Tristan Trilogy- Story 3

CHAPTER 1

Tristan watched the clock. Kevin had been gone for over four hours and she had yet to hear a word from him. He hadn't wanted her there when he did this and took AJ and Nick with him instead. The phone rang and Tristan leaped at it. Maybe it was him….

"Heard anything yet?"

Tristan closed her eyes and sighed. "Nothing yet, Holly. I thought that maybe you were Kevin. What's taking so long?"

"Don't worry, Tris. Maybe something else came up. Hey! Maybe they're celebrating or something!"

"Do you really think so, Holly?" Tristan looked at the clock again. Four hours and ten minutes…

Holly really didn't think so. Nick had been uptight about this meeting and had told her that AJ was loaded for bear, too. They had been back in Florida for four days and the press had stuck to them like glue, hungry for morsels of Backstreet news that were so hard to find between tours and promotions. Today, Kevin had called a meeting with management, Jive and BSB, Inc. He wanted to get his relationship with Tristan out on the table. He didn't want to hide his marriage anymore and refused to deny the fact that he was going to be a father.

************

Kevin and Tristan had seen an obstetrician almost immediately after their return to Orlando. Considering Tristan's history - that she'd had had a miscarriage less than six months ago and the fact that she was carrying twins - her gynecologist had recommended Dr. Henry Malone, a doctor who specialized in at-risk pregnancies. Add to that the unusual and stressful life that they led and the potential for trouble became very real.

"At this point, I'm cautiously optimistic." Dr. Malone smiled, "but I'll feel a lot better if we can get through the next six to eight weeks without any complications."

With that he had buzzed for a nurse to show Tristan to an examination room. When the nurse came and Tristan stood up to follow her, Kevin swallowed, wiped his hands down the leg of his pants and stood too, trying to prepare himself to witness a pre-natal examination.

"We'll have to use room three." The nurse remarked. "One of the stirrups is broken in number two…"

Kevin had stumbled a bit with that revelation. Stirrups? Jesus….

"Where are you going?" Tristan turned to him, puzzled.

"Uh….With you?"

Kevin wasn't really sure what he was supposed to do. He had visibly paled within the last few minutes.

"I don't think you want to do that, sweetie.." Tristan patted his arm reassuringly. "I'll be out in a few minutes."

The nurse closed the door and they were gone. Kevin was relieved until the doctor told him to sit down - that he wanted to speak to him alone.

**********

"How about I come and wait with you?" Holly suggested. She was making a real effort to sound upbeat and worry-free.

Tristan had to laugh. "You're a real friend, Hol, but by the time you get here from Tampa…"

"I'm in Orlando, Tris! Jeez, didn't Nick tell you? He dropped me off at the symphony and now my rear end's gone to sleep waiting for him. Lou Baker said he'd drop me by your house and leave word for Nick if he comes by."

"I can come get you! Why didn't you call me?"

"No! I've got a ride. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Holly hit the 'end' button on her cell and sighed. Kevin had spoken to the group soon after Tristan's first visit to the OB and literally asked for their help. Holly was glad that Kevin's usual obsession for privacy hadn't prevented him from coming to them because the fact was that Kevin was scared to death.

During the routine examination that had preceded Tristan's pelvic exam, discoveries were made that had caused justifiable concern. Tristan's blood pressure was elevated and protein had been found in her urine. These factors, along with her previous fainting episodes, had caused the doctor to seriously consider the possibility of eclampsia.

None of them knew what that was. Kevin understood - he hadn't known what it was, either. The exact cause of eclampsia wasn't known and so it was not a preventable condition. High blood pressure was the most significant component. It could be treated but there were still substantial risks to both the mother and child. It was, in fact, a life threatening condition if it got out of control. Tristan would need rest and a controlled diet. She would need to remain calm. Medication may have to be considered.

This could be a dangerous pregnancy. Tristan ran the risk of seizures if her blood pressure rose too sharply which could result in hemorrhaging and a depleted oxygen supply to the babies' brains. There could be a risk of retarded growth and even stillbirth. The risks to Tristan included stroke, blindness, and coma - even death. Tristan and the babies would require close medical supervision and Dr. Malone had told Kevin that if Tristan did become chronically ill, he would recommend a therapeutic abortion. Kevin had become physically sick in the doctor's office.

Kevin did not want to see Tristan upset in any way, although he realized that would probably be an impossible goal. For those reasons, as well as non-medical ones, he wanted his life and Tristan's to be honest and free of the strain induced by lies and denials. Tristan had not yet been told about the eclampsia. Dr. Malone wanted her to remain worry free for as long as possible - at least until she was into her second trimester. Hopefully, everything would be all right, but the physical strain of carrying twins would make things more complicated.

***************

Mason was standing in the corridor waiting for the meeting to be over. Jack had asked him to meet him there. He had told Mason that an unscheduled meeting had been called but he had neglected to mention who the meeting was with. Mason was surprised when he saw Kevin, AJ and Nick come through the doors. His surprise became concern when he saw the expressions on their faces.

Other men soon came out behind the boys, nodded curtly and left. Mason recognized some of them as Jive execs. Finally, Jack exited the conference room, mumbled a few words to Kevin, shook his hand and the group departed, leaving Jack alone in the hallway. When the elevator doors closed, Mason made his presence known and began to walk towards his friend.

"Jack!"

Mason waved but his hand stopped moving when he got a look at Jack's face. Jack tried to cover his worry when he realized that Mason was there. He was unsuccessful.

"Sorry.." Jack smiled as he walked towards Mason. "I had no idea that would take so long."

"What's up?" Mason was curious and Jack knew that his casual greeting was not a personal inquiry. He was asking about the meeting.

"Just stuff…you know…"

Jack was hedging and Mason knew it. Jack knew that Mason knew it.

"Oh…."

An uncomfortable silence fell between the two men. They climbed on an elevator together and Jack raised his arm to press the button that would take them back down to the lobby.

"So, where do you want to have dinner?" Jack asked, trying to ease the newly hatched tension.

"Anywhere's fine." Mason answered flatly.

Jack nodded and silence overtook them once again.

Mason and Jack had first discovered each other at the dinner party that Tristan and Kevin gave for Amanda. A lot had happened in the three weeks that followed that memorable night. It had proven to be an incredibly happy time for Mason. Not only had he learned about Tristan and Kevin's marriage but also that now his beloved Tris was pregnant. Kevin was thrilled - they were happy. Mason's personal life had taken a turn as well. He and Jack had come to enjoy each other's company immensely, despite their age difference. Jack was ten tears older than Mason, but they had much in common aside from their sexual orientation. Both of them had careers on the fringe of show business, loved travel, preferred black and white photographs over color and had been involved in 'crash and burn' relationships in the past. They were both cautious but open to possibilities.

They decided to eat at a small seafood restaurant north of Orlando and were making an effort at small talk but a thin wall had built itself between them. They had arrived at one of those impasses that they had known would occur sooner or later - a conflict between Jack's professional association with Kevin and Mason's personal one with Tristan. Mason tried not to push but as the obvious avoidance of the subject continued, he grew impatient and finally spoke.

"Jack, I know I shouldn't pry but I have to ask. What was that meeting about today? Everyone who left that room looked less than thrilled. Is there trouble?"

Jack sighed. He was well aware of Mason’s attachment to Tristan but Mason had been vague about his relationship with Kevin. It seemed okay but he suspected that they’d had their differences. They both had claims to Tristan which sometimes overlapped and caused problems but they loved her. Their common affection bound them together in one respect but pushed them apart in another. At those times, Tristan was like the grand prize in some convoluted custody battle.

Jack answered slowly. “It was business, Mason…”

That was true. It was business but that wasn’t the whole truth. It was really more personal. Jack had come to rely on Mason’s objectivity and had trusted him with confidential information in the past. He decided to be open with Mason but Mason beat him to the punch.

“Kev told the label about him and Tris, didn’t he?”

“Yes…” Jack nodded seriously.

“And the babies, too?”

“Oh yeah…” Jack smiled humorlessly and tapped his finger on his beer bottle. “Needless to say, they were a little pissed off especially when Kevin told them they’d been married since January.”

Mason felt himself bristle. “So what? He’s not suppose to have a private life?”

“It’s not just that, Mason…” Jack continued. “Kevin has made it clear that because of Tristan’s condition, he will not be participating in any extended tours or promos. He wants to stay close.”

“Well, I can understand why he’d want to be around when his own kids are born! For God’s sake!” Mason was squirming in his seat. He couldn’t believe that Jive’s head was stuck so far up its ass.

Jack shook his head. “No Mason – not just for the birth. For the whole pregnancy.. The boys have an album coming out and Kevin’s saying he doesn’t want to tour! From a business standpoint, that’s very bad news, especially considering that when the news about him and Tristan gets out, the group is going to need all the help and build up it can get. Like it or not, fair or not – Kevin’s little announcement is going to alienate a certain percentage of the fan base.”

Mason rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Well, maybe he can do some shorter tours and concerts. Other promo work can be done in Orlando….”

“He hopes his kids will be born in Kentucky..” Jack interrupted.

“Wherever!” Mason responded irritably.

“He thinks he should stay close to Tristan, considering her condition and all…”

“Hover over her, you mean.” Mason frowned. “He’s gonna suffocate her! Jesus… What in the hell does he think is going to happen?”

It was then that Jack realized that Mason hadn’t been told the whole story about Tristan’s pregnancy. His expression must have betrayed his realization. Mason’s eyes had narrowed and he stared at Jack from across the table.

“What?” Mason practically shouted.

“Kevin told us that Tris was going to need some supervision….”

“That sounds just like him!” Mason growled.

Jack reached across the table and took Mason’s hand. Whoa…“No, honey. Listen to me…”

By the time Jack had finished filling Mason in on Tristan’s pregnancy, he and Mason were sharing the same side of the booth. Mason had become upset on two levels. He was concerned about Tristan’s well being and that of the babies. He was also pissed with Kevin for keeping him in the dark. He would be having a few words with Mr. Richardson. At this moment, the only thing that distracted him from his anger with Kevin was the unrelated question that floated across his mind – Did I just hear Jack call me ‘honey’?

CHAPTER 2

Tristan and Holly had found a sunny spot on the veranda by the time Kevin and Nick finally got back to the house. Kevin entered the foyer with a smile on his face, expecting to face Tristan right away. He let the charade drop when he saw that she was outside and hadn't seen them come in. He stood some distance from the French doors, watching the two women talk and laugh together. Nick had come in behind Kevin and now stepped up beside him. Holly and Tristan hadn't seen them yet.

"Looks like Holly's doing a good job keeping her smilin', huh Kev?" Nick nodded towards the veranda. Holly was telling Tris something that had her tickled.

"Yeah…" Kevin agreed, grateful that he hadn't come home to find Tristan pacing and anxious. "Guess it's time for me to slap on my 'happy face'. Tristan will want to know how the meeting went."

Nick cleared his throat and rolled his eyes.

"'Happy face'? Is that what you think you had when we walked in? A 'happy face'?" Nick looked at Kevin dubiously. "I don't think so……"

"What's that suppose to mean, Nick? Didn't you see me smiling?" Kevin gave Nick a quick demo.

"Yeah, Kev. Sure… Jack Nicholson was smilin' like that in that Stephen King movie, too, but he was carrying an ax! Do you think he looked like he was wearin' a 'happy face'?"

Kevin bristled. "Are you telling me that I don't know how to look fuckin' happy, Nick?"

Nick sighed. "Look, man… I'm just saying that a smile alone ain't gonna convince Tristan of nothin'. I'm just glad you didn't have a damn ax with you during that meeting!"

The meeting had not gone well. Kevin had been on the defensive from the beginning. He hoped for support from the label but he really didn't expect any. He got what he expected. Although BSB, Inc and label execs knew better than to attack him personally, they did their best to make him aware how foolish an announcement would be from a business standpoint.

"You can't just spring this on people!" the PR rep shouted across the table. "The fans will go crazy. They’ll feel like you've been lying to them, for God's sake!"

Kevin shouted back. "Lying to them? About what? Tristan and I have been together for over a year and a half! There's been enough shit on the web and in magazines to fill a God damn warehouse!"

"There's been shit about you and your girlfriend! Nothing was ever released that hinted at marriage! " the director of promotions shot back. "And now she's knocked up! That's great… Fucking great. Do you really think that people are going to believe that you didn't marry her because…"

"Her name is Tristan…" Nick hissed.

"Fine. Do you think that people are going to believe you didn't marry Tristan because she was pregnant? Jesus, Kevin…" the director shook his head in disgust.

Soon the lawyers and executives were bouncing ideas back and forth as if Kevin wasn't even there.

"We could leak an item saying that he was thinking about getting engaged.."

"Yeah, maybe. We could do a PR number on her, too. You know - build her up. Make the fans like her.. Really play the fairy tale angle…"

"Or we could go the other way and emphasize her career. Make the fans think that she's really career minded. Long separations, her own agenda.."

"What would that accomplish?

"It would make the public doubt the level of commitment involved - make the marriage sound weak…"

"What about her being pregnant?"

"That would work. Let them think that Kevin had to get married - that he was being honorable. Those women would feel sorry for him…'Poor Kevin, he's such a good guy, he had to get married but that's okay - we know it won't last. We'll wait for you, Kevin…'"

The spin session was brought to an abrupt halt by the sound of Kevin's fist slamming down on the glass - topped table.

"Are you all fucking crazy?" Kevin bellowed. "Tristan and I are married! We're married because we want to be! I'm happy about the babies…."

"Babies?" The vice-president in charge of PR locked eyes with Kevin. "Are we talking plural? Jesus…" He shook his head. "You know, all of this could have been handled if you had discussed you plans with us!"

AJ leaned over and looked Kevin in the eye. "Yeah, Kev…You must have forgotten to get your permission slip signed!" he spit sarcastically. "Don't you know better than to make love to your wife without our handlers saying it's okay?" AJ turned his glare across the table. "What were you thinking?"

"I hope you had enough sense to get a pre-nup…" one of Jive's lawyers said under his breath.

When Kevin didn't comment, the lawyer started laughing.

"You're kidding, right? You have a net worth in the millions and you didn't get a pre-nup? Man, nobody's that good…"

Nick and AJ shot brief glances at each other. Uh-oh………

Kevin's eyes grew black as he gripped the arms of his chair, fighting to control himself. The room grew eerily quiet and Kevin spoke in hushed tones.

"You must be new here, asshole…" Kevin whispered, "..so I'm gonna cut you a little slack this time. But if you ever say anything even remotely crude in reference to Tristan again, I'm gonna knock your teeth so far down your throat that you'll have to sit on your food to chew it…"

The lawyer grew pale. "Uh…sorry, Kevin. I didn't mean anything… Please accept my apology…"

Kevin's glare remained steely. He wasn't going to accept anything. Jack coughed, diverting attention from the battle zone.

"Look. Kevin's married…." He glanced at Kevin, smiling, "…and very happily, I might add, to a wonderful woman." He turned his attention back to the suits. "Can't we just concentrate on the album? That's what counts here, isn't it? Kevin's personal life isn't going to make or break the Backstreet Boys - the music will do that."

Kevin, Nick, AJ and Jack looked across the table to meet the eyes of corporate interest. You would think they were negotiating a Middle East peace treaty.

Jive's accountant spoke. "You can count on losing fifteen percent in projected revenues right away - maybe more. You're going to have to do a lot of touring and promotional work to make up any difference."

"We'll have to start to work on damage control right away." The PR director added. We'll do it in phases - let's get the marriage thing overwith first. We'll prepare a release…."

Promotions jumped into the discussion. "If we can get the album out by October first, we should start touring by the fifteenth. We'll go on up until Christmas, put a couple of videos in the can over the holidays and hit the road again. We need a good angle…"

"Hold up.." Kevin interrupted. "The babies are due in January. I plan to be there when they're born. In fact I plan on staying close to home, period."

The various executives stared at Kevin for a moment and then they all seemed to explode at once. Finally, Stuart Beckman, the head honcho at the table and senior vice president of Jive, Inc. spoke.

"Kevin…you’re saying that you won't promote or tour with this album. I have to ask - has some other label cut you a deal? Are we suppose to enter a bidding war over you or the Backstreet Boys?" Stuart nodded towards Nick and AJ. "You've signed a five album, sixty mill deal with us - remember?"

Kevin sighed. He was between a rock and a hard place. He understood the business and financial concerns that had been presented. He didn't want to go into Tristan's potential health problems, but reconsidered. He couldn't expect them to understand his motivation without some explanation. Yet again, his personal and professional life became intertwined to the point where his success in one was related to his success in the other. Finally Kevin came clean about Tristan and crossed his fingers. The nods and murmurs were sympathetic but some of the eyes were not. Kevin looked to Stuart. His reaction would tell the tale.

Stuart Beckman was not a heartless man, but it seemed that every major crisis or averted crisis of the last year that concerned the Backstreet Boys had Tristan's name imprinted on it somewhere.

"Kevin," he said seriously, "We understand your concerns and we want to be supportive of you and the group. I'm assuming that the guys all know about this and are willing to comply with your request?"

AJ and Nick nodded. Stuart continued.

"You understand, however, that what you're proposing is unrealistic from a business standpoint. There will have to be some consideration given to the business end of this equation - too much time and money has been invested in the group to risk further fan base deterioration. For now, let us issue some sort of statement regarding your marital status. We'll gauge that for a few weeks and then discuss a baby announcement and how that should be handled. We may be able to offer some small compromise but I must tell you honestly - there will have to be a tour of some sort." Stuart pushed his chair back from the table. "I think we're finished here. We'll let you know when the announcement will be made public, but prepare yourself for fallout. Good day."

The meeting was suddenly over.

***************

Nick walked into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator and scouted its contents.

"Gee, Nick. Make yourself at home…"

"Thanks, Kev. Wanna beer?" Nick smiled over his shoulder, missing Kevin's sarcasm.

"Are you sure it's all right?" Kevin tried again.

"Yeah, you've get plenty…" Kevin rolled his eyes as Nick pulled two bottles of Samporo from the shelf and handed one to Kevin.

"Why, thank you Nick…"

"You're very welcome." Nick twisted off the cap and took a chug. "What are you gonna tell Tris. Kev?"

Kevin wasn't sure. He said that he guessed he'd tell her that the record company would make an announcement about their marriage and then later on, confirm her pregnancy. That was fairly logical.

"You remember we're suppose to go to Stockholm in six weeks…"

Kevin groaned. That would be a problem. They were supposed to be gone for two weeks. Tristan would want to go. He heard the French doors open and feminine giggles filled the living room. Time for the 'happy face'.

"Kevin! When did you get home? Is everything okay? How did the meeting go? Are they mad? Did they.." "Whoa, Tris!" Kevin set down his bottle of beer. "How about a hug?"

Tristan grinned and ran full blast towards Kevin throwing her arms around his neck while jumping up and wrapping her legs around his waist. His plastered on 'happy face' was replaced with a genuine smile. Tristan gave Kevin a small kiss.

"Aww, jeez.." Nick whined. "You want we should leave or something?"

Kevin turned with Tristan still attached to his body.

"Damn, Nick. I can't take a minute to say hello to my girls?"

Nick's eyebrows shot up and Tristan began to turn pink.

"Keviiiin…" she scolded under her breath, embarrassed.

Kevin sighed in exasperation. "I didn't mean those girls, Tris…" Then he grinned. "I'll say hello to those girls later…. I was talkin' about my baby girls…"

"You already know they're girls?" Nick looked surprised.

"NO!" Tristan answered. "He knows nothing…"

"Hey, babe.." Kevin remarked coolly "I'm a chick magnet. They've gotta be girls.."

"Oh…" Tristan nodded. "Well, I hope they inherit their father's modesty… Have you named them already?"

"Yeah, I was thinking we'd name one Eunice Mabel and the other Ethel Gertrude…"

"Lovely!" Tristan laughed and slid down to the floor. "Now tell me..What happened?"

Kevin gave Tristan a highly edited version of the meeting and explained that announcement would be released in a couple of days about the marriage. Their impending parenthood would be made public later.

Tristan looked thoughtful. "If everything went so well, what took so long? Are they mad?"

Kevin shuffled around her question. He had gotten so good at sidestepping.

"Our friends want us to be happy, Tris. It’s okay.."

"What took so long, then?" Tristan asked doubtfully.

"We talked about other things, too. Like the album. Right Nick?"

Nick nodded as he wiped his mouth with his shirt sleeve. Then a previously unheard voice chimed in, much to Kevin's dismay.

"Oooh, that's right!" Holly said excitedly. "We're going to Stockholm in a few weeks! I can't wait! Isn't that great, Tris?"

Kevin shot a look past Tristan to Holly that would have sunk a battleship. She frowned back and then glanced at Nick who was shaking his head. Tristan was oblivious to the silent admonishments being passed back and forth. She was too excited.

"Oh, Kevin! I can't believe it! Stockholm! When do we leave? Why didn't you tell me?" Tristan immediately answered her own question. "Oh! It was a surprise, wasn't it? Oh, Kevin! You are sweeter than honey!"

She was jumping up and down and clapping her hands like a child. That made Kevin nervous and he pleaded with her to settle down.

"Jesus, Tris…please stop. You're gonna shake something loose in there.. Besides, nothing is settled about that yet…"

"Stop teasing Kevin! You said we could take a little vacation. You said 'anywhere you want, Tris'! I want Stockholm Kevin…Pleeeease?" She was still bouncing.

Kevin followed his urge to put his hands on her shoulders and hold her in place. Tentative plans had been made to do some recording in Sweden before the group ever left the Bahamas. He had, in fact, planned on surprising Tristan with the trip but so much had happened since then. He would call Dr. Malone and see what he thought. Tristan would be through her first trimester by then. God help him if the doctor said she couldn't go.

They still had a lot to work through until then. It might be difficult to placate the label and protect Tristan at the same time.

Email Grace

"Circling" is a work of fiction.
The characters and events portrayed are fictitious.
Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.

Copyright ©2000
All Rights Reserved
No part of this text may be copied or reprinted
without the author's permission.

  Direct linking to stories on this site without permission is prohibited and considered copyright infringement

~BEST VIEWED ON 800 X 600 SCREEN RESOLUTION~

Fiction by Grace