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The phone rang from Lance’s pocket, and he reached to answer it, but was too late; the voicemail had already kicked in. He had been in a movie with his sister and friends, and had dashed out to see who was calling at such an inopportune time. So when he checked the messages, and heard Justin saying “get the hell back to Orlando,” he quickly returned to his sister and whispered hastily that there was an emergency and he had to go. He’d call later.
When he got to Orlando, he saw his four friends sitting in Johnny’s office, all staring at their feet. He could feel it in his bones; he knew that what was about to be said would stain him forever, and yet he heard himself asking what the matter was. Lance was angry that his vacation was cut short because of a frantic Justin, and now they were all sitting there in silence.
Had someone died? Lance thought fleetingly, but then, no, you know why you’re here.
It was true, he did know. He was here to listen to Justin say that he wanted out of the group. Sure, Justin would go and have a wonderful solo career, and JC would maybe get a job writing for him. But where would the rest of them be? His whole life was this band, how could Justin—
But Lance’s thoughts were cut short by Joey’s words. “I need to go on some kind of leave. Paternity leave. I need some time to be with my daughter, watch her grow up.” His voice grew quieter as he looked back down at his shoes. “I need to be a better father.”
“Is this—”
“Joey, you are—”
“Guys, guys, calm down a second.” Johnny came into the conversation. “Joey, now, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“You’re leaving the group?” Justin said incredulously. Joey looked at him, eyes brimmed with red. “Joey, you know that this stops the minute one of us is gone.”
“You don’t think I’ve thought of that? God, I spent so much time thinking about what would be best for the group, but no matter what I thought of, it always seemed like Brianna came out as the loser.”
“And to think,” JC said aloud, talking to no one in particular, “I was sure that when we broke up, it would be because of Justin.”
“What?? Why the hell would you think that?” Justin stood in anger.
“Calm down, Just!” Lance stood up too. “I thought so too.” He held his hand up when Justin started to argue. “Because you’re the star, you’re the one with solo potential, and I was positive that it would be you.”
“But Joey…” It was a whisper from Chris. “Joey—” a choked sob stopped him. Joey moved to put his arms around his friend.
“I know this is your baby Chris,” Joey started, but Chris pulled away from.
“I know you need to go be with your daughter, but can’t we just take a break? And then in say, a couple months, we could go back on the road, just like old times?”
“Maybe in a couple years, Chris, when Bri understands what’s going on, but I have to be there now.” Joey wiped at his eyes.
Johnny spoke, breaking the silence that had fallen. “If you’re serious, Joey, we have some things to take care of.”
And, Lance thought, that’s how it ends. We’d always wondered …
[end]
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