When Kassie said that the evening before was our last hurrah, she wasn’t kidding.  After a 7:00 a.m. wake up call, both of us pulled ourselves together and headed downstairs where a bus picked us up and took us to the rehearsal facility.  I was mesmerized by the flurry of activity.  When you see a concert sitting in the venue, you have no idea of the production that goes into it.  Behind the scenes was a different story.  The roadie’s and sound guys were working on the stage area, the makeup and hair people were having a meeting, the sound guys were going over the set list, the catering people reviewing menus.  Kassie led me to the back corner of a large room.  There were several racks of clothing and a couple tables laid out with several outfits laid across them.

I saw a very stern looking older woman looking over some drawings.  I assumed this to be the dreaded Ms. Helga so I walked over to introduce myself.  “You must be Whitney,” she said glancing over her dark, horn-rimmed glasses to give me a once over.

“I am,” I said extending my hand to her.  She had a very firm handshake. 

“It’s nice to meet you, we’re so glad you’re here,” she said in a thick German accent.  “Mariana Marin and I go very far back, farther than I would care to admit,” she laughed.  As stern as she seemed, I sensed that we would get along fine.  “Here are the costumes for the show,” she said motioning to a several racks of clothing.  “The drawings are over there, take a look and see what you think,” she smiled.  “Mariana said you had a flair for the dramatic…” she said waving her hand in the air. 

I went over and began looking at the designs and comparing them to the drawings.  For the most part, they were extremely well-designed, however, they were exactly alike.  They didn’t account for any of their individual personalities.  Ms. Helga walked over and was standing behind me as I examined everything.  “These are great, but I think they need some embellishment…we need to bring out the guys individual personalities, but still stay cohesive…” I said.

She nodded.  “I was hoping that was exactly what you would say!  Think you can accomplish that by around 4:00 p.m. tomorrow?  We’re doing two dress rehearsals - full run through’s tomorrow night.  Final costumes need to be designed by then”. 

“It looks like there are four costume changes, so 20 costumes.  If you can give me 2 hours to draw, I can get moving.  I’m going to have to have some help with the sewing though.” I said.  I was hoping I wasn’t being over ambitious.  If I didn’t pull this off it would be a disaster.

“I’m in,” said Kassie coming up behind me.  She introduced me to two other girls on the team who nodded in agreement.

Ms. Helga motioned over to a man who was observing the sound crew.  “Jared, this is Whitney, the intern I was telling you about.  She’s got some ideas for how to enhance the wardrobe.  I want her to meet with each of the boys to get an idea about their individual personalities. Do they have time right now?” she asked.  I didn’t feel the need to mention that I had met Nick and A.J. the night before.   I didn’t want her to think that I was just there to party.  Jared spoke into a walkie talkie and within 5 minutes, the boys had arrived in our area.

A.J. and Nick had the sense to act like we hadn’t met before.  I was quickly introduced to Howie, Kevin and Brian.  I took out the outfits one by one and went over them with them.  The first were casual outfits, the next suits, followed by black jeans with black leather jackets, and ending up for the grand finale in Orlando Magic basketball jersey’s and jeans.

“I don’t think the grand finale outfits are going to require too many changes,” I said as I looked everything over.  “That can be accomplished more with accessories,” I said. 

“We’ve been trying to do this for years,” Kevin said as Brian nodded.

“It’s not really rocket science…” I laughed.  “It’s obvious you have very different personalities and I’ve only known you all a few minutes.  A.J. you’re obviously the bad boy of the group,” I winked at him.  “You need something edgy and rock and roll.  Kevin, I’m getting a preppy vibe off of you,” I said as Nick and Brian snickered.  Kevin looked annoyed, at them – not at me.  “Howie, you’re the classy one, right?” I said as he beamed.  “Brian, definitely the jock – athletic, right?” A.J. and Kevin nodded.  “…and finally, Nick – hmmmm,” I said scratching my chin as I grinned at him.  He winked at me and gave me a huge grin.  “You are a bit of an anamoly…” I smiled.

“Don’t scare him with those big words,” Brian laughed. 

“Okay, okay…” I said.  “In all seriousness, I’m sensing some sort of hip-hoppy, athletic thing going on here.  Don’t worry, I got you!” I shyly smiled at him as I patted him on the shoulder.  Just touching him, my heart started to race.

The guys continued kidding around with each other until Jared came over and ushered them back to rehearsal.  Nick looked at me as he walked away and blew me a kiss. “Don’t let me down, Whitney…” he flashed that killer grin.  “Come on, Romeo…” A.J. said as he pulled him away.  I turned around and took a deep breath, my cheeks blushing.  Time for business I thought to myself. 

I found a quiet corner and began to sketch.  Sketching designs was cathartic for me.  The initial designs were already completed, so I was just adding embellishing.  A few hours later, I put the finishing touches on them and brought them over to Helga.  She looked over them for a few minutes.  I heard a couple of “hmmms…” saw a couple head nods, and then she looked over her glasses at me.  “Very nice, my dear, very nice,” she smiled in approval.  I let out a huge sigh.  “We can have a driver run you and a couple of girls downtown, there’s an account at the fabric store, buy what you need.”  She wrote down a number that almost caused my eyes to pop out of my head.  Apparently money wasn’t an issue around here.

“I need to make some style changes, as well, but I think most of that stuff can come right out of their own closets.” I explained.  I grabbed Kassie and two other girls and we were on our way.  When I was on a mission, it didn’t take me long to do what I needed to do.  We made it downtown in about 30 minutes.  In 45 minutes I spent  over $3,000 and we were on our way back.  After we got back to the rehearsal facility I spread everyone out with the designs and we got to work.  By this point, it was around 1:00 p.m.  The music from the guys rehearsing provided a calm backdrop.  I was surprised that I recognized most of the songs.  Guess I was more of a fan than I thought.

Around 7:00 p.m., the place had all but cleared out.  Ms. Helga had tried to encourage me to leave, but I had shrugged her off. I was able to concentrate better without anyone around.  I worked intensely over the next several hours, completely losing track of time.  My fingers were almost numb, my eyes were almost crossed, but with the exception of a few odds and ends – it was done.  I was so proud of myself.  I had actually altered the looks rather dramatically.  I had taken a leather jacket of A.J.’s and completely distressed the fabric giving it an old rock ‘n roll vintage feel, I had tailored one of Howie’s suits thinning out the lapels for a more refined look.  With Nick’s stuff, I had put some strategically placed rips in a pair of his jeans, studded one of his shirts, added some embellishments to another pair of pants.  A.J was so easy – some jeweled skull and crossbones, some studding on his collars.  All in all, not bad for 12 hours worth of work.

I glanced down at my cell phone and was surprised to see that it was after midnight.  I began to pack up my stuff so that it wouldn’t be all over the place in the morning.  I had been concentrating so hard, I didn’t realize how creepy the place had gotten.  I had about four lights on, but for the most part the place was pretty dim.  As I was folding some excess fabric, I thought I heard the slam of the large door.  I paused for a second but not hearing anything else, resumed cleaning the space. 

All of a sudden, I heard the distinct sound of footsteps.  I wasn’t able to see the door from where I was standing so I had no idea who it was.  I cursed myself for not following the last person out and locking the door behind them.  This damn place was right in the middle of downtown LA.  My heart was beating so loud in my chest I thought it was going to explode.  I picked up the closest thing I could find which happened to be my fabric shears.  The footsteps got louder, indicating whoever it was getting closer and closer.

I raised the shears over my head.  No one was going to mess with me.  As I heard the footsteps coming around the corner, I screamed.  “WHOEVER YOU ARE STOP!!  I HAVE KNIFE!”. 

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,” I heard a male voice scream as loud as he could.  I was screaming too. “Don’t….” I  heard someone scream.  It takes me a second to realize it as Nick.

“NICK!!  What the HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!  I almost stabbed you!” I said trying to catch my breath.  “That SO would not have been good for the tour.”  I tried to catch my breath.  Nick slowly stepped forward and gingerly removed the shears from my hand.  I saw him put them pretty far away from where I was standing.

“Whitney!!” he said with a sly grin on his face.  “Didn’t you hear me yell your name when I walked in?” I shook my head.  “I’m really sorry…” he said.  “I didn’t mean to scare you.” 

“It’s okay.  I really didn’t hear you.  Sorry I almost stabbed you.” I said running my hands through my hair and over my face.  I had almost stabbed Nick Carter.  Only me. 

“What ARE you doing here,” I asked him again.

“I was hanging out in A.J.’s room watching some shit with him when Kassie showed up around 11.  I asked her where you were and she said she’d left here around 7 or so and you hadn’t made it back to the room yet.  I wanted to come over and check on you, and quite frankly NOT sit around and watch those two make out.  Look,” he said holding up a bag, I even brought you snacks!” he said with the cutest grin on his face.

“You’re sweet,” I said.  “But you didn’t have to do that…” I began packing the rest of my stuff up.  Nick raised both hands in the air when I grabbed my shears.

“Har har,” I said sarcastically, although I laughed to show him I was kidding.  The familiar blush was creeping up in my cheeks again. 

“So,” said Nick as he started pulling things out of his bag.  “I wasn’t sure if you were pulling an all nighter, so I brought caffeine.  You look like a cherry coke girl, not sure why, you just do.” I smiled to myself.  He pegged it, I couldn’t go a day without a cherry coke.  He started pulling other things out of the bag.  “Sorry, the only thing I could find open was the Kwik-E mart down the street,” he said as he put all kinds of junk food on the table.  Hoho’s, Zingers, Dorito’s, M & M’s - ugh, I thought looking at all the junk food.  Workout tomorrow. 

“Breakfast of champions, I see…” I said grabbing a pack of Zingers.  Nick started chowing down on a bag of chips.

He walked over to a rack of clothes and started to look.  “Wow, these are awesome, Whitney” he said as he started rifling through them.  “We’ve been trying to get something like this done for years, and you come in and do it in a day…” He pulled out a pair of jeans from his rack that I had distressed and ripped.  “I really like them,” he said looking over at me.

“Thanks!” I smiled. “I hope the other guys feel the same.”  I felt very at ease around Nick.  I knew I had to keep my guard up though.  You’d have to have lived in a cave to not know his reputation.  “I was actually getting ready to head back, I was just going to catch a cab or whatever but can I ride with you?” I asked him.

“Where the hell did you think you were going to find a cab around this area at 1:00 in the morning,” he laughed at me.

“I’m from New York,” I said.  “Cabs are everywhere, now actually getting one to stop is another story.”  I began to finish packing everything up.  I organized all the outfits again after Nick had gone through them.  I didn’t even realize he had walked away until I heard him on the microphone.

“Check1 2, check 1 2,” I heard him say through the microphone.  I looked up and saw him standing on the mock stage.  He looked at me and began singing a cappella

Don't pretend you're sorry
I know you're not
You know you got the power
To make me weak inside

Girl you leave me breathless
But it's okay 'cause
You are my survival
Now hear me say

He started goofing off with the verses and I could tell he was imitating whichever of the guys had each part of the song. He made me laugh.  He was really cute. Finally, when it came to his part he pointed right at me and started singing.  I couldn’t help notice what a natural performer he was.  I let myself enjoy the moment.

I can't imagine life
Without your love
Even forever don't seem
Like long enough

When he was done, I clapped my hands.  “Okay, nooooooooow I see what all the hype is about,” I said to him teasingly.  “You really are amazing.   I can’t believe I’m telling you this, but I wasn’t really thrilled about this internship.  I kind of wanted to go to Paris and work for Versace.”

“Verace?” Nick said in mock horror.  “What could they have that we don’t have.” He winked at me.

I was still standing on the floor looking up at him on the stage.  “I just wanted you to know, that I’m glad this is what I’m doing.” I said shyly.  “In all seriousness, you really are amazing up there.  I can’t wait to see the show opening night, at least what I’ll be able to see from under the stage,” I laughed.

“How about a little preview?” he smiled.  “We’re opening with ‘Everybody’,” he said as he began to do the choreographed dance moves.  He stopped in mid move pointed his finger at me and beckoned me up on stage.

“Oh, no…” I said shaking my head.  “That’s your job, I’ll just stay right down here…” I said backing up towards the wardrobe area again.

“Nah, seriously Whitney, come up here for just a second…I don’t bite,” he grinned.  Somehow I doubted that.  Giving in, I walked up on the stage.  He started dancing again, singing as he danced.  He moved up behind me and placed his arm around my waist.

“Everybody….” He whispered in my ear.  “Rock your body…” he moved up behind me and gently pulled me back into him.  I couldn’t help but notice how nicely he fit.  At the same time, I felt entirely comfortable with him, but flushed all over.  His touch was electric. He began to sway with me as he started to sing softly again.  “Am I original…yeah,” Taking my hand, he swung me out, but I wasn’t expecting it.  Instead of holding on to his hand so he could pull me back, I let go and stumbled backwards landing hard on my ass.

“So sorry!” he said rushing over to me.  I had flown halfway across the stage.  I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Told you I belonged in the wardrobe area,” I laughed.  “I’ll leave the dancing to the experts.”

“Well, maybe next time we’ll have to dance to a slower song,” he smiled as he offered me his hand.  I took it and he started to slowly pull me up.  When I got about three quarters of the way up, he tugged pulling me so hard I stumbled forward right into his arms.

“Well…isn’t this convenient,” he said as I looked up at him.  I caught my breath as I saw his lips slowly descend upon mine. Immediately a battle between my heart and my head commenced.  My heart won as my lips parted and allowed his tongue to gently explore my mouth. As his hands encircled my waist, pulling me closer, I wrapped my arms around his neck, moving my fingers through his short, silky hair.  The kiss seemed to go on forever growing more and more demanding.  As Nick’s hands began to roam down my hips, I finally came to my senses, pulling away.  I leaned my forehead into his chest and took a deep breath.  My lips felt like they were on fire.

I heard him sigh as he gently kissed the top of my head, “that bad, huh?” he chuckled.  His chest still heaving.

I leaned back and looked him in the eye.  Giving him a shy smile, I said “not at all, Nick, it’s just…” I trailed off.

“Just what?” he asked genuinely confused.

My mind was a jumble of emotions.  I have always felt like honesty was the best policy so I just let the words come tumbling out. “It’s just…I’ve literally known you less than 24 hours, Nick…I tried to tell you last  night, I’m not just a roll in the hay.  Come on, you have to know I read the internet.  I know you, well you…” How do you look a guy in the eyes and tell him you know he’s a manwhore? You can’t.  But more words just came rambling out of my mouth. “…and, I’m here to work and if something happens and it ends badly.  You’re almost like my boss, and…well”.

“Good lord, girl…” Nick said putting a finger over my lips to shush me. “Okay, I get it.  ..and I know I’ve only known you 24 hours, but in those 24 hours I have not been able to get you off my mind for longer than 30 seconds.  Kevin was so pissed today because all during rehearsals I kept looking over there for you..” he said motioning towards the wardrobe department.

“…and that kiss,” he said.  “You can’t deny that was hot, we both felt something.” I nodded in agreement.  “Look,” he said taking my hand and walking over to the edge of the stage.  He sat down and pulled me down on his lap.  “Let’s just see where this goes.” he said as he stroked my cheek.  “I can’t say it’s going to be easy.  I can’t REALLY ask you out on a real date – like out to dinner or anything because once this tour starts it’s going to get crazy.  We’ll never be able to go out to dinner, or see a movie or anything unless there’s a day off….” I nodded in agreement.  “So let’s just see where it leads us, okay?” He leaned over and gently kissed me on the lips. 

“Okay…” I said smiling at him.  I rolled off of him as he stood up.

“With that said, let’s get out of here…” he offered me his hand and pulled me up.  Our fingers entwined as he led me outside to the car for the trip back to the hotel.  Walking in at close to 2:00 a.m. it seemed a lot calmer than the night before.  Not as many fans.  As we got in the elevator he pulled me into his arms as I hit the button for my floor.  He nuzzled my neck as he murmured, “I had a really nice time tonight, Whitney,” he pulled back and looked me in they eyes.

“So did I,” I said, hearing the door open for my floor.  Nick put his foot in front, to stop the door from closing. 

He kissed me softly and whispered, “sweet dreams,” as I pulled myself away from  him.  “Night, baby,” he said as the elevator door shut.  I blew him a kiss. 

I leaned up against the wall and composed myself.  I had no idea if Kassie was in the room or not, but if she was, I didn’t want to wake her.  I slipped the key in the door as quietly as I could and tiptoed in.  I pulled my shirt off and put my pajamas on as best as I could in the dark.  I heard Kassie’s steady breathing, so I knew I wasn’t alone.  I tiptoed to the bed so I wouldn’t wake her, but as soon as I got in my bed I heard her sit up.

“Did Nick find you?” she asked still groggy.

“Yes,” I whispered, “sorry to wake you up.”

“No, it’s fine,” she said, looking over at me.  “Soooooo,” she grinned, “anything happen?  Did he try and get you in the sack?”

“Nope” I said, letting out a sigh.  “He did kiss me though…”

“He just kissed you?  He didn’t try and sleep with you” she said laying back down

“No,” I replied.  “He was a perfect gentleman”

“Well, if that’s the case, Carter must REALLY be smitten…” she rolled back over.  I laid in bed and listened to her breathing get steady again.

Smitten, huh?  I thought to myself as I laid down and closed my eyes and drifted off into those sweet dreams that Nick had wished for me.  Maybe this was going to be fun after all.