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Blimen' Gorgeous - Nicholas Byrne
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1.  Blimen' Gorgeous

"So, Nicholas, how's the solo career going? When's your single out?" Shane said, sneering. We were both at a lunchtime launch for some new Irish Store.
"Better than expected, Shane, Single out in a few weeks." Nicholas said, with a smile.
"You know, you'll just go like Kian and Mark, be Top of The Flops." Shane said, laughing.
"Oh, you sure of that are you? where did your solo effort get to?" Nicholas asked.
"#5 to be precise, Kian and Mark's effort didn't even make the top 50. So I think you'll be looking for a new career!"
"Well, we'll see when its released."

Nicholas was tired of Shane's catty remarks, just because he was the only one so far to get into the top 10 with their debut solo single. Well the public were about to get the last of the WL lads in a few weeks. What was the saying "Save the best for last"?

Since the shocking end of Westlife, the lads have been busy writing and getting their solo careers ready. Shane's single "Don't Horse Me around' was a weird song, and the video featured his horses. Nicholas knew that Shane's obsession with Horses was way out of control, he'd even dumped Kian's Cousin over his horses.
Kian and Mark became a duo, Sligo Guys, and their first single "Cant lose You" made it to #60 in the charts, which didn't please the lads the much, but they are  still in the music business, currently working on their next single.
Bryan left the music business to focus on his family life with Kerry and is in talks to be in the next Big UK blockbuster.
And then there's Nicholas, who was known to Westlife fans as Nicky, but has decided to up his image, and gone more like Ronan Keating/David Beckham style-wise, and is being touted as the next big thing.

"Well, Nicholas, all I can say is hope you do as well as you're expected." Shane said, walking off with his latest flame, some useless actress from some Irish tv show, who's only using Shane for publicity.

Nicholas looked at his watch, he had a meeting with Louis in an hour, and he was looking forward to it. Nicholas was the only one who Louis signed, and Polygram signed him exclusively to their label, after Simon Cowell brought the RCA label into controversy with sleazy doings in LA.

"Nicholas, come in." Louis said, welcoming Nicholas into his office.
"Thanks. So what's happening?" Nicholas asked.
"Well, all good things, everything's on track for the release of your single, and we've got you on loads of Tv shows. You'll never guess who popped in before, Shane of all people, still on a high about him getting to number 5. I told him that he only got there because everyone delayed their release, cos they'd whip his arse with sales. That's why Ronan, Reel, and Six are all releasing singles this week! "
"God, really? I didn't think his song was very strong, but he'll be down the charts in a flash."
"Man, you've changed since your westlife days. You've gotten more rougher, and from what I've heard from what tracks you've laid down for the album, I'm seeing big things for you."
"Wow!" Nicholas said, still not believing his ears.
"And Ronan has agreed to help out as well, as sort of a assistant manager to you too, which is very exciting."
"I don't know what to say?"
"Well, I think that's about all my news, but I have a question for you!" 
"Oh?"
"What's the deal with you and that new tv host Eilidh, seems you've been spotted together in a number of places, and she is in your video."
"Oh, well, we're seeing each other, taking it easy, step by step."
"Well, I wish you both the best of luck, you deserve the best, after how Georgina treated you in the past."

I remember the first day I'd met her. The lads and I were on her morning show, and she seem to spark something inside me. I'd always watch that show, thinking what a fool I was, always looking at her in the interview.
After the show, the lads went off, and I was leaving, when she walked up to me.
"God, that went so well, I thought" She says, hugging me.
"Yeah," then I realised that we were her first interview. "You know you didn't make any mistakes, and I can't apologize for the others, they are such idiots."
"Thank you, I hope to see more of you guys around" Eilidh says, walking off down towards the café.
I could feel myself blushing, and bulging at the same time, and I couldn't believe how friendly she was.

2 weeks later, and I was sitting in Louis's office after 5pm, waiting. 
Louis had invited Ronan to the meeting.
"Nicholas, I must say, I was totally surprised at the whole album, and the single, can I say its 'Blimen Gorgeous' and the video, man I'm sure that's a cracker&ldots;" Ronan said.
"Ronan, how ever can I thank you for the support you've given me, over the last few weeks. And I cant think how I'd go, without your words of encouragement."

'that was number 4, Six ' Slow Down Baby' which has been doing well in the Irish charts since its release. After the break, the top 3. Can Ronan regain his #1 spot with 'Heartbroken' or will a ex boy-band member steal his crown, all that after the break.'

"Nicholas I do think you'll get it, I'm sure you were outselling me!!" Ronan said, shaking hands.
"Ronan, I'd just love to be number 1, then I'd be the one who got to #1 out of Westlife."

'That was #3, Reel 'Little Bit of Loving' - so has the Irish charts crowned a new number one. I think it has this week. #2 its Ronan with 'Heartbroken'
OMG, firstly I'm feeling scared, Ronan comes and gives me a hug, and I feel so excited. I know that I have wanted this so long, and now its here.
"Louis, thank you!!"

'Now, to this weeks NEW #1. He's the last member of the band Westlife to go it alone, and he's done some changes to his style, and he's gone for Nicholas, instead of Nicky. 'Blimen Gorgeous' has sold 3 times more than Ronan's single, and here it is. Ireland has a new #1'

2. Totally out of the Blue

I sat there stunned, the words 'Ireland has a new #1' echoing in my head. The words of Shane disappeared as I grasp the fact I'm number one.

Just hearing my song on the radio sends shivers down my spine, and it's a feeling that i could never describe, and as the song plays, I can sense the tears rolling down my face. Tears of finally getting something that I wanted, and without the help of 4 other lads, I've got a number one to call my very own.
Louis and Ronan sit there, with big smiles on their faces, as they break out the bubbly and then the biggest shock being Eilidh walking through the door, with a smile so big.
"I'm not interrupting anything am I?" Eilidh says with a smile.
"No you aren't, we're celebrating the new #1 in Ireland." Louis says with a grin.
"You did it??? well done Nicholas, I was a bit worried!" She says, as she hugs me.
"I was too, but I knew that I wasn't gonna fail this time. Even if Shane's words were there to put me down. I believe you've got to have faith in yourself to succeed in life, and never let people judge you."
"Nicholas, you say that so like a professional. Out of the westlife lads, I found you to be so professional with everything you did, with your manner of treating the press, even in though tough times, you didn't go crazy at them." Ronan said.
I stand there in the warm embrace of Eilidh, thinking of the things that make me happy, and then Louis says we'll gonna be late..
"What?" I say confused.
"You'll see!" He says.

We get to the restaurant, a top class one in the heart of Dublin, where my family and my mates are waiting, with a huge sign "Well Done Nicholas"
For the first time in my life, I'm overcome. I don't know why, but I don't stop crying, and when my mam and pa come, I feel so happy.
My parents have accepted Eilidh, as I have told them about her, and they have met her on a number of occasions&ldots;
In fact, my close friends know her, and they respect her, she's only human like the rest of us, and doesn't use the relationship as a publicity launch.
I've been really open to Georgina, but she's been really distant about things lately,

Then I notice Kian and Mark standing at the bar, and I bounce over to them, so pleased to see them.
"Hey lads," I say, smiling.
"Nic, I'm so proud of you. You've outdone Shane, and I think he's sulking somewhere, feeling like shite." Mark says, smiling.
"Mark, I'm not sulking and I ain't feeling like shite." Shane says, coming from the other door.
"Shane, look, you've not said a good word tonight, since you've got here, your 'girlfriend' Frannie, is off working the room for what? A job?" Kian said, scanning the room.
"Kian, you can talk, you were like 'oh brother' when Nicky got number 1, I was there, when you found out." Shane said.
"That's so not true Shane, and you know it, I would never go behind a mates back and sleep&ldots;." Kian says, realising what he's saying and stops.
"Look, Shane, I've had it up to about here with the catty remarks, and the snide comments, if you're unhappy about being here, then push off." I said, angrily.
I walked off, over to where Eilidh and Louis were.
"Nicky, what was that about?" Louis asked.
"Someone obviously had their pants on wrong, and they weren't comfortable with me being #1."
"Shane?"
"Bingo!!  He thinks that he's the biggest star of WL, and should be the only one successful enough to be Solo."
"Look, don't take it to heart, he's already told me that you'll be nothing but a one hit wonder, and that the only reason G broke up with you, was that you were lousy in bed."
I stand in shock, and I feel the urge to punch Shane, but as I look, he's gone, and I slowly relax.

A while later, when I am walking upto the apartment, Eilidh is holding my hand, and I feel happy.
The next morning, it was in the papers, and I lay there in shock, I had a feeling that there was something odd about Shane last night, and the comments he made about G were very strange, then I knew that he was only trying to take some of the shine off my big moment.
'Filan's Georgie Gal.' The paper screams.
I read the article, relieved, yet stunned, as the paper reports that Shane and G have been dating off and on since WOOO CD release.
Eilidh walks in, with a smile, and reassures me that I don't need anything from my past, and I should just move on.

I ring Georgina, and half expect Shane to answer.
"Hello?" the male voice says.
"Hi Shane, is Georgina available?"
"Nic, shit, what the hell do you think you're playing at? Of Course Georgina is here, its her house."
"Just give her the phone."
"Nicky, what's the meaning of this? Shane isn't happy and he's sulking."
"So when were you gonna tell me, that you were secretly dating Shane?"
"Excuse me? I don't see how its any of your business!"
"Well, I hope you're happy that you managed to take Shane from Gillian, are you ready for a life of horses??"
"Horses?? I don't think so, we're staying in Dublin, and that's it&ldots;if Shane wants horses then we'll have to think about it, theres no way I'm moving to Sligo. "

3. Shy Boy

A few days later Louis calls me into his office. Sitting there already were Mark and Kian.
"Thanks for coming Nicholas, I have a little problem&ldots;we need a charity record that will raise money for the Marie Keating Trust and Childline. Its has to be a goodie, as I've heard Shane's releasing his single that week as well.."
"So how do we fit in?"
"Well, Ronan gave me an idea, but thinks you may not like it, it means dressing up in drag for this record."
"Sounds intriguing, but I suppose its for charity&ldots;"
"You'll be doing a cover of a Bananarama track, Shy Boy!"

I sat there, with tears of laughter in my eyes, and so were Kian and Mark, we all thought it was a great idea, and couldn't wait to start.
A few days later we went into the studio to record it, and Ronan did the backing vocals.
The song sounded wicked, and Louis was impressed with it, and he knew he'd have a hit.

Ronan decided to join in the fun, by being our 'shy boy' in the video, and we all looked silly. Mark went for the black hair, me for the brunette look, and Kian was the blond, we all managed to pull it off.
Louis sat there watching us recording the video, and he couldn't stop laughing.
I must admit anything for charity is high on my list. And the charities we were raising for were 2 of my main charities, that I always supported.
I do remember the day I heard that Ronan's Mam had lost her fight with cancer, I was at home with my mam and I felt sorry for Ronan and his family. From then on, I knew that I would always support that charity.

I was sitting there on the car, looking ladylike, when Eilidh and her film-crew walk in, I started blushing.
"Nicholas?" she asks, looking in my direction.
"Jaysus, If I knew you were coming, I'd have shave me legs"

"The chart showdown of the year, Shane Filan vs 3 ex band members of Westlife. Punters tip a close call but I'm here talking with Nikita, Mavis and Kiki, AKA Nicholas, Mark and Kian about their single." Eilidh said, sitting down talking to us.
"To us, releasing a charity record is a big deal. And the charities such as Marie Keating Trust Fund and Childline are the main ones we deal with, but we all have other charities we help out." I said.
"Was it planned or is it co-incidence you and Shane go head 2 head?"
"Co-incidence for sure, we didn't plan the release around Shane's" Kian said.
"Mark, who's idea was the single?"
"Louis and Ronan came up with the concept, and Me and Ki were in talking with Ronan about something when he suggested that we got together with Nicholas to do the record." Mark said, smiling.
"So, have you been in contact with Shane and Bryan since the split?" Eilidh said.
"Bryan, not recently, he's happy with his family and Kerry, he's fine doing nothing. Shane, only at a Launch of 'Royally Heaven' last month." I said.
"I speak for all of us, saying that Shane is a weird guy, who is dating Nicky's ex at the moment." Kian said.
"Nicholas, how did that make you feel?"
"God, relieved in a way, as I had a feeling that she'd been cheating, but I hadn't anticipated it being Shane. I should have guessed when G started badmouthing Gillian, but I thought it was normal."
"So do you see Georgina anymore?"
"No, I don't wish to see her, she knows that she's hurt me, and I don't want to relive the past."
"Don't miss our St Patrick's Day special with MaNiKi and also Shane, also Reel, Ronan, and Omar Mumba. Catch ya then."

4. Believing in Myself

Standing there backstage, waiting for the show to start, Nicholas knew he was in for a tough day, he'd seen Shane turn up with Georgina, and the air was frosty between the 3 of them.
"So, you think your sad, pathetic attempt at a charity single will knock me off, I've had the insiders saying that my single will top the charts and that your single will be a distant memory!" Shane said, laughing.
"That's enough Shane, your insiders must be blind, as I've got the midweek charts in my hand, and it seems your insiders are wrong." Eilidh said, standing there.
"Oh, we'll see on Sunday, I don't go for midweek charts, anything can happen in a few days!"
"Yeah, like you not actually getting top 5! I mean from what I've heard, the likes of Gareth Gates, and Girls Aloud are doing well, in the midweek's, so its anyone's guess!"
"You are so bias, just because you are seeing someone in the business, makes you a expert,"
"Oh, but seeing a member of your old boy band's fiancée behind their back&ldots;is allowed!"
" That's so&ldots;" Shane starts to swear.
"I'd be very careful, your devoted fans might decide that you're not the man you used to be!"
"The fans know the real me, have you not read my book?" Shane said, smirking..
"Your book, is that the one that most bookstores have on their discount table?"
"I don't think so!"
"Well, I better get going, cos I've got things to do, post show reports and drinks with the crew." Eilidh said, walking off towards the production suite.
Nicky had heard the whole conversation, and wondered what Shane was playing at. He made his farewells and headed home.

His phone rang later that evening.
"Hello?"
"Nix, it's Georgina, please don't hang up, I'm begging you."
"Georgina, what is it now?"
"Its Shane, he's got very drunk, and he's off his head."
"why are you telling me this?"
"I'm scared, he'll be violent."
"Then get out of the house, go home."
"I don't want to leave him, in case he's does something&ldots;"
"Georgina, as a friend, I'll telling you that you need to get out, before its too late, and he does something he regrets&ldots;"
"ok&ldots;.Shane, don't you dare&ldots;." The phone went dead.
Nicholas started worrying, what was Shane doing? He knew he had a drinking problem, but he always used to control it, but lately he had been reported as pushing his limits of his drinking, which he was being thrown out of pubs and bars for being rowdy and rude to other patrons!!
But could he let his differences with Shane risk the life of someone who he'd spent a chunk of his life with. He knew where Shane's house, so Nicky decided to go and see what was happening, before it was too late. He saw that Shane's parents were there.
He could hear loud voices from the house, loads of neighbours were standing by, huddled in crowds, whispering to each other..
"Shane, let her go, I've told you once and again, I don't want any violence in my house, you have a problem, and you're gonna get help, I've arranged for you to go to Forestwood, it's the place to help people with their alcoholism, and you need help." Shane mam shouts.
"Mam, stay out of this, I don't have a problem."
"Shane, listen to your mother, we want what best for you, and you have been like a different person since the band split, you've gone from being nice, to down right nasty, and your friends have said, that you've changed, and they don't like it, so get help son!" Shane dad said.

I stood there, in the street, when suddenly Georgina ran from the house, into me.
"Nix, I am so glad you are here, I don't know what I'd do without you."
"I don't know either, this doesn't change the situation, we are still free to see other people, and I am happy with my life, and my career."
"What do you mean? Do you mean, after all this, you don't love me now?"
"Georgina, I came here as your friend, not anything more, now if I was you, I'd go home."
"Home?" Georgina says, thinking of our home.
"No, your home, with your family."
"But why spoil something good?"
"Georgina, I don't wish to start anew with you, you're just confused."
"But Nix&ldots;"
I started walking to my car, I didn't look back, I didn't want to, in case Georgina stood there crying.
I got in and drove back to my flat. Thoughts were racing through my mind, I didn't know what to do, then my phone rang, I glanced at the caller id, it said 'Eilidh'