Disclaimer: The following story is fiction and is not intended to imply anything about the true sexuality of the celebrities mentioned or any personal knowledge about their private lives. I am just a fan with what I hope is a good imagination.
Thanks to the people who have sent e-mails. The encouragement helps.
Bora, you still kick ass.
This is my first time writing. I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think. hr_lind@yahoo.com
If you are interested in knowing when new chapters will be available, I have created a yahoo group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/meetinglove/ Please join.
Chapter 8
Terrence invited me to hang out in his office so that we could talk. I had so much to do before the concert, but I thought it was more important to spend some time with my new big brother. We walked over to the couch in the office and sat down next to each other. I leaned into him, and he wrapped one of his strong arms around me.
"Hey T?" I asked barely above a whisper.
"Yeah," he answered in the same manner.
"Why didn't you ever say anything?"
"About James or you and me?"
"Us."
"It was weird for me. Especially since we work together."
"I get that."
"I was scared that you wouldn't feel the same way."
"Me too, but I'm glad I know now."
"Me too." Terrence leaned down and gave me a kiss on the forehead.
I leaned up and softly kissed his lips.
"Hey, you two. Lance and Rachel are not going to like what's going on here," Tribora said walking into the office.
"Hey Bora, its ok. I was just giving my big brother a kiss to thank him for being in my life." I said.
"Did I miss something, since when are you related?"
"A few minutes ago. It's a long story." Terrence said.
"Ok, I'm gonna trust you guys know what you are doing."
"So, what's up?" I asked.
"I came up here on the off chance that you were still here. I thought we'd figure out this afternoon."
"Cool. James asked that we all come to the sound check, which I think is at 3:45, then he wanted everyone to go do to dinner together."
"Who's everyone?" Tribora asked.
"You, me, Terrence, Rachel, Kayla, Ben, Stephanie, Madison, Jessica and a friend for each of the kids."
"That's a lot of people. Are you taking the subway or driving?"
"James hired a van to pick up everyone and drop them off at the end of the night."
"Nice."
"Yeah," I said, my heart aching from missing him, "he really is."
Terrence chuckled and squeezed me tighter.
"Ok, so can I be one of the last ones picked up, so that I have time to get home and get ready?"
"Shit, that reminds me." I stood up. "I have to call the kids and let them know about the change in plans. And yeah, that's not a problem. I'll tell the kids to have their friends over the house by 3, then we can get Terrence and Rachel, their house is on the way to yours anyway, and then we'll get you and head over to the Garden."
"Yeah, and I have to call the accounting office and let Rachel know that she needs to also leave work early today. Brian is going to love us, everyone disappearing midday." Terrence said.
Tribora waved goodbye as she walked out the door.
"Eh, he'll get over it. We all put our heart and souls into this place. If it weren't for us, this place wouldn't survive." I said, truly believing what I had just said. "Hey, I'm walking over that way; I have to check my mailbox. Do you just want me to talk to Rachel?"
"You can if you want, but I think I'm going to just ask her to come over here, so she can help me with an accounting problem." He said wiggling his eyebrows.
"Cute. I'm sure she'd love some morning loving. I still don't know how you've convinced Brian that you are only roommates. It's so obvious you are in love. Never mind the huge rock on her finger that she only plays with when you are in the room."
"Hey, what he doesn't know won't hurt him. Rachel is switching jobs soon, and then we'll be able to start working on the wedding. Speaking of which, I needed to ask you a favor."
"Yes."
"How do you know what I'm going to ask you?"
"I don't, but I know that if you are asking, I'm saying yes."
"You trust me that much?"
"You're my big brother, of course I do!" I said playfully kicking his leg.
"So you'll be my best man?"
I was shocked. I thought he was going to ask me to cater the rehearsal dinner, something that he had mentioned before in passing.
"Wow! That is so not what I thought you were going to ask. But yes, I'd be honored to be your best man. And, I'll also cater the rehearsal dinner."
"How'd you know I was going to ask that next?" He said surprised.
"Because that is what I thought you were asking me to begin with." I said with a huge grin on my face. "I have been playing around with menus since you proposed."
"You have not!"
"Yeah, you know me. I have four different themes with seven menus to choose from. But that's not important right now. I am so happy for you guys, and I can't wait to wear a tux. I look hot in a tux."
"Heath, you kill me. Now get out of here. I know you had plans this morning before we all sidetracked you."
We came together for a huge hug, and he kissed my forehead again.
"Hey, you're getting pretty loose with your kisses."
"Only for you little brother." He said and then kissed me lightly on the lips.
I left his office feeling amazing. So many good things have happened this week. I called my sister-in-law and gave her the update of what had to be done before three that afternoon. I got all my errands done, including being able to meet up with Alex to get some special presents. The minute I got home I has bombarded by my nieces. They helped me with all the bundles, while asking a thousand questions about what was going that night, what they should wear etc. etc. They were driving me crazy.
"Girls. How about you give me ten minutes, and then I'll come upstairs, and help you out with everything."
"Ok, Uncle Heath."
I took a moment to clear my mind, and went to the den to sit down. The whirlwind that my life has been is taking its toll on me. I am getting worn down way too quickly. I went to the kitchen drank a tall glass of juice, grabbed one of my shopping bags from before and made my way up to the third floor apartment.
"Hey there," said Aimee. "You look tired."
"I am. I haven't gotten much sleep lately."
"And after all the work you put into last night, tonight you are taking care of my kids and their friends."
"Actually I'm not taking care of them. James arranged for 'NSYNC security to watch over them."
"That's so sweet of him."
"Yeah, he's a good guy. Where are the girls?"
"Tearing apart their rooms trying to figure out what to wear."
"Ok, let me see if I can help."
"Good luck."
"Thanks."
I decided to start with Stephanie, she should be the easiest.
"Hey Steph." I said knocking on her door.
"Hey, thanks for coming up." She came over and gave me a hug. "I know that I want to wear one of these pairs of khakis, but I'm not sure which one. These go well with my clogs and the other ones go with my Dr. Martens. And I have no idea which shirt to wear."
"I suggest that you wear your Dr. Martens. It's safer than wearing an open backed shoe. So that tells us which pants, and I have the perfect shirt for you to wear." I said throwing the shopping bag on her bed.
"What's this?" she asked.
"I had some shirts made for you and your friends today. Take a look."
She lifted one of the shirts and shrieked. Her sisters and brother came running into the room.
"These are so cool! Thanks Uncle Heath!!"
"What did you get?" asked Madison.
"We all got personalized official 'NSYNC reunion tour staff shirts."
"That is too cool. Thanks Uncle Heath," said Ben.
"You're all welcome. Now does this partially solve what you all are wearing tonight?"
"Totally," said Jessica.
"Remember to wear comfortable shoes."
"Yes, Uncle Heath," they said in unison.
"Ok. I'm heading downstairs to take a nap. I suggest you do the same. We are going to be out very late tonight. I think the guys want to hang out after the show too."
Madison walked over to me and wrapped herself around me.
"What's wrong sunshine?"
"Nothing, I'm just so happy that you found love, and that we get to reap the benefits." She said with a coy smile.
"Dork," I admonished. "Let me go, I'll see you all at three on the dot. Do not bother me before then."
"Ok."
I said goodbye to Aimee, and went downstairs. I got undressed and just as I was about to climb into bed, my cell rang. Looking at the caller ID I smiled.
"Hey."
"Hey yourself."
"What's up?"
"Not me, my boyfriend is out of town."
"Brown, you're an idiot."
"Yeah, but you still love me."
"Very true. As much as I try to get rid of you, you still turn up."
"It's my nature. I always show up when you need me most."
"How'd you know?"
"Know what?"
"That I was feeling worn out again?"
"I wasn't sure, but I thought I could feel you hurting again. I thought this was going to be a good week for you."
Mike Brown and I had met our sophomore year in college. We lived across the hall from each other that year and quickly became good friends. We lost contact over the summer and it wasn't until accidentally running into him the next February, that we became friends again. Best friends actually. We've had a very rocky friendship, but like I said, he always knows when he is needed. We were on one of our off times when my whole Mike the asshole situation happened. But it was right after, when I was feeling so low that he contacted me.
"Brown, it has been a good week. I am in love with James, and he is in love with me. It's just that the band he works for is 'NSYNC, and he is Lance Bass, and things have been crazy here with meeting the group and everything."
"Have you fucked him?"
"NO! How can you ask such a question?"
"Has he fucked you?"
"Michael John Brown get your mind out of the gutter. I am not telling you what we have done, but I can tell you that there is no fucking going on here."
"Hey, chill. It's all good. So he's made love to you, huh?"
"Michael. You are not helping me."
"Sorry. Are things not going well?"
"No things are great. I'm just running myself ragged. I didn't sleep all last week in anticipation, and now I'm just all over the place."
"Hun, things will be ok. You just need to take a step back and remember to breathe. We can't have you breaking down before you get a good fucking in."
"Michael, will you stop with the fucking?!"
"Never."
"Cute. Now can we be serious?"
"Yeah, are you really bad?"
"Not so bad, but like you said, I just need to take a step back. I wish you were here; I could really use one of your hugs. But I'm actually about to take a nap. I'm going to the sound check and the concert tonight, and afterwards I think that we are going out."
"Sounds like it should be fun. I'm not into the whole boyband thing, but that kind of opportunity doesn't come around often. Maybe I can fly up for New Year's weekend."
"That would be totally amazing. Would you really give up being with Matt, to spend time with me?"
"I would, but would you mind if he came along?"
"Never. As long as you never date a guy like Ron again, you can bring any boyfriend here."
"How sweet. Now, you go nap, and have fun with your man tonight. I'll call within the week to confirm everything. Love you."
"Forever and ever. Later."
"Later."
I hung up the phone. As I was talking I had made it to my room and started stripping. I was down to just my boxers and I hopped in bed. I set my alarm for two pm, which would let me sleep for just over an hour, but give me plenty of time to get ready. I fell right to sleep, and the next thing I knew the alarm was going off. I took a shower, brushed my teeth and did my hair. I was standing at my closet trying to decide what I was going to wear, when I heard the reminder beep on my cell phone. I went to check it and saw that I had both a text message and a voice mail. I checked the text message first. It was from James, and said 'I love u & miss u, chk ur vm." Aw, how sweet. I couldn't wait to hear the voicemail.
"Ry, it's me. I'm on lunch break and wanted to talk to you, but I obviously missed you. I wish I could say what I want to out loud, but I can't sneak far enough away. I'm gonna send a text message, but it barely scratches the surface of what I want to say to you. Can't wait to see you and everyone later, so I can really talk to you. Bye."
Wow, that guy is just too good. I can't wait until I can grab him in my arms again, and kiss him until we can't breathe anymore. I sent a quick text back saying "I love u & miss u 2," and I went back to getting dressed. Figuring that I'd take my own advice, I wore jeans, a rugby shirt and Timbs. I still had a little time, so I decided to have a quick snack. I called Aimee and asked her how the kids were progressing. As we talked, I prepared the snack.
"Hey HR. Everyone is here, ready, and nervously waiting for 3pm to roll around. All the kids love their shirts by the way."
"Great. Why don't you send them down? I'm going to put out a quick snack of celery, carrots and dip. Something to tide us all over."
"Sounds good, the terror squad and crew will be down shortly."
Seconds later I heard I heard the stampede. All ten of them came right into the kitchen and attacked the vegetables. I was glad to see that each of them were able to get their best friends to come, all of whom I know very well and also call me Uncle Heath. This made me a little more comfortable, but not comfortable enough to have them know about my true relationship with James.
"Ok guys, quick check. Does everyone have their id, ticket, backstage pass, sweatshirt, no money and no purses?" I asked
I heard a bunch of yeses, and a couple questions.
"Why no money? How are we supposed to pay for stuff?"
"I am worried about people trying to steal your wallets. Keep your ids in your front pants pocket and your backstage pass around your neck at all times. I'll be bringing along one credit card. If you want anything, I will buy it for you, and you will pay me back, so be reasonable. If you can't afford it, do not buy it."
"That makes sense Uncle Heath," said Ben.
"Thanks. I've been to a few concerts, so I know the drill."
"Now. My family has all met and spent time with the guys of 'NSYNC as friends. Please remember that the guys are working tonight and that they are being very kind letting us spend time with them. I understand that for the rest of you there will be shrieking etc., but I do expect you all to behave."
"No problem Uncle Heath," said Sean. "Thanks for making it so that we can all go."
"Don't thank me, I had nothing to do with it."
"We have a thank you card for each of them that we each signed in case we aren't able to thank them individually. But we wanted to thank you too. If you hadn't become good friends with Lance none of us would be going to the concert, so we also need to thank you," said Becky, Kayla's friend, as she came over and gave me a hug.
"No problem." I looked at my watch and saw that it was five of. "Let's clean this up, put our sweatshirts on and wait outside."
Our transportation was there right at 3pm. James lies to me though. It wasn't a 15-passenger van, it was a H2 limo.
"No way," I said. "This is too much."
The kids were all excited as they piled in.
"No touching the bar!!" I screamed after them.
We went to pick up everyone else. I noticed that the adults were all pretty much dressed the same, jeans or khakis, shirt and sweatshirt and comfortable shoes. As we made our way to the Garden we were all nervous with anticipation.
To be continued . . .