Disclaimer - You know it would be SOOOO much easier if we could just refer you guys back to the disclaimer in the previous chapters. Anyway, there are homosexual themes, so if you are under 18, don't read any further. I don't know the member of NSYNC and don't know if they are gay. The story is fantasy.
CHAPTER 29
The trip to New York was a blur. Justin and you were both exhausted and spent the majority of the time curled in each others arms, trying desperately to rest on one of the most turbulent flights you had ever been on.
Knowing that the guys had been in the Bahamas, Rosie had agreed to an evening taping of the show, allowing everyone at least a few hours to relax and prepare for the show. You and Justin had really had very little time to discuss this trip or the new album that was due out tomorrow. All the guys had been very tight-lipped, wanting this album to be a total surprise. With the success of No Strings Attached behind them, you could feel the tension and nervousness in the air regarding this release. No matter how good it was, there was bound to be comparisons, and you found hard to comprehend that the success could be repeated.
Although all you wanted to do was sleep, Justin was insistent that you went with him to the taping.
"Gary, I know you're really tired, but it's important to me. I need you to be there with me tonight."
You pulled him onto you lap and hugged him tightly.
"All you have to do is ask Justin. If you want me there, its no problem, but believe me you have no idea how good this bed looks right now."
You looked at him and a devilish grin covered his face.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me! Last night wasn't enough?"
He quickly kissed your cheek. "I NEVER get enough of you. If we weren't pressed for time, I have you right now."
All you could do was shake your head. Insatiable. It was the only word to describe him.
During the several occasions that Rosie had NSYNC on her show, they had become fast friends. Justin and the others had appeared on nearly every talk show imaginable, but had never really formed a relationship with any of the hosts except for Rosie. She was truly an ally, the one that was willing to discuss the lawsuit when no one else would and who genuinely appreciated the guys' hard work and talent. For that reason, they had all agreed that she would have the exclusive interview them.
As you settled into your seats in the front row you exchanged casual conversation with the others. Danni and you of course, had always been close, as had you and Britney. When JC and Danny had become serious you and he had become like brothers, and even Alyssa seemed to fit into the group with no problem. It was amazing. Ten individual, ten different personalities and a blend that work like clockwork.
As you were caught up in small talk, there was a light tap on your shoulder and you turned to see a young security guard.
"I'm sorry to interrupt. Are you Mr. Martin?"
"Yes, I am" you answered cautiously. "Is there a problem?"
"No, sir. Umm, at least not that I know of. Mr. Kirkpatrick asked that I get you. He needs to speak to you back stage."
You shot Danni a quick glance, wondering if she knew what was up. She gave you a slight shoulder shrug indicating she too was curious.
You followed the young guard backstage where Chris met you at the dressing room door.
"Gary, you need to get in there and calm his ass down. We can't go out there with him this uptight. He's a nervous wreck."
"And what exactly am I supposed to say to him? I have no idea what's bugging him so bad. You guys know way more about this situation than I do."
Chris was almost pleading now. "Please, just talk to him."
You opened the door to all of the guys sitting casually on the couch, except for Justin who was pacing nervously back and forth in the room.
You walked up behind him and wrapped your arms around his waist. "I think we need to talk for a minute, don't you?"
He pulled away from you and continued his pacing. "There's nothing to talk about. I'm fine."
Without you having to say a word, the other 4 band members walked into the hall leaving you and Justin alone to talk.
"You're not fine. You're pacing back and forth like a caged animal. What's up?"
He finally turned and his eyes met yours. "I'm sorry, I know I'm being an ass. I really pissed Chris off, but if he'll just be patient and let me get through this show I'll be fine. I'm nervous, plain and simple."
Once again, you wrapped your arms around him, but this time instead of pulling away he held you tightly.
"Gary, no matter what happens with this CD, we're gonna be okay, right?"
"Of course we are! Justin it's an album. One you guys worked hard on. So what if it doesn't sell as many copies as No Strings Attached did on its first week out. It's no big deal. Your fans are gonna love it."
"Gary, we took some chances on this one. It may not be well received."
"You took chances on the last one and look what happened. Everyone loved it. And if it's a huge flop, you'll never loose your biggest fan so you got nothing to worry about.
Finally, a smile covered his face. "You always know just what to say, don't you?"
You kissed his cheek. "That's my job. Now have a great show and I'll see you afterwards."
Sitting back in the audience you were still confused as to what had just transpired, but you were glad that Justin's nerves were somewhat settled.
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