CHAPTER 25

Kevin poured the last miniature of scotch into his glass. He had finished off the bourbon last night. He may have to go out and buy a bottle. There was nothing left in the bar but gin. It was almost two am. His body had stopped a long time ago. Unfortunately, his mind hadn’t. Takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’. He chuckled, remembering the old watch commercial. Kevin’s thoughts refocused on Tristan. Her mind hadn’t always kept ‘tickin’, had it? She could turn hers off if things got too rough. He wondered if she had it turned off tonight....

Kevin’s thoughts were interrupted by a loud banging on his door. Thinking that it was one the guys checking on him, he ignored it - or he tried to. The visitor was persistent and Kevin was forced to answer. He was surprised to see Mason standing out in the hallway. Mason frowned at Kevin and then at the half-filled glass in his hand.

"She's not here, Mason." Kevin turned and walked away.

Mason found himself looking at Kevin’s back. He wasn’t overly fond of Kevin right now but he could see through his bravado. Kevin didn’t know whether to shit or go blind. If he kept drinking like this, he may do both.

“Even if I couldn’t see that for myself, I would know it, Kevin. I got a phone call not five minutes ago. That’s why I’m here, although you know I always enjoy your charm, wit and hospitality...”

“And your phone call concerns me in some way?” Kevin asked, still not turning.

“It does if Tristan concerns you in some way.” Mason shot back.

Kevin felt his hand tighten around the glass. He remembered the last time Tristan had run away and the phone call that followed. She had promised him that she wouldn’t run away from him anymore.

“Are you telling me that you’ve heard from Tristan?”

Mason began to feel sorry for Kevin. He would have expected her to call him before anyone else. He dreaded going any farther with his limited information but he felt that he had to. Kevin didn’t deserve to be kept in the dark.

“No, I didn’t hear from Tristan directly,” Mason explained. “I heard from Asa Whitmore...”

That name struck Kevin like a knife in his heart. He knew that Asa was in love with Tristan even if she refused to recognize it. He spun around and faced Mason, almost falling down in the process.

“Asa?” Kevin asked evenly, trying to control his temper and his thoughts. He turned and stepped around Mason. “Why would Asa be calling you at two am about Tris?” He hoped Mason would say that he didn’t know. His grip on the glass was now dangerously tight.

“He knew I’d be worried. He wanted to let me know that she was safe. I thought you’d like to know it, too.”

Mason didn’t want to say any more and started to walk to the door hoping that Kevin would let him pass. He wasn’t so lucky. Despite his slightly drunken state, Kevin was radiating heat.

“How would he know that, Mason?” Kevin’s voice was not so calm now. His tones were low and edged with anger.

“Um..he said she was there with him...”

“WHERE?” Kevin screamed causing Mason to flinch.

“Uh...uh...I don’t know where! He wouldn’t tell me. They’re at a hotel somewhere...”

Kevin glass suddenly shattered in his hand sending shards of crystal to the floor and into his skin. The remaining liquor formed a small pool on the Aubusson carpet. He lost it.

“JESUS FUCKIN’CHRIST!!” Kevin’s unbloodied fist soon connected with a nearby wall, cracking the plaster and causing considerable damage.

His screams soon attracted the attention of AJ, next door who had just been startled by the crash against the wall coming from the room next door. He flew out of his room and into Kevin’s just in time to stop Kevin from killing the messenger. AJ threw his arms around Kevin’s waist, trying to pull him away from Mason before he did any damage.

“HE’S FUCKIN’ HER! GOD DAMN HIS ASS - I’LL KILL THE COCKSUCKER!” Kevin was raving like a lunatic.

“Settle down now, man! I’ll help you kill him! I swear! Just calm down and tell me what’s happening..okay Kev? Come on, man....”

Kevin could barely breathe. “Tristan....hotel with Asa...two in the morning and she’s with him.....” AJ had pushed Kevin onto the bed. He rocked back and forth, holding his hands between his legs. His eyes darted around the room like a crazy man.

“Dear Lord, he’s bleeding!”

AJ looked up to see Amanda standing behind him. She was pointing to Kevin’s arm. Trails of blood ran up his left arm.

“He broke a g-glass...” Mason stammered

“Who the fuck are you and what the hell happened here?” AJ was up in Mason’s face. Kevin was scaring him. He glanced towards his friend and saw Amanda trying to wrap his arm in a hand towel. Kevin was not being cooperative.

“M-Mason MacArthur - Tris’ assistant...I came to tell Kevin that Tris was okay - she’ safe...”

Kevin bolted up from the bed, knocking Amanda on her backside.

“She’s not fuckin’ safe, you idiot! She’s with Asa at a hotel somewhere at two am!” He turned to AJ and grabbed him by the shoulders. “He’s fuckin’ her J! I know it!. Christ, he’s probably on top of her right now!” Kevin shouted, running his bloody hand through his hair. He put the palms of his hands over his eyes and screamed “That asshole’s fuckin’ my damn wife!”

AJ and Amanda looked at each other, baffled by Kevin’s words. When they threw questioning glances at Mason, he raised his shoulders and shook his head, equally baffled. He began to repeat the message to AJ while Amanda tried her skills at calming and soothing Kevin.

“Come on, Kevin...” Amanda murmured. “You know Tristan wouldn’t sleep with that guy! She loves you..You know that..” She patted his arm reassuringly while speaking in low tones. She could smell liquor.

Kevin had, at last, stopped screaming. When he turned to Amanda, his brows had furrowed in sadness and his voice cracked as he tried desparately to regain control.

“He wants her, Amanda. I know the son of a bitch...He loves her...”

“But Tris loves you, Kev. She doesn’t want anybody else. Nobody but you, Kevin...”

Amanda couldn’t have chosen worse words. He stood up and walked over to his spot by the window. “ I’m okay now.” he said despondently. I’m sorry I lost it.” He spoke to no one in particular.

AJ came up beside his friend and put his hand on Kevin’s shoulder. He was quiet for a minute, trying to give Kevin a little space and a little time.

“How about we kick these two outta here and talk this out, Train? Or I can start making phone calls if you want. We could probably find...”

“No, Alex...”Kevin broke in. “They don’t release the names of guests at nice places and I doubt they...” He backtracked ...” she is at a Motel 6. Tris probably checked in under an alias, anyway. But - thanks..” Kevin patted the hand on his shoulder.

This simple gesture touched AJ and he discovered that he didn’t want Kevin to be in this room alone. Kevin, however, was retreating.

“I’m gonna try and get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.”

They all took that as their signal to leave. Kevin stood at the window for a while longer and then laid on one side of the bed. He fell into sleep fairly quickly having spent himself in his emotional outburst. Unfortunately, his sleep was not dreamless. He spent the entire night dreaming of Tristan finding her comfort in the arms of another man.

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

“Well, I guess that says it all, doesn’t it Holly? I’m sorry, too.”

Nick moved her off of him and headed toward the bathroom. There wasn’t a lot of choice about where to go - the room wasn’t that big. He felt like he had been run over by a bus, but he didn’t want Holly to see him upset like this. He didn’t want her to think of him as weak.

Holly was confused. What was wrong with Nick? She was truly sorry - why didn’t he understand?

“Nick? Are you going to be mad with me forever? What did I....”

Nick spun around to her. He didn’t want to talk about this but they may as well get this over with and figure out where in the hell they were suppose to go from here.

"Listen, Holly - you feel like you feel. I guess I just misunderstood what you were telling me last night. Guess I heard what I wanted to hear....” Nick licked his bottom lip before chewing on it. He wouldn’t look at her.

Holly shook her head trying to clear it.

“So,” Nick continued, ‘ you gonna stay, leave - or what?

“Do you want me to leave?” Holly’s question caught in her throat. “I don’t understand, Nick. Please...”

Nick pulled off his cap and hurled it across the room.

“Fuck, Holly! God damn - you know I don’t want this, but you’re tearing my heart out! If you don’t think we have a future together, then what’s the point?” Nick’s voice was shaking, but he went on. “Living for today is great and all, but I want to be able to look forward to things, too! I wanted to look forward to us. You don’t want that. I guess we’re just on two different paths here...”

“Why do you think I don’t want a future with you, Nick? Didn’t I tell you how I felt? Didn’t you hear me? I thought that what I said made you happy!...” Holly’s mouth was open, trying to get oxygen to her brain. She felt like she was in the middle of a bad dream and wanted to wake up. Tears began to flow down her cheeks and she couldn’t see.

“Am I crazy, Holly?” Holly could hear anger in Nick’s voice. She couldn’t see the tears filling his eyes, too. “You just told me that you were sorry! Sorry you couldn’t think of us married - sorry you couldn’t think of us that way - sorry you didn’t see a future for us - together!”

Holly didn’t answer. She replayed what Nick had just said. Had she said those things? The epiphany hit her between the eyes.

“God damn you, Nick Carter!” she shouted at him, throwing the only thing at him that she could grab - a bed pillow. “You big jerk!” Then Holly started laughing.

“You think this is funny, Holly?” Nick spat at her. “I guess I don’t...”

“Shut up, Nick!”

“What?”

“I said ‘shut up’!” What I’m sorry about is that I didn’t answer your question last night! Jesus!”

“What?” Nick stood across the room with his mouth hanging open, his arms dangling at his side.

“You said you were mad because I didn’t answer your question and then you repeated it. I apologized - for not answering you, you idiot!”

Nick stood for a moment and then tore off for the bed, jumping at Holly and knocking her down onto her back. He buried his face in her neck.

“God, baby...I’m sorry...I’m sorry.....”

Holly laughed and placed her hands on Nick’s shoulders, forcing him up to look into his face.

“Under the circumstances, I think you’d better be more specific. What, exactly are you sorry about?” she smiled.

“I’m sorry I’m such an ass - I’m sorry I misunderstood and got all bent.”

“I’m sorry you got bent, too, Nick. But you’re not an ass. I can see where you could have misunderstood.”

“Want to get married, then?” Nick nodded, the tears in his eyes replaced by sparkles.

“Whoa, Nick! This is a little fast - even for me! How about engaged to be engaged?”

Nick looked up at the ceiling like he was considering Holly’s proposition.

“Okay, look. I say married. You countered with ‘engaged to be engaged’ - whatever the hell that is. How about we compromise?”

“Compromise? How?”

“How about just plain ‘engaged’?”

“Is this a proposal Nick?” Holly was suddenly serious.

“Are you acceptin’?’ Nick asked, equally serious.

“I don’t know, Are you asking?”

“I’m askin’. Hol.”

“Then I’m accepting Nick.”

Nick couldn’t suppress his grin even though his eyes became wet, once again. He was amazed at the flood of peace that had washed over him when Holly spoke those four words. At last he felt truly connected. He felt like he had somebody. He hadn’t realized until that moment how incomplete he had been.

“Damn, girl. I do love you..” He said gently, pressing his mouth against Holly’s.

They took it slow and easy this night. Their lovemaking was gentle and emotional. That was the release they both desired - not frenzied or urgent but tender and smoldering. They touched, tasted and pleasured each other until the early morning hours and when they were finally spent, they actually felt sorry for all those people around them who hadn’t experienced the intensity and intimacy that they had just enjoyed.

Holly laid in the crook of Nick’s arm feeling suddenly protective of what they shared.

“Nick?”

“Yeah, baby?” He sighed rubbing her back.

“Can we keep this to ourselves for awhile?”

Nick’s eyes opened. He hadn’t seen that one coming.

“Why would you want to do that, Holly?”

Holly caught the trepidation in his voice and pulled herself up to his face. She brushed his hair back with her fingers before kissing him sweetly.

“I don’t want to share ‘us’ for a while. You and I both know that we’re not ‘Jim and Mary from Anytown, USA. There’s gonna be a lot of shit that will come with an announcement - from fans, from the press, from management - from everywhere. I want to enjoy this. Is that okay?”

Nick smiled in the dim light. Unfortunately, Holly had a point. He wanted to be able to enjoy it, too. He reached over to the night stand and opened the drawer.

“What am I suppose to do with this, then?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. He had pulled a small velvet box out of the drawer.

Holly’s eyes grew wide. She pulled the sheet up over her breasts and swallowed the lump in her throat.

“What is that?” she whispered.

“Oh, just a little something I picked up a few days ago.” Nick was chuckling, thoroughly enjoying Holly’s shock.

He opened the box for her, very slowly. There, set in a puff of burgundy velvet was the most beautiful ring Holly had ever seen. It was not ostentatious, but still quite striking. The two and a half carat emerald cut diamond was set in platinum. Two smaller trillion cut stones flanked the larger one.

“Want to try it on?” Nick teased. “Or should I just return it?”

Holly’s chin started to tremble and Nick became alarmed. He hadn’t meant to carry the teasing too far.

“Damn, baby! I’m sorry! Shit - don’t cry! Please! You know how I hate that....”

He grabbed her hand and slipped the ring on her finger. “Wear it when we’re together - just us. Okay, Holly?” Nick had suddenly understood Kevin’s preoccupation with Tristan’s ruby band.

“Yes...yes...Oh, yes, Nick! When it’s just us!”

This time Holly knocked Nick off balance as she threw her arms around his neck and covered him with kisses. It was almost morning but they could always sleep later.

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

Kevin awoke with a start. He automatically reached for Tristan before remembering that she wasn’t there. He was exhausted and felt hung over, not so much from the scotch as from the detailed dreams he’s suffered through the night. He threw back the covers and walked over to the chest of drawers. Sliding the top drawer open, he stuck his hand inside and felt around until he located a small box about the size of a thick book.

The box contained Tristan’s jewelry. When he flipped open the top, he noticed right away that the ruby ring was missing from her small collection. That was because it was on her finger. At least he hoped so. That, however was not the reason he had been compelled to open the box. There, in the corner, he found what he was looking for and removed the contents of the compartment, placing it in the palm of his hand. He held two gold bands, very plain and austere. The only embellishment was the engraving on the inside of each which read: KSR and TGM 1-1-2000.

CHAPTER 26

Tristan opened her eyes briefly when she heard Asa speaking on the phone and then closed them again when she realized that he had called Mason and not Kevin. She felt groggy and tired but feared sleep. The bed seemed huge and empty as she rolled onto her side and reached out, willing Kevin to be there, for all of this to be a grand mistake. Her body was actually sore from crying but the tears came again anyway. Tristan vaguely heard Asa hang up the phone before she felt him on the bed behind her, moving up against her back. He smelled spicy and his body felt warm against her.

“What did he do to you, sweetheart?” Asa whispered. His arm had wrapped around her waist and she felt him squeeze her.

“It doesn’t matter....” she whispered back, hanging on to her pain and humiliation. She didn’t want to replay the events. She wanted to forget them.

“It matters to me, Trissy....You matter to me...” he murmured, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

Asa’s hand traveled across her hip and down the front of her thigh as she felt him press himself against her. She could feel his hardness as he moaned softly into her hair. Tristan tried to imagine that this was Kevin in bed with her - that he was the one moving his hand back up the front of her body and slipping it into the front of her robe. Tristan closed her eyes tightly as she tried mentally to force Asa’s voice to drop to the lower octaves that had soothed her in the past. His seduction was not as gentle as Kevin’s had been the first time, his touch not as tender. Asa wanted her. Maybe he even loved her but as much as she tried to deny it, Kevin needed her. Even worse, she needed him, too. They had formally, religiously and legally committed to each other exactly one year after the physical consummation of their relationship. Kevin had picked the date, remembering and feeling the significance of that day. Now, the child he had wanted so badly was being carried by another woman.

Asa gently turned Tristan onto her back, meeting no resistance, and covered her body with his. He looked deeply into her eyes, studying her face. After a moment, he smiled at her sadly and wiped the wetness from her face with his fingers.

“You really do love him, don’t you Tris?”

Tristan drew a deep and ragged breath. “Yes...” she whispered, nodding slightly.

Asa closed his eyes and sighed before raising himself from her slowly and moving to the other side of the bed. He sat on the edge for a moment, his back to Tristan, saying nothing.

“Asa..”she began. “I’m sorry...”

Asa turned back to her, displaying the same sad smile she had seen a moment ago.

“Please don’t be sorry, Trissy. Don’t be sorry that I love you. I’m not...”

He turned his back to her again and slipped on his shoes. The he rose and walked slowly to the door, pausing to gaze at her again before he left. He knew that he would always wonder if she would have let him make love to her.

“Tomorrow will be the last time we’ll be on the stage together.”

Tristan sat up, protesting. “Don’t say that Asa. We can still be together.”

“I have to say it, Trissy.” Asa looked down at the floor, trying to compose himself. “It will be our farewell performance. ....It just hurts too much...”

Asa raised his head and looked at her again, wanting to burn this night into his memory.

“Call me when you stop loving him, Tris,” Asa said gently before turning to walk out of the door.

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

Kevin slipped the larger of the two rings onto the fourth finger of his left hand and stared at the golden band. He remembered how it felt when Tristan had pushed the ring onto his finger the day they were married. It had been a simple and private ceremony with only his immediate family present. None of Tristan’s family had been notified or invited. The vows had been traditional and they had spoken them outside, early on that Saturday evening. in a quiet spot under some evergreens near the edge of the lake. The sun had almost set. It had been that magical time of the day where the sky divided itself and displayed the stars and moon on a navy backdrop set above the pinks and oranges of the fading sun. Fortunately, it had not been cold. When Kevin closed his eyes, he could once again see Tristan coming through the trees towards him, escorted by his oldest brother.

She had managed to find a dress in a vintage clothing shop. It looked like it had been made for her alone. The bodice was fitted, it’s square neckline low enough to reveal the swell of her breasts The long sleeves were also fitted and provided the perfect balance to the skirt which fell to a spot just above her ankles. The cream colored gown relied on pintucks, insertion and cream colored embroidery for embellishment. There was no lace and no color except for the roses she carried which matched the ring of roses she wore on her head over her loose curls. Tropicana roses. Kevin recalled the warm hues of the roses playing against her amethyst eyes and then everything blurred because his eyes had filled. It had been the happiest day of his life.

Only four pictures had been taken that day - one of Kevin, Tristan and Anne, one of Kevin and his brothers, one of the entire group and one of Kevin and Tristan alone. The pictures were in Orlando, hidden in a box on the shelf of the hall closet.

Kevin’s reverie was broken by the sound of a light tapping on his door. Sighing, he pulled the band off of his finger and slipped it back into the box next to Tristan’s ring. Kevin sent up a quick prayer that her ring still carried the same meaning for her that his did for him and then turned to answer the door. Mason stood on the other side holding an armful of Tristan’s dresses.

“Uh.. sorry to bother you. Kevin.”

“You’re not bothering me. Come in.” Kevin opened the door wider for Mason to enter, but Mason hesitated and tried to assess Kevin’s state of mind before going through the door. “I’m not going to attack you, Mason. You don’t have to worry.” Kevin said impatiently.

“Okay, okay... Mason stuck his chin out and walked past Kevin into the room. “Feeling better, are we?”

“Why the fuck would I be feeling better, Mason? Do you see Tristan here anywhere? Would you be feeling better if your....whatever… had slept with an old friend?” Kevin emphasized ‘old friend’ by forming quotation marks with his fingers. He instantly regretted his remarks when he saw Mason wince and look down at the floor.

“Asa’s a good man, Kevin.” Mason said seriously trying to make Kevin feel better.

“And that’s suppose to make me feel good because....?”

Mason tried to nullify his faux pas. “What I mean is, he wouldn’t do anything to Tristan that she didn’t want him to do...”

“God damn, Mason!” Kevin screamed. “Try again!” His voice became steely. “You don’t like me very much, do you, Mason?”

Mason sighed and flopped down on the edge of the bed. It was still too early in the day for a philosophical discussion on the subject of male relationships but he was going to give it a try.

“Please sit down, Kevin.” Mason asked quietly. When Kevin refused to budge, Mason turned the simple request into a command. “SIT!”

Kevin sat.

“Listen to me. I’m going to try and explain to you how I feel about you.” Mason took a deep breath and began. “First of all, I don’t really know you. Second of all, you don’t really know me. I must say that I’m somewhat impressed with the fact that you didn’t want to leave the door open because I was in here alone with you...”

“Jesus, Mason! I’m a little more open minded than that..”

Mason held up his hand to silence Kevin.

“That remains to be seen as far as I’m concerned. I’m not saying that you’re an out and out homophobe, but you may have a case of the queer queasies - you’re just a little on edge around gays. You can’t help it, I know, and you mean no harm. You don’t want to see anyone mistreated. I understand. But you’re a Southern Baptist, football playing Kentucky boy ....”

“Talk about stereotyping...."

Mason paused and thought about this. “You’re absolutely right, Kevin. I apologize.”

“Yeah, me too....” Kevin said reluctantly.

Mason giggled. “Don’t worry - I’m not going to hug you or anything, Kevin...”

“That’s good.”

“Although I’ll bet those shoulders of yours....”

“Shut up, Mason.” Kevin squirmed in his seat. Mason laughed.

“Okay. Listen. I’m going to give you my quick take on all of this business with Tris ...”

“Oh boy.” Kevin spoke sarcastically but in reality, he was curious about Mason’s opinions.

Mason shot Kevin a look and continued. “From what I understand, you fucked up. You fucked up bad.” Kevin hung his head. Mason wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t know. “I think Tris is going to carry that scar for a long, long time - maybe forever. This baby thing just reopened the original wound. She feels betrayed again and she’s afraid. No matter how much she forgives you, Lily will always be in your life. I don’t think I’ve ever known Tristan to hate anyone. I didn’t think she had it in her, but she does despise Lily, so that makes this even worse.”

“Gee, I feel so much better, Mason....”

“Shut up, Kevin. It’s not my job to make you feel better. As much as she despises Lily, she’s not a complete idiot. She knows you are an equal partner in the crime. Jeez, Kevin - ever heard of a condom?”

Kevin shot up out of his chair and got in Mason’s face.

“I’ve already been judged, Mason. The charges were unfaithfulness, cruelty and stupidity. I was found guilty. Now, are you going to take it upon yourself to try me again? And again? And again? Isn’t there some kind of rule about that?” Kevin had become upset and defensive.

“Exactly, Kevin. Tristan may realize that, too.”

Kevin fell back on his haunches. “She may realize that? When?” Kevin was starting to lose control again. His teeth were clenched and so were his hands. “After Asa’s nailed her? After he’s put his hands all over her?” He raised himself to his feet and started pacing. “After his mouth...”

“Stop it!” Mason shouted.

“He’s in love with her, Mason!”

“I know...” Mason said quietly. “I know. He’s loved her for years...”

This simple acknowledgement froze Kevin in his tracks. He had wanted Mason to convince him that Asa and Tris were just friends, that Asa didn’t really think of Tristan in a sexual way- that there was nothing for Kevin to worry about. He was suddenly tired again, Kevin let his arms fall limply to his sides. He felt defeated.

“What should I do, Mason?” he asked wearily. “Should I just stay away and leave her alone until she works this out for herself, or what?”

“No.” Mason said thoughtfully. “If she won’t come to you, then you have to go to her.” He walked into the closet. Kevin could hear hangers sliding across the rod. “You are going to her performance tonight, right?”

“I don’t know....I was, but now....with her and Asa...”

“You’re going!” Mason ordered. “And you’re going to wear this.” Mason had pulled a charcoal Armani suit from Kevin’s things. He had chosen the suit that Kevin had worn at his wedding. “Now let me see what Miss Tris will be wearing.”

Mason began to go through the armload of clothes he had brought with him. He was going to select two or three dresses and accessories and put the rest in Tristan’s side of the closet. As he flipped through the clothes, Kevin ordered him to stop.

“Where did you get those things?” Kevin asked curiously.

“Out of your house in Orlando - the cedar closet upstairs. Tristan said it was okay...”

“It’s fine, Mason.” Kevin said, patting Mason’s shoulder. “Take this one to her - no others.”

Mason cringed a little. “It’s a beautiful dress Kevin, but I was thinking of something a little ‘hotter’ for opening night. Let her show a little leg, you know?”

“This one, Mason. Don’t take her anything else. Not tonight.”

“Okay - if you insist...” Mason sighed shaking out the cream colored, antique dress. He walked to the door and then stopped and turned back to Kevin. “Oh, by the way, Kevin - don’t shave but get a haircut. Keep the goatee, lose the locks. You look like shit.”

Kevin nodded, bowing to Mason’s fashion sense. Now he needed a florist.

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

The flight to Orlando had seemed like a quick one to Holly and Leighanne. They hadn’t really known each other all that well before these pregnancy problems had occurred. Now, they were becoming fast friends. They were going to have to get information from an unfamiliar doctor - information that, legally, fell under the auspices of doctor-patient confidentiality.

They had decided that Leighanne would approach the project as a prospective patient of Dr. Daniel Marcos. They realized that they would have to rely on improvisation since they didn’t know who they would be talking to or what to expect. They took a cab directly from the airport to the doctor’s office. They had no time to waste.

“Can I help you?”

The young receptionist looked at both of them a little oddly. They seemed somehow familiar. Leighanne, flying by the seat of her pants, told her why they were there.

“I’m late.” Leighanne explained. “I think I might be pregnant.”

Holly watched Leighanne’s face as her eyes took on a look of apprehension and confusion. She was licking her lips and pushing her hair behind her ears nervously.

Damn! She’s pretty good!, Holly thought.

The girl behind the glass was staring, trying to figure out how she knew these women.

“Have you ever seen Dr. Marcos before?” she asked.

“No.” Leighanne answered.

“Have you done a home pregnancy test?”

“Ye...yes. I did two. One was positive and one negative.”

“Okay. Sometimes those tests can give false readings, especially if it’s still early. But if you’re late, too, then you might be concerned.” the girl said, noting Leighanne’s worry. “Can I have your name, please?”

Leighanne began to blurt out her name without thinking. She had already begun to identify herself when she felt Holly’s foot slam against her ankle.

“Leigh Wal....”

Leighanne felt Holly’s shoe and snapped her head towards her friend, frowning. Holly gave her an intense look and Leighanne caught her warning. They didn’t want to use their real names. She tried to cover herself by yelling out the first thing that came into her mind. It all happened in a nanosecond.

“Mart” she said loudly. She glanced towards Holly who was looking at her like she’d lost her mind.

“Leigh Walmart?”. The young girl did a double take and stared at Leighanne with her mouth open.

Leighanne tried to think fast. “Tin.” she added.

“Leigh Walmart Tin?” The girl’s eyebrows shot up under her bangs.

“Martin!” Leighanne shouted.

“Walmartin?” The receptionist was frowning now. She wondered if she had a crazy woman leaning into her window.

Holly rolled her eyes in exasperation and decided to butt in and attempt to save this introduction.

“She’s nervous.” Holly laughed trying to charm the girl. “Her middle name is Wolle.” Holly explained. “It’s Polish or something, right Leigh?” Leighanne nodded vigorously, thankful for the rescue. “It’s Leigh W. Martin.” Holly smiled sweetly.

“Oh...I see.” They were both getting the once over. “Okay, do you have referral to Dr. Marcos?”

“Uh....” Leighanne looked at Holly with a little desperation. Her timing had been thrown completely off. “Um...not officially, but a friend of mine is a patient here and she recommended Dr. Marcos.”

Leighanne had spotted a computer on a table behind the receptionist’s desk. The screen faced the window where she and Holly were standing. Leighanne elbowed Holly and nodded towards the computer as the receptionist checked the appointment book.

“At least I think she said ‘Marcos’...” Leighanne giggled, wide-eyed. She was back in form after a stumbling start. “Gee, I hope I haven’t made a mistake!”

Holly caught her cue. “Maybe this nice lady can check her records for us Leigh. Can you do that for us, please?” Holly asked, pouting a little for effect. Now Leighanne rolled her eyes at Holly’s attempt at drama.

“Well, sure. I guess so.” The receptionist turned her chair and fired up the computer. Holly and Leighanne had an unobstructed view. “What was the name?”

“Lily Shafer!” they said together.

Holly spelled it out and the name was typed in. Almost immediately, Lily’s name appeared on the screen. Holly and Leighanne’s hearts dropped as they read as much information as they could in just a few seconds.

Lily L. Shafer
148 Blue Heron Drive
Orlando Florida 33629

Date of last menstrual cycle - 10/15/99

Blood type - A pos.
Due date - 8/1/00
Payment type - Bill Mr. Kevin S. Richardson (father)

“Shit!” Leighanne whispered under her breath.

“Yes, Ms. Shafer is a patient here. Do you want to make an appointment Ms. Martin?”

“Sure....” Leighanne answered without enthusiasm.

As the receptionist wrote up an appointment card for Leigh Martin, Holly felt the need to sit down. She had been so hopeful - Amanda’s instincts were almost always right. She felt a severe headache coming on. They would see Tristan tonight at the concert. Whether or not she would be speaking to any of them was another question. When Holly looked up. Leighanne was finished. She smiled at her sadly.

“Guess we’d better get going...Come on, Leigh Walmart....”

The receptionist watched the two women leave and shook her head. When she turned to shut off the computer, a familiar name caught her eye - Kevin S. Richardson. Of course! Leigh Wallace and Holly Carmichael! Backstreet girlfriends! Damn, Brian Littrell’s girlfriend thinks she’s pregnant! And Lily Shafer and Kevin Richardson? Damn, he’s knocked somebody up, too! But I thought he was dating some blond piano player named Chris, or something....... The girl didn’t know about Kevin Richardson and this Shafer woman, but she sure as hell knew that Wallace and Litrell were a couple.

Holly and Leighanne’s little mission of mercy was about to create another small chain of events.

Email Grace

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