Chapter 12
“Understand?” Ariella asked her mysterious ally. She and Jack met this “friend” of hers to discuss the plans for the assignment. The man nodded. “Good. Here’s a copy of everything we know about Carol and Abby. Follow them, do what you gotta do, and keep in contact with either me or Jack. We might have little missions for you along the way to help with our plan.”
The man took the folder and skimmed it before looking at the two in front of him.
“This is gonna cost you more Ar.” He pronounced his nick name for her like the word “air”. “I’d have to hire an accomplice. Keeping up with two people and checking in with you won’t be easy.”
“Just keep the circle small. I don’t need the world knowing our plans. Do what you need to do. I’ll call you in a few days so I can tell you when we should meet up. I’ll have a job for you soon.”
The man nodded again. Tipping his hat to them, the man stealthily left the room and camouflaged with the crowd to make his exit. Ariella turned to Jack and smiled evilly.
“Our plan is finally underway.”
“Carol will be mine again.”
“And JC will be all mine.”
“Welcome to the NSYNC family Carol!” The guys hollered as she finished all the paperwork with Johnny. She had been in the same seat, at the same table, with the same people, in the same conference room for well over an hour. She had to sign WEG papers, JIVE papers, information papers, and privacy protection papers. Carolena was glad it was all over and done with now.
Justin jumped out of his seat and ran over, lifting her out of her chair in a hug. He spun her around happily before placing her back on her feet.
“Having you around will be so much fun!” he shouted. Justin and Carol had become very close in the past couple of weeks, nearly inseparable. They were always seen together and always on the phone talking to one another. Everyone noticed and placed bets on how long it would take for them to get together.
“Now I know we’ve been here long and you’re dying to get out and celebrate, so I’ll run over the do’s and don’ts of life with NSYNC tomorrow. So have fun today while you still can,” Johnny said to Carol. Then he turned to the guys. “And I expect you guys here on time tomorrow.” He was answered with nods and salutes.
“Let’s go to a congratulatory lunch. Our treat!” Joey suggested, as Johnny left. Lance shook his head.
“Always thinking about food Joey.”
“What!” Joey whined. “I like food.”
“We know!” The guys replied in perfect synch.
“Before we go anywhere, there’s something I wanted to discuss and confirm with you.”
All 5 of them turned to Carolena with questionable looks.
“Don’t think this is a way for you guys to get out of paying me and Abby. We won the bet fair and square. Each of you owes both of us five hundred bucks!” The guys groaned.
“Always leave it to a chick to want more,” Joey groaned.
“Wasn’t our gift enough?” Justin whined.
“Nope. And you’re lucky I considered that a birthday gift. Besides, that was specifically for my special day. This is something on a totally different level.” Carol smirked.
“What’s wrong with what we gave you?” Chris asked.
“The fact that I could’ve denied it, that’s what.”
“But we knew you wouldn’t.”
“Still not good enough.”
“Whatever. You’ll get your money. Let’s just go now. I’m beginning to get hungry myself.” JC finally settled the argument for the time being. As the group walked down the hallway, the argument began once again, discussing the bet itself, how the payment would work, and most of all, the gift.
Abby stood in front of the door of her new office. She was so excited. Today would be her first official day as a writer for Celebrity Magazine. She glanced at her name planted in gold next to the door. Taking a deep breath to calm her anxiousness, Abby opened the door and stepped inside.
‘Not bad.’ She thought. ‘Needs a little touch of style, but that wouldn’t be hard.’ A nicely polished, large desk, with a large, lush chair for her, and two small but equally qualified chairs for guests were centered in the room. A file cabinet, a clock on the wall to the right of her desk, and one sole palm tree in the corner. Everything matched and had perfect contrast, which was good, but it definitely needed personality.
Deciding to worry about decoration later, Abby set her things down and grabbed her pen, notebook, and water and headed out. Today would be her first meeting with all the writing staff. She would be introduced and given her first assignment. She shut the door behind her and hurried down the hall to the conference room not wanting to be late. First impressions were the best.
“So you think you can handle the NSYNC life?” Justin questioned Carolena. The two of them were walking the grounds of the WEG compound. She had been informed of all she needed to know and was getting a feel of everything. They decided to take a walk during their lunch break to get away from all the madness.
“If everyone’s as crazy as I am, I should be able to.” She laughed. They walked out by the lake and stood on the docks. “It’s so beautiful out here. I love it.”
“Yeah. We all do. Our one hideaway the fans don’t know how to get to.”
“How do you guys deal with it…the fans?”
“I love them. Sure they can be annoying at times and a lot make complete fools of themselves. But you’ve got to realize we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for them. They make you or break you in this business, so you have to give them credit. Only downside to all this fame is that you never know if someone truly wants to know you or of they just want your money. That’s why we’re such a tight group. We watch out for each other like family and so few people get to see us. The people behind all the money and fame.”
Carol reached up and touched Justin’s cheek. She felt every emotion from his words. She knew what a high he felt from his success, but a low at what it cost him. He achieved all he’d ever wanted, but in doing that, he had also given up the thing most precious to him. Their eyes locked and so much emotion flooded them at once.
“I’m so glad you let me in to see the real you,” she whispered. Justin reached his hand out to her cheek and cupped it, slowly running his thumb back and forth across it.
“Thank you for trusting me.”
“I’m glad I did.”
Without warning or thought, Justin’s head slowly moved down, his lips longing to connect with hers. Carol, feeling an emotion and want and need within her, moved her head up, closing her eyes. They met halfway and their lips brushed in an explosion of heat, lights, and pleasure. It felt so natural, neither wanted to stop. Their lips brushed over and over as they clung to one another, each supporting the other. Never had they experienced something like that.
The kiss ended when their bodies screamed for air. Panting slightly, the two stared at each other in awe.
“Wow” was the only word muttered.
Abby returned from her meeting completely happy and confident. Her introduction went well and her assignment was easy and actually looked fun. She would do an advice column for the readers of the magazine. Her first piece would be a basic introduction. She would also be running a rumor control project on the magazine website and the actual magazine itself. Now, she just had to get everything started. Abby opened her office door ready to get started when she found a body in her chair. The back of it faced the door.
“This place is dull. It needs some life,” the body said, turning around and facing her.
“JC!” Abby squealed in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
He kissed her hello before answering.
“Came to see how your day was going so far. Got a lunch break and decided to bring you something.” He motioned to the Subway bag and drink on the desk.
“Thanks. You’re so sweet.” She sat on his lap and kissed him. They started getting into it when JC’s cell went off. He groaned. “I’m guessing lunch is over?”
“Yeah. They’re looking for me now.”
“Have fun,” Abby said standing up. JC stood as well.
“Dinner at my place tonight? I’ll pick you up and we can continue what we started.” He had a twinkle in his eyes.
“It’s a date.” She giggled.
“Great. I’ll see you at eight.”
“See ya.” She pecked him on the lips and he left. Abby sighed and plopped down in her chair. Her stomach rumbled. She started on the food JC brought her before beginning to work.
Not a word had been spoken yet between Justin and Carolena. The two were now sitting on the edge of the docks, both just thinking about the past event just minutes before. Justin had his arm around her back, rubbing it lightly and her head was propped against his shoulder.
“Justin?”
“Hmm?”
“What are we doing?” Carol honestly felt something but she didn’t know what to do at that moment. Was he thinking the same thing?
“I have no idea. I’m sorry if I –”
She looked up at him and softly put her finger against his lip, silencing him.
“I never said you did anything wrong.” It was time to start picking up from where she left off. There was no point of moping around anymore. She was happy when she was with the guys. She was happy when she was with Justin. She never had to worry anymore like when she was with Jack. Everything felt right. If things were beginning to take a turn for something more between the two of them, then Carolena felt she was ready. No troubles or concerns were on her mind anymore. She was free.
“So…are we going in a different direction?” Justin smiled down on her.
“Honestly…if we are, I’m not going to lie about what just happened. It made me feel different.”
“What do you mean?” His smile faded and a look of rejection replaced it.
Carol put her hand on his face and smiled at him.
“When I said different, I meant happy. I’ve been so confused lately of my feelings. Jack messed up my mind and made me feel like I was unwanted. That kiss felt so…real. I never felt that when I was with him.”
Justin sighed and wrapped his arms around her. He couldn’t believe Jack had put her through all of this. He wanted nothing more than for Carol to be happy. She deserved it. Carolena was beautiful, smart, talented, and the list went on and on in his head. When he felt her arms snake around him as well, his grip tightened, showing he really cared.
The two broke apart and they sat out watching the water in a happy silence.
“Are we going to tell anyone?” Justin now had her small, delicate hand in his.
Carol turned to him and grinned.
“How about we be take a chance and leave it on the down low for a while? The guys and Abby will find out sooner or later.”
“Your wish is my command. I like the way you think.”
“Don’t we all?”
Out of nowhere, Justin started tickling her sides and she laughed. A new beginning was in store for the two of them and nothing was going to get in their way…at least…they hoped.
Soon, the laughing and tickling stopped, and a feeling of romance and excitement rushed through as their lips came together once again.
“How long have we been doing this and NOTHING has happened! Your ‘friend’ has done shit! And he’s got nothing to report! When will the action begin?” Jack yelled. He was anxious and his anxiousness was turning into anger. When he wanted something, he wanted it then and there. Not later. Jack was impatient and he knew it.
“Relax. It hasn’t been long since we started this thing,” Ariella replied. He and Ariella had been meeting in a hotel room on the outskirts of town every couple days to discuss their plan. They discussed on the phone, but there was only so much that could be spoken about over the lines and constant contact was necessary to pull of a project of this magnitude. It wasn’t just an overnight job.
“You’ve been working on this A LOT longer than I have! Something should have been done by the time I entered the picture!”
“Patience is a virtue. One you should learn! It won’t happen over night. Give it some time and you will have your Carolena back. I want my JC just as much as you want her.”
“Well, until your ‘guy’ can do something life altering, something still needs to be done.”
“Something is already in the works. It requires your help, so here is what you have to do...”
Picking up the newly printed copy of Celebrity Magazine, Abby skimmed it for her work. She had worked hard in the past month to meet deadlines and make her work the best it could be. She got her advice column up and running and had a “Celebrity” section that featured an artist and/or group every month. Coincidently, she had to write her first Celebrity article on NSYNC.
Abby nearly choked on her drink when they gave her her first artist to interview. She wondered if anyone had seen JC leave her office and assigned her the assignment, hoping to get more inside coverage. That turned out to be untrue and she wasn’t about to tell them that she was dating JC Chasez of NSYNC. She decided to surprise the guys by just showing up to the interview.
They were completely surprised when she came into the room with a notepad and recorder in the interview room. The guys had goofed off the whole time and they had all gone to lunch along with Carol. It turned out to make for a great interview and Mr. Kent was extremely pleased with her work.
The phone rang, jerking Abby back to reality.
“Good morning. Celebrity Magazine. Abby speaking,” she answered in a professional voice.
“Ohh. Very professional and sexy. You match me well. Sure you don’t wanna dump your boyfriend for me? I could make you happier than him,” the voice said. Abby laughed when she heard “Watch it Curly” in the background.
“Your offer is tempting Justin, but no thanks,” she replied smiling.
“Sure?”
“Positive.”
“Ok then. Your loss.” Abby rolled her eyes at his comment.
“So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?”
“Read your article. It’s really good.”
“Thanks. How’d you get my number?”
“Connections baby, connections.” Abby laughed. “I’m gonna pass you over to your boyfriend. He’s been glaring at me for the past few minutes.”
“What did you do to him?”
“I might have borrowed his phone when he was trying to call you and wrestled him to the ground in the process.”
“Bye Justin.”
“Bye.”
“Can I kill him?” JC asked, once he had his phone again.
“Then who would sing lead?”
“Me of course.”
“Be nice,” she replied holding back a giggle.
“Anyways, changing subjects here, great article. Not too revealing, but just enough for fans to enjoy.”
“I’m guessing Justin enjoyed it.”
“Yeah. But he enjoys calling you paparazzi better.”
“He won’t drop that will he?”
“Not a chance in hell.” Abby laughed again.
A knock came to the door and she knew she needed to get back to work.
“I’ll have to talk to you later. I’m needed.”
“Ok. You’ll stop by later?”
“Of course.”
“Bye sweetie.”
“Bye Josh.” She hung up the phone. “Come in,” she called to the door.”
“Mr. Kent wants to see you,” Jillian, the secretary called, poking her head inside the room.
“Okay. I’ll be there in a sec.” The secretary nodded and left. Abby took a few moments to compose herself before she left for her boss’s office.
“Carolena, this came for you a few minutes ago,” said Erin, one of the other dancers on tour. She was just coming back from a short restroom break when Johnny handed her the gift and asked her to pass it to Carol, for it was sitting in front of his office door.
Breaking from the routine, Carol looked to Erin to see what had come for her. She wasn’t expecting anything, but seeing as each one of the guys sent her a welcoming gift, she wouldn’t be surprised if Abby had sent her a gift too. She saw Erin holding a large, beautiful bouquet of red roses. Erin walked over and handed her the flowers as well as a card. Carol looked over to Justin, thinking it would be from him, but for a different occasion. She smiled at the thought. He was still dancing and didn’t notice what Carol held. Thanking Erin, she looked down, admiring the flowers before opening the card.
Dear Carol,
I’ve missed you so much. I think about you everyday. You never realize a good thing until it’s gone. I need you back in my life. I love you. Please give me another chance.
Love,
Jack
Carol slid down the wall she was up against onto the floor. ‘How could he?’ He cheated on her, for reasons she didn’t even want to know, and he wanted her back? ‘What the hell is wrong with him? He is such a pig!’
From deep within the depths of her duffle bag, her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. She dug into her bag and pulled it out, answering without looking at the caller ID.
“Hello?”
“Hi baby! Got my flowers?” The voice on the other end said. She froze momentarily, not expecting the person to be Jack.
“Yes Jack, I did,” Carol answered coldly.
“And you considered what I said?”
“I have Jack and –”
“Now before you say no, you need to hear my side of the story.”
“What side to your story could there possible be! You cheated on me Jack! You lost my trust for you; you lost your trust with me!”
“Now Carol…”
“Don’t ‘now Carol’ me! There’s no excuse! All those times you were gone, you lied! Now I know where you were! With one of those…whores!”
“Oh, like you weren’t with that Justin character!”
“Don’t you DARE bring him into this! You know what? I’m done talking with you. We’re over, don’t ever call me again.” Carolena slammed her cell phone shut and threw it back into her bag. Tears began to come to her eyes. She needed to calm down and clear her thoughts. She knew everyone was looking at her. She had just caused a scene. Getting up, Carol walked out of the room, leaving everyone with questionable looks.
Justin had been watching Carol from the moment Erin walked in. He automatically became curious when he spotted the flowers. Each of the guys had given her a little something to welcome her to the team, but that had been earlier. He had no clue who sent these.
“Justin!” Wade called. He had been so caught up with Carol that he was off by a few beats. He quickly caught up with the others before he returned his attention back to Carol, making sure to keep in sync with the others. His attention returned back once again on Carol just in time to see her slide down the wall.
“Justin!” Wade warned. He was off again.
Carolena was digging through her bag and answered her phone. Her expression dropped further. The anger and hurt was evident on her face.
“Justin! Keep up! What’s with you today?”
At that moment, everyone stopped. Carol’s conversation had become heated and she was soon screaming at whoever was on the phone.
“…You cheated on me Jack!...”
‘Jack. Figured.’ You didn’t need to see the expression on Justin’s face to know that he despised that man.
Everyone looked from Carolena to Justin, at a loss of what to do. They didn’t want to be nosy, but it was kind of hard to not pay attention of what was going on with their friend.
Justin looked at the guys. He himself was confused at the situation. He had never seen Carol so angry. However, he did know that she would need to talk once she was done. His head, along with the others, snapped back to Carol when they heard the conversation end.
Carol sat there crying. She looked at them before getting up and leaving the room. All the heads soon looked back to Justin.
“Someone should go see if she’s alright,” Lance said, a little worry coming from his tone.
“I’ll do it.” Justin went after her.
It took him a while to find her since he didn’t know what directions she went in. He soon found her in Studio C, sitting on the couch. Even though the door was opened, Justin knocked on it to let his presence be known.
“Carol…” he entered the room and sat beside her on the couch. “Carol, what happened?”
“Jack happened,” She replied. Her head was bent and tears slipping from her face. “How could have I been so stupid? He did it right in front of my face. All those business trips, weird meetings, and conference calls. And here I believed he was perfect and he loved me.”
“Jack is an ass. He isn’t worth your tears. He’s lost out because he doesn’t see how good he had it. You’re smart, beautiful, dedicated, and passionate. You’re loving and gentle, and any guy is lucky to have you. I’m glad that I have you.”
Carol looked up at him and smiled. Her tears virtually stopped. Justin smiled back, happy that she was feeling a little better. He wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks and kissed her forehead.
“Thanks Justin. I’m glad I have you too.” Being that close and alone made the temptation strong. Justin consoling her made the emotion behind the temptation even stronger. Those two things combined caused their lips to meet in the middle. It was a kiss of tenderness, happiness, and comfort. Something they both enjoyed over and over again before going back to work.
Knocking on the door, Abby waited for an answer before entering.
“You wanted to see me?” she asked, gently closing the door behind her.
“Yes. Please have a seat,” he said, motioning to the chairs in front of his desk.
Abby smiled hesitantly and sat down. She was nervous. Had she done something wrong? She quickly scanned her mind for anything she had done. Nope. Nothing she could think of.
“First off, I want to congratulate you on a job well done on your first article. I couldn’t have hired a better person. I’m sure the readers will be happy with your future work.
“Thank you.”
“I do have another assignment that I thought you’d be perfect for.” Abby said a quiet “ok” and he continued. “As you might know, NSYNC is restarting the biggest tour of their career. We have gotten special permission to follow the tour from now til its end.”
“And you want me to cover it?”
“Yes. A camera crew will be hired and it will be a special TV series hosted by MTV.”
‘On TV? Whoa!’ she thought for a second. “But what about my articles?”
“You could keep up with your advice column and the other we could temporarily transfer to someone else.”
Abby thought about this for a moment. Why would he have her, a newbie to this business, take on such a big project. Was this a trick? Or was he for real? If it was real, what was the catch?
“Not that I don’t appreciate the offer, but why me?”
“You’re young with a great personality, a good mix for a television show. The fans need to be able to relate to someone and know that person will give them the truth.”
“But I’m new. The fans don’t even know me, much rather as a truthful person.”
“Oh don’t worry about that. They’ll learn quickly about you. I think you would be the best candidate for the job.” He paused as if contemplating on what to say next. “I noticed the friendly interaction between the six of you at the interview. Looked almost as if you knew each other.”
Abby smiled, not wanting to let out her secret just yet. “It doesn’t matter who it is or what music genre they’re in. Getting to know the true musicians is what I look out for.”
“A true writer.” The boss nodded in approval.
“So when would I start?”
“Tomorrow, but the filming wouldn’t start until Monday.”
Abby was silent a few moments before answering. ‘Why didn’t JC or any of the guys tell me about this little detail?’ She shrugged it off.
“Sure, why not.”
