Forever

Part 24

Nick finished his sound check, and was sitting on the edge of the stage, waiting for his crew to pack up so they could leave. He didn't hear Ann approach him, only noticing her when she sat beside him.

"Hey, Nick" she said.

"Ann, come on" he groaned.

She put a hand on his arm, stopping him. "No, wait, listen. I want to apologize to you, and your girl".

He looked at her, surprised, but said nothing.

"Seriously, Nick. I was hurt when you showed up with her out of the blue. I was jealous. I wasn't over you, and I acted like a bitch. I'm sorry". 

He nodded. "I appreciate that". She looked at him expectantly. He sighed and continued. "I'm sorry for the things I said too. You're a good girl. I shouldn't have acted like you were just a random girl I hooked up with". 

She smiled warmly at him, putting a hand on his arm. "Thank you. That means the world to me". She stood, gently touching the back of his head before walking away. 

He looked back at her, thoughtfully. "Hey, Ann?" he called.

She turned back to him, smiling. He went to her. "I should tell you. I asked Sarah to marry me".

Her smile faltered. "Oh....so soon?".

He shrugged, feeling bad. "I love her, Ann. I just wanted you to hear it from me, not some website out there. I owe you that".

She nodded, not making eye contact, scared she'd cry if she did. She still loved him deeply, and, although she knew he moved on, it hurt to know he'd moved on so quickly. She squeezed his arm, walking away. 

He sighed, watching her go, before pulling out his phone to call Sarah. "Hey baby", he said when she answered.

She could hear in his voice that he was upset. "What happened?".

He chuckled. She knew him so well. "Nada, mami. Just calling to say hi". 

"Spill it, baby".

He sat back down at the edge of the stage. "I talked to Ann today. Just now".

"Ok?". He could hear the annoyance in her voice.

"She apologized. To both of us".

"She didn't apologize to me. I've never had a conversation with the girl. She did all that conniving and shit talking without ever speaking to me or knowing anything about me or us".

"Baby, can you just listen to me?"

She huffed. "Fine. Go ahead".

"She's hurting. I told her I asked you to marry me. She knows the deal. She was humble enough to come to me and apologize - to both of us - and admit she was acting bitchy and jealous. I think we should take if for face value and let it go. We're here on the tour. It shouldn't be uncomfortable for any of us".

"She loves you", Sarah said softly. 

"Not anymore" he answered quickly, "but, yes, she did". 

"And you? Did you love her?"

"No", he answered without hesitation. 

She sighed. "I don't know, baby. I'm glad you found some kind of peace with each other, but I don't trust her". 

"I get you. I do. I just wanted to let you know that things are good between her and I now. That she knows she was wrong and she's not a problem anymore". When she didn't answer, he continued. "What's in that pretty head of yours?".

"I'm ok, baby", she said, sweetly. "Thank you for telling me".

"Of course", he answered. "You're the only one who matters".

"I love you".

"I love you too, mami. What are you up to today?"

"I don't know. Maybe go drown my sorrows with the girls tonight?".

"Again?". She had been going out every night since he left. 

"I don't like being in the house alone", she admitted. "It's so big. I get scared".

"Pepito's not taking care of you?".

She burst out laughing. "What the hell is this little furball going to do?".

"Sooo....why not invite the girls to stay for a bit? They can give you input on your wedding planning...hint hint".

He could hear a smile in her voice.  "Wedding plans, wedding plans, wedding plans!", she teased. "We're not getting married tomorrow, baby. We have time!".

"Just, stay home tonight, ok? Have the girls over if you want, but I don't want you to get used to partying every night".

"Ok, baby, I'll have a little pajama jam at home"

"Sexy underwear, pillow fights, all that?".

"Naked pillow fights".

"Mmm, mami. I may have to sneak up to your window and peek in".

"You perv".

He burst out laughing. "K, mami, I just wanted to let you know what's up. I'm going to get something to eat before the show".

"Thank you, baby. I'm glad you told me. I love you".

"I love you too. Bye, mami".

He hung up with her, joining up with the crew to head back to the hotel. He went back to his room to get changed, then headed to Valentino's room, where everyone was hanging out. Ann was there too. He gave her a small smile before moving to where the food was set up. He filled a plate and sat on one of the beds, digging into his food. He had a drink with the boys then excused himself. He was tired and wanted to take a nap before the show. He saw Ann wave bye, waving back to her before leaving the room to head back to his own.