Shape of My Heart: Chapters 1 - 5

Chapter 1

The alarm clock in Nick’s room loudly went off. He groaned to himself and slammed his hand down on the snooze button. He buried his head under his pillow and nearly fell asleep when he heard his cell phone ring. He peeked his head out from under the pillow and glanced at the screen. He rolled his eyes and answered it.

“What?” he said in an irritated tone.

“Just making sure you were awake,” said Brian. “We’ve got a plane to catch, bro.”

Nick sighed. “I know, I’m up.”

“I’m calling you again in fifteen minutes. Your butt better be ready when the van comes to the house,” Brian said then hung up.

Nick hung up his cell and sat up. He let out a loud yawn and stretched his muscles. He glanced at the clock, there was exactly twenty minutes before he head to leave. Nick looked on the other side of the bed and Kristin was still asleep. Quietly, he crept into the bathroom and took a shower. When he finished, he went back into the bedroom to put on his clothes. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, tying his shoes when he heard Kristin yawn. Nick glanced over his shoulder and she had shifted to the middle of the bed and stole his pillow. He smiled and laid next to her. Kristin opened her eyes and grabbed his hand.

“What are you doing?” she asked in a sleepy tone.

“I’m getting ready to leave. Can I have a kiss before I go?” he asked.

Kristin put her arms around his neck and kissed him fully on the lips. “When will you be back?”

“In two days,” he said. “We’re just going over the new contract with JIVE.”

“I’ll miss you,” Kristin said.

Nick smiled and kissed her again. “I’ll miss you too.

They were about to kiss again when his cell phone rang. Nick rolled his eyes. “That’s Brian,” he said as he picked it up. “I’m up!” he said into the phone.

“Hey, watch your tone!” Brian joked. “We’ll be there in five minutes. Be ready to go.”

“I will,” Nick said then hung up. He drew his attention back at Kristin. “I’ve gotta go. I’ll call you when I get there, okay?”

“Okay,” Kristin said then kissed him again.

Nick wandered downstairs and drug his duffel bag out the door with him. He had just shut the door when the van pulled up. Brian opened the door and grinned at Nick.

“Lets get a move on, slow poke!” Brian teased.

Nick got into the van and smacked Brian upside the head. “You’re annoying in the morning.”

“Precisely,” Brian said with a grin. “It got your butt in gear, so mission accomplished.”

Nick laughed and settled himself in the van next to A.J. “What’s up, Bone?”

“Not much,” A.J. replied softly.

“What’s with you?” Nick asked.

“Amanda’s due any day,” Kevin answered. “He’s a little nervous.”

Nick grinned and patted A.J. on the back. “It’ll be fine, man. Don’t sweat it.”

“I guess,” A.J. said as he pulled his baseball cap over his eyes and crossed his arms.

The boys arrived in NYC a few hours later. They were sitting in the meeting room with their manager, publicist, and several members of the JIVE records team. Nick sat in one of the leather chairs and playfully swiveled, waiting for the meeting to start. He spun around a couple of times before he noticed Kevin’s annoyed look. Nick scooted his chair closer to the table and quietly waited. It had been months since the boys worked together. They were about to start recording on their new album. Nick was anxious to get back into the studio. Just then, their manager stood up and called for their attention.

“Okay, so we’re about to embark on a new journey,” he stated. “Are you guys ready?”

“Definitely,” Kevin replied.

“Bring it on,” A.J. said.

“We’ve got a team of writers and producers. We’ve got a brand new sound for you guys. I think you’re going to like it. Before we get to that, does anyone have any questions about the contract?”

The boys shook their heads, but Nick couldn’t help but raise his hand. “I have a question,” he said.

“Go ahead, Nick.”

“In the lists of expectations…it says I’m required to lose weight.”

“Nick, the image of the Backstreet Boys is a important element. Without the sex appeal, there’s not much left.”

Nick’s mouth dropped. “Okay, okay, so how much weight are we talking?”

“I don’t know, thirty maybe forty.”

“This is bullshit,” Nick mumbled. “You think my fans won’t love me because I’m fat? Is that it?”

“Nick, calm down. We’ll work something out,” Kevin said as he placed a hand on his back. “Lets just get through the rest of the meeting.”

Nick threw his hands up and slouched in his chair. He was in a sour mood and no longer wanted to be in the room with these people. He sat silently through the rest of the meeting and grit his teeth as he signed the new contract. As soon as the meeting was finished, he walked outside the building and fumbled through his pocket for a piece of gum. He leaned against the building and sighed as he angrily chewed. Just then, his cell phone rang, it was Kristin.

“Hello, baby,” Nick said.

“Hey, you didn’t call me. I was getting worried,” Kristin said.

“Sorry, I got tied up at the meeting. We just got done,” he said with a sigh.

“Nick, what’s wrong. You’ve got that pouty tone to your voice,” Kristin asked.

“They want me to lose weight,” he said as he spit out his gum. “They don’t like the idea of me being fat,” he continued.

“Nick, you’re not fat.”

“Tell them that,” he grumbled.

“Honey, it’ll all be okay. Just try to work with it as best as you can.”

“I guess,” Nick said softly. “I don’t want to be here right now.”

“You’ll be home soon enough. Listen, I gotta go. Rachel and I are going shopping. I just called to see if you made it okay. I love you.”

“Love you too,” Nick said then hung up.

He let out a frustrated sigh and looked at the door of the building. A.J. walked out and lit a cigarette. He walked over to Nick and gave him a light slap on the back.

“Don’t stress over it,” A.J. said.

“Everyone keeps saying that and it’s getting on my nerves,” Nick said with a grunt.

A.J. shook his head. “You need to stop caring about what other people think. Just go with the flow. You know what you need right now?”

“No, what?”

“A drink,” A.J. said. “Come on, I’ll buy some Jack Daniels and we‘ll party in my room,” A.J. said as he put his arm around Nick’s shoulder.

“A.J., you know I don’t really drink.”

“Dude, you’re twenty years old. Live a little.”

Nick smiled and gave in. “Alrght, lets go,” he said as he followed A.J. to the van and went back to the hotel.

Chapter 2

Rachel walked through the mall with Kristin. She was growing tired of shopping, but Kristin was determined to hit every store in the mall. She followed Kristin into Tommy Hilfiger.

“Kris, aren’t you tired of shopping yet?” Rachel asked.

“Don’t be such a party pooper,” Kristin said as she picked up a purple sweater and held it up. “This is cute,” she exclaimed.

“Yeah, it is,” Rachel said, not really interested.

“Rach, you used to be a fun shopping partner. Now you’re just a walking zombie in the mall,” Kristin said as she continued to pull clothes off the mall.

“Maybe it’s because we went shopping last week,” Rachel said.

“Wow, there’s a sale on hats!” Kristin said, obviously not paying attention to Rachel.

Rachel took a seat in one of the chairs of the store. She sighed and watched Kristin run around the place, picking out clothes by the armful. Kristin walked back over to where Rachel was sitting.

“I think I’m done here,” Kristin said with a grin.

Rachel glanced at all the clothes she was holding. “Don’t you think you’re overdoing the shopping?”

Kristin shook her head. “I’m getting a new wardrobe. I’m in desperate need of it,” Kristin said as she walked to the counter.

“That comes to 800 dollars even,” the cashier said.

“Not too bad,” Kristin said as she pulled out a credit card.

Rachel’s mouth dropped. “Kristin, that is too much for clothes,” she stated.

“Rach, stop being such a fuddy duddy,” she said as she signed the credit card receipt.

“Where did you get all this money?” Rachel asked.

Kristin didn’t answer, she just smiled and collected her bags. Rachel marched behind Kristin as they were leaving the store and grabbed her arm. Kristin jumped back and stared at Rachel.

“Kristin, you’re using Nick’s money to go shopping,” Rachel said.

“Like you have any room to talk? You’re using money from Brian.”

“That was cash,” Rachel said under her breath. “You’re using his credit card. That’s wrong.”

“You’ve used Brian’s card before,” Kristin defended.

“Yeah, when he was with me,” Rachel said. “This isn’t the same thing.”

“Nick put me on his credit card account. This card has my name on it,” Kristin sneered. “Therefore, I can use it any way I want.”

“Somehow, I don’t think Nick intended for you to blow the entire card on clothes,” Rachel continued.

“You know what? I don’t know what your deal is, but I think you’re jealous,” Kristin said as she started to walk away.

“Jealous? Why would I be jealous of you?” Rachel asked

“Because Nick gives me all this stuff and Brian’s a tight wad.”

Rachel stopped dead in her tracks. “Kristin, I have never said this to you in the entire time we’ve been friends, but right now I think it’s appropriate.”

Kristin turned around and glared at Rachel. “What? Say what you have to say, woman.”

Rachel stepped forward and got in Kristin’s face. “You’re a bitch!”

“At least I’m not a no talent, pop star wannabe,” Kristin said as she tilted her head to the side and pursed her lips. “And at least I’m not a door mat or a stupid ass bitch who follows her man around like a puppy dog,” she continued.

Rachel stared at her with tears in her eyes. “Was that necessary?”

Kristin got closer to her. “And at least my mother can stay sober and my father isn’t a spineless pussy who leaves his kid at two years old.”

Rachel fought the urge to punch her and stepped back. “You’re going too far,” she said softly.

“Are you going to cry now? Go ahead, cry to someone and make them feel sorry for you. That’s what you’re good at anyway.”

Rachel shook her head and left the mall without looking back at her. When she got to her car, she let the tears fall. She and Kristin have had their share of fights but never to this extreme. She didn’t want to go home and see Kristin and hear more abuse. Rachel grabbed her cell phone and called Brian. It rang four times before he picked up.

“Hey, there, buttercup!” he said cheerfully.

“Hi,” Rachel said between hiccups.

“Whoa, baby, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“Kristin and I got into this huge fight. I’m talking major. She said some things that weren’t even remotely forgivable. I almost hate her right now.”

“What happened? What caused this fight?”

“I called her on something involving Nick and she went off on me. Brian, she was really mean,” she said as she cried even harder. “I can’t even talk about this right now. I just don’t want to go home.”

“Okay, calm down. Listen, you can stay at my place if you want. You’ll have to get the spare key from Nikki.”

“Thank you,” Rachel said as she wiped the tears off her face.

“Just call her and get the key. We’ll talk more later, okay?”

“Okay,” Rachel said. “I love you,” she said.

“I love you,” Brian said then blew kisses into the phone.

Rachel smiled and hung up the phone. She dialed Nikki’s number and waited for her to pick up.

“Hello?” said Nikki.

“Nikki, it’s Rachel. Listen, can I come by and pick up Brian’s key?”

“Sure, I’ll be here all day,” she said.

“Great,” Rachel said. “I’m on my way,” she said then hung up.

Rachel took a deep breath and started the car. On the corner of her eye, she spotted Kristin getting into her car, which was two parking spaces away. Without looking back, Rachel put the car in reverse and peeled out of the parking lot. The farther away from Kristin she could get, the better off she felt she would be.

Chapter 3

Rachel pulled into the driveway of Nikki’s house. She checked her make up in the mirror and wiped away the smudged eyeliner. Nikki was already standing at the door waiting for her to come in.

“Hey, girl!” Nikki said while waving. “Come on in,” she said as she walked back inside.

Rachel stepped in and saw Amanda and Sarah sitting at the kitchen table. They both smiled and waved at Rachel. Rachel casually waved back and sighed. Nikki handed her the key to Brian’s apartment.

“Thanks,” Rachel mumbled.

Nikki looked at her for a moment. “What’s wrong? You look upset.”

Rachel closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. “I don’t know if I should be talking about this.”

Nikki grabbed Rachel’s arm and led her to the kitchen. “Sit with us,” she said as she offered Rachel a chair.

“What’s going on?” Sarah asked.

Rachel let the tears fall down her cheeks and looked down at her hands. “I don’t know what’s going on with Kristin, but she’s changed drastically in the past three months.”

“Did you guys get into a fight or something?” Amanda asked.

“Worse than just a fight,” Rachel said as she wiped her tears. “She brutally attacked me with insults.”

Nikki offered her a box of Kleenexes and sat down beside her. “What did she say?”

Rachel shook her head. “I really shouldn’t be talking about this. If she finds out, it’ll give her more reason to lash out on me.”

Nikki placed her hand over Rachel’s. “Rach, you’re our friend. Anything you tell us, stays between us. We want to help you. So, please, tell us what’s going on.”

“Okay, basically this is what happened. I know for a fact that she’s taking advantage of Nick. She’s letting his fame and money get to her head and she’s abusing his kindness. We went shopping and she spent almost a thousand dollars in just two hours.”

Amanda shook her head. “I knew it,” she muttered.

“What?” Rachel said as she blew her nose.

“Alex told me about Nick putting her on his credit card account. I knew she was going to take advantage of that,” Amanda said in a low tone. “He’s too nice to his girlfriends,” she added.

“That’s not the worst of it,” Rachel continued. “When I called her on it, she blew up at me. She called me names and insulted my family.” She began to cry again. “It was horrible. She’s not the same person anymore. I don’t know who she is.”

“So, what did you do when she blew up at you?” Sarah asked.

“I just lost it. I started crying and left the mall. As soon as I got in my car, I called Brian and he told me I could stay at his place. That’s why I came by to get the key.”

Nikki hugged Rachel. “It’ll be okay,” she assured. “If you want, you can hang with us this afternoon. We’re planning on having lunch and hanging out here. You’re more than welcomed to join us.”

Rachel hugged Nikki back. “Thank you,” she said between sniffles. “I still need to go back and get a few things at my apartment. I just don’t want to deal with Kristin.”

Amanda stood up. “I’ll go with you,” she said.

“Really?” Rachel said.

“Definitely,” Amanda said with a nod. “She won’t mess with you while I’m there. She may think she’s the shit, but I’m the ultimate bitch,” she said with a grin.

Nikki laughed and stood up. “We’ll all go. There’s safety in numbers,” she stated.

Rachel smiled and stood up. “Okay, lets go,” she said as she followed the girls outside.

They all got into Rachel’s car and headed toward Kristin’s apartment. Rachel saw Kristin’s car in the parking lot and sighed. Amanda gave Rachel’s shoulder a squeeze, assuring her that they were behind her. When Rachel walked inside, she saw Kristin sitting on the couch watching TV. She looked at Rachel and then drew her attention to Nikki, Amanda, and Sarah behind her. Rachel was frozen in her spot. She patiently waited for Kristin to speak. Kristin turned off the TV and stood up, crossed her arms, and looked at them.

“I see you brought an army with you,” she said in a sarcastic tone.

“Go get what you need, Rachel,” Amanda urged. “Don’t listen to her.”

Kristin chuckled. “As usual, she’s found someone to see her side. None of you know anything,” Kristin said.

“We know plenty,” Nikki said.

“You don’t know shit except whatever over dramatic story she gave you.”

“I didn’t over dramatize shit!” Rachel screamed from her room. She stormed back into the living room and got in Kristin’s face. “I don’t know what your problem is, but you’re on the verge of breaking up this friendship.”

Kristin stepped forward, lightly bumping against Rachel. “You’re a lying, manipulative bitch,” Kristin said in a low tone.

“I’m the lying, manipulative bitch? You’re the one who’s taking advantage of a nice guy! You’re the one who’s throwing away everything for money!”

Sarah and Nikki pulled Rachel away from Kristin. Amanda stepped between them.

“Rachel, get what you need and we’re leaving,” Amanda said. She drew her attention back at Kristin. “As for you, I don’t know what your problem is, nor do I care. All I know is that you will let us leave in peace. You can do whatever you want when we’re gone.”

“You’re no threat to me,” Kristin said with a laugh.

Amanda rolled her eyes and turned around. “You think you’re so bad assed. Let me fill you in on something, money isn’t the answer to happiness. Just because you’re with Nick doesn’t make you any better than the rest of us. You’re nothing without people who love you.”

Rachel came out of her room with a bag of clothes. “I’m ready,” she said.

“Go ahead,” Amanda said. She waited for the girls to leave then turned back around. “I always knew you were a shady bitch, but I couldn’t prove it. Watch your step or I’ll have a talk with Nick. Believe me, I won’t watch you hurt him,” she said then turned around.

“You can’t do shit!” Kristin cursed.

Amanda laughed and left the apartment. She joined the rest of the girls in Rachel’s car. Rachel was crying again. She reached over and hugged her.

“You don’t need her,” she soothed. “You’ve got us, the boys, and Brian. That’s all you need.”

“Thanks,” Rachel said as she wiped her face. “God, I know I look like a big baby,” she said.

Amanda smiled and smoothed out Rachel’s hair. “We’ve all been through it. Come one, lets go eat,” she encouraged.

“I think I need a drink,” Rachel joked.

“I’ve got wine,” Nikki said with a grin.

“Oh, great, you two will get shit faced while Sarah and I watch.”

“Well, that’s what you get for getting knocked up,” Nikki joked.

Amanda reached to the backseat and smacked Nikki. “Bitch,” she said with a laugh.

Rachel couldn’t help but laugh as she drove down the road. She felt a huge weight off her shoulders. She knew she was safe, for now. Eventually, she knew the battle would continue, but for now, it had subsided.

Chapter 4

It was their last day in New York City; Nick decided to go shopping with Brian and A.J. He was still feeling a little down about the meeting at JIVE, but he promised himself he’d have a good time with the guys. He tried calling Kristin, but he got no answer on her phone. Nick was standing outside a store with the phone to his ear when A.J. came up to him and snatched it from him.

“You came with us to go shopping,” he said. “Stop calling your girl and join us,” he said with a grin.

“Sorry,” Nick said softly.

Brian put his arm around Nick’s shoulders. “Come on, man. They’ve got some cool stuff in here,” he said as he led Nick into the store with them.

Nick wandered around the store. It was all vintage style clothing. His eye caught a glimpse of a gold colored jacket. He pulled it off the rack and admired it. He was long like a trench coat and made out of real leather.

“Sweet jacket!” A.J. exclaimed.

Nick quickly pulled it away from him. “Mine,” he said. “I found it first.”

A.J. stared at him and laughed. “Good, God, man! Chill out!”

“Well, I did find it first. I want this jacket,” he said as he glanced at the price tag. “And it’s only fifty bucks! Right on!”

Brian walked over with a cowboy hat in his hand. He placed it on A.J,’s head. “Try this one,” he said.

A.J. glanced himself in the mirror. “Hey, this is hot!” he said. “Good work, B.”

Brian looked over at Nick, who was still staring at the jacket. “Did you find something?”

“Yeah, look at this jacket. It’s sweet as hell!”

Brian observed the jacket. “Try it on before you buy it,” he suggested.

Nick set down his backpack and slipped on the jacket. It fit him perfectly. He observed himself in the mirror and smirked.

“Oh, yeah,” he said. “This all me,” he said with a cocky smile.

Brian laughed and nodded. “Yes, that is you.”

“Check out these pants!” A.J. exclaimed.

Brian and Nick busted up laughing when they saw him holding up a pair of golf pants with green and yellow plaid. A.J. put the pants down and stared at them.

“What’s wrong with them?” he asked.

“You’re going to look like a giant Easter egg,” Nick said with a cackle. “But, in all seriousness, get them if you want.”

Brian walked away, still laughing. He covered his face and turned his back as he continued to laugh. A.J. pretended to pout and walked to the cash register with his pants.

“I’d like to pay for these and this hat,” A.J. said as he placed them on the counter.

“Twenty five dollar,” the cashier said as she put his stuff in a bag.

A.J. handed her a fifty and waited for his change. He glanced over by the window where Brian and Nick were looking at ties. Brian was putting on goofy ties and laughing at himself in the mirror. The cashier handed him his change and he made his way back over to them.

“What do you think about this tie?” Brian asked as he faced A.J.

A.J. laughed when he saw the tie. It was a Christmas tie that lit up and played music.

“Festive,” he said.

“I think it’s neat,” Brian said as he took it off. “I’m getting it.”

A.J. chuckled. “We come in here and all you’re going to buy is that tie? Man, you’re cheap,” he joked.

“It’s better to be cheap than careless,” Brian said with a grin. “And this isn’t the only thing I’m getting. I’m also getting this for Rachel,” he said as he held up a blue Care Bear. “She loves these,” he said as he headed to the cashier.

“Eight dollars,” the cashier said.

Brian handed her a ten and waited for his change. She bagged his stuff and he stepped out of the way so Nick could pay. The cashier scanned his jacket and placed it in a bag.

“Fifty two dollars,” she said.

Nick handed her a credit card out of his wallet. She swiped his car then looked up at him.

“It’s declining your card, Mr. Carter.”

Nick stared at her in confusion. “That’s impossible. There was almost a thousand dollars on that card. Try again, please?”

The cashier swiped it again and waited a moment. Nick heard the computer beep and she shook her head. He sighed in confusion then shrugged.

“It’s a new card, maybe it’s not activated yet,” he said as he handed her another card. “This one will work,” he said as he took the other one back.

“It worked,” she said with a smile and handed him the print out.

Nick signed it and handed her the merchant copy. “Thanks,” he said then quickly walked out of the store.

Brian was already outside with A.J., who was smoking a cigarette when Nick came flying out the door. Brian stared at him in shock.

“What’s with you?” he asked.

Nick balled his fists before spitting out what he had to say. “Guys, I swear to God if she spent all my money, I’m gonna lose it!” he shouted.

“What?” A.J. said as he put out his cigarette.

“Nick sighed and threw his bag down. “Before we left, I got a card in both our names. I wanted her to have some emergency money while I was gone. I just fucking opened that account six days ago and already it’s maxed out!”

Brian looked at him and shook his head. “Nick, why did you go and do that? Have you not learned anything?”

“Brian, I don’t need to hear this shit right now! If you’re just gonna stand there and criticize me then I don’t want to hear it! I’m in no mood!” he said as he grabbed his bag and started walking away.

“Where are you going?” A.J. asked, catching up to him.

“Back to the hotel,” he muttered. “I’m too pissed to do anything else.”

Nick held his hand out for a taxi and got in the first one that pulled up. “Double Tree hotel,” he muttered.

He felt his phone vibrate and pulled it out of his pocket. It was Kristin. Nick shoved the phone back in his pocket. He wasn’t ready to talk to her, but tomorrow was another day.

Chapter 5

Nick sat on the plane in silence. He hadn’t spoken to anyone since he got on board. Nick put on his headphones and cranked up the volume to his CD. He was in the middle of a jam session when he felt someone tap his shoulder. Nick opened his eyes and saw Kevin sitting next to him. He turned off his CD player and took off his headphones.

“What?” Nick said.

“You look like you’ve got something on your mind,” Kevin said softly.

“Yeah, so?”

“Well, you could try talking about it. Maybe you’ll come up with a solution,” Kevin said.

“Kevin, you wouldn’t understand,” he said with a sigh.

“Try me.”

Nick pressed his head against his seat. “I think Kristin’s using me,” he said.

“And what makes you think that?” he asked as he clasped his hands in his lap.

“Before we left, I got a credit card that we both could use. There was a thousand dollars on the account and she’s already maxed it. I found out when I was shopping with Brian and A.J. yesterday.”

“And how do you feel about that?”

“I’m fucking pissed as hell!” Nick said loudly.

Kevin shushed Nick. “You don’t have to shout. I can hear you just fine.”

“Sorry,” Nick mumbled. “I’m just so pissed off about this whole thing. I really thought she was different.”

“Well, why don’t you try talking to her?”

Nick shook his head. “I don’t think that’s going to work.”

“Why’s that?” Kevin asked curiously.

“She’s changed, Kev. She’s not the same person I met when we started dating. I don’t know what’s happened, but it’s like she’s turned into this whole other person. I don’t like it.”

“Well, then you should tell her that. Don’t be afraid to tell her how you feel, Nick. If this relationship has any chance of surviving, you’re going to have to talk to her with honesty.”

“You know, my dad told me this would happen.”

“He did?”

“Yeah, he told me the one way to tell if a woman was trustworthy was to put her in a position where she’d have to keep my trust. Well, I did that. I put her name on the credit card, trusting her to not take advantage of it. She failed that test,” Nick said with a sigh.

“All I can say is that you need to talk to her about it and take her name off the card. Simple as that. If you love her, you’ll learn how to forgive and start over on a clean slate.”

Nick nodded. “Thanks, Kev,” he said.

“Anytime,” Kevin said as he stood up. “I’m going back to my seat. We’re about to land,” he said.

Nick fastened his seatbelt and patiently waited for the plane to land. He felt a lump in his throat as the plane landed in Orlando. The boys got off the plane and went to the luggage claim. The girls were waiting for them. Nick felt his temper rise when he saw that Kristin wasn’t there. He angrily picked up his bag and walked over to Brian and Rachel.

“Hey, Nick!” Rachel said as she hugged him.

“Hey, Rach,” he said. “Um, would you mind giving me a ride? Apparently Kristin decided not to show.”

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Yeah, she’s, uh, been something else this week,” she muttered. “Anywho, yeah, we’ll take you home. No problem.”

“Thanks,” Nick said as he followed them out her car.

They arrived at his house and he let out a scoff of disbelief when he saw her car in his driveway.

“I can’t believe she was here the whole time,” he muttered. He threw his hands up in the air and sighed. “Whatever, but thank you for driving me home,” he said as he kissed Rachel’s cheek. “I’ll see you guys later,” he said as he climbed out of the car.

Nick grabbed his suitcase from Rachel’s trunk and went inside the house. Kristin was sitting on the couch going through shopping bags when he opened the door. He stared at her for a moment, not sure of what to do or say. Kristin smiled, ran up to him, and hugged him tight.

“Nicky!” she squealed. “I missed you!”

Nick stood there with his jaw clenched. She stepped back and looked at him.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Where were you?” he asked in a low tone.

“I was here,” she answered.

“You were supposed to pick me up from the airport. What happened?”

Kristin giggled. “Sorry, I lost track of time when I went to the mall. I’m sorry, honey,” she cooed. She started to kiss him, but he pushed her away. “What is your deal?” she said as she put her hands on her hips.

Nick walked over to the pile of bags and then looked back at her. “How did you buy all this?” he asked.

“With the card you gave me,” she said. “How else would I have gotten it?”

“That card was for emergencies,” he said calmly.

“Nick, I--”

Nick reached into one of the bags and pulled out several pairs of underwear. “You call this an emergency?!” he screamed.

“Nick, you don’t have to yell,” she said in a louder tone.

Nick picked up the bags and threw them across the room. Clothes spread out all over the living room. He stepped toward her and she slowly back up.

“I cannot believe you would do this to me!” he shouted. “I trusted you!” he said as he flung his arm back and knocked over a vase, causing it to shatter on the floor.

Kristin screamed and move quickly away from Nick. He continued to charge toward her and cornered her between the wall and a table.

“Nick, you’re scaring me! Please, stop!”

“How could you do this to me? What the fuck is wrong with you? What made you think you could get away with this?” he screamed in her face.

Kristin began to cry as Nick picked up a picture frame that contained their picture and threw it across the room. “That is what I feel you’ve done me right now,” he said in a lower tone. “You’ve lost my trust, Kristin. I don’t even know what to think about you right now,” he said then stormed upstairs to his office.

He plopped down in his chair and sighed. He could hear Kristin sobbing downstairs. Nick took deep breaths and stared at the wall. It was at that moment that he realized what he had done. He didn’t follow any of Kevin’s advice and instead, decided to scare her into a harsh reality. It wasn’t what he had intended to happen. He ran his fingers through his hair and went back downstairs. Kristin was still sitting in the same spot on the floor, crying uncontrollably. Nick timidly approached her and crouched down next to her. He gently placed his hand on her back. Kristin jumped and scooted away from him.

“Get away from me, Nick,” she sobbed.

“Baby, I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I love you,” he continued.

“No, you don’t,” she said.

“Kris, I am so sorry. You know I would never hurt you,” he said as he moved closer to her.

Kristin tried to pull away but Nick wrapped his arms around her. He pulled her closer to him and she finally stopped struggling and buried her head in his chest as she cried. Nick gently rocked her to quiet her sobs.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean it.”

Kristin looked up at him. Her eyes shone with tears. “Nick, I didn’t mean to make you mad,” she whispered.

Nick shook his head and kissed her. “Don’t worry about it, baby. It was just a misunderstanding. We’ll work it out. Don’t worry,” he said. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she replied.

Nick helped her off the floor. “Come on, lets clean up this mess,” he said with a sigh. “No, better yet. Why don’t you back to your place and I’ll call you. I need some time to think,” he said softly.

“But--”

Nick shushed her. “Please, baby? I’m not mad anymore. I just need some time alone.”

Kristin slowly nodded and made her way to the door. “I…I love you,” she said meekly as she opened the door and stepped outside.

Nick kissed her once more. “I love you too,” he said then shut the door.