| > HOME INDEX
PROLOGUE "I don't want to." "Why?" "We've already gone like two weeks ago!" She tried reasoning with her friend. But to no avail. She wasn't giving up that easy. "Cassy, we have to go. You have to go." "And why's that?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Ashley thought about it for a second. How would she tell Cassy she had to go without actually telling her the real reason as to why? Shrugging she answered simply, "You need to get out of the house. Besides, what else are you going to do tonight? And you can keep your good friend company." Ashley threw her arm over Cassy's shoulder hoping she would just give up with the protesting and agree to go. "Fine, I'll go. But just because I love you." "Right, and it has nothing to do with the sexy man you have loved for years?" "Absolutely not. I'm over that phase." "Mmhmm." The girls burst out laughing as they walked out of the apartment. Ashley was grateful Cassy agreed to go. She didn't know what would happen if she didn't. What would she have done? What would she have told him? ~*~ "Wow, this place is small. I was expecting at least a little bigger place." Cassy said, looking around the small club. So she had been club hopping around the city of Buffalo before, but this place just took the cake for smallest club of the world. The stage was a lot more small and intimate too. Being just a few inches off the ground. "Yeah. I think he said he wanted a more intimate setting with his fans than anything Nsync had ever had. Or that he had before." Ashley explained. "I guess that makes sense." Cassy and Ashley made their way to the stage to find seats. Lucky for them there were still a few right on the corner of the stage. They would definitely be touching the man tonight. As soon as the man came out on stage, Cassy knew something was up with him. He just seemed a little off. It was as if his whole heart and soul wasn't being put into the performance like it usually was. Cassy had seen him perform live enough times to know that when Jc Chasez was on stage, nothing else in the world mattered. So what was wrong? Ashley kind of had some knowledge on the jist of Jc's problems, but Cassy had to find out for herself if she wanted to know badly enough. "If only I could meet him." Cassy thought to herself. "Then maybe I could stand a chance at him telling me what was bothering him." Suddenly Jc turned his attention to Cassy. She noticed how surprised he seemed to be upon laying eyes on her. Yeah, right. Jc Chasez, international pop star shocked to see Cassandra Tonaus, a nobody to him? She could only dream it. The concert had ended and Cassy was ready to leave when she felt someone grab her arm. "Oh, you decided to come back and join me did you?" "Sorry Cass. I just didn't know Kerri was going to be here and I haven't seen her in forever!" "Yeah yeah. You ready?" "Actually, no. And you shouldn't be either." Cassy looked at her friend curiously. "Why not?" All she wanted to do was go home and think about possible reasons as to why Jc was seemingly off. And Ashley was standing in the way of that. "Because we have backstage passes." "We do?" Ashley laughed at her shocked friend. "We do. Now come on." Ashley grabbed Cassy's arm and led her to the burly guard back by the stage. Ok, so this night just kept getting better and better. Cassy wishes for something, it came true. They were going backstage to meet Jc Chasez. But wasn't this usually done before the show? Oh well. Why question it? Now, if only Cassy could get Jc to confide in her and tell her what had been bothering him all night. The guard led the two girls into the dressing room where they would be spending some quality time with Jc and once he saw that they were ok in there, he left to take his stance outside the door once again. Ashley hugged Jc hello first and they exchanged a few friendly words. Then he turned to Cassy. Ok, so all of her logic about it being entirely impossible to get lost in one's eyes at first sight just flew out the window. So much mystery was hidden behind those blue shields called eyes. Cassy would make it her mission to find out just what the mystery of Jc Chasez was. Cassy was so caught up in her thoughts, it barely registered when he spoke to her. "I was hoping you'd make it, Cassy." Cassy's brow furrowed in confusion. "Huh?" Oh nice going Cassy. The man speaks to you and all you can do is speak that sorry excuse of a word? Great. She scolded herself. The truth was, he knew who she was? She had listened to his and Ashley's conversation and not once had she heard a thing about her, or her name being uttered. So what was going on? And how did this gorgeous man know her? CHAPTER 1 "What you doing?" The giddy roommate asked, jumping on Cassy's bed. "Jeez Ashley! Give me a friggin heart attack why don't you?" Ashley laughed as Cassy tried to catch her breath from the scare. She hadn't even realized Ashley had come home already, let alone was she prepared for her to jump on the bed. She was too wrapped up in her thoughts and the papers she was supposed to be looking over. "Sorry." Ashley didn't finish until she had scooted her butt all the way back to the headboard of the queen size bed. "So what you doing tonight?" "I don't know." Cassy shrugged. How was she supposed to know? She was almost done looking through the papers her boss gave her every night to work on and she couldn't stop thinking about the night prior. Was it all a dream? Taking one quick look at the card on her nightstand she again realized, no. It all in fact did happen to her. Cassy and Ashley truly did spend the majority of the night with Jc Chasez. But that's not what got to her. What got to her was the fact that he knew her. When Cassy had questioned how he had gotten his knowledge of her, he simply pulled out a manila folder and handed it to the confused young woman sitting across from him on the couch. Inside she found all the letters she had written him when she was a few years younger, and a diehard fan of his. ~FLASHBACK~ "I can't believe you kept all of these things. Or that you even received them." "I got everything you sent me. Your words really helped me through some tough times I was having." Cassy searched Jc's eyes for some insincerity. But all she found was the genuine truth. "How did what I said in those letters help you? I wrote those like three or four years ago." "They helped me because you were going through the same things I was." Her clouded hazel eyes became clear and suddenly it all made sense to her. "But you have everything." "Or so it seems." Jc's eyes dropped to the floor and Ashley knew Cassy had figured it out. ~END FLASHBACK~ "I know what you want to do." "And what's that miss know-it-all?" Cassy crossed her arms over chest as she rolled her eyes at Ashley. "Oh come on! It's so obvious. You keep on looking at the card. He wants you to call him. So do it." "But what would I say, Ash?" Ashley stood in front of her friend on her knees and looked into her eyes. "It doesn't matter." She leaned over and picked up Cassy's cordless phone and the card Jc had given her. "He's only going to be in town for two more nights. Make the best of them. You know you want to." Cassy looked from her friend's sincere eyes to the objects dangling from her fingers. Sighing in defeat, she decided she really did want to call him. Truth have it, she could never get enough of that man and his soothing voice. "Ok." Taking the phone and the card with Jc's cell phone number on it, she dialed and put the phone up to her ear. Taking a deep breath Cassy listened as she heard one ring...two rings...three..."Hello?" "Hi, Jc?" It certainly didn't sound like him. "Nope. Guess again." You know what? It sounded kind of like the jokester. "Chris." She stated firmly. "Ding ding ding!" He sounded as if he were a game buzzer. And this sounds like a girl I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting." "Always the smooth talker I see." Cassy laughed lightly, both at Chris and the girl giving her the strange, questioning look. "Yep, that's me. So, you gonna tell me where Jc is and why you are answering his phone?" "If you tell me who you are." He retorted. "Touch� Christopher." Cassy smirked. "Cassy�s the name." "Well, it's nice to meet you, Cassy." "And you. Now, you gonna tell me where that man is?" "Hmm, Jc is...uh. YO! Where's C?" Cassy heard Chris yell to someone else in the room. He had Jc's phone, and yet he didn't know where he went off to? Definitely was Chris. He probably stole it from him without Jc even realizing it. "I dunno." She heard the person mutter. "It was your turn to watch him, Lance!" Oh, so it was Lance that was in the room, huh? If only Ashley knew. She had been totally in love with him ever since Nsync had first come out. "Man, I'm not his damn babysitter!" Lance defended himself. "Whatever." Chris muttered to the blonde. "Yeah, we lost him." "So I figured. Just tell him to call me when you do find him." "Will do Cassy. Or better yet, what you doing tonight?" "Um, nothing I guess. Why?" She said wearily. She did not like that mischievous tone in his voice one bit. Anyone who ever even dared calling themselves a fan knew when Christopher Kirkpatrick was up to something. "Great. Come to the hotel then! Keep us men company." Cassy laughed at herself. Here she was, thinking the worst when he just wanted to meet her in person. That wasn't so bad. She could handle that. As long as Chris didn't play any tricks on her, the new girl, she'd be just fine and have the greatest time with him and Lance. She was sure of it. "Sounds great. Just tell me when and where." CHAPTER 2 After chris had told her the info she set the phone down on the bed. "Hey Ash, guess where you are going with me tonight." Cassy said to her friend as she walked over to her closet. "Where?" Ashley asked in wonder, knowing Cassy was just on the phone with who was suppose to be JC. "The Hyatt Regency Buffalo" Cassy said giggling at how chris had said it . "And why are we going to a hotel may I ask" Ashley asked, obviously she knew. She just wanted to hear Cassy say it. looking at her friend going through her closet she asked, "what are you doin'?" "We are going to meet some guys from some band. I have no idea who the hell they are though. Some group called Nsync?" Cassy said sarcastically to her friend standing in the doorway of her room. "and I'm looking for something to wear." "Oh my god no were not stop kidding" Ashley said looking stunned like a little teeny bopper. Cassy laughed at her weird friend and threw a shirt at her. "Shut up and get ready to go." Cassy watched as Ashley's face fell into a frown. "What's wrong?" "Shoot! I can't go. I promised Chris I'd hang out with him and Erik tonight." "Ok. I guess lance will have to be by himself tonight then" Cassy sighed as she laid a shirt on her bed. She knew that was all it would take to get Ashley motivating. "Lance?" Ashley squealed before running out of the doorway to her room to get ready. (2 hours later) "Excuse me, can I help you?" Cassy and Ashley stopped in their tracks and turned to see a snobbish looking woman at the front desk of the Hyatt. "We're just going up to a friend's room." Ashley said shortly, trying to get away so she could finally meet Lance, the man of her dreams. "And what room is that, may I ask?" She crossed her arms. "Room 918." Cassy sighed. All she wanted to do was go hang out with these guys. Was that so hard to ask? Well, she supposed it was considering who they were. "I'm sorry, but that floor is reserved for our special guests. No exceptions." "If you'd just call them I'm sure they'd be more than happy to tell you who we are and that they're expecting us." "I'm sure." The woman rolled her eyes at the two. Cassy walked over to the desk and laid her hands on top of it. Looking directly at the woman, she said through clenched teeth as to not lose her temper at her. "Look, Taylor." Cassy said, looking at her name tag. "They are expecting us and I won't leave until I talk to them. So I suggest you shut up, and let us by because these are some very good guests and I'm sure they would be highly disappointed in this hotel if their friends weren't allowed up. And I wouldn't doubt if they took their business elsewhere." "Well look here missy." Taylor got an attitude with her. "I'm doing my job. Nobody is allowed up unless with a key or accompanied by the guest." Cassy was just about to snap back at the girl, hoping she wouldn't lose it enough to actually contain where her fist went, when she heard her name being called. She turned around and sure enough, there was JC. Saved by gorgeous man in jeans. "What are you two doing here?" "We came to keep Chris company. I called your phone but he answered it and invited us here." "Oh cool. come on up." He put his arms around the two girls and as they walked by, Cassy looked at Taylor behind the desk and made a face that meant to say "I told ya so, bitch." Taylor just rolled her eyes and went back to reading her magazine. ~*~*~ "So why are you guys up here?" Cassy asked, looking at Chris and lance, who wasn't even listening to her because he was too busy talking to Ashley. "we came to support our buddy JC" Chris said patting Jc on the back who was sitting next to Cassy. She smiled at the men. It was so cute actually seeing first hand how they interacted with each other. I wonder if I will finally get to talk to him about what's wrong tonight. cassy thought to herself as she felt his arm go around her shoulder to move her closer. Whoa! This man just met me! He had better not get his hand too low! "Well this pretty girl right here" referring to Cassy "has been a great help over the years with her letters" Jc said lifting her hand to kiss it lightly. Cassy blushed at his action "I never knew my letters to Jc would help him as much as they did. They were only suppose to be more letters from a fan" Lance looked over at cassy as she said that and then replied " well we have two of the most gorgeous fans sitting with us right now" he said looking at Ashley affectionately. "Well Cassy is mine" JC said sweetly. Jc wanted to become better friends with her, it was quite obvious. He just needed someone to talk to about how he felt and he knew she was the one that he wanted. In more ways than one. Chapter 3 "Hey C! Wanna get us something to drink?" Lance called to the man as he continued talking with Ashley. "What, are your legs broken? I ain't your damn butler! Get it yourself, man." Jc yelled back, more than a little annoyed. "No but I'm busy." Lance said, getting back to Ashley. "Yeah, so am I!" Cassy giggled as she watched as Ashley played with Lance's hand. You could tell she was tickling him by the cute little faces he made. "Come on pretty boy. I'll help you." Cassy stood with Jc and asked Chris, Lance and Ashley, "What do ya'll want?" Three cokes came the short reply. Cassy followed Jc down the hallway to the vending and soda machines. After getting everyone's drinks, they headed back. "You ok Jc? You haven't seemed like yourself lately. Not that I know you're every move or anything. But I just get this vibe off of you." Jc sighed and Cassy knew she was right. "I just, I don't know. I haven't been feeling like myself lately." "You want to talk about it?" Cassy asked, hoping he'd say yes. She really wanted to help him in every way possible. Well, him leaving in two days would kind of stand in the way of that, but she still wanted to try. "No, I don't want to burden you with my problems." Cassy shifted the cokes to her one hand and stopped Jc mid-step. Turning to face him, she said, "Jc, I wouldn't have asked if I thought it was a burden on my part. I'd like to feel like we were friends. Like you could tell me anything. You can tell me anything, and I won't tell a soul." "I know I can talk to you, and you wouldn't tell anyone." He sighed yet again. "Can we go somewhere quiet and talk?" "Of course. Let's just give them their cokes and we'll go." Jc nodded in agreement and they entered the hotel room. "Hey guys, we'll be right back." Jc said to the three people laying around his room. "Ohh, goin' to do the nasty nasty already?" Chris accused, waggling his eyebrows at Jc and Cassy. "No, Chris. Actually, we're going to talk." Cassy informed him. "Mmhmm." He muttered to the pair. Jc and Cassy rolled their eyes and left the hotel room. ~*~ "This place is great. How'd you find it, Cass?" Jc asked, looking around the city. Cassy led him on top of a roof right in the middle of Buffalo. You could see everything going on below you. If you weren't afraid to look down. "On one my rampages to find a quiet place at night to think." Jc nodded in understanding. "So anyway, back to you. Stop changing the subject." "Sorry." Jc laughed lightly. "So what's wrong?" Jc shook his head as he answered. "Everything Cassy. Everything is falling to pieces." Cassy's heart cried out for him as a tear made it's way down his cheek. "Everything I've worked so hard for just falls in the dust after Justin's solo career. Nobody takes me seriously. And ever since the super bowl incident, I can barely promote my album. It's like I don't even exist when it comes to going solo from Nsync. It's all Justin this, Justin that. I'll never be as big as him." "But you are Jc. Can't you see that? Justin has his fans, you have yours. Honestly, I don't think you want the fame Justin has." Jc lifted his head to questioned why but she went on before he had the chance. "Justin is an egotistical prick who needs to pull his head out of his ass. Like your song "Everything you want." I think it pertains to Justin. The more he gets from his fame, the more he wants. You are so down to earth and as far as I'm concerned, much bigger than Justin could ever be." "Do you know what the FCC wants me to sing?" Cassy shook her head to say no, for him to go on. "They want me to do the same stuff we did as a group. The reason I'm on this album, is to do what I want. How I want my music to be. Not that I don't love what we've put out in the past, but this is my turn to experiment with different music styles." "You know, it kind of sounds like they want you to do what Justin has. Because I'm sorry, as much as Justin likes to think his stuff is better than anything Nsync ever did, its worse. I guess some of it sounds the same too." "I know. And that's not what I want! Ugh! They piss me off." "Hey, hey. Calm down Jace." Jc sat back down next to Cassy and lied down so his head was on her lap. "It'll get better. I promise." "No, it won't. I can feel it already. It's like next to Justin, I'm invisible." CHAPTER 4 ~The next Day~ Jc had just finished sound check for his last concert in Buffalo. He, Chris, and Lance decided to go out for some food before Jc had to be back to the club to get ready. He had given Ashley and Cassy tickets to see the show and passes to sound check so they would be going as well. �So, where we going to eat?� Cassy asked from the passenger seat. After much debating with the guards, they decided to allow Jc and the guys to take the van to go out. It was the last night with just them anyway. More likely than not though, the guards were probably following a few cars behind. �Um, Olive Garden alright with everyone?� �Fine by us� and �Sure� were the responses Jc received. ~At the Restaurant~ �Come on Cassy! Please?� Chris pouted, giving her puppy dog eyes. �I already told you guys too much about Ashley. Look at her!� Cassy said, pointing to her crimson friend. �She looks like she�s been painted red.� Cassy laughed. Putting her arm around Ashley�s shoulders, she continued. �I�m sorry Ash. But they had to know. I just could not resist the urge.� �Oh that�s alright, Cass.� Ashley said, trying to sound cool with it. �I don�t really care. Tell them, if you want.� Ashley crossed her arms over her chest, giving Cassy a challenging look. �Really?� Cassy wasn�t expecting that. Actually, that would be an understatement. Ashley definitely was not known for letting people tell stories about her. Especially if they were the embarrassing ones Cassy and their other friends happened to like to spill. So why was she now? Ashley was most definitely up to something. She had to be. No way in hell would Ashley Vibbert ever let Cassy do this. No matter who she was telling it to. Not even the fabulous boys of Nsync. �Yeah.� Ashley simply shrugged. Then leaning over to Lance when Cassy wasn�t looking, she whispered to him. �Besides, payback�s a bitch.� �Ok.� Cassy replied wearily. She was dying to tell Chris this one. It was way better than her just walking into a glass door that she obviously couldn�t see. �At our prom, Ashley and I were standing talking to a couple friends at a table a couple over from ours. Suddenly, I see her grab the wall. She got a little light-headed and almost fell over. It was all good and well at first. But then the wall just falls over and there is Ashley, falling with it. When she landed on the floor, her dress had flown up and everyone could see her blue underwear. She ran out of there so fast I swear she burned the floor.� Cassy finished, laughing uncontrollably, along with the three men at the table. Ashley just sat there with her face in her hands, whole body shaking. Cassy knew she was laughing at herself. �You know Ash, it is ok to laugh at yourself. Just look at these guys all the time and what they�re doing.� �Yeah.� Chris put in, still laughing. Suddenly he stopped and looked at Cassy. �Hey! That was mean!� �Five minutes later he gets it!� Jc said, making fun of his band mate. �Talk about a late reaction.� �Shut up, Scoop!� Lance just shook his head at the man. �I think it�s the aging process, his intelligence is starting to go.� Chris responded by throwing one of Ashley�s French fries at the sarcastic girl across from him. Cassy just rolled her eyes and gave him the middle finger. �Now that wasn�t very nice.� �What wasn�t? I�m innocent.� �Uh huh.� �I am! See my halo?� �Yeah. It�s being held up by your horns.� Cassy picked up the fry Chris had thrown at her and threw it back. Turning to Ashley, Lance whispered to her. �Don�t worry. I know how you feel. The guys always chose me to pick on too.� Ashley just smiled warmly at the sweet southerly gentleman. Ok, so she admits it. Ashley was certain she had completely fallen for this man. She had always been one to believe in love at first sight. This was solid proof that it certainly did exist. Just one glance into those light pools of emerald was all it took to get captivated. Even if you didn�t like green, at all. There was just something about his eyes that made you want to stay. Even if you didn�t like him or your conversation with him. You just felt the need to stay just to be able to see what great emotion you�d find there next. �This is so good. Cassy, you gotta try this.� �Uh uh.� She shook her head no. �I�m on a diet. Way too much sweets and dairy for me.� �Oh come on. Just try one little bite. You�ll be glad you did.� And there was that damn smile again. Now how the hell was she suppose to say no to that gorgeous man and his smile? Damn him. Damn Jc Chasez for having this power over her. Sighing, Cassy gave in to him. �Fine. Just one bite.� Jc held up his fork with the dessert on it to Cassy�s mouth. She parted her lips and allowed the luscious food entry. �Well?� Jc asked, waiting for her response. Shrugging, Cassy replied. �It was alright.� �Alright?� Jc raised an eyebrow to her. He knew she thought it was way better than just �alright.� �Fine! It was the best damn thing I�ve had in a while.� She gave to him. Jc just gave her a look as to say �I told you so� while finishing it off. ~*~ The group sat around talking in Jc�s dressing room. None of them knew when they�d see each other again so this was their last opportunity to just hang out and be themselves before getting caught up again in their crazy lives. Chris, Jc, and Cassy were joking around when Cassy got their attention by jabbing Chris in the side. �Oww! What�d you do that for?� Chris asked, rubbing his side. His and Jc�s gazes followed her arm as she pointed to Lance and Ashley deep in conversation. Seemingly very close. �How much you wanna bet that by the time we say goodbye, those two are an item?� �I�ll take you up on that.� Jc said. �I will too. Ashley looks like she�s ready to pounce.� To that, Cassy had to laugh. �What?� He said innocently. �She does.� �Boy, you are too much.� About an hour later there was a knock on the door. Jc�s our director popped his head inside the door to tell Jc he had to start getting ready in five minutes. Then he was gone again. �Well, I�m glad I got to meet you guys.� �We�re glad too.� Lance said sincerely, giving Cassy a hug. When she pulled away from him, Chris wrapped his arms around her. �You better call me girl. I�ll miss you and you smart ass comments.� Cassy giggled. Chris was always trying to lighten the mood, no matter what it was. �I�ll miss you too, Chris. We are two of a kind.� Then Cassy went to Jc and Ashley went to Lance to say their goodbyes. �You better call me. You�re the reason I get up In the morning anymore, Kitty Cat.� Jc whispered into Cassy�s strawberry scented shampoo. That�s one thing he�d miss. The familiar smell of her shampoo. It made him feel at home and welcomed, loved. �Count on it.� Jc kissed her cheek then they parted. All three stood off to the side as Lance and Ashley said goodbye. �I had fun with you these past couple days.� �Me too.� It seemed a little awkward between the two. Neither was doing what they really wanted to. �Will I ever see you again?� Ashley asked hopefully. She didn�t want to sound needy, but she really hoped she would. He was the best thing that ever happened to her. It sounds weird considering they has only just met, but he was. Ashley had that little extra bounce in her step, he friends were certain it was due to a certain someone, although they had no idea who. She was also a lot happier than she had been in a long time. And it was all thanks to Lance Bass. And Ashley would be damned if she let him out of her life now. �I hope so.� Came the soft reply. The two stood there just looking at each other for what seemed like an eternity. But was in actuality a mere three seconds. �Well, goodbye.� Ashley said, turning to walk away. �Screw it!� Lance head screamed and he grabbed her arm. Spinning around, Ashley was caught off guard as she felt his soft lips upon her own. Lance�s hand moved to the side of Ashley�s face, cupping her cheek, deepening the kiss. Chris, Jc and Cassy all stood off to the side watching the scene before them. They were hoping for a kiss or something, but nothing prepared them for this. They knew they should be staring but they couldn�t look away. Nor did they want to. They felt so happy for the two. Nobody deserved it as much as them. Chris and Jc knew he was happier since he had met Ashley and Cassy knew that about Ashley. As Ashley and Lance parted, she looked up to be met with those beautiful green orbs once again. �Never say goodbye.� Lance whispered, giving her one more peck on the lips before walking to the bathroom. Ashley turned and walked out of the room, not being able to hide the huge grin forming on her lips, not wanting to. For the first time, Ashley could finally say she was truly happy. CHAPTER 5 ~1 Month Later~ Ever since the guys left Buffalo, they and the girls have kept in close contact. Whether it was just courtesy calls, sending little gifts through the mail, or emails, they were always talking, when they had a spare moment that is. Jc and Cassy where getting extremely close. He had no trouble in calling her up if he needed to vent or talk about what had been bothering him. She knew most of why he�s been off lately now and she�s been helping him get through tougher days. Now, Lance and Ashley. They decided, after the kiss they said goodbye with, that they wanted a lot more that friendship. Well, wasn�t that blatantly obvious? Anyway, they spent practically all of their spare time on the phone with each other saying how much they missed one another. Cassy got kind of annoyed with the �no, I love you more�s� so she just called up Jc or Chris. Mostly Chris when she got annoyed with that. Lance and Ashley promised that they�d see each other soon, and hopefully soon would be coming up any time now. Ashley and Cassy both had a long weekend off from work so they decided to surprise the guys. It would be the only time in a long while that both Lance and Jc would be in Orlando. And what better time to spend with the guys than the fourth of July? Maybe they�d go to Disney World, neither of them having been there before, watch the fireworks. Maybe go on a picnic. They didn�t know but were sure they�d figure it out once there. The girls arrived in Orlando�s airport on time and after baggage claim, they went to rent a car. After getting everything situated, they left for the hotel. Upon arriving, Cassy took a quick shower while Ashley unpacked, then Ashley took a shower while Cassy unpacked and finished getting ready. About an hour and a half later, the girls were in the rented Saturn on their way to lance�s house. Cassy was just going to step in and say hello then leave Ashley and Lance to �do their thang� as Ashley had put it. She really wanted to get to Jc�s. She had never known it possible to miss someone so much in her life. The sooner she got to see him, the better. Ashley and Cassy entered in the code given to Ashley and entered the driveway. Getting out the car, they walked up to the enormous, well for them, house. They rang the doorbell once, but no sign of anybody coming to answer it. So they rang it again. Still nothing. �Are you sure he�s home?� Cassy asked, hoping they didn�t just make complete fools out of themselves. �Yeah. He said he had nothing to do today so he�d probably just be�.ohh.� �What? I don�t like it when you do that.� �He said he�d probably be hanging out by the pool. That�s probably where he is. He can�t hear the bell from outback.� Cassy nodded her head in understanding and they made their way around the large house and to the backyard. Sure enough, there was Lance, laying half-naked by the pool listening to his good ol� country music. Cassy and Ashley shared a little giggle. There was nothing in the world more powerful than some good country music to put Lance in a good mood. No matter how down he happened to be. The two girls made their way to him and Ashley bent down by his side. �Hey there sweet thing.� Ashley and Cassy laughed as Lance nearly jumped out of his skin. He jumped so bad they swore he was going to fly off his lawn chair. �I�m sorry baby. I didn�t mean to scare you that bad.� Ashley said through her fit of giggles. �You didn�t scare me. I just wasn�t expecting anyone to come sneaking up on me like that while I was just soaking up the sun, enjoying my free time.� Lance stood up and hugged and kissed his girl hello. �What are you doing here, babe?� �We had some time off so we wanted to surprise you. Cassy just came to say hi. Then she was going to go see Jc. I hope you don�t mind that we just came.� �No, no. I�m very happy you came. More happy than you know.� He kissed he once again then moved to hug Cassy hello. �How you doing, Cass? You look good.� �Thanks. I feel good. How about you?� �Couldn�t be better now that my girls are here.� Ashley and Cassy just looked at each other and smiled. �That sounds like a line Joey would say.� He just shrugged. �Well, I�m off. Have fun you two.� Cassy didn�t leave without giving Ashley a wink. �Oh we will.� Cassy got back in the car and made her way through the city, trying not to get too lost on her way to Jc�s house. Once she found it, she pulled inside the gate and parked the car. Pulling out her cell phone, she dialed Jc�s house. �Hello?� �Hey.� That brought a smile to his face. He�d recognize that voice a mile away. �Hey girl. What�s up?� �Not much. Just wondering what you were up to?� Cassy got out of the car and made her way up to the door. �Not much. I was just down in the studio working on some stuff. You know, clear my head.� �Yeah. So how are you?� �I�m ok�Cassy, hang on a second. Someone�s at my door.� �Ok.� �This better be good. I hate being interrup�ted.� He finished his sentence as he saw it was Cassy who was standing at his door. He hung up the phone, as did she. �what are you doing here?� He asked her, still in a somewhat state of shock. He never thought she would visit him. But boy was he glad. �Surprise.� Cassy said, wrapping her arms around him. �What brought this on?� �I thought you�d be happy to see me.� �I am. I really am. I�m just wondering why. I didn�t think you had time off for a trip.� �I have a long weekend.� �Cool. Well, come on in.� Cassy followed Jc inside the large house. �Wow. This is so beautiful.� Cassy said, walking into the first room they came across, his living room. �Thanks.� He stood at the doorway just watching her. She was so beautiful. He couldn�t believe she had actually flown down to Orlando to see him. How had he gotten so lucky to meet her? Cassy could feel Jc�s gaze on her. It didn�t bother her so much, but she couldn�t help it. She had to ask. �Ok, why do you keep looking at me?� �I missed you.� He said simply. �I haven�t been able to look at you for a whole month. And you look really beautiful. I guess you were on a diet, huh?� Cassy smiled. Being flattered never got old. �I told you I was.� �Well, you�ve always been beautiful to me.� Oh man did she ever want to run up and kiss the man full on his pouty lips. But she couldn�t do that now, could she? Of course not. They were just friends. But how much more of their �friendship� could she handle before pouncing on the poor boy? Not much, that�s for sure. �So where�s Ashley? Is she back in New York?� �No, she�s actually at Lance�s.� �Oh, I should have known.� He laughed. Ok, that�s one thing she missed about him. The face he made when he laughed, his smile. He was gorgeous. No doubt in her mind about that. Chris and Lance said he had been doing it a lot more lately. Hopefully that was true. �So, Chris isn�t back in the city yet, is he?� She was hoping he would be. She really missed him. Hopefully they would get the chance to hang out before she and Ashley had to go back to boring New York. �He said he was hoping to be back tonight. But he wasn�t sure if he�d get in. Hey, we should all go out tonight.� �Now there�s an idea that I like.� �Cool. What you wanna do?� Cassy shrugged. What was there to do around here? �Wanna go clubbing?" Chapter 6 (2 hours later) Cassy had called Lance's home phone to get a hold of him and Ashley to ask if they wanted to go but she only got his answering machine. So then she and JC had decided to just go to the house and ask in person. Jumping into JC's Jeep, they drove over. "I hope they are decent for us " Cassy said with a giggle, knowing full well Ashley wouldn't go that far. "Yah me too." JC agreed. That was one thing he did not need to see. About ten minutes later the jeep pulled up outside the gate and JC punched in the numbers to let them in. They hopped out of the car and made their way to the front door. "Oh wait!" Cassy said grabbing JC's arm "they are probably still by the pool were I left them.� "Ok" They walked around the house to find the couple, and sure enough they were in the pool kissing on the steps. JC cleared his throat to get their attention but they didn't even budge when he did that. "Why don�t we just jump in the pool and splash them?" Cassy whispered in to his ear, trying not to pounce on the poor man. She wanted nothing more than to kiss him full on the lips, and more. She knew she always liked him; he was her favorite, after the Justin phase of course. But after meeting him and becoming friends with the guy, it just made her feelings stronger. And come on, who wouldn�t want to jump on that? "Sounds good to me." JC said, taking off his T-shirt and throwing it off to the side somewhere. Cassy just tried her hardest to keep breathing and not make it obvious she was staring, open mouthed. "Ready, 1...2...3" They jumped in the rather large pool, splashing the couple on the steps. "What was that for" Lance asked, looking at the pair that just soaked them. "We couldn't contact you any other way so we drove all the way over here. You didn't even budge when JC cleared his throat so we decided to jump in." Cassy said nonchalantly, splashing water in Ashley's bright red face. "Well what did you guys need us so badly for that you had to interrupt us?" Ashley asked in annoyance, winking at Lance. She was seriously getting somewhere. Not that she would go that far with Lance just yet. Yet. "We want to go to a club tonight and wanted you guys to go with us." JC looked giddy as he said it. Cassy couldn�t help but to think of how completely adorable he looked. "Sounds awesome" Lance replied, pulling Ashley into his arms. "When?" Lance asked getting up to get a towel for Ashley. "We have to go back to the hotel to get ready, but maybe at like 10 or so." Ashley said wrapping her self in the towel Lance had brought her. "Yeah, that would be good" JC said hopping out of the pool. Turning, he reached his hand out to help Cassy out of the pool. Both JC and Cassy felt the immediate sparks at the other�s touch. Looking into JC�s sapphire eyes, she tried not to blush as thoughts of what he could do to her invaded her mind. Bad Cassy, bad. She mentally scolded herself. "Ok then, well let me just say bye to my baby then we can go Cassy" Ashley said pulling lance inside. " OK I'll be at the car waiting." Cassy began making her way to the front of the house. "Wait! Oh shit, its still at your house.� Cassy said, pointing to JC. �Do you mind bringing us back with you to pick it up?" Cassy asked, looking kind of sorry at JC. "Of course not." Sensing Cassy thought she was being a bother, and in no way was she; he put his arm around her shoulders and led her out to the jeep. "OK thanks." "And now we have to wait for those two to "say" goodbye" "Yup." Cassy sighed, knowing they�d be waiting a little while. When lovebird said goodbye and didn�t want to, it took forever. Chapter 7 (At the hotel around 9:45 that night) "Come on Ashley! We have to meet them down in the lobby, like now!" Cassy yelled into the bathroom as she glanced at the clock for the third time in five minutes. "I'm coming, I'm coming." Ashley said walking out of the bathroom. "Wow some one looks nice. Expecting some?" She asked playfully. �Shut up!� Ashley turned a horrid crimson. �Sorry. Now lets go!" Cassy said walking to the door with her friend in tow. As they walked off the elevator, the saw JC was standing there with Lance and Chris already. "Chris!" Cassy screamed running to engulf him in a big tight hug. "Nice to see you too, Kitty Cat." JC said, looking at Cassy trying to sound hurt that she had run to hug Chris. He couldn�t pull it off as well though. "Well its nice to know that she missed me." Chris said looking at Ashley, holding tightly to lance's hands as she kissed him hello. "Hi Chris " Ashley said moving to hug him. "So, you ready to go?" JC said, wrapping his arm around Cassy's shoulder. He was really just looking for another reason to touch her. Thankfully he wouldn�t have to even try tonight at the club. All he�d have to do was ask her to dance. Hopefully she would oblige. ~*At the club*~ "What do you guys want to drink?" Chris said after they sat down in the VIP section. "I'll have a beer." JC said "I'll just have a diet coke.� Ashley offered as she sat next to Lance and Cassy. "Me too." Cassy chimed in "Are you sure, I mean its no problem." Chris offered with a puzzled look. "Yeah. I mean, I would love nothing more than a Jack and coke but I'm only 20 and so is Ashley" " Oh ok, you want anything Lance?" "Just a beer is fine." He said, without taking his attention off his girl. "Ok" Chris walked off towards the bar to order. "You two are only 20?"JC said looking at Cassy in surprise, thinking they both had to be at least 23 or 24. "Yah." Cassy answered wearily, seeing the shock in JC's eyes. Man did she hope he didn�t care about age. It was after all, just a number. "Is that not ok?" Ashley asked in a panic, thinking Lance would be mad. Or at the very least, he�d be a little awkward with her. "Yah baby, its ok. Don't worry. I wouldn't leave you." Lance whispered into her ear, seeing the fear in her eyes. "Fine with me, just thought you were both at least 23 or 24" JC said to Cassy sincerely and she released the breath she hadn�t realized she held. �Age means nothing to me.� "Ok. I�m glad." Cassy said relieved that this great bond they grew wouldn't die because of their age. After drinking the beverages that Chris had brought them, they went out on the dance floor. Lance and Ashley started to dance a little sexier then normal. Cassy couldn�t help but to giggle into JC� shoulder. Was Chris sure he didn�t order alcohol in her coke? It sure tasted a little funny to her; she just didn�t bother to think anything of it. She hadn�t drunken in a long time. She was about due. Hmm, maybe she�d go up to Canada when she got home. "Whoa Boy " Ashley said as Lance's hand ran up the inside of her thigh. JC, Cassy and Chris Laughed as they heard the remark. Well, Cassy laughed harder. Cassy was in the middle of both guys and she was thinking. �What more could I want? Two hot guys dancing with me, me being the one in the middle? Too great for me. Ooh! JC shook his butt! Haha!� "So you having fun your first night in Orlando?" JC asked as they all went and sat down again. Cassy really needed to calm down. "YES!" Cassy and Ashley said in unison, and then giggled after they said it so quick. "Well then what are you guys doing tomorrow?" "Nothing " they said again in unison. Cassy just answered without thinking. Her mind was elsewhere. That place being the gutter. Oh man she would be so embarrassed right now had it not been for the alcohol she was sure Chris had ordered in her coke. She did after all tell him she could go for one. Yay for Chris! "Ok well now you are" Chris said, not acknowledging the change in Cassy�s demeanor. He acted like this normally and from what he observed in New York, she did too. �What do you mean?� "We�re going to bring you around Orlando and then go to Disney World. You can�t come to Orlando without visiting the place, and just to have some fun and watch the fireworks." "YAY!" Ashley said as if she was five again. They all laughed at her reaction "Well then we should get back to the hotel so we can get some sleep" JC said, getting up. �Aw! I don�t wanna sleep. I wanna par-tay! Woo!� She stood up and began dancing to the beat of the loud music. Chris stood up and began making a fool of himself with her. �Yeah! Go boy go!� As much as the group didn�t want to leave, they knew they should or they�d never make it out of bed in the morning. But it was fun just watching those two go. "Come on, Cass. We really should go. And you need to sleep this off. We'll drop you and Ashley off at the hotel." JC grabbed her hand and pulled her to the exit as the others trailed behind. ~*~ "Come on Cassy" Ashley said, pulling her from the jeep. "Ok, ok. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Cassy whined as she was pulled form the vehicle. �By baby.� Ashley said, blowing Lance a kiss who then pretended to catch it. "Bye babe" "See you guys." Cassy said, frantically waving goodbye, Ashley trying to keep a hold of the writhing woman. "I'll call you in the morning Cassy" JC said pulling away. Ashley just looked at Cassy as the car pulled away. She Know her friends were falling for each other; they just didn�t know it yet. Or they didn�t want to admit it. She surely admitted it. Lance was the best thing to ever have happened to her. No denying that one little bit. He was her baby, and never again would they be alone and without love. CHAPTER 8 Ashley woke up around ten o�clock to the sound of Cassy�s cell phone ringing. Rolling out of bed, she made her way to Cassy�s purse and dug out the annoying object. �Hello?� She answered sleepily. �Hey there sleepy head.� �JC?� �Yep. You just now getting up?� ��Cause you woke me up. I�d still be asleep in my warm comfy bed had it not been for you.� �Someone�s grumpy. Hung over?� �Whoa! I�d figure you�d know her voice by now.� Ashley laughed. He thought she was his �kitty Cat� didn�t he? �Ashley?� He sounded a little dumbfounded. It honestly did sound like Cassy. �Yup. Cassy is still very passed out right there on her bed.� �Oh, sorry. You really sounded like her.� �Yeah yeah. Whatever. So what�s up?� �Not much. Just wondering what time you girls could be ready to go?� �Uh, well, Cassy�s gonna need at least an hour to shower and everything. And I have to wake her up so I�m not sure I�ll be alive to go.� Ashley and Jc laughed into their ends of the phone. You did not wake up Cassandra Tonaus. It just wasn�t pretty. �Alright, well, we�ll pick you girls up around one, that ok? So you can go back to sleep if you want and you have plenty of time now.� �Sounds good to me. See you then.� �Yup, bye.� �Bye.� She hung up the phone and put it back in Cassy�s purse. Climbing back into her bed, Ashley laid down, attempting to get a little more sleep. Ashley woke up again about an hour later. Deciding she would give Cassy another chance to wake up on her own, she open the hotel room�s window curtains and went into the bathroom to take a shower. Twenty-five minutes later Ashley exited the small room clad in her bathrobe, her hair up in a towel. She saw Cassy was finally awake, but was she alive? She was just laying in her bed flat on her back, eyes staring at the ceiling. �You ok, Cassy?� Ashley asked, trying not to laugh. All she got for an answer was something, you could say was a groan. �I�m guessing you�re just a tad bit hung over?� �I have been drinking since I was seventeen, and never have I been drunk. What the hell was Chris giving me last night?� �Well, there�s always a first for everything. And you said you wanted a whiskey and coke.� �That was not a whiskey and coke.� She would have known if it had been, you can taste the whiskey fine. But whatever it was, she definitely could not taste the alcohol. �Come on. Get your butt up and in the shower. We�re going at one. I�ll go get you some aspirin.� Cassy rolled out of her bed and hobbled into the bathroom. Ashley chuckled to herself and shook her head. After throwing some clothes on, Ashley made her way down to the store on the first level of the hotel. When she made her way back into their room, Cassy was still in the bathroom just blow- drying her hair and listening to the radio. No matter how bad of a headache she�d have, she always had to listen to loud music. �Cassy! I got you your aspirin.� Ashley called into the bathroom. Cassy ran out and took the two pills gratefully from her friend. �Thank you so much, Ash.� �No problem.� �So, when are they coming to get us?� �One.� Cassy and Ashley were sitting around the hotel room bored out of their mind. With it already being ten to one, they decided to just wait for them in the lobby. Turning the TV off and grabbing each of their purses or what ever they decided to take, they made their way to the door. Just as Cassy was about to open the door, there was a knock. �Weird.� They giggled before she opened the door, not even bothering to look to see who it was. She figured it was them anyway. �Hey girls!� Chris said loudly in a high pitched voice. Ashley and Cassy couldn�t help but to laugh at the man ten years their senior. �So, you ready to go?� �Yeah. Actually, we were just about to wait for you guys in the lobby.� �Oh, well now you have an escort. Come on, one on each arm.� The girls nodded and took a hold of each of Chris� arms. Two beautiful women, one on each arm, what more could a guy ask for? They made their way down to the lobby and met up with the guys. To Ashley and Cassy�s pleasant surprise, there were three other people there waiting for them. Chris walked them up to the people, obviously the girl knew who they were, but they didn�t know them, so they allowed Chris to introduce them. �Ashley, Cassy, I�d like you to meet Joey, his fianc�e Kelly, and their beautiful baby girl Brianna.� They shook each other�s hands, saying hello�s and nice to meet you�s. Brianna looked a little shy around the strangers so Cassy decided to make her feel more at ease. Bending down to her level, she spoke in a soft voice. �Hey there. I�m Cassy. And what might your name be?� The little girl didn�t dare come out from behind her daddy�s leg. �Brianna.� �Wow, that�s such a pretty name. How old are you?� �Three.� It seemed to be working. Joey and Kelly watched din amazement. Brianna never dared speak to a stranger. She was even coming out from behind Joey�s leg. �Wow. You�re almost grown up. You going to preschool.� The child came fully out from behind her father and stood tall as if to show she was proud. �Yup. I going to kindergarten next year.� �Wow, you excited?� �Oh yes I am. I love school, and my teachers.� �Yeah? I always did too. It�s a lot of fun.� �It is! We made masks yesterday.� Anyone could tell this little girl loved her preschool. Whether it be the activities, the people, or the teacher, this is what got Brianna Fatone to open up to you. Kelly and Joey shared glances and looked back to the woman befriending their baby girl. �Cool.� �Are you going to Disney with us?� �Why yes, yes I am. You don�t mind, do you?� �Uh uh. Will you go on some rides with me?� Brianna asked shyly. She liked this lady. She was nice. �Of course I will, Brianna. Now, shall we go?� The girl bobbled her head up and down fast and grabbed Cassy�s hand and led her through the lobby, the group following close behind them. Kelly of course, being the worried mother she is, keeping a close eye on the stranger with their daughter. The group got into the cars they would be taking. Brianna made sure Cassy went with her so that left Lance, Ashley, and JC in JC�s jeep. They arrived at Disney World thirty minutes later and Brianna immediately drug Cassy on her favorite ride. A little while later, around seven thirty, when the three year old calmed down, Cassy got a chance to talk to Kelly. Joey was up front with Jc and Chris, holding the girl�s hand. Lance and Ashley were in the middle, holding hands and being the cute couple that they were. �So Cassy. How long have you known the guys?� �A little over a month. We met while they were in Buffalo for JC�s tour.� �Oh. Joey said something about Chris and Lance going up there to surprise him. He wanted to go too, and I was very willing to let him go. But he said his place was at home with me and his little girl until the Broadway show starts.� �He�s doing another Broadway show?� Cassy asked in surprise. She�d had no idea. �Yep. It�s The Little Shop of Horrors. Starts next week sometime and goes until January.� �It sounds like fun. Joey seems to really love theater.� �Oh he does. Almost as much as he loves being on stage with five of his best friends. Almost.� �They were all born for the stage.� Kelly didn�t notice the longing look on Cassy�s face as she watched JC interact with Brianna. She could tell she wanted to be with him. He obviously wanted to be with Cassy as well. He always seemed to be in a good mood ever since Buffalo. AS long as that man was happy, this girl definitely had her blessing. She seemed nice, polite, great with children, and would probably treat any guy right. The only thing that got to her a little was the fact that this girl didn�t look a day past seventeen. �So, how old are you Cassy?� �Twenty last May.� Ok, so that was a little better. Only eight years. Ha, only. �Still in your partying years.� �Yep. Although, I�m not that much of a partier. You�d think I was crazy since I just graduated from college, but it�s true. Last night was an accident.� She let out a laugh. She really hadn�t meant to get drunk. It was Chris� fault. He either asked for the wrong drink, on purpose, or wasn�t watching the guy who made it. �What�d you major in?� �Radial logic technology.� �Oh. That�s a great profession.� �Yep. If I start off at the right place I get paid, starting off, I believe fifty-thousand a year.� �That�s good.� They walked along for a few more minutes in silence. Kelly decided she could trust this girl so she asked. �What are you doing Monday night?� �Um, probably nothing. I�ve never been to Orlando before so I don�t even know what there is to do.� �Great. Would you like to baby-sit Brianna for me and Joey then? We have a dinner thing to go to and can�t find anyone to watch her.� �I would love to.� Kelly smiled as she watched Cassy�s face light up. She definitely loved kids. �You don�t mind? I mean, you did just meet me. I�m not trying to push my luck or anything, but.� �Well, Jc, Chris, and Lance speak rather highly of you, actually, JC only speaks of you lately.� She laughed a little. Cassy could only blush. JC kept talking about her? Oh she hoped that was a good thing. �And I can tell you�re a kid person. I trust you. And I don�t trust easily either.� �Well, I�m flattered you trust me like that after knowing me one day.� �Well, anyone who can get JC happy again, I think they deserve a chance or two.� Kelly winked at the blushing girl. They talked for a few more minutes before Joey stopped and said he was going to take Brianna on a ride. They all sat around talking some more, waiting for the two to return from the children�s ride. �Kelly, I have to ask. From a woman�s point of view, what�s Justin like?� Kelly just burst out laughing. �You think he�s an egotistical prick don�t you?� �Well, I kind of get that impression from his interviews.� �It�s ok. A lot of people get that vibe off him. Probably because it�s mostly true. He thinks he�s a lot better than everyone when a couple years back he said he was just like everyone else. The fame and money definitely got to his head. But in there, there�s still some of that sweet Memphis boy every girl in the world fell in love with.� �That�s what we try to think. It just doesn�t work too well. Then I witnessed first hand how JC reacts to being in the shadows compared to Justin�s solo career. That just made me believe JT was even more egotistical.� �He has his moments. Granted, those moments happen a lot, but he�s still a sweet guy sometimes. Mostly when he�s actually hanging out with one of the guys.� Their conversation was interrupted when JC grabbed Cassy�s arm and pulled her away from the group. �What are you doing?� �We�ll be right back!� JC called to everyone, pulling her away. �I want to show you something. But only us.� Cassy was confused as hell but went along with it. Hopefully she�d understand soon. JC dragged her to this bridge that overlooked the entire park and was surrounded by trees. It was wooden and had flowers on the edges. Cassy thought it was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. �Wow. It�s so beautiful, JC. It�s like you have to whisper.� �I know. I love it here. Every time I come here, I have to come to this one spot. It makes me feel at ease. I could just sit here and think all day. I never have of course, but I could.� �This place sounds so special to you. Why would you want to show it to anyone else?� �Because you�re special to me.� Cassy blushed and looked down to the bridge. This man just knew how to get to her. And that most definitely did not happen easily. JC put his finger on Cassy�s chin and pushed a little so she was looking at him again. Once again, Cassy found herself getting lost in those gorgeous pools of blue. He�d had his heart broken before, everyone knew that. The question was, how? If Cassy was to ever get the chance with this extraordinary man, she would never let him go. Although she was sure, all she�d get was his friendship. Cassy�s thoughts were broken when she heard someone calling her name. Both she and JC looked in the direction of the voice calling to her. �Steve?� Cassy asked in disbelief. �Hey.� �Oh my god. What are you doing here?� She hugged the man and they talked for a little while. �I�m on vacation with a couple friends.� �Yeah. Me too. Oh man, I am so rude. Steve, this is JC. JC, this is my friend Steve from back in New York.� Jc smiled and shook the guy�s hand. �Well, I see yours happened.� �Well, kind of I guess you could say.� �Either way it�s cool. Well, I guess I�ll say you later I guess. I just sort of ran off so I should get back with them. Where are you staying?� �At the Regency in Orlando.� �We�re right down the street. Maybe we�ll see each other before you leave.� �Maybe.� �Well I�ll see you around. Bye JC. It was nice meeting you.� �You too.� Steve hugged Cassy goodbye and said before leaving. �Remember, if....� �If I see Sarah I�ll let her know you�re waiting for her.� �I would tell him but you�ve already got to him. Well, see you around.� �Bye.� Cassy waved to Steve and turned back to JC. �Well, should we get back?� �Yeah. So, what was that about?� �What?� �I would tell him but you�ve already gotten to him?� JC quoted. �Oh. That.� Cassy laughed. Man, that laugh could do stuff to a guy. �Me and Steve had this thing. As we were saying goodbye, I�d tell him if I saw Sarah Michelle-Gellar I�d tell her he was looking for her. And he said if he saw JC Chasez he�d tell him I was waiting for him. But, I�ve met him. So that�s what that was about.� �Oh.� He tried to hold it in but he couldn�t resist the urge. �So, was that like the celebrities you wanted to get with or something?� �Oh you wish.� They just laughed of the awkwardness. The truth was, he did wish. And so did she. They got back to the group and they spent the rest of the day riding more rides and eating. At dusk, they all found a spot to lay down on the grass by the big fountain and were waiting for the fireworks to start. Cassy understood Ashley and Lance cuddling up, they were after all a couple, and Joey and Kelly. She also understood Chris playing with Brianna. She was the cutest little kid and he was the cutest big kid. But what Cassy definitely did not understand, was how on earth her head had ended up on JC�s chest. They were both lying down, his left arm behind his head, and Cassy lied flat on her back with her head on his chest. His free right arm was across his chest, playing with the dark brown hair cascading down his side. She remembered saying she was cold, and that explained him giving her his jacket. But how had this happened? Did she also say she was a little tired and he allowed her to use him as a pillow? That was the only knowledgeable reason she could think of. She most definitely did not tell him she liked him and they were now a couple, so what was this? Did it even mean anything? Who cares. Cassy thought to herself. She was comfortable and extremely happy. That�s all that mattered right now. And she was at the perfect angle to watch the fireworks. Not to mention his touch felt so good. It was just a light touch to her hair, but it set off so many senses she had no idea she had. The first set of fireworks went off and Chris said to everyone, �Happy fourth.� Cassy whispered to herself. �You have no idea.� CHAPTER 9 �Come on Cassy! I am so bored!� �Well I�m tired!� Cassy rolled over in her bed to block her head from the annoying girl bouncing on her bed. �Cassy!� Ashley whined and began to pout. There was no way Cassy could say no to a great pout. �Don�t even start the pout!� Her arm came out from under her and she pointed a finger at her. She didn�t even have to look at the girl to know she was pouting. �Well if you�d just come with me without putting up a fight I wouldn�t have to pout! Come on Cassy. You know you want to go.� �God I feel like I�m in high school all over again.� Cassy rolled over and looked at the pouting girl beside her on the bed. �Let me at least take a shower.� �Yey! I love you Cass.� Violet leaned over and gave her friend a sloppy kiss on her cheek. �Yeah yeah!� Cassy had to smile to herself as she watched Ashley bounce out of her room and down the hall to her own. She hadn�t seen Ashley act like this in a long time. It was all thanks to the nice southern man who waltzed right into her life a little over a month ago. Cassy just hoped he�d stay. Ashley was definitely in love, and Cassy couldn�t be happier for the couple. Well, as long as Lance didn�t break her heart. If he did, she swore he would no longer be a member of the male species. Cassy took a shower and about forty-five minutes later the girls were on their way to do some shopping. After driving around Orlando and getting lost like twenty times, literally, the girls finally found a shopping mall. Walking around the place, the two found some good bonding time. �So how are you and Lance?� Cassy obviously knew, but she knew Ashley was dying to talk about him. �Oh my god, Cassy. That man is the greatest, sweetest, most kind man on the face of the earth. And man! That voice? Ah.� Cassy had to giggle a little at her friend. �Girl, you are head over heels for the guy.� Ashley sighed and looked at Cassy. �I know.� Ashley went silent for a minute and Cassy knew something was on her mind. �Penny for your thoughts?� �Would you say I�m totally insane if I told you I wanted to take our relationship to the next level?� �Well, that depends on what you mean by the next level I guess.� �Well, you know.� She�s right, Cassy did know. But it was just too much fun to make Ashley say it on her own. She really didn�t like saying the word sex. She usually said �make love.� �Maybe I don�t.� �Cassy! You do too, shut up!� Cassy had to laugh at how easily aggravated Ashley became. �I know. I�m sorry.� Cassy sighed and thought for a minute. �No. I don�t think you�re crazy at all. I mean, it�s completely obvious to the entire world you two are so in love. I�m actually kind of surprised you haven�t yet.� Cassy got a blank look on her face. �Actually, no I�m not. You haven�t seen each other the whole month. Sorry.� Ashley just shook her head. What on earth would she do without Cassy? She didn�t want to know. Ashley thought for a second as they looked through a rack of dresses in store they had just made their way into. �So, what�s up with you and Jc?� �What do you mean?� �Come on Cassy. It�s obvious you want him.� �In which way?� �Every.� Cassy sighed and set down the dress she had been looking at. �I know. I do. It�s just, he doesn�t look at me that way. I�m just his friend who has helped him through some tough times.� �Cassy.� Ashley said, putting her hand on her friend�s back. �Do you not see the look he gets in his eyes every time he looks at you, or even in your direction? Lance said JC was miserable while he couldn�t be near you. Cassy, believe me when I say, he wants you in those same ways too. It�s just neither of you has the guts to go after what you want.� To that, Cassy was speechless. Did JC really long for her the way she longed for him? No, she couldn�t believe it. He just thought of her as a friend, nothing more, nothing less. She�d just have to get over him. She�s done it before. She can do it again. �So, you�re watching Bri tonight right?� �Yeah. Joey�s gonna pick me up at seven. You going to Lance�s?� Probably. He�s busy all day tomorrow so we wanna spend today together. He told me to come around six.� �Do you think maybe tonight�s the night?� Ashley shrugged. �I don�t know. I hope so.� ~*~ They had gotten back to the hotel around four-thirty and Ashley started freaking out. What would she wear? What if her breath smelled? What to do with her hair? All the basic questions to a night you were sure was going to be the greatest of your life. �Ashley, calm down! It�s going to be fine. Go take a shower and I�ll pick something out for you. Don�t worry.� �Thanks Cassy.� As Ashley ran into the bathroom, Cassy began digging through the closet of their hotel room for something Ashley could wear. She was searching for ten minutes before she found something she was sure Lance would love. Not to mention Ashley would look killer in it. Come to think of it, Cassy didn�t know Ashley even owned something like this. Then she saw the tag. That�s because it�s new! Cassy laughed at herself. The dress went down a little past the knee and was black. It was a halter top so two slinky straps tied behind the neck. It v�d in the front and Cassy was sure Ashley would knock any guy off their feet who stood in her path. Going to one of her bags, Cassy pulled out a pair of sexy lace boy-cut panties and a matching bra. She made the straps on the bra so it was fit for a halter top. She knew Ashley really wasn�t one for sexy lingerie, so she took it upon herself to pick something up for her for tonight. Ashley came out of shower and Cassy immediately began work on her hair. Drying and curling it, putting bobypins in it to keep it up, not to mention all the hairspray she had sprayed in it. That should stay. If it didn�t, something was wrong with Ashley�s hair. After finishing her hair, Cassy did her make-up. Not too much. Just a little black eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow and cover-up to bring out her facial features. It was almost five-thirty when Ashley was finally able to get dressed. Putting on her shoes, she stood up so Cassy could get a good look at her image. �Wow. You look so beautiful Ashley.� �Really?� She didn�t know she could be so nervous. She hadn�t been this nervous since prom. Her mom had to practically dress her she was shaking so badly. �You think he�ll like it?� She asked hopefully. �Ashley, the guy would have to be nuts to say you didn�t look gorgeous.� Ashley hugged Cassy tight. �Thank you Cassy. I don�t know what I�d do without you.� Oh! You need jewelry.� Going over to her carry along jewelry box, Cassy pulled out black chandelier earrings, not too big, and a black necklace. Ashley put them on then walked over to the mirror. Smiling she said, �Tonight is definitely the night.� About five minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Ashley and Cassy looked at each other. �Who could that be?� Cassy got up and opened the door. Her jaw dropped in shock. �Well don�t you look hott?� She smiled. �Thanks. She ready?� Ashley heard the voice and walked over to the door. �Lance, I thought I was coming to your house?� Ashley asked confusedly. �Now what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn�t pick my girl up for a date?� He stated before looking her up and down. �Wow, you look so beautiful.� Ashley had to blush at that. He was so sweet. And the way he had said it was enough to drive any girl crazy. �You look great too.� Suddenly Lance pulled out a bouquet of red roses out from behind his back. �For you my lady.� �Oh wow. Thank you, kind sir. They�re beautiful.� �Are you ready?� �As ever.� She put the flowers down on the table and linked arms with him. �Bye Cassy.� �Bye you two. Have fun.� Cassy waved at the couple walking down the hallway. She was positive they made the absolute cutest couple. It made her a little envious. Why couldn�t she ever get that. But she was happy for them. They deserved each other. As Lance and Ashley exited the hotel, she stopped her tracks. �A limo?� �Only the best for my girl.� �Lance, you didn�t have to.� �I know you don�t expect things like this from me, but I wanted to. It�s kind of like our first official date. Just you and me. So excuse me if I want to impress my girl.� �I�m sorry. And it�s so sweet. But you don�t have to shell out loads of money to impress me.� �I know.� �But the gesture is appreciated.� She pecked him on the lips before entering the vehicle the driver was opening the door to. Once both were in the limo, Ashley spoke. �This feels like prom all over again.� ~*~ There was a knock on the hotel room door and Cassy knew it was Joey. Turning off the television and grabbing her purse, she exited the room. �Hello Joey.� �Hey Cass. You ready to go?� �Yep.� They made their way out of the hotel and to his Van. They talked the whole fifteen minutes it took to get to Joey and Kelly�s home. �Cassy!� The little girl yelled, running to greet her new babysitter. �Hey Bri.� She hugged the little girl. �Hey Cassy. I�m so happy you could watch her for us.� �Oh its no trouble, really.� �Well thanks again. And the bathroom is right through that door and the kitchen is down that hall and to the right. We should be back around midnight so make yourself at home. And Brianna�s bed time is nine.� �Ok.� �See you later, Cass.� �Bye. Have fun.� �We will.� She waved to the happy couple and followed Brianna into her toy room. That girl had so much energy to burn. ~*~ Lance had taken Ashley to the finest, most expensive restaurant in Orlando. The Pearl. After they ate they danced. He knew she wasn�t old enough, but Lance couldn�t help but to order a bottle of Cristal with their desert. After dinner, they took a walk by the beach. Ashley thought it was so romantic. Nobody could top this. And hopefully no one ever would have the chance. After their walk along the beach and stopping at a couple of the little stores along the way, they started to make their way back to the limo. Ashley heard some thunder and started worrying. �I think it�s going to rain. We should hurry and get back.� �Don�t worry. It�s just rain. You won�t melt.� Ashley had to laugh at herself. It was just water. Why was she so worried? Besides, it�s not like she was wearing white or anything. �Sorry.� And sure enough, as soon as the words had left her mouth, it started to down pour. Ashley screamed in laughter and they started running through the rain. Making it to the limo, they laughed at how wet the other was. They took a little drive before actually taking the step to go back to Lance�s. Running into the house and out of the rain, they were still giggling like a couple of high school kids. �Here, let me get you a towel.� �Ok.� Ashley laughed and watched him walk down the hallway, not minding the view one bit. Coming back, Lance wrapped the towel around her himself. �You�re so cold.� �I know.� Ashley felt the chills go up her spine as he ran his hands up and down her arms in an attempt to warm her. How could this be? Ashley was sure she was dreaming. How could she get so lucky to be with this great of man? One that made her turn to putty at one touch? She didn�t know. What she did know was this was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She was sure of that. �You look so cute when wet.� He giggled. Then his face became serious and he leaned in for the most passionate kiss any girl could ever feel. Ashley felt it through her entire body. Screw first kisses being the best. She was quite sure this was the best. �Ashley?� Lance softly whispered against her lips. �Yes?� She whispered back. �I love you.� The biggest smile formed on her lips. She had been waiting all night to hear him say that to her and to say it in return. �Good. Because I am so in love you.� Wetness forgotten along with the towels, Lance slowly led them up to his bedroom. Where hopefully he�d be able to show her just how much he loved her. The night was pretty good for Brianna and Cassy. Very tiring, but fun nonetheless. Brianna was the sweetest little angel and went to bed exactly when Cassy asked her to. Now Cassy was just lying on the couch in the den watching Empire Records. Vh1 was showing a bunch of movies tonight. She had already cleaned up after herself and Brianna so now was relax time. As soon as the commercial ended though, there was a knock on the door. Groaning, Cassy got up and made her way o the front door. To her surprise it was JC standing there. A little wet too. �Hey. You�re a little wet.� She tried not laughing. �Hey. And thanks for pointing that out. I didn�t notice.� Came the sarcastic reply. �Did you want something or just to bother me?� �I figured you could use some company. Kelly and Joey are usually out late when they have a babysitter.� �Sure. I�m just watching a movie anyway.� �Cool, what movie?� �Empire Records.� �You like that movie?� �It�s one of my favorites.� �Girl you are too good to be true.� Cassy laughed as he made his way into the den behind her. Instead of sitting down, Cassy went into the bathroom and got a towel out of the linen closet for JC. �Oh, thanks.� �Yep.� Cassy made some popcorn for them and they sat and watched the movie, ate, and talked about nothing in particular. After Empire Records was over, Greece came on. They made it through most of the movie without one fight. But nothing lasts forever, does it? �No way in hell is Sandy hotter than Danny!� �Yeah she is! How can you like that butt chin?� �For one thing, that butt chin is what defines John Travolta. Second, were you the one of the group with the butt crack chin hair?� �Hey! I resent that remark.� �More like you resemble that remark.� �Whatever.� JC rolled his eyes and went back to watching the movie. Cassy was quite content in watching John Travolta dance and work it on the screen, but she was interrupted when she kept feeling popcorn hitting her. Aggravated, she turned to JC, grabbed a handful of popcorn and whipped it at his face. �What was that for?� �For throwing it at me!� �I did no such thing.� �Oh you are such a bad liar!� �I am not!� �Are too! I�ve known you for one month and I know you couldn�t tell a lie to save your life!� JC mad his face like he was hurt and threw a handful of popcorn at her yet again. �Oh you are so dead!� She tackled him right there in front of the couch and they had a little tickling feud. Trying to remain quiet enough as to not wake up Brianna. Before either of them knew it, JC was on top of Cassy just looking down at her. JC couldn�t stop the urge to lick the buttery spot on the side of Cassy�s neck from the buttery popcorn he had thrown at her. He had been fighting urges to kiss her ever since she showed up at his home those few days ago. She seemed like everything he wanted. Everything he needed. Cassy�s breath caught in her throat as she felt JC�s lips on her neck. His tongue lightly licking the tender spot. She couldn�t help the tingling sensation she got all over her body. What was this man doing to her? JC trailed soft kisses up her neck and across her jaw. Stopping at her chin, he lifted his head and looked into Cassy�s beautiful green eyes. They were actually hazel but were more green. And were the most beautiful, mysterious eyes he had ever seen. Not meaning to, Cassy ran her tongue along her lips, tasting the salty butter on them from the snack. JC couldn�t stand it any longer. He couldn�t� stand the teases. He crashed his lips down on Cassy�s. At first, she didn�t respond. She had no idea JC would actually kiss her, ever. But then she moved her lips in rhythm with his own. The kiss getting heavier with each movement. Cassy was sure she was going to lose it all, everything. All her morals and all control if neither of them pulled away. She couldn�t though. His lips, his tongue, his entire mouth was a work of art. A masterpiece she wanted to get to know better. Saved by the bell, or ring. The phone started to ring, startling both JC and Cassy. JC got off her and grabbed her hand to help her up. Picking up the phone, Cassy tried to sound casual. �Hello?� �Hey Cassy. It�s Joey. We should be home in like a half hour. Just so ya know. I didn�t want you to think we were taking advantage of you.� He laughed lightly. �Oh no it�s ok. Take your time. See you when you get back.� �Alright. Bye.� �Bye.� She hung up the phone and couldn�t meet the eyes burning into the back of her skull. What had just happened? Why had she gotten so carried away? Her lips still tingled from his touch and was sure they were still puffy. She tried to ignore the feeling of needing to feel his lips again. Clearing her throat, Cassy bent down and picked up the half empty bowl of popcorn. �I should clean this mess up.� �They coming back?� �Yeah. Joey said to expect them in like a half hour or so.� JC nodded and helped Cassy pick up the popcorn they had thrown at each other. What had come over him? Why did he do that? He did it because she was being a little tease and he had been dying to taste her lips all weekend. He only hoped he hadn�t scared her with his forwardness. She seemed a little distant now that they had been interrupted. Was she upset that he had kissed her? No. She couldn�t be. She kissed him back just as forcefully. So what did this mean? They spent the rest of the time watching TV in silence, waiting the arrival of the homeowners. Just as Joey had said, they came home about a half hour later. Joey gave Cassy a ride back to the hotel when he sensed a little hesitancy to go with JC. Not trying to pry into what had happened, Joey for once kept his mouth shut about it. And Cassy was very grateful he had. Man Cassy was so confused now. What would this mean for them? She didn�t know. She wouldn�t be getting any sleep tonight, that much she did know. CHAPTER 10 (The next morning) Ashley tiptoed into the hotel room to find her friend asleep on the couch. "Cassy." Ashley whispered in her ear, wiggling Cassy's arm lightly. When she got no more than something she supposed you would call a grunt, she said a little bit louder. �Cassandra! Wake up!� "What?" Cassy groaned into the couch pillow. "Morning sunshine" Cassy rolled over and looked at the smiling girl. Immediately she knew. Ashley laid on the untouched bed, which she thought was kind of odd. "Someone is happy." Cassy said, sitting up on the couch. "What happened last night?" she asked even though she was pretty sure she already knew. Even though Ashley had changed, Cassy knew she just got in. And she was pretty sure it was from Lance�s that she had returned. "Oh my god Cassy it was the most romantic night ever! First Lance took me to The Pearl.� "Wow. That�s a nice restaurant." "I know. Then we were walking by the beach when it started to rain so we had to run back to the limo." "Limo?" Cassy knew Lance was a gentleman, but a limo? That man was too good to be true. He definitely had style. "Yeah. I swear he is the sweetest man alive! So then we went back to his house. Oh my god Cassy. We were standing in the front hallway of his house and he was rubbing my arms to try to warm me up since I was wet and cold. Then he said it!" �Said what?� �He�s in love with me.� She sighed dreamily. �Cassy, I know it�s so soon, but I really think this is the one. He is so good to me. I am so in love with him.� "I have noticed." Cassy said hitting her friend with a pillow. She had moved from the couch to the bed during the beginning of the detailed explanation. �I�m happy for you, Ash. You really deserve someone like Lance.� �Thanks Cassy. That means a lot to me.� She said whole-heartedly. �So how was your night?� Ashley asked, knowing that it wasn�t going to top her night. �Tell me more about your night Ashley.� Cassy said avoiding the question just asked. She got off the bed and walked over to the mini fridge to get a bottle of water. She suddenly felt very parched. �What happened?� �Nothing happened Ashley. I just watched Brianna.� Cassy said shortly. �Come on, Cassy. How long have we been friends? I can read you like an open book. Besides, you were avoiding the question. If you�re avoiding my question something happened.� Ashley said looking at her friend square in the eye. She wasn�t dumb. Something else most have happened. Something big to make her close off like that. �Ok, fine. Something happened. Last night me and JC kissed.� �Oh my god, really?� Ashley knew Cassy had wanted this to happen for a while now. So why did she seem so upset about it? �Yeah. And I think I am falling in love with JC. What do I do Ashley?� Cassy whined, letting her head fall to Ashley�s shoulder. Ashley thought to herself, �I was right. JC is in love with her as much as I thought he was and Cassy is falling too.� �All I can say is that you should follow your heart not your mind. You should go with what your heart is telling you.� Ashley said then started to walk away then turned back around. �Sweetie, I�m going to go get packed and ready. We have to be at the airport in 2 hours so you should do the same. Maybe it will help take your mind of things. And Lance said he will take us� �Ok, thanks Ashley.� (2 hours later) Lance had gotten to the hotel in time to pick the girls up to bring them to the airport. But to Cassy�s surprise, JC had tagged along. She really didn�t think he would because of what had happened between them the night prior. �I�m going to miss you babe.� Lance whispered, licking Ashley�s neck. The gesture made her jump because she didn�t think he would do that in public. � I�ll miss you more� Ashley said seductively, rubbing his neck. �Ooh� he pulled her down onto his lap and kissed her. He would definitely miss her. How in the world was he expected to be without her for another few months? He honestly didn�t think he could. Ok, so it was a little pathetic, but Lance really loved this girl. He needed her to live. Kind of like how he and Ashley knew Cassy and JC needed each other just as much. If only they�d see it. Cassy and JC had tried to make themselves busy and avoid each other the entire trip to the airport, but Cassy couldn�t take it anymore. She had to say something. Anything to take away the awkwardness. �I�m glad you came with Lance to drop us off.� Ok. So it was a lame attempt at a conversation. But what was she supposed to say? So JC, last night was great. You can kiss the shit out of me anytime? Uh, no thanks. That would make it even more awkward. �Why wouldn�t I? I wouldn�t miss coming.� �Well, after what happened last night I didn�t know.� �Cassy, about what happened last night,� �You know what JC? You don�t have to explain. We were caught up in the moment and it shouldn�t have happened.� Cassy said rather fast, cutting him off. She couldn�t even look him in the eyes. It was a complete and total lie. �Cassy, if it wasn�t supposed to have happened, then I wouldn�t have kissed you and you wouldn�t have kissed me back.� JC stepped closer to Cassy and put his finger under her chin, lifting her face so she was looking at him. �It takes two to tango you know.� Smiling, Cassy whispered back to JC. �It takes one to chicken dance.� JC laughed along with Cassy. He loved her sense of humor. Anytime he was down, she would make him up. He believed that Cassy could turn the darkest gray sky to the brightest of blue. She was what completed him. She is what made JC, JC again. He knew all of his fans knew something was wrong. Cassy was living proof. Now, he was happier and livelier than he had been in a long time. And JC had Cassy to thank for that. She was truly his angel sent from heaven above to guide him along his way. Breaking out of his trance, JC realized something. He was in love with this girl. The same girl who helped him through the tough times with all of her letters. And now, here she was. Live and in person. Not to mention they shared the most amazing kiss ever the night prior. But could he tell her? He knew he had to. JC wasn�t one to hide his feelings. But how would he ever tell Cassy she was the most amazing woman he had ever met? Forget the age difference. That doesn�t mean a thing to him. All he cared about was being happy again. And being happy was being with Cassy. �But seriously Cassy. It happened because it was suppose to, so we shouldn�t turn a positive thing into a negative thing.� JC looked into Cassy�s confused eyes and knew she was thinking, hard. What was she thinking about? What JC wouldn�t pay to get inside her head? �Cassy, I think we, I mean I think I am fall...� The loud speaker announcing Ashley and Cassy�s flight back to New York cut off JC. �NOW BORADING FLIGHT 231 TO BUFFALO FROM ORLANDO.� Ashley got off Lance�s lap and walked over to Cassy and JC. �Ready to go?� �Yeah.� Cassy smiled at her friend who then walked back to her boyfriend. �You were saying?� �Oh, uh, nothing. Never mind.� �You sure?� �Yeah. Just call me when you get in tonight.� Smiling, Cassy wrapped her arms around JC�s neck and whispered in to his ear. �I will. Goodbye JC.� �Never say goodbye.� He whispered back. Kissing her cheek, JC let her go. Hugging Ashley, they said goodbye to each other until their next meeting. �Bye guys.� The girls said waving to the men standing there. The guys waved back then started to leave. Not before Lance blew his girl a kiss though. �How come you and Cassy were so quiet on the way here?� Lance asked as the two men walked away. Shrugging, JC replied lamely. �I guess we were both tired.� �Oh ok.� Lance may be blonde, but he wasn�t stupid. He knew there was more to that answer than JC was letting on to. But not wanting to make his friend mad, he just let it go, figuring he�d tell him if he wanted Lance to know. �I�m starving. Let�s go get something to eat� (Later that night) Cassy was lost in her trance of unpacking and thinking when her cell phone rang. Jumping out of her thoughts, Cassy ran to pick up the annoying object. �Hello?� �Hey Cassy, it�s Lance.� �Hiya Scoop! What can I do ya for?� She giggled into the phone. �Don�t let my girl hear you talkin� like that!� He laughed back. �I need to talk to you about Ashley.� �Ok.� Cassy hoped that whatever it was he wanted to talk about his and Ashley�s relationship, it was good. They deserved each other and hopefully nothing would screw up their little bond. �Well, last night I told her that I loved her.� �Yeah.� What was he getting at? �Well, I was thinking. I really have no idea when we�d see each other again and I was kind of wanting to ask her to move in with me.� Cassy knew he was nervous, she could hear it in his voice. And with him being a performer, that wasn�t very often. �What do you think she�d say? Will she just laugh in my face, or..?� �Honestly Lance, I don�t know. But what I do know is that she loves you as much as you love her, if not more. In my opinion it�s a little early but you two are young and in love and I don�t think anything should stand in the way of your happiness.� Cassy thought about it for a second. The thought that she might be losing her best friend and roommate of almost ten years made her tear up a little. �Thanks Cassy, that means a lot to me.� �Well it�s the truth.� �What? Ok, fine! Here, JC wants to talk to you.� �Ok.� JC grabbed the phone while Lance went down the hall to call Ashley. �Hey Kitty Cat.� �Hey.� Now at that Cassy had to smile. He sounded so cute. Not to mention her knees would buckle beneath her every time he said her nickname. �You all unpacked?� �Almost, but you and Lance interrupted me.� �Hey! Lance called you. I just butted in.� Cassy giggled at the remark. JC seemed to make the darkest day bright again. There was a long pause and neither knew what to say �Cassy, I think our friendship has grown into something else.� He just couldn�t hold it in any longer. He had to tell her. �Oh yeah? What has it grown into?� �Cassy, I Think I am in�.� JC got cut off yet again by Ashley running into the room screaming something he couldn�t make out. �Oh my god Cassy you�ll never guess what just happened!� �I bet I will.� She mumbled under her breath. �What was that JC? This moron just interrupted you.� She stuck her tongue out at Ashley who slapped her when she said that. �Oh uh, it was nothing. Go have fun with Ashley. I�ll talk to you later.� �You know, I can�t help but think of something dirty when you say that.� Cassy said coyly. �Haha very funny.� �Bye JC. I�ll talk to you later.� JC hung up the phone and looked up at the ceiling above his bed. �What am I doing? Do I really love her? Or is this just another futureless fling?� JC questioned himself and his motives as he took a shower and lied down to go to sleep. It took a while, but he eventually feel into a deep slumber, full of dreams with Cassy and their friendship, wanting to make it more. |