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The Wussy Street Boys










The meeting with Johnny was pretty productive; we talked about a lot of stuff including the mounting odds which were stacked against us. He told us that realistically we needed to keep our expectations as low as possible which I think we pretty much all were ready for anyway. Me though? Yeah I kind of wanted us to hit the top again. I think secretly we all did but I know that music has changed and moved on, I mean seeing the way Carter’s album flopped was a good indication to us that this was going to be an uphill battle.



I caught them all looking over at me when he talked about how hard this could be mentally, what a challenge it would be for us all. I hated the fact that they thought I was so weak. It annoyed me sometimes. Better make sure AJ can handle it, we don’t want another episode like last time do we?



Do I blame them for thinking that way? Not really I mean at one point I was fragile, but thankfully that’s not me anymore. I’m just not sure how many times I have to tell them that before they let it sink in though.



Anyway, the meeting went on for almost two hours and by the end of it we found ourselves itching to start this thing. Kevin looked at all of us as soon as Johnny walked out of the room, eyeing us up and down and of course keeping his eyes on me the longest, “So? Are we ready to do this thing? I mean if we aren’t, now is the time to back out.”



“I know I’m ready.” Nick said with an air of confidence. I think that’s the most certain he had every said anything ever since I’ve known him.



“What about everyone else?”



One by one we all nodded but of course I got the, “Are you sure you’re ready?” question.



It was then that I knew I had something to prove to them all so I made sure I looked him in the eyes when I answered, “Kevin, if I didn’t think I was ready to do this then I wouldn’t be here. Believe me I have had a long enough time to work on myself and I am MORE than ready to start this new chapter. Please believe me when I say that okay? And you know what? If for some reason I do find that it’s too hard for me, I’m going to open up and tell you guys. No more secrets anymore, the first time it almost killed me. I learned my lesson.”



I admit as speeches went that was a pretty good one on my part and most importantly I could tell by the smiles on their faces that they thought so too.



“I’m so proud of you AJ.” Brian said giving me an extra wink.



“Thanks man.” I tried to say like it was nothing although I almost wanted to cry. It felt so good to hear them tell me how proud they were of me. It’s something I have always needed to hear and now it seems that any chance anyone gets to talk to me, it’s something they say.



“I second that Bone. I look at you and all you have accomplished and just can’t help be so proud of you.” Howie added which once again brought a smile to my face.



“This is really unnecessary guys, I know you are proud of what I’ve done and I am too.”



“You should be kiddo. To go from what you were to what you have become now…” Kevin started getting all teary eyed which really made me uncomfortable and also made me want to cry, what the hell? Forget the Fatstreet Boys we were becoming the Wussy Street Boys.



“I just can’t say enough, truly AJ you make us so proud!”



“Thanks Kevin.” I smiled at him but still felt uncomfortable by all the praise.



I looked over at the blonde, waiting for him to say something, I mean he was the only one that hasn’t had an AJ love fest yet, but he only yawned and continued staring into space. Ah well, three out of four ain’t bad I guess.



The rest of the time was spent making some big decisions like the question posed at breakfast, to dance or not to dance. We all pretty much decided that the fans wanted us to dance so we couldn’t totally drop it but we wouldn’t be hiring a full entourage anymore and would keep the dancing down to a minimum. I guess I was okay with that.



The other big decision was whether or not to go with Max for most of our stuff. We really were torn on that one. We loved working with him but yet we wanted a new sound so we decided on trying a little bit of everything.



“Let’s not rush this album.” I decided to throw out there, “Let’s just take our time and see what happens.”



So before Brian and I left for golf, we finally had a plan which was a huge plus I guess.



“You ready Bone?” I looked over at Rok and nodded.



“Yeah I think so.”



“Where are you two off to?” Kevin asked staring at the golf clubs I had just slung over my shoulder. And the stupid question of the day award goes too…

“We are going golfing; you are more than welcome to join us.” Brian said now taking his own golf clubs and slinging them on his shoulder.



“Maybe next time, I promised D I’d hit up some of the shops with him.”



“Have fun.” I said smiling at Kevin.



“You too, I guess we’ll all meet back here for dinner then?”



Brian and I nodded, “Sounds like a plan Sam.”



With that being said I opened the door and off we went golfing! Seems like everything was going to be just awesome!



“I guess you are driving Bone.” Damn it to hell and that crappy ass car!





~*~*~*~*~*~*~






Did you ever feel like you were invisible? It’s a power I always wanted especially when I was high school aged and we had those sexy opening acts showering in the next room. Good Lord I wanted to be able to sneak in on them and not have them know I was there. Today I felt like I was invisible but without the spying on naked chicks part. All the guys made plans none of which included me and yes that hurt my feelings.



Would it have killed AJ or Brian to ask me if I wanted to golf with them? I know I complain about the game, call it boring and sometimes say I’d rather stab my eyes with sporks then golf but still, it wouldn’t have killed them to see if maybe….just maybe I would have liked to tag along.



Then Howie and Kevin were there, not even two feet away from me making all these plans, go to the mall then to a movie. Did I get invited? Once again can I hear a NO ladies and gentlemen?



Now I’m sure they didn’t intentionally leave me out of the mix but it still hurt me just the same. I mean I haven’t seen these guys in a long time; I couldn’t help but feel like they had no desire to see me again. I’m sure last night and the puking incident didn’t help either but still.



I sat there and listened to them one by one say how proud they were of AJ and how much he has grown and gotten better. I think I have too, granted I didn’t go into rehab to do it but still, I think being away I have grown up a ton. Why is it that I so needed to hear them say those things to me? Why was there approval so important to me all the time? Ugh!



Maybe if I ended up in rehab they would be saying those things to me. Jesus I’m so fucking messed up sometimes!



I guess today was going to be one of those days for me and I hate those!



I watched Howie pace back and forth in front of me while I sat with my legs crossed Indian style and played with my Sidekick. “Nicky have you seen my aspirin? I have a headache and I can’t find it anywhere.”



Oops! I finished his aspirin this morning, just before I left to eat breakfast with the guys. I threw out the bottle never even thinking he would actually be looking for them. Okay so here’s the dilemma, do I tell him that or do what I do best?



“I haven’t seen them anywhere.” I’ll buy him a new bottle and sneak it into his travel bag; he’ll never know the difference.



“Okay thanks…so what are your plans today?” He asked me innocently enough.



“I guess nothing since you are all going out without me.” Very smooth Carter, way to act nonchalant.



He looked up at me as he was now on his hands and knees looking under the couch, “You are more than welcome to join Kevin and I, we just figured you weren’t up to it. Brian and AJ didn’t invite you with them?”



I shook my head, “It’s okay, whatever man, maybe I should just hang here and catch up on sleep anyway.”



I made Howie feel bad, I could tell by the sympathetic look he gave me and I know it’s wrong of me but I was happy about that. Yeah let’s praise AJ and kiss his smelly, stinky feet while Nick eh…Nick shmick, who cares about him. After all HE never did anything for us to be proud of. Wow jealous much?



“Come out with us, it’ll be fun.” Howie said now walking over to me and placing his hand on my shoulder.



“Nah, maybe next time though.”



He smiled at me, “Okay…well let me know if you find my aspirin. You by any chance wouldn’t happen to have any would you?”



“No, sorry but I bet Kevin does.”



“Yes I bet you are right about that.” We both laughed.



When he left the room, the sad me took over again, I hated when I got in these moods. I loved these guys so much but seriously? It was them that did this to me all the time. If that was just one of my regular friends it would have been no big deal, I wouldn’t have even given it a second thought but it was the guys. I need therapy, seriously!



Just then my cell phone rang, “Maybe that’s a therapist now!” I said to myself and laughed just like a crazy person would.



It was the airline saying they found my bags and that they were ready to be picked up. Since I had no way over to the airport and had NO desire to go there anytime soon I asked them to send them to the hotel. A perk of being famous I admit, but they were more than happy to oblige. Thankfully that put me in a better mood.



“You know what? Screw them all I’m going to the beach!”



“Who are you talking to?” Kevin asked walking in and sitting next to me to put on his sneakers. Yes the man had a routine, oddly reminiscent of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.



“I was just talking to myself.”



“Oh…well better get your shoes on.”



“Why is there a carpet shark I am unaware of?”



“Because we are leaving once Howie gets out of the bathroom.”



“I’m not going with you.”



“Yes you are, come on…it’ll be fun.”



“The airline just called and said my bags are on there way.”



“The bell boy will bring them up, go get your shoes.”



“But I want to go to the beach.”



“The beach will be there tomorrow, get your shoes you’re coming with us.”



I know I said I was sad because no one wanted me to tag along with them but now that I was being forced to go, I didn’t want to. I know this was a result of some private conversation in which Howie said I was more than pathetically moping on the couch and then Kevin probably said something to the effect of, “Maybe we shouldn’t leave him all alone I mean there is a mini bar!”



“I don’t feel like going shopping Kevin, you guys go have fun. I’m going to take a shower then head to the beach for a little while.”



He gave me a look but then nodded, “You sure?”



“Uh huh.”



“Okay well we are meeting back here for dinner.”



“I know.” He stood up, now finally done with his shoes and pat my head.



“Be good.”



“Woof woof.”



He laughed at me as I rolled my eyes at him and once Howie was out of the bathroom, the two of them were gone.



I let out a deep sigh and looked over at the mini bar, “Maybe one beer wouldn’t kill me.” I said walking over and taking one out, yes mostly just for spite.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~




We walked along the strip mall as if we were just two normal people; no one even gave us a second glance. I can tell it kind of bothered Kevin especially when we would get close to a crowd of girls. They would make a sideways glance at us and he would whisper under his breath, “Oh no here it comes…” But nothing ever came.



The first time it happened we both breathed a sigh of relief but by the third of fourth huge crowd of girls we passed I can tell he almost wanted to say “Look It’s a pair of Backstreet Boys!” Now granted Kevin would never admit to having those feelings because well…he’s Kevin but still, I could tell the fact that we were all but invisible really began to bug him as the day wore on.



I’m not going to lie and say it didn’t bother me because I guess it did, but I also have to say that sometimes I didn’t mind blending in. truthfully, I think I just kind of got used to it. The charity events I have had along our break time when I would surround myself with our fans, gave me a chance to get the inner diva in me fed, so moments like this weren’t’ quite so bad.



My glance fell on Kevin once again as he fiddled with one of his many bags. He decided on impulse to venture into Victoria’s Secrets and get his wife some lingerie. He really wants to become a father and I know its killing him that he isn’t one yet. He told me that they have been trying forever and yet nothing is happening. We are all getting older and running out of time, hell I sometimes have anxiety about stuff like that. Although not sure if I even want children but maybe somewhere down the line. Just that now I guess I’m down that line and still here I am living the life of a child.



“I’m hoping Kris will like these.”



“You probably should have waited until she came down.”



“I know but still, at least I have them now, this way when she does come I’m prepared.”



“You aren’t going to sleep with them under your pillow are you Kev?” He laughed at me and shook his head.



“Do you think it’s odd that no one has even come over to us at all while we’ve been out here?” I knew that question was coming but I admit I thought I wouldn’t hear it until the middle of our dinner, spoken causally like “So no one cares about us anymore.” In the typical half joking, half serious manner Kevin dealt with those types of things.



“This is LA Kevin; most people are too preoccupied with themselves to notice anything around them.”



“There used to be a time when we could never have done that…remember?” There was a tinge of sadness in those words and I felt that same sadness.



“I remember it well.”



“I hope they do,” He said motioning to the hordes of people we were passing by, “I hope they remember us when the time comes.”



I nodded, “I hope we aren’t making a huge mistake.” Those words made him stop and look at me. I couldn’t help but feel like Nick at that moment, ‘so this is what it looks like just before you get a Kevin lecture’ I thought to myself as he opened his mouth to speak.



“Do you think we’re making a mistake D?”



“I don’t know Kevin…I guess none of us will know until it happens.”



“Well if Nick’s album is any indication…” He said turning his attention back to his bag fiddling.



“That was different.”



“How so? I mean he’s the favorite one isn’t he?” I laughed at that, just the expression on his face when he said that.



“They blamed him for the hiatus.”



“I know.”



“This is different.”

“I hope you’re right Howie.” I nodded at Kevin; I hoped I was right too.



“Do you think AJ is really ready for this?” I nodded once again. Poor Kevin worried so much about everyone, that can’t be good.



“Kevin, he said he’s ready and I believe him. He’s looking and sounding great.”



“But we are going back into the whole rock star way of life…”



“He can handle it.”



“If he can’t?”



“Then he’ll tell us…stop worrying.” He nodded and finally placed the bag at his side.



We walked along quietly for a few more minutes, passing more people we hoped were fans but weren’t. “What about Nick?”



“What about Nick?” I asked as finally a girl stopped us…for directions.



“Do you think he can handle it?”



I found myself hesitating on that one because honestly I wasn’t quite sure. “Everything will be fine Kevin.” I finally said but he knew I wasn’t totally being honest with him on that one.



He smirked at me, “Okay I’ll stop now.”



“Thanks.” He laughed when I said that and together we stopped for coffee and made sure we sat outside, waiting to be recognized.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~




I was wiped out by the time we headed back to the hotel. The sun beating down on us all afternoon didn’t help matters any. If it’s any indication on how tired I was, AJ actually beat me! Not only beat me but pummeled me. My head just wasn’t on the game, there were too many other things going on in my mind and yes if you must know I’m a sore loser.



“So Rok, since you owe me dinner you plan on buying tonight?” I looked over at AJ and rolled my eyes. Just like I am a sore loser he is a horrible winner. No one gloats more than Bone, well except for me.



“If you want me to I will.”



“Excellent, I’ll be sure we pick somewhere mucho expensive then.”



“Thanks dofoburger! Maybe we can all pile into this beautiful van you have.”



“Hey leave the van alone, I know it’s a piece of crap.”



“That’s putting it mildly. I’m surprised you managed to drive it this far without the wheels falling off.” He stuck his middle finger up at me which I went to go bite. Yes pulling a Nick, I admit and he wasn’t expecting it and let out a girly little scream which made me crack up. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you Bone.”



“Not a problem…have you talked to the wife yet?” I shook my head. I had tried to call Leigh a few times while on the course but I kept getting the answering machine, which I admit worried the crap out of me.



“I hope Bay is okay, he was really not doing well last night.”



“I’m sure everything is fine Brian, why don’t you try to call again.”



I pulled out my cell phone and dialed our house, happy to hear my wife’s voice on the other end.



“Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick!” I scolded her, but sweetly so she knew I wasn’t really mad.



“I took Baylee to the doctor, didn’t Nick tell you?”



“Nick?”



“Yes I called the hotel earlier and left a message for you.”



“Oh, we are out golfing, I’m not there yet.”



“He sounded drunk off his butt Brian.”



“Nick did?” I bit my bottom lip.



“Yes, is he having a party or something?”



“Not that I’m aware of, he was tired so maybe you woke him up.”



“I know the difference between sleepy and wasted and your friend was wasted.”



The word friend was said in a very sarcastic tone. Leighanne is not a big fan of Nick or the way he chooses to live his life. She doesn’t hate him by any means but she doesn’t like the fact that we are back together 24/7 all the time either.



“Okay, well thanks for letting me know. How’s the little guy?”



“Sleeping, he just had a bad ear infection, noting major. He has some medicine now and his fever is already going down.” I let out a sigh and smiled at that.



“Give him a kiss for me okay baby? And I love you. I’ll call you later!”



“Hi Leighanne!” AJ yelled into the phone.



“Bone says hello.”



“So I heard, tell him the same.”



“Will do.”



Once off the phone, I glanced over at AJ “So how’s our family?”



“OUR family?” He amused me sometimes.



“I am borrowing yours until I have one of my own.”



“Oh is that how it goes?”



“Yup.”



“OUR family is fine; Bay’s fever is going down.”



“That’s good.”



“Yeah but she said something else, she said that Nick was shit faced when she called the hotel.”



“What?”



“That’s what she said man, I hope it’s not true, but you never know.”



“Guess we’ll find out soon enough.” I looked at AJ and nodded.



~*~*~*~*~*~*~




We got back to the hotel about thirty minutes early, before everyone else was to meet up. This made me excited because I could take that time to call my wife and tell her all about the sexy lingerie I purchased for her. Of course I also knew she would be rolling her eyes at me as I described it. Kris says I am the worst person she has ever had phone sex with. As long as it’s just the phone sex part she’s complaining about its all good.



That was the wonderful thought I had going through my mind when I made the horrible mistake of opening the door to our hotel room and stepping inside. He caught me off guard, charging at me full force and grabbing me in a huge hug but with such velocity I literally lost my footing and fell.



“I love you man!” He slurred at me as he licked my neck!



“Nick what the hell? Get off of me!” The unmistakable smell of liquor was all over his breath.



He rolled off me and giggled, “Kev…you should have seen your face!”



Howie stood in the doorway with a look of uncertainty on his face, probably afraid to come all the way in knowing I was moments away from a homicide. I stood up and noticed all the mini bottles of alcohol all over the floor and empty and just felt panicked.



“Nick what did you do?”



Suddenly his giggly self stopped dead as he stared at me, it’s like he realized it was me or something. “Oh shit…you are going to kill me aren’t you?” He staggered a little bit farther into the room and picked up a bag, “Want a gummy feeesh?” He asked before bursting out in hysterical laughter.



“Oh Lord,” I heard Howie mutter from behind me, that’s when I lost my cool.



“NICK GET YOUR DAMN SELF INTO THE SHOWER BEFORE I KICK YOUR ASS!!!” I shouted so loud I think the glass shook.



That pretty much sobered him right up as he looked at me, said nothing and ran to the bathroom as if a machete wielding psychopath was chasing him.



“Remember what you asked earlier Kev?” Howie asked me softly as I began picking up all the empty bottles.



“Yeah, what about it?”



“Well, I take it back. Maybe he won’t be able to handle it.” I nodded as I stared at the bathroom door. I needed to have it out with Nick and it needed to be now. Already, it’s only been the second day and this kid alone has given me about three panic attacks. That will come later; first I am calling my wife and having some really bad phone sex with her. Then I will kill the blonde.

THanks for reading and reviewing :O) i'll be back on Monday with a new chapter!