CHAPTER 31

"Get out of my way you Backstreet Bastard! I'm not one of your hysterical fans!"

"Can't you read? No visitors!"

"What the hell are you? No, don't tell me! You're a candy striper just volunteering here between tours and autograph signings! Am I right?"

Nick looked at the pissed off young woman in front of him. She was of medium build and had light, curly, strawberry blond hair. Her coloring was not that of a typical redhead though. Her brown eyes were rimmed with thick dark lashes that stood out against her pale skin. Her hair was shoulder length and she wore a Penn State baseball cap, an oversized sweater and cargo pants. She would be pretty if she wasn't so mad.

The door to Tristan's room swung open and Kevin stepped out into the hallway.

"What the hell's going on out here?", he asked. Then, looking towards the young woman, "Who are you? What do you want?"

"I'm a friend of Tristan's. I heard she'd been hurt and wanted to stop by. Is she alright?"

"Tristan never mentioned any friends in Atlanta. What's your name?"

"Holly. Holly Carmichael. From the symphony."

"Just a minute." Kevin looked at her skeptically and went back into the room, leaving Nick and the young woman in the middle of a glaring contest.

A few seconds later Kevin popped his head out of the door and waved Holly inside. She turned on her heel and marched to the door but not before turning to Nick and pushing the end of her tongue out from between her lips. Damn, she stuck her tongue out at me! He shook his head and followed her inside.

Holly and Tristan exchanged hugs and discussed the events that put Tristan in the hospital. They hadn't considered that Nick and Kevin close by until Nick conspicuously cleared his throat and coughed.

"Oh, I'm sorry!", she apologized. "Holly, this is Kevin Richardson and..." , pointing to Nick, "...Nick Carter."

"Nick and I have met.", Holly said without enthusiasm. "I think you need to issue him a nightstick and a pair of cuffs." She turned to Nick and smirked. Nick saw dimples.

"My great protectors!" Tristan laughed. Then she spoke more seriously. "Don't be offended, Holly. Things got a little crazy. Everyone's just edgy."

"I understand. I really do. I was a little hard on your blond bodyguard, though." She turned to Nick and smiled. A real smile. Then she glanced at her watch. "My ten minutes are up, I think.", she laughed. "I've gotta get out of here. There's a rehearsal before tonight's performance anyway. I'm sorry you won't be there."

"Who's playing?", Tristan asked.

"Andrew Rossi."

"He's good!"

"Not as good as you and he's such a prima donna!"

Holly picked up Tristan's left hand and looked at the cast.

"Is this going to be alright?" She was genuinely concerned.

"I don't know, Holly."

Silence filled the room for several seconds, then Holly made a move..

"Well, I'm outta here. I'll be thinking about you tonight.."

"You'll have to come see me in Orlando! Will you think about it?"

"I'll be in Tampa in a couple of weeks - a chamber music thing at the museum." She made a face and Nick chuckled. "Maybe I can stop by for a visit then."

"You'd better!"

"What do you play, Holly?" Nick asked.

"Flute." she smiled as she walked to the door.

"Uh...I'll see you out.....uh, why flute?" Nick followed after her trying to make conversation.

"I don't know. I guess I just blow well." Holly turned to Nick, smiled sweetly and went out he door.

Nick stopped in his tracks at her explanation and looked at Kevin. Kevin raised his eyebrows and Nick did likewise before he shook his head, made a quick adjustment and followed Holly out the door.

"You know Kevin, the word "blow" does have other connotations besides the one you two are thinking of," Tristan said shaking her head. She'd seen the looks Nick and Kevin had exchanged at Holly's remark.

"I know!", Kevin said defensively. "I just happen to like that one."

***

Nick walked Holly down the hallway to the elevators.

"Did you meet Tris when she played in Atlanta before?", Nick asked wondering about their connection.

"Actually, I met Tris when I was seventeen, five years ago."

Nick did some mental calculations. Holly was a couple of years older, not much.

"She must have been in school then, Did you meet her at Julliard?"

"Sort of. I had to audition to get accepted there. There aren't too many solo flute pieces and I needed an accompanist. She volunteered and came to my rescue. She worked with me for weeks preparing for my audition. She didn't know me, but she didn't seem to care. We kind of became friends. She nurtured me through my first couple of years, until she left and started to make a name for herself. She still sent me cards and notes though. She's so damn sweet, don't you think?" Holly looked up at Nick waiting for agreement.

"Yes, I do. I think she's wonderful."

"I just hope her wrist will be okay. She's such a great artist. It can't be over - she's just coming back." Holly sounded upset.

"Tris will be alright Holly. We'll all help her."

"Good. I'm glad to hear you say that." She looked up at Nick and wiped her eye.

They were both quiet, watching the elevator lights change.

"I don't suppose pop singers like Vivaldi." Holly was still looking at the lights.

"Well, this pop singer likes all kinds of music." Nick stared at the lights with her.

"All kinds? Every single kind?", she asked.

"Well, maybe not Dixieland....."

Holly looked at him and burst out laughing.

"Great minds think alike on that one!" She continued, "If you're going to be around , I'll leave you a ticket for the performance tonight. We don't pick up our chairs and dance or thrust or anything, but you might like it!" She laughed again.

"I see you're a real smart ass. I might surprise you and take you up on that!"

The elevator bell rang and the door opened. Holly got in and turned to face the front. She caught the door as it was about to close. "Oh - and you have to wear a shirt. No visible nipples allowed at Symphony Hall!" She removed her hand and the door closed.

Nick stood in the hallway shaking his head and laughing. He was definitely intrigued. He had planned on returning to Orlando tonight but reconsidered. Maybe a weekend away would be a good idea.

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

Kevin and Tristan got back to Orlando at about 10:00 that night.

"I think you'd better go right up to bed, Tris. It's been a long day and Dr. Callahan wants you to rest."

"I'm okay, Kevin. It just feels good to be back."

"I know it does, Tris."

Kevin put his arm around Tristan's shoulder and guided her up the stairs. When she hesitated at the guest room door, Kevin flinched.

"Come on, Tris.", he said pulling her from the door.

They walked a few more steps into Kevin's room. He took off her coat and started to unbutton her shirt. He was gentle, but not seductive. He didn't look at her face. Kevin pulled the blouse off of her shoulders. The bruise was already fading, but looked tender. He turned to the bureau and began opening drawers, leaving her to remove her jeans herself. He came back towards her looking down at what he had fished out of the drawer.

"Here, I think this will be comfortable..."

Kevin looked at her as she stood by the bed in a black bra and panties. The contrast of the black silk against her white skin was startling and dynamic. Kevin looked down again, took a breath and continued walking towards her.

"...for you to sleep in." he handed her a blue tee shirt. She hadn't planned on sleeping in anything.

Tristan looked down at the shirt and then back to Kevin. "Are you coming to bed now?" She tried to find his eyes, but they were glued to the door.

"In a minute. I'm going to throw some clothes in the washer first."

Tristan didn't respond.

"Do you need any help?", he asked still looking at the door.

"No." Tristan whispered.

"Okay. I'll be up soon.", Kevin said and walked through the door.

He stopped outside the bedroom and leaned against the wall, taking a breath. When he turned to go downstairs, he looked through the crack in the door and saw Tristan standing in front of the mirror. She had removed her bra and stood looking at her reflection as if she was appraising herself. She had a look of puzzlement on her face as she pulled her hair back behind her neck and let it fall down her back, exposing her breasts. She continued to examine her reflection, looking at her face and then down to her breasts. She stopped then and he saw her rub her hands down over her breasts to her stomach and over her hips. She lowered her head and then turned to pick up the tee shirt. She glanced at herself once more, pulled the shirt over her head and got into bed.

Kevin took several deep breaths and rubbed himself, willing his erection away. God, she was so beautiful and he wanted her so badly. When he saw her touch herself, he had become lightheaded. But that had to wait. She just got out of the hospital, you jackass!

He shook his head, trying to clear it and went downstairs. When he came up thirty minutes later, she was asleep.

The next morning Tristan woke to find Kevin still sleeping. He was as far over on his side of the bed as he could get without falling off the edge. He lay with his back to her and she watched his shoulders move with his breathing. Tristan got out of bed and headed to the shower. She planned on taking a long, long shower. Maybe she would have some company. When the hot water turned warm and then cool, and he still hadn't come, she got out and dried herself off. Tristan went back into the bedroom and found the bed empty.

She hadn't been in the kitchen long when Kevin came up behind her and hugged her gently, leaning forward to kiss the side of her face. Tristan could feel his wet hair and knew that he had showered in the guest bath. She said nothing, but pushed her bottom up against him playfully. He unwrapped his arms from around her and stepped back. Tristan pretended not to notice and looked down into the sink, blinking quickly.

Kevin stood for a moment watching Tristan as she leaned over the soapy water.

Damn, I want her so bad . She might be ready for gentle lovemaking. I want to give it to her but I don't think I can be that easy with her. I don't feel gentle. I want her rough and I know I'd take her hard no matter what my intentions. Just wait....a couple more days maybe......I have to be careful....

Tristan's mind was spinning. A hundred & one "whys" fought for her attention. He's avoiding me. Is he still mad about the pictures? But that's over, right? We both said so....He's tired of all the crap, tired of feeling responsible for me...I've become a weight, a burden. I can feel it. The pictures have caused more complications. Even if we've let it go, the fans won't....I don't know what to do.......

By the following Wednesday, Tristan had reached her breaking point. The tension was eating her alive. Kevin came home late as he had every night since they returned from Atlanta.

Kevin didn't find Tristan downstairs and he went up to the bedroom. He heard the shower and hollered through the door.

"I'm home, Tris."

He got no response, so he cracked the door to tell her he was there. Kevin thought he could hear sobs beneath the sound of the shower spraying against the tiles. He opened the shower door quietly and peered through the steam. Tristan was leaning face first against the shower wall, facing the door, her cheek , palms and breasts pressed against the wet tiles. Her hair was plastered to her body in long strands looking like it had been painted on her body. She opened her eyes when she heard the door open and gazed at him steadily, her mouth slightly open.

"Tristan! What's the matter, baby! Are you alright?"

Tristan paused for a moment, still looking into his eyes. "Do you want me to leave, Kevin?", she asked softly and without emotion. The water continued to splash against her back.

"What? Tristan, do feel alright? You're not making sense."

"Do you want me to leave?", she repeated. "Say it , Kevin. I have a place to go. It's alright. Just say it." She wasn't crying now. Her voice was serious and still without feeling. She didn't move her body from the tiles.

Kevin reached into the shower and turned off the water. He grabbed her arm and jerked her out of the shower, dripping water onto the floor. He held her by her shoulders and looked into her blank face.

"Tris, why are you saying this? Tell me what's wrong - I don't understand!"

"You don't want me Kevin. Is there someone else you want now? Someone easy? I'll go, but you have to tell me." She wasn't angry or accusatory. She seemed almost lifeless. "You need someone else, Kevin...... I'll go."

"God damn...damn...damn....Tris!" He pulled her tightly to him, her head against his shoulder. Her arms didn't go around him - they hung at her side. Kevin erupted in a combination of love, fear and pent up lust. "No baby, please. Don't leave me...don't ...please..." He started kissing the top of her head and moved down the side of her face. His kisses were fierce, full of anguish and panic. He stopped when he reached her shoulder. "Don't leave me, Tris....". He moved his head back and forth across her shoulder and Tristan could feel hot tears mingle with the cool drops from the shower.

"I don't know what to do, Kevin." Her voice was gentle " I can't stay if you don't want me anymore."

Kevin's mouth moved back up to her face and he began to plant urgent kisses on her cheeks, eyes, forehead and chin. "Want you, Tris...don't go.", he murmured. "Need you bad, baby....please...." His lips kept moving on her. "Love you, Tris....can't leave me....can't....." Now his hands started to move, too - over her backside, rubbing, pushing her body against his.

Kevin kept murmuring into her hair and face between his intense kisses. "Want you, baby...love you...." When his mouth went to her neck and shoulders, she felt teeth as he nipped at her skin and sucked hard. "Touch me, Tris...touch me now, baby....feel me...." He took her hand placing it on his groin and she felt his incredible hardness and heat through his pants. Tristan explored him, rubbing his length and he gasped, grinding himself against her hand, groaning.

Tristan hadn't realized that he had backed her up against the shower enclosure until she felt him lift her by the bottom, like he had their first night together. He carried her to the bed, still kissing and biting and she saw that her hands were in his hair, encouraging him. He didn't so much place her in the bed as fall on top of her, his mouth never disconnecting from some portion of her body. Then he sat up between her legs and pulled off his shirt, pants and boxers. Kevin's eyes looked like they were on fire and his lips were parted. Then he came back down on top of her, rubbing his chest against her breasts, making her nipples harden against him.

Tristan couldn't speak. Her eyes were wide as she tried to watch him move on her, Kevin had stopped speaking, too, and he began to move down her body, stopping at her breasts.

He didn't hurt her but he was being anything but gentle. His hands were on her, grabbing, almost frantic. He took her nipple into his mouth and held it between his teeth, pulling and flicking his tongue across it at the same time.

Tristan was gasping for air, but Kevin didn't notice. He was in his own world now. He moved and gave equal treatment to her other breast before sliding down to the softness of her belly, still sucking and biting like a man starved.

Then Kevin went for the nectar. He paused for a moment to look at her and she searched his face in return. His hands were under her thighs and he was about to go down on her when she recognized his expression. He was pleading. She felt her legs go over his shoulders and his face was at her core, licking her - almost chewing. She felt his tongue lapping at her, probing deeply into her, searching. He left her minutes later, sliding his tongue up to her clitoris. He took it as he had her nipples, sucking it forcefully between his teeth.

"JESUS - KEVIN!" Tristan screamed and exploded before she could prepare herself for the intensity of his gift.

When he moved back up her body, she could feel her walls tensing against nothing and she moaned his name. Then she felt his hardness at her opening - pressing but not entering. His two hands went to either side of her head and held her, forcing her to look into his eyes.

"Don't leave me, Tristan.", he demanded, his face hard.

Tristan had never felt such passion. "No...", was all she whispered.

And then he entered he completely, groaning her name as she sucked in her breath and her eyes rolled back. He drove into her without mercy and she didn't want any. He reclaimed her with every thrust, his hands still holding her head, watching her. When she came again, it was with a scream and he covered her mouth with his, still searching for his release. When he finally found it, he ground into her and felt himself empty again and again. His body tensed as his forehead furrowed, looking like he could cry from the sheer power of their intimacy.

"Tristan....", he whispered looking at her. Then he closed his eyes and his head fell into her neck.

CHAPTER 32

Kevin had invited Mike over for lunch on Thursday. April was about to kick in and there were contracts to sign and schedules to be finalized. Mike had pushed for the invitation - he wanted to check out the vibes between Tristan and Kevin for himself. He had, of course heard all about Tristan's little adventures. Mike chuckled - looked like he had spent a hundred bucks on dead roses for nothing! He really hadn't meant to draw blood, though. The wrist break wasn't good either. He wanted Tristan to have an exciting and demanding career, the key word being "demanding". Mike would be able to sense any tension between them and push it, subtly, of course. It would be better if Tristan left Kevin. If he dumped her, it might be misunderstood, but he'd take it anyway he could get it. He had to be careful, though. He didn't want the boys to look bad, but hurt would be okay.

Nick would be there, too. Mike could save time that way. Besides, he had felt that something wasn't quite right between Nick and Kevin. Things seemed a little strained sometimes. Nick always seemed to be fluttering around Tristan. Surely Kevin wasn't jealous......no - couldn't be. Better not be.....Things could really go down the tubes if there was any sexual rivalry within the group. Damn - she just had to go!

"Hey Mike!", Nick greeted him at the door. "Kevin's in the kitchen. He'll be out in a minute." They walked towards the living room.

Mike glanced into the kitchen on the way through and saw Kevin in there with Tristan. He was standing behind her, reaching past her into the pantry closet. Kevin was pressed up against her, laughing about some damn thing. Shit, just hose them down, for Christ sake! It wasn't a good sign.

"Did you hear me, Mike?" Nick was laughing at him.

"What?...Sorry!", he laughed back, coming into the present.

"I said, how tight is the tour schedule?"

"Forty-two shows in two months.", Mike answered, opening his briefcase.

"Whew! That's gonna be tough!"

"Yeah, but you guys can handle it. You're going to be swimming in the gravy after this album is released." And my percentage will keep me afloat for a while, too.

"Ya'll go on into the dining room," Tristan called from the kitchen. You'll have more room to spread your stuff out in there."

Mike and Nick got up and went into the rarely used room. There was already some food sitting out on the buffet and soon Kevin joined them, bringing in a pitcher of tea and setting it on the table.. He motioned for everyone to sit down and the discussions began.

Tristan came in and out while they were talking, bringing in glasses, napkins and other items. Every time she came through, Kevin looked at her all moony eyed and she'd smile at him, like they were sharing some big secret. Mike felt disgusted by the display. I wish she'd just stay the hell out of here before Kevin whips his pecker out and screws her right here on the table! He's so damned whipped it's pathetic!"

Mike glanced over at Nick who was watching the pair, too. Nick was smiling at them, probably thinking of something to say that would embarrass them, when Mike noticed an abrupt change in his expression. Mike looked back to the couple. Tristan was pulling her hair up on top of her head and her top had risen with the effort. There were several marks on her stomach. It looked like someone had been biting her. The size and pattern fit. He could also see a couple of reddish splotches. They almost looked like hickeys - or burns. Jesus Christ!

Nick had seen them, too. He turned away and caught Mike's glance at Tristan. The mood in the room had definitely been altered, although Tristan and Kevin seemed unaware of it. Mike and Nick looked at each other for a moment and then down at the papers in front of them.

The business end of the lunch went well. Contracts were amended and signed and schedules finalized. When Tristan came back in to start collecting leftovers, Mike put on the charm and began inquiring about her physical and mental health considering the recent events.

"Tris, you look well." Mike smiled at her. He was very sincere - not.

"Thanks, Mike. I feel good.", Tristan said lightly, gathering silverware.

"Hope this "fan" thing didn't upset you too much. It'll only get worse."

Tristan's head jerked up and Kevin shot Mike a warning with his eyes. Oooops! Stepped over the line a little, there! He tried to correct his faux pas.

"Just temporarily, of course! There'll be a lot of publicity for the album. That's all I meant."

"I suppose that's true.", Tristan said quietly, playing with a spoon.

"Yeah, New York will be nuts!" Plant the seed - watch it grow. Tristan glanced at Kevin. "I'm going to clean up and make some calls. Let me know if you need anything." She left the room flustered. She hadn' thought that far ahead.

"Jeez, Mike!", Nick frowned. "Why don't you just scare her to death?"

"I didn't mean anything - really!" Mike put on his remorseful mask. "I'm sorry if I caused any trouble!"

"She'll be okay , Mike." Kevin assured him.

Nick shot Kevin a look. Kevin caught it and threw it back. There was an uncomfortable silence at the table.

"I'm gonna go talk to Tris." Nick rose from his chair and met Kevin' glare.

"That's not necessary, Nick. I'l talk with her later - privately."

"I wanted to ask her about Holly, Kevin. If that's okay with you, I mean."

Nick left the dining room and two pairs of eyes followed him out.

"Is Nick alright?" Mike asked, his concern genuine after witnessing the exchange between them.

"Sure. He's protective of Tris, that's all. We'll have to see about getting him a girlfriend," Kevin smiled.

"Maybe he just needs to get laid!" Mike laughed.

Kevin's smile faded.

******

"Here, Tris. You rinse and I'll fill the dishwasher," Nick suggested, picking up some glasses and carrying them over to the sink.

"Business over?" she asked.

"Yeah. That stuff gets so old. I hate 'meeting' crap."

Tristan laughed. "Yeah, well if you want to get paid, you'd better take a good look at your contracts, right?"

"Right." Nick paused for a few moments and then went on. "Tris, are you okay?"

He sounded odd.

"Yes, Nick. I'm fine." Tristan turned to look at him. "Why do you think I'm not?"

"I don't think you're not........" Nick stammered. He was trying to figure out a way to approach his concerns. "I think.... I didn't, um, realize how much you were hurt, that's all."

Tristan stopped rinsing. "What do you mean, Nick?"

Nick took a breath. He might as well plunge right in.

"I didn't realize that you were scraped up on your stomach."

"My stomach?"

"Yeah. When we were in the dining room, I saw the marks on your stomach."

Tristan looked confused for a moment. Then she understood what Nick was talking about. She reddened and unconsciously put her hand against her abdomen.

"Oh Nick, they're nothing! They don't even hurt!"

Nick looked at her seriously. "You know, I guess I don't understand how you even got them. I mean, I can see how you got the bruise on your neck and the broken wrist. But you were wearing a coat, weren't you?"

"Yes, of course! It is March!" Tristan tried to squirm her way out of this discussion. "Hey, how was the Vivaldi concert?" She started picking up dishes again, trying to change the subject.

Nick moved in front of her. He wanted to read her eyes. "Tristan,...is Kevin..."

"Is Kevin what?" A deep voice rose from behind them. Kevin stared at the pair. He was holding a stack of empty plates.

"Where's Mike?" Tristan asked him.

"He left. Is Kevin what, Nick?" Kevin was till staring at him, frowning.

Nick's mind raced. "Is Kevin going to the kick off party they're planning before we leave for the tour? It's kind of a bummer, but I guess the label means well. Right, Kev?"

Kevin relaxed. "I guess we'll go. I guess we'll have to."

"What party?" Tristan asked.

"I'll tell you about it later. It's kind of a bon voyage thing." Kevin put he plates in the sink and picked up an apple from the bowl on the counter. "Nick, you want to come in the studio with me and work on some lyrics?" Kevin smiled and bit into the apple.

"Naw. I'm going back to Tampa - maybe take the boat out this afternoon."

"Okay, see you tomorrow, Nick. Don't forget to get the Bach CD you wanted."

Kevin headed for the studio.

"Bach?" Tristans eyebrows went up. "You listening to Bach now, Nick?" She grinned at him.

"Hey! I'm expanding my musical knowledge!" Nick put his hand against his chest and raised his head into the air for dramatic effect.

"I see.", Tristan giggled. "You know, I hear there's a Bach chamber music recital at the Tampa museum next week. Maybe you should check it out!, "Tristan said, her eyes smiling. "I hear the flautist is particularly talented!"

"You don't say?" Maybe I'll do that!", Nick teased back. He picked up his papers from the meeting and headed for the door. Then he stopped, turned and looked at her. His face had become solemn. "Tris, if you ever need anything - anything at all...you'll call me, won't you? Even if it seems awkward or something?" Nick glanced towards the studio.

"Yes, Nick. You're so sweet to me. But please understand - I really am fine. There's nothing wrong here, okay?

"Okay, Tris."

*********

The Millennium promotion would be the biggest thing to hit New York in some time. Guest appearances and signings had been scheduled as well as a special for Disney.

Tristan joined Kevin for part of the promotion and then went back to Orlando. The crowds had made her nervous. BSB had hired extra security, but when the fans crowded around, she felt like she was drowning. She would find herself searching for Kevin, trying to attach herself to him for safety and she knew this was a bad thing. It unnerved her that so many of the fans knew so much about her personally. She hated to leave Kevin, but she didn't hate leaving the crowds. The brazenness of many of the young women continued to bug her, and now one of the female dancers hired to tour with them seemed to be getting overly friendly, too.

The album proved to be a record breaker and Tristan found that she was proud of her minor contribution. The guys were all truly humble and unabashedly thrilled with it's success. When they made the cover of Rolling Stone, they felt like they had finally made it at home. The Backstreet Boys had now entered the twilight zone of super stardom. The people that knew them were genuinely happy for their success. The guys were nice people. Some of the rockers, as well as classical musicians, pooh-poohed their accomplishments, calling them a flash in the pan. They didn't seem to understand that the Backstreet Boys had been working towards this for more than six years. Other pop groups should have, but didn't always, appreciate the fact that because Backstreet had worked so hard, for so long - these newer groups wouldn't have to.

CHAPTER 33

It was time for the Backstreet Boys to begin their record breaking tour to promote their already record breaking album. Their plane was leaving at 11PM tonight right after a send off party that was to be held at the airport. The label, along with management had thought this party would be an excellent idea. The press would be there taking lots of pictures, including several shots of them boarding the plane to leave - a la the IWITW video. Everyone was excited about the idea except for the guys themselves. They would be away from home long enough as it was. You could say a lot of good-byes in the three hours that this party would take away from them. The guys were to be there at 8PM. A limo would be collecting them so they could show up together as a group, united and ready to march through Europe like a mini allied army liberating their masses of fans.

"Significant Others", as girlfriends were called would arrive an hour later so as not to distract photographers and columnists from their promotional duties. Nick had invited Holly, but she had an afternoon recital in Atlanta. It didn't sound like she would make it and Tristan could tell that Nick was disappointed despite his smart remarks and nonchalance. They had actually gotten pretty tight in the last two and a half months and seemed to play off each other well. Kevin seemed particularly happy that Nick had found someone he was interested in.

Tristan and Kevin must have must have made love a dozen times in the last two days. They had practically lived in the bed, neither of them wanting to move. Their lovemaking had sometimes been sweet and gentle, at other times hard and furious but always tinged with a note of sadness. Kevin would be gone for two months. Two months.....a long time when she considered she had only met Kevin seven and a half months ago.

Tristan's cast had been removed last week and she was told to avoid using that hand until after she saw the physical therapist next Thursday. She had been warned that it would be a slow process regaining the agility in her fingers and that despite months of hard work she may never regain it to the point required for a concert pianist.

She had already tried her hand on the keys. She hadn't been able to resist despite the warnings. Kevin heard her once when she thought he was out of earshot, in his studio. He had stepped out and heard her trying to play. Her fingers couldn't reach the distant keys and the notes she could play sounded harsh. The flexibility was gone and she was unable to stroke the keys - only pound them. He had seen her slam the cover down in frustration and run from her spot on the bench to the stairs. He hadn't known how to comfort her. He still didn't since she didn't want anyone to know that she had tried and failed.

A horn sounded. The limo was downstairs waiting for him. He was the last to be picked up. Tristan lay on the bed with the sheet draped around her, hair mussed and lips swollen. They had made love one last time and she wasn't ready to move from the smell of him on the sheets. He had been fastening his watch when the horn blasted from the street. Tristan had jumped when she heard it. She didn't think she would be this upset, but when he came and sat on the edge of the bed and hugged her goodbye, she had broken down in tears.

The limo would drop the guys off at the hangar they had rented for the party and then come back around to pick up the girls. She'd better get ready. She didn't want him to remember her crying when he left later tonight. She wanted him to remember her happy, confident and beautiful.

The ride to the hangar was interminable for Kevin. If they had to go to this damn thing, why did they have to go so early? He didn't want to think of how he could have spent that last hour but he couldn't help it. He thought about her sitting in the middle of the bed, her skin still rosy-looking from orgasm. It would be a long time before he would be able to watch her cum again so he had paid special attention today. How many times had they made love today? Six? Seven? He wasn't sure, but suddenly it didn't seem like it had been enough. When she sat up to watch him getting dressed, she had wrapped the sheet around her, suddenly modest even after he had examined every square inch of her and found her flawless. Jesus. How would he get through these weeks? He would bring her over, of course, but the visits would be brief ones in unfamiliar surroundings among dozens of people. Already he missed the safety of home. He had picked up her pink camisole from the bedroom floor last week and hidden it in his carry-on bag. It was in the trunk of the limo right now, waiting to be taken out and held up to his face on those unbelievably lonely nights.

Tristan was the last to be picked up as Kevin had been. Amanda, Leighanne and a friend of Howies were already seated. They had been through this before, but it wasn't easy for them, either.

"Oooh, you look sharp girl!", Amanda bellowed as Tristan climbed into the limo.

She had bought a burgundy silk skirt, on the short side but not trashy and a black satin top. The top had spaghetti straps and was very form fitting with a scooped neckline that showed some cleavage. Strappy high heeled sandals completed the outfit. She wore no jewelry except for a pair of small pearl studs. Tristan was striving for sexy but classy and she achieved her goal except for one thing.

"Uh-oh!", Leighanne said as Tristan smoothed her skirt to sit.

"What?" Tristan looked at her, brows furrowed.

"Panty line..."

"Panty line?" Damn, I bought special underwear, too!

"The silk in that skirt is very clingy, Tris. It's very sexy - except for the panty line."

Amanda burst out laughing. "Listen to her, Tris. She knows what she's talking about! Leighanne is so obsessed with panty lines that she solved the problem by refusing to wear panties at all! Right, Leighanne?" Amanda kept laughing.

Leighanne turned pink. "Shut up Amanda. I have panties!"

"How many pairs of panties do you own Leighanne?" Amanda went on,"One..two, maybe? And I'll bet they still have the tags on them!"

"Why do you think that I don't wear panties, Amanda?" Leighanne was getting a little hot.

"Because, Leighanne. You wear all that tight shit that clings to each half of your booty separately, if you know what I mean. And if you don't, I'll spell it out for you, Miss Ass Crack!"

"Ass Crack? Are you telling me that you can see my...my...cheek separation under my clothes?"

"If by "cheek separation" you mean ass crack, then yes, I am!"

"You're lying!"

"Well, most of the time, you can't really see it, Leighanne."

"I didn't think so!"

"Of course, that's because Brian always has his hand in the way!" Amanda burst out laughing again, but Leighanne was getting huffy. "Oh come on, Leigh! Now you're gonna tell us that Brian doesn't grab your ass?"

"Shut up Amanda! I don't want to discuss what Brian does with you!" "I swear, you two act so damn "Ozzie and Harriet", Leigh." Amanda was gasping for air now, laughing at her friend. "You two probably have a drawer full of dog collars and leather masks hidden somewhere!"

Leighanne's mouth flew open and her eyebrows disappeared under her bangs. She was staring at Amanda and slowly turning a deep red. The color of guilt.

"Shit, Leigh! I was just kidding!"

Leighanne didn't reply. She just turned her head and looked out of the window.

Amanda made an "Oooops!" face at Tristan and tried to correct her unintentional gaffe by changing the subject - sort of.

"Actually Tris, Leighanne is right. You can see distinct panty lines through that skirt."

"I already told her that!", Leighanne piped up.

"Okay, okay," Tristan interjected. "We're almost there. What do I do?"

"What do you mean "what do I do?"" Amanda looked at her like she was nuts.

"Take 'em off!", Leighanne snapped.

Tristan slid her new red lace panties down her legs and balled them up in her hand just as the limo pulled up to the hangar.

Tristan Trilogy - Story I

"Will You Play for Me?" is a work of fiction.
The characters and events portrayed are fictitious.
Any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental.

Copyright ©1999
All Rights Reserved
No part of this text may be copied or reprinted
without the author's permission.

~BEST VIEWED ON 800 X 600 SCREEN RESOLUTION~

Fiction by Grace