Chapter Six
Across town the same situation was occurring. Lance and Liz were sitting on his patio
enjoying the early morning sun. Her things were already in his car and they were bothready
to go.
Liz slid her sunglasses down her nose and looked at Lance over the lenses. "We'll be gone for three weeks. They want us to straighten things out back in Tulsa."
Lance took her hand and kissed it. "Three weeks is a long time but I'll be here when you get back. I promise I'll call." She sighed and checked her watch. He pulled her up and over into his lap. He rubbed her back as he spoke. "We'll be rehearsing for the tour when you get back. I think Johnny has you girls with Wade in the studio next to us."
Liz silenced his words with a kiss. They held each other tight like they couldn't get enough. Lance looked at his watch and said, "I hate to stop but I have to get you to the hotel." Liz groaned and made her way to the house. Both were silent as he backed the car down the driveway.
The girls met up with each other in the parking lot with solemn looks on their faces. Neither one wanted to leave. Liz took hold of Lance's hand not letting go. Whether he wanted to go or not he was going to the room with her.
Joey wrapped his arms around Alex and the four of them went to the girl's room. Everything was packed and the guys took each girls things to the waiting car. Alex came over to Joey with tears running down her cheeks.
"Baby what's wrong?" he asked wiping the tears away.
"I don't want to leave you. Three weeks Joey I won't make it."
He pulled her close, kissed her head and ran his hands through her soft hair. "It's long but hey you'll be back sooner then you will want to be. Then we will be together so much you'll get sick of seeing me." he said smiling and trying to make her laugh. He didn't want to show her how bad he hurt. He didn't want her to leave either. "Now come on lets go before you miss your flight" he took her hand and helped her in the car, went around and plopped down right beside her. He revved his engine and followed Lance who was a quarter way up the street, all the way to the airport.
Once inside and checked in he didn't leave her side. He gave her as many kisses as he could before she would have to board he plane. Liz and Lance were standing with their foreheads touching. Silent tears were running down Liz's face. Lance reached up and with his thumb, wiped them away.
"Before you go Liz, I want you give you something."
"What?" she asked still crying. He took her hand and placed it on his chest.
"My heart."
She smiled the biggest smile and kissed him eagerly. "I'll take good care of it" she joked. As the moment got serious, Liz heard their flight being called overhead. They hugged each other until they announced the flight a second time. Liz waited at the gate for Alex.
"I'll be here when you fly in" he assured her. She smiled and started down the hall, changing her mind about waiting for her friend.
Alex too hearing the boarding call couldn't walk away. She began to sob.
"I can't do this Joe I really can't." she spoke softly. Looking over at Lance who had turned from the terminal and grabbed his chest as he sat down and lowered his head.
Joey grabbed her up and kissed her deep. "I don't want you to leave either but you have to and unless you want me to turn away right now and leave you to stand here you will go and get on the plane Al. I love you and we will see each other in three weeks." He removed the medallion the hung around his neck and placed it around hers. "When you start to miss me call me and hold this close to our heart and I'll be there with you." he kissed her once again and let her go.
She took it and turned not looking back. As he walked beside the plate glass between them she pressed her hand against the window and began to cry harder. She mouthed to Joey to get Lance and stand so they could see them from the plane.
Alex and Liz sat there and both placed their hands on the window and watched as the plane took off. Alex saw Joey turn and slide down the glass and hold his head in his hands. Mid way through the flight Liz leaned over and hugged her best friend. No words needed to be said about the pain both girls were feeling.
Four hours later the girls we stepping out of the gate, their faces still wet with tears. Both families had come to welcome them home. Everyone embraced and said their hellos. Alex and Liz walked to their car in the parking garage.
"Lizzy? What would you say if I wanted to move to Orlando?"
Liz looked up from unlocking the car. "I was gonna ask you the same thing. I think we should, I mean our life is there now."
Alex nodded in agreement and in memory of her time with Joey. They drove home silently.
Their house was just like they left it, but their lives were not. It felt like there was something missing in Tulsa. The talent show had turned their lives around and now Liz and Alex found themselves homesick, but for their new friends and lovers. The rain fell hard on the roof as Liz drifted off to sleep. Alex didn't sleep but for both ladies there was one thing on their minds. Orlando.
The girls took their time getting everything in order. Liz finished teaching her dance classes and finished her semester in college. She had her transcripts ready to transfer to Valencia where she would finish her schooling. Alex was doing the same. The last week they were in their hometown they decided to gather everyone at their house for dinner and inform them they weren't coming home. Their family understood and supported them. The phone rang in the kitchen . Alex ran to get it and the voice on the other end asked for Liz.
"Hold up let me get her. " She held the phone to her side "Liz, Lance is on the phone."
Not hearing his voice the entire time she had been home was hard for her and hearing him on the phone made her so happy. She ran into the kitchen "Baby I didn't think you would call. I missed you so much. How are you? Working hard?"
When she had a chance to take a breath the voice said, "I was so stupid . I miss you so much. That letter should never have been written Liz. I want another chance. I want us to be happy. I can live with you on tour and all I can really. Please take me back."
Liz didn't say a word. Her hands started shaking and she didn't know what to do . Alex heard the door bell and went to answer it and as if both girls prayers were answered Joey, Lance, Justin, Britney, JC, and Chris all stood in the doorway.
Alex couldn't believe it. She hugged Joey as tight as she could. He kissed her lightly."I couldn't take not being here. So we all were getting bored and told Johnny we were gonna help you guys get everything done faster. That way you could be in Orlando for a bit longer and have time to rest before we start rehearsing." He kissed her again and went to meet the family.
Liz had zoned out and was as white as a sheet in fear of Jade. Alex yelled from the living room "Li........." Alex was cut off by Liz. "Al...."
They smacked into each other in the kitchen doorway. Liz was breathing shallow and her face had lost all color. "Liz, hun, what's wrong?" Liz handed her the phone. "Liz, Lance is HERE in OUR living room. Who is on the pho....." Alex stopped when she realized the manly voice was Liz's ex Jade. She held the phone up to her ear and took a deep breath. Liz knew that Alex was very straightforward and she was hoping she wouldn't say anything to piss Jade off.
"Where in the hell do you get the nerve calling here? After that crap you did and that shitty letter you wrote. I can't believe you think she would waste anymore of her time on you!"
Liz couldn't help but smile at Alex's attitude. It was what made Liz want to be her friend in the first place. Alex was still ranting two minutes later.
"I think you need to get a grip and a LIFE! Obviously we don't want you in ours. Thank you for your time and have a GREAT day." If Alex could have slammed the portable phone she would. Instead she hit the talk button as hard as she could and turned to face Liz. "Well, I don't think he will be calling here anymore." She put her arm around Liz and lead her into the living room where the party was continuing, oblivious to the argument in the kitchen.
As soon as Lance and Liz saw each other their eyes lit up. They embraced in a hug as they hadn't seen each other for years. Alex laughed at the look on Mrs. Martin's face. Liz had told her everything about Jade and she seemed surprised that her daughter had found a new love already.
"Ok everyone, I hope you enjoyed dinner. Liz and I want to thank you all for being so supportive." Alex's mom hugged her daughter.
"Sweetie, your father and I are so proud of you. You make sure to visit and keep in touch."
"Yeah and we all want tickets to the St. Louis show!" Liz's brother David yelled. Liz pinched him.
"You know we'll get you all tickets."
"Backstage passes too." JC added.
Both families said their good-byes. Each person hugging both girls and wishing them the best. After they all had cleared out Alex shut the door and sighed.
"Man, that was an event in itself." Joey laughed.
"You both have big families. I can't believe you cooked that much food."
Liz laughed and moved to stand next to Alex. "You think we cooked all that? Well, we didn't. My grams did." Alex smiled and started to laugh.
"We made the rolls though." Chris laughed and picked up a roll.
"That's funny, they look more like rocks to me." Alex made a face and Chris threw the roll at her.
"Ow that hurt. They feel like rocks too." Liz plopped down on the sofa.
"So guys, you are in our hometown now. We are going to take you out." The girls exchanged knowing smiles. "You can use the guest bathroom to change clothes and wash up. You'll need the trendiest clothes you own." The guys had an unsure look on their faces.
"Come on guys, let's get ready." Britney said cheerfully. The guys slowly made their way out to the van that had brought them to get a change of clothes. The three girls went to raid the closets and pick an outfit.
"Britney, you can wear something of ours" Liz said.
An hour later the guys were out in the living room and were anxiously awaiting the girls return from their bedrooms. Britney was the first to come out with Liz's fiery red chinese dress on. Justin choked and said nothing as he went over to kiss her. Liz was the next to come out. Her tight long, black, leather skirt was slit all the way to her thigh and she had tight red leather backless vest on. Lance had missed her so much he just wanted to touch her hand and never let her go again. Finally Alex walked out in a purple dress with one sleeve and the bottom was tapered from the thigh to her knee at an angle.
"Are we ready guys?" she asked." Everyone got up and followed Alex out to the cars. The whole group headed towards the van. Alex took Joey's hand and pulled him over to her black car sitting beside the van. She opened the passenger door and let him in. "Follow me. We are goin to the Steam Roller then to the Blue Rose. There are some kickin bands at both places tonight." Liz agreed and they were off.
They all got out and went to the patio of the Steamroller where the band would be doing a street performance. It was a warm evening and the girls were enjoying being with their friends. Candy, the regular waitress came to the table " Hey guys, who are your friends?" she said with a friendly voice staring at Joey.
Liz said" Oh, some friends from out of town. They are helping us do somethings around the house." She nudged Joey to sit closer to Alex. Candy was a pro at snatching men up from underneath women who came to the bar. Joey slid as close to Alex as he could and began to kiss her neck and nuzzle her. She giggled and kissed him back.
"So where is Jade, Liz? I haven't seen you two out since you have been back. Are you two still together?" she asked being nosey. Liz looked at Lance and then at Candy and at the group. None of them knew about Jade and she didn't know what to say to them. Alex saw he uneasiness on Liz's face and she spoke up.
"Candy, will you be a dear and fetch us all a glass of water?"
"Sure thing" she said obviously annoyed. Alex looked over at Liz.
"Umm...I have to tell you guys something." She took a deep breath. Alex urged her on by placing her hand on Liz's shoulder. "When we won the talent show, I uhhh......well I was seeing someone. He came over the night we won and he proposed. He wanted me to stay here and marry him."
"He didn't want her to leave." Alex added.
Liz continued. "I told him no of course, and he was pretty upset. I mean we had been together for three years. I kicked him out and then when I unpacked in Orlando I found a mean letter from him." The group was listening attentively. "That's why I was so closed off at first. Then today I got a phone call from him wanting to come back to me. But Alex fussed him out.
"Yeah" Alex said, "I don't think he will be bothering us again."
Lance lifted Liz's hand and kissed it. "I know it took a lot for you to tell us all that, but you have me now. Forget about him." Liz smiled and hugged Lance tightly.
"Already forgotten!"
Candy finally returned with the glasses of water, winking at Joey in the process. "Back off" Alex said in her ear as they passed her, on the way to the dance floor.
"Gettin jealous are we?" Joey smarted off.
"Well you are the hottest guy here. " She wrapped her arms around his neck. " I am so glad you came to see me. I missed you like crazy. We decided to sell the house and move to Orlando. " She informed him as her fingers danced through his hair. His large hand ran up and down her back and rested on her hip.
He pressed her as close as he could to his body. "I missed you too." and he leaned in for a kiss. He looked around and noticed there weren't any fans bothering them then said "I could get use to not having fans buggin me all the time." The music was intoxicating the both. "Can we go home a bit early tonight baby? I am feelin a little tired." His hands wandering places that were making her go crazy.
"Well lets head to the Blue Rose for a bit. Liz's brother is playing and we always go see him."
"Sounds good."
They all gathered to make it to the Blue Rose where it would be packed. It was hard to get in . Club goers had to have the hottest look. Bikes lined the side of Brookside and there was a line all the way to S&J' Oyster Company. They parked in the parking lot back behind the club to find the bands crew unloading. Liz took Lances hand and lead the group to the front of the club. They went right to the front of the line.
Sam, the bouncer that stood guard saw Liz and said, "Wow Liz lookin hot tonight!"
"Thanks Sam this is my crew for tonight. We are gonna hear my brother play."
"Sweet, they are settin up now as we speak." Sam stepped aside and let the group inside.
Alex and Liz were used to the close quarters and loud music, but their new friends were not.
"IT's really crowded in here." Britney shouted.
"And loud!" Justin added.
"You get used to it" Alex yelled at the couple. "We'll leave as soon as David's band plays."
Liz lead them all the way to the front of the stage. Her brother's band played first, and soon after that they decided to go home and get some sleep. Alex and Liz insisted on everyone staying at their place. Everyone sat around playing cards for about an hour until JC started nodding off into his pretzels.
"I'm beat" Alex said yawning. She grabbed Joey's hand and they went off to Alex's room.
Liz and Lance did the same. Britney, Justin, Chris and JC all decided to crash in the living room.
Alex was the first to wake in the morning. She slid out from under Joey's arm and stood up stretching. She looked over at the clock and groaned when she saw it was only 8:30am. "How did I wake up this early?" she asked herself. Pulling her robe around her she started down the hallway. She laughed when she saw all the bodies lying in her living room floor. Stepping carefully over them she entered the kitchen. Liz had not packed the coffee maker knowing Alex couldn't function without it in the morning. While she was waiting for her coffee Alex walked out onto the deck and let the warm morning sun hit her face.
Liz woke up and looked at the sweet man that was laying in her bed. She loved him so much. She still had one more morning of dance classes so she got up and got dressed. She got her bag, quietly opened the door and snuck out so that Lance wasn't disturbed. She too laughed at the mangled bodies that lay on the floor. Smelling Alex's coffee she knew she was up and went out to the deck with some orange juice. " Mornin Al. I am goin to the studio I'll be back in time to have dinner in Tulsa for the last time." she smiled and hugged Alex. She assured her friend it would be a great spending it at their home one last time with the men they loved and their new friends. She climbed into her black cruiser and was off to the studio.
The guys and Britney slept till one in the afternoon . Alex went into her room and sat next to the sleeping italian in her bed. His teasing the night before had her wanting more. She figured she would take advantage of the time they had alone. She climbed into bed and began stroking his face. A smile rolled across his face and he slowly opened his eyes.
He pulled her close. "You miss me that much huh?" he said. Rolling her onto her back he started tickling her and softly nibbling her neck. His tongue found its way across her collar bone and back up to her lips. " I love you. Have I told you that since I got here?"
"Nope . But I tell ya one way you can make it up to me. "She said giggling and pulling him on top of her.
The others started to wake up and took turns in the shower. Britney and Justin headed across the street to the park with JC and Chris who had found Jade's old football in the closet and decided to play a little catch.
Joey got up and let Alex sleep. He got his change of clothes and went to take a shower. Hearing the water running Alex woke up and smiled. She went in and got into the shower. With Joey not paying attention she ran her hands over his broad shoulders and onto his chest. He turned around to see his girlfriend's soft skin dripping wet. He couldn't take her teasing and made love to her once again .
They finished their shower and dressed then joined the others at the park.
Alex asked Britney where Lance was. "I haven't seen him. " she replied and started rooting for Chris who had Joey, JC and Justin after him. Alex started cheering Chris on as well then saw Lance out of the corner of her eye wondering the front lawn. She got up and made her way over to him.
"Hey you ok Lance?" she asked.
"Where's Liz? I woke up and she was gone."
"Oh she is at the studio. Here take my car there is a drivers computer in it click on her name and it will tell you how to get there."
"Thanx!" He got in and drove off.
Alex laughed at how lost Lance had seemed without Liz. She walked back across the street to watch the guys play.
Twenty minutes later Lance was making his way down the parking lot for the dance studio. He saw Liz's car and parked right beside it. When he opened the door to the studio, the receptionist who looked all of eighteen, ran around the counter to stand in front of him.
"Your Lance Bass right?" the girl squealed.
"Uh.....last time I checked." She giggled and stepped out of his way.
"So what brings you here?"
"Actually I came to see Elizabeth. She works here right?" The smile on the young girls face fell.
"Yeah sure. She teaches in studio fourteen. I'll buzz her and tell her your coming."
"Oh no need. I'm just here to say good morning." He walked away leaving the girl sulking.
When he reached the door with fourteen on it he could hear Liz inside coaching her students on. He opened up the door slowly, and winked at her when he caught her eye.
Liz looked at the clock hanging on the wall and said "Ok girlies it's time to go I'll miss you munchkins come give me hugs." All the little girls came up and gave her hugs. One very small little blonde girl who resembled Liz came up with tears running down her face.
"Please don't leave Miss Liz I love you." said the small sobbing child. Liz looked at Lance with tears running down her face and her chin quivering. She bent over and picked the little girl up.
"Well love I would love to stay here with you guys but look. See that man over there?"
"y....y....yes" the child answered choking up with tears.
"Well if I didn't move he would be very sad. Lance smiled at the closeness Liz had with these little girls. He moved toward the two and waved at the tiny girl.
"Hey sweetie. My name is Lance and I promise to take good care of Miss Liz for you. I'll even make sure she comes back to visit you."
"Really?" The child perked up a little. He grabbed her chubby hand and swept her up into his arms.
"Pwomise?" she asked. He spun her around a couple times.
"I promise." He said smiling at Liz. He put the little girl down and she ran to her mother who was waiting at the doorway.
Once Liz had given all her girls a hug good-bye she gathered her things and walked hand in hand with Lance towards the door. Before she turned the lights out she looked behind her once more. Tears came to her eyes as she realized she wouldn't be working there anymore. Her life was never going to be the same, and she had somebody to help her through it. She turned the lights out and wiped her tears away. Lance knew what she was going through. Each of the guys had gone through the same thing.
Later that night Alex was in the kitchen fixing dinner for everyone. Chris passed the kitchen doorway and stopped in his tracks.
"That smells good. Are you sure you cooked that?" Alex turned slowly and gave him an evil look.
"Oh you will pay for that one." She picked up a meat tenderizer and took of after him.
When he realized that she was after him he ran back down the hall and into the living room. He smiled, "Ha now you have the couch in your way." Alex grinned and jumped over the couch.
Chris's eyes got big as she came dangerously close to his face with the tenderizer. He bolted out the front door and Alex followed chasing him around in circles in the front yard. In all the commotion Liz and Lance pulled up. When they had both gotten out of the cars they laughed at the show in the yard.
Alex was yelling, "Come on meat boy, let me tenderize you. You can run but you can't hide little man!"
Chris was yelling for Joey. "Joey. man come put a leash on your girlfriend she's gonna bite."
When JC, and Joey finally came out side to see what Chris was yelling for Alex had Chris pinned and was taunting him with the tenderizer. Justin and Britney had joined everyone else by this time. Alex lost her footing allowing Chris to pin her down.
"Ok Chris, that's enough." she said laughing. "Nuh Uh. Not until you admit I'm the dead sexiest dude ever." All the others were in hysterics by this point.
"No way I am not saying that. Uh Uh." Chris started to tickle her. "Stop stop ok I'll say it." "You'rethedeadsexiest." she mumbled.
"Thank you." he exclaimed. "Remember that!" he said as he made his way into the house. She stuck her tongue at him as Liz and Lance walked towards her.
"What was that all about?" Liz asked.
"Nothing just having a little fun." Alex said picking some grass from her shirt. She could hear Chris talking with Joey as they walked up the steps.
"Man, your woman thinks I'm sexy. I wouldn't stand for that."
"Shut up Chris!!" they all said at once.
Liz and Lance excused themselves from the group. They went into Liz's room and both collapsed on the bed. "I'm gonna take a shower," Liz said "wanna come?"
A huge grin spread across Lance's face. "Dumb question" he mumbled as he made his way towards the bathroom.
Liz shut the door behind him and beckoned him with her finger. He walked closer to her and he shivered as she removed his shirt. He caught onto the game quickly and started to remove her clothes as well. She feathered his chest with kisses and then his lips. He closed his eyes as she pressed herself against him. He reached behind her and started the shower. They stepped inside together and pulled the door to. They spent the time enjoying each other and bathing each other knowing there wouldn't be time for things like that on tour. The shower water ran cold as she turned it off. Lance wrapped a towel around her then himself. He lifted her up easily and carried her to the bed. They lay there sharing themselves with each other until Liz heard Alex call them for dinner.
Chapter Seven
Liz rolled over and softly kissed Lance then for a brief second stopped to speak. "I have you for my dinner." She began to kiss him again.
Out in the living room everyone else had started to dip up there food. Chris sat far away from Alex and as he put a bite into his mouth he screamed like a girl. Startled, Lance jumped up and pulled on some jeans and peered out to see Chris with his tongue hanging out.
"Stupid, blow on it first its hot!" Alex said cracking up. She saw Lances head and said, "You two gonna join us?"
Before he could answer he was jerked back into the room. Liz slammed him against the wall kissed him again and then went over to slip a dress on. They then returned to the living room. Chris shot up out of his seat and walked over to Liz.
"Hi my name is Chris what's yours?"
"Liz, silly." she answered.
"OH MY GOD! Liz is that you? I haven't seen you in a long time, and is that Lance? Hey dude the band broke up. Man you left and we thought you died or something." he smarted off.
"Funny Chris." Lance said as he smelled Liz's hair. He whispered into her ear "Your hair smells like lavender." then buried his head into her neck. She smiled sweetly and made a plate for Lance.
"Here babe go eat." He took her hand and lead her to the couch. He sat her on his lap and they both ate off the same plate and drank from the same glass.
"OK OK That is just gross! " Chris exclaimed. Seeing this bothering Chris, Britney and Alex both sat on Joey and Justin and began to do the same. "Oh for the love of everyone who is single!" He went and got JC and the keys to the van and left.
The three couples decided to play some couple games. Liz pulled out Disney's Trivial Pursuit and the one game the guys had never played, Backstage Pass their own game. The girls teamed up and got the backstage pass then they played the trivia game as couples. The night lingered on. Britney sang Justin to sleep and Liz got up to clean the mess in the kitchen. Alex took Joey in the bedroom and laid down in her bed. Joey ran his fingers through her hair. He recited poetry to her and then they talked about the tour and of how great is was for Liz as well as herself to be moving to Orlando. They fell asleep in each others arms and slept silently.
The house was silent when Liz woke. Usually the smell of Alex's coffee wakes her but it hadn't this morning. She rolled over to see why her alarm hadn't gone off. "SHIT!! Lance wake up it's 8:00. We have to catch out flight in an hour!" Lance sat up right away and pulled the covers away from him. "You wake everyone else and I'll get ready." He nodded and headed down the hall to Alex's room.
Knocking on the door he called, "Al, Joe we have to catch our flight in less than an hour! GET UP!" The two sat up and jumped out of bed the same time. They threw on some sweats and ran out of the room still putting their shoes on.
Liz had already gotten ready and managed to wake the group sleeping in the living room floor. All of them looked like hell and were still tired from the couple days off. Luckily they had loaded the van the day before. Grabbing her keys Alex followed Liz towards the front door.
Alex took one look behind her and sighed. "Bye house." She shut the door and ran down the walk to hop in the van.
When the van arrived at the airport they all hopped out and took off for their gate. The stewardess seated them and wished them a good flight before she walked away. Liz took a deep breath and smiled at Alex.
"You called the movers right?"
"Yes I did. Your mom said they would get our cars to Florida not to worry about it."
"Good, now it begins. We have songs to learn, a routine to memorize, this is going to be hectic."
Justin smiled at the girls. "You will get used to it. We did. Just think we are in the dance studio right next to you and if you need anything just ask."
"Thanks J" Alex said.
"No problem you know that." he said as he grabbed Britney's hand.
The rest of the flight was fairly quiet and before they knew it they were back in sunny Orlando. Still in sweats, the group was met with loud screams coming from inside the terminal.
Alex saw Lonnie walking towards them with another large black man she had never seen before. He walked right up to Liz and Alex. "Ladies, this is Bear." he motioned to the other man. "He's been hired for your personal safety on this tour. Play nice." He grinned a goofy grin and smacked Justin on he back of the head. "And you, what have I said about leaving this state alone?" Before Justin could answer they were ushered out of the gate and into site of the fans.
Liz and Alex weren't prepared for the welcome they got. The fans had been waiting for the guys all morning and when they emerged with two new woman the girls in the crowd started yelling profanity and insults at them. Liz turned to Alex and said "This is nice, we'll really have a career after this."
JC heard them talking and stepped in. "Don't worry they just don't know you yet. It'll be ok."
Alex and Liz both let go of Joey and Lance's hands and walked ahead as fast as they could. They got their bags and waited for the group to come outside.
"What are we doing Liz? I don't want to have things like what I just heard in there to ever happen again."
Both girls started to cry. For the first time reality of their new lives had set in and for the first time they were scared. Bear came up and knocked on the window. "WHAT" Liz yelled.
"She isn't opening the door!" Alex yelled "Not after what we saw in there."
Liz pinched Alex on the arm. "What is it?" As she looked behind Bear, the guys and Britney were making their way out and thousands of girls quickly followed them.
"Girls open up the guys have to get in" Bear pleaded.
"UH UH NO WAY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH!" Alex said.
Lonnie pushed Bear aside and mouthed the word intimidation. "Girls it's either open nicely or I'll use force" He grabbed Joey and Lance and said "Pick one Chris." To get even with Alex he chose Joey. Lonnie grabbed Joey and started back towards the crowd.
"No No No! Not my baby!!!!!!!" Alex cried out and the door flew open.
Both girls still in tears cried harder as the swearing and hate words spilled from their mouths. Liz covered her ears and yelled to make it stop. Everyone climbed in and seeing Alex scared to death Joey quickly made his way to her and blanketed her in his arms.
"Hush baby everything is fine shhhhhhhhh." He rocked the horrified girl till she had fallen asleep in his arms.
Lance was still comforting Liz when the van pulled up to the *NSYNC compound. Alex was starting to wake up and the whole group was silent. All were shocked by the way the fans had reacted.
Lonnie slid the door open and took a deep breath. "Well guys, we're here and in one piece thank god."
Joey nudged Alex to wake her and she stumbled out of the van yawning. Liz climbed out after her and walked over to talk. "Alex, that was just...just....scary."
Lance walked up and rubbed Liz's back. "Don't let that get you girls down. They just don't know who you guys are and they reacted wildly."
Alex smiled for first time since they left the airport. "I guess you're right Lance. I mean it's just we don't want them to hate us before we even put our first single out."
Liz put her arm around Alex's shoulder. "Let's go in and get settled."
Lonnie, Bear and another large man they had never seen before helped the girls with their bags. When they entered the huge house Lonnie lead the girls up a staircase. Seeing the other man was leading the guys in the opposite direction Alex spoke up. "Wait a minute. Why are they going that way?"
"Mr. Reynolds, the PR for you girls thought it would be best."
Anger shot across Liz's face. "You mean to tell me that they have us on opposite sides of the house?"
Lonnie swallowed nervously, "Yeah, but I have no control over that."
"Well we do!" Alex said as she snatched her bag from Lonnie and went in the direction that Joey had. Liz did the same, and Lonnie threw his hands up in the air in surrender.
He laughed heartily. "Those girls will be ok in this business with that attitude." he said as Bear and himself went back out to the van.
"Joey! Wait up!" Alex called. He turned and smiled at her.
"Hey, where were you?"
"Ugh they tried to split us up. Can you believe that?"
"Yeah, actually I can. I mean it's for the fans sake."
Alex took a step back and finally looked up.
"Alex, they don't want to jeopardize our careers." As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted them. Her eye's carried a hurt look and were watering a little.
"I see." She turned and took off down the hall leaving her bags there in the floor, passing Liz in the process.
Liz stood there with a stunned look on her face. "Where the hell do you get off saying something like that when I know damn good and well you have been sleeping with her. You are in a damn compound and you won't share a bed with her. You're an asshole." She looked at Lance and continued. "I guess it is the same way for us huh? Well if it is you're just as bad as those fans who don't even know us. I guess you don't know us either. I am sorry I ever loved you." She walked off to catch up to Alex who was having Bear show her to her room.
"I'm sorry ladies is there anything I can do? I make killer brownies and sandwiches. How bout you do me the honor of coming with me to the kitchen and me making all of us a snack?" Liz looked at Alex who was drenched in tears.
"Come on Al don't let him do this to you. It will be good to munch on something we both haven't eaten today, come on." Liz grabbed Alex's hand and pulled her to her feet. "Hold on Bear let her wash her face" Liz said.
"Sure thing lil one you're the boss" Liz took a cold rag and wiped off Alex's face and then they followed Bear downstairs.
While they were gone Joey went and grabbed all of Alex's belongings and took them to his room. He lined the bed with fresh white rose peddles from the vase sitting near the window. He then met everyone downstairs in the game room.
Liz and Alex finished their meal with Bear and were feeling a bit better by the time they were done eating. "Man you weren't kiddin Bear you are a good cook!" Liz exclaimed as she kissed him on the cheek.
Alex thanked Bear for the meal and the found her way to the room where Joey was. She found a seat next to Britney and laid her head back on the sofa. "Look in time he will come around it isn't that he loves you any less. He is just scared you'll get hurt. He was so afraid for you at the airport. He loves you Alex. Justin and I were talking the other day about how Joey is a totally different person then he used to be. You changed him and we have seen this twinkle in his eye that was never there until you came along." She got up as he made his way over to her. Britney leaned down before returning to Justin and said "He moved your things to his room." She winked at her and walked away.
"Please forgive me Al. I wasn't thinking. I love you please don't ever be mad at me." He begged .
Alex just looked at him."You don't want anything to do with me now that you have your fans and I refuse to be second. Music is one thing, traveling is one thing, but the fans. You put me behind the fans?! How could you?"
"I know baby I am so sorry and you will always be #1 in my life." He kissed her hand and then on his knees he kissed her knees all the way down to her bare feet. He looked up with sad puppy dog eyes, whimpered then asked, "Please would you forgive me for being so stupid?"
She had seen enough and brought his face to hers. "How could I ever be mad at you." They kissed lightly and then he swept her in his arms and took her to his room. He ran a hot bath for her with rose peddles floating on top of the water. She got in and took her bath then came out to find him drifting off to sleep. She climbed into bed and kissed him. She told him she loved him and rolled over. He rolled to be able to hold her in his arms and they fell asleep together.
Alex woke to the soft knocking at the door. She stumbled out of bed and wrapped her robe around herself. She was surprised to see Lance standing on the other side, with tears in his eyes. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. "Lance, whats wrong?" Alex asked. Joey stirred and she moved further into the hallway closing the door behind her.
"Al, I screwed up. I didn't apologize to Liz because I didn't think I had done anything. But I did. I let her think I was putting her second." He looked toward the floor. "She isn't gonna forgive me, she said she regretted loving me."
Alex put her hand on his shoulder and made him look up. "Liz does love you Lance. She was taking up for me. Just go to her room and apologize."
"Ok" he said smiling. Alex turned to go back into the room, "Oh Alex?"
"Yeah?" she asked.
"Thanks for the talk."
"No prob. Bob."
He laughed as he continued down the hall. Minutes later he was standing in front of Liz's door, debating on whether to knock or not. He had his fist halfway to the door when it swung open causing him to jump back.
"Lance!" Liz exclaimed surprised he was there.
"Uhh.....Hey Liz. Can we talk?" She eyed him before nodding her head yes. He followed her into her room and sat on the bed.
"Liz..."
"Lance.."
They started at the same time.
"Go ahead" Lance said.
Liz took a deep breath and walked to stand in front of Lance. "I think I went a little to far last night. I shouldn't have doubted my love for you."
He rose in front of her and took her hands. "I was gonna apologize too."
She smiled and said, "I do love you, ya know."
He leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. "I know and I love you too. You'll never have to worry about that." He rubbed his stomach and looked over at the clock. "We have enough time to eat before you guys start recording. Let's go!" He pulled her out the door and downstairs to the kitchen.
Liz made breakfast for Lance and as they ate the others slowly started to trickle down . Liz went up to shower and get dressed. After everyone had eaten and gotten ready they climbed into the two limos waiting outside and headed to the studios. The first limo stopped in front of a towered building. Bear got out and escorted Alex and Joey inside. Joey took Alex into his arms and kissed her.
With a smile he told her "I'll miss you so much" and kissed her slowly. At that moment the whole world seemed to stop. The only thing she was aware of was Joey and his heart beating in time with hers. She hugged him tightly and smiled.
Liz took her time saying good bye to Lance. "I would feel so much better if you where in the studio with me." she said as she looked at his beautiful tender hands.
"I'll be there I promise." he assured her as he kissed her and returned to the limo.
The two girls watched as they drove off. She looked at Alex, smiled then they went up to Bear and without any warning both girls jumped on him begging for a piggy back ride. He laughed and took them up to the recording studio.
Jim the tech manager came in and greeted the girls. "Hey ladies we tried to make this as homey as possible and put some things in the studio for you."
They turned to see that with Britney's fashion sense and the boys sense of humor they had decorated the booth with everything they loved. Two life size posters hung there of Lance and Joey .
The girls laughed and entered the booth."Thats scary." Alex said pointing to the posters.
"What do you say we get to work ?" Jim said
"OK lets groove baby!" Alex said.
They sang for what seemed like the whole day. Alex began to become a bit irritable. Just as she started to throw her fit Joey walked in and came to the mic.
"Run it one more time. Al I'm here to take you to lunch and if you don't get fussy you can go, if you do throw a fit we won't and I'll go back to practice."
Seeing his disapproval of her actions she sang once more and did it to perfection.
"Wow Joe that's the best she has done. Maybe you should stay!" Jim teased.
"That's my girl, the big baby but damn she does have a beautiful voice doesn't she? It has a haunting sound and I love it."
He hadn't realized that he didn't cover the mic and Al had heard everything .
Liz looked at her and said "Wow he loves you so much. We are gonna be an awesome tour group huh?"
"Yeah " she said cheerfully. "I'll be back in a couple of hours"
"OK cool I'll work on some of these rocky parts. Have a great lunch!" she told Alex. Liz sat back down on the stool and asked Jim to start the music. She began to sing as she had for the last five hours.
Chapter Eight