Walking into the restaurant I felt those jitters you get when you're going on a first date and you're completely oblivious to how it will all pan out except this time I'd be going on a date with a boyband and their manager on tow.
Once seated all we had to do was wait for the guys to show up. Looking around I saw why this place was as busy as it was, it had one of the best views of the beach California had to offer, the restaurant was surrounded by glass panels allowing a gorgeous view of the sea while enjoying a meal with good company. I was enjoying the scenery and was interrupted by Jenn's voice. I turned around and met Backstreet Boy number one. "Hey there, I'm Howie" he said with a smile, a wink and a handshake. "Alyssa, pleasure to meet you" I replied. Howie was the business oriented backstreet boy which meant he and I would definitely be getting along. During my little "research" with Tess, we learned that he had been married a few years now and has a child named James. Oh, and he also has a charity for Lupus which is always a good thing. We made a little small talk which was allowing us to break the ice.
Backstreet Boy number two finally made it, he gave David a handshake and gave Jenn a quick hug and looked my way "You must be Alyssa, I'm Brian, it's great to finally to put a face to the name" he said with a smile. "its nice meeting you too" I replied. He grabbed a seat and sat infront of me. Brian had the ability to smile and light up the room, or maybe that's because it was bright as hell in here already. I learned that Brian eventually became a Christian artist and his album was well received and his shows sold pretty good. I had to admire his desire to pursue a career in singing about his faith.
We were waiting for the other half of the group. Finally Backstreet Boy number three popped up. Like Brian he said hello to David, Jenn and the other guys before directing his attention to me, "Hey there I'm Nick" he said with a warm smile offering my hand to shake, I took his hand "Nice to meet you, Alyssa" I replied. The famous Nick Carter, notorious for dating Paris Hilton, yeah and I didn't even need to research that to know this. I dont live under a rock. I knew better not to ever mention that girls name which I definitely don't intend on doing. Tessa had told me about Nick being one hell of a serial dater but I don't care about none of that non sense as long as he's doing his job. He took a seat next to Brian while all chatted. Howie looked at his watch, "Alex is never late, he must be caught in some traffic". "Probably, hell If nick made it before he did and that's one heck of a miracle may I add" Brian teased which caused laughter around the table "Hey! Thats not true! I've come a long way you can't even deny that" Nick said with a smirk.
I've only been around them for 20 minutes and their chemistry was evident, not that I wasn't sure that eventually I'd witness them bickering. "I'm here, I'm here, sorry but LA traffic sucks balls and I couldn't make it sooner" said the fourth and final backstreet boy as he made his way to greet everyone at the table, he came towards me and offered a hug, I stood up and slipped into his embrace "hey babe I'm Alex, AJ , whatever you prefer" he said with a smile "I'm Alyssa" I responded. "I know, we heard you are pretty kick ass so I'm definitely excited to start working" he said as he took a seat next to Howie.
During my research I had found out that AJ is a recovering alcoholic and former drug addict who eventually seeked therapy. He was also engaged. He already made things so much easier for me with that hug, it felt genuine and I knew that taking on this job was going to be worth it.
"I know we've all been introduced but I'd like to give another welcome to Alyssa for joining our team and for this to be another great chapter of the Backstreet Boys filled with success and great memories" Jenn said as she raised her flute that was filled with bubbling champagne. Everyone followed suit "Cheers!" everyone exclaimed as everyone clinked their glasses. I couldn't help but smile, "Thank you Jenn, we are seriously gonna kick some major ass!" I exclaimed. "See, I like her already" said Howie giving me another one if his famous winks and a high five.
"So what's the game plan?" Brian asked. "The Backstreet Boys is a brand that has been around the industry for nearly 20 years and has been well preserved, My goal is to have you guys do an amazing album and score you a Grammy" I replied feeling a surge of confidence causing the boys to stifle a laugh "We're like the Susan Lucci's of the Grammys if you didn't know, the only award we'll be getting from the Grammys is the roach award for sticking around too damn long" Brian teased , I couldn't help but laugh. "Winning a Grammy would be sweet as hell, we've busted our asses for so long it's about time we win one if those shits" AJ exclaimed. "Ultimately the goal is to produce an album in which all the songs have potential of being singles and have radio playing the songs which ultimately can lead to a nomination" I assured them.
We continued chatting about what the upcoming plans were. I learned that the boys were currently putting together a tour with the New Kids On The Block which meant while all of this is going on, they would be recording tracks for the new album that they would be putting out under Universal. I definitely will have one hell of a packed agenda. I'm gonna need loads of sleep as well as a crapload of caffeine to survive.
"So I have to ask, were you a Backstreet Boys fan?" Nick asked, giving me the famous Carter smirk that made all girls across the nation melt. I couldnt help but blush. "I was, I actually saw you guys in concert many centuries ago" I replied teasingly. "Which tour did you to?" Howie asked suddenly curious to know about my teenybopper adventures of the late 90s. " I went to see the millennium concert" I replied "Wow, man that tour was the shit. Probably my favorite we've ever done" AJ said with a sense if nostalgia. " Wait guys, More importantly , who was your favorite backstreet boy?" Nick Teased. I let out a giggle "See,that I won't disclose" Brian placed his arm around me "Its alright , they won't get offended if you tell them it's me". This guy was way too funny. "Nope I can't say, sorry!" I said. There's no way I was going to reveal any of that! "So how long are you in LA for?" Nick asked. "Just today and tomorrow then I'm back to New York" I replied. "Well don't make plans tomorrow night, we're taking you out" Howie assured me. "Yeah, Rok is gonna be out here for a few days so it'll be cool, all four of us to take you out and initiate you to the Backstreet family" AJ said "I hope this doesn't include any hazing!" I joked but still a bit afraid of what this "initiation" could possibly be. I guess they could tell that they scared the shit out of me because they all laughed and assured me it wouldn't be anything TOO bad. Oh brother, what have I gotten myself into.....
