took your side Nick!" I yelled and Aaron winced.

"Took my side?" He asked.
"I defended you to Trista. I helped you get a date with her!"
"Mackenzie, what do you want me to say?" Nick asked.
"I don't know!" I yelled.
"Maybe what the fuck is going through your head?" Aaron yelled at Nick.
"Erica came on to me, okay?"
"And you had no complaints, did you?"
"I can't help it if I'm attracted to her." Nick sighed.

"Nick, you've been through this shit already! I told you to be careful just the other night!" Aaron yelled.
"I was stupid! I made a mistake! What do you really want me to say?" Nick asked.
"I don't want you to say anything! I want you to learn from your mistakes and stop making them!" I yelled.
"Mac, I have nothing to feel guilty for!" Nick yelled.
"What!?" Aaron and I both yelled.
"Nick, you already broke Erica's heart. She was starting to get back to normal. What do you think this is going to change?" I asked.
"She said that she just needed me to hold her. I didn't mean for it to go any further." Nick groaned.
"You have to learn to resist." Aaron said softly. Nick looked at him.
"Don't you even go there bro." Nick said. I rolled my eyes.
"Did you really think sleeping with Erica again was going to make Trista run to your arms?" I asked.

"Mac, I'm single. I don't have anything holding me back. It was wrong to give in to Erica. I know that, but you can't expect me to not give in to my needs." Nick said and I just laughed.
"I'm single Nick. Does that mean I have to screw whoever comes along?" I asked. Nick smirked.
"No, you should do it with someone you trust." Nick joked putting his arm around me. Aaron pushed it off.
"Dude, no one's laughing." Aaron said. Nick sighed.
"You know what? I'm twenty-five years old and I really don't need lectures from my baby brother and..." Nick said looking at me, searching for something clever to refer to me as.
"A magazine editor." Oooh, nice finish Nick. I rolled my eyes as he walked off.

"You have rehearsals in five minutes!" I yelled after him. Aaron looked over at me and ran his hands through his hair.
"What is wrong with him?" I asked. Aaron shrugged.
"What's wrong with Erica?" He asked. I sighed.
"I don't know, but I'm going to find out." I said walking toward our bus.

When I got on the bus, I was surprised to see Mike with Erica.
"Can I talk to Erica alone for a second?" I asked. Mike nodded and smiled at Erica before stepping off of the bus. I sat down next to Erica as she looked out the window.
"Why?" I asked.
"Why what?" She shrugged.
"Erica, Nick hurt you. Why would you want to do whatever it was you were doing with him?"
"He cares about me Mac. I know he does." Erica said sighing.

"I'm sorry, but he doesn't feel the way you do Ric." I said rubbing her back. She shrugged me away.
"What do you think you know everything?"
"I never said that. I'm just trying to--"
"Is it so hard to believe that Nick Carter could love me back?" She asked standing up.
"No, but one night of sex does not equal up to love." I said grinded my teeth out of frustration. Erica just stood there for a moment.
"I don't know what I'm doing Mac." She cried. I stood up and hugged her.
"Ric, you can't force someone to love you. Especially not by giving them sex." Erica just nodded.

"I hate him." She said softly.
"Nick?" I asked.
"Yes, I hate him for using me."
"Erica, he didn't know you wanted more." I said. There I was defending Nick again. Trista was right, I do take the guy's side.
"Mackenzie, don't stick up for him."
"Are you okay?" I asked after a moment of silence. She nodded and I wrapped an arm around her.
"It's almost your turn for rehearsals." I said and Erica managed a smile.

We walked inside the venue and Nick was onstage giving his all. Erica sighed before going to the back to get ready. I sat down next to Keely. Jane was on the other side of her.
"Keely, you can take a break." I said. She smiled and nodded before walking out. I noticed a few minutes later, Aaron had followed. It was truly sickening. Jane looked over at me and I just smiled.
"The microphone has too much echo." She said.
"I haven't noticed."

"Well, you wouldn't really know since you're still new to this." Jane said smugly.
"Jane, I've been going to concerts all my life, I think I know how a microphone sounds." I said annoyed.
"Yeah, but what do you know about sound and all the production crap?" She asked.
"You forget, I've been putting together concerts for two years now." I sighed.
"Right, I forgot Mackenzie. You know everything; you're the smartest girl in the world. I know nothing about this business. Why am I even here?" Jane said sarcastically. I groaned.
"Just stop. You want to fix the damn echo? I'll fix it!" I yelled grabbing the loud speaker and talking.
"Hold on Nick. Jerry, could you please lessen the echo on the microphone?" I asked.
"Mac, the echo's fine." Nick said. I looked back toward Jane and then spoke into the loud speaker again.
"Never mind Jerry." I sat back and crossed my arms.
"And I suppose Nick knows nothing about microphones and sound either, right?" I asked. Jane rolled her eyes and got up. I smiled satisfactorily.

Keely and I got our clothes back on and just sat on the couch. I laid down and Keely laid at the other end and we just sat in silence. I heard someone get on the bus and heard grumbling and grunting.
"Mom?" I asked. Mom came to the back.
"Hi, what are you two doing?" She asked.
"Just chilling." I said and Keely nodded. Mom looked a little pissed.

"Are you okay?" Keely asked.
"Ugh, I can't take her." Mom said and I knew instantly who she meant.
"Mom, don't pick on Mac." I sighed.
"Aaron, I wasn't picking on anyone. I made a simple suggestion, but she can't take help from anyone because she knows everything." Mom rambled. I rolled my eyes.
"Look, this is her concert. Don't get involved in Mac's job and she won't get involved in yours." I argued. That only seemed to make Mom angrier.
"That's where you're wrong. Mackenzie is constantly hanging around you when I'm trying to do my job. She has opinions on what interviews you should do and how to market your albums and..."

"Mom, she's trying to help me. That's her job. She's giving you tips." I explained.
"But I didn't ask for them and I don't need her tips! Mackenzie is a bad influence on you, Aaron." Mom said and I had to laugh. Keely even joined in.
"I am serious!" Mom said and I laughed harder.
"Mrs. Carter, with all due respect...Mackenzie is not a bad influence. I would think Aaron would be one on her." Keely said and Mom just shook her head.
"Be careful Keely. They both can be bad influences on you." Mom said before walking off the bus.

Chapter 26

The next couple of weeks were somewhat rough. Jane and I bashed heads a lot. I just wish she'd stay out of my business! Nick told Erica there was nothing between them, which resulted in Erica running to me crying and Mike comforting her. He's still not speaking to Nick. Howie and I have been talking a lot and have been discussing me possibly doing a few writing sessions with him! I always wanted to take my hobby of songwriting and turn it into something more. Writing with Howie would be a dream come true.

Aaron and Keely's sexual activities seem to be slowing down, thankfully. Jane and Keely have become tour buddies or something. I don't know, but I tease Aaron about it all the time.
"When's the wedding?"
"Shut up." Sometimes I'd joke about Keely replacing him in the family too. He'd usually wind up shoving whatever he was eating in my face and I'd send Nick to kick his ass. It was a ritual I will always cherish.

As for the tour itself, the shows have been flawless! We've had big turnouts and acknowledgments on various radio stations. I think it's safe to say that the Spotlight tour is a success! Things on the home front seem to be quiet. Trista sounds bored out of her mind and despite her worries, I know she's excited to meet up with us on the tour. She never knew about Nick and Erica's acts on the bus and I wanted to keep it that way. True, I normally tell her every little thing that goes on, but she doesn't need to know about that incident. I couldn't wait to see her next week. I even begged her to come a week early, since the person taking over for her was already available. Trista refused though, saying she needed to finish up some things.

We were on our way to Maryland and I couldn't wait to get off of the bus already. I was starting to feel a little motion sickness. Finally, the bus stopped and we all piled off. Dan went to retrieve the keys while I took in some fresh air. Nick came over to me and smiled.
"Want to come to a club with me and Howie tonight?" He asked. My eyes widened.
"Yeah!" I said thinking of dancing with Howie. Okay, so maybe I still had a tiny crush on the guy. Can you blame me?
"All right, be ready by ten." Nick said pinching my cheek. I smiled and ran off toward Aaron and Keely happily.
"Keel, we need to go shopping."
"You don't have to tell me twice. Let's go." She said pulling my arm. I laughed.
"It's like seven am. I don't think the stores are open yet." Keely nodded with a laugh.

"Hey, I was thinking of going to that arcade we passed tonight." Aaron said.
"Oh sorry Aar, I have plans already." I grinned.
"With who?" Aaron asked.
"Nick and Howie." I smiled walking off. Keely and I slept for a few hours before heading out to the nearest mall. About two hours later, we came back with two bags full of clothing, both satisfied.

"So what are you going to do tonight?" I asked. She shrugged.
"Probably go to that arcade with Aaron."
"You two seem to be becoming pretty close." I said constantly wondering if they were going to move into a deeper relationship.
"Mac, we're on tour together. It's kind of hard not to spend time with each other when you have no choice." Keely laughed.

"You make it sound like you don't want to be with Aaron."
"Define be with." Keely sighed.
"Be with as in spending time with."
"Oh no, he's a pretty cool guy once I actually tried talking to him." She shrugged.
"So what's the problem?" I asked.
"I didn't say there was a problem. You're just trying to make a problem." Keely said. I laughed.
"I am not. I would just like to know where you stand. It's like you don't tell me anything anymore." I sighed. Keely stopped looking through her bags and sat next to me. "Mac, you were the one who said you didn't want to know."
"I know, but I still want to know...I don't know what I want to know." I chuckled.
"Don't confuse me." Keely laughed.

The rest of the day, I spent with Keely and Erica watching movies. We met up with Pollyanna and Mike for dinner and then I headed back to the hotel to get ready. I showered again and did my hair in loose curls before putting my new outfit on, which consisted of a baby pink halter top, complete with cleavage and navel exposure and tight black pants with laces up the sides. I put my backless shoes on and applied my make-up.

There was a knock at the door and I opened it to Nick and Aaron. I smiled at both of them and they both looked at my outfit. Nick grinned and Aaron's mouth kind of just hung open.
"Ready?" Nick asked. I smiled and nodded before closing the door behind me.
"Nick..." Aaron said as Nick took my hand and we walked down the hall to the elevator.
"See ya Aaron." Nick snickered before we stepped onto the elevator.
"Bye Aar." I said blowing him a kiss.

When we arrived in Maryland, I got off the bus and Keely came over to me. We arranged to hang out tonight and maybe sneak off if we could to the buses or hope Nick goes out. It's been about a week since Keely and I have slept together. I'm not really sure why. I know my feelings haven't changed toward her and I don't think hers have changed for me. It's just we're becoming better friends right now and it's just weird...

Mac walked over to us and wanted to go shopping with Keely or some crap. I rolled my eyes.
"Hey, I was thinking of going to that arcade we passed tonight." I said.
"Oh sorry Aar, I have plans already." Mac smiled widely.
"With who?"
"Nick and Howie." She said smiling again and walking off. What the hell? Why wasn't I invited?

I got up to my hotel room and Nick walked in a few minutes later.
"Dude, you're going out tonight?" I asked. Nick smiled.
"Yeah, I'm going clubbing with Mackenzie, Howie and some chick he knows up here."
"Why didn't you invite me?" I asked surprised.
"Aar, it's a twenty-one and over club. Sorry dude." Nick said looking through his suitcase.
"So? I won't have a problem getting in." I argued.
"Look, Mom knows where I'm going tonight already. There's no way she'll let you come with us." Nick shrugged.

"Besides, wouldn't you feel like the fifth wheel?" Nick asked. I narrowed my eyes.
"Why? It's just Howie, some chick, you and Mac. It's not like it's a date or something." I said and Nick looked down.
"Well, Howie and the chick are dating." Nick shrugged. I laughed.
"Yeah, but you and Mac are obviously not." Nick looked down again. Suddenly, my face went blank. I just stared at Nick, waiting for him to say something.
"No, but that could change." Nick said with a smirk. I'll kill him.
"Cut the shit, Nick." I laughed.

"I'm serious, Aaron." Nick said and I looked at his face, not one smirk or smile.
"Come on Nick. You and Mac?" I asked. This had to be a joke. Were my suspicions right after all?
"What would be so wrong with me and Mac?" Nick asked. I searched for any excuse I could think of.
"She's too young for you dude." I said and Nick laughed.
"She's twenty-two and I'm twenty-five. What's the big deal?" Nick asked.
"Well, maybe it's just stupid." I said getting aggravated.
"Maybe you're just jealous." Nick said and I looked at him.
"Maybe I don't want Mac to get hurt." I said defensively.
"She's a big girl Aaron." Nick said before going into the bathroom. Ugh! I kicked my sneaker across the room out of anger and laid down on the bed. I fell asleep a little while later and didn't wake up until it was time for dinner.

Mom ordered room service and I ate quickly, but I couldn't get the date off my mind. After I left Mom's room, I went back to mine and Nick's room and showered. When I got out of the bathroom, Nick was laying his clothes out.
"I'm going in the shower. Don't touch my clothes." Nick warned before heading for the bathroom. I felt like jumping on them and then throwing them out the window. I groaned and flipped the TV on. Once Nick was out of the shower, I watched him get ready and he disgusted me. Whistling while he gelled his hair and doing stupid dances. He was just trying to bother me and he knew it was working. What an ass.

"Okay, I'm ready. How do I look?" Nick asked. I shrugged.
"Like shit."
"Thanks bro, I'll return the compliment someday." Nick said.
"Well, I can't leave Mac waiting. I don't know why I waited so long to ask her out." Nick said before walking out the door. I'm not going to buy into this act. At that moment, every time I've seen Mackenzie and Nick together up until today flashed through my mind. Every hug, kiss on the cheek, playful bantering or was it flirting? Shit. I flew off of the bed and made my way out of the room. I saw Nick walking down the hall on his way to Mackenzie's door.

"Nick!" I said running over and just then Mac opened the door. Whoa. Why was she so beautiful and why did it just take me until these past two months to realize it? I guess I just never thought about it.
"Ready?" Nick asked. Mac smiled and nodded before closing the door behind her.
"Nick..." I said as Nick took Mac's hand and they walked down the hall to the elevator.
"See ya Aaron." Nick snickered before they stepped onto the elevator. Can I punch him?
"Bye Aar." Mac said blowing me a kiss. I punched the wall and stomped back down the hall.
Keely came over to me and smiled.
"We on for tonight?" She asked.
"Yeah, you ready now?" I asked. Keely nodded and I led her to the elevator.

On to Chapters 27-36

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