"Shay, is that you?"
Shay turned at the sound of that familiar voice and found herself face to face with her best friend in the whole world.
"Joey!!" she squealed and threw herself into his arms. He hugged her back tightly before setting her back away from him and giving a low whistle. "I almost didn't recognize you Shay-Bear, " he said, "you've changed since I saw you last."
She really has changed, Joey thought to himself. The last time he'd seen Shay was a couple of years ago when he'd flown home for Christmas. She had been the same Shay he'd grown up with; baggy clothes, short spikey hair, and an unmatched sarcastic attitude that never failed to put him in his place. This woman in front of him was undeniable feminine and absolutely stunning. His Shay-Bear had changed a lot.
"Oh, I haven't changed all that much," she replied, snapping him back to the present, "I can still whip your Italian butt any day of the week." She winked at him and Joey shook his head, grinning.
"Now, there's the Shay-Bear I know."
Talking non-stop, they collected her luggage and headed for Joey's place. Shay was so excited to be here. First of all, she got to see her best friend again. Second of all, she got to travel across the United States which is something she'd always dreamed of. Just being here with Joey and going right back to their playful banter was like coming home. She'd missed him quite a bit while he'd been working on his career, but she'd followed everything she could find about the group just so she could feel some kind of connection with him. As they pulled into his driveway, he was telling a story about Chris and laughing. Shay just smiled and watched him. It was so good to see him again.
They carried the bags inside and Joey led her to what was going to be her bedroom for the next couple of weeks. It was amazing. The walls were such a light shade of blue they were almost white. There was a huge four poster bed with a blue and white bedspread and windows all along one wall. She had a closet and dresser all to herself and even her own bathroom with a Garden tub and walk-in shower. Shay just stared at everything while Joey kept on talking. He realized she hadn't heard a word he'd said and poked her on the shoulder.
"Hey," he laughed, "Earth to Shay, are you still with me?"
Shay blinked and just looked at him, "I just can't get over this room," she exclaimed, wide-eyed, "This is bigger than my living room back home." Joey smiled and grabbed her hand to take her on a tour of the rest of the house. He was rambling on and on and Shay had to just laugh at him. He was the same old Joey.
They ended up in the kitchen, Shay still trying to take in the beauty of the house. She sat down at the breakfast bar in the middle of the cooking area and Joey leaned on the counter in front of her. He rested his hand on his chin and looked at her, serious now.
"You still haven't told me why you're here," he said, "I mean, it's great having you visit, but is there something wrong that I don't know about yet?"
Shay laughed and put her hand on his arm, "No, there's nothing wrong," she told him, " I just wanted to come see my best buddy."
"You're sure?" He still looked worried.
"Yes Joseph, I'm absolutely, positively sure there is nothing wrong," Shay rolled her eyes and grinned. "Ya know, you're starting to sound like my mother," she said teasingly.
"Well, that may be Shay-Bear, but it's only cause you surprised me. You call one day out of the blue and say you're coming to visit and that you're staying for two weeks. Now, that's just not like you."
"Why can't you just believe that I missed you and wanted to see you again," she replied, "if you don't stop with the third degree, I'm gonna just go back home."
Shay crossed her arms and turned her head away. Joey chuckled and shook his head, "Ok, ok, you got me. I believe you." she turned back to him slowly, "Now, if you want something to eat, we'd better get going. We're already late and JC'll pitch a fit as it is."
Shay jumped down off the stool and grabbed her purse before following him out the door. She smiled to herself. This was going to be a very interesting trip indeed.
Chapter Two
When they arrived at El Maguey, the others were already there, in a secluded corner talking and laughing. Chris saw them approach and waved. Joey introduced Shay to everyone and they sat down. Immediately a waiter appeared, bringing them water, menus, and telling them what the day's specials were. The other guys had already ordered so Joey and Shay chose quickly and the waiter hurried away. As soon as he was gone, JC looked at Joey and started to speak, but Joey held up his hand.
"I know, I know, we're late," he said quickly, "Spare me the lecture, Jay."
JC looked at him and grinned, "All I was gonna say is that I could see why. If I had to pick up someone from the airport that looked like that, I'd be late too."
Shay snorted and pointed her finger at JC, "Does that shit really work for you," she asked, "Cause if it does, she must be dead from the neck up."
The other guys burst out laughing while JC blushed. Joey just looked at Shay and winked, trying to keep a straight face. JC grumbled to himself and looked back down at the papers in front of him.
Once the food came, they settled into eating and small snippets of conversation. Shay had gotten a mexican dish that she couldn't even pronounce, but it was delicious and she savored every spicy morsel. She joined in the conversation once in awhile, but mainly just sat, listening to them, and watching Joey. He was so animated about everything and you could tell that all of this just really excited him. He was living his dream and she was very happy for him. Full, she pushed her plate to the side and the waiter seemed to materialize beside the table taking the empty dishes. Shay excused herself to the restroom and as soon as she left, the guys pounced on Joey.
"Man, that is the girl you've been telling us about," Justin asked, surprised, "you were holding out on us."
"No kidding," Lance said, "She's hot Joey. Why didn't you tell us that part?"
Joey held up his hands and laughed, "Guys, guys, she was a big surprise to me too. She never used to look like that. I guess she just grew up is all."
"Well, milk did her body good!" Chris muttered and the other guys nodded their heads in agreement. Joey thought that he would have to agree also. He could see that Shay was still the girl he knew back home, but he was definitely beginning to like the new look. Chris nudged him and they went back to discussing the ideas for the tour.
Shay stopped at the end of the hallway before she entered the dining area again and took a deep breath. She had always loved Joey dearly, but something had happened since the last time they'd seen each other. He'd grown and matured and had become even more amazingly sexy. This was going to be harder than she thought. Reminding herself why she was here, Shay mentally shook herself and started back out to the table. As she got closer, five heads turned toward her and she felt herself blushing from head to toe. She smiled at them and sat down again, taking a quick sip of her water. They all smiled back at her, Joey's eyes resting on her a little longer than the others'. Before long, Justin sat back and looked at his watch, "I hate to cut this short guys, but I've gotta pick up Shelly in a couple of hours and I need to stop home to get ready."
JC looked irritated, but the others agreed that they should pick this up tomorrow afternoon. The waiter appeared again with their check and Justin got up from his chair and grabbed his jacket. Stopping beside Shay, he put his hand on her shoulder and leaned down, "Now you watch him honey," he said, pointing at Joey, "before ya know it, he'll have you up all night dancing at his favorite club."
Shay laughed and told Justin that it just might be Joey who wouldn't be able to keep up with her. "Ooooohhhh, Joey, I think you've met your match with this one," Justin chuckled. Joey smiled and stared at Shay.
"Ya know, I think I just might have," he said softly.
Justin said goodbye and headed out the door. They all started to get up to leave as well when Chris piped up, "So, what're you two doin tonight?" Joey and Shay just looked at each other and shrugged. They hadn't made any definite plans.
"Well, Lance and I are going to Dueces later on if you two wanna come," Chris offered. "It's supposed to be really hot tonight."
Joey looked at Shay, "It's up to you hon. You're the guest here." Shay looked from Joey to Chris and back to Joey. They both begged her with their eyes and she had to laugh. She shook her head, "Well, I think I'd better say yes or I'll have you two pouting all over me."
"Sweeeet," Chris exclaimed, "Meet us there at nine. Well be at our usual table."
Joey and Shay nodded and said goodbye to Chris. Lance tucked his folder underneath his arm and leaned over to give Shay a peck on the cheek. "It was a pleasure," he rumbled, "see you guys tonight."
He paid the bill and they followed him outside the restaurant, once again saying goodbye and that they'd see him later that night. Joey and Shay got in his car and headed back to his house. When they got there, Shay decided to take a nap so she'd be refreshed for later and Joey went in the family room to watch some tv. Sitting down and grabbing the remote, he stared at the blank screen thinking about Shay. This was really going to be an interesting evening. He'd never been "out" with Shay to a dance club before and he smiled to himself wondering what to expect.
Chapther Three
"Dammit Shay," Joey bellowed, "if you don't hurry it up I'm gonna come up there and drag you out to the car."
"Alright, alright," she yelled back, " I'm coming!" Shay took one last look in the mirror, swallowing back her nervousness and headed for the stairs. Starting down them she caught sight of Joey pacing at the bottom. Oh hell, she thought to herself. Joey was wearing tight black pants that hugged his thighs and a black wifebeater with a bright red button down shirt, left open, over it. Shay steadied herself and slowly made her way towards him.
"Sorry it took so long, " she started, "I had a little trouble finding what I wanted to wear."
Joey turned at the sound of her voice ready to scold her, but every word on his tongue vanished as soon as he saw her. She had a pair of low-riding faded jeans on with a sparkly shirt that exposed her flat, tan belly. Her dark, wavy hair fell around her shoulders framing her face and giving her an almost etheral look. Joey just stood there watching her, not believing his eyes. This woman was down-right gorgeous. When she reached the bottom step, she raised her eyebrow and asked him if there was something wrong. Snapping back to the moment, he shook his head and grinned.
"Damn girl," his eyes twinkled mischieviously, "I'm gonna have to keep you all to myself tonight." Shay giggled nervously.
"Yeah, that's what you think," she wiggled her hips, "I'll blow you away tonight. I've got moves you've never seen before honey." With that, she sauntered out the front door. Joey laughed and shook his head. Yeah, I'll bet you do, he thought following her out the door.
They found Chris and Lance quickly after they entered the club. It was packed. It seemed like they had half the city in there. Sitting down, Joey and Shay ordered their drinks and made small talk with Chris and Lance while waiting on them. Shay was nervous as hell, but she wasn't going to let that ruin anything. Now if she could only keep in mind that she had a purpose for being here then everything would be ok. Joey looked hotter than ever, but she couldn't let herself be taken in by that. Not this time. Taking another sip of her long island iced tea, Shay glanced up to see Joey staring at her again.
"Ya know," she crossed her arms in front of her, "you keep staring like that and people are gonna think you like me or something." Joey blushed and he immediately looked away from her and into the crowd. Seeing someone he knew, he told her he'd be back and hurried off. Shay sat back, twirling her straw in her drink and watching the people on the dance floor. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Suddenly she was pulled up from her seat. Looking up, she saw Lance grinning at her while still holding her hand.
"You look too good to just sit here," he said to her grinning, "and if he's not gonna show you off, then I will."
Before she could even begin to protest he had her out in the middle of the floor. Knowing she'd look like an even bigger dork if she ran from him, Shay decided to just go with the flow and dance. She began to loosen up and enjoy herself even more. She ground her hips against his making his eyes widen with surprise which made her laugh even harder. By the time the song was done, they were both a little sweaty and out of breath. The next one began and they started to move in again, when Joey popped up beside Shay startling her and making her jump.
"Ok Lance, you've had your fun," he shouted over the music, "it's my turn." Lance winked at Shay and headed off in search of another dance partner while Joey slid in to take his place. "And just where did you learn to move like that?" Joey asked.
"I told you Joey baby, " she poked a finger in his chest, "I've got moves you've never seen." With that, she hooked her arm around his neck, gave him a smirk and slid her body down the length of his, coming back up slowly. When she looked back up at him, his mouth was agape and the stunned look on his face was priceless. Shay threw her head back and laughed. She knew exactly how to push every one of his buttons. Pulling him in again, her hips began to move with his. He put his one hand on her waist while the other one splayed across her bare belly. Little jolts of electricity were coursing through Shay where his hand met her skin, but she steeled herself against him and just swiveled her hips, turning to face him.
Oh God, Joey thought to himself. When Shay looked at him and moved her body like that it made him forget that she was just a good friend. God help him, he wanted her. When she looked at him the way she did now, it made him feel as if they were the only two people on earth. He pulled her up against him and wiggled his hips, pressing his groin into hers and he smirked at the way her eyes widened. She wanted to play this game, that was fine with him. He was going to show her one hell of a good time.
The next song was a slower one and Joey kept her there in his arms, moving his hips in time with the beat. Shay kept her eyes averted, trying to think of some witty remark. It was hard to think though being pressed up against him like this. He smelled amazing and his hands kept rubbing up and down her back. She looked up and when her eyes connected with his, she couldn't look anywhere else. Shay felt herself floating, caught up in the endless sea of brown. Suddenly, he leaned down and kissed her. It wasn't a long kiss, but it was light and tender, the feeling of his lips lingering on hers way after it was over. He hugged her tight, whispering in her ear, "You really do look stunning tonight," his warm breath tickled her neck, making goosebumps rise on her arms, "I still can't believe it's really you."
"Oh, so you thought I'd stay chubby and ugly all my life did you?" Shay pulled back from him, irritated that the outside was all he ever seemed to notice. Joey stared at her with a confused look on his face.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Shay cringed inwardly.
"Nevermind, it doesn't mean anything," she said, wishing she'd never said anything in the first place.
"No, I think it does," Joey grabbed her chin and made her look at him again, "Is there something you're not telling me?"
"Look," Shay jerked her chin away from his fingers, "I said it didn't mean anything. Just drop it alright." With that, she turned from him and walked back up to the table. She sat down and took a long gulp of her drink berating herself for almost ruining it. She was going to have to watch herself. Joey sat down beside her again and she turned her head, unable to look him in the eye. If he saw even a hint of what she felt he would probably laugh at her again. The way he did before. She felt her stomach drop and knew that if that happened she wouldn't be able to take it.
"We're going to discuss this later," he said, bringing her out of her reverie.
"No, we're not," she looked at him, ready now, "As far as I'm concerned, the discussion's over. I said something I didn't mean. That's it. End of story." Joey didn't say a word, but the look on his face told her it was far from being over.