History

Chapter 21

“Today’s the day.” Kevin said to himself when he woke up and opened his eyes. That night, the Backstreet Boys were going to officially announce he was back in the group. Part of him wanted to be at the show in London where they were announcing it, but he felt like it was jinxing things. Kristin was even surprised he chose to stay home and watch the concert being streamed online. 

“Are you nervous?” Kristin asked from her position next to him in the bed. She leaned over and kissed his shoulder, before nuzzling into his arm.

“Kind of. I mean, I’m sure the fans will be happy about it but I am still nervous. You think the guys are nervous too?” 

“I’m sure they are. Did you and Nick ever get things out in the open? You told me that you and him talked but you didn’t really say a whole lot.” Kristin said, getting out of the bed and putting on her bathrobe. Kevin got up as well. 

“We did, I don’t think I need to worry about Nick and I anymore. He’s doing okay, since his sister passed by the way. I talked to him last night. We’ve been having chats a couple of times a week or when he feels that he needs to talk to someone. It’s been great for the both of us.” 

“That’s wonderful. I’m glad he has the four of you to help him. Let’s go eat. We have plenty of time before the live stream tonight, that is if you want to watch it live.” Kristin said, waving for Kevin to follow her to the kitchen. Kevin smiled at her. He wondered how he ever got so lucky. 

“You look deep in thought.” Brian pointed out when he saw Nick staring off into space that night. Nick had been pretty quiet all day. 

“Just thinking about the announcement tonight. I wish Kevin was here with us."

"I wish he was here too, but I can see why he didn't come. He's been so nervous about all of this that he almost backed out from coming back a couple of times." Brian chuckled. Nick looked at him in surprise and felt bad because he was sure that he was the reason Kevin felt that way. 

"I had no idea," he said softly. 

"Nick, I know what you're thinking and it's not just you. He was nervous to even talk to all of us about wanting to come back. Think about it. He's been gone six years and he's getting thrown back into things again. It's going to be very different for him now." Brian explained. Nick knew that Brian was right, he thought of how things were when they’d taken a break after Black and Blue and how nervous everyone was about how Never Gone was going to be. They were all worried about how the public would react, how things were going to be because everything had changed. They didn’t know at the time that it was their last tour with Kevin but things were definitely strained during that time on the road. Going into Unbreakable wasn’t any different, especially without Kevin. It was a huge adjustment for all of them. So Nick decided made a point that when Kevin was with them again to make him feel as welcome as possible. He decided to put aside his uneasiness about everything and help with the transition. 

“Everything okay in here, fellas?” AJ asked brightly as he walked into the dressing room. 

“Yeah, Nick and I were just wishing Kevin was here for his announcement.” Brian replied. 

“He told me last night he was going to watch from home with Kristin and Mason.” Nick said, thinking about their conversation the night before. 

“I know, I tried to convince him last week, but he wouldn’t have it. He said he’d jinx things if he was here.” AJ said, drinking from the cup of coffee he had in his hand. 

“I’m sure he’s just being nervous about nothing, as usual.” Howie chuckled from behind them. 

Nick smiled at the others, he wished Kevin was here but he knew there was a good reason behind his decision to not be in London. He couldn’t wait to get this over with and just tell the world he was back.