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                                                               Chapter 17

            The next morning they woke up at a decent time just so they could pack before hitting the road. All four girls wanted to stay in bed for the entire day but Jess and Kelshie had to go back home and Melina had family waiting for her visit. They had no choice but to wake up.

            When all the bags were packed the girls made their way down stairs with some of the bags in hand.

            “Good morning girls,” Rich greeted them as he woke up.

            “Good morning Rich,” Heather said warmly.

            “How are you so cheery this early in the morning?” Kelshie asked with disgust in her voice.

            “I agree with Kelshie,” Jess yawned.

            “Some things never change,” Rich laughed, “You two still hate mornings.”

            “Got that right,” Kelshie and Jess said at the same time.

            “So Hermie, what’s for breakfast?” Rich asked.

            “How about French toast for everyone?”

            “Sounds good to me,” everyone replied.

            Heather whipped up a batch of French toast as her friends set the table.

            “I forgot how much I missed your French toast!” Rich said patting is stomach after finishing his last slice of toast. “It’s the best French toast in the world.”

            “That was very good bloodsis, thank you,” Melina said graciously.

            “I agree thank you,” Jess chipped in.

            “Thanks Hermie,” Kelshie added.

            “Oh don’t mention it. I’m glad you all liked it,” Heather smiled.

            After breakfast the girls started loading the cars. No one wanted to leave. They all didn’t want the endless fun they had to end.    

            They all lingered by the cars as the last bag was thrown in Kelshie’s trunk and Melina had all her belongings packed into Heather’s car.

            “I don’t want to leave!” Jess whined.

            “Me either!” Kelshie pouted.

            “I’m going to miss you guys!” Heather exclaimed.

            “We’re going to miss you too!” Jess and Kelshie pulled Heather into a group hug.

            Jess looked at Melina, “Well get in the group hug girl! Any sister of Hermie’s is a sister of ours. It was so nice to meet you Melina!”

            “Yeah,” Kelshie chimed in, “I agree with everything Jess just said.”

            Melina chuckled, “It was so nice to meet you two also and thank you my new sisters!”

            “Please stay in touch,” Kelshie said, “We are going to miss you Melina.”

            “Oh trust me I will stay in touch and I’ll miss you too!”

            The group hug was about to break apart until they heard Rich chuckle.

            “And you Rich,” Jess glared at him, “Come here and join us.”

            He entered the group hug and as she squeezed him Jess said, “Mister you better keep in touch.”

            “I promise I will keep in touch if you let me breathe,” he replied with the little breath he could muster while being held in the group’s tight hug.

            The pressure on his ribs subsided and the girls all apologized for squeezing him so tightly.

            “Alright we let you go so you better pinky promise all of us that you will keep in touch,” Heather said half jokingly half serious.

            “I pinky promise all of you that I will stay in touch one way or another,” he locked pinkies with each of the girls including Melina.

            “I hate to say this but we all better hit the road before traffic starts to get bad,” Heather suggested.

            “You’re right,” Kelshie said sadly. “Come on Jess let’s get going.”

            The girls said their final fair wells then Jess and Kelshie drove out of Heather’s drive way first.

            Rich was the next to leave, “I’ll be back at 2:30 for a late lunch?”

            “It’s a plan. I should be home by then as long as traffic is not bad.”           

            “Ok Bud I’ll see you later. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay here Melina. Again it was nice meeting you,” Rich smiled at her.

            “It was really nice meeting you too Rich,” Melina smiled back.

            Rich started his car and drove down the drive way. Heather watched as his car slipped out of sight.

            Melina hopped in the passenger seat as Heather started the car.

            “May I ask you a question sis?” Melina spoke as the drive began to get longer.

            “Sure. Ask away.”

            “Were you and Rich more than just friends in high school?”

            Heather was surprised by that question. She stayed calm and kept her eyes on the highway as she answered, “As in did we date?”

            “Yeah. Did you?”

            “No we never did.”

            “Did you ever want to date him?”

            She shook her head, “No I was never interested in him in that way. He’s just my best friend and we grew up together that’s all. If you don’t mind me asking, why did you ask if I was interested in Rich?”

            “You can’t keep your eyes off of him. You also have this look in your eye whenever you look at him. It’s almost like the look your eyes had when you were talking to Nick in person.”    

            Heather laughed out of nervousness, “Really?”

            “Yes. And I’m not the only one who noticed. The other Backstreet Buds see it too. Admit it you like Rich don’t you!”

            “I’m just really happy to see him that’s all. I mean wouldn’t you do the same thing if your best friend who disappeared for six years turned up alive and well and just happened to reconnect with you on the best night of your life?”

            “You have a point there. I understand now.”

            A short moment of silence fell between them until Melina slipped Backstreet CDs into the CD player. The girls sang for the rest of the drive until they pulled into Melina’s cousin’s drive way.

            Heather was introduced to Melina’s cousin then she helped her German blood sister get her bags from the back of the car. After talking for a little bit Heather and Melina said their see you laters and Heather hit the road toward home.

            As she drove she couldn’t help but think about Rich and what they were going to do when she got home. She became nervous thinking about him.

            What’s going on with you girl? She thought to herself. It’s just Rich. You shouldn’t be nervous about Rich. You should be more nervous about your date with Nick.

            Her thoughts switched from Rich to Nick and her nerves intensified.

            What am I going to wear? How am I going to do my hair? Ok calm down. Focus on driving and getting home before you get yourself excited. She tried to sing along with the Backstreet CD that was playing through the ipod connected into her radio but hearing Nick’s voice just brought her nerves back. She finally settled on listening to The Maine, her and Jess’s other favorite artists.    

            Later after her date with Nick, Heather lay comfortably in her bed with Hunter and Lacey curled up on both sides of her and Shep lying across the foot of her bed protectively keeping an eye on the bedroom door. Before switching off the lamp on her bedside table she wrote in her dairy.

*******Heather’s Point of View*******

Dear Violet,

            Today was friggin amazing! I have so much to tell you Vi and I’m not going to put my pen down until I finish everything.

            So the Backstreet Buds and I woke up to find Rich still asleep on my couch. I still can’t believe that he’s here after six years. I mean I always knew he was out there, somewhere, but I never thought I would ever see him again. To me this all still feels like a fantastic dream. I mean Rich and I finally reconnect and I get a date with the one and only Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys. I’m digressing though. Let me start from the begging again.

            So the four of us come down stairs and Rich just woke up as I reached the bottom step. When he said good morning and started talking to everyone I started to realize that I wasn’t just imagining him being there. After breakfast I helped the girls pack then we all started to head our separate ways. Before we all left we were pulled into a huge group hug by Jess and Kelshie and it was really sweet because they told Melina that she was officially a Backstreet Sister like the three of us and she was really touched by that. Rich was pulled into the hug too and he wasn’t put off by it at all. I thought it was going to be awkward but it was as if we were still in high school when we did that all the time. Melina and I left after Rich headed off to go catch up with some of his other friends.

            While we were driving to her cousin’s house she asked if I had feelings for Rich. I was totally taken aback by that question. I told her that I was just very happy to be around him again and she said that she can see something in my eyes when I look at him. She said it was the same look as when I’m looking at Nick. She also said that Kelshie and Jess noticed it too. To be honest I’m still kind of shocked by what she said.

            I stayed at Melina’s cousin’s house for a little while. As I was driving home I couldn’t help but think about what she said and I started to become nervous for when he came back this afternoon. I tried to take my mind off of him by listening to Backstreet but listening to Nick’s voice only made me nervous for my date with him. The only thing that could take my mind of off both Rich and Nick was The Maine. Thank you Jess for making me a fan of theirs.

            I got home just minutes before Rich. He pulled in the drive way just as I opened the front door.

            “Hello again Bud,” he said in his normal chipper way.

            I smiled as I heard his voice, “Hey! Looks like I beat ya.”

            “Yeah but not by much,” he grinned at me as he came closer to hug me.

            I breathed in the warm smell of cologne as we embraced.

            “Since when do you wear cologne?”

            “I only wear it on certain occasions.”

            “And by certain you mean fancy ones right? Knowing you.”

            “Exactly. You still have me down to a science Bud.”

            “So why are you wearing cologne now? Us hanging out to catch up isn’t exactly a fancy or special occasion.”

            “I felt like wearing it today that’s all. What? I can’t smell nice when I’m hanging out with my best friend?”

            I laughed, “I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. It’s just… out of your normal.”

            He looked at me with a raised eyebrow, “Since when have I been normal?”

            I grinned back at him, “You have a point there.”

            He and I talked and talked for hours about anything and everything except why he never came to me during his addiction or come to think of it we never spoke of the addiction at all. We talked a little of how he and Nick met in rehab but that was it. I wanted to ask him why he never looked for me or wanted my help during his rough patch. We just kept talking about the good old days.

            I had pulled out my collection of year books. I had each and every one of them since kindergarten. Rich and I just sat down to read all the notes our classmates wrote to me when Steph and Rose walked in surprising both of us. They joined in on our trip down memory lane as Rich flipped through the year books. We were laughing about memories that popped up when something on almost every page triggered our brain’s to remember. That too took hours because of our consistent laughter. Steph is two years older than we are but she remembered a lot of the stories Rose, Rich and I told because she use to hang out with us a lot and I would tell her everything because of our close connection. Steph and Rose left after we BBQ-ed for lunch. Rich stayed a little while longer until he realized what time it was.

            “It’s getting close to six so I better let you get ready for your date tonight.”

            “You can stay while I get ready if you want to.”

            “Nah I’ll head back to the hotel. I want to work out before the gym closes. I’ll talk to you tomorrow if you have time to talk. I know you’ll be calling the Backstreet Buds and spilling everything that happened on that date.”

            I giggled, “You got that right.”

            “Alright Bud, have fun tonight and just stay calm,” he smiled warmly at me.

            “Thanks Rich. I’ll talk to you later,” I wrapped my arms around him before he got into his car.

            “Later Heather.” He flashed another smile at me before he drove away and I felt a warm sensation go up my spine.

            When his car was out of sight I practically sprinted back in the house to get ready for my date with Nick.

            The first thing I stressed about was what I was going to wear. Finally I settled on the medium length dress that I wear to almost every semi-formal function I go to. It’s just simple and black with nothing special about it but everyone says I look amazing in it so I guessed it would do. Then I had no idea what I was going to do with my hair. I glanced in the mirror and saw that my hair was still somewhat straight so I just touched it up a bit and left it down. I was meticulous with my makeup and I was pleased by the end results. I slipped into my heels and walked down stairs to wait for Nick.

            The dogs followed me down stairs patently waiting for me to feed them.

            “I know you guys are hungry,” I grinned at them, “But you have to sit and answer me one question.”

            They all sat obediently and looked at me.

            I asked, “So Pups, do I look good enough for my date with Nick Carter?”

            They all started barking happily. Hunter jumped up and down, Lacey spun around in happy circles and Shep stared into my eyes and wagged his tail.

            “Awe thank you Pups! Ok I’ll get your dinner.” I fed them and just as I sat down to turn on the TV, the doorbell rang.

            Shep jogged over to the door like he always does whenever I go to answer it. Standing there was Nick. He looked up at me with wide surprised eyes.

            “Wow!” he said when the door was fully opened and I smiled at him.

            I laughed and slightly blushed, “Well that’s a hello a girl could get used to.”

            “I’m sorry it’s just that you look amazing.”

            I blushed some more, “Thank you but I’m not really dressed up at all. This is really simple and plain.”

            “I like plain and simple though. I don’t mean that you are plain and simple I mean…” he searched for worst to say to correct himself. “I mean… I think clothes with too much flare take away from a girl’s natural beauty which you have a lot of.”

            I looked away from him shyly and smiled as I did so, “Thank you. You like making girls blush don’t you sweet talker?”

            He chuckled, “I do think it’s cute when girls blush but I really do think you’re beautiful.”

            “Well thank you. So where are we eating tonight? I’m pretty hungry,” I changed the subject.

            “It’s a surprise but if you’re hungry we’ll leave right now.” He extended his hand to me and as I reached for it Shep jumped in between us and showed his teeth to Nick.

            Nick took a few steps back and I grabbed Shep’s collar.

            “Knock it off Shep! He’s not going to hurt me. Go back inside!” I turned him away from Nick. “Now!”   

            “Nice dog you’ve got there,” he said a little skittishly.

            “I’m sorry about Shep,” I apologized, “He’s very protective of me. He always has been.” I tried to push him back with my foot and then Lacey and Hunter came over to investigate. “And here comes the other two,” I said exasperated. “I’m sorry about this.”

            “It’s ok. Do you want me to try and help? They don’t bite do they?”

            “No the beagle and Husky are just Shep’s sidekicks but he won’t bite you either.”

            I knelt down in front of Shep and grabbed his face. I made him focus on me as I said, “He’s not going to hurt me. Calm down boy. There is no need to be my body guard. It’s ok.”

            I watched Shep’s eyes look away from mine.

            Nick knelt down next to me and said, “It’s ok Shep. I promise I’m not going to hurt Heather. I’m just going to take her out to dinner and then a show. I promise I’ll keep her safe and I’ve got my own body guard with me to take over your shift.”

            He slowly reached his hand out for Shep to sniff.

            “Don’t you dare bite him,” I said sternly.

            My protector sniffed Nick’s hand and seemed to relax enough to allow Nick to pet him. Lacey and Hunter introduced themselves to Nick and helped Shep calm down. Lacey and Hunter went back inside after getting Nick’s attention but Shep stayed at the door until I closed it behind me.

            Nick offered his hand to me as we walked to the car. I graciously took it. He opened the car door for me like the perfect gentleman and as soon as he jumped in next to me, his body guard started down the drive way.

            “You’ve got one protective dog there,” Nick commented. “He’s watching us leave.”

            I looked up at my house and saw Shep’s face through the front window. He was standing on the window bed staring at the car.

            “Oh yeah he’ll probably stay there all night until I get back.”

            “Wow. That’s dedication.”

            “Yeah, that’s also the training he got since he was a puppy.”

            “Oh? Are you a dog trainer?”

            “No but my uncle train’s police dogs. Shep was supposed to be on the force but he developed a skin condition that prevented him from duty. My uncle loved Shep so much that he didn’t want to see him go to some animal shelter or pound and he wanted Shep to stay in the family so he was my birthday present one year. He’s been the best guard dog of my family and me ever since. He’s my official body guard.”

            “Oh speaking of body guards, this is Steve. Steve this is Heather,” he said indicating the man driving the car. “Steve will be accompanying us tonight.”

            “Don’t worry, you won’t even know I’m there though,” Steve said after saying hello, “I’m a master of blending in with everyone else.

            After a few seconds of silence Nick comments, “I’ve never seen a red husky like yours before. She was gorgeous.”

            “Oh thank you. That’s Lacey. I rescued her and my beagle Hunter from the animal shelter I work at.”

            “I didn’t know you work at an animal shelter. I’m guessing you’re an animal lover then?”

            “Oh yes. Big time animal lover. I would adopt every animal in the shelter if I had the space and money for all of them. If I had the means I would have a house full of cats and dogs.”

            “I’m an animal lover too. From what I gather talking to you so far, we have a lot in common.”

            “We do,” I smiled at him.      

            He smiled back and all I could think was, Holy crap! That smile is drop dead gorgeous!

            Nick and I talked through the entire drive and continued while at dinner at one of the most expensive restaurants in New York City. (I wanted to pay for my dinner so I got the cheapest thing on the menu. Nick wouldn’t even let me get out my wallet.) The food was fantastic and the setting was quite romantic. The lights were dim and candles were everywhere. I couldn’t help but marvel at my date in the candle light. I loved the way his eyes shimmered in the candle light and how much brighter his smile seemed. Besides he was very handsome in the black dress shirt he was wearing.

            After he paid the check he took my hand and escorted me back to the car. Our conversations about anything and basically everything ended only when we were waiting in line to enter the comedy club. We got there a little late and when Steve explained who Nick was to the person collecting the tickets, we were shown in through the back entrance where we ran into Jeff Dunham himself. He stopped when he saw Nick.

            “Hey I know you!” he exclaimed. “You’re from the Backstreet Boys. My daughter is a big fan of yours. Would you mind taking a picture with me and signing something for my daughter?”

            “Sure. If you could sign something for my date tonight I would be happy to get your daughter an autograph.”

            “Good deal.” Jeff introduced himself to us and I took a picture of him and Nick together. Then he asked me, “Who is your favorite puppet?”

            “Oh I love all of them but my favorite is Peanut.”

            “Ok I’ll be back in two seconds.”

            Jeff rushed to his dressing room and rushed back with Peanut. I got a picture with my favorite ventriloquist and my favorite puppet of his.

            “Thanks for the autograph,” Jeff thanked Nick after the last picture was taken and he signed my ticket. “I hope you both enjoy the show.”

            “Thank you so much for the picture and autograph.”

            “Any time,” Jeff and Peanut waved at us as we headed to our seats.

            To make my story somewhat shorter the show was hysterical and Nick and I couldn’t stop laughing throughout the entire thing. A few times I was laughing so hard that I snorted and I became really embarrassed. Nick was sitting close to me with one arm resting on the back of the rounded booth we were sitting in. He was so close to me that I could smell his cologne and oddly enough it was the same one Rich had worn earlier.

            “Why do you look embarrassed?” Nick asked when we both stopped laughing for a second while Jeff moved on to the next puppet.

            “My laugh is really embarrassing and I keep snorting when something is really funny.”

            “You shouldn’t be embarrassed by your laugh.”

            “Why not?”

            “Because I think it’s cute.”

            Again he made me blush and I couldn’t think of anything to say so I shyly smiled at him and looked back to the stage. Nick’s arm inched closer to my shoulders and I inched closer to him.

            On the way home we were somewhat silent compared to all the talking we did before. I found myself constantly looking into Nick’s eyes and he was looking right back with the cutest grin on his face.           

            We pulled into my drive way and I could see Shep was still watching out the window waiting for me.

            “I’ll walk you to your door,” Nick said before he got out and opened my door. He helped me out of the car and escorted me up my front steps.

            “I had a great time tonight Nick. Thank you so much,” I said as I hugged him.

            “It was completely my pleasure,” he replied as he hugged me back. “And I would like to ask you something.”

            “What’s that?”

            “Would you like to go out on a second date with me?”

            My heart started to race and I wanted to scream out yes but I contained myself and replied graciously, “I would love to go out on a second date with you.”

            “I’ll call you tomorrow when I figure out when I’ll be free next.”

            “Sounds good to me,” I smiled.

            He widely grinned back, “Awesome. Good night Heather.” 

            “Good night Nick.”

            He smoothly took my hand and gently kissed it before he turned and walked down the steps. As I opened the door I watched him walk away mesmerized by the kiss he left on my hand. Before he hopped in the car he looked back over his shoulder one last time and winked at me. I grinned and headed into my house.

            There the Pups greeted me happily and Shep sniffed all over me to see if I was hurt.

            I knelt down and petted him, “I’m perfectly fine Shep. I’m more than perfectly fine I’m floating on cloud 9 right now! I have to call my sister, Rose and my Backstreet Buds!”

            I took off my heels and ran up to room to call everyone who knew about the date. The five reactions that I got were basically the same except for Steph. My friends were excited for me and Steph on the other hand was more cautious about the Backstreet Boy.

            I really don’t know why my sister is so concerned about him. Nick’s been the perfect gentleman so far and I’m smart. I know when to end a relationship when things take a wrong turn. Oh well, she’ll get over it soon enough.

            Right now I’m going to go dream about this day all night tonight.

            I’ll write more tomorrow I promise. HMH