What Happens on the Cruise

26. Colder Weather

We're rehearsing the new tune and Nick stopped by. Gosh darn it, he's pretty!

***

After paying Joe Caigoy back for the donuts he'd bought, Adam sat next to his brother and leaned close to him, dropping his voice. "Hey, would it be possible for you to maybe spend the night in Rob's room? I'd like some privacy for a longer call with Ericha tonight."

"Oh, one of those calls?" Chris asked.

Adam nodded.

"Sure. Shouldn't be a problem."

Austin and Tim walked in holding hands. They were greeted by a number of people. Adam was amused to note that they both seemed to be more popular with the ladies now that they were fairly obviously together. He wondered if that would change if it was known they were bi rather than gay. They both got a couple donuts and polished them off quickly before visiting the makeup table.

"Gotta get my face on," Adam said, standing up.

There was a moment's awkwardness as he joined his two bandmates. He was very much aware that he hadn't just caught them in a moment of intimacy, but had stood there and stared at them till Tim had snapped him out of his paralysis.

"Hey, man," Austin greeted him. "Good donuts."

"Yeah, thanks for getting them," Tim added.

"They do look really good," the girl working on Austin's face said.

"After you're done here, go get you some. There's plenty," Austin offered.

"Really? You country boys are always so sweet. I love working with you," she commented.

"We gotta take care of the people that make us look good."

"True that." She laughed. "Okay, no more talking. I need to do your lips."

***

After Nick had revealed their judges' choice song, they'd spent an hour getting an initial arrangement together. Chris had a lot of experience doing so quickly from years in his church's worship band followed by years of working with Home Free. They'd spend the week tweaking it, but it was coming together rather well as they headed into choreo.

Austin was glad to see he was sitting for portions of the opening number. While his ankle was feeling a lot better after having iced it both the night before and this morning -- not to mention the endorphin rush from his lovemaking session with Tim -- it was still tender and bruising whenever he spent the day on it.

***

"Oh, I love it," Kelsey exclaimed after they'd sung their initial rendition of their song to her.

The table was cluttered with mostly empty dishes. Tim had insisted on ordering several different items and cutting them into pieces so they all could try them. Austin picked up one of the tostones and popped it his mouth. He wasn't really hungry, but the twice-fried plantains were irresistible.

"We thought it was about time to give Rob a lead," Tim said.

Kelsey leaned over and dropped a kiss on her fiance's cheek. "I'm sure you'll be perfect."

Rob smiled, then looked at his watch. "As much as I'd like to stay here, we're due for a taping. Not to mention we need to get out of here before Austin makes himself sick on those things."

"They're always so good," Austin confessed. "It's like Southern food meets the Caribbean."

Tim took his hand before he could grab another. "Definitely time to go." He turned to Kelsey. "Kels, always good to see you."