Chapter 6:

 

Practice Makes Perfect

The Backstreet Boys watched with some trepidation as the crew harnessed the group up, each being checked individually for security. Kevin studied one of the crew members hefting the straps even tighter on Nick, then glanced over to Brian, knowing that his cousin was trying to act calm. He caught Brian’s eye and gave him a thumb’s up signal to which Brian replied with a half-hearted smile.

Nick, as usual, was excited. "This is so cool, huh Bri?"

"Yeah, cool," replied Brian in a monotone and Howie, who was standing next to him laughed at his friend’s discomfort. He slapped a comforting hand onto Brian’s shoulder and said, "Well, it wasn’t me who thought up this idea."

Nick caught Brian’s accusing glare and made a face back at him. "Hey, when I told you about it, you said it sounded great."

Brian sighed. Nick, visiting friends in Phoenix, had gone to see a Phoenix Suns basketball game. During half-time the Suns’ mascot, a gorilla, had repelled down from the ceiling and slammed dunked a basketball into the net below. The crowd went wild and so had Nick. The thought of doing the same thing for the opening act appealed to Kevin, Howie, and AJ, so Brian agreed, happy to be rid of the flying boards. The guys had discussed what costumes to wear; Kevin wanted spy clothing, AJ voted for gangster. Howie suggested Nick’s comic book characters and everyone approved.

Now, in dress rehearsal, Brian wasn’t so sure. He glanced at his own costume, then the others. "I look ridiculous," he stated flatly.

AJ, the last one being adjusted, nodded. "Yeah, you do. I, on the other hand, look awesome. By the way Nick, thanks."

"What for?"

"For making me so true-to-life." AJ glanced down at his over-stuffed hero costume, especially the crotch area.

They all laughed, complimenting each other in lewd terms. A bull-horn interrupted, the stage manager instructing them to get set for the first jump. Up on the catwalk, they waited as the crew adjusted their rigging one more time. It was a tight fit with all them up there.

"I say we let Brian go first," teased Howie.

"Naw," drawled Kevin, "he’s too busy praying right now."

Brian’s eyes had been closed, but he opened them quickly.

"Screw you, guys."

"Oooohhh…" they said, mockingly.

"I’ll go first," volunteered Nick.

"Good," said AJ. "If you fall, I’ll have something large to land on."

"No way, super-freak!" retorted Nick. "Watch this! Three point landing." He jumped and all four leaned over to watch as he made the perfect touchdown. Nick looked up, pumping his fist into the air as the guys cheered.

"Damn," said Howie, admiringly. "My turn."

One after another completed the jump, with Brian landing last. AJ came up to Brian, grabbed his shoulders and gave him a small push of congratulations and high-fived him.

Brian, his face flushed, looked up toward the ceiling, then closed his eyes in resignation.

"It’s gonna be a long tour," he sighed and the rest laughed.

***

 

 

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