Chapter 2 -
Lance knew that Joey wasn't concentrating. In fact, everyone knew. They were rehearsing for the tour, doing "Bye, Bye, Bye", a number they had done a thousand times and yet he was still missing the steps.
And Darren, their choreographer, was not happy either, "Joey!" he screamed for the fiftieth time that day, "You're waiting too long to come in on the chorus."
Joey waved a hand, "I know. Sorry".
Darren wasn't convinced, but knew better than to try and push anything. Obviously, Joey's heart wasn't into it today and nothing was going to change that. So, Darren dismissed the guys an hour early. Dani was in town, so she and Chris headed out to get something to eat. JC had booked some studio time, so he asked Lance to walk him to the door. When they got to the parking lot, JC kissed Lance on the forehead, "Your mission tonight, Mr. Bass, should you choose to accept it, is to find out what in the hell is wrong with Joe".
Lance nodded and hugged JC before bidding him good-bye. He returned to the rehearsal hall to find Joey and Justin talking.
"You obviously have a lot on your mind, dude," Justin offered, "It might help to get some things off your chest".
Joey shook his head, "I just need to deal with it by myself".
Justin persisted, "Come on man, we start the tour in a week. If you don't resolve this, then it's gonna affect everything".
Joey snapped, "Look, J! Just leave me alone, all right?"
Justin backed up and stood silent for a minute, "I gotta go meet Brit for dinner," he grabbed his things and backed away, "See ya Lance". He didn't look at Joey and instead hurried out.
Joey felt bad about being so mean to Justin, but he really didn't feel like talking about it, especially with someone who couldn't truly empathize. He was still feeling upset about the whole marriage thing with Drew and, even though Drew assured him it was strictly platonic, Joey couldn't help how he felt. It was a slap in the face to their relationship, no matter what.
It made him think of what their management had done with Lance and JC, trying to pass a girl and her baby as JC's in order to break the guys up. And it had almost succeeded. In fact, it was that whole mess that brought Drew into the guys' lives. Now, it seemed ironic.
Lance stood there, with a sympathetic look on his face. He knew what was bugging Joey and he went to him, "Joey, can we go talk?"
Joey shook his head, "Like I told Curly, I need to be alone right now".
Lance looked Joey in the eyes, "I've been there, man. I know this whole Drew thing is getting to you and it's not gonna get better until you let it out".
Joey knew Lance was right and figured he was the best person to talk to about this thing. So, Joey agreed to grab a bite to eat with Lance on the condition that he not push it too much and let Joey open up at his own pace.
It turned out that wouldn't take very long. As soon as they place their order at the Mexican Place they found down the street from their hotel, Joey started, "I don't know why it makes me so mad. I really care about Drew, and I know he doesn't really love Lea in that way; but, it still irks me".
Lance sipped his Coke, "Maybe you're pissed because he didn't tell you about it first".
Joey nodded, "Partially. But, I think I'm more mad that he felt he couldn't tell me about it. I mean, we've been dating for a couple of months now and we haven't gotten to the point where we can tell each other everything. Like you and Josh".
Lance laughed, causing Joey to jump. But, he explained, "It took awhile for us to reach that point. A lot of arguments happened before we got there. But, I think it mostly has to do with love".
The food arrived and Joey picked at it, which really alarmed Lance, since Joey never turned away from food. Joey spoke, "I think that's the other thing. I don't think I'm in love with Drew".
Lance responded, "Well, it's early in your relationship. I know JC and me happened kinda quickly, but everyone goes at their own pace with this stuff."
Joey jumped in, "But, I don't know if I'm ever gonna be in love with him".
Lance patted Joey's hand, "You can't plan to fall in love. It just happens. There's no point stressing about it".
Joey took a bite, "You're right. I just need to get my bearings. I think this wedding thing was just a wake-up call to me to figure out where this thing with Drew is going" .
"Talk to him," Lance humbly offered. Joey nodded and dug into his food. Suddenly, he was very hungry.
Lance went off to hang out with JC at the studio and Joey returned to the hotel suite, where Drew was waiting.
Drew stood up and greeted Joey with a kiss, "Missed you today. How was rehearsal?"
Joey threw down his things, "Shitty. I messed up a lot".
Drew smiled and put his arms around Joey's waist, "Couldn't take your mind off of me, huh?"
Joey grabbed Drew's hand and led him to the couch, "We need to sort some things out now".
Drew got serious, "You still upset about the wedding? If I have to apologize a hundred more times, then I will".
Joey broke in, "It's not that, Drew. Well, that's part of it. But, this whole thing has got me wondering - where is this thing headed?"
"You mean our relationship?" Drew asked.
"Yeah," Joey began, "I mean, I care about you and all, but with the tour coming up, we're not gonna see each other that much and how can things move forward if we're never together?"
Drew stood up angry, "You wanna break up? Is that what you mean?"
Joey tried to calm him, "I don't know. I just look at Lance and Josh and see how happy they are and..."
Drew, irate, interrupted, "You can't judge us by those two! Their a special case. They spend twenty-four seven with each other. Of course, feelings developed quickly. Hell, didn't you say JC was in love with Lance for years?"
Joey was still calm, "Yeah, but they've only been together for a few months and look how much in love they are."
Drew sat down, a little more sedate, "Look, Joe. I've been in love before and it really sucked, because they didn't feel the same way about me."
Joey was curious, "I assume this wasn't Lea?"
Drew was coy, "It doesn't matter who it was, but what I know is that my heart got broken into a thousand pieces when I was rejected and it took me a long time to get over that. I just don't know if I'm ready to fall in love again".
Joey smirked, "You can't control when you fall in love. It just happens".
Drew sighed, "Maybe that's partially true, but I know I've made an effort to watch my feelings with you. Don't you think I know you're gonna be on the road in a week?" Drew rubbed Joey's cheek, "Joseph. You are a great guy and I know that if I'm not careful, I could easily fall in love with you. I just don't know if I'm ready for another heartbreak".
Joey was touched, "Why do you think I would hurt you?"
Drew turned away, "I'm not saying you're gonna do anything, but there are so many outside forces against us - Nick, our management, the whole tour thing - I just don't know if I can let myself fall for you knowing it might not work out".
Joey turned Drew's face to his own, "You can't base your life on what-ifs, Andrew. I think I've just realized that myself".
Joey finally realized he was worrying about the future too much and not looking at the present. That's why Lance and JC were so happy. They lived each day to the fullest and rarely looked to what may happen.
Drew smiled, "You're right. You're absolutely right".
Joey leaned forward and placed his lips to Drew's. Then he backed away and hugged him. They sat like that for awhile, until Chris and Dani returned.
"Hey lovebirds!" Chris yelled as they came in, "Get a room will ya?"
"Gladly," Joey said as he stood up and guided Drew to his room. When they got there, Joey turned to his boyfriend, "I am pretty rank from rehearsal. I'm gonna hop in the shower.
Drew went up to Joey and pulled him close, taking in his musky scent, "Need a hand scrubbing your back?"
Joey nipped at Drew's neck, "No thanks, but I think I could use your hands in other ways when I get out".
Joey pulled away from Drew and walked into the bathroom. He turned the water on hot and stripped off his clothes. He glanced at himself in the rapidly steaming mirror and wondered what it was Drew saw in him. Joey wasn't fat or anything, but he definitely had a bulky body and a big head that tended to portray him as larger than he really was. For that reason, he didn't work out too much, since he didn't need to get any bigger than he looked. Drew, on the other hand, was a workout nut, spending at least an hour a day in the gym. His body was fantastic and Joey kinda of wondered why Drew didn't want someone as muscular as him.
Joey shook off the thought. People liked all types for whatever reason and he knew Drew was satisfied with him. He suddenly felt a stir in his crotch as he thought about seeing Drew sans clothing. The previous night they had fallen asleep cuddling, at Joey's request and even though he wanted to have sex, he was still hesitant because of his feelings.
Tonight, however, he felt better and was excited about being with Drew. So, he hopped in the shower and quickly washed himself off. His thoughts occasionally turned to that of Drew sharing the shower like he asked, but he brushed them off and climbed out of the shower. He toweled himself dry and wrapped it around his waist.
He emerged from the hot bathroom to find the bedroom a little chilly. He looked around and couldn't spot Drew, so he called out to him. Suddenly, from the corner, Drew rushed out and grabbed Joey by the shoulders.
Joey was surprised as Drew pushed him up against the wall, but quickly got over it as Drew hungrily sucked on his neck. Joey felt his crotch stir again and reached up to run his hands along Drew's back. Drew said nothing, but continued to lick Joey, working his way down to his chest, making sure to pay special attention to his nipples. That area was Joey's erogenous zone and he was now fully hard.
Drew noticed as well and grabbed the edge of Joey's towel, loosening it so it fell to the ground. Drew's hand cupped Joey's balls and moved up to his hard cock, stroking it roughly. Joey let a moan escape his mouth. Drew continued working down until he reached Joey's dick, which he took into his mouth and feverishly began sucking.
Joey felt his knees buckle slightly as Drew devoured his penis. He straightened himself up and used the door knob on the closet next to him to steady himself. Drew released Joey's cock and licked down the shaft to Joey's balls, taking them in his mouth.
Joey gasped, louder this time, and Drew stood up. "Please sir, can I have some more," Joey innocently asked.
Drew just smiled, cocked an eyebrow and turned Joey towards the bed, where he tossed him down. Joey put his hands behind his head and watched as Drew slowly undid the buttons on his shirt. He opened it up to reveal his smooth, muscular chest. Joey licked his lips as Drew let the shirt fall to the ground.
Drew undid the button and zipper on his pants, revealing the top of his boxer briefs. Those also fell to the floor, followed by Drew's underwear. Joey smiled as he looked at Drew's erection. Drew smiled back and climbed on top of Joey, rubbing his cock against his lover's.
Joey could feel himself close to coming, but knew Drew had a way to go. So, he reached his hand down and took Drew's cock in his hand. He slowly began stroking it. Drew reached down and removed Joey's hand, "Nope. I'm in charge here, remember?"
Joey nodded and Drew reached into the nightstand, pulling out a condom, "Glad you still keep some of these handy".
Joey smiled, 'Well, I have to in case any of my many, many men drop by".
Drew sneered at Joey and opened up the package. Joey noticed Drew wasn't wearing his wedding ring and realized he hadn't seen it since he came home. It was pretty thoughtful of Drew, Joey thought. Of course, his thoughts came to a complete stop as Drew slipped the condom on Joey. Drew reached back in the drawer and pulled out a tube of lubricant, which he squeezed onto the condom, sending a wave of coolness through Joey.
Drew lubed himself up and straddled Joey, slowly letting his cock enter his tight hole. The coolness Joey felt was quickly replaced by warmth as he filled Drew. He liked the snug fit that surrounded his cock and as Drew began to move up and down, his breathing became heavier and his moans louder.
Drew began riding faster and Joey continued to get louder. He was getting close to coming when there was a pounding at their door. It was Chris, "Excuse me horndogs, but can you keep it down? We're trying to watch a movie in here".
"Sorry Chris," Joey managed to get out as he continued to fuck Drew. Finally, it was too much and his orgasm ripped through him, sending a shudder through Drew, who grabbed his own dick and soon shot his own load onto Joey's lightly hair chest.
Drew leaned forward resting his head on Joey's chest, using a finger to rub the come around his skin. Joey soon became soft and Drew climbed off of him. He removed Joey's condom and went into the bathroom. He tossed a towel at his lover, who cleaned himself off.
Drew slipped his underwear back on, and tossed Joey a pair of boxers. Drew climbed in bed next to Joey and Joey wrapped his arms around him.
"So, are you still having dinner with your folks tomorrow?" Drew asked.
"Yep, and I think it should be 'we' not 'I'" Joey replied.
Drew sat up, "I think this is a private thing between you and them. I might only cause problems".
Joey pulled Drew back down to him and nuzzled his neck, "You've been through this already and I could use the support. Besides, I'm not gonna hide you from them".
Drew smiled and moved to Joey's mouth, where he kissed him, "I appreciate that".
Drew laid his head back on Joey's chest and soon Joey could heat his slowed breathing, meaning he had drifted off to sleep. Joey closed his eyes and soon felt sleep overcome him as well.
The next morning. Drew slipped out of bed and put on his clothes. He walked out into the living room where Chris was sitting. He smiled at Drew, "You know you guys could give Lance and JC a run for their money in the wild animal noises department".
Drew felt himself blush, but Chris got up and eased his mind, "Naw, I'm kidding. It's not a big deal. It's nice to know somebody is getting some".
Drew poured himself a cup of coffee, "Problems with Dani?"
Chris shrugged, "Aw, she's in one of her moods lately. Won't tell me what's wrong with her. I know this may be way un-PC, but women confuse the hell out of me sometimes. You should be glad you like guys. We may be pigs a lot of the time, but we rarely bullshit".
Drew laughed, "I know how you feel man. I have sisters".
Chris smiled and headed to his bedroom. Drew asked, "Mind if I use the phone?"
"Mi casa es su casa," Chris responded as he walked in the room and shut the door. Drew picked up the phone and placed a call to California.
A muffled voice answered the phone, "Hullo?"
It suddenly hit Drew that it was only six in the morning in LA, "Jeff! Man, sorry to wake you. I forgot about the time difference thing".
Jeff Timmins suddenly perked up, "Sprout, am I glad to hear your voice".
Drew replied, "Glad of that. Just wanted to check in. Sorry I ran out so quickly. What did Nick say?"
Jeff coughed, "Well, he's not too happy about things. Said you had to deal with your boyfriend. I assume because of the Lea thing. Man, I'm sorry about that. Justin and I were totally against it".
Drew assured him, "It's okay. I made the decision to do it. I could've said no".
"Yeah, I guess," Jeff stated, "Still, how'd things go with your fella?"
Drew glanced towards the bedroom and smiled, "Very well."
"Good. Enjoy it now, because you have to deal with Nick when you get back".
Drew sighed, "Yeah, well I'm not worried about him. Have you talked to Lea?"
"Yeah," Jeff responded, "She's worried about you. You should call her".
Drew nodded, "I will. But I have to head now. I'll be back in a couple of days. Can you tell the other guys?"
Jeff sarcastically said, "Sure. I can't wait to tell Nick!"
Drew laughed, "Thanks man. I really appreciate it".
"You just take care of yourself, Andrew," Jeff replied before saying goodbye and hanging up.
Drew went to the couch and flipped on the TV. One of the talk shows was doing a story on reunited past loves and suddenly Drew felt a heaviness in his heart. And talking with Jeff was only compounding things. He hadn't felt this way in awhile, but after the conversation with Joey the night before, followed by the call and then this show, he was thinking about the past.
More importantly about how Jeff Timmins had broken his heart. Drew didn't want to relive this thing. He was over Jeff, or as over someone can be with your first love. Jeff wasn't interested in him in that way. Period. Still, it hurt Drew. It probably would have been easier if Jeff were straight. But, once Drew found out he was bisexual, it only fueled the fire and Drew began to get these ideas that they could be together.
Of course, it was only fantasy and when he finally mussed up the courage to tell Jeff, he had been turned down flat. He contemplated leaving the band, but Jeff convinced him to stay. He valued their friendship and figured that was better than nothing. So, Jeff moved on, met a great girl and even had a kid with her. Drew just tried to mend his heart.
And then he had met Joey and he thought everything would be good. No more thinking of Jeff.
Too bad that wasn't the case. He thought about him a lot. Less than before, but he was still there and everytime he saw him with his girlfriend, his heart broke a little again. It sucked, but he knew it was for the best.
Joey was a great guy and he was determined to make it work. Joey was interested in him and unlike Jeff, things could become serious. And Drew was determined to make that happen. No matter what.