Chapter 6

~~~~ Later That Same Night ~~~~

~~~~ Beatrice’s POV ~~~~

I carefully ascended the stairs with a sleeping Anthony’s arms around my neck as everyone else got ready for bed and a peaceful night’s rest. Nearing the top step I looked over to the left hallway where I saw AJ about to enter his room. He gave me a friendly but tired smile which I returned before closing the door behind him. AJ, Brian and Kevin’s guest rooms were on the left side of the second floor where Sam’s bedroom was located while my, Chris’s, Anthony’s bedrooms were on the right side of the hallway. As for Nick and Howie, their rooms were on the first floor. Nick because, well obviously he and my cousin didn’t want to be near each other more than necessary and Howie because he didn’t really mind which floor he slept on as long as it was peaceful and quiet.

Even if I was told last minute, it’s really great to have the guys here. I’ll even admit that it’s great to have Brian here because I really do want him and Anthony to get along and form a bond. I’m not heartless. I want them to get along like regular father and son. I want Anthony to grow up with a father even if he’s not here 24/7; even if he and I aren’t together anymore, at least we’re both here for our son. Almost like a family.

Balancing Anthony on one arm, I entered his dark room and searched for the light switch on the wall. After finally switching the lights on, I walked over to his bed and I gently put him down. Without opening his eyes he moved to lie on his left side and searched for his favorite doll. I left his side and walked over to the dresser to get his pajamas. I quickly walked back to his side and pulled him into a sitting position.

“Honey, c’mon you’ve gotta change into your PJs.” I knew he was really tired and wanted nothing more than to go back to sleep but I couldn’t let him sleep in those dirty clothes. When I finally managed to get his PJs on I gathered his dirty clothes in my arms and stood to leave the room when I heard a soft voice call to me.

“Mommy…?”

I turned and met Anthony’s beautiful blue eyes; the same blue eyes that made me fall for his father in the first place. He looked so much like him so there was no doubt that they were father and son. I smiled and walked back over and sat on the edge of his bed.

“Can’t go back to sleep baby?” I asked gently stroking his face.

He shook his head. “Can you sing a song to me, mommy?”

I smiled at his request and shook my head, “You know mommy can’t sing, baby.” He frowned at my response but I continued, “But I do know someone who can.”

I took my cell phone out of my pocket and dialed a familiar number. I smiled and stroked Anthony’s hair as I waited for him to pick up.

“Hey you,” a deep, male voice answered on the other line. “Do you know what time it is?” I looked over to the digital clock on Anthony’s dresser and noticed that it was almost midnight. He must have been already sleeping when I called him.

“Oh, I’m really sorry Jericho.” I replied apologetically. “It’s just… Anthony wanted someone to sing to him.”

He chuckled, “Well in that case it’s alright. What does he want to hear?”

“It’s Uncle Jericho.” Hearing that name Anthony instantly smiled and was now wide awake. “What do you want him to sing baby?” I put my cell phone on speaker and brought it closer to Anthony.

“Da song dat makes me sweepy!” Anthony replied with an excited smile.

“Which one is that?” Jericho asked.

I thought for a moment and remembered the song he sang to Anthony a couple weeks ago that helped him go to sleep. “Oh, I know. Is it… “This I Promise You”?”

Anthony tilted his head to the side cutely and shrugged, “I think so… I dunno da name mommy.”

Jericho and I both laughed. “Alright, “This I Promise You” will help you get to bed” he said before clearing his throat, preparing to sing. I just rolled my eyes at his lame joke.

I placed my phone on the dresser next to Anthony’s bed and began to tuck him in as Jericho sang his lullaby…

~~~~ End POV ~~~~


~~~~ Brian’s POV ~~~~

After an hour of explaining to Leighanne why I was staying at my ex-girlfriend’s house instead of a hotel, I felt physically and mentally drained. As expected, she couldn’t understand the situation and why I would rather stay here instead of a fancy hotel. Thankfully, by the end of the conversation I managed to appease her. I sighed and raked my hand through my hair as I tiredly climbed the stairs.

Now that was done with, what was bothering me now was the fact my son hated me. I didn’t want him to hate me. What father would? I looked at him and Bea’s friend during dinner and I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy with how close they seemed to be. Right from that moment, one thing’s for sure, I want to make up for lost time and be a part of my son’s life. To be the father he never had since the day he was born. But first thing’s first, I had to talk to Bea and have her help me get closer to Anthony. I just hope that she doesn’t hate me too because if I don’t get along with her then chances of my son warming up to me are slim to none.

As I reached the top I turned left to head to my room when I heard singing coming from Anthony’s room. I stopped and walked closer to the door that was left slightly ajar. It sounded like a male voice. It didn’t sound like any of the guys and I knew that they were as tired, if not more, as me so they should all be in bed by now. It couldn’t have been Chris either because he didn’t exactly have the best singing voice. I’m pretty sure Anthony, or anyone else for that matter, would end up sitting wide awake in bed instead of being lulled to sleep by his singing. No offense intended of course.

I peeked over the side of the doorframe saw Bea at Anthony’s bedside while he slowly drifted to sleep with a soft smile on his face. Listening to the voice more carefully, I had the feeling that I heard it somewhere before but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. Whoever this guy was, I’ll admit, he had a pretty good set of vocal cords. When he finished singing Anthony had completely fallen asleep. Bea stood and took her phone off speaker and began to walk over to the door. Quickly and quietly, I rushed over to my bedroom and shut the door before she found out that I had been eavesdropping. How many male friends has she introduced to our son? It seems as if Anthony has a close relationship to every guy Bea knows, all except for me; his biological father.

When I heard her walking down the stairs I relaxed against the door and let out the breath that I didn’t even know I was holding. I was determined to talk to her tonight. I want to be the one Anthony plays sports with. I want to be the one who sings him to sleep at night. I want to be there for him. I know I wasn’t here before but now I am and I want to do everything a father does with their son. Everyone makes mistakes and deserves a second chance, right?

It’s about time I got mine…

~~~~ End POV ~~~~

~~~~ A Hour Later ~~~~

Bea dried her hands on a towel as she put the last of the now clean dishes into the dishwasher. She got a cup and poured some coffee she just brewed into it and sat on the island counter as leaned her head on the cupboard. Today had really been a long day: the guys’ arrival but more specifically Brian coming back into her life. How long had it been since she saw him last? Sensing that she wasn’t alone anymore, Bea looked up and found Brian leaning on the kitchen doorframe arms crossed over his chest.

“Um…” suddenly feeling awkward, Bea tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. A nervous habit she developed over time. “Would you like some coffee?”

Brian gave a small smile and nodded. “Sure.”

Bea nodded and went to the cupboard to get another mug.

The next few moments were shared in an awkward silence. Unable to think of anything to say, the two just stood around the island table taking sips from their mugs until Brian cleared his throat.

“Um, so Bea,” he placed his mug down onto the table and looked at her. “How’ve you been?”

She did the same with her cup and gave a small smile. “I’m good. A little tired but that’s how it is when you’re raising a kid.”

Beatrice didn’t notice Brian flinch when she mentioned raising Anthony all by herself. Sensing the moment turning awkward again, Bea tried to keep the conversation going. “How are you?”

“Uh, I’m…” Brian hesitated. Should he go through with his plan? The opportunity was here; no better time than the present, as they always say. “Well, I’m alright. Could be better though.”

“Oh, why is that?” Bea questioned. “Um, if you don’t mind me asking.”

Brian took another sip of his now half empty cup of coffee as he chose his words carefully. Bea placed her empty mug into the sink before sitting in one of the island table’s chairs waiting for Brian’s response. After a few moments of silence, Brian finally spoke up.

“I heard about what happened at Anthony’s birthday last year.” Bea kept her gaze towards her clasped hands in her lap as Brian continued. “Does…does Anthony hate me?”

Bea’s eyes widened slightly as she contemplated the question he presented. “Well… I wouldn’t say ‘hate’ exactly. I admit that you’re not his favorite person at the moment but I’m positive that he doesn’t feel hatred towards you.” Bea replied, this time trying to decipher Brian’s reaction.

Brian looked down at his empty mug in an attempt to hide the hurt and disappointment in his eyes. “I see…” It was understandable. He couldn’t blame Anthony. But he could try to set things right. “Isn’t there anything you can do to change his mind? To change the way he feels about me? I mean, c’mon Beatrice there must be something you can do, something you can say to him?”

Bea frowned “And exactly what do you want me to tell him, Brian? ‘Anthony, stop hating your father who missed 4 years of your life or you’re grounded.’” Sarcasm probably wasn’t the best way to go but she couldn’t help but feel slightly irritated at his request. “C’mon Brian, you can’t tell a kid how to feel about somebody.”

Brian sighed, “I really don’t need your sarcasm right now, Bea. I’m trying here.”

“Trying?” Bea scoffed, feeling her anger slowly rise. “Really? Exactly how are you ‘trying’, huh Brian? You haven’t even spoken to your son ever since you arrived here, you call that ‘trying’?” Bea had a feeling that she was being a little too harsh on him but she couldn’t stop herself. All the anger she held back all these years ever since he left her and their baby was finally let loose and she couldn’t seem to stop it from flowing out.

“That’s the reason why I’m talking to you right now!” Brian was usually calm and collected but she was testing his patience. “I’m trying to set things right between the three of us and whether you believe it or not, I do care about my son.”

Bea chucked bitterly and shook her head. “You care about him? You care about your son?” She got up from the chair she was sitting in and stood in front of Brian as she pointed an index finger at his chest. “The same son you abandoned the moment you knew that he existed? The same son you put second to your career? The same son you-”

“Okay!” Brian interrupted so Bea could stop yelling and listen to what he had to say. “I know what I did was wrong, okay? I know what I did was selfish and inconsiderate of your feelings and Anthony’s.” Brian looked into her angry green eyes hoping that he was getting through to her. She had always been the stubborn one. Brian sighed and lowered his voice as Beatrice crossed her arms over her chest and purposely avoided his eyes. “I made a mistake and I’m sorry.”

“Let me ask you this, Brian.” She slightly raised her voice again but not up to the point of shouting. “Why did you have to leave? You could have stayed y’know. If not for me, then for Anthony. I’ve known you practically your whole life and never once did I imagine you to be the kind of person who would leave their pregnant girlfriend, who you claimed to love, to support a baby by herself.”

Brian scratched the back of his head and walked over to the island table where his half filled mug was. Another moment of silence passed with neither one saying anything. Brian looked up from the floor, “I… I was afraid. Okay?”

Bea shook her head and sat back down on the island chair.

Brian walked over to the chair next to Bea’s and sat down facing her while she kept her gaze straight ahead towards the sink. “I was young and naïve. I wasn’t ready to be a father and the thought of it at that time just scared the shit out of me.”

Turning to him she replied, “And you think I was ready?! Hell, Brian, I was just as scared as you were when I found out but unlike you, I didn’t abandon our son.”

Leaning his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands together, Brian lowered his gaze as guilt washed over him like a wave. Guilt trips always sucked.

Bea continued, “I carried our son for nine months with the support of my family and close friends, give birth to him with my brother at my side, then raised him the best I could as a single parent.”

“I know and I’m sorry. I can’t say it enough.” Brian replied tiredly. “But you knew the situation that I was in. I had a public image to protect, especially since we were just starting out.” Bea rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “How would it have looked like if the media found out that I was a father at the age of 18?”

Beatrice felt her blood boil. ‘How could he say such a thing?!’ This didn’t sound like the Brian she grew up with. She clutched her arms tighter to her sides to prevent herself from slapping the man in front of her.

“So let me get this straight…” She took a deep breath in a feeble attempt to calm herself down. “What you’re saying is that your precious public image was more important to you than our son?” Brian was about to interject but she beat him to it. “God, if that’s true then I’m GLAD that you left us; I wouldn’t want my son to have a father like that.”

Brian sighed in frustration, “Argh, I never said that! Would you stop putting words in my mouth and listen to what I have to say?" Bea opened her mouth to tell him off but he spoke before she could, “Please, Bea. Just please listen.”

Letting out a frustrated sigh she gave in. She rolled her eyes and sat back into her chair as she listened to him.

Seeing that she finally gave in Brian relaxed a little. Just a little. Holding clasped hands to his forehead he began to speak. “I know that I’m probably the biggest jerk right now and I seem like the worst father in the world…”

“You can say that again.” Beatrice mumbled under her breath.

Choosing to ignore her snide remark Brian continued, “…The point is, I’ve realized what I’ve done and I want to set things right. I want to be the father that Anthony’s been missing for the past 5 years. If you let me.”

Beatrice kept her gaze on the floor as Brian’s words sank in. Did Brian really want to be a father to their son now? After all these years? Or did he have an ulterior motive? “That's not how you felt 5 years ago when you first left… what changed? Does it have something to do about your image in the media? Because if it does Brian, then I swear-”

“No!” How could she even think such a thing? Had her perception of him really changed that much that she would think he would even think of using his son for something like that? “I swear to you, I just want to be part of my son's life. I’m better than how I was before. I’ve grown and matured.”

“Matured?” she scoffed. “If you really did mature Brian, then why didn’t you try calling me? Tried to contact me and at least show that you had at least some concern for our son.”

“I was afraid… afraid of how you'd react.” He said it in such a remorseful tone that she was convinced this wasn’t a publicity stunt. “I wanted to so badly but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.”

She sat there staring into his sad blue eyes speechless. But her expression soon changed from surprised to understanding. “I understand…” Brian looked at her “But what changed? Why aren’t you afraid anymore?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure myself. It’s just that when I saw him earlier for the first time… something changed.” Brian fondly thought back to when he first saw his son running down the stairs. “I thought, ‘wow, that’s what I’ve been missing for the past 5 years? That’s my son?’” Smiling fondly at the memory, blue eyes met green. “I felt this need to be in his life. He’s grown so much and I wasn’t there to see it. I admit I’m afraid that he won’t accept me. I understand if he doesn’t accept me as his father right away but hopefully he will someday. But for right now I’m satisfied with just being his friend.”

Bea reached over and squeezed Brian’s hand with a warm smile. “I’m proud of you.”

Brian laughed lightly and looked at her, “So how about it? Give me a second chance?”

“A second chance with Anthony or me?” Beatrice joked lightly.

Brian chuckled softly and replied with a smile, “With Anthony, don’t worry.”

Right at that moment crying was heard coming from Anthony’s baby monitor that was standing on the island counter. It was then that Bea remembered that she forgot to turn his night light on. Cursing under her breath she looked at Brian before both ran up the stairs towards their son’s bedroom. Just before Brian could reach the top of the stairs Bea stopped in her tracks which caused Brian to stop as well.

“What are you stopping for?” Brian asked confused. They had to get to Anthony!

Beatrice turned to Brian with a smile and a face that read ‘I’ve got an idea’. “Why don’t you go in there by yourself?”

He looked at her quizzically and replied smartly, “Huh?”

“Well, you did say that you wanted to get closer to him right?” Brian nodded in response. “Why not start now?”

Finally getting the idea Brian smiled, “Thanks. Wish me luck.”

Bea stayed a few feet away from the door, far enough so Anthony couldn’t see her but close enough so she could hear everything, as Brian made his way to Anthony’s bedroom.

When he entered Anthony’s room all he could see was a small figure sitting up on the bed before he turned the light switch on. Expecting to see his mother coming in through the door, Anthony cried even harder when he saw that it wasn’t his mother but that man he didn’t know very well. Even though Anthony knew Brian was his father, he wasn’t comfortable with him yet.

“Hey, what’s wrong, buddy? Why are ya crying?” Brian asked him as he approached Anthony with a warm smile.

Anthony’s cries stopped for a moment as he looked at Brian with teary eyes but started up again moments later.

‘Okay, new strategy…’ Brian thought to himself as he looked around the room for something to help him out.

As his gazed passed by Anthony’s toy chest one particular item caught his attention. He walked over to it and picked up the doll which appeared to be Donald Duck; the same Donald Duck he had given Beatrice on one of their anniversaries. Smiling fondly at the memory, Brian was struck with an idea. He turned back to his crying son and kneeled down next to his bedside holding the doll up.

“Anthony” Brian called in his infamous Donald Duck voice. Recognizing the voice as one of his favorite cartoon characters, Anthony’s cries began to die down as he stared curiously at the doll. “What’s wrong buddy?”

Anthony remained silent, well except for an occasional sniffle or hiccup, as he looked back and forth from Brian and his Donald Duck doll that suddenly had the ability to speak.

Noticing that his plan was working Brian continued on with the Donald Duck voice. “Can my friend Brian and I sit here?” ‘Donald’ pointed at Anthony’s bed. Anthony nodded slowly as Brian smiled proudly at himself and sat next to Anthony with the doll still in his hands.

“Okay, now can you tell me what’s wrong? Why were you crying?” asked ‘Donald’.

Anthony frowned as he recalled the reason why he was crying in the first place and wiped his face with his pajama sleeves. “Bad dweam”

Brian looked sadly at the small child. He wanted to make his son feel better and just hug him and let him know that he was there and wouldn’t ever let anything happen to him. However, with the situation as it currently was, Brian knew that Anthony would probably feel uncomfortable; they had barely met after all.

“Wanna tell me about it?” Brian asked in his regular voice.

Anthony looked at him, unsure if he should tell Brian about his nightmare. He didn’t know him too well even though he was his dad. Plus, he still remembered how angry he was with him for being gone for so long. He shook his head and held onto his blanket tighter.

Brian sighed; he had a feeling that was what his answer was going to be. Looking at Donald he asked Anthony, “Do you wanna tell Donald about it instead?”

Anthony nodded his head.

“Wanna tell your ol’ pal Donald about it?” ‘Donald’ asked.

“It was dark and scawry and I couldn’t bweathe. So I cwied.”

Sympathetic blue eyes looked at the small child clinging to his blanket. That sudden urge to hug Anthony’s fears away came back full force but he held himself back. He didn’t want to scare Anthony away by his suddenness.

“Oh, I’m sorry Anthony.” Brian hesitantly placed a comforting hand on his son’s small left shoulder. “Don’t worry, it was just a nightmare. It’s over now. It can’t hurt you.”

“I want mommy…”

Brian sighed. Well, it was progress. He got up from the bed and walked over to the door knowing that Bea was standing outside. He handed her Donald but as she was about to pass him to enter Anthony’s room he stopped her. Bea looked at him with a questioning eyebrow.

“So when were you planning to tell me that he has asthma?” Brian asked.

Bea’s eyes widened in surprise. How did he find out? She didn’t say anything about Anthony’s asthma during their conversation in the kitchen. Seeing the look of surprise and confusion in her eyes, Brian clarified. “When I was looking around I saw an inhaler on his bedside table. It doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together.”

Before Bea could say anything in response she heard Anthony call her sounding like he was on the verge of tears again. Brian allowed her to pass but remained standing in the doorway.

“Baby, mommy’s here. What’s wrong?” Bea asked her son tenderly as she stroked his hair.

“I had a bad dweam mommy.” Anthony released his hold on his blanket to latch onto his mother’s neck as she held him in her lap. “I couldn’t bweathe and I was scawed!”

“Aww,” she tightened her hold on him hoping that it was enough to soothe him. “It’s okay now, baby. Mommy’s here.” She loosened the embrace only to look at him and wipe his remaining tears away. “Do you want me to stay here tonight?”

“Mhm,” Anthony nodded.

“Okay.” Bea handed him Donald as she helped him into his covers before joining him. It wasn’t long until Anthony fell asleep curled up against his mother’s side hugging hid doll and blanket to his chin. Bea smiled lovingly at him and kissed him on the forehead before carefully sliding out of the bed. Before leaving the room she made sure to turn on his nightlight this time then softly closed the door.

Just as she was about to head to her room she came face to face with Brian who slightly startled her. ‘He’s still here?’

“I thought you went to bed already.”

“In a minute, I just wanted to know something.”

She moved away from Anthony’s door in case he woke up due to their talking. She headed towards her bedroom with Brian in tow.

“I was going to tell you, okay?”

“When? When Anthony has an asthma attack?” They entered her bedroom.

Before they went all the way in she turned to face him hands on her waist. “No, of course not. I wouldn’t have waited that long to tell you.”

“Is he okay though? I mean, since he has asthma shouldn’t he not be sleeping alone? What if something happens and you don’t hear him?” Brian’s concerned eyes stared down at Bea as she sighed. It was nice that he was concerned but her energy was just drained. Now wasn’t the time for another heart to heart conversation.

“Brian, don’t worry so much you’ll get premature wrinkles.” Brian gave her a look that said now wasn’t the time for jokes. “Don’t worry so much, okay? I’ve got it under control. Why do you think I have numerous baby monitors around the house?”

Brian didn’t look very convinced but relented and dropped the issue. At least for now. “Trust me and seriously, don’t worry so much. Get some sleep. I know you’re tired from your flight and I’m hella tired from just about the whole day.”

Brian gave a small smile at the truth in her words. He was pretty tired. By the time he enters his room he might just postpone a shower ‘til morning and just drop on his bed. “Alright, goodnight.”

“Night.” She closed her bedroom door as Brian stepped out and headed towards his room.

Walking over to her large bed she let herself fall on it, legs hanging off the side.

‘What a long day.’

~~~~ The Next Day ~~~~

It was around noon time when the boys woke up. For the first time in a very long time they were allowed to sleep in without and disturbances; something they were all grateful for. By the time they made it down stairs they found a note saying that Bea had gone grocery shopping with Samantha and brought Anthony along. Chris had stayed behind because well, someone had to and he slept in just like the guys anyway.

After looking in the fridge and cupboards, Chris noticed that they were low on food; hence the reason why the girls went out grocery shopping. There were six of them right now and judging by how much food they needed to eat until they each got full, there was hardly enough for even half of them. Chris read the note his sister left behind again and noticed that it said they left about an hour ago, so they must be almost done; hopefully. He looked into the living room where AJ and Kevin were watching TV. Howie was still in his room while Brian was taking a shower in one of the upstairs bathrooms. As for Nick, he was outside sitting on a lawn chair talking on the phone.

“Hey, AJ” AJ looked over his shoulder from his position on the sofa.

“Yeah?”

“Can you call my sister for me? There isn’t enough food for all of us so they need to hurry home before I can start cooking.”

“Alright.” AJ got up and opened the sliding glass door that lead to the backyard. Shading his eyes from the sunlight, he made his way over to Nick.

“Hey Nick, I need to use my phone for a minute to call Beatrice. Are you done using it?” He held up the cell phone and handed it to AJ. “What happened? Did you kill my battery too?” AJ asked with a raised brow only half serious. Nick had asked AJ if he could borrow his phone to call Amanda because he forgot to charge his last night so his phone suddenly died in the middle of their conversation.

Nick resisted the urge to roll his eyes and just gave his band mate a cold, blank stare. “No” He got up and began to walk back inside the house with AJ in tow. “Dude, Nick. What’s wrong? I was just messing with you.”

Nick shook his head before plopping onto the sofa in the living room. “No, it’s cool man. I’m not mad ‘coz of that. Forget it.”

AJ could tell by the tone of Nick’s voice that something was bothering him and it had something to do with the conversation he just had with Amanda. Like that was a surprise. They’ve been having arguments constantly for over a year now that he was wondering why they were still together in the first place. They had arguments before but lately they’ve been increasing in severity, so much that their relationship could be described in four words: ‘on and off again.’ Hmm, reminded him of Nick’s relationship with Sam. Well, except for the going out ‘on and off again’ part. Nevertheless, AJ knew it was best if he just dropped the issue until Nick was ready to talk about it.

“Okay, then.” AJ walked into the kitchen and sat on one of the island counter chairs as he waited for Beatrice to answer her phone. After the third ring she finally picked up.

“AJ, it’s too early for a booty call.” She replied with a laugh earning a chuckle from the Backstreet Boy.

“Damn, really?” AJ joked. “Actually your brother asked me to call you. We’re out of food and we’re hungry.”

“Why don’t you guys just cook something?” She held her cell phone in between her chin and shoulder as she took her car keys out to unlock her car while Sam pushed Anthony in the shopping cart they had. She noticed Bea talking on the phone and quietly asked who it was. Bea mouthed ‘AJ’ and Sam nodded in understanding as she carried Anthony out of the cart and helped him into his car seat.

“We would but Chris said that there isn’t enough food for all of us.” He looked over at Chris who was still looking through their cupboards. “We’re all growing boys after all.”

Beatrice laughed as she rolled her eyes. “Mhm, sure. More like bottomless pits.”

After making sure that he was securely strapped in Sam began to help Bea put their groceries into the trunk of the car. When they put the last of them inside and closed the trunk, she asked if she could say something to AJ.

Bea nodded, “Hey AJ, someone wants to say something to you.” She handed her cell phone to her cousin as she opened her door on the driver’s side while Sam walked over to the passenger’s side.

“Hey buddy!” Sam said cheerfully earning a chuckle from AJ.

“Hey there, sexy.” AJ replied flirtatiously making Sam laugh.

“Whatcha doin’?” Sam buckled her seat belt as Bea began to back out of the parking space.

“Starving; waiting for you guys to come home with food.” AJ held his stomach. Just the thought of food made him hungry. When were they gonna get home?!

“Aw, you don’t have to lie. I know you just miss me.” AJ chuckled. He didn’t know why Nick didn’t like this girl she was just too much fun to talk with.

“Aw, you caught me.”

“Don’t worry, we’re almost home. We’ll probably be there in 10 minutes. Maybe less.” Sam replied, this time seriously.

“Heh, alright. See ya later then.”

“Mmkay, bye!” Sam hung up and handed Bea her phone back.

AJ shook his head and smiled as he put his phone inside his pocket. Noticing the cookie jar on the island counter he was sitting on, he jumped off and looked inside hoping for a sweet treat to calm his empty stomach. Unfortunately for him, it was empty. Frowning, AJ left the cookie jar to look for some other quick snack in the cupboards. However, just as he was about to look in one of them the doorbell rang. Expecting Chris to answer it he proceeded to search for food but after the third or fourth ring, still no one answered it, AJ decided to answer the door himself.

He left the kitchen to answer the door but Chris, where he came from who knows, suddenly rushed over to the door and beat him to it. At the door was a young man in his early to mid twenties. He had short black hair, tanned skin, and a lean build and stood at about the same height as Kevin.

“Hey man, what are you doing here?” Chris shook hands with him.

“I’m here to see Bea.” The guy replied.

“Oh, she’s not here right now. She’s out buying groceries.” Chris turned to see AJ standing at the doorway that connected the living room to the main entrance. “Oh, AJ what did my sister say?”

“Oh, they said they’re on their way home right now; might be here in 10 minutes or so.”

Chris turned back to the guy at the door, “Oh okay, well there ya go. You wanna wait here until they get home?”

“Sure, alright.”

Chris closed the door after letting the guy in. Both men walked into the living room where AJ, Howie and Kevin were currently. Brian was probably still upstairs and Nick probably went to sulk somewhere.

“Hey guys, this here is Jericho.” Chris said patting the guy, now identified as Jericho, on the shoulder.

“That’s AJ,” he motioned over to AJ; he probably gave up on his search for a snack, who was now sitting in the armchair.

He gave a small wave, “What’s up”

“That’s Howie,” Howie smiled and gave a short wave from his position on the left side of the sofa. “And this here is the big brother of the group, Kevin.” Chris patted Kevin on the shoulder since he was the closest out of the three, sitting on the right side of the sofa.

“Hey man,” Kevin shook Jericho’s hand.

“Hey, nice to meet you guys.” Jericho turned to Chris who stood next to him. “Are these the guys you’re managing?”

“Yeah, the Backstreet Boys…well, 3/5th of them anyway.”

“Oh really? Wow, my sister is gonna be so jealous.” Jericho laughed. “She loves you guys.”

The three laughed, “Really? That’s awesome.” Howie said with a smile.

“That’s great. I’m glad she enjoys our music.” Kevin replied with a smile.

“Are you related to Chris?” AJ asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

Jericho chuckled, “No, if I was I wouldn’t be able to date Bea.”

“You’re her boyfriend?” AJ asked surprised; Kevin and Howie, though remained silent, pretty much had the same expression on their faces.