Chapter 48

“Uhhh…” said Nick a few days later as he stood there in Samantha’s hotel room a few days later.

“Uhh.. what’s the uhhh for?” asked Samantha.

“Agravation, you know I hate these press conferences I have to go to. I mean I love talking to the fans and all, don’t get me wrong but the press is what’s the bitch.. I mean if I get asked “What’s Your Favorite Color?” “How did you guys get together?” If I hear any of them I’m gonna scream..” said Nick as Samantha started to laugh.

“Nick it can’t be that bad.. imagine if you had to work a real job from like 8 to 5 everyday…” said Samantha.

“Shit I’d be poor because I’d never last.” said Nick as Samantha laughed again.

“Yeah exactly.” said Samantha.

“Thank you for believing in me.” said Nick laughing.

“You’re welcome.” said Samantha laughing as Nick picked up Megan.

“Girl you best to be walking by Thanksgiving.” said Nick.

“Don’t rush her.” said Samantha.

“Yeah but I’m ready to see her walk.” said Nick as his cell phone rung once, knowing that was Kevin’s call that they were ready to go, “Uhhh here you go.” as he handed Megan to Samantha.

“Thank ya..” said Samantha as Nick walked over to the door.

“Ya know, I swear to god.. I hope they finally ask some new questions or I might start asking myself questions.” said Nick as Samantha laughed.

“You’re gonna be late.” said Samantha laughing.

“Yeah…. see ya later..” said Nick smiling as he walked out the door.

Kevin, Nick, Brian, Howie, and AJ all filed into the small press room at the arena, which was full of fans, press, and cameras flashing. They all stopped in front of the conference table for a group picture, before walking around and settling into their seats.

After a few minutes of greeting the press and everyone else in the room, Kevin was trying to get the room to settle down so they could have the conference. Finally, there was a moment of silence.

“Fire away with the questions,” AJ said, as they all smiled at the fans.

The guys were used to this, and answered all of their questions with ease. It was a typical fan conference, asking about the new tour, what lay ahead in the future, how they felt about having the fastest selling album in history. They even sang a verse of “All I Have To Give” acapella, by request.

“Nick, I have a question for you,” a young dark-haired woman from the press asked him in her microphone.

“Sure, shoot,” he replied.

“Can you comment on the young woman and baby who are traveling with you? There have been rumors on the internet and on many fan sites that you two are romantically involved?” she asked, as Nick looked a little in shock.

Nick looked over at Kevin, who gave him an ‘I-told-you-so-look.’

“Uhhh, sure,” Nick said, as he fidgeted in his seat. “Samantha is an old friend of mine from back home, who is going through a rough time right now. She and her daughter are out here for a little break. We are not, I repeat not, involved in any other way than friends. There really isn’t anything else to it.”

“So then, the baby isn’t yours?” she asked him.

“Definitely no,” Nick said, as he went to laughing, “Don’t worry girls, I’m very single.”

That last comment seemed to ease some of the fan’s minds, as they all squealed and giggled. Nick heard Brian and Howie both breathe sighs of relief next to him. They answered a few more questions, and then said their goodbyes, signing a few autographs before having to go and get ready for the show.

“Nick, dressing room, NOW,” Kevin ordered, as Nick turned to look at AJ, Brian and Howie for some support. They all just shrugged their shoulders, and Brian whispered a ‘good luck’ as Nick dragged behind Kevin into the room, where Kevin slammed the door behind him.

“Nick, this is EXACTLY what I didn’t want to happen in there,” Kevin said, as he rubbed his temples. “Now we are going to have to answer questions about Sam and Megan at every damn conference from now on.”

“I thought it went okay, now they knew we’re only friends,” Nick pointed out.

“Nick, now they are suspicious, and you’re sleeping in her hotel room almost every night! How are you planning on explaining that!?” Kevin yelled.

“I’m not going to explain nothin’, I have a right to a private life,” Nick said.

“Please Nick, we have no private life, don’t give me that crap,” he said, as Nick just looked away.

“What do you want from me Kevin?” Nick snapped.

“I want you to send Samantha and Megan home,” Kevin said.

“Hell no, I will not,” Nick said. “Look, I get what you’re saying about the hotel room and everything, that’s fine. I’ll be more careful so no one gets any wrong ideas, but she is NOT going home,” Nick said.

“I think you are setting yourself up for a fall here Nick,” Kevin said, as Nick rolled his eyes. “What if you don’t get what you want?”

“Thanks, but when I need your advice I’ll ask,” Nick snapped, as he opened the door and walked out.