Chapter 9
When they had reached the airfield, a fairly large aircraft loomed in front of them. Melissa thought this couldn't be theirs. She found, though, that she was incorrect, as Lonnie escorted them to the plane. Luckily no one had caught wind of their plans, so they were able to depart peacefully.
As Melissa entered the plane, she looked around in wonder, sitting in one of the plush seats near the front of the plane. A smile came to Joey's lips as he saw Melissa looking around. She looked so innocent, almost childlike, as she inspected her surroundings.
�Wow,� she said, pleasantly intruding upon his thoughts. �This is amazing.� There were about twenty seats similar to the one Melissa sat in. Near the rear of the plane, sat two large couches, which curved around small tables. �It's definitely better than coach,� she commented grinning wide.
He smiled at Melissa's comment and sighed lightly, �Yeah, it's been a while since I've even flown coach. Not that I'm complaining,� he said, smiling.
�It must be difficult,� she said, �Being so well known, always having everyone up in your business. You must really love performing. Otherwise I don't see how it would be worth it.�
�You must have thought about this yourself,� he smiled and Melissa nodded slightly. �It is hard, especially now with Briahna. I want her to have as normal of a childhood as possible. But man, ya know, being up on that stage, performing�It makes it worth it. How about you? Have you ever considered letting the world hear that beautiful voice of yours?� he questioned.
Melissa blushed hotly under his gaze. That he said her voice was beautiful meant more than he could ever know. �Well, I used to dream of it quite a bit, but I have never felt that I could really do anything with it. Besides, I always saw my future as Robert's wife, so it was never really an option. I love to sing though. Sometimes, I just lose myself in a song. It's like I have no awareness of my surroundings,� she said, staring ahead with a smile on her lips.
Joey was truly amazed by what Melissa said, and even what she didn't say. The look in her blue eyes as she spoke said more than her lips ever could. �Well I definitely think you should do something with your talent. It's a shame to keep it a secret.� With this, Melissa's blush returned. �You need to sing for Lance. Seriously! He even has his own production company, FreeLance. He'll love you.�
�Well, um, I dunno, Joey. I...maybe...� Melissa stuttered.
�Hey, why do you two kids look so serious?� Lance broke in.
�Kids?� Joey challenged, grinning at his friend. �Lance, you had better be glad there's a lady present. If Melissa weren't here, I'd have to beat ya down.�
�Yeah, but I'd hate to have to embarrass you in front of Melissa,� Lance countered.
With this, Joey rose quickly and put Lance in a full headlock, having caught him off guard. �Dude, you'd better apologize before I have to suplex your ass.�
�OK, Joe. Sorry, man. Now lemme go. I can't breathe.� Joey released his friend as the captain entered. He was distracted just enough by the intrusion that Lance was able to return the favor, placing Joey in a headlock and quickly dropping him. �There's your suplex, buddy,� he chuckled as he sat across form Melissa, who was now shaking with laughter. �Sorry, Melissa. I had to show him what was up.�
Joey rose from the floor, rubbing his back, as he glared at Lance. �That's it, buddy. You're goin down,� he said as he sat next to Melissa, who was poorly attempting to stifle her laughter. �Keep laughin girl. You'll be next.�
The captain, who was not quite so amused, smiled as he informed his passengers of the pending schedule. At this rate, they would be in Dallas by 1:30. The sound check was scheduled at 4:00, so there would actually be some downtime.
Melissa had visibly relaxed due to Lance's stunt and she now chatted incessantly with he and Joey. About ten minutes into the flight, Joey excused himself for a moment, leaving Lance and Melissa alone. The others were in the rear of the plane laughing at Chris, except for Justin, who lay on the other sofa, attempting to sleep. �So,� Lance said, �JC was telling me earlier that I should have a chat with you.� He smiled and Melissa noticed his beautiful green eyes for the first time since they met. She had always thought green eyes were somewhat enchanting and Lance's were no exception to that rule.
�Oh yeah?� she questioned. �What about?�
�He was telling me about your performance last night. He said that he and Joe were pretty blown away, and that you have quite a voice. So when do I get to hear this for myself?�
�Good Lord,� She replied, smiling as she rolled her eyes at him. �You boys are all the same.�
�Ah, so I take it you & Joe have already had this discussion,� he said with a chuckle.
�Yeah, we have. That's what we were talking about when you came in, in fact. He's pretty persistant.�
�Yep, that's Joe,� he said with a smile. �Well, I'd love to hear you sometime.�
�Well, we'll see,� she said grinning.
�Anytime,� he smiled. �Anyone who can effect Joe the way you have must have something.�
Melissa blushed again at Lance's comment. �Well, I'd be lying if I tried to say he didn't have any effect on me.� She shocked even herself, having admitted this so freely. "Dear Lord, why am I telling you this?�she queried as she began to giggle.
�Ok, what's so funny?� Joey's voice interrupted, causing Melissa to color slightly.
�Hey man,� Lance said, coming to Melissa's rescue. �I was just telling her about the time you went onstage with your fly undone.�
With this Melissa began laughing again as she looked questioningly at Joey.
�Hey,� he responded, �I was in a hurry. I didn't even realize it til I felt a breeze.�
Melissa began laughing even harder. �Joe, hun, were you just trying to show your fans how much you appreciated them?�
Joe colored at Melissa's comment and Lance began to laugh again. The others, curious of what comedy ensued, headed toward the front of the plane. Joey smiled slowly as he replied, �Well, ya know, sometimes thank you just isn't enough.�
With this Melissa began to laugh heartily once again. Joey then realized how much he loved to make her laugh and smile. He thought to himself how real and true her smile was. There was nothing fake or rehearsed about it. There was nothing phony about her at all and he appreciated that more than he could say. Joey just sat looking at her, smiling back at this beautiful woman who had all but fallen into his life.
�Whadya think Joey? Joe?� He had been so engrossed in watching Melissa and in his thoughts that Joey was completely unaware of the fact that she stood before him, gently commanding his attention.
�Huh?� he said, shaking his head as if to wake.
�Huh hell, pay attention boy,� she said with a smile, bringing laughter from the onlookers.
�That's it girl! I warned you once, and now you're in for it. "In one quick motion, Joey grabbed Melissa and threw her over his shoulder as he headed toward the open area at the rear of the plane.
At first, Melissa was caught off guard and couldn't even move. Soon, though, she came to life, beating him about the back playfully with her fists. �Put me down, ya big bully.�
�Oh no,� he laughed, �You've been asking for this all day and now you're gonna get it.� Everyone stood, watching the exchange, unable to look away. Soon, Joey reached his destination and placed Melissa softly on the ground. She looked at him questioningly. �Let's get it,� he replied.
Melissa laughed aloud as she got into her most threatening stance. �OK, but don't say I didn't warn you,� she said with a smile. Joey laughed as he assumed the crane position made famous by The Karate Kid, causing Melissa to giggle.
Just as she was about to prove her point, though, the plane shifted, throwing both Joey and Melissa off balance. �Hmmmph,� Joey grunted as he landed with a thud.
Melissa's stance had allowed her to withstand the tumble, and she now stood before Joey, holding her sides as she shook with laughter. �Are you...are you ok?�
Joey glared up from the floor. He couldn't help but to smile, though, as he watched Melissa laughing.
Suddenly, the plane shifted again, more violently than before. Melissa, who was unable to steady herself, came tumbling down, landing directly upon Joey. �Are you, um, ok?� he asked, concerned.
�Um, well, yeah, I'm fine. Are you ok?� She was acutely aware of Joey�s body pressed hard against her own. Suddenly it seemed as if the others had disappeared, and the two of them were the only passengers on the plane.
�Well,� he responded, smiling, �I'm great. In fact, I think I'd rather be here than just about anywhere in the world.�
Melissa smiled as she blushed at the obvious effect she was having on Joey. �You think we should...� She was about to suggest they rise from the floor, but that was really the last thing that she wanted to do. Looking deeply into Joey's eyes, Melissa leaned in and he softly kissed her lips. She reacted immediately, kissing him back ardently. As they kissed, she relished the pressure of his lips against her own, the taste of him. She moaned against his mouth as he teased her tongue with his. Joey put his hand on the back of her head, deepening the kiss, as his other hand caressed her, running up and down the length of her back. Melissa's arms were wrapped around his neck as she unconsciously pressed herself more fully against Joey's body. She felt his immediate response and moaned his name.
The pilot had come on the loud speaker during this time, apologizing, citing turbulence as the offending force. He went on to say they should reach their destination in approximately twenty minutes.
�Thank God,� Justin, who had never moved from the couch, complained. �No more movement. And maybe I can get a damn nap.�
�Whasa matter J? Ya need some more tequila?� Cassie teased as he flipped her off. Just then, though, she became completely silent. A smile appeared and stretched across her face. For a few moments, she was the only one who noticed Joey and Melissa still wrapped in each other's arms.
�Woohoo!� Chris yelled at the top of his lungs upon seeing the couple entangled on the floor. �Looks like somebody's about to join the mile high club!�
With this, the sudden realization that they were not alone dawned on both Joey and Melissa. He smiled against her lips, and responded, grinning back, as she blushed heavily.
Now everyone was fully aware of the situation and getting in on the action. Shouts and wolf-whistles were thrown vigorously at the pair. �Get a room,� Lance yelled with a smile.
Red-faced, Melissa rose from her resting spot and Joey followed. Melissa straightened her shirt as the taunts subsided. �They're just jealous,� Joey smiled as he whispered against Melissa's hair. He placed his arms around her waist, leaning in toward her body. As he held her tightly, he noticed how natural and right it felt to hold her.
Melissa settled back into his strong arms, her thoughts unknowingly echoing his own. How could a man she had not even known for twenty-four hours make her feel this way? Did he even have any idea of the effect he had on her each moment? Slowly, the two made their way back up to the front of the plane, joining the others.
The jeers had subsided and Lance was attempting to tell a joke, very poorly from the looks of it. �OK, Cass, whadya call an elephant and a hippo? No wait, that's not it.�
JC and Chris rolled their eyes and Cassie did her best to stifle her laughter. �Lance, You're telling it wrong, man.� Justin whined from the sofa, rolling his eyes.
�Yeah ya are,� Chris complained as he smacked Lance in the back of the head, producing laughter from all but Lance, who rubbed his head. �Allow me. Whadya call a mix between an elephant and a rhino?�
�Rhino, yeah, that's it,� Lance said.
�Elifino,� Chris shouted. Melissa and Cassie giggled as the other men rolled their eyes at their friend.
Melissa leaned back again onto Joey's open arms, which enveloped her again. She smiled as she thought, 'This is what a family should be.'