Chapter 7
“KEVIN!” Kevin woke suddenly, thanks to his brother Joe jumping on the bed next to him.
“God, Joe, what is it?” He couldn’t understand, but Kevin felt a sense of loss now that he was awake.
“Mom, Dad and Frankie are coming by. Dad’s got some news about the upcoming tour. If you’re still in bed when they get here, Mom’s gonna worry.” Joe jumped off the bed and casually left the room.
“Any questions?” Kevin Sr. concluded. Apparently no one did.
After the meeting had dispersed, Nisha pulled Joe into the kitchen.
“What’s up?”
“Make sure Kevin isn’t thinking about asking Mona to go on tour.”
“Why would he do that? He hardly knows her.”
“You hardly knew me and I went on tour with you guys. And she will try to convince him. And she can do it. Talk to your dad. Tell him you don’t like her if Kevin brings it up. Tell him you’ll leave me behind and Nick will leave Zee here.”
“But I WANT you with me!”
“Think of it this way…if we all go, Mona might tag along, and there’s not much Zee and I can do while we’re in the public eye. If we go, we could lose Kevin… PERMANENTLY.”
“Alright. I will talk to dad.” He paused. “What about Nick and Zee?”
“Zee’s talking to Nick right now. We planned this out already. While you boys are on tour, Zee and I are gonna attempt to track Mona down. Pari will continue trying to break Mona’s hold on him.”
“Alright, what do Nick and I do?”
“Talk to him, be there for him, listen to him.”
“That’s it? I want a cooler assignment than that, Commander.” Joe pouted. Nisha growled and flicked his forehead. “Ouch!” Joe immediately reached up to rub his sore spot.
“This isn’t a movie or some silly story for you to act crazy. This is REAL. Your brother’s life is on the line. Act like an adult, ok?”
“Fine.” Joe pouted, but then grinned. “Man, all this Kevin craziness has totally made our announcement slip my mind.”
“Joe, are you sure your parents are going to be ok with that? I mean…” Joe cut her off and grabbed her hand, dragging her back out to where everyone but Nick and Zee were still sitting.
“Mom, Dad. I know you both know Nisha and I have been dating for a few years now. I want you both to know that I have proposed to her, and she said yes. Now, we’re not wanting to rush into anything yet, but we’re just making the commitment.” Nisha looked back and forth between Mr. and Mrs. Jonas to determine what their reaction to this news would be.
