AN: If you want a chuckle, go listen to any track nine on any *NSYNC cd... for some reason they're all hilarious... Although I can't listen to a whole *NSYNC cd without busting a gut period but I guess that's some of their appeal for me... LOL Here's chapter two... Standard disclaimers apply... ******************** Nightmare of a Lifetime: Chapter Two ******************* Johnny Wright stared at the young woman before him. She stared back, sable eyes direct. “So, you’re Nicole Perry.” A small smile twitched at the corners of her full mouth. “Yes sir. I am the newest addition to your traveling circus. Well me and the damn camera crew.” She thumbed back an impatient movement to indicate the camera man and assistant who were currently filming their talk. A crooked smile of his own found a way to his lips. “They’re going to have to bleep you a lot aren’t they?” Her grin was sinfully wicked and she laughed. “Of course.” She sat forward in the chair and reached across the desk to shake his surprised hand. “Its nice to meet you Mr. Wright. I know that after seeing me you probably have some concerns about me.” She waved off his embarrassed protest. “Nah, its okay. I know what I look like. I’ve been a part of the MTV crew for more than four years, ever since I was a wee little kid,” she winked impishly. “I’m not a big part of the syndicated shows. I handle a lot of the interviews and do some editing. Occasionally I handle news briefs but mostly I tail some of the more hard core tours… My specialty is Ozz Fest. “It wasn’t my idea or preference to host this show and honestly I’m not looking forward to it at all. I don’t want to be famous and *NSYNC is, as talented as I’m sure they are, not my particular cup of tea. That’s also apparently why I’m “perfect” for the job. “I know you and Jive, as much as you yourselves wanted this deal to happen, had some valid issues with a young VJ traveling around with the guys for three months. You didn’t want some lurid affair. MTV wanted someone who will show it as it is. “I’m not a fan Mr. Wright. I’m not a teenybopper. I’m not about to swoon at a pop star’s feet no matter how charming or attractive they are. That’s why I’m a good choice from your standpoint. What makes me invaluable from MTV’s is that they know me. If the guys dance like shit during a show I’m not going to edit it out. If they party hard and spend three days hung over, its going in. And I’m just wild enough to keep real fans from getting too jealous of my access, and to keep the ratings good. “MTV is counting on me bringing in new fans who wouldn’t normally give your boys a second glance while placating the jealous tendencies of all the Britney wannabes. I don’t necessarily agree with your view point or theirs but for the next three months this is my job. You people forced me here and here I am.” She rocked back in her seat and studied him thoughtfully as he processed her information. He raised dark brows. “You’re smarter than you pretend to be, aren’t you?” Nicole laughed bitterly. “I am what I am. Its not my fault that people have preconceived notions based on my hair and clothes. Oh yeah, my tattoos aren’t real popular in the more proper circles either. I’m willing to do my job but I won’t take bull shit from you and the guys’ management. If you really want a new host I’ll be more than happy to go cover a tour I really want to be at and you can all scramble to find someone else. Its no skin off my ass.” Johnny chuckled. “I don’t think so,” he said thoughtfully. “I think you may be perfect after all.” Nicole rolled her eyes. “I was afraid that you would say that,” she grumped. “Fine then. If that’s agreed I wanted to clear some things up with you on final editing…” They talked for a few more minutes on *NSYNC’s contract and privacy details before the meeting was finished. *************************************************************************** JC knocked hesitantly on the door frame of Johnny’s office. He frowned as Johnny, a girl who look like she had just stepped out of a Marilyn Manson concert, and a cameraman all swung around to look at him. Johnny waved him in. “Come in here Jayce, we were just finishing up.” His blue eyes studied the scene for a second longer before he edged into the open office, wincing when the camera zoomed in on him. Great. “What’s up with the camera guy?” he asked with an uneasy frown. His manager smiled tiredly. “Actually its cool you stopped by Jayce. JC, I’d like you to meet the official host of The Tour of a Lifetime and *NSYNC’s traveling companion for the next three months, Nicole Perry.” The frown deepened as he looked at the young gothic woman before him. She stared back. “Filming for that doesn’t begin for another three days,” he replied evasively, still watching the woman before him with mistrust. Nicole nodded and sighed. “That’s what I told the big heads and it doesn’t for you guys but upper management was convinced that it would be “so cool” to have some shots of me preparing for my odyssey for promos.” She rolled her eyes expressively. “I told em to go to hell but they informed me that their vacation time in the real world wasn’t up yet and they couldn’t go home.” She shrugged with ease and despite himself JC felt a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “You told the upper management of MTV to go to hell?” She raised dark brows and grinned. “On numerous occasions. Some times I’m more explicit in where they can go shove themselves but I kinda want to collect on my bonus at the end of this little trip.” She held out a hand and introduced herself. “Nicole Perry. Call me Perry. Hell, call me anything but Nicole.” JC took her hand and was slightly surprised at the strength in her grip. He was more pleased and relieved by the fact that she didn’t seem to be at all in awe of his presence, or star struck, or in love. She presented herself as a business woman, albeit one with tattoos and hair that was fire engine red, but her air was professional and brisk. “Its nice to meet you Ni… Perry.” “You too, JC right?” He nodded, a little put off by the fact that she couldn’t quite place his face. Noting his response she blushed a bit and stammered a response. “I’m sorry. You look different than the picture they gave me. I’m really worried about getting Chris and Joey mixed up.” “So I take you’re not a fan?” Nicole shot an amused look towards Johnny and shook her head. “For a myriad of reasons that’s apparently for the best. No, I’m not. But I’m here. It was nice meeting one of you before we start. Anyway, I gotta run. A million things to do… packing, shopping,” she glared at the camera, “kicking some nosy camera guy’s ass as a message for upper management…” She snorted and with a small wave for both of them left. There was a moment of silence before JC turned to give Johnny a questioning look. “THAT’S the travel buddy MTV sent over? Our esteemed host?” Johnny chuckled. “What, you don’t like her?” JC paused as he considered his reply carefully. “No, its not that exactly. She’s just not what I was expecting…” Johnny shook his head. “Me neither but I’m kinda wondering if that’s not a good thing. How do you think Justin is going to react to her?” JC groaned and ran a hand through his shaggy hair. “I don’t even want to think about that. I guess the fireworks will really start on Monday, huh? Oh yeah, I was faxed some papers that I wanted your opinion on…”