Much happened since the cruise. The following two weeks were filled with so much work that it kept me busy and helped fizzle out any romantic thoughts I was having of Nick. Sure he had charm and was handsome but I also had a job that needed to get done and that came first. I barely saw the boys other than when we had meetings regarding producers and writers for the upcoming album. While I was doing this, they were caught up in rehearsals for the New Years Eve performance with the New kids in the middle of Times Square. This was very important for both groups and everyone wanted this to be an epic way to jumpstart the NKOTBSB era.
I decided to spend the holidays in New York, Christmas with the family and New Year's Eve with the boys. Christmas came with tons of gifts and great times and now I was looking forward to an even better New Year's Eve. The boys and Jenn were in New York a few days prior to the performance for last minute rehearsals and press as well as to take some time to enjoy the magic the city has to offer during the holidays.
David had arranged a holiday dinner at Beauty and Essex with the label , management, and the boys. I was looking forward to spending some quality time with boys since these days it feels like we barely see eachother. I made my way to the restaurant and I found everyone already there sipping on their champagne and having a good time. "Hey you, what took so long?" A voice called behind me. I turned and saw Howie and Leigh with someone from their management. "Hey Howard, Hey Leigh" I said as I gave them hugs "sorry I'm late it just took me a while to decide what to wear" . " women" called out another voice, I looked to my right and glanced at Nick coming in our direction with two flutes filled with champagne. "Well hello to you too, Nick" I said as he handed me a flute. "You look amazing Alyssa, don't pay attention to this one" Leigh said as she nudged Nick arm. "Thanks Leigh so do you" I replied. "So how was Christmas?". "Great, spent it in Jersey with my family" Leigh replied as we made our way to the table to take our seats. The restaurant had set up the private room of the restaurant for the 25 person dinner David had set up. Leigh and Howie sat Infront of me while I sat between Nick and Brian. "I like to make a toast now that were all together tonight, wishing everyone a great holiday season and much success" David said as he took his flute "Cheers" everyone exclaimed. Glasses full of bubbly clinked. "So what have you been up to stranger" Nick said after taking a sip of his champagne "Working as always, got some new up and coming producers who are pretty excited to work with you guys" I replied "Sounds good, but this isn't the time to talk about work, it's the holiday season lets just enjoy this little break before we head into the crazy year that's ahead of us" Nick said as he raised his flute." That's true, cheers to that " I replied as we clinked our glasses once more "So how was your Christmas, kissed any boys under the mistle toe" he joked, I couldn't help but roll my eyes and laugh "My Christmas was great, spent it with the family in Long Island and no I didn't kiss anyone under the mistle toe, what are we 15?" I laughed as I looked at the menu. " Hey you're never too old to kiss under the mistle toe" he retorted " Really, so who were you smooching under the mistle toe this Christmas" I asked "Well..no one, but that's besides the point! " he tried to defend himself " point is that kissing under the mistle toe has no age limit". He made me laugh too much, I had to admit I definitely missed the banter. "Howie you guys should come over my apartment while you're all here" I offered "That would be pretty dope, you can count me in" AJ said as he munched on his appetizer. "How about you come over for a New Years Day dinner "I replied "That sounds good, I think we can do that" Brian said with his signature smile. So that was settled, I'd be hosting a Backstreet Dinner at my house. We enjoyed dinner and drinks and by the time it was 11 pm , the room started clearing up. I was still in the company of Leigh, Howie, and Nick. "So we should get into something tonight" Howie said as he looked at his phone. "We'll we can always go to a Hotel bar or we can go to where i used to bartend before I was working with universal, but it's nothing too fancy I must warn you" I responded looking at them waiting for a reaction. "Lets do it, lets go to your old bar" Nick smirked "Yea lets go" Howie replied "Alright, it's actually 2 blocks away so we can just walk over" I assured them.
We put our coats and walked over to my old bar, The Whiskey Ward. A quick 5 minute walk was all it took and there we were, upon arriving the staff recognized me. The place was packed but we managed to get seats at the bar. My old coworker, Jessica came over "Alyssa! I can't believe you're here, it's been so long how you been?" Jessica shrieked as she gave me a hug "You know just working as always, I actually want you to meet some friends of mine, this is Nick, Howie and his wife Leigh" I introduced as they shook hands. "Wait a minute, you guys are the Backstreet Boys right?" She questioned looking at them suspiciously "yea we are" Nick replied. Jessica gave me a wide smile "Seems like you've been doing something right Aly, well you guys feel free to get fucked up, it's on the house" Jessica offered "Aly why don't you get behind the bar like old times and make them some drinks, you were one of the best we had here". While all the bartenders were in skin tight jeans and black crop tops, I stood out like a sore thumb in my Burgandy dress with black pumps l "yeah, show us your skills" Leigh said "I wanna try your drinks" Howie said trying to encourage me to get behind the bar "fine! Just for a few drinks" I replied and walked behind the bar. "What can I get you guys?" I asked. They were looking at the menu trying to make up their minds "I'll have the LES sweet tea" Leigh said "I'll take the dark and stormy" Nick said as he kept skimming through the menu "I think I'm gonna have the Woodford reserve sidecar....interesting name" Howie replied. I started making the drinks and set them on the bar "So survey says.." I said as I waited for a reaction "This is really good, I'm gonna have to tip you" Nick replied as he Savored the taste "No tip needed" I joked. We had drinks until it was clear Howie needed to go to bed although Nick wasnt too far behind. We stood outside waiting for the car to come get them and take them to the hotel. Howie was constantly laughing while Nick on the other hand wouldn't stop singing. "Look at you giving the streets of New York a public concert" I joked. "I can give you a concert of you want" he winked. "Yay thanks" I answered sarcastically giving him a smile. A black escalade pulled up and the driver stepped out and opened the passenger door and Howie and Nick got in "Are you coming with us?" Leigh asked as she was about to get in the car "I'll just hail a cab, I don't live too far" I replied. "You can't leave me alone with these too drunks" she exclaimed as I laughed "Fine, Fine ill go with you to the hotel and put Nick to bed and then I'll go home, deal?" I offered. I hoped in the car and took a 15 minute drive to midtown. When we got to the hotel we took the elevator to the 15th floor which both Nick and Howie had rooms. Howie and Leigh walked to their door "Goodnight Nick, thanks Alyssa" Leigh said as she opened their door "Goodnight Alyssa!" Howie yelled causing Leigh to cover his mouth and push him into the room. Howie is way too funny when he's drunk. "Alright Mr. Carter where's your room?" I asked as I looked at Nick who was obviously out of it "Umm I don't really know, hold on" he said as he stopped and dug his hands in his pockets looking for his room key. "Here we go, room 1526" he said as I looked at the numbers as we walked down the hallway. We finally approached the room and I took the key and opened the door, it was a spacious room with a king size bed and a great view of Times Square. His room was surprisingly neat. "Alyssa..I'm not feeling too well" Nick said as he put his hand covering his mouth, this was followed by him running to the bathroom and throwing up in the toilet. I immediately took my coat off, threw it on the bed and went into the bathroom. Nick would stop throwing up and immediately begin again. I took off his blazer and just rubbed his back while he blew chunks. "Nick are you ok?" I asked as looked at him "well that was embarrassing"he replied still sitting on the floor "ehh it's no biggie we all go through that" I waved him off "How about you take a quick shower, it'll sober you up a bit and make you feel refreshed". "That wouldn't be a bad idea" he mumbled as I helped him get up. He had a few chunks on his shirt "here let me get that" I said as I began to unbutton his shirt, leaving him shirtless "I'll get this dry cleaned for you" I offered "thanks" he said giving me a shy smile. Nick proceeded to get a new change of clothes and a towel and went to shower while I called room service. This really does seem like a dejavu. I called roomservice and called for some reinforcements that can help ease the hangover Nick was definitely gonna feel tomorrow. I sat on the bed while I looked through my emails until a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. In came a cart with water, coffee, soup, ginger ale, bread , crackers and Advil. Nick soon came out wearing basketball shorts and a tank top. " wow you really got all the reinforcements " he said as he sat on his bed "yes now eat some soup so you can take an Advil" I replied "Food is the last thing I want right now" he said as he looked at the soup in disgust "Nick quit being a baby, tomorrow is your performance and you have press and rehearsals in the morning, the last thing you want is to feel like shit" I warned, Nick let out a sigh "you're right, I'll eat it". Nick took a seat at his table and began eating his soup "Thank you Aly cat" he said as he looked at me "Aly cat? That's a new one" I chuckled "yes that's your new name, but seriously thank you for being here and helping me...again" he said as he played with his soup "you're welcome, it's no biggie now dig In". I grabbed my phone, "oh wow it's 3 in the morning" I said with a yawn. "You can stay here if you want" he offered "No it's ok Im not too far away, but I don't wanna leave until I know you're ok" I responded "Im a grown man Al, I'll be fine, thank you for watching out for me I appreciate it". "You sure?" I asked as I stood up and put on my coat. "Positive, I'm feeling better already. Have the driver take you home. Would you like me to walk you downstairs?" He offered " No it's ok I'll manage, you just get some rest, you got a long day ahead of you " I said as we walked to his door. He pulled me into a hug "Thank you Alyssa" Nick said as he gave a kiss on the cheek. I walked to the elevator and made my way through the lobby and into the car. Tonight was a long night and tomorrow should be memorable...
Author's Chapter Notes:
I know it's been 2 years since the last update and I totally suck but I hope there's people still interested in reading this!
