Greetings everyone,
Here's Chapter 17.
I want to extend my congratulations on everyone who was nominated for the story awards. There are alot of great stories out there. Please vote!
Thanks everyone for your emails. I appreciate it very much. Thanks to Gabrielle for being so thoughful, read her story: Studio in the Country. It's wonderful! Also to Adam (The Project/Tests of Friendship) for always having a kind word. And Clarkey for being a friend.
As usual: This story is purely fiction and is not intended to imply anything about the true sexuality of `N Sync or anyone associated with their organization. It is meant for those over the age of 18 only and those who wish to read stories with sexual content.
from before:
Carson had asked a question to Josh and was following up when Jamie caught Justin's eye. Justin was smiling as they shared a moment across the room all the girls between them thinking that Justin was smiling at them. Carson's next question caught Justin completely by surprise.
"So, Justin, are you seeing anyone recently?"
Justin blinked and looked at Carson in mild shock.
Jamie's Romance - Chapter Seventeen
Jamie felt his lunch press upward and he wondered if he could sneak out without being noticed. Chris laughed and poked Justin in the side. "Hey, Curly, stop flirting with the fans and answer Carson's question." The audience giggled at the banter as Justin composed himself.
"Sorry Carson, got carried away there. And the answer is no."
Jamie's heart sank. A very small voice deep down told him that Justin would have to answer the question like this but he was having a hard time listening to it. Lance looked to Justin with concern as JC scanned the crowd to see if he could see Jamie. Joey was looking at Carson with obvious anger. It wasn't too hard for him to figure out why Carson had asked that question.
None of them had to worry, Justin was in complete control as he elaborated on his answer. "I don't have a special girl in my life right now, except if you count my mom. Hi mommy!" Justin waved and made smiley faces at the camera.
While Justin answered and played to the camera, Chris took a step up to Carson and whispered in his ear. "We've told you before we don't talk about our personal lives. Now if you don't want me to ask about what you and Keanu Reeves did last month in Toronto then I suggest you change the subject." Chris stepped back smiling at Carson and slapped him on the back in a friendly manner. Carson caught the look that Joey was throwing him and decided that he'd back off for now.
"Well, isn't that great. The guys will now introduce our next video on the countdown."
Sitting around the suite one hour later they discussed the appearance with Johnny Wright who had arrived in New York just in time to catch the appearance. After Jamie had been introduced to Johnny he went and sat in a corner not wanting to intrude or draw attention to himself.
"So what would make Carson break that one agreement we all had? I want answers guys, you know why, so spill it." They sat quietly, no one wanting to speak first.
Finally Jamie couldn't take the silence. "It was because of me Mr. Wright."
Six heads turned to look at him and he flinched at their scrutiny. "Jamie, you don't need to take the blame for..." Lance began before Jamie interrupted him.
"No, thanks Lance, but it -was- me."
"I don't understand, why would Carson do that because of your friend here?" Johnny was clearly confused.
Justin went over to Jamie who sat completely petrified. He stood next to him a firm expression on his face. "Johnny there's something you need to know about Jamie. He's not just our friend." He took Jamie's hand in his and squeezed lovingly.
Johnny looked first at Jamie then Justin before resting on their interlocked hands. "Lord of mercy, what haven't y'all told me?"
Justin lost his nerve a little but stood proud. "Johnny, I'm... I'm," he cleared his throat and continued. "I'm gay, Johnny. Jamie is my boyfriend."
Justin wasn't sure what Johnny's reaction would be. They had all known him for the entire time they were `N Sync and thought of him as a father. This is what made it so hard to tell him.
Johnny paused before speaking. "Justin, don't you worry, you are still my Justin, you, all of you, are like my sons. I had my suspicions before and I just wish you felt you could tell me about this before."
Justin put his head down looking at the floor.
JC cleared his throat. "Um, Johnny, there's more."
Johnny looked quickly to JC. "Yes, Josh?"
JC faltered not able to speak. Lance reached over and took JC's hand knowing that admitting his sexuality had been very difficult for him.
Lance continued for him. "I'm gay too, Johnny." He looked to JC for some sign he should continue.
Josh brought his head up suddenly looking Johnny straight in the eye. "I'm gay also and Lance and me are very much in love."
It was Lance's turn to be surprised. "Josh, don't you mean that your bi?"
Josh looked at Lance tears in his eyes. "No, Lance, I was just fooling myself. I guess I was trying to protect myself in case we didn't work out, but I can't deny it any more. I'm gay and I love you more than anything else." He then pulled Lance into a tight hug.
Johnny cleared his throat, he was clearly touched by the raw emotion Josh was putting out. He looked over at Chris and Joey. "Anything you two would like to share?"
A funny remark died on Chris' lips. "Um, nope Johnny. Just a plain heterosexual here." Joey nodded his agreement.
Johnny sat down on one of the couches. "So that still leaves the question of why Carson would ask that question."
Jamie answered him. "When we were in the makeup room waiting for the show to start he came in to talk. He kept glancing at me and I thought it was because he just wondered who I was. He must've puzzled it out somehow."
Chris nodded. "He's not as stupid as he looks, he's really good at spotting other gay people, some people are better than others with this... um... gaydar thing."
Lance looked at Chris as the words clicked in his head. "You mean Carson is... ?"
Chris smiled at Lance. "Yup, to borrow a phrase he's queerer than a three dollar bill! My guess is he was wondering who Jamie was and was interested too. He's a bigger slut than Joey."
"Hey!" Joey yelled in mock hurt.
Justin sighed and sat heavily down on the arm of Jamie's chair. "Now it all makes sense."
Joey looked at Justin funny. "What makes sense?"
"This last year he's been very friendly to me, more than usual. You know, joking around, arm on my shoulder, a hug here and there. I just thought he was being nice and trying to change his bitch image but I guess now I know why. He has a thing for me, I guess."
"Well, that we can look out for. I've got to give you props Just, you handled that really well," JC commended his best friend.
Johnny agreed. "It was perfect, and I suspect worded so you wouldn't be telling a lie." He winked at Jamie.
Justin nodded and leaned down to kiss the top of Jamie's head. "Exactly," he said simply, very proud of himself.
"But I'm still confused about one thing, why did he drop the subject so quickly?" Lance asked.
It was Chris' turn to preen. "Carson has been in a little hot water over at MTV for his, um, let's just say less than professional behavior. I know some dirt on our little video jock and made sure he knew that I did. It shut him up real quick and I think he'll behave better next time we see him."
They talked some more sharing with Johnny everything he needed to know so he and the Melinda, the PR, could better handle things. He excused himself when his phone rang and went into another room to take his call.
"Well, it's certainly been an interesting afternoon, what are we gonna do tonight to top this?" Joey asked.
"Clubbin`!" Chris exclaimed.
"You did that last night, and besides it's an early morning tomorrow. How about a show?" suggested JC.
"Getting tickets for six would be impossible this late," Jamie answered.
"How about a movie?" Joey asked.
"Good idea," said Justin. "In or go out?"
"I think we'd better just stay in tonight, we don't need anymore excitement," Lance advised.
"I second that," Johnny said as he came back into the room. "That was Orlando and they have a change in your schedule. There's been some trouble with the airline tickets for Friday morning. The airline screwed up and they couldn't book you so we have to fly you out to Cleveland tomorrow evening."
There was group groan from around the room. Justin was stammering, clearly upset. "But, but..."
Lance quickly looked at Justin then to Jamie who looked like he had just lost his favorite pet.
Justin finally got the words in him. "Johnny, tomorrow will be the last time we see each other for two and a half weeks. We were gonna do something special together tomorrow night." Justin's chin was shaking up and down, he was barely holding on.
Jamie reached up and rubbed his shoulder. "It's ok, Just, really," he comforted him quietly.
"Johnny, is there anything you can do?" Chris asked.
"I'm sorry, we checked all major airlines, and even some minor ones, there aren't any available seats that will get you there in time for the promo." He looked over at Jamie and Justin with sad eyes. "I am truly sorry. I'm flying out tonight after a meeting and will meet up with you in Atlanta in a week." He went over and shook Jamie's hand. "It was really nice meeting you. Please come and visit when you make it to Orlando, you and Justin can come over for supper."
Jamie smiled at Johnny. "It was nice meeting you too, Johnny. Thanks for the offer but I don't know when I'll be making it down, sometime soon I'm sure."
Johnny nodded as he squeezed Justin's shoulder. "The office in Orlando is working to see if they can work anything out, if they do they'll call Lance."
Justin smiled at Johnny, stood up and gave him a hug. "Thanks for understanding, Bing Bing."
They all said their goodbyes as Johnny left.
"Guys, I don't want to be such a bother to you all," Jamie said quietly.
"Hush, don't you say that!" Chris said shaking his finger at Jamie. "You're part of our family and we look out for our own."
Jamie smiled at Chris' paternal attitude. "Yes, papa."
Chris blinked at him as the others giggled. "Well, you just remember that," he said then and started giggling too.
Joey stood quickly and slapped Chris on the back of the head.
"Hey! What's that for?" Chris rubbed his head looking at Joey.
"For calling me a slut, old man!"
"I meant it as a compliment, really," Chris laughed.
"Besides," Joey added, "I'm better than Carson, any day! Now let's go get some supper, I'm starved."
"Good idea," echoed JC.
They all stood to leave. "I need to use the bathroom, I'll meet you down there," Lance said as he left the room.
Chris went to the other bathroom. "Me too, be down in a second."
Jamie hesitated a second seeing his chance. "Justin, I have to make a couple of calls first for tomorrow, I'll be down in a minute."
"You want me to wait for you, sweetie?"
Jamie smiled as he kissed Justin softly on the lips. "No, that's all right, just save me a place next to you, huh?"
Justin nodded as he hugged Jamie. "You bet."
Jamie went to the phone as they left and made one call. "Hi Eric, it's Jamie. I have a favor to ask, can you meet me a half hour earlier in the studio tomorrow?" --pause-- "I'll tell you tomorrow, it's a surprise for someone's birthday." --pause-- "Ok, thanks alot, bye."
"Ok, so what have you got up your sleeve?" Lances voice startled Jamie as he put the phone down.
"Just a present for Justin's birthday. Remember to get it from me tomorrow before you leave." Lance nodded.
"You are so cool, Jamie," Chris said as he entered the room. "What do you want to do about Joey's present?"
"Did you get it wrapped?" Jamie asked and Chris nodded. "Good, I guess you should give it to him on Friday since I won't be able to." Jamie's face clouded.
"I think I have something to cheer you up." Lance went to his backpack and pulled out an airline ticket and handed it to Jamie.
"What's that?" Chris asked.
"One round trip ticket from New York to Orlando. Arrives in Orlando on Saturday the 5th at 2pm. I`ll make sure one of us meets you at the airport," Lance stated proudly.
"Lance, thanks so much." Jamie wiped the tears from his eyes as he hugged Lance.
"Well, it's not perfect. You'll miss Justin's party, but I think I can make up for that."
"How so?" Jamie asked as he put the ticket in his backpack.
"Well, I'm going to visit my folks for a bit and I'm leaving right after the party. I've asked Justin to housesit for me, so you'll both have the place all to yourselves for some privacy. That`s my present to Justin, and you."
Chris was beaming from ear to ear as the left the suite. "You guys are way too much. It almost wants me to have a boyfriend too."
Jamie smiled at Chris. "Just say the word, papa, and I'll set you up if you want." Lance laughed at the offer. "I know a few guys who'll just love you to death."
Chris stopped dead just short of the elevator. "Hey, no, I was only kidding, really!"
Jamie started laughing too. "I know, Chris, just yanking ya."
Chris smiled uncertainly then started laughing too as they got on the elevator. "You guys, I'll get you!"
"And your little dog too!" Lance and Jamie chorused. They all collapsed against each other howling as the elevator made it's way down the hotel.
Everyone enjoyed themselves at dinner as only good friends can. Justin and Jamie sat close together and held hands under the table content to share their time with the others. After dinner they were back in the suite deciding on a movie.
"How about `Wild Wild West'?" Joey suggested.
Everyone agreed and Joey ordered the movie. "It starts in 15 minutes, I'll go make some popcorn."
Justin led Jamie to the loveseat and sat down. He pulled Jamie into his lap and they got comfortable. Lance and JC chose a couch and Chris the floor.
Justin's cell phone rang and he answered it.
"Hello"
==Hey Justin, how's it hangin'?==
"Who's this?" Justin asked slightly confused. "And how did you get my number?"
Everyone in the room went silent and on alert sensing something wasn't right.
==Forget me already, buddy?==
"I'm sorry but I don't know who you are but I suggest you don't call this number again." Justin hung up the phone
"Who was that?" Jamie asked.
"I have no idea. Wrong number, I suppose." Justin looked at his phone like it had grown hair. He jumped when it rang again.
Reluctantly he switched it on. "Hello?"
==Hey that wasn't nice to hang up on me like that. Let me speak to my lame brained brother.==
"Dan?"
At the mention of Dan's name everyone relaxed.
==Yes, it's me, sorry for scaring you like that, was just having some fun.==
"Hold on." Justin held the phone out to Jamie. He wants to talk to you."
Jamie took the phone and laid into his brother. "Geez, Dan, your supposed to be the older and more mature one. Don't go playing with peoples minds like that. You know this is a private number, you nearly scared Justin to death."
==Hey, I apologized. Calm down, I'm sorry. I just got home and wanted to check up on you.==
"It's ok, sorry for going off on you, but you scared me too. I'm fine. I'll be spending the night here at the hotel then going to the studio tomorrow. I'll be home tomorrow night sometime."
==Ok, see you tomorrow then. I love you bro. Say hi to everyone.==
"I will. Love you too, see you later. Bye."
Jamie turned the phone off and put it on the end table. "He says hi guys."
"How is he?" asked Lance.
"He just got home and wanted to see where I was."
Joey came in with the popcorn, passed it around and sat in a chair. Chris went and shut off the lights as the movie started.
Joey and Chris were right into the movie. JC had fallen asleep on Lance's chest. Jamie and Justin had other ideas as they kissed quietly in the darkness.
"I feel like a teenager making out in the back of a movie theater," Justin whispered into Jamie's ear.
Jamie glanced around the room and noticed that nobody was paying attention to them. "Well we are a little behind the others, I kinda like it."
Justin smiled and they resumed sharing soft lingering kisses with each other as the movie played on.
The movie ended and Lance roused JC to come with him to bed. Chris and Joey decided they weren't sleepy and went down to the hotel bar for a drink.
"Don't stay up too late, guys," Lance admonished. "We have to be out of here at 8 tomorrow morning."
"Yes, mom," Joey kidded as they left.
Lance smiled at their backs then looked over to Jamie and Justin. They were still kissing gently and softly. Lance felt guilty for watching but couldn't turn away. They are so in love,' he thought to himself. They are perfect together.' He was brought out of his head when JC shifted.
"Hey, it's not polite to stare," JC whispered in his ear.
Lance looked away guiltily. "I know," he whispered back. "But I just couldn't -not- look. Look at them, Josh, they are meant for each other. They each have what the other needs."
JC agreed. "I know, I feel that too. This next week will be hard for them both."
Lance sighed. "I just hope that they are strong enough, I know their love is."
"We'll just have to see and help when we can."
Lance hugged JC to him as they went to their room giving Jamie and Justin their privacy.
tbc...
There's the latest. Comments and suggestions are always welcome!
Jim bangoremail@aol.com