Chapter 1
�I can�t believe we have to part ways.�
�I know. I don�t want to leave you.�
�I don�t want to leave you either. This has been the best summer ever.� The girl looked down as a tear fell from her watery eyes. It pained her too much to see her love go.
�Please don�t cry. We�ll see each other again.�
Her gaze met his own once again. �Just promise me one thing.�
�Anything, baby.�
�Promise me, no matter what happens, you won�t forget about me.�
�I promise. I could never forget my love. My Toy.�
�Take me with you, Josh.� She put her arms around him and cried into his neck.
�I wish I could. You do not know how bad I just want to scoop you up and be with you for the rest of our lives. I just can�t.� He explained as he hugged her tight.
�I know. It�s not like I can actually leave my life back home either.�
�But I can promise, we�ll keep in touch. I won�t let us part.�
�Good.�
�I�ll call you as soon as I can.�
�OK. I�ll be waiting.� He leaned down and kissed her one last time before boarding his plane.
�Goodbye Josh.� she whispered to his disappearing form.
~*4 Years Later*~
�How about Hawaii?�
�No.�
�Why not? I�ve always wanted to go to Hawaii and we actually have the money to go!�
�I�ve already been there.�
�What? When?�
�Like four years ago.�
�Dammit! Everywhere I wanna go you�ve already been!�
�What about Puerto Rico?�
�Do you have a brochure for it?�
�Yep. Right here.� She held it up and the girl grabbed it out of her hand.
�Hmmm....swimming, shopping, exotic rooms, exotic bars, bars, restaurants....sounds good.�
�And look at the place! It�s positively gorgeous!�
�Yeah it is! Not to mention the hott Puerto Ricans!�
�Calicia! That is not why I want to go there. I just have always wanted to go there, that�s all.�
�I know. And I�ve always wanted to go to Hawaii!�
�I�ll take you there next summer.�
�I�m gonna hold you up to that!�
�OK Cal.�
�So when�s your audition?� Calicia changed the subject.
�In three hours so I better start warming up soon.�
�So who�s the audition for?�
�I don�t know. They didn�t want to say just so a bunch of fans would go just to get a glimpse of the person.�
�So it is someone famous?�
�Very famous.�
�Cool.�
�I�m gonna change and go down to the studio. I�ll see you later OK?�
�I�ll be here Tori.�
�Bye.�
�See ya.�
~*~
�First off, we�re going to see what you can do as we change the music and beats. What we want is someone who can slow down or speed up with the beat, can add their own flavor to the choreography, and someone who loves to just dance and fool around with moves, but also who can be serious about this work. All right! Let�s see what you all can do.�
Everyone found a place on the floor and the music started. Immediately,Tori got the beat just right and made her own style for the type of music. There was no doubt about it, this is what she loved and wanted to do for as long as possible. The music changed several times, Tori not missing a beat. As soon as the music came to a halt, Tori was just finished with the routine she had formed and was in a pose.
�All right! Thank you everyone. Take a ten minute break and be right back here so we can announce the top ten.� Everyone grabbed their water and either lied down, began to stretch or went to the bathroom.
�Hi. I�m Ali.�
�Victoria. But everyone calls me Tori.�
�You had some great moves. Dancing long?�
�All my life actually.�
"I wouldn�t be surprised if you were one of the three chosen for the tour.�
�You wouldn�t happen to have any idea who it�s for?�
�Nope. Sorry. I�m dying to know just as much as everyone else.�
�Well, by the music they chose for us, I wouldn�t be surprised if it was a pop group or something.�
�Neither would I. But would you mind if it turned out to be like Ms. Spears or Backstreet Boys or something?�
�As long as I get to dance, I don�t care who it is.�
�I like your attitude. I have the same one.�
�Hey do you mind if I sit with you girls? I don�t really know anyone and they all seem to know each other.�
�Of course not. I�m Ali and this is Tori.�
�I�m Rachel.�
�Nice to meet you.�
�So who do you think is going to be picked?� Rachel asked, kind of nervous.
�Honestly, I think the best people here were us three. Everyone else seemed like they have never danced a day in their lives. I�m not
conceded, I swear. I just know dancing really well.�
�You think I could get chosen?�
�Hell yeah! You and Tori here are definite! Maybe me too.�
�Yeah I saw your moves girl. You are definitely in.�
�Thanks Rachel.�
�Please call me Ray. Everyone else does.�
�OK.�
�All right people! Break�s up!� Everyone stood up and formed two lines. �We have chosen the top ten. It wasn�t easy, you were all wonderful. When I call your name, step forward. Rachel Burgely,� She gave her two new friends a smile and stepped forward. �Amy Martin, Kit Dorral, Carly Sanders, Janine Carter, Courtney Bander, Ali Saunders, Katie Larks, Gina Thompson, and last but not least, Victoria Adams.� She let out a deep breath and stepped up with her new found friends. �All right, I�m sorry to the rest of you. Better luck next time. Thank you for coming.� Everyone who wasn�t chosen grabbed their things and left. �All right, you ten, we�re going to go through the same drill. Freestyle. Then we�ll choose our top five of you and those five will be taught a choreographed piece and the three who do the best will be going on tour.�
Tori, Ali, and Rachel made it into the top five and all three did the choreographed piece without a glitch. They were the three chosen.
�You three girls have the summer off but as soon as September 13th comes, you�ll need to be in this studio by six A.M. See you then and congratulations to you.� The three girls each shook their hands, said their thank you�s and left.
�I can not believe I made it! Here I come money!�
�Calm down Ali! We�ll have a lot of work to do when we get back.�
�I know Tori. But it�ll be so worth it!�
�Uh, duh!�
�Hey, did you happen to catch who it was?�
�Who? Oh! No. They didn�t say a damn thing about them did they? Sons �a bitches!�
�I don�t care! Nothing could change the high I�m feeling right now!�
�I�m with ya Tori. I guess I�ll see you in September.�
�Bye!�
�See ya at the end of the summer.� The three girls got in their cars and parted ways.
~*~
�So?� Tori wasn�t even in the door yet and Calicia was already on her like a wildcat.
�I made it! You are looking at a dancer!�
�For who?�
�They didn�t say. We find out when we go in for the choreography.�
�I am so happy for you!�
�Thanks. I�m gonna go change. We are celebrating tonight girl!�
�Aw yeah!�
Chapter 2
So where are we located this time JC?�
�Why you askin� me Joey?�
�Cause you�re the one who always chooses.�
�Puerto Rico.�
�At least you picked somewhere exotic. Hott chicks.�
�That�s not why I chose it.�
�Yeah whatever.�
�So when do we leave?� Lance asked, changing the subject.
�Two weeks for one month.�
�Can�t wait.�
�Me neither! Vacation!�
�It�s not a vacation.�
�Most of it is. Johnny promised there was only three photo shoots and four days set aside for the video. Then two interviews.�
�Yeah that can all be done in like a week and a half!�
�Oh Joey, I�m sure you�ll like this.�
�What J?�
�We have nights off.�
�Hell yeah man! That�s what I�m talking about!�
~*~
�We ready?�
�Yep. Let�s go to the airport.�
�Yes! I am so excited.�
�Me too Cal. Me too.� They grabbed their bags and went down to the street to get in the cab waiting to take them to their destination.
~*~
�Damn! Is this living or what? I can not believe you actually chose a hott place!�
�Thanks Calicia.� Tori said sarcastically.
�Well, this hott of a place. Anyway, let�s go find the check in desk. I can�t wait to see what our condo looks like!� Calicia grabbed her
friend�s arm and they went to find the building where they could check in.
�Hello. How may I help you.�
�Hello Jamie. We need to check in.�
�Name?�
�Victoria Adams.�
�Let�s see, Adams...Oh here you are. It seems you are in the residential suite.� The lady made a confused look. �Do you have ID?�
�Yes of course.�
�I�m sorry. It�s just procedure when we have such famous guests staying with us. We need to make sure you are actually the person booked and not some crazy fan.�
�Oh.� She handed the woman her license.
�Thank you Ms. Adams.�
�So who�s staying here?�
�Calicia!�
�What?�
�It�s all right. Actually I�m not allowed to say. However your suite is right next to their�s. There is no doubt you�ll be seeing them soon. Now, Gerard here will show you to your suite.�
�Thank you Jamie.�
�Have a nice stay.�
�So who do you thinks staying here?�
�I don�t know and I personally don�t care. I came to relax and have some fun. And if there are any screaming fans anywhere near our suite, I will be switching!�
Calicia just shook her head at her friend. Vacations for her were pretty boring. No loud music, parties or anything! �Come on Girl!�
Chapter 3
�Come on man! Get ready!�
�Where are we going J?�
�Uh, the beach dumbass!�
�Oh. Hang on a sec.�
�Hurry your white ass up!� Jc responded by giving him the middle finger.
~*~
�You ready?�
�I have been ready for this for four long years!�
�Let�s hop to it then!� They went down to the beach, everyone wearing their bikini�s and
any form of bathing suite they found. There was even a DJ on the beach. It was just like spring break. Everyone began dancing and having a good time.
After a few minutes of dancing, Calicia accidentally swung Tori right into some guy. Tori immediately turned around to apologize.
�Oh god! I�m so...sorry.� She became entranced in those familiar pools of blue.
�It�s fine. Are you ok?� Her eyes widened with shock and she ran away.
�Tori? Where�d you go?� Calicia looked in all directions until she finally spotted her friend running back towards their suite. �God damn it!�
�Tori! Will you stop?� Tori stopped running and turned around to face her friend.
�Finally! I�ve been chasing you for like a whole minute!�
�Oh poor baby!�
�Fuck you. Now you wanna tell me what that was all about back there?�
�What do you mean?� She tried to play innocent, hoping Calicia would just leave her alone. No such luck.
�I mean you running off like a complete maniac?�
�Oh, that.�
�Yes, that.�
�It�s just, that guy I ran into, I knew him and I just couldn�t stand around because I know he totally forgot about me.�
�How do you know?�
�I�m not someone he�d remember. Listen, I�m gonna go for a walk. Go back and have
some fun. I�ll see you later.�
�Ok. Have fun.� Tori waved her off and headed back towards the condo.
Back at the condo, Tori turned on the radio and danced around as she grabbed a mini jean skirt and a tank top. As she was dancing around in the front room, she didn�t notice the man walking in.
�Nice moves.� Tori whipped around to face the trespasser. �Sorry I didn�t mean to startle you. I just saw the door open and wanted to meet my neighbor.�
�So, are you the �famous people� we�re staying next to?�
�I�m one of them. Yes. Joey.� He held out his hand for her.
She gladly took it. �Tori.�
�Short for Victoria?�
�You�re very smart for a celebrity.�
�Ouch.�
�Sorry.�
�No harm done. So, have any plans? Why aren�t you down at the beach?�
�I just ran into an old friend, literally. I really didn�t want to see him so I came back here and was going to go for a walk.�
�Want some company?�
�Sure. Just let me throw my clothes on.�
�Aw! Do you have to?�
�No. But I want to. Bad boy.� She shook her head playfully as she put her clothes on over her bathing suite. She grabbed a bottle of water out of the mini fridge and slipped on her sandals. �So, why aren�t you down at the beach?�
�I�ll be there tomorrow. I just didn�t feel like going. Which totally gave my friends a heart
attack.�
�Why?�
�Because I�m �flirty spice�.� With that comment, Tori couldn�t help but burst out laughing.
�I�m sorry, but flirty spice?�
�Yeah. I�m a big flirt. What can I say? The girls can�t resist.�
�I�m pretty sure I�m a girl, and well. I haven�t jumped on you yet.�
�Yet being the key word my fair Tori.�
�You are something else Joey.�
�I know. So, tell me about this guy. Why don�t you want to see him?�
�Because he hurt me.�
�How�d he hurt you?�
�Ok, four years ago I was visiting my aunt and uncle in Hawaii for the summer. Josh was there visiting with friends and we met. We dated all summer and you know, the sappy love shit happened. He promised he would call me all the time and he said he loved me. But he broke his promise and he hurt me. Of course I didn�t get his phone number because he said he was moving around a lot and he didn�t have a cell phone at the time.�
�That�s deep.�
�Yeah. Sorry if I bored you.�
�In all fairness I did ask.�
�That you did. I can�t believe how easy it is to talk to you. I don�t even know you.�
�Sometimes it�s easier that way.�
�I guess.�
~*~*~
�I can�t believe how late it is.�
�Time really flies when having fun.�
�I guess. Well, I should get back. Calicia�s gonna kill me when I get back.�
�Oh, who�s Calicia?�
�My best friend in the whole world.�
�Pretty?�
�Joey.�
�What?� He asked innocently.
�I will not set you up with her.�
�All right. Fine. I�ll see you, well, tomorrow probably.�
�Bye. Joey.�
�Good night Tori.� He headed over to his condo and she went into hers, only to be bombarded with 21 questions from her roommate.
�Victoria Marie Adams! Where the hell have you been all day? I have been worried sick!�
�Relax Cal. I was out with our neighbor.�
�Guy?�
�Uh, yeah.�
�He didn�t try anything did he?�
�No mother!� Tori rolled her eyes. She swore that sometimes Calicia was on the verge of being her mother rather than her best friend.
�Ha ha very funny. Wait, is this the famous neighbor?�
�Yes it is but I don�t know who he is.�
�What�s his name?�
�Joey. AKA flirty spice.� She laughed out loud at the memory and even harder at the confused expression on Calicia�s face. �I�ll tell you tomorrow. I�m gonna go take a shower.�
�Ok. I�m going to bed. Good night.�
�Night Cal.�
Chapter 4
Tori woke up at nine-fifteen the next morning and looked over to her roommate�s bed to find her sound asleep. She sat up and stretched her hands to the ceiling. Tori glanced over to the patio doors. She smiled as she saw the sun shining brightly. She put her feet into her pink fuzzy slippers and stepped out onto the patio. Tori looked around the exotic resort, hands on the railing.
�Does paradise always seem this wonderful?� She said to the air around herself.
�I wouldn�t know. This is my first time visiting paradise.� Tori jumped at the sudden presence, not actually expecting an answer.
�God Joey! Don�t do that to me. I didn�t know you were there.�
�I�m sneaky what can I say?�
�Yes you are.� She took the few steps to the end of her balcony which was only a few feet away from his own.
�Just wake up?�
�Yes. How about you?�
�I�ve been up a little while. Just out here, enjoying the view.�
�It is beautiful.� She turned her glance to her surroundings but could feel his watch on her. �What?�
�I was thinking of how young you look right now. You are legal right?�
�Joey!�
�What? You don�t look a day past sixteen.� She was dressed in her matching pink tank top and capri pajamas and her hair was down to her mid-back and straight, blowing around from the light breeze.
She leaned over the banister and whispered, �I am legal for everything.� And winked at him before standing up-right again.
�Good.�
�So, what are your plans for the day?�
�Photo shoot at noon, then...� He shrugged his shoulders. �I guess we�ll just have to see.�
�I guess.�
�So, what are your plans, young Victoria.�
�Never call me Victoria, Joseph!� She snapped. If there was one thing she hated more than fish, it was definitely being called by her full name.
�Sorry, Tori.�
�That�s better. Well, as soon as I get Cal�s lazy ass out of bed, we�re going shopping, then to lunch. And later tonight we were planning on going to the bon-fire at the beach. Care to join us?�
�Sounds like a plan.� She smiled a warm smile towards him and he gladly returned it. Their tranquil ness was abruptly brought to a halt when they heard someone yell for Joey.
�What do you want?�
�Where the hell are you?�
�I�m out here man! What do you want?�
�We�re goin� to breakfast! Get your lazy ass ready!�
�Yes mother! Be right in!� Joey mocked the young man. Tori couldn�t help but giggle at him. It had been so long since someone made her giddy like this, especially a man. �I guess I�ll see you tonight?�
�You know where to find me.� He held out his hand for hers and she gladly held it out to grasp his. Like the gentleman he is, he brought her hand to his lips and placed a ginger kiss to it.
�Good day my lady.�
�Good day sir.� She responded. He winked at her once again before disappearing into his condo.
Tori couldn�t help but smile and giggle as she went back inside to get ready.
�Well someone�s awfully giddy this morning.�
�Ugh! You couldn�t possibly be more right Cal!�
�Damn girl! What happened?�
�I was talking to Joey on the patio. He is so sweet.�
�I�ve seen that look on you before Tori.�
�I know Cal. Which is why I�m not gonna let this turn into a relationship, or one that I
know will have no future. My heart can�t take another Josh.�
�As long as you know it.�
�I do. Now let�s get ready to go shopping!�
�Yes dear!�
�Calicia!�
�Victoria!� She mocked as she entered the bathroom. Tori stuck out her tongue at her friend just before the door closed.
~*~*~
�So who were you talking to out on the patio man?�
�Nosy much Chris?�
�You bet your ass I�m nosy!�
�It was our neighbor. The one I was with all day yesterday.�
�Oh, someone�s got a crush!� Chris sang while doing a little dance around the front room.
�Aw! How cute!� All the guys sounded.
�Fuck you guys! We going or not?�
�Jeez! Touchy much?� Joey just gave his band mate a look that said �shut the fuck up before I ram my foot up your ass.� The man quickly shut up and walked away.
Chapter 5
�Will you guys shut up about it already? God!�
�Aw! Is little Lancey poo upset that a guy hit on him?�
�I actually thought it was pretty damn funny!�
�It was not funny! Stop laughing! How the hell would you feel is he hit on one of you?�
�I�d laugh in his face!� They all started laughing harder at Joey�s remark. They had just finished their photo shoot and were walking along the market place for some shopping. While at the shoot, the wardrobe guy who had to fit them completely felt up poor Lance. Making it worse, none of the guy would drop it for the life of him. As if his face hadn�t been red enough.
They laughed for a few more seconds before Joey completely changed the subject. �Guys there she is!� He pointed down the stairs in the street market to two girls laughing at a hat stand.
�Who?�
�Tori. You know, our neighbor.�
�Which one?�
�The with the light brown hair and red tube top.�
�Man, she looks like a killer.� JC stated, the other agreed.
�No. Exactly the opposite.�
�What do you mean?�
�I mean she�s the one who always gets her heart broken, not the other way around.�
�Oh.�
�Come on. I want ya�ll to meet her. You�ll love her.�
Tori was putting on a big black hat with a red belt around it and Calicia was wearing a blue one with a white belt, both laughing hysterically at themselves. Suddenly Tori felt two strong arms come around her shoulders from behind. She turned her head to see who it was and immediately smiled at the sight of Joey�s handsome face.
�Hey Joey.�
�Hey sweet thang.�
�You are so hammy!�
�Why does everyone say that?�
�Because it�s the truth.� A masculine voice sounded from behind him.
�Oh, guys this is Tori. Tori this is JC, Chris, Justin, and Lance.�
�Hey. Nice to meet you all. This is my best friend in the whole wide world Calicia.�
�Hi.�
�So how long have you girls been out shopping?� Joey asked from behind her as he leaned against her with his arms wrapped around her shoulders.
�Um, since like eleven this morning I think.�
�Damn you girls can shop.�
�We�re girls. It�s what we do.�
�I guess.�
�Nice hats. They really match your outfits.� Chris tried not to laugh out loud. He was relieved when the two girls laughed at themselves.
�I forgot we had these on!� Calicia stated as they took them off and hung them back up.
�So what are you doing now? Wanna take a break and come to dinner with us?� Lance asked.
�I could eat. What about you Cal?�
�I�m pretty hungry.�
�Cool. Let�s go.� JC, Justin and Chris were up front leading the way, Joey and Tori were in the middle, and Lance and Calicia were behind them all talking, getting to know one another.
�So Tori, what do you do for a living?� Chris asked her.
�I�m a dancer.�
�Exotic?�
�No! Actual choreographed dancer.�
�She�s actually very good. She could probably be the choreographer if she wanted to.� Calicia added. She was so proud of Tori. She always pushed for what she wanted. And she actually made it.
�Oh really?�
�Yeah. She just got her first big deal.�
�Really? With who?�
�I don�t actually know yet. There were auditions and I, along with three other girls, made it. We have to be in Orlando to start rehearsals in September.�
�Where was this audition held?�
�Um back home in New York. Why?�
�I think you�re one of our new dancers.� She almost choked on her wine.
�What?�
�We just auditioned millions of people for three spots on our new tour that kicks off in January. We start rehearsals in September.�
�Wow. What a coincidence.� On the inside she was screaming �SHIT!� She didn�t know if she could handle being one of �JC�s� dancers. How would she handle it?
�So what you girls doing tonight?�
�Well we know what Tori�s doing. Or rather should I say who?�
�Chris!� Tori and Joey shrieked at the same time.
�What?� He asked innocently.
�I will not be doing Joey. We�re going to the bon fire at the beach.�
�You guys wanna come?� Calicia asked, eyeing Lance. She just really wanted to get to know him better.
�Yeah. We�ll come. It�s not like we have anything better to do.�
�Ok. We�ll meet you outside in an hour and a half?�
�We�ll be ready.�
�See you then.� Joey once again kissed Tori�s hand when no one was looking. She smiled warmly at him before entering the condo.
Chapter 6
Tori stepped down the stairs slowly heading for Joey.
�Bonjour Mademoiselle Adams.� He said in a perfect French accent.
�Bonjour Monsieur Fatone.� She replied just as correctly as he kissed both her cheeks.
�You look positively beautiful.� She was wearing a black halter dress with white Hawaiian flowers on it that went down to mid-thigh.
�Merci. You look pretty handsome yourself.�
�Merci beaucoup. This is for you.� He held out a single jasmine flower.
�You remembered.�
�I listen very well.� Tori had to smile at that. How could she not? She had told him once during their walk last night that Jasmine was in fact her favorite flower on all the earth.
�I guess. It�s beautiful. Thank you.�
�You�re beautiful.� She could feel the reddening of her cheeks.
When everyone was ready, they headed towards the beach.
As they approached the beach, everyone took off their shoes and formed a pile on the sand. Joey wrapped his arms around Tori�s waist and threw her over his shoulder. He began to run around with her screaming and laughing for him to put her down.
�God it is so nice to see her happy again.� Calicia sighed without realizing it.
�What do you mean? She was never happy?� Lance inquired. Well, she might as well tell him. She had a feeling Lance wouldn�t tell anyone anyway.
�No she was happy, at times. It�s just, on her last vacation, her heart was broken. It took her a long time to get over it. She�s just never been as happy as when she was with him. I just hope the same doesn�t happen this time. I mean after all, the other man is here too.�
�He is? Who is he?�
�Shit! I was not supposed to say that!� Calicia smacked her forehead. �Tori will kill me if she found out I told you.�
�Hey, it�s not like I�m gonna go spreading it around. Who is it?�
�I wish I could tell you Lance, but I�ve told you too much already. I�m sorry.�
�It�s ok Cal. I understand.�
�You do?�
�Yeah. And let me tell you, Joey will not break her heart. He even told us earlier when we met at the market that she�d had her heart broken a lot. He wouldn�t put her through that again. Especially since she�s gonna be on the tour with us too.�
�I hope so.�
~*~*~
As everyone began to crowd the beach for the on-going party, the DJ began to play some really good music. Everyone began dancing and mingling. It was like a night club, only outside and on the beach.
Jc just stood off to the side at the on-beach bar, sipping his margarita as he watched Tori closely. He still had the feeling he knew her from somewhere. He just had the problem of figuring out where. He watched the sway of her hips as she danced with his friend, the smile on her face as she spoke with Joey, the sparkle in her eyes. All seemed very familiar to him. �But who is she?� He kept asking himself.
Joey and Tori decided to take a break and get a drink at the bar. They walked over to where Jc was seated joining him. They ordered their drinks and began chit-chatting with one another. Mostly Jc and Joey though. Tori still felt nervous around Jc, even though he had no idea who she was.
�I�ll be right back. I have to use the bathroom.�
�Ok.� Joey hopped off the barstool and headed in the direction of the men�s restroom. It was just Jc and Tori now.
Jc couldn�t stand the silence between them any longer. He had to say something.
�So..Tori. You originally from New York?�
�Yes. Born and raised.� She smiled. �How about you? Where was Jc the pop star born?� She joked.
�Very funny. I was born in D.C. but my family moved to Maryland when I was just a little boy.� This of course she knew but obviously couldn�t tell him. They were just talking about little things when a song came on Tori loved. Jc also knew it from that summer four years ago. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her swaying on her stool, mouthing the words. He saw the look of heartache on her face and his own heart cried out for her. He set down his glass and stood before her, holding out his hand for hers to take.
�Dance with me Tori. I know you love this song. I can tell.�
She smiled lightly and grasped his hand. He led her out to an open space on the beach to dance with her. He put his arms around her waist and she put hers around his neck, looking deeply into those pools of blue she fell into so long ago.
How do I get through one night without you
If I had to live without you
What kind of life would that be
Oh and I, I need you in my arms
Need you to hold
You�re my world, my heart, my soul
If you ever leave, baby you would take away everything good in my life
Tori felt her head fall to Jc�s muscular chest and felt herself drifting back to that summer, their summer. She couldn�t help but feel her heart break all over again. How he left her. How she needed to hold him. He was a part of her entire world and it stopped spinning the day he left.
Mmm, without you
There�d be no sun in my sky
There would be no love in my life
There�d be no world left for me
And I, baby I don�t know what I would do
I�d be lost if I lost you
If you ever leave
Baby you would take away everything real in my life
And tell me now
Jc could feel the tears well up in his eyes as he held Tori so close. This song not only had a special place in his heart forever, but it was because it was their song. They danced to it the entire summer they were together. It portrayed exactly how they felt about each other. If only he could find her and be with her once again.
How do I live without you
I want to know
How do I breathe without you
If you ever go
How do I ever
Ever survive
How do I, how do I
Oh how do I live
Joey had just come back from the restroom and noticed Jc and Tori dancing. His first instinct was to go over there and break them up. But then he saw Tori�s expression. He felt like there was something going on between Jc and Tori. And if there was, man was he ever going to be upset. So he just sat at the bar and observed them.
If you ever leave
Baby you would take away everything
Need you with me
Baby �cause you know that you�re everything good in my life
And tell me now
How do I live without you
I want to know
How do I breathe without you
If you ever go
How do I ever
Ever survive
How do I, how do I
Oh how do I live
How do I live
Without you baby
Mmmm...yeah
As the song came to a close, Tori stepped away from Jc�s embrace and wiped her eyes.
�You ok Tori?�
�Yeah I�m fine. I just, can you tell Joey I had to go, please? I�ll talk to him later.�
�Yeah sure.� He answered with confusion evident in his features.
�Thank you.� She sighed as she ran away grabbing her shoes in the process. Joey immediately came up to Jc.
�Where is she going?�
�I have no idea. We just danced and then she asked me to tell you she�d see you later and she was sorry.�
�She looked like she was crying.�
�I saw her wipe her eyes before looking at me.�
�You even look a little teary eyed. What the hell is going on?�
�Joey, you know about that girl from three summers ago?�
�Yeah. So?� He didn�t get it. And most definitely wasn�t putting the pieces together.
�That was just our song and, well it pains me to think about her, still.�
�Well that�s understandable. You guys were in love. But what about Tori�s emotional breakdown?�
�I think that song is very special to her too.� Just as Joey was about to tell Jc he�d see him later, that he was going to go find Tori, Calicia intervened.
�Shit! I gotta go guys. I�ll see ya�ll later!� She yelled as she went in the direction Tori disappeared in.
Chapter 7
Calicia was running for a minute or two before she spotted Tori sitting on a bench in a little playground. She walked up slowly and sat down next to her friend.
�Hey.�
�Hey.� Tori replied weakly.
�You ok?�
�I�m fine.� She sniffled.
�You are not fine, Tori. Look at you! It�s obvious Josh broke you heart and you haven�t gotten over it. That song and the scene you just made proved it.� Calicia told her softly.
�It wasn�t so much that as it was...�
�As it was? What Tori?�
�He�s Josh.�
�What? Who�s Josh?�
�Jc. That�s his nickname. It stands for Joshua Chasez.� She looked into her best friends eyes for the first time. �It�s him and I can�t handle being around him with him not knowing who I am.� Tears rolled lightly down her face.
�He doesn�t recognize you?� Tori shook her head no as she wiped away a few tears. �Oh god. I had no idea. Does Joey know?�
She shook her head once again. �No. I should probably tell him though.�
�How are you going to go on tour with them now?�
�I have no idea. I just...I�ll have to suck it up I guess. I can handle this. You wanna know why? Because I am a goddamned professional!� She stated before getting up and walking away.
Calicia mumbled, �Stubborn is more like it.� then followed her friend.
~*~*~
Tori stirred in her sleep at the soft touch of masculine hands rubbing her shoulders.
�Hey.� The man smiled as she opened her eyes and turned around.
�Hey.�
�Sleep well?�
�Yep. You?�
�Not really. I was up almost all night worried about you.� With that, Tori frowned.
�You shouldn�t worry about me Joey.�
�Well, how can I not?� Tori smiled warmly as she sat up in her bed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Kissing his cheek, she whispered into his ear, �I don�t deserve you.�
�What? Tori, you deserve so much better than me.� Joey told her, looking into her chocolate eyes. �Was it that Josh guy why you think you don�t deserve to be treated well?� He questioned. Tori just looked away. He deserved to know, but every time she opened her mouth to tell him, the words just wouldn�t come out. How do you tell the man you�re falling for �oh! By the way, Josh is your best friend Jc who I am still in love with from four years ago. I don�t think I�ll ever be over him but yeah, I still hope you want to see me!� That�s just insane!
�Well, Josh didn�t know what he was messing with.� He cupped Tori�s face with his hands and planted a gentle kiss on her lips.
�Come on. I�m taking you out to breakfast.�
�Aw! Joe-bear! You don�t have too!�
�Joe-bear?� He questioned, a smile tugging his lips.
�Yeah. When I think of you, I think of my big teddy bear I had when I was a child that I had named Joey. I always felt like no matter what trouble I was in, he would protect me. And that�s how I feel when I�m with you. Safe, protected. Is that completely pathetic?� She laughed, hiding her face. Joey walked up to her and pulled her hands down, looking into her facial features.
�No. That�s not pathetic at all. I�m very pleased that I am the one you would run to for help, protection.�
�Thank you, Joe-bear.� Tori smiled while giving him a quick peck on the lips before trotting off to the bathroom.
Chapter 8
�Well hey there you sexy thang!�
�Hey Chris.� Tori laughed as Chris tried to kiss her. �Is Joey here?�
�Of course! He�s been waiting for you to get your pretty butt over here so ya�ll could go! But now he decided to take a shit.�
�Ew! Christopher, I do not need to know these things!�
�Well, what would you like me to say then?�
�He�s indisposed maybe?�
�Yeah, well, whatever. Come on in. He should be out in like ten, fifteen minutes.�
�Thanks Chris.� She entered the house and noticed them all in the living room area playing a video game. �Typical males� she thought as she walked right by them, not even noticed, to the patio overlooking the area.
�Beautiful, isn�t it?� The sudden presence beside her made Tori jump.
�Oh! I didn�t even know you were out here, Jc.�
�Yeah, I�ve been known to sneak up on people.� Tori just smiled. �You and Joey going out?�
�Yeah.�
�That�s cool. He seems to really like you.�
�Well, I really like him too.� She said truthfully. They stood there just chit-chatting about little things for a few minutes when Joey came running out and threw his arms around Tori. Jc couldn�t help but stare at the face Tori made when Joey attacked her neck with kisses. She turned her head toward him, shoulder going up slightly, and her nose crinkled as the cutest giggle escaped her throat.
�Joey! Stop!� She squeaked, hitting him playfully. All of Tori�s actions awakened something in Jc he hadn�t felt, or seen, in...�four years.� He whispered and both Tori and Joey looked at him, Tori�s smile fading instantly.
�What�d you say man?�
�Huh?� Jc said, snapping out of his little trance. �Oh, nothing. I�m just gonna....�
�Oh no. We�ve gotta go anyway. We�ll see you later man.�
�K.� Joey took Tori�s hand and led her outside.
�Oh! I swear I would forget my head if it wasn�t attached!� She shook her head and giggled.
�What�d you forget, baby?�
�My key. I don�t know if Cal will be going anywhere today so I have to go grab it. I�ll be right back.� She gave him a kiss on his cheek and ran to her condo.
�Back already?�
�I have to get my key. I imagine you�ll be spending some time with Lance today.�
�Possibly.� She smirked.
�Got it! Bye Cal. Have fun!� She said in a teasing tone.
�Oh I will!�
As Tori was walking passed the guys� condo, Jc was standing on the porch.
�Hey Toy!� He yelled after her. She once again jumped from the presence she didn�t know was there and whipped around to the old nickname only one person had ever called her by. �It was good seeing you again.� Tori just stared at him. She was caught. She smiled weakly before turning around and going back to Joey.
�Ok, so he knows. What am I gonna do?� Tori�s head asked her.
~*~*~
"What do you wanna do now?�
�I don�t.....OH! Come on!� Tori grabbed Joey�s hand and ran to a nearby tiki type store.
�You want a tattoo?�
�No, well, I wouldn�t mind. But no, I want my belly button pierced.�
�Oh.�
�Hi. Can I help you?�
�Yes you can. I�d like my naval pierced�
�Ok. Any style ring in particular?�
�I like this one.� She pointed to a blue balled one that had a purple swirl around it.
�Ok. You gonna get something done too?�
�I�m thinkin� about it.�
�Come on Joey!� He smiled at her energy and followed them back to the piercing/tattooing room.
~*~*~
�I love this naval piercing. It�s so cute.�
�I know.� They were laying together in the forest behind a waterfall. Tori on her back, Joey on his stomach with his head on her stomach, playing with her naval ring. �God this place is so beautiful. I never want to leave.�
�Me neither.� They laid for a little while, neither speaking. Just laying there watching the beautiful sunset of purples, pinks, reds, and oranges. �V?�
�Yeah Joe-bear?� Joey moved his head so he was looking up at her. Tori stared into his chocolate orbs. What she saw scared her a little.
�I�m falling in love with you.� He whispered. She didn�t think she could love again. Not after Josh. She felt like the world had ended after she was with him. Did it begin again with Joey? Her Joe-bear?
She couldn�t stop the smile that formed on her lips. Yes, the world did start again with Joey. And that scared her.
�I�m falling for you too.� Joey scooted up and pressed his lips against hers.
~*~*~
Tori entered her condo and threw her purse to the couch. �Shit!� She screamed before beginning to pace back and forth, running her fingers up and down her face and through her hair. �What am I gonna do?� She asked herself.
�I don�t know. What are you going to do?�
�I am so glad you�re back Cal, you have no idea!�
�What�s wrong?� Calicia set her things down and grabbed a hold of Tori�s hands to stop her pacing.
�He knows.�
�Who knows? And what?�
�Jc. He knows.�
�Oh, OH!� Her eyes widened at the realization of what Tori meant by that statement. �What happened?�
�Nothing. He figured it out as Joey and I were leaving.�
�How do you know?�
�He called after me as we were leaving.�
�What�d he say? God! You�re killing me here Tor!�
�Hey Toy! It was good seeing you again.�
�Yup. He definitely knows. You said he gave you that nickname the summer you two were together.�
�Yep. I have no idea what I�m going to do now!�
�Well, we only have two more weeks so...�
�But I�m going on tour with them!�
�Oh, right. Well, are you going to be able to handle that?�
�I don�t know Cal. I really don�t know.�
Chapter 9
�Come on Toy!�
�Don�t call me that! I�m not your Toy anymore Jo...Jc. I haven�t been for four years!� Tori hissed at him. He had been following her around for the last week trying to explain to her why he never called but she wouldn�t hear him out.
�Just let me explain.�
�It doesn�t matter anymore Jc! It was a summer fling. Four years ago. It means nothing to me anymore.� Ouch! That hurt.
�Well, it still means the world to me.�
�I�m sorry you feel that way still. But I don�t. I�ve moved on and I suggest you do the
same.� With that, Tori turned and walked away from him.
�I will have you back Victoria Adams. So help me god, I will have you back.�
~*~*~
�How am I going to get through the next month without you?�
�You�ll have me. We�ll talk every chance we get. Then we�ll have the whole tour to be together. I promise.�
�Joey?�
�Yeah babe?�
�Please don�t make any promises. They never last.�
�With me they do.�
�I hope so.�
�Come on V! Cheer up. We�ll be together again in a month.� With that, she had to smile. It would be a four weeks, but she could get through it. At least she knew it wouldn�t be four years. Not to mention he used the name he called her by. She didn�t like being called Victoria but Joey loved the name so instead he called her V. She loved it, mostly because he said it. And only him.
�Goodbye V.�
�Bye Joe-bear.� They kissed one last time before they began to go their separate ways at the airport.
�I�ll call you soon!� She waved and walked off with Calicia.
�Man! Did you see the look Jc was giving you two?�
�I really don�t care Cal.�
�Ouch!�
�Come on. Let�s go home."
Chapter 10
~3 Months Later~
�Are you excited?�
�About what?�
�Oh come on Tori. You leave in five days to do what you love. Not to mention you get to spend like the entire time with the man you love. Stop acting like it doesn�t faze you in the least.�
�Ok! So I�m psyched. I can�t wait to go. But, I just...I�m scared to see Josh�Jc again.� She quickly corrected herself, giving herself a mental kick in the ass. Why did she keep slipping and calling him Josh? He was no longer Josh. He was Jc, international pop star now.
�You�re still in love with him, aren�t you?�
�No. He just keeps at it. When he wants something, he doesn�t give up. And it�s pretty obvious he still wants me because after he found out who I really was he didn�t leave me alone.�
�Must be aggravating.�
�To have a man after you who you can�t stand to be with? Yes.�
�No. To be in love with two men who want you the same. But one has more leverage over the other.�
�And how�s that?�
�You have a history with Jc honey. And don�t even try to pull that shit with me how it�s too late for you two either! I know you still love him!�
�No....�
�Victoria Adams!�
�What?� She whined like a little girl.
�You do! Stop lying to yourself and everyone else!�
�Ok! So I still love him.� She gave in, defeated. �But it doesn�t matter! I�m with Joey now and I love him. And he loves me. I can�t be with Jc anymore.�
�Why not?�
�Because. It�ll hurt too much.� With that, Tori walked out of the room.
Yes she still loved Josh, Jc as he was called now. She admitted it. But Josh was a part of her past. She had moved on. Why couldn�t he just relish the fact that she didn�t want to be with him anymore? Why was he making this so difficult for her to be with Joey? Is it because she still wanted to be with Jc? Did she really want her Joshie back? She had some thinking to do.
~*~*~
�I miss you too...Me either...Not much...been busy?...Yep. Only three more days. I can�t wait.....No...Joey...No! I can�t....Hi Jc...Yes....I wish I could say the same...You�re not my Joshie anymore! You�re Jc! I can�t be with you anymore�Because! I�m in love with Joey and not you! Why can�t you just get it through your thick skull I don�t want to be with you!� With that, Tori hung up. She thought she could handle this but she couldn�t. It was easy avoiding his calls, but how would it be working so closely with this man for more than three months? Would she be able to handle it? Or would she give into his pleas of utmost trust and love that had broken her heart those years ago?