Part 3 -
Justin was surprised that the others had waited for him but when he stepped outside the small theatre he saw that they were still there, talking to the press and signing autographs for the excited groupies. A few of those that had turned out were a little bemused by these five good looking men and Justin realised that they must be there for Brandon, but there were enough young girls there that Nsync were recognised and when Justin joined them they let out a collective scream.
"Hey." Josh said, finishing off the autograph that he was signing and then facing Justin. "That was quick."
There was no 'I told you so' from his friend and Justin was grateful. The way that Josh looked at him it was obvious that his friend thought he had not been successful in getting backstage and Justin thought that it was for the best if Josh continued to believe that.
"Did you get your autograph?" Chris asked as he joined the duo.
Justin raised an eyebrow and Josh shrugged.
"Josh said that you were going to try and get backstage to get an autograph. Did you get one?" Chris asked.
Justin didn't want to lie so instead decided to go for a half truth.
"No, I mean I saw him but I couldn't get him to sign anything for me." Justin said with a small smirk.
Chris' eyes bugged for a moment in shock before he frowned.
"You're just kidding me, right?" Chris asked. "I mean..." He trailed off, as if he was thinking for a moment, and then rolled his eyes. "Jeez. For a moment you had me there. I really thought that you had gotten backstage."
Josh laughed softly and Justin joined in, but it was more of a nervous laugh than anything. He had gotten away with it for now. Justin didn't pause long enough to question why he didn't want his friends to know about his interactions with Brandon Taylor, he told himself that it was none of their business, and that the chances were that he wouldn't see Brandon again. However there was a card that he could feel in his pocket that told him otherwise. Justin wasn't ready to deal with that yet so instead he decided to focus on the here and now.
"Are you guys still up for going out?" He asked. Looking as much like his usual self as he could.
"Sure." Chris said happily. "Let me grab Joey before he finds a girl for the night and we'll jet."
Justin smiled at Chris' enthusiasm and then turned to Josh. JC looked a little puzzled for a moment, as if he was deep in thought about something, but the moment that Justin faced him the look faded and was replaced by his usual soft smile.
They went to save Lance from the girl that he had been talking to, signed a few more autographs, and then went off in search of a club to celebrate Justin's birthday in real style. None of them thought anymore about Justin's short trip - not even Justin.
*** TBC