I got to my hotel room and slammed the door behind me. I couldn't believe Nick would fuck around with me like that. On top of that, Mackenzie went along with it! Of course, I'm relieved it was all a joke, but still. There was a knock at the door.
"Go away." I yelled.
"Aaron, it's Keely." Her voice said. I sighed and opened the door. Keely came in and sat on the bed. I sat down next to her and we were both quiet. I thought of what happened earlier and now I was pissed that this whole situation ruined a night of sex for me.
I took Keely's hands in mine and I started kissing her. She was nice enough to oblige as we laid back on the bed. I parted to take my shirt off as she removed hers. I unbuttoned my pants and kicked them off before finding Keely's lips again. At this point, I didn't want to feel anything, but me inside her. Afterwards, we lay there under the covers. This just didn't feel right anymore. I looked over at Keely and it was like she read my mind.
"Aaron, we need to talk." She said.
"Yeah, we do." I said sitting up.
"Nick and Mac were just playing a stupid joke. Don't let it get to you." She began. I didn't think this is what we needed to talk about, but okay. I needed to vent.
"Yeah, I know. But come on, they took it too far."
"Aaron, they kissed. Big deal." Keely said rolling her eyes.
"A kiss is a huge deal!" I said.
"Would you listen to yourself? Why do you let it bother you so much?" Keely asked.
"Let what bother me?"
"Mackenzie and what she does!" Keely yelled crossing her arms.
"I don't." I said softly. She just glared at me.
"Look, I know about you two." Keely said. I looked at her funny.
"What do you mean?"
"I know you kissed." Keely said looking down.
"Mac told you?" I asked surprised. Why the hell would she do that? Keely shook her head.
"Trista."
"Trista!?" I yelled.
"How the fuck did she know?" I asked.
"Aaron, Mac tells Trista everything." Keely sighed. Shit, I didn't even tell Nick.
"Keely, I'm sorry. When we kissed the first time it--" I started, but soon regretted opening my mouth.
"The first time!? There was more than one time?" Keely asked shocked. I closed my eyes and re-opened them.
"Keely, it was just something that happened." I sighed.
"Aaron, I'm not mad."
"You're not?" I asked surprised.
"No, I just don't want to come between anything you and Mac have." Keely said.
"You're not." I assured her.
"I also don't want to do this when there's feelings involved." Keely sighed. "
"Feelings? I wondered.
"You're starting to have feelings for me?" I asked. Keely shrugged.
"Yes, but not like you think." She said. God, I wish girls were less confusing.
"I care about you as a friend now Aaron." Keely said and I smiled.
"I do too."
"And I don't think we should do this anymore." Keely said and she looked afraid of how I would react. A wave of relief hit me.
"Good." I said stupidly.
"Good?" Keely asked kind of hurt.
"No, I didn't mean it like that. I meant I feel the same way and I may be stupid, but I don't think it's right what we're doing." I said.
"You're not stupid." Keely smiled.
"Yeah, well every guy in the world will think I am." I laughed. Keely did too.
"I just want to thank you Keely. It was great while it lasted." I said. She smiled and kissed me lightly. Just then, the door opened and we pulled apart to see Mom looking shaken up. Keely screamed a little surprised before hiding under the blanket. Holy shit, I am in deep trouble.
I heard yelling from across the hall. I got out of bed and realized Keely still wasn't back. I opened my door and saw that Aaron's door was wide open. I ran inside worried of what I'd find. Jane was standing there with her hands on her hips. Aaron and Keely were in bed trying to cover themselves. I groaned and winced as Jane yelled.
"Aaron Charles Carter! I can't believe this! And Keely..." Jane said extremely upset.
"I am so disappointed in the both of you. I want you both to get dressed and meet me in my room!" Jane yelled and she turned around to see me.
"Do you believe this?" She asked me and I just sighed. Jane walked out and I looked back at Aaron and Keely. In some weird way, I was kind of happy they got caught. I just walked back out and Jane was still in the hallway. I closed Aaron's door and looked at her expectantly.
"He's only seventeen Mackenzie." Jane said. I nodded.
"Jane, he's old enough to make up his own mind about sex." Jane narrowed her eyes at me.
"Did you know about this?" She asked.
"No, why would I?" I lied.
"Well, Keely's your friend. Wouldn't she tell you these things?" Jane asked. I sighed.
"How could you let this go on?" Jane asked. I was appalled that I'd get blamed for this.
"Me!? I'm not Aaron's mother Jane! I'm his friend!" I yelled.
"Don't raise your voice to me!" Jane yelled back. "If you were such a good friend to him, you would look out for his best interest."
"I do! I can't control him though and neither can you!" I shot at her. Jane let out a deep breath before walking down the hall and slamming her door shut.
I leaned against my door and a few minutes later, Aaron and Keely came out of the room fully dressed.
"What were you two fighting about?" Aaron asked.
"Somehow I should have prevented you two from having sex." I sighed. Aaron rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, because I would have listened." He said sarcastically.
"Good luck you two. You can expect to be watched twenty-four seven now." I said.
"It doesn't matter anyway. We have nothing to hide anymore." Keely said and I looked at her strangely.
I went in my room and as soon as I was about to settle in for bed, there was a knock at the door. I huffed before getting up and opening the door to Trista. I smiled and welcomed her in.
"So how did things go?" I asked.
"Okay, we're taking things slow. Really slow." Trista laughed.
"How slow?" I asked curious.
"Like handshakes and hanging out in crowds slow." Trista said and I laughed and nodded.
"So is Aaron still mad?" Trista asked.
"Umm, I'm not sure...but he's got more to worry about right now." I said with a snicker.
"Uh oh...what happened?"
"Well, Mommy walked in on something she wasn't supposed to see." I said and Trista's eyes widened.
"Oh my God..."
"Yeah." I said with a laugh.
"What exactly were you two doing?" Trista asked. I narrowed my eyes and pushed her.
"Nothing! She walked in on Keely and Aaron!" I said and Trista laughed.
"Well, there goes Keely's reputation with Jane." Trista sighed. I nodded.
"I am so disgusted with the both of you right now!" Mom yelled, as I just sat there not really caring what she had to say. Keely just wrapped her arms around herself as she looked down.
"Mom, we weren't doing anything wrong!" I shot back at her.
"You're only seventeen!" I groaned. Since when was seventeen such a bad age? It looked a lot better when I was fifteen.
"Mrs. Carter, it's a normal age to--" Keely began, but Mom quickly put her hand up.
"Keely, don't. I don't care about statistics or what other seventeen year olds do! I don't want my son doing it!" Mom yelled toward her. Keely quickly looked down again.
"Like you weren't at my age?" I shot at her and immediately regretted it...ewww, mental picture!
"That is none of your business. We're talking about you here!" I rolled my eyes. Why did parents try to enforce all this bullshit on us when they know damn well they did the same crap?
"Well, I think you're over-reacting." I sighed.
"I'm over-reacting...Aaron, I don't want you to ruin your life!"
"Mom, I'm not! We were careful!" I assured her.
"Careful, maybe but accidents happen. You two have only been dating a short time. Do you even love each other?" Mom asked, her hands placed firmly on her hips.
Keely and I glanced at each other, both knowing what our answer was. We both didn't answer and Mom sighed.
"I didn't think so. Keely, I thought you of all girls would have more respect for yourself." Mom shot at her. God, she's not her mother! Keely nodded and was actually sincerely upset with my mother's disappointment in her.
"Mom, come on."
"No Aaron! Listen, I don't want you two fooling around on this tour! I may be in the dark, but I will not let my son have sex right under my nose!" Mom yelled. Well, that won't be a problem anymore.
"You got me?" Mom asked. I just nodded, but it wasn't good enough.
"Do you got me?" She yelled.
"Yes!" I groaned. Keely looked up and answered with a soft yes.
"Now go back to your rooms!" Mom yelled and I got the hell out of there as fast as I could.
Once in the hallway, I looked over at Keely.
"I'm sorry." I said and she smiled.
"It's not your fault." Keely said.
"I know, but I didn't want to mess up any kind of connections or relationship you had with my Mom."
"Aaron, I wasn't sleeping with you for connections. If your Mom helps me out, then great. If she decides not to, oh well." She shrugged. I smiled and hugged her before going back into my room.
The next morning, I got up and headed to the venue with Trista and Keely. We were all silent since it was so early and none of us had gone to bed at a decent hour. I started to give out instructions and coordinate the dressing rooms. Everyone started arriving and Keely directed them where to go. I hadn't gotten a chance to talk to her about what happened with Jane last night yet. I was curious. Just then, Jane, Aaron, Nick and Mike walked in. They didn't look like they even arrived together. Mike of course stayed far behind them and Jane walked fast paced ahead of them. Nick and Aaron weren't their normally goofing around selves. I sighed and stopped Aaron.
"Should I leave you two alone to plan another trick on me?" Aaron asked looking at Nick and I. I sighed.
"Aaron, I said I was sorry." Nick said. Aaron rolled his eyes.
"Can I talk to you?" I asked. Aaron shrugged and followed me to an empty room. I closed the door and Aaron sat on the desk.
"Talk." He sighed.
"Look, last night I went along with Nick's joke because everyone always makes some kind of remark about me liking Nick..."
"Oh, and kissing him really will stop that." Aaron rolled his eyes.
"I saw how annoyed you were and I wanted to see your reaction." I said honestly. Aaron didn't look amused.
"Yeah, well it made me mad. Are you happy?" He asked. I shook my head.
"Why did it make you mad?" I asked.
"I don't know Mac. I mean you're like my best friend now and..." Aaron began and I smiled. I walked closer to him and looked into his eyes.
"I'm your best friend?" I asked. Aaron nodded.
"I mean so is Nick. So I guess I just kind of got jealous since I didn't want to lose either of you." Aaron admitted. I smiled.
"You wouldn't lose us and you know that." I said and Aaron smiled.
"So is he better?" Aaron asked. I looked at him confused.
"Is who better?"
"Nick...is he a better kisser than me?" Aaron asked. I blushed and smiled.
"Aaron..."
"Well, did you like it?" Aaron asked and now I felt uncomfortable.
"Honestly?" I asked. Aaron nodded.
"It was nice."
"Nice?" Aaron asked. I nodded.
"What do you want me to describe it?" I asked with a laugh.
"No, thanks." Aaron said. I laughed.
"So how bad did your Mom rip into you and Keely last night?" I asked. Aaron shrugged.
"She just yelled a lot and pretty much forbid Keely and I to be alone."
"How are you going to deal with that?" I asked.
"Luckily, we don't have to."
"What do you mean?" I wondered.
"Keely and I broke off this little fling last night right before Mom walked in." Aaron said surprising me. I fought back a smile.
"Oh. Is everything okay between you two?"
"Yeah, we're friends. It's cool." Aaron smiled.
"I have to get back to work." I said about to walk out, but I turned toward Aaron.
"Oh Aaron?"
"Yeah?" Aaron said looking up.
"The answer to your question is...no."
"What question?" Aaron asked confused.
I smiled, "Is Nick a better kisser...no."
"No?" Aaron asked, his eyes wide and a smile playing at his lips. I smiled before walking out.
I saw Erica coming toward me and I smiled at her.
"Where's my dressing room lady?" She asked.
"Right this way, Miss Diva." I said walking her down the hall. Trista was walking toward us, carrying a clipboard when Erica caught a glimpse of her.
"What is she doing here?" Erica asked.
"She came early. Be nice." I warned.
"Mackenzie, I can't just forget about what happened."
"Erica, just forgive then. Trista is not purposely trying to hurt you." I sighed. Trista came toward us and I smiled at her.
"Hi Erica." Trista greeted.
"Hi. I'm going to get ready." Erica said before going in her dressing room and closing the door shut. Trista sighed and I put my arm around her.
"This is going to be fun." Trista said. Jane walked toward us and her face brightened once she saw Trista.
"Hello Mrs. Carter." Trista greeted with her southern charm. Jane wrapped Trista into a hug, surprising us both.
"It's so good to see you sweetie. Welcome to the tour." Jane said as if it were her own. I rolled my eyes.
"Mackenzie, there's not enough lighting on the stage." Jane commented. I nodded.
"Thanks Jane."
"No problem." Jane said with a fake smile. You could cut the phoniness with a knife. Jane walked off and I turned toward Trista.
"What am I doing wrong?" I asked. Trista laughed.
"You're a threat to her." Trista said simply.
"Why am I and you're not?" I asked.
"Well, I am not after her seventeen year old son for starters." Trista smirked. My mouth opened.
"I am not after anyone and besides, she liked Keely and she was after Aaron."
"Yeah, but she thought Keely was younger and she just hit it off with Jane." Trista reasoned.
"Well, I still don't see how I'm a threat."
"You're young, successful and you�re close to her son. It's not hard to see." I nodded before heading off to check out the stage.
I walked out of the room, still with a grin on my face. Of course, Nick and I are always in competition, but sometimes he thinks because he's older that he gets more girls. For once, I had proof that someone thought I was better. This would be good payback for last night. I noticed Trista in the hall and I walked up to her. She smiled at me innocently.
"Thanks for telling Keely about me and Mac." I said and she giggled softly.
"I don't know what you're talking about." She said walking away. I followed her.
"Trista, I know you know about me and Mac kissing." I whispered. She grinned.
"So?"
"So? Trista, you told Keely!"
"Ugh, Mac would have told her herself if you weren't sleeping together." Trista said lowering her voice.
"Exactly, why you shouldn't have told her." I sighed.
"Aaron, she suspected something happened between you two anyway. She wasn't surprised. She wasn't even mad." Trista explained. I nodded.
"Still, it's mine and Mac's business and it should be kept between us."
"I'm sorry Aaron. I'll stay out of your monkey business from now on." Trista grinned. I rolled my eyes and pushed her arm lightly. She pushed me back and I laughed.
I walked down to catering and Nick was sitting by himself eating a giant bowl of cereal. I got myself some cereal and sat down next to him. I smiled as I ate and clanked my spoon against my bowl loudly, hoping Nick would notice.
"Dude, what is your problem?" Nick asked. I shrugged.
"Nothing."
"You're still mad at me, aren't you?"
"Na, I actually feel bad for you." I snickered. Nick's eyes narrowed.
"Feel bad for me? Why?"
"Because you're a bad kisser." I said taking a scoop of cocoa pebbles and putting it into my mouth smiling.
"What? Fuck you. How would you know?" Nick asked, scrunching his face.
"Word on the street is, I'm better than you." I grinned.
"Yeah, well what street are you living on?" Nick asked laughing.
"Laugh all you want, but I'm a better kisser than you are." I teased sticking my tongue out at Nick. He took a plastic fork and knife and held my tongue with it.
"Stchap itt!" I said as he still had a hold of my tongue. Nick let go and I wiped the slobber that formed.
"You're such a punk." Nick rolled his eyes and went back to his breakfast.
"You don't believe me?" I asked.
"Not for a second."
"I have proof." I stated.
"Oh yeah? What proof is that?" Nick asked.
"Mackenzie. She said I was a better kisser than you." I said smugly leaning back in my chair. Nick's eyes widened.
"She's lying!" Nick stammered and I laughed.
"Wait, how the fuck would she know anyway?" Nick asked. Shit. I shrugged.
"You kissed Mackenzie!?" Nick yelled like a dumbass.
"Shut up dude!"
"When?" Nick asked.
"Which time?" I asked grinning like I was the man. Nick's mouth dropped.
"Shit, Aaron!"
"What?" I asked.
"What about Keely?"
"Keely and I aren't seeing each other anymore."
"So now you're moving on to Mac?" Nick asked.
"No! Mac and I kissed like two months ago. We're still exactly the same." I said.
"Uh huh." Nick said not believing me.
"We are. Besides, that's not the point. The point is I'm a better kisser!" I cheered throwing my arms in the air. Nick smacked my stomach and I punched his arm, before he raised his fist again, I flinched and he just laughed. I hate being smaller than him.
"Mac actually told you that?" Nick asked. I nodded with a grin.
"Well, I wasn't trying hard Aaron." Nick said annoyed.
"Right." I laughed.
"I wasn't. I was just trying to make it look believable to you. I could have easily made her fall, but I wanted to spare Mac that heart break." Nick said dramatically before standing up.
"Whatever, dude." I said shaking my head.
Later that day, I was sitting in the arena and Nick sat next to me. I looked over at him and smiled.
"Don't smile at me." Nick said and I looked at him strangely.
"What?" I asked.
"I'm not a good kisser?" He asked. I groaned and rolled my eyes. I should have known Aaron would say something stupid.
"I never said that, Nick." I sighed.
"Then what did you say exactly?" Nick asked. I couldn't tell him because then he'd know about me kissing Aaron.
"I said it was nice."
"Nice?" Nick asked.
"Nick, does it really matter? There was no meaning in the kiss." I said irritated. Nick sighed and looked at the stage.
"But it was the best no meaning kiss I could have had." I said smiling at him. Nick grinned and kissed my cheek.
"Thanks. So are you saying that the kiss with Aaron had meaning?" Nick asked and my eyes bulged. Aaron told him! Stupid ass.
"What?" I asked.
"Well, Aaron told me you said he was a better kisser, but you just told me that ours was the best no meaning kiss...which leads me to believe that Aaron's kiss must of had meaning." Nick finished with a smirk. I wanted to smack him.
"Nick, it's really none of your business."
"Mackenzie, he's my little brother." Nick said in all seriousness.
"Look, you keep your thing in your pants and worry about Trista." I said boldly, surprising myself and Nick.
"And I'll worry about me and Aaron." Now would have been a good time for me to leave, so nothing else could be said, but unfortunately for me this was real life and I had to stay and work instead of leaving for a good plot effect.
"Look Mac, I understand there's something between you and Aaron..." Nick began.
"Nick, Aaron and I have a great friendship. Our kiss held a meaning, but not what you expect. It was a thoughtful kiss, not lustful." I finished. Did that even make sense? I wondered. Well, Nick seemed to buy it somewhat.
"Okay. Fair enough. Just be smart." Nick said patting my knee and walking away.
About an hour before the show, I made my way to Aaron's dressing room. I knocked and he opened the door shirtless. Damn. He shouldn't be allowed to answer the door like that. I held back my smile as he opened the door wider for me to come in. I closed the door behind me and leaned on it.
"What?" Aaron asked.
"You bragged about our kiss to Nick." I sighed.
"Me? You're the one who told Trista!"
"Well, she's my best friend!" I excused myself.
"And Nick is my brother!"
"Okay, so we're even." I gave in. Aaron smiled.
"Is that all you came in here for?" Aaron asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes." I said, but I couldn't help my wandering eyes dancing across his chest. Aaron walked closer to me and smirked.
"Mac, I don't want things to change between us." Aaron said, his eyes burning into mine.
"They don't have to." I assured him.
"I'm curious about you though." He said kind of shyly. I never saw that side of him before. It was cute.
"You know just about everything about me." I laughed nervously.
Aaron gulped, "I don't know how you feel." He said as he ran his hands down my arms. I shivered from his touch and it was then I knew he meant physically.
"Aaron..." I said closing my eyes.
"Does this feel wrong to you?" Aaron asked leaning in. I took the initiative and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling his mouth to mine for only seconds. We parted and I smiled, not knowing what the hell I was doing here. I had just finished explaining to Nick how mine and Aaron's lip-locking action was not lustful and at that moment, I could name a few dirty things I already thought of. There was a knock at the door, breaking my thoughts. I pushed Aaron back as he grinned.
"Aaron, it's Mom." Jane said from behind the door.
"Put your shirt on." I mouthed to Aaron. He nodded and threw a t-shirt on. I took a deep breath and opened the door to Jane.
"Mackenzie." Jane said looking at me and then Aaron.
"Jane." I said and I went to walk out, but she grabbed my arm lightly.
"After the show tonight, I'd like to talk to you." Jane said, her cold eyes looking in mine. I felt fear at the thought of what she wanted to talk about. I nodded and continued out of the room.
I was surprised when Mac kissed me. I wanted it. I've been craving it ever since the last time. I didn't think she'd give in though, since last time I tried it out she didn't. I don't know what to think was going on between us. I don't care to know either. I just know I can't control it anymore.
Mom came in my dressing room and I smiled at her. She was still kind of cold toward me from last night. Whatever. I knew it would take a good week or two for her to get over it. I walked out of my dressing room and saw Nick. He was talking to Erica though. I didn't think that was such a good idea. Mike was walking down the hall and I saw his face change when he saw Nick and Erica. Nick walked over to me and Mike went over to Erica. I just looked at Nick, waiting for him to say something.
"What?" Nick asked.
"Erica." I said simply.
"What about her?"
"What exactly is going on?" I asked.
Nick sighed, "I'm trying to be civil with her."
"Why?" I asked.
"She's not a bad person." Nick defended her.
"Yeah, well be careful."
"You're one to talk." Nick scoffed. I just pushed his arm. Trista walked over and smiled at Nick.
"Well?" He asked her.
"Well, I talked to Mackenzie and Keely. They're up for it." Trista smiled. Nick turned toward me.
"How about you?" Nick asked.
"Up for what?"
"A date." Nick said and I looked at him like he was crazy.
"Sorry dawg, I don't go that way." I laughed and so did Trista. Nick smacked my chest.
"It's a date for me and Trista." Nick explained. I laughed.
"So why do you need me, Mac and Keely?" I asked.
"Because that's the only way Nick will get to take my on a date." Trista grinned. I laughed and put my arm around her.
"I'm in. This girl's a keeper Nick." I said.
"You think so?" Nick smirked.
"Yeah, she tortures you. It's great." I grinned before walking off to finish getting ready.
As I was getting ready to go onstage, I saw Mackenzie and Keely standing a few feet away from me. I walked over to them and put one arm around each of them.
"Good luck." They both said.
"Thanks." I slid my hand down to Mac's waist and rested it there, while I kept my other arm across Keely's shoulders. Mackenzie looked at me strangely and I winked. She smiled and I had to admit this felt awkward, but at the same time it felt so perfect.
As Aaron performed, I could feel Keely looking over at me. I ignored it at first, but then I was afraid I had something on my nose or something. I looked over at her and just stared.
"What?" I asked.
"Aaron and I aren't seeing each other anymore." She said.
"I know."
"I'm just wondering if this changes anything for you?" Keely asked. I narrowed my eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"Mac, come on. I know about you and Aaron."
"Keely, there is no me and Aaron. Friends. Why can't anyone understand that?" I asked.
"Mackenzie, friends don't usually kiss." Keely sighed. Damn Aaron. I looked toward her and didn't know what to say.
"Trista told me." Keely said, knowing what I was thinking. Mental note: Thank Trista by jumping on her to wake up tomorrow.
"I'm sorry." I said feeling guilty. Keely laughed.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"Because you and Aaron were...when we..." I began.
"Mac, I'm not upset about it." Keely said surprising me.
"Why not?" I asked. She laughed.
"You and Aaron are close. It was just a kiss. No big deal. He wasn't my boyfriend or anything." Keely explained and I nodded and patted her back.
"But Mac, does it?" Keely asked.
"Does it what?"
"Change anything for you?"
"Keely, no. Aaron and I are still just friends." I said, knowing that technically there was more between us physically. Keely smiled and nodded before walking off.
I got off stage and Mike handed me a towel.
"Thanks man." I said wiping my sweat off. I went back to my dressing room and took a fast shower. When I came out of the bathroom, Mike was sitting on the couch. He looked like he always does. Just mad and annoyed. It was starting to piss me off.
"Dude, when are you going to snap out of this?" I asked.
"Snap out of what?" Mike asked.
"This I hate the world shit!"
"Aaron, look you wouldn't understand." Mike said. I hate when people tell me I wouldn't understand.
"And why not?"
"You've never been in love. You're just a kid." Mike said. That did it. I grabbed my water bottle and squirted him with it and threw it at him.
"Fuck you." I said storming out of the room. Erica was walking toward me.
"Have you seen Mike?" She asked.
"He's in my dressing room." I said. She smiled at me and went to walk off.
"Hey Erica?" I asked.
"Yeah?" She asked turning toward me.
"Be more aware of what you're doing."
"What are you talking about?" Erica laughed slightly.
"You know what I mean." I said walking away.
I walked by the backstage area and saw Keely and Trista watching Nick perform. I decided to join them. I was really starting to get annoyed with everyone treating me like a kid. Even Keely did on occasion. There were times when she would tense up when we were in bed together and I knew it was because no one ever saw me as old enough for anything.
I glanced over at Mackenzie. I didn't feel like that with her. Sure, sometimes she'd say things that came out the wrong way, but when her lips touch mine, we forget everything around us. I like that feeling, to get so lost, that I feel as if I'm somewhere else. Mackenzie was inexperienced and it made me feel better about myself. It gave me some kind of age over her, despite what the numbers showed.
After the show, I went back to the hotel with Nick. I changed into a t-shirt and pajama pants before heading to my Mom's room to say good night. When Mom answered the door, my heart stopped when I saw Mackenzie in there with her.
"Aaron, we're talking. Did you need something?" Mom asked. I looked over at Mackenzie wide-eyed and gulped.
"I just wanted to say good night." I said kissing her cheek. She smiled.
"Good night."
"Night Aaron." Mac said.
"Night Mac." I said turning and walking back to my room. Why the fuck would Mom want to talk to Mac? Shit. I may be dead before the night is over if my Mom suspects anything.
"Mackenzie?" Jane called as I was walking with Trista to my room. I turned.
"Yeah?"
"Can we talk now?" Jane asked. I looked over at Trista and handed her my things.
"Yeah." I said gulping and walking the green mile down to Jane's room, following her. Jane unlocked her door and we went inside.
"Sit." She ordered. I sat down and she just stood in front of me.
Just then Aaron interrupted us. He said good night and looked scared as hell when he saw me. I had to laugh, but my face straightened as soon as Jane came back over to me.
"I know you and Aaron are good friends and he respects you." Jane began. I didn't like where this was leading.
"And I know we haven't exactly gotten along, but I need you to do something for me." Jane sighed. This seemed like it was killing her.
"What?" I asked.
"I have to go to Europe for about a month. Angel is doing this competition and all contestants have to have a legal guardian with them." Jane sighed. I nodded.
"When are you leaving?" I asked.
"In two days." She said. Yes, there is a God!
"What I need you to do is watch out for Aaron for me." Jane asked. I narrowed my eyes.
"Jane he's old enough to watch out for himself." I said, but Jane obviously didn't like that comment.
"Mackenzie, I just caught him having sex. I don't want him and Keely sharing rooms or on the same bus. I need you to keep an eye on him." Jane said.
"Why me? Why not Nick?" I asked.
"Nick will let him do what he wants. And I already told you, you're Aaron's friend. He'll listen to you more than anyone else." Jane explained. I smiled.
"So you want me to baby-sit him?" I asked.
"Don't put it like that. I know you care about Aaron enough to keep him out of trouble. I don't want him going out anywhere unless you're with him." Jane said. I couldn't believe she was doing this to him.
"Okay, Jane. I will look out for Aaron while you're away." I said. Jane smiled.
"Thank you."
"This doesn't mean you like me or anything does it?" I asked with a laugh.
"Let's not push it." Jane said and I nodded before walking out of her room.
The next morning, I woke up to Mom knocking at the door. I groaned and plopped back into bed as she sat on the edge of it.
"Come on, I need to talk to you." Mom said smacking my ass. I sat up and looked at her.
"Why?"
"Your sister needs me in Europe." She began. Oh I like where this is going.
"I leave for two days and I'll be gone for about a month." Oh yes, thank you!
"Aaron, could you at least try to hide your happiness!" Mom yelled. I guess my smile was showing through.
"Sorry. I'll miss you Mom." I said in my most convincing voice. I would miss her to a point.
"Well, this doesn't mean you can do what you want. Someone will be watching over you while I'm gone." She said. She's got to be kidding me.
"You hired a freaking babysitter!?" I yelled.
"Aaron, don't raise your voice to me!" She said slapping my arm.
"Mom, I'm too old for this! You've taken this too far!"
"Aaron, she's not a babysitter. It's Mackenzie." Mom said.
"What?" I asked.
"I asked her to keep an eye on you. Don't think because she's your friend, she'll let you do what you want." Mom said. Oh no? I thought.
"I can't believe you asked her to watch over me." I groaned. How embarrassing was this?
"Come on, I could have had grandma fly in." Mom said and I shook my head.
"Mac will do." I said sighing.
"Good, now get ready." She said before walking out.
There was a knock at my door and I opened it to Aaron looking not so happy. He stepped inside and I closed the door behind him.
"Can I help you?" I asked.
"You agreed to baby-sit me?" Aaron asked annoyed. I laughed.
"I'm just supposed to keep you and Keely apart and make sure you don't go anywhere without me." I laughed.
"Do you believe this shit?" Aaron asked rolling his eyes.
"No. Your mother has some nerve."
"Then why did you agree to it?" Aaron asked.
I shrugged, "Because I rather it be me than some nanny or something." I laughed.
"I rather it be you too." He grinned.
"So I can't go anywhere without you?" Aaron asked. I smirked.
"Nope."
"Does that mean you have to sleep in my room?" Aaron asked. My eyes widened and I smacked his stomach.
"Nice try." I said walking away. Aaron laughed.
"I'm going to take a shower." I said.
"Want company?" Aaron asked. Jesus, he doesn't let up.
"Aaron, let's take things slow okay?" I asked kissing his lips lightly. I went to walk away, but Aaron grabbed my wrist and brought me back into a kiss.
"What exactly are we doing?" Aaron asked. I didn't know how to answer that because I didn't have an answer myself.
"Working up to our date on December seventh." I said remembering our joking around about having sex on Aaron's birthday. Aaron grinned and laughed.
"I'll see you later." He said leaving. I went in the shower and smiled to myself before starting to sing happily.
As Nick and I got ready for the date, we talked about Mom's babysitting tactics. I had invited one more person on the date tonight by Trista's command. Since I found out one of my friends were in town, I asked him to join us.
"So Mackenzie has to watch over you now?" Nick asked with a snicker.
"Yeah, I mean Mom knows Mac and me are cool. Does she really expect Mac to like punish me?" I asked. Nick smirked.
"Wouldn't you like that?" Nick asked and I pushed his arm causing him to mess his hair a little. He looked at me and groaned. I apologized and we went back to the conversation.
"Dude, Mom's not as dumb as you think. She knows Mackenzie is trying to get on her good side. This way, Mac knows if she screws up, Mom probably would give you a hard time about even talking to her ever again." Nick reasoned.
"Good point. I'm so tired of this Nick. I mean what does it take for everyone to see that I'm an adult now?" I asked.
"Aaron, I'm not even looked at as an adult." Nick laughed.
"Well, cause you're not." I said and Nick narrowed his eyes at me.
"Nick, you still read comic books and hope they come out with a new Ninja Turtle movie." I said and he just laughed and shoved me out of the bathroom. I chuckled.
"Do you think they will come out with another one?" Nick asked and I shook my head at him.
"Shut up!" He said closing the bathroom door.
I finished getting ready and there was a knock at my door. I opened it to see Shane standing there. I had met Shane in Europe a while back when I was touring over there. Nick had known him from when the Backstreet Boys were there too. Shane's group, Westlife even opened for me in the U.S. a couple of tours ago.
"Hey man." I said slapping his hand.
"Hey Aar." Shane said with his Irish accent, before I stepped into the hall. We talked as we made our way over to the girls' room. I knocked and Keely answered a few moments later. She took one look at Shane and me and closed the door. I looked over at Shane.
"Nice girl." Shane laughed.
"Normally she doesn't slam doors in people's faces."
Trista re-opened the door laughing.
"Hey." She said. I smiled and she let us in.
"Trista, this is Shane." I introduced them. Shane shook Trista's hand and she walked over to the bathroom.
"Aaron and Shane are here." Trista called out. Mackenzie came out of the bathroom. She was wearing a jean skirt and one of those shirts with the big sleeves. There was a nice cleavage hole for my peeking pleasure. I smiled at her. She looked beautiful no matter what she was wearing anyway.
"Hi, I'm Mackenzie." She said shaking Shane's hand. Keely came out a moment later. Suddenly, she seemed shy like the first night I had met her.
"You know some pretty hot girls." Shane whispered and I laughed and nodded.
"Keely, come and meet Shane." I said. Shane walked over to her and she smiled.
"Nick to meet you, Keely. I love your name." Shane winked at her. Keely just blushed.
"Thank you."
"Oh and by the way, girls you all look amazing." I said, realizing I hadn't complimented them yet. They thanked me.
"So where's our date?" Trista asked.
"Nicky is finishing his hair. He'll be here soon." I said. As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. We all lined up and linked arms as Mackenzie opened the door. Nick looked at us funny.
"We're ready for our date." I grinned.
"Um, I only have one date." Nick laughed.
"Technically, no. You take out Trista, you take us all out." Mac said.
"Yeah, I know."
"And that means you pay for us all too." I laughed patting Nick's back. Nick rolled his eyes and took Trista's hand. Mac latched onto her other hand and she reached for mine. I laughed and followed along taking her hand and reaching for Keely's. Shane took Keely's hand and we made our way down the hall.
Howie and Pollyanna were walking toward us and just looked at us like we were insane. We just laughed and continued to the elevator.
"I feel like a freak." Nick muttered as he pressed the down button. This was too much fun, knowing we had power over his dates for a while. We piled into the van and one of Nick's bodyguards drove us to the restaurant Trista had picked out. I was sitting next to Mackenzie and I could see right down her cleavage hole. She looked over at me and rolled her eyes. She placed her hand on my thigh and pinched my skin.
"Owww..." I yelped jumping. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy. I sat back down.
"You okay bro?" Nick asked.
"Yeah. Butt cramp." I said laughing. I looked over at Mac and she just smiled.
"That was mean." I whispered.
"Well, stop trying to sneak free peeks."
"You mean I have to pay now?" I asked. She grinned and I laughed.
After we ordered, I sat back and looked at Mac.
"What?" She asked.
"You ordered a salad again." I sighed.
"So did Trista!" She said like a five year old. I laughed.
"You're cute when you're defensive." I said resting my hand on her thigh. She smiled at me.
"Thanks." Mac said and I moved my hand up slowly, stopping right when I got to the hem of her skirt. I wonder if I'll get smacked if I go any further.
Aaron's hand was moving up my thigh and if he moved it any further, I was going to smack him. He stopped and just rested his hand on my upper thigh. Good. I looked over at Keely and she was just sitting next to Shane nervously. I had to laugh. Keely was a big fan of Westlife and when she opened the door to Shane, she about freaked. She was such a dork for closing the door on him. After a while, I decided to rest my hand on Aaron's thigh too. He looked surprised, but smiled as soon as I did so. Our food came and we both moved our hands reluctantly.
"You are such girls." Aaron said shaking his head at Trista and I. Suddenly, a crouton went flying at Aaron's head. I looked over at Trista and laughed. We all began eating and Aaron inspected the crouton that had hit him and ate it.
"Mmm, I like croutons." He smiled. I just looked at him like he was weird.
"Interesting..."
"Nick, do you like croutons?" Trista asked. Nick shrugged and Trista shoved one in his mouth. Nick almost choked and we all panicked. Keely poured him a glass of water and handed it to him as Trista smacked his back. Nick let out a cough and a breath of air.
"Jesus Trista, don't kill the boy." I said.
"I'm sorry. Nick, are you okay?" Trista asked concerned. Nick nodded.
"Do you always try to choke your dates?" Nick asked.
"One time, she shoved a piece of chocolate in my face." I pouted.
"Sorry, I guess it's one of my hobbies. Force feeding people." Trista joked rolling her eyes.
"We all have our things." Shane said.
"Yeah, well Mac likes to touch people." Trista said and we all just looked at her. She laughed.
"Only people I know." I sighed. Everyone still looked confused and I laughed.
"And what's wrong with that?" Aaron asked. I shook my head at him.
"Oh, nothing except it's annoying! I hate being patted on the head and my ear being pulled." Trista whined.
"Oooh, that is annoying." Nick agreed.
"It's a habit of mine. It's not a big deal." I said patting Aaron's head. He laughed.
"That is kind of annoying." I shrugged.
"All the more reason to do it." I grinned.
After we ate, we decided to hang back at the hotel and rent a movie.
"Whose room?" Nick asked.
"Ours. It's bigger." Trista said and Nick nodded. Nick, Aaron and Shane spread across the bed.
"I'm going to change." I said grabbing some comfortable clothes and going into the bathroom. I put on a big t-shirt and some pajama shorts.
After I was finished changing, Keely went to change and then Trista followed. I sat back against the headboard on my bed in between Aaron and Shane. Nick sat on the floor looking up at the TV like a big kid. I shook my head at him. Keely sat on her bed and so did Trista.
"Hey, why are you all the way over there?" Nick asked Trista.
"Well, come over here." Trista said. Nick pouted.
"I like the floor."
Trista rolled her eyes, "Then I guess you'll be sitting there alone." Nick sighed and made his way over to the bed.
"I am sitting on the floor then." Keely said sliding off the bed.
"Me too." Shane agreed sitting next to her. Keely got that nervous look again and I snickered.
I settled back against the headboard uncomfortably as Keely started the movie.
"Don't you want a pillow?" Aaron asked.
"No, somehow I just slump down. I hate watching TV in a bed. That's why I always get a futon. I need the support." I giggled.
"I'll be your support." Aaron said softly. I smiled at him and he straightened himself up as I slouched down and laid my head against his chest. I knew this couldn't have looked good to anyone, but I didn't care. I was comfortable.
Next thing I know, I open my eyes to a blue screen. I looked over toward the other bed and Trista was wrapped in Nick's arms, both of them sound asleep. I heard whispering voices and I looked on the floor, surprised to see Keely and Shane having a full-fledged conversation. I smiled and didn't want to ruin their moment so I just laid my head back on Aaron's chest. I looked up at him and his eyes opened. I put my finger to my lips. He smiled and leaned down kissing me softly before he closed his eyes again. A smile spread across my face as I fell back into my deep sleep.
I woke up and saw that it was around seven. I looked down at Mackenzie who was peacefully sleeping with her arm around my waist and her head buried in my chest. I smiled before carefully trying to get up without waking her, but Mac stirred and her eyes opened.
"Good morning." She rubbed her eyes before replying.
"Morning. What time is it?" She said looking around the room.
"It's after seven."
"Where's Shane and Keely?"
"I don't know, but look over there." I shrugged and nodded over to Trista and Nick asleep in each other's arms. Mackenzie smiled.
"I'm going to go back to my room before my Mom tries to look for me." I said standing up. Mac nodded.
"Walk me back?" I asked, a smile playing at my lips. Mac smiled back and stood up. We headed for the door and just then there was a knock. We both froze and Nick began waking up.
"Who is it?" Mac asked.
"Jane." Mom replied.
"Oh shit." I whispered. Mackenzie pushed me into the bathroom and Nick came running in before she closed the door on us. Nick and I tried to keep still as we could hear what was going on outside the door.
"Sorry it's so early, but have you seen Aaron?" Mom asked. I rolled my eyes toward Nick.
"No, I haven't. I thought I heard his and Nick's voices in the hallway earlier, so maybe they went to go get breakfast." Mac covered.
"Okay. What time are you guys heading out?" Mom asked.
"Around noon."
"Remember Mackenzie; I'm counting on you. This is your tour. He's your headliner. Watch out for him." Mom said. I looked at Nick and shook my head.
"I will Jane." Mac answered before I heard the door close.
A few moments later, Mackenzie opened the door and Nick and I came out. I sighed at her as Nick laid back down next to Trista and closed his eyes sleepily.
"I'm sorry you're put in this position."
"I'm not." Mac smiled. I wondered what she meant, but I think I knew.
"Are you going to walk me back to my room?" I asked. Mac nodded and we stepped out into the hallway, looking around to make sure no one was in sight. We saw Keely and Shane down the hall kissing. Keely waved goodbye and she walked toward us.
"Where were you guys?" I asked.
"At Shane's hotel." Keely replied.
"Keely!" Mac exclaimed.
"It's not what you think. We just talked all night." Keely smiled.
"Sure, you did." I laughed. Keely talk? No, that's not how I remember our relationship, if you can even call it that. Keely gasped and smacked my arm.
"I swear. You could ask Shane."
"I believe you." Mac smiled. "I want details later." She said. Keely nodded and walked into her room before I pulled Mackenzie into my room and locked the door behind us. I looked down at Mackenzie and she smiled.
"I'm sorry, but I didn't want my Mom to ruin it." I said.
"Ruin what?" She asked.
"This." I said going to kiss her, but she put her hand up.
"What's wrong?"
"Neither of us brushed yet." Mackenzie said. I laughed.
"Fine." I said pulling her into the bathroom. I took out toothpaste and squirted it on my toothbrush.
"Give me your finger." Mackenzie stuck out her finger and I put some toothpaste on it.
"Shall we?" I asked. She laughed. We both brushed our teeth and headed out of the bathroom.
I sat on the bed and Mac sat next to me. I pulled her into a soft kiss and she fell into my lips, so I deepened it by moving my hands to the small of her back, pulling her closer to me. I moved my hands up her back to her neck, then back down again as she ran her hands through my hair. We parted and smiled.
"Why are we sneaking around now when we have a whole month without your Mom here?" Mackenzie asked.
"Because I couldn't wait any longer." I smiled pecking her lips.
"Aaron, we need to talk." Mackenzie sighed. I nodded, but inside I groaned. Talking meant no kissing. Talking usually meant we had to stop something or something was wrong.
"Are you going to talk?" I asked since she was quiet.
"I thought you would start." Mac said.
"You were the one who said we need to talk." I laughed.
"I don't know what to say, you know?" I nodded. We were silent for a few moments.
"Look, if you don't want to any--" I began, but was cut off by Mackenzie kissing me. I smiled as she pulled back.
"I couldn't stop now even if I did want to." She said.
"Me either." I said kissing her again.
"So what are we doing exactly?" I asked.
"Exploring each other?" She said with a seductive smile.
"I like the sound of that." I grinned.
"We should lay down some ground rules though." Mac suggested and I groaned.
"Ground rules, why?" Aaron asked.
"We don't want this to get in the way of our friendship." I reasoned and he nodded.
"Rule number one should be we keep this between us." I said.
"That means no telling Trista, Mac!" Aaron protested.
"And that includes Nick too." I pointed out.
"Deal." Aaron nodded.
"Rule number two is...we're not a couple." I stated. "So we shouldn't act like one."
"That means no getting upset if we're flirting with someone right?" Aaron asked. I rolled my eyes.
"I don't flirt, so that's all you."
"Oh you flirt. Trust me, you do." Aaron said.
"Whatever." I laughed.
"And rule number three is as soon as one of us gets into a serious relationship with someone else, this ends."
"Well, I'm not falling in love for a long time, so this could go on forever." Aaron grinned.
"Well, I'd like to fall in love someday before forever." I said and Aaron rolled his eyes.
"Okay, I got a rule." Aaron said. "No matter what happens, we stay best friends." He said. I smiled.
"Deal." I said shaking his hand.
Aaron pulled me into a kiss, our hands still holding as our tongues touched. Aaron leaned back until his head was hitting the pillow and I was leaning over him. I swung my leg on the other side of him, making myself more comfortable. Aaron's lips moved to my neck, gently sucking as I ran my hands up and down his arms.
We made-out for about twenty minutes before I decided to go back to my room to pack my things up. When I walked into the room, Trista and Keely were sharing their experiences from last night and I wished that I could tell them mine.
"So you just walked around and talked all night?" Trista asked.
"Yes, I've never felt that comfortable around a guy before." Keely beamed. I smiled over at her.
"I'm so happy for you. How was your night Tris?" I asked.
"I spent the whole night in Nick's arms and he didn't even try anything. It was a nice feeling." She smiled.
"What about you and Aaron, Mac?" Keely asked.
"Yeah, you looked pretty cozy in the bed last night." Trista chided. I tried to hide my blush as I just rolled my eyes at them.
"I needed a pillow." I shrugged.
"Right and he was staring at your pillows the whole night." Keely joked.
"No, he wasn't." I said and they both looked at me.
"Okay, half the night." I joked.
I finished packing and around eleven thirty we all made our way out to the buses. As I stood talking to Mike and Erica, I watched Jane say goodbye to her sons and Keely kiss Shane goodbye sadly. Keely was upset she had to leave Shane so soon, but I'm sure they'll see each other again. I exchanged numbers with Shane so I could feature Westlife in the next issue of Spotlight or even on the next tour.
"So did you have fun last night?" Erica asked.
"Yeah."
"What did you guys do?" Mike asked.
"Went to dinner and came back here to watch a movie."
"Glad to see you can all go out and have fun without me." Erica sighed.
"Erica, you and Trista aren't exactly on speaking terms."
"Well, maybe it's time to change that." She smiled.
"Really?" I asked and she nodded. "Good."
"Maybe someone else should start talking to their best friend again too." I said looking at Mike.
"Mac, butt out please." Mike said walking away. He's not usually like this.
I walked over to Jane to say goodbye.
"Have fun in Europe." I said.
"Thanks. I'll be calling in from time to time." Jane said, her tone still cold with me and her words still short. Glad to see our agreement has made her like me more. We said goodbye and I got on the bus before we headed to our next destination. I was hoping the tension on the tour would ease up now that Jane was gone and Trista and Erica were going to make up.
I was sitting in the back of the bus with Trista when Keely plopped down next to us, sighing loudly. I looked away from my laptop and laughed slightly at her dramatics. She was laying back on the couch looking up at the ceiling, with her hand pressed over her heart.
"Falling hard there Keel?" I asked. She looked over at me and nodded.
"It just sucks that it had to happen now." Keely said.
"I know hon."
"Are you really serious about Shane?" Trista asked. Keely shrugged.
"I don't know. I could be. We only spent one night together, but I've never felt like this before." Keely smiled like a crazy person. I giggled. I wanted to feel that.
Erica walked to the back of the bus and just stood there. I looked over at her and Trista placed her magazine down.
"Can I talk to Trista for a few minutes guys?" Erica asked. I smiled and nodded. Keely and I made it to the front of the bus and just then the bus stopped.
"Why'd you stop?" I asked the driver.
"It's already two o'clock. You told me to stop then." He replied. I nodded.
"Wow, that went by fast." I said hopping off the bus. Keely followed.
We walked into the small store and got some chips and drinks for the rest of the bus ride. As we were about to pay, I spotted ice cream.
"Ooh, you want some?" I asked Keely.
"They have sno cones?" She asked. I nodded and handed her one as I picked up an ice cream pop. As we paid, I felt someone pinch my sides and I jumped, just as Keely did. We both turned around and smacked Aaron in the chest. He grinned at us and looked over our shoulders.
"Mmm, I may have to sneak on your bus later and take some of your food."
"Why don't you just buy your own?" Keely asked.
"Because it's so much more fun to steal yours!" Aaron said before grabbing a bag of chips and running away. Keely and I gathered our bags and ran after him onto his bus.
Just then Keely's cell phone rang and she smiled.
"Shane?" I asked. She grinned and nodded. I rolled my eyes.
"Traitor!" I said as she ran off the bus to answer his call.
"Hey." Nick greeted hopping down from the bunk.
"Hey. Where's Aaron?" I whispered.
"In the back bunk on the top." He whispered back. I smiled and nodded.
"Where's Trista?" Nick asked.
"Talking to Erica." I said. Nick looked somewhat scared, but climbed off the bus for some reason or another. I walked into the kitchen area and filled up a cup of water, then slowly continued to the back of the bunks in search of my prey.
I laid still in the bunk when suddenly the curtain was ripped open and I felt a cold splash. I jumped up and hopped out of the bunk, seeing Mac laughing her ass off. I pulled her against me and started tickling her. She pushed away from me and ran into the back with her bags and plopped down on the couch.
I sat down next to Mackenzie as she pulled out a Popsicle.
�They have ice cream in there?� I asked. She grinned and nodded before sticking the Popsicle in her mouth and sucking on it arousing me to no end.
�Can I have some?� I asked with a smile.
�What do I get if I share?� She asked.
�I�ll give you your chips back.� Mackenzie shook her head.
�A kiss?� I suggested.
�I get that anyway.� She laughed.
�I�ll think of something. Can you please just give me some?� I asked, hungry for her more than the ice cream.
�Come and get it.� Mac grinned waving the Popsicle in front of my face. I dove to her mouth instead and sucked any taste of ice cream from her lips.
�Mmm, that�s good.� I said before taking a big bite out of the Popsicle. Mac grinned and we leaned in to kiss, but heard movement on the bus. We backed away and I stood up.
�Later.� I whispered. She nodded and stood up as well.
Nick walked down the aisle and laughed.
�You�re all wet.� He said. My eyes widened.
�What!?� Mac and I yelled.
�Your shirt�it�s wet.� Nick said looking at us like we were retarded.
�Oh, yeah�someone thought it would be funny to throw cold water on me.� I said gritting my teeth together and looking at Mac. She grinned.
�I�ll see you guys once we get to Michigan.� Mac said pinching my cheek and patting Nick�s back before walking off the bus. I settled in the back and Nick plopped down next to me. A few minutes later, the bus started to move again. I grabbed the remote control and turned the TV on.
�Is Mike still asleep?� Nick asked. I shrugged.
�I think so.�
�I really don�t get why he�s still mad at me.� Nick sighed.
�I don�t either.�
�Some fucking best friend he is.� Nick said sadly.
�Dude, you�ll get through it.�
�Oh, I walked onto the girls� bus and Trista and Erica were like�talking and getting along and shit.� Nick said kind of shocked.
�Does that bother you?� I asked.
�It�s weird.� Nick shrugged.
�Well, they are friends. You knew they�d talk to each other sometime.� I laughed.
�No, but after what went on�I don�t know. Erica seemed set on not talking to her.�
�Erica was also pissed off. People get over things. Besides, it would be shameful to let you come between them.� I scoffed.
�Are you saying I�m not worth it?� Nick asked.
�Yeah, pretty much.� I laughed.
�Oh and you�re worth breaking up friendships?�
�I didn�t say I was. I wouldn�t do it though.�
�Oh really? You were sleeping with Keely�� Nick reminded me.
�So?� I asked. What relevance does that have?
�And now you�re sleeping with Mac.� Nick said with a smirk. I smacked him.
�No, I am not.�
�Looked like it to me last night.� Nick grinned.
�Are you sleeping with Trista?� I asked.
�No�I mean we were sleeping together as in laying there, but we haven�t slept together as in had sex.� Nick sighed.
�And that bothers you?� I asked. Nick shrugged.
�I actually respect her for torturing me. I deserve it.� Nick admitted. I smiled.
�But if you tell anyone I said that, your ass is getting a beaten.� Nick warned. I laughed.
�Wait, a minute. You turned this on me. Let�s get back to you and Mac.� Nick said. I did have a talent at turning the topic on someone else.
�Mackenzie and I were doing the same thing you and Trista were doing. Sleeping.� I sighed.
�Yeah, but Trista and I are dating�you and Mac are just friends.� Nick mimicked. I rolled my eyes and pushed him.
�Dude, whatever. You wouldn�t understand. You�ve dated just about every girl you�ve come into contact with.�
�And you haven�t?� Nick asked.
�No. I�m the one who always has the girls wanting to date me.� I grinned. Nick shoved me.
�Yeah, okay. If that�s what you want to believe.� Nick and I continued bantering until we got to Michigan. It was after dinner time when we got there, so everyone just headed to their rooms to relax or and my case, beat Nick�s ass in video games.
The next week flew by, jumping from city to city. We didn�t even stay at hotels overnight. We were visiting very small cities in Kentucky before heading to Lexington. Now, we were on our way to Indiana, which I was happy about since we�d spend a few nights in Indianapolis. Actually, I didn�t care about the city as much as I cared about the hotel pool! It�s supposed to be the biggest indoor pool in the mid-west. I haven�t seen a really good pool at any of the hotels we had stayed in, so I was excited.
I woke up when the bus had come to a complete stop. I adjusted my eyes before climbing out of the bunk and looking at the clock. It was past midnight. I knew we�d hit traffic. I pulled my bag out of the cubby and Keely was just getting out of her bunk. I went to the back and saw Trista and Erica asleep on the couch as a movie played on. I smiled, happy they seemed to be getting along now. I turned the TV off and woke them both up before heading into the hotel.
Once everyone was checked in, we all went to our rooms. I was sharing with Erica and as soon as we got in the room, she practically dropped to the bed. I laughed lightly and there was a knock at the door. I answered the door to see Aaron standing there smiling. I returned his smile.
�Can I help you?� I asked.
�I want to check out the pool.� Aaron suggested.
�I was going to go to bed.� I sighed.
�But I�m going to the pool.�
�Good for you. Good night.� I said going to close the door. Aaron stopped me.
�You�re supposed to go with me everywhere Mac.� Aaron reminded me. I groaned, but just smiled. I really wanted to see the pool anyway.
Aaron and I took the elevator down a couple of floors and followed the signs toward the pool. Once we got inside, the door closed behind us loudly. I jumped and Aaron laughed.
�You�re such a wimp.� He said. I shoved him and we both looked at the large in-ground pool in front of us.
�It is pretty big.� I said and Aaron nodded.
�Yeah, we�ll have to come in tomorrow after the show or something.� Aaron suggested. I smiled and nodded. Aaron went to the door and pulled, but it wouldn�t open.
�It�s locked.�
�Aaron, don�t joke around.� I sighed lightly pushing him out of the way and pulling on the door myself.
�It�s locked.� I said looking at him.
�I think I already said that.� Aaron rolled his eyes.
�What do we do now?� I said glancing around for a phone or something. I spotted one, but it was locked up. That�s really smart. I looked back at Aaron and he grinned.
�What?� I asked. Aaron glanced at the pool and looked back at me.
�What?� I asked again.
�Let�s go swimming.� Aaron said raising his eyebrows.
�Aaron, we�re stuck in here.� I reminded him.
�So? That doesn�t have to be a bad thing.� He said sitting down in a lounge chair and taking off his sneakers.
�We don�t have bathing suits.� I said, knowing what his response to that would be.
�So? Ever hear of skinny-dipping?� Aaron smiled. I rolled my eyes.
�Aar, I don�t know.� I said as he pulled off his shirt. My heart beat faster as he unbuttoned his jeans. He stood up and rested his hands on my shoulders.
�I won�t look if it makes you feel more comfortable.� He said reluctantly.
�You know you�d look anyway.� I laughed. Aaron shrugged.
�How about we keep our underwear on?� I suggested. Aaron smiled and nodded. He pulled down his pants, leaving him in just his white pin striped boxers. I looked him over smiling. He looked at me uncomfortably.
�What�s wrong?� I asked.
�I just feel like I�m being rated or something.� Aaron snickered. I walked over to him and placed my hands on his chest before kissing him softly.
�You�re a ten in my book.� I grinned. He smiled back and kissed me again.
Aaron�s hands wandered up the back of my shirt causing goose bumps to form. He laughed as we pulled away.
�It�s nice to see what kind of effect I have on you.� Aaron grinned and at that moment, I could feel him against me. I smiled back.
�I can feel the effect I have on you too.� I laughed and Aaron blushed a little. I kissed him again and stepped away from him.
�You get in the pool and I�ll join you in a few minutes.� I said. Aaron nodded and walked away. I watched him dive into the pool and took a deep breath before pulling my pants down. I then took off my shirt leaving me in my white bra and panties. With the water and all, being completely naked wouldn�t make much of a difference. I walked closer to the pool and Aaron watched my every move. It made me extremely uncomfortable and I crossed my arms over my chest.
�Mackenzie, what�s wrong?� He asked.
�Now I�m feeling self-conscious.� I sighed sitting down and dipping my feet into the pool. Aaron swam next to me and rested one hand on each of my thighs.
�Please don�t be. It�s just me. Besides, you�re more beautiful than I ever imagined.� Aaron said leaning up and kissing me. Once I fell deep into the kiss, Aaron pulled me into the pool taking me by surprise.
Mackenzie walked over to the pool shyly, but I was concentrating on her curves. She was amazing. I couldn�t wait to get her into the water. As she relaxed into my kiss, I pulled her into the pool. Mac resurfaced and I swam to the shallow end of the pool with her at my tails trying to catch up to me. Once I could stand, I did and Mac jumped on my back trying to pull me under. Instead, I flipped her over my shoulder and she went under again. She came back up and tried to sweep her leg into me.
�Give it up, Mac.� I laughed. Mackenzie kept trying, only causing herself to fall under the water again. Finally, she just splashed me and I laughed before splashing her. I stopped realizing I could see right through her bra. It was soaked to her skin and I could see everything. I just stared in complete heaven.
Suddenly, Mac lunged at me and took me under the water. While I was still under the water, I opened my eyes and Mac was swimming right by me. We made eye contact and she smiled at me. We both resurfaced and I just looked into her eyes. Her eyelashes were clumped together from the water and her hair was pushed back.
�You�re cute wet.� I said pulling her into my arms.
�So are you.� Mac said spiking my hair up or some crap.
We began kissing and I wrapped my arms tighter around her waist, pulling her as close as could be. Mac responded by wrapping her hands around my neck as her lips moved down my jawbone. I ran my hands down her back to her ass and squeezed it, causing her to look at me and smile before running her nails over my chest and kissing my shoulders.
�I want to touch you, Mac.� I whispered in her ear.
�Then do it.� She said back. I smiled and kissed her neck as my hands found her boobs quickly. Mac let out a couple of moans and I inched my lips closer and closer to where my hands were. Just then, I heard a door open and a couple of gasps before familiar voices.
�What the fuck!?� Nick yelled.
�Mackenzie!� Trista�s yell followed.
Mac and I quickly pulled away and I looked up at their shocked expressions. Mac just kept her back toward them, looking mortified.
�I guess there goes rule number one.� I sighed looking down at her. She nodded like a little girl before squeezing my hand.
�Are you going to say something or what?� Nick asked. What was I really supposed to say after my brother catches me half naked with my best friend?
�What do you want us to say?� I sighed.
�I don�t know�what�s going through your fucking heads for starters?� Nick asked.
�I think I know what�s going through Aaron�s, but Mac?� Trista yelled, still shocked.
Mac turned her head slightly.
�Don�t do that to me, Trista.� Mac sighed.
�Some baby-sitter you have there, Aaron.� Nick snickered.
�Shut up dude.� I said annoyed.
�Could you please get out so we can get dressed?� Mac said, still not looking toward them.
�Yeah, meet us outside the door.� Trista said walking out.
I looked down at Mackenzie and she looked extremely worried.
�It�s going to be okay.� I assured her.
�What if they tell your Mom?� Mac asked.
�They�re not trying to get me grounded for life and you killed.� I joked. Mackenzie didn�t look too amused as she waded out of the pool. I followed behind her and we quickly put our clothes back on before facing Nick and Trista�s lecture.
We were silent in the elevator up to mine and Nick�s room and I really wanted to change out of my wet boxers now, which were becoming extremely uncomfortable. Once we got to the room, Nick went to speak and I stopped him.
�Can I change into some dry clothes first?� I asked. Nick sighed and nodded.
�Mac, you want to wear a pair of my boxers?� I asked. She nodded and I grabbed some from my suitcase and handed them to her. She went into the bathroom and then I did. Afterwards, we both sat on the bed across from Nick and Trista.
�How long has this been going on?� Trista asked.
�About two weeks.� Mackenzie shrugged.
�What about that shit about you two just being friends?� Nick asked. Mac and I both shrugged.
�That still holds true.� I said. Nick and Trista both just looked at us like we were idiots.
�How do you figure that?� Trista asked.
�Nothing�s changed between us�except for some kissing and a little fooling around.� Mac sighed.
�I would say that was a big change.� Trista protested.
�We�re just having fun Tris. We have an attraction to each other and we need to release it.� I explained.
�So you�re not together?� Nick asked.
�No way.� I said and Mac looked over at me kind of hurt.
�How far have you gone exactly?� Trista asked.
�Trista!� Mackenzie yelled.
�Aaron?� Nick asked looking at me.
�What you saw today was it.� I sighed.
�And how long do you plan on this going on?� Trista asked.
�As long as we want it to.� Mackenzie shrugged.
�And you don�t find anything wrong with this?� Nick asked.
�No.� Mac and I replied.
�We�re exploring each other. There�s nothing wrong with that.� Mac sighed.
�Are you guys surprised?� I asked.
�No.� They both said.
�Really?� I wondered.
�It�s so obvious you two had something.� Trista said and Nick smiled and nodded.
�So are you going to tell Mom?� I asked.
�Of course not, bro. I like Mac too much to go to her funeral so soon.� Nick joked. I laughed and Mac groaned.
�So you guys are okay with this?� I asked.
�Not okay with it really, but hey, if you want to take this chance, then go right ahead.� Trista said.
�Thanks guys for not freaking completely on us.� Mackenzie said.
�No problem, but next time you sneak around, you might want to do it more privately.� Nick laughed.
�The door was locked!� I said.
�There�s like four entrances to that pool. Did you check all of them?� Trista asked.
�No.� Mac replied, still a little mortified.
�Well, I�m going to walk Trista back to her room.� Nick said standing up. They walked out of the room leaving Mac and I alone.
�Are you okay?� I asked.
�Fine. I just don�t want to feel guilty about what we�re doing.� Mackenzie sighed.
�Please don�t. We�re not doing anything wrong.� I said kissing her. Mac smiled and hugged me tightly. She went back to her room and I tried to let sleep wash over me quickly before Nick came back in to question me some more.
A couple of days later, I was playing video games with Mike in the hotel room after Nick had gone to go get breakfast. Mike killed me and I got pissed and threw the controller as he just laughed. I got off the floor and plopped on the bed just as Nick came into the room.
�Did you get me a donut?� I asked.
�Yeah.� Nick said and then turned toward Mike.
�I didn�t know you were here or else I would have gotten you something.�
�Don�t bother.� Mike said standing up and walking out.
�Ugh! He�s being such a prick!� Nick said plopping down next to me.
�Yeah, he really has to let this thing go.� I said taking a donut from the bag Nick had placed on the bed.
�Oh, we�re going on a date tonight.�
�Dude, you don�t just order me on a date. What happened to the gentleman I fell in love with?� I joked. Nick smacked my chest and I laughed.
�You and Trista still aren�t on the alone level yet?� I asked surprised.
�We�re almost there.� Nick smiled. Suddenly I heard a commotion in the hallway and distinctly heard Mackenzie�s voice. I got off the bed and opened the door to see Mac arguing with the manager of one of the boy bands that was on the tour.
�Look, I�m not postponing the rest of the tour just because your group can�t fulfill the rest of the dates right now.� Mac sighed.
�Well, then I guess you�ll just have to continue on without us.� The manager said with an attitude before walking off. Mackenzie looked back toward us and rolled her eyes.
�Well, now we have one act less.� She said.
�You don�t need that act anyway Mac.� I said.
�Yeah, you were doing them the favor.� Nick agreed.
Erica came over and smiled.
�So what are we doing tonight?� She asked.
�We?� I wondered.
�Yeah, Trista invited me to come out with you guys.� Erica said.
�I�m not sure yet.� Nick said somewhat confused.
�Let me know.� She said smiling at Nick and walking away.
�What the hell was that?� I asked looking between Nick and Mac.
�Erica overheard Trista and I talking about tonight and she wanted to come.� Mackenzie shrugged.
�So Trista just told her yes?� Nick asked.
�Erica said she could handle it. She wants to be friends, Nick.� Mackenzie said.
�Friends my ass, Mac.� I protested.
�Aaron�� She sighed.
�Lay off dude.� Nick said.
�I�m going to finish my breakfast.� I said walking back into the room.
After I had gotten out of the shower later that day, my cell phone rang. I looked at it and groaned.
�Hi Mom.� I answered.
�Don�t sound too happy to hear from me Aaron.� She sighed.
�I am happy to hear from you. How�s Europe?� I asked.
�Great. You�d be so proud of your sister.� Mom said and I smiled.
�Is Angel around?�
�She�s actually getting ready for a show. I�ll tell her to call you later.�
�Okay.� I replied dully. I missed Angel so much. I guess now I know what it feels like when I was always traveling and she couldn�t come.
�So what are you up to tonight?� Mom asked.
�I have a show and then I�m going out.�
�Going out�with Keely?� Mom asked, suddenly on alert.
�She might be there. Mom, we�re not dating anymore.� I sighed.
�Nice try Aaron. Sell it to someone who will buy it.� Mom said as I rolled my eyes.
�Whatever. Don�t believe me.�
�Mackenzie�s going right?� She asked.
�Yes.�
�Good.�
�Since when are you so happy for me to hang out with Mac?� I asked annoyed.
�Since she�s keeping an eye on you for me.�
�Yeah, she does that well.� I said with a double meaning, grinning to myself.
�Okay, well have fun tonight and I�ll talk to you in a few days.� Mom said.
�I love you.�
�Love you too sweetie.� Mom said hanging up. I finished getting ready and headed over to the venue. The show seemed to drag on tonight, since I just wanted to hang out and have fun with my friends.
I sat in the production office with Keely, complaining about the boy band quitting on us.
�Well, if you really don�t want to change the show around, I have an idea.� Keely suggested.
�I�m all open for ideas.� I smiled.
�Well, Westlife is looking to do some more touring in America and Shane said they�re available right now.� Keely said kind of unsure how I was going to react.
�Keely! Why didn�t I think of that?� I yelled and she laughed.
�Because I�m just cool like that.� She grinned.
�I�ll call their manager first thing tomorrow.� I said and Keely nodded. I�m sure she couldn�t be happier about Westlife being on the tour.
Trista walked in and sat down across from us.
�Keely, you coming with us tonight?� She asked.
�No, I think I�m just going to hang out at the hotel tonight.� Keely said.
�Shane calling you tonight?� I asked. Keely blushed.
�Yes, but that�s not why I�m staying in.� She said sticking her tongue out. �I don�t want to feel like a fifth wheel or anything.� Keely shrugged.
�Erica�s coming too, so you wouldn�t be. Besides, it�s not like Aaron�s my date or anything.� I laughed and Trista raised an eyebrow at me. I shot her a look.
�Actually, Mike�s coming too, so we�re back to an odd number.� Trista sighed.
�Mike and Nick aren�t talking though.�
�I know, but Erica invited Mike and he accepted for some reason, knowing Nick was going to be there.�
�I don�t like the looks of all this.� I sighed. Trista shrugged.
�It�ll be fine.� She said walking away.
After the show was over, everyone headed back to the hotel to get ready. Keely laid on the bed talking to Shane as I fixed my hair. I finally got one of my curls into place and smiled before grabbing my bag and turning toward Keely.
�You look great! Have fun.� She smiled.
�Thanks. Send Shane my love.� I walked out into the hallway just as Aaron walked out. We both grinned at each other. He looked great as usual. We walked over to each other and Aaron ran his hand down my stomach.
�Hey sexy.� He said. I just blushed and then I saw Erica and Nick down the hall talking. Erica was laughing at something Nick was saying and touching his arm every so often. Aaron groaned.
�Aaron, it�s nothing.� I assured him.
�Don�t be too sure, Mac.� Aaron said as we walked over to them.
�We�re ready.� Aaron and I grinned and both of us linked one of Nick�s arms with ours. Nick rolled his eyes.
�Would you guys give this date thing up already?� Nick asked.
�How come you never called me?� Aaron asked in a falsetto girl voice. I laughed and Nick pushed him away. Erica laughed.
�You look nice Ric.� I smiled.
�Thanks, so do you." Mike came over to us and he smiled at Erica before looking toward the rest of us. Trista came out of the room.
�Oh look my dates are here.� She giggled. Nick�s eyes twinkled like his heart had just stopped at the mere sight of Trista. It made me smile, but also made me wish I had someone who looked at me like that.
I felt an arm wrap around my waist, pulling me closer and I looked over into Aaron�s brown eyes. The look of want in his eyes was good enough for me for now. I knew Aaron cared about me. That�s the reason I�m so easily giving in to my desires with him without needing the serious relationship to back it up.
We got into a van and headed to a restaurant kind of club. We got a table immediately and ordered some drinks and appetizers. A song came on that I liked and I tapped Aaron�s shoulder.
�Dance with me?� I asked. Aaron nodded and we stood up.
�Tris, you wanna dance?� Nick asked.
�I have to go to the bathroom first.� Trista said before walking away.
�She doesn�t like to dance.� I said rolling my eyes. Nick shrugged.
�I�ll get her to dance.� He smiled. Aaron and I made our way out to the dance floor and next thing I knew, Nick and Erica were not so far away from us. I eyed them suspiciously, but shrugged it off.
�Do you see that?� Aaron asked.
�They�re just dancing.�
�Mac, Mike is clenching his fists and Trista is now looking over. I don�t think she�s too happy about this.�
�Well, if everyone�s going to be friends, they�re going to have to let it go.� I sighed.
�Let it go? The last time Nick and Erica danced, they wound up sleeping together. I�m going to ask Erica to dance.� Aaron said about to walk away.
�Okay, but if you end up in her hotel room, don�t go calling me.� I joked and Aaron looked over at me and pulled me against him again. I laughed.
A few minutes later, I glanced back at Nick and Erica. She had her one hand running up and down his chest and the other around his neck.
�That�s it�I�m going to ask Erica to dance.� I said and Aaron laughed.
�Okay, but if you end up in her hotel room, you better call me.� He said and I laughed smacking him in the chest.
�Fine, I�ll tell Mike to ask her to dance or something.� I suggested.
�Um, too late. Mike seems to have found a dancing partner already.� Aaron said pointing toward Mike and Trista who had now joined everyone on the dance floor.
�This can�t be good.� I sighed.
�Mike won�t do anything.� Aaron assured me.
I concentrated on dancing with Aaron, but every time I looked over at Mike and Trista, his hands got lower and lower until they were practically grabbing her butt. Trista seemed pretty uncomfortable.
�Aaron�maybe you should break that--� I began, but before I could finish my sentence Nick was already in Mike�s face and pulling Trista away from him.
�Shit.� Aaron said running over. I followed behind and Aaron threw himself between Nick and Mike.
�Guys, come on. We came here to have a good time.� Aaron said.
�Oh, Mike�s having a good time�hitting on my date!� Nick gritted.
�Your date?� Mike laughed.
�First you fuck over Erica and swear you wouldn�t do it again, but next thing you know you�re about to screw her on your tour bus�and now you�re all over her on the dance floor!� Mike yelled. I looked over at Trista and her face said it all. Nick shoved Mike as hard as he could and Trista ran out as Erica ran toward the bathroom.
�Fuck you Mike!� Nick yelled and Mike jumped back up and pushed him. Nick wound up banging into me and I landed on my ass�hard.
�Shit, Mackenzie are you okay?� Nick asked. I nodded and two bouncers came rushing over. Aaron reached his hand out to me and helped me up before turning toward Nick and Mike.
�Both of you are fucked up. You�re best friends. Act like it once in a while!� Aaron yelled at them before pulling me away with him. Nick called me.
�Where�s Trista?� He asked.
�She left.� I sighed.
We walked outside and Aaron called for the car.
�Are you sure you�re okay?�
�Aar, I fell on my butt. I got a lot of cushioning. It�s okay.� I laughed. Aaron grinned and rubbed his hand over my left cheek. I smiled and then noticed Trista leaning against the wall with her arms wrapped around herself.
�Look, why don�t you take Trista back to the hotel and I�ll go talk to dumb and dumber?� Aaron asked. I nodded.
�I have to get Erica too.�
�I don�t think her and Trista should be near each other right now. I�ll bring her with us.� Aaron said. I nodded.
In the van, Trista rested her head on my shoulder.
�Tris, it�s not as bad as it sounds.� I sighed.
�Mac, he slept with her again after we started dating this time.�
�He didn�t sleep with her.�
�How would you know?� Trista asked looking up at me. I just looked out the window.
�You knew and you kept it from me!?� Trista yelled.
�What was I supposed to do?�
�Tell me the truth. I am your best friend you know?� Trista huffed.
�Oh sorry, I guess now only your best friends feel you up in a pool!� Trista shot at me just as the van stopped.
�Trista!� I yelled in shock, but she just got out of the van and stormed into the hotel. I made my way into the hotel and headed to my room to change into something more comfortable knowing this was going to be a long night.