Disclaimer: No, it's not real. No I don't know them (any of them) and yes, this story contains homosexual themes. If you are under legal age to read this type of story, please do not continue. I know none of the members of NSYNC personally and therefore I have no idea of their sexual preferences. This is fantasy folks!
For all of you who have read "Decisions", I hope you enjoy this next installment. You guys were so incredibly kind while I was writing it that I hope this doesn't turn out to be a disappointment. If you haven't read "Decisions", I wrote this first chapter for you. You kinda need it to understand the rest of "No More Secrets."
Special thanks to Scor, for his technical expertise, ideas and support and to Dennis for making such a wonderful CD cover for No More Secrets. It's perfect.
Comments to dannibailey@hotmail.com I'd love to hear from you!
No More Secrets
CHAPTER ONE
Brian: Good evening. I'm Brian McFayden and welcome to E!. Tonight we are going to be spending the full hour with what most people would consider to be the entertainment industry's most influential couple. Their personal lives and business endeavors have been hot topics for the past decade in every publication from the Advocate, to Newsweek to Business Weekly. Tonight you will hear about their decision to come out, their highly successful businesses and their plans for the future. Later on they will answer viewer questions that have been sent in via e-mail over the past week. While it's probably unnecessary, allow me to introduce the two men seated to my left. Justin Timberlake and Gary Martin. Welcome guys. Glad you both could make it.
Gary: Nice to see you again, Brian
Justin: Yeah, thanks for having us.
Brian: Justin, you have been in the public eye for most of you life, but as a couple you shot into the national if not worldwide spotlight after an appearance on the Rosie O'Donnell show about 12 years ago, in which you announced you were gay. Gary, take us back to that day. Tell us what it was like for you.
Gary: It was mind-boggling. It caught the five of us totally off guard. The album name had been under such a shroud of secrecy, but we never imagined the reasoning behind it. I really thought it was a publicity gimmick. Just more hype for the album's release.
Brian: So when did it hit you?
Gary: Honestly, not until Josh brought Danny up on stage. I mean, I could see where it might be headed, but until that moment I wasn't sure.
Brian: Justin, you never discussed this with Gary ahead of time?
Justin: No, never. I knew if we discussed it he would try to talk me out of it, but my mind was made up.
Brian: So Gary, you didn't want the relationship to become public?
Gary: I had no problem with going public, except for what I was afraid it would do to NSYNC. I thought the negative public reaction would destroy them. I've learned to expect the worse.
<Justin smiles, nodding his head>
Brian: Justin, you took a huge risk.
Justin: We all did. It was a group decision. We just knew it was the right thing to do. All of us had people in our lives that we loved. We were tired of the faade. The time came where our personal lives were more important to us than public opinion.
Brian: Let's talk about that public opinion. What was it like being the first couple to publicly announce you were gay? You two opened the floodgates.
Gary: First of all, there were others before us.
Justin: Yeah, we certainly weren't the first. Stephen Gately was out. Ellen was out, and there were others.
Gary: I think people see us that way because NSYNC was so huge at the time. No one expected the "hot teen idols" to burst the bubble of every young girl's fantasy. Justin and Josh shocked everyone with their announcement. That's why we're remembered.
Brian: How hard was it?
Justin: The first few weeks were awful.
Gary: Very difficult.
Justin: We heard every negative comment possible from, "You're gonna burn in hell" to "what kind of role models are you for America's youth."
Gary: Yeah, no matter what was wrong in the world, us coming out was somehow to blame. We were just two guys in love and people made it sound like a matter of national security.
Brian: What about JC and Danny? They came out when you did, but the media seemed to focus on the two of you.
Gary: Oh, they got their fair share, trust me.
Justin: I think the big difference was Danny. He was already openly gay.
Gary: And well liked.
Justin: Exactly, and rumors about the two of them had been circulating for a while. They just confirmed what people had been speculating.
Gary: We dropped the bomb.
Brian: How did you get through it? and any regrets?
Justin: No, never!
Gary: We got through it by believing in ourselves and knowing that whatever happened we, as a couple, would be fine. And no, I have no regrets.
Brian: What was it like being the "poster child" for the gay community?
Justin: Danny was upset. He thought he had a "lock" on it. Seriously though, our intent was never to put ourselves in the limelight. The media did that.
Gary: We knew it was bound to happen, and if by doing so things were easier for those that came after us, that's great. But it was never part of some grand plan. It just happened.
Brian: But you realize huge advances were made in the area of gay rights in the days following your announcement?
Justin: I think you are giving us credit we don't deserve. I think it was a matter of timing.
Gary: Yeah, things were headed in that direction anyway. With or without us, changes were inevitable.
Brian: Let's take a break and when we return we'll talk about what happened with NSYNC after that announcement.
Brian: So Justin, you guys make this announcement the day before the new album is released. With that in mind, did you think that album would be as big as it was?
Justin: Really, I don't think any of us knew what to expect. We were proud of what we had done and thought that it was our best work yet, but we realized that our image was a big part of our success.
Gary: The first few days were bad. Soundscan was showing virtually no sales. It really looked like that album wasn't going to make it. It was definitely a low point.
Brian: Did you feel responsible?
Gary: Danny and I both did. How could we not? All we could think about was the fact that because they loved us, something they had worked their entire lives for was slipping away. No one can imagine the sense of guilt that consumed us.
<Justin reaches over that takes Gary's hand in his>
Justin: That was probably the worse part. Seeing what it was doing to them was really painful.
Brian: But the album took off.
Justin: Yeah, it did. The second week sales came close to what No Strings did the first week out and it just never slowed down. We were blown away.
Brian: That was 12 years ago, and no other album to date has even gone diamond that fast. About 3 months, right?
<Justin flashes the boyish grin that at 32 still makes him look 18>
Justin: 13 weeks, but who's counting.
Brian: That's quite a record. Is that you're proudest career accomplishment?
Justin: Not, really. Sales records were never that important to us. We were grateful, and of course very proud, but nothing came close to the Grammy.
Brian: Which one? There have been several.
Justin: Song of the year, for No More Secrets. It was our first award for song writing and to have that particular song win the award was overwhelming.
Gary: It was an incredible moment. Carson (Daly) presented the award which made it even more special since we were all such good friends. As soon as he opened the envelope, we knew the guys had won. He didn't have to say a word.
Brian: But boy, did he!
Justin: Yeah, the place was totally silent when he opened the envelope and then Carson looks right at us and blurts out "I'm so fucking proud of you guys!" It was crazy.
Gary: You know it wasn't until later that night at the after party that we all realized that he never actually announced the winners. That's all he ever said and the place went nuts.
Brian: NSYNC spent a lot of time at the podium that night. Song of the year, record of the year, best pop performance, best pop album and album of the year. Not a bad night.
Justin: It was kinda embarrassing after a while.
Gary: You loved it!
Justin: Yeah, we did.
Brian: So how many total Grammys?
Justin: Umm, 3 for Strings, the 5 for No More Secrets, 3 for Celebrity and 3 for A Moment in Time. So 14 with NSYNC.
Brian: And individually?
<Justin blushes again, and pleads>
Justin: Do we have to talk about this?
Gary: Individually there were 6 Grammys. He's one hell of a songwriter, even if I am a bit biased.
Justin: I've been blessed, both personally and professionally. I'm a very lucky man.
Brian: It's not all luck Justin. Your hard work has paid off.
Justin: Thank you.
Brian: I hate to do this, but we need to take another break. When we return we'll hear more from Justin and Gary and talk about the business side of the music industry's power couple.
Brian: Gary, let change the focus for a minute. You two have heavily invested your time, energy and your money into several companies that the two of you have started from the ground up. Tell us a bit about them.
Gary: Well, we've tried to stay with what we know best. Music and technology. We weren't businessmen so we didn't want to take a chance with something we weren't familiar with. That helped us in the long run.
Brian: Okay, lets go down the list. I'll name the company and you fill us in.
Gary: Sure.
Brian: Marlake Productions, Inc.
Gary: That's our production company based in Orlando. We have 5 recording studios and all the equipment to go from demo tape to finished product. There is also a converted warehouse that is used for video shoots.
Brian: Okay, how about Marlake Entertainment Company.
Gary: That's basically what WEG was for NSYNC. We manage recording artists; develop tours, set up appearances, handing merchandising and oversee recording contracts.
Justin: We have a team of lawyers that reviews EVERY contract that our artists sign. We don't want any of these kids putting their name on anything that they don't fully understand or that isn't in their best interest. We go to great lengths to make sure that doesn't happen.
Brian: You guys went down that road.
Justin: We did, but we learned a tremendous lesson. In the long run, it was a plus.
Brian: What about the Orlando Magic?
Justin: That was my idea!
Brian: Somehow I knew that.
Gary: We are only partial owners. We don't have much to do with the day to day operations. That was a futile attempt to get Justin interested in business and owning a pro team was something he always wanted.
Justin: It'll never happen. I'm an idea guy. The paperwork bores me. Basically, Gary and I come up with concepts for what we'd like to do and he puts them into action. I mean we're both involved, but his organizational skills and attention to details are great. Other than with my music, that's just something I've never been good at.
Gary: We both have areas that we excel in. We just handle the area of the business that we feel most comfortable with.
Brian: So it comes down to teamwork
Gary: Exactly
Justin: Yes, it always has.
Brian: Now for JCS.com. This is an internet service provider is that correct?
Gary: Yes, it's a broad band only distributor. There are no modem dial ups. We deal strictly with DSL, cable and satellite technology. If you want to be successful in the area of technology, you have to be on the cutting edge or you are yesterday news.
Brian: I understand that it will be a publicly held company shortly?
Justin: No, we discussed it, but it won't be happening.
Brian: Why not? I would think it would be ever entrepreneur's dream to have one of their companies go public.
Gary: It has its drawbacks. Publicly held companies have to answer to a Board of Directors. The decision making would no longer be up to us. That wasn't what we wanted. This company is too important to us.
Brian: I understand there is a story behind the name?
Justin: There sure is. The initials are from our brothers' first names, Jonathan, Chase and Stephen. A portion of the profits from JCS.com go into a trust fund for each brother. Let's just say, they'll never have to worry about paying for college.
Brian: JCS.com is a highly successful company. I don't think they'll have to worry about anything.
Gary: Oh, we made sure there were some restrictions. This money is for their future.
Brian: What about your other companies? I understand a portion of those profits go to charity.
Justin: Yes, the Justin Timberlake Foundation receives 10% of the profits from each company. Originally it was dedicated to helping music programs in public schools, but when I married Gary we broadened it to include all aspects of performing arts. Now the money also goes into programs that educate young people who are interested in working behind the scenes. Cameramen, video and sound editors. Things like that.
Brian: The guys of NSYNC and you and Gary personally have always been very supportive of charitable organizations.
Justin: We've always felt very strongly about giving something back. We were very fortunate when we were starting out to have friends and families that were so supportive. There are a lot of kids out there who just need an avenue that focuses their energy and talent. Hopefully, the programs we support allows them to do that.
Gary: We're very selective when it comes to which programs we'll support. We don't want the funds to be tied up in administrative costs. We want the money to be spent on the kids.
Brian: So, you're actually familiar with how these programs are run?
Justin: Definitely, we're actively involved. We don't just sign checks.
Brian: Any success stories?
Gary: Since most of these programs are geared toward school age students, we added some incentives for academic achievements. Currently, I think about 90% of the kids that have been in one of our programs have graduated from high school with a "C" average or better, so they are all a success story.
Brian: What kind of incentives are we talking about?
Justin: Money, scholarships, even some record deals, but they gotta earn it. The entertainment business is not as glamorous as it seems. You have to work your ass off to make it. The kids that benefit most from our programs have learned that.
Brian: So, you've had some sign record deals?
Gary: Several have signed developmental deals with various labels.
Justin: We have one guy that just signed on with JC's label and his album will be released next month. We are really excited about that.
Brian: Speaking of JC, we haven't had a chance to talk about the rest of NSYNC. I understand you guys are working on your sixth album, so when we come back from the break, can you tell us something about it and update us and what the other guys have been doing?
Justin: Sure
Brian: Okay, let's make the sponsors happy and when we return we'll talk about the new album and let Gary and Justin answer some questions from our viewers.
Brian: Album number 6. What's in store for us on this one?
Justin: Well, the concept on this one is pretty different.
Brian: In what way?
Justin: It's gonna be a double album with NSYNC as a group singing 2, maybe 3, songs on the album. The rest will be comprised of solos or songs that we sing with another member or members of the group.
Gary: What makes it even more unique is that it well be done entirely in-house. From the album cover to the producing and mixing there will be no outsiders, with the exception of the band.
Justin: We even have Chris and Danni's oldest son, Jarrod, playing drums on one of the songs. He's only 12, but he is very talented.
Gary: You blew it J. Chris hasn't told him yet that we're gonna use him.
Justin: Aaah, sorry Chris. Hey Jerrod, if you're watching, you got the job buddy. He'd rather hear it from me anyway. I'm his favorite uncle.
Brian: Speaking of Chris, how many boys does he have now?
Gary: As if being married to Chris wasn't bad enough Danni had to have sons. They have 3 boys, Jarrod who is almost 13, Darren is 9 and Blake is 3, but they are expecting a little girl any day now.
Justin: Thank God it's a girl. I think Danni is overwhelmed with the testosterone in that house. Those 3 boys are all boy, but damn they are well behaved.
Gary: Danni doesn't play. When she talks, those boys listen.
Brian: What about the other guys?
Gary: Well, after the world's longest engagement..
Justin: .....and about 5 breakups
Gary: Joey and Britney finally tied the knot about 5 years ago. They have a beautiful little girl, Samantha Lynn.
Justin: She looks just like Brit. The resemblance is uncanny.
Brian: I think the big surprise was Lance and Allyssa being together for 12 years and never marrying.
Gary: Yeah, we all kinda thought they would settle down and live happily ever after, but they are on the go constantly. I think we see more of Lance than Alyssa does, but it works for them and they're very happy.
Brian: Well, that leaves JC and Danny.
Justin: Disgustingly happy! And totally supportive of each others' career. I think everyone kinda wondered how they would do when Danny's acting career took off, but JC is his biggest fan. He's really proud of all that Danny has accomplished.
Gary: He'll be involved with the new album too. He's gonna produce several of the songs. It was a hidden talent of his that we are putting to good use.
Brain: And they have a son right? About 10 years old?
Justin: Yes, they adopted Ryan about a year ago, about the same time...
<Justin's demeanor changes and he cannot finish>
Gary: About the time we got Kyle and Mandi.
Brian: Those were your foster childern, right?
Gary: Yes, they were with us for about 6 months. When we got them Mandi was 11 months old and Kyle had just turned 3.
Justin: We were days away from the adoption being final when their natural parents decided they wanted another chance. Unbelievably, the courts saw them as fit parents and Mandi and Kyle were taken from us.
Gary: Justin, don't !
Justin: I'm okay. I'm not gonna say anything that isn't public record. When Mandi was born they found traces of cocaine in her blood, so both she and Kyle were placed in a foster home. 3 months later, after re-hab, their "drug-free" parents got them back. It lasted about 8 months until they were charged with neglect. That's when the kids came to us.
Brian: But the parents got them back.
Justin: Yep, a couple of parenting classes solves everything in the eyes of the court. Mandi was too young to understand, but Kyle was hysterical when they took him from us that day. I don't understand how anyone can do that to a child.
Gary: It's been hard to recover from.
Brian: I can imagine. Have you considered other foster children?
Justin: No! Absolutely not! We're not going through that again.
Gary: Down the road we might change our minds, but all of this just happened, so the wound is pretty fresh.
Justin: We won't change our minds!
Brian: Uumm, we've only got 15 minutes left and we promised everyone that you guys would answer some viewer questions. How about we take a quick break and get to those questions when we come back?
The red light went off on the camera and Brian sat back in his chair running his fingers through his hair.
"Justin, I'm sorry" he said sincerely.
There we no reply.
You unclipped the microphone from your shirt, then quickly removed Justin's and turned to Brian.
"Give us a minute."
Brian nodded.
You took Justin by the hand and pulled him from the chair. You hastily led him to a small storage room that housed old video footage.
"You've got to pull it together Justin. Only 15 more minutes and we're out of here."
"Maybe I'm fucking tired of `pulling it together'. Maybe I just want to be pissed off and tell everyone how I feel."
"That's not gonna help. It's not gonna bring them back."
Justin exploded. "How can you be so god damn calm? It's like you don't give a shit what happens to those kids. Don't you remember what they looked like when they first came to us? Don't you remember what is was like to bring them into our bedroom early in the morning and just let them curl up with us? Don't you remember anything?"
"I remember plenty! you yelled. I remember very clearly that social working pulling Kyle out of my arms screaming when they were taking him back to his parents! You aren't the only fucking person that's hurting!
Immediately, Justin's disposition changed. "Gary, I'm so sorry. I know you're hurting too. It just gets to me sometimes.
Brian's voice could be heard in the hall. "Guys, we're live in 30 seconds."
You put your arm around his waist and headed back into the studio.
"I know Justin. It gets to a lot of people."
Within seconds the microphones were reattached and the cameraman's fingers counted down the last 5 seconds.
Brian: Gary, Justin, how about we get to those questions?
Gary: Sure.
Justin: No problem, and for the record, its still boxer/briefs.
Brian: Thanks for sharing that Justin.
Justin: Ya know, the older I get, the less that question gets asked.
Gary: There's a reason for that J!
Brian: Okay, the first question is from Amy in Sarasota. Gary, what is your favorite song that Justin has recorded?
Gary: Wow, there are so many, but at the top of the list would have to be No More Secrets. It was the ultimate love song and obviously meant so much to all of us. My next favorite is probably the re-make of a LeAnn Rimes song off of his first solo album, How Do I Live. His range was perfect for that song.
Brian: Justin, the next one is for you, from Mark in Toronto. You have two younger brothers. Would you encourage them to go into show business?
Justin: I don't think I would use the word "encourage", but I'd certainly be supportive. Actually Jonathan is in the business and Stephen has shown an interest as well, so I think the Timberlake name will be around for a while.
Brian: Any plans to record together?
Justin: No, not now. He's very concerned about being viewed as "Justin's little brother" so we're shying away from any joint projects. He wants to do this on his own and I can understand that. Someday though, I'd love to.
Brian: This one is from Christina in Portland and she asks if you will be touring again and if so, when?
Justin: If you are talking about 30 cities in 40 days, then no, we're done with that. When the album comes out we plan on hitting about 10 to 15 major US cities for concerts, but they won't be one right after another. There'll be some time off in between. Let's face it, Chris is an old man. He needs his recovery time.
Gary: You're gonna hear about that one, Justin.
Justin: Nah, he probably doesn't have his hearing aid turned on. He won't hear me.
Brian: Justin, it seems like we have a surprise in store for you.
Justin: Great! I love surprises.
Brian: That could change.
Brian: Go ahead, put him on the speaker.
Chris: Listen you little shit, my recovery time is just as good as it used to be!
Justin: Chris! Hey, how are you man?
Chris: Doing a lot better than you're gonna be when I get my hands on your ass.
Gary: This goes on constantly. Some things never change.
Justin: Chris, is Jarrod watching?
Chris: Yeah, and you have Danni to answer to for that one. He already started with "If I'm gonna be recording, I'll need a better drum set." Do you know how much those things cost?
Gary: You're loaded. Buy him one.
Chris: Very funny, Gary. Hey, I have to go. Darren is terrorizing Blake and Danni isn't here to play referee.
Justin: Okay man. Take care.
Gary: Give Danni and the boys our love.
Chris: Will do. Bye.
Brian: Let me guess who the disciplinarian is in that family.
Gary: That's a given, but Chris takes his parenting very seriously. He's a lot stricter than you would imagine.
Brian: I guess I've just never seen that side of him.
Justin: Most people haven't. He keeps it well hidden.
Brian: Guys, I want to thank you both so much for taking the time to be with us tonight. I've really enjoyed having you.
Gary: Thank you.
Justin: It was our pleasure.
Brian: That's all the time we have for tonight. I'm Brian McFayden and please join me next week for another edition of E!
Justin unhooked his mic and hugged Brian.
"Sorry about earlier. I'm not handling this whole situation very well."
Brian felt bad for his long time friend. He knew Justin had always wanted a family.
"I don't think any of us expect you to. Just take it one day at a time. You have my number if you need me."
Justin nodded. "Thanks, Bri."
Will be Continued....