Chapter 65:

 

Leaving on a Jet Plane

The wind whipping in their faces, Nick threw Howie a grin as they ran onto the tarmac, past the attendants who were loading their suitcases. Backstreet Management had surprised them, chartering a Gulfstream for their convenience due to the mad holiday rush. Kevin grunted in reply when informed, saying he thought the gift of chocolates had seemed pretty second-rate on management's part. Eyeing the sleek plane, Kevin nodded his approval. This definitely made up for it as he high-fived AJ, eager to climb aboard.

Xavier had driven them all to the airport and was now patiently waiting for them to board. Howie went first, followed by Nick. AJ jogged up the stairs then turned, sure he heard his name being yelled above the noise on the runway. He saw Brian shout something to Kevin, then Kevin holler something back, grabbing his cousin's arm to give it a rough shake. Unable to hear what was going on, but knowing it wasn't good, AJ gritted his teeth and hurried back down the steps. As he got closer he caught Kevin screaming "Come on!" with Brian forcefully shaking his head. Frustrated, Kevin turned as AJ grasped the older singer by his shoulder, giving him a questioning look.

"Brian's not coming!" Kevin shouted, obviously enraged.

"What?"

AJ glared at Brian. He was so close, so close to going home, and now this.

"Go on!" yelled Brian, indicating them to leave with a wave of his hand. "I'm not going home."

"Dammit, Brian, why?" argued AJ, glancing up to see Xavier standing close.

Brian shook his head again. "I've got other plans," he said vaguely.

"More important than family?" yelled Kevin angrily. Brian shrugged, not answering. Kevin threw his hands up, way beyond pissed at his cousin. "Let's go!" he cried to AJ, "forget him!" Kevin walked furiously towards the plane, noticing the curious stares of Nick and Howie peering through the jet's windows.

AJ stood where he was, livid that Brian was able to screw things up, even at the very last moment. Kevin would now have to bear the brunt of his vacation time trying to explain to everyone back home about Brian's bizarre decision. AJ glared at him for a moment, hoping that Brian could read the contempt in his eyes. Disgusted, AJ turned away and headed back to the plane, stopping at the base of the stair ramp to glance once more at him. Brian stood there head bowed, hands in pockets, looking dejected. Xavier came up from behind, bringing his hands down firmly onto Brian's shoulders, shaking him as if to say "let's go." AJ noticed Brian shudder, a quick look of anger, disgust, and panic all rolled into one. Brian's eyes met AJ's briefly then he quickly turned away, following after the large bodyguard. AJ stood frozen to the spot, suddenly remembering where he had seen Brian's look of loathing before. He gripped the stair rail tightly, watching uneasily as Xavier and Brian walk back into the terminal, merging with the crowd, until they finally disappeared.

***

 

 

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