My brother's bands had finally hit the big time, and were opening for the Backstreet Boys tour, not their ideal job, but it paid the bills. I was working as the road manager for the band, so I was spending a lot of time backstage getting my guys ready to perform, making sure everything went smoothly. "2 minutes" someone called to us, and we had our last minute prayer, and chat, then kissing my guys on the cheek, I sent them on. As I watch them head for the stage, I hear someone behind me say "Hey, don't you think you forgot to kiss someone for good luck?" I turn around, and standing there is Howie, with a big grin on his face. "I don't believe we've met," he says to me "I'm Howie." Quickly recover from the shock, and offer my hand "I'm Alyssia, but everyone calls me Dee Dee."
"Nice to meet you Dee Dee" he replies "I'll have to ask you why you have that nickname, but right now I've got to get ready for my performance."
"I was very nice meeting you too Howie" I reply, trying to keep my voice calm, even though my heart is racing. Howie heads for his dressing room.
As my brother's band was beginning their last song, the Backstreet Boys gathered backstage, and Howie introduced me to Nick, AJ, Brian, and Kevin. (Boy was I nervous) Then he asked me whether I would be around later, so he could ask me more about my nickname. I told him I'd have to get the boys back to their hotel, but I'd be free to chat afterwards. He said he'd meet me at the bar in my hotel at around 12am. Then he left to go onstage.