Greetings everyone,
Here's Chapter 20.
Here's a note: I have no idea what Lance's house looks like inside or out except for the reports of the foliage around the swimming pool and lake/pond that he had put in so I'm making it up..... : )
Watched the Teen Choice Awards the other night. `Old Town' was a hoot! And wasn't Justin cute as could be? I like his hair like that... full and curly but under control. This is the Justin that I envision when writing the story. His bit with Britney was too funny, hurray to them for being able to laugh at themselves like that! Congrats to NSync for the 4 awards and the one for Justin...
Wow, 20 chapters.... I never thought that I'd make it this far. Actually I knew -I- would but I guess I underestimated the story.
The other day I got an email asking me if the story was coming out like I thought it would when I started. The answer is absolutely no! : ) Some major things changed within the first 2 chapters that sent the story off somewhere unexpected.. Again the story is really writing itself.
Since 20 chapters is a milestone of sorts, I'll give you a short list of what I thought the story would be: Jamie's love interest would be Lance, the dance would happen in the second chapter, Justin was just supposed to be the matchmaker, Jamie and Rocky were to split-up when Jamie moved to New York and Rocky was going to be nicer and really heartbroken, Jamie and Lance wouldn't hook up until after New Year's (well part of that did happen), Jamie was going to be harder, less approachable making Lance work harder to get him and a bunch of other really small details.
I guess when this story wraps, whenever that is, I might really try to write a Lance story. Believe me, Jamie's Romance will definitely end at some point, I don't believe in the stories that go on and on and on.... you get my drift : )
So, if anybody wants to chat/mail me about any of this feel free. I really like to hear what's on the reader's minds.
(((((does anybody read any of this? Let me know.))))))
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:
Jamie looked out the window at Orlando as the plane made it's final approach. Of all things about flying he hated landings the most. He gripped the armrests and closed his eyes thinking of Justin's face. Before he knew it they were stopped at the gate.
He got his carry-on and left the plane thankful to be on solid ground again. Entering the terminal he looked for one or more of the guys but didn't see them. He took his time and tried to spot anyone with hats and sunglasses when a small sign with his name on it caught his attention. It was being held by a short blond headed girl wearing a large hat and big sunglasses.
Jamie went over to her and smiled. "I'm Jamie Campbell."
She dropped the sign, held out her hand and took off her sunglasses. "Nice to meet you. I'm..."
Jamie interrupted her when he finally realized who he was shaking hands with. "Britney Spears!" His mind was whirling. `What was Lance thinking sending his boyfriend's ex-girlfriend!' he screamed to himself as he stood in shock not knowing what to do.
Jamie's Romance - Chapter Twenty
Britney gave her best glamour smile to Jamie. "Um, can I have my hand back?" she giggled at him.
Jamie regained his senses and released her hand. "Oh, sorry about that Ms. Spears. I'm just a little surprised that you're here to pick me up. I was expecting Lance."
"Listen, we'll get along better if you call me Britney, ok?" she smiled at him.
"Um, oh sorry, sure.. Britney."
"I was kind of surprised when Lance asked me to pick you up. I thought he'd want to do it himself but he was running behind and needed my help. I'd do anything for the doll, so here I am. How long have you known him?"
Jamie smiled remembering the dance that brought he and Justin together. "I met Justin first, then all of them at the end of October in Boston."
"I'm just surprised that he didn't tell me. I'll have to slap that boy."
They both giggled as they headed over to the luggage carousel. Britney chatted happily about Orlando, the weather, nothing very important. Jamie paid just enough attention to her to comment intelligently while his mind raced.
`Ok, how much does she know? I'll wait until she says something, that's safest.' He must not have been paying close enough attention because he felt her nudge him with her elbow.
"I'm sorry what did you ask?"
"I asked if this was your first time in Florida. You're just like Lance, get into your thoughts and you go a mile away," she giggled.
Jamie smiled weakly. "I've just got a lot on my mind. This is my second time, my family did the Walt Disney family vacation thing when I was in Junior High."
They got to the carousel and waited for the plane to be unloaded.
"You staying long?"
"Until Tuesday, then I have to head back to New York."
"Oh, that's too bad. With Lance having to go to Mississippi for the rest of the weekend, you won't get to spend too much time with him."
"Ya I guess I won't get to spend too much time with Lance," Jamie sighed, again a little preoccupied. He thought of the next few days alone with Justin, no appointments, obligations, just the two of them. He sighed again with a faint smile.
Britney looked at Jamie for a minute trying to come up with a discreet, not too nosy way of asking but couldn't come up with one so she decided on the direct approach.
"You love him don't you?"
Jamie looked at her surprised. `Well, she must know or she wouldn't have asked that. I'm not going to start lying to one of his best friends,' he decided to himself. "Yes, I guess I do, very much," he said aloud. "Um, how did you know? Did he tell you?"
Britney beamed at him. "I can sense things, and besides none of them can hide anything from me." She reached over and patted his arm showing her approval. "It's about time. He deserves to be happy and I think you make a cute couple."
"Thanks." Jamie blushed getting to like her better and better. He bent to retrieve his suitcase. "Ok, all set here." Britney nodded and they left the terminal.
"So you met last October, how long have you been together?"
"Well," he started a little embarrassed, "if you don't count the first attempt in October, just 2 weeks officially."
"First attempt?" she asked as she led him to the car.
"Let's just say I was having some problems last fall and things didn't work out." Jamie frowned at the memory.
"Sounds like a story. I won't pry, but I`d like to hear it sometime."
"Maybe someday, it's still a little sore to talk about."
Britney put her hands up showing that it was fine with her. They put his luggage in the trunk and were soon on their way. Britney pointed out landmarks to him as they went.
"So what drew you to him?"
"Where do I start?" he giggled. Her open manner prompted him to share. "Let's see, his kindness and gentleness, the way he wants to take care of me, the love in his voice when he says my name, the softness of his hair, his wonderful lips, beautiful eyes and broad shoulders."
Britney nodded. "All that and more."
"All that and a bag of chips," he joked and Britney laughed with him.
Jamie realized at that point the depth of his feelings for Justin. He knew three of the pieces: he liked Justin as a person, he was certainly attracted to him in a physical sense and their love for each other grew daily. Just talking about it with Britney brought it all into focus. The last was trust, complete trust. He did trust Justin in many ways. It would be complete when he was sure he was giving Justin what he needed.
"Thanks, Britney."
"Oh? For what?" she glanced at him puzzled.
"For helping me figure something out. And also, I guess, for being such a good friend to him. We all need someone to understand and accept."
Britney smiled at Jamie. "I hope we can become friends too."
"Same here," Jamie replied.
They drove again for a bit with Britney pointing out some other points of interest. They chatted a little about Jamie's life. Britney seemed very pleased that he was a professional musician. It seemed to Jamie she was liking him more and more herself.
Eventually they entered a neighborhood of very nice homes in a remote suburb. Jamie looked at the houses, impressed by the show of wealth. After turning down several streets they entered the driveway of a modest sized home set well back from the road.
"This is Lance's house?" Jamie asked a little awestruck.
"Ya, fancy isn't it?" she laughed. "I guess they have to spend all that money somewhere. It's very nice inside, wait `till you see it."
Jamie could just nod dumbly. It was certainly not as large as his grandmother's house, which always seemed palatial to Jamie while growing up, but much larger than the house he grew up in. Britney parked in front of the garage and they both got out. Jamie grabbed his bag from the trunk and they went to the front door. Just as she was about to press the bell the door flew open.
"Jamie!" Lance yelled and grabbed him in a big hug. Britney quietly took Jamie's suitcase from his hand and went into the house with a knowing smile on her face that they both missed.
"Hey, Lance, missed you too," he joked returning the hug. Lance kept his arm around Jamie's shoulders as he led him inside. They stopped just inside the entryway and Jamie's jaw dropped.
"Lance, this is a beautiful house."
Lance smiled. "Thanks, it just got completely finished a month ago. I had it almost completely redone, inside and out."
"And wait `till you see the out," added Britney.
Jamie looked at the living room in front of him. It was large with a cathedral ceiling that went up both stories. A huge ceiling fan turned lazily above. Couches, loveseats and a very comfortable looking chair surrounded a large square coffee table in the center. A baby grand piano sat near the bow windows. Jamie looked to the back and saw and arch leading to a dining room. Off to the right a staircase led up to a landing that overlooked the entire living room.
"Well, let's get you settled and I'll give you the grand tour," Lance said as he grabbed Jamie's suitcase.
Lance turned to the stairs with Jamie following. Britney gave them a strange look and started to speak when her cell phone rang.
Jamie and Lance waited while she answered it. She rolled her eyes and made the motion for them to go ahead without her as she went to sit on a couch. It seemed the call was going to be a long one.
At the top of the stairs Lance took Jamie down a short corridor on the left and through a door.
"This will be your room."
Jamie gasped. The room was huge. A king-sized bed filled one end and a couch and a couple of overstuffed chairs the other. Lance put Jamie's suitcase on the bed as Jamie looked around.
"You like it?" Lance asked with a smirk. Jamie nodded and smiled. "I know it's big for guest room but I was thinking of my parents visiting when I had it done." A sad look came over his face suddenly that Jamie noticed immediately.
"Hey, Lance, it will be ok." He paused before deciding to go further. "You're going to tell them when you're home, aren't you?" It was more a statement than a question.
Lance looked up with a worried expression on his face. "Seems like I can't hide it from anyone, can I? Justin guessed too."
Jamie pulled Lance into a hug and Lance clung on tightly. "Have you told Josh?"
Lance nodded on his shoulder. "Ya and we got into a little fight about it. He wanted to go with me but I wouldn't let him. I need to do this by myself. Do you understand that?"
"Sure do. But don't count Josh out. He loves you very much."
"I love him too, but I just couldn't bear to see him hurt over this but it looks like he did anyway. He'll be here for me when I get back, I know." Lance squeezed Jamie tightly once before letting him go. "Ok, let's finish this tour, time is running out."
There was a full bathroom connecting to the other guest room which they went through. Lance pointed over to the other landing where he indicated three other rooms and a bathroom. He led Jamie down a back stair which ended up in a cozy country kitchen. They took a minute for Lance to show Jamie where all the basics were with an admonishment to make himself at home.
Lance pointed out the doors to the laundry room and his office. "The computer is there, so if you need to use it feel free." Jamie nodded. "There's also a door that leads to the garage."
Lance led him through the dining room. They looked through to the living room and saw that Britney was still on the phone before they continued on. "That door there goes to the basement. It's really only one room about the size of the living room. It has a pool table, bar, couches and a home theater. When the guys are over and we hang out it`s mostly down there" He led Jamie on and stopped at another door. "This is mine and Josh's room." Lance hesitated a second before opening the door. Jamie squeezed his shoulder. Lance nodded and they entered.
Jamie gasped. This room put all luxury suites to shame. It was elegant but still had a country charm that reflected Lance. One whole wall were pictures of Lance and his family, the guys of NSync and of he and JC together. Lance stood by the bed stroking a picture of Josh that sat on the night table while Jamie looked around.
Jamie finished looking around and came back to see Lance staring at the picture, tears in his eyes. He sighed then went over to him. "Come on Lance. You'll work this out."
Lance nodded. "Well, let me show you the back," he said with fake cheerfulness.
They crossed the room and went through some french doors onto the back lawn. The sun was warm and felt good to Jamie. They walked across as Lance pointed out the gazebo almost hidden beside a large flower bed. Coming around a medium sized hedge Jamie saw the pool. It was everything the news reports had stated and more.
"Wow, this is even more impressive than what's been said in the media and gossip columns."
True to the message boards and reports he read the pool was large and curved. All kinds of plants and trees had been placed around it so that he couldn't see the far end. Lance led him down a flagstone path to the hot tub placed inside the arc of the pool.
"You like it?" Lance asked obviously proud.
"It's incredible."
They continued down the path and rounded a corner of the hedge. Jamie stumbled to a halt. "So it was true?"
Lance simply nodded as Jamie looked out at the small pond that Lance had made on his property. "All true. You wouldn't believe the red tape I had to go through to excavate and flood."
"But how?"
"Well, there was already an active stream through there and it was a little boggy to begin with. There was nothing special about it except for the mosquitoes so it got approved. They took out about 10 feet of soil before they hit hard clay, then I had to pay to have some water put in. The DEP didn't want to interrupt the stream for too long waiting for it to fill. They said if I wanted I could stock it with fish. I'm still considering it."
Lance led him to a shack that was open on one end, inside were two jet skis. "All for these," he chuckled stroking the handle of one. "Have Justin show you how to ride them, it's a blast." Jamie looked at them skeptically and Lance grinned at him.
They went back around to the pool making a complete circle almost to where they first started. Jamie noticed a small house. "What's that?" he asked pointing.
"It's a small changing room with a shower and a closet for towels. It's more convenient than having to go back up to the house."
Jamie giggled as they walked back. "I feel like I'm in the middle of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous."
Lance laughed with him. "Well, after having paid the bill for all this I'm certainly not rich anymore, but the famous part still stands for now." Lance checked his watch. "It's quarter past three, Justin will be here soon."
Jamie smiled at him. He put an arm around Lance's shoulder and Lance put one around Jamie's waist. "I really appreciate all you've done Lance. You're a great friend." Jamie leaned over and kissed Lance on the cheek.
Lance blushed. "That's what friends are for. No, correct that, it's what brothers are for. All I do is see how much you love each other and I couldn't do anything less."
Britney smiled from the kitchen window as she watched them cross the lawn, their arms around each other. `See, I knew they were a cute couple.'
They found her sitting on a stool at the counter sipping some water.
"Isn't this place fantastic?" Britney asked Jamie.
Jamie smiled and nodded. "I can't believe it. Who would've thought, a small man-made lake in your backyard?"
They all laughed. After a few minutes the phone rang and Lance went to answer it.
"Hello."
==Um, hi Lance, it's me,== JC said unsurely.
Lance sighed. "Hi Josh. Where are you?"
==Justin and I are almost there.==
"Josh, please, we've talked all about this."
==I just want to say goodbye before you go, no fights.==
Lance smiled. "Ok."
==Did the soup you were looking for come?==
Lance smiled. "Yes, the -soup- is here now," he emphasized the word to Jamie who grinned back.
==Alright then, we'll see you in a few.==
"Ok, bye Josh." Before Lance hung up he could hear Justin in the background ribbing JC for asking about soup.
Britney looked at one then the other, very confused. "I don't get it. What's so funny about the soup?"
Jamie and Lance laughed harder. "The soup is me, Britney. My last name is Campbell."
"Ah, I see, very clever. But what's with the secrecy?"
"Justin doesn't know Jamie's here, so we're gonna surprise him," Lance answered.
"You guys," she ribbed them good-naturedly, "always pulling your surprises."
Jamie thought for a minute. "Lance, hand me your cell phone."
Lance passed it over. "What you have in mind?"
"I'm still working on it." His train of thought was interrupted by the slam of car doors. "Just play along with whatever happens, ok?" Jamie ran out the back door and into the yard without waiting for an answer.
Lance giggled at him as he and Britney went to the living room just as Justin and JC came through the front door. As soon as JC saw Lance he quickly crossed the room and pulled him roughly into his arms. Lance's protest was silenced as JC gave him a soul wrenching kiss.
Justin looked away with a slightly embarrassed smile, but Britney was fit to be tied.
"Joshua Scott Chasez! What do you think you're doing?" she yelled at him.
Lance and JC froze and just looked at her blankly. Justin was clearly uncomfortable and fidgeted where he stood. They were released by the ringing of Justin's cell phone.
"Hello," Justin answered quickly.
==Hey, can I speak to my boyfriend please?== Jamie said on the other end.
Justin smiled widely. "Jamie! I was just thinking about you."
==Oh, you're so sweet. I think of you constantly.==
Justin blushed. "Same here, 24/7."
==How was your party, babe?==
"It was nice, but lonely. I wish you could've been there."
==I know, me too. I have a surprise for you.==
"A surprise for me! I like those. You are so good to me. I love you, sweetie."
Lance and JC smiled at the conversation. Justin's depression lifted at the sound of Jamie's voice and they knew what was in store. JC leaned into Lance and whispered into his ear, "Where's Jamie?"
Lance whispered back, "In the backyard." JC nodded as they turned their attention back to Justin.
"So you want me to go where?" Justin asked the phone a little confused. Justin nodded at the response. "Ok, I'll talk to you later. I love you too. Bye." He left the living room and went into the kitchen.
Britney's mind swirled as she followed Justin to the back door. `Have I lost my mind. Lance and Josh kissing, Justin calling Jamie sweetie and telling him he loved him. Maybe I -am- going crazy,' she thought.
"Where are you going, Justin?" she asked with a forced smile.
"Jamie said my surprise was out at the gazebo. What is it, Lance?"
Lance smiled and pushed him to the door. "Go find out."
They watched as Justin walked across the lawn and through the flower beds. He got to the gazebo and looked around. Not seeing anything he sat down on the bench swing looking at his cell phone. JC nudged Britney and Lance and they spied Jamie sneaking up behind Justin from the bush where he had hid. He got right up in back of Justin and leaned down and said something to him. Justin lept up suddenly then grabbed Jamie in a bone crushing hug. They turned from the window as the two of them settled on the swing kissing.
Lance winced as he looked at Britney who had a stormy expression on her face.
"So does somebody want to explain to me what the hell is going on around here?"
Justin walked across the lawn wondering what surprise Lance and Jamie had for him. Although brief, his talk with Jamie made him feel so much better. `I guess I'm really, truly in love if the sound of his voice makes me feel this way,' Justin thought happily to himself.
He reached the gazebo and looked around it. Not seeing any package or card or note he sat on the swing thinking maybe Lance was bringing something out to him. He looked down at his phone and hit the caller id button. `This can't be right. It shows Lance's number,' he thought to himself.
"Is this seat taken?" a comforting and familiar voice whispered in his ear.
Justin jumped up in shock as Jamie came around to the front of the swing. Justin blinked several times before he grabbed Jamie and held him tightly. "It's really you. I can't believe it, you're here," he said tear springing to his eyes.
Jamie took Justin's face in his hands. "Surprise baby." He pulled Justin to him and they kissed as they sat down on the swing.
"I've missed you so much."
"Same here, Just." Jamie sucked Justin's lower lip into his mouth before releasing the kiss. He looked at Justin worriedly.
Justin saw his expression and pulled Jamie into his arms. He reached up and ran his fingers through the soft straight hair. "What's wrong, sweetie?"
"I'm sorry that I had to keep this from you. You're not angry are you?"
Justin laughed and pulled Jamie up so he could look right in his eyes. "Anything so that I could hold you again is worth it. How long have you and Lance been planning this?"
Jamie sighed in relief. "Since the day after our `date.' You were so sad last night, I almost told you."
Justin kissed Jamie's forehead then his nose. "I'm not gonna lie to you. Knowing would've made it easier and saved me a little pain. But this last week I've come to realize some things." He moved his hands around Jamie's waist and they rested their foreheads against one another.
"I have too, Justin."
"We have time to talk later, right now I just want to hold you."
Jamie smiled happily and sank his head down on Justin's shoulder pressing his face into Justin's neck. He took a deep breath taking in the familiar scent.
"Do I smell good?" Justin laughed. "It's been a warm day. I don't think I'm as fresh as I could be."
"You smell wonderful. I smell the soap you used for your shower this morning and your cologne plus that little bit that smells just like you." Jamie snuggled more tightly against him lightly kissing Justin`s neck.
They were interrupted when Lance's cell phone started ringing. Jamie sighed and pulled it to his ear.
"Yes, Lance?" he giggled.
==Um, could you two come back in the house. We have a very confused Pop Princess here who's demanding some explanations. Plus I need to be leaving soon.==
"Ok, Lance, we'll be right there." Jamie turned the phone off and pulled out of Justin's embrace. "We need to head back in. Something's wrong with Britney."
Justin looked at him puzzled. "Ok, let's go."
The walked hand in hand back into the house and found the others in the living room. Britney smiled at Justin as he and Jamie claimed a love seat then turned her attention to JC and Lance sitting across from her. She then looked Jamie straight in the eyes.
"So I guess the whole conversation I had with you this afternoon coming from the airport was about Justin and not Lance.
The other guys looked at Jamie with sympathy, glad they weren't the subject of Britney's cross-examination. They had experienced it before.
Jamie nodded with a puzzled expression on his face. "I guess we thought we were talking about the same person but weren't. I'm sorry if anything I said mislead you."
Britney's blank expression quickly changed to a smile. Justin let out the breath he was holding knowing what that meant. "That's ok, Jamie, I assumed and I shouldn't have. There's nothing to forgive. I still think you make a cute couple."
Jamie smiled back and nodded.
Britney shifted her gaze to Justin who looked up sheepishly. "I'm not done with you yet, mister. When I get back in town we're gonna have a looong talk." She shifted her gaze to JC who had a big smile on his face which quickly fled as he saw her looking at him. "The same for you, Mr. Chasez. I can't believe you two kept this from me. How long have you two been together?"
"Since the beginning of October officially," JC answered proudly. Lance beamed at him.
Lance spoke up then. "I'm a little confused. Why don't you want to talk to me?"
Britney smiled warmly at Lance. "Lance, honey, you I had pegged from the start. Sorry."
Lance sighed with resignation. "I hate being the gay one," he mumbled. Everyone laughed and he cracked a smile.
"Come on Josh, you can help me get my things into Britney's rental," Lance said as he stood pulling on JC's hand.
They all stood. Britney went over to give Jamie and Justin a hug as Lance and JC went to their bedroom to say a private goodbye.
"Thanks for understanding Britney. I'm glad I got to meet you," he said as he hugged her.
Britney beamed at Jamie. "Justy, he's a keeper. She then hugged Justin. "You do look good together," she whispered into Justin's ear. "I`m really glad you found someone." Justin smiled at her as they separated.
A few moments later Lance and JC returned carrying bags and they all went out to the driveway. After loading Britney's car they said their goodbyes.
JC stood silently with tears in his eyes as he watched Lance hug Justin and Jamie. Lance went to him and wiped the tears from his cheeks. "I love you, Josh, don't ever doubt that."
They waved as Britney backed down the driveway and out into the street; and then they were gone.
"I don't want to lose him," JC whimpered softly.
Justin and Jamie went to either side of him and hugged him tightly. "You won't Josh. He's coming back to you," Jamie reassured him.
Justin then noticed the bag on JC's shoulder. "Josh, you don't have to leave. It's just as much your house, too." Jamie agreed.
"That's ok, Justin," JC smiled at his best friend. "I'm gonna spend a day or two at the compound to clear my head. I have some work to do on some of Wild Orchid's tracks and it will keep my mind off of this. Plus I want to give you two your privacy, that's my gift to you." He patted both of their shoulders.
JC opened the garage door, hopped into his jeep and backed out of the garage. Justin closed the door again.
"Josh, we'll call you if we decide to do anything exciting, ok? I`d like to spend some time with you too."
"Thanks, I'd like that, Jamie. You two have some fun." He waved and was soon gone leaving Jamie and Justin standing in the driveway with their arms around each other's waists.
Justin glanced at Jamie who was lost in some deep thoughts. He nudged him with his hip. "Hey you, hungry?"
Jamie smiled back. "Sure, what you have in mind?"
"Well, a nice quiet dinner for two and maybe some dessert." Justin grabbed Jamie's hand and they went back into the house.
tbc...
There's the latest. Comments and suggestions are always welcome!
Jim bangoremail@aol.com