The morning of the show was hectic. They were scheduled to arrive with JC and Justin at six. The show was to start an hour later. Dani had arranged for someone that would come over and help the girls get ready for the big event. At Dani's insistence, and Coretta's reluctance, both girls wore dresses for the pre-show activities.
"I can't believe we need five outfits for one night." Coretta said as both girls were getting their hair done.
"I know, we're gonna have to change fast. Have you talked to Joey yet today?"
"Well, that was subtle. No we had a talk last night, and the last thing I want to think about right now is him showing up tonight with Angela."
"Apparently you're already thinking about it. At least you know after today, she won't be around."
"Yeah, I guess."
A little before JC and Justin were due to arrive, the phone rang. They both wondered who would be calling, everyone knew this was going to be a busy day for them. Coretta answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Is Justin there?"
"You know it's customary to say hello to whoever answers the phone. Especially when it happens to be your own sister."
"Hello to my great and wonderful sister."
"No need to get smart."
"I learned from the best."
"True. Anyway, regardless of how it may seem, Justin does not live here, why are you calling him here?"
"It was supposed to be a surprise, but I might as well tell you so that we aren't stuck here all night."
"Who is we, and where is here?"
"We would be Kat and I, and here would be at the airport. We were gonna surprise you and Becca, but apparently Justin forgot. I knew we should have told JC"
"They aren't supposed to be here for about 45 minutes or so, maybe they're just late. You know how Justin is. Who's coming in to get you. It's not like they can just walk all up in there."
"I think Lonnie and Dre were coming in. Speak of the devil, I think I see them. We'll see you soon."
While Coretta was hanging up the phone, she heard the door open. Becca was downstairs talking to someone, but Coretta couldn't tell who it was. She looked at herself one last time and went to see who was there. She stopped halfway down the stairs to see Joey standing at the bottom of the stairs talking to Becca. He hadn't yet noticed her, so she took a minute to just look at him. He looked great in black pants, a long black jacket, with a red button down shirt underneath. Becca finally looked up at her and smiled. Joey turned to see what Becca was looking at. Time seemed to stop as they looked at each other, taking in every detail. Becca took this as her cue and left the room.
"I know I look ridiculous in this dress. Dani's making me wear it despite my protests."
"Ridiculous isn't quite the word I would use."
"So what word would you use?" She asked as she made her way down the remaining steps until they were standing face to face.
"As soon as my thought process returns to normal, I'll let you know."
"So this is a good thing?"
"To say the least."
"You're looking pretty good yourself. What are you doing here now? Not that I mind, but aren't you supposed to be picking up your date?"
"She's not my date. I wanted to see you and make sure we were still okay after last night."
"Things are fine, better than fine even. It actually makes things easier now that I know where we stand."
"It does take some of the pressure off. I should be going though, I still have to pick up my cousin and Steven. Don't forget about me tonight. I know you'll be busy with Jordan and all." Joey said jokingly
"I'll see if I can fit you in my schedule." she joked back
"You better." He went to kiss her and ended up kissing her on the cheek. "Not quite the spot I was aiming for."
"For now it's the only spot you'll be getting."
"You just said you were okay with everything."
"I said things were fine, I didn't say I liked the way they were. I know you aren't a one woman guy, but I am." she paused for a moment before laughing. "Okay, that's not quite what I meant. See what this dress does to me, I can't think straight."
"Funny, it does the same thing to me." he said quietly
"Whoa, that was good, almost makes me want to forget what I just told you." Joey began to smile and move to kiss her again.
"Back up buddy, I said almost, you aren't there yet."
"I know what you're saying, and I would love to tell you I'm ready to give up playing the field, but I'm just not. I can't be something I don't want to be just for your sake."
"I understand that completely, but I can't allow myself to be with someone that's not willing to be with me and only me. I'm not asking you to change, and I would hope I could expect the same from you."
*****************
Justin, JC, Kat and Charetta entered the house with the two bodyguards behind them. Charetta stopped as soon as she saw her sister.
"Known you my whole life and I can pretty much count on one hand all the times you've worn a dress. What brought this on?"
"Dani made me. You know I wouldn't do this on my own."
They got caught up on what had been going in their lives. Kat told them of her decision to stay home for at least another semester before moving to Orlando. Charetta was also excited about her impending move. JC, not wanting to be late, cut the conversation short.
"We need to get going. We should be inside before the crowds get too big. I don't know if you two want to walk in with the four of us, or go in on your own." He said turning to Charetta an Kat.
"We'll just go in with you. We'll make you look good coming in with two dates."
Eight people piled into the limo that was waiting outside the house. As they neared their destination, nerves began to hit. Justin reached over and put his hand on Coretta's leg.
"Woman, you need to calm down. At this rate, your leg is gonna bounce right off your body."
She stopped her leg, and began drumming her fingers on the seat. She stopped when she saw everyone staring at her.
"What?"
"You know I love you, but I'm two seconds from throwing you out this car." Kat told her
"Sorry nervous energy, I can't help it."
Before anyone could respond, they heard the deafening screams of people, mostly girls. Not begin used to this the girls looked out the window in complete awe of the hysteria, all the people there hoping to catch a glimpse of someone, anyone. Justin's phone began to ring. He spoke quietly for a few minutes, nodding every so often. He clicked the phone off and turned to the people in the limo.
"That was Chris, he's inside with Lance. Once we get inside, Chris wants you two," He looked at Becca and Coretta, "To go do an interview with Carson. From there Mike will decide whom you talk to. Then it's backstage to get ready for the first performance."
The limo slowed down and stopped at the curb.
JC turned to the girls, "Ready or not, this is where everything changes. You go from being voices on the radio to being public figures."
Coretta took a deep breath "Since you put it that way JC, I'm not getting out the car."
The others laughed as they got out, until they turned as realized she was serious and hadn't moved from her spot in the car. No one had a chance to do anything before she shut the door and directed the driver to go around the block. There were so many thoughts going through her head, she just needed time to think before her life became and open book. She thought back through the last few months and how crazy it had all been. The phone interrupted her thoughts.
"Yes Justin?"
"How did you know it was me, and where the hell are you?"
"I'm in the limo riding around the block, and I knew you would be the only one to call. Becca knows I'll be back, My sister and Kat are chasing what ever celebrities might already be there, Chris and Lance are too busy to notice I'm not there yet and JC and Mike are too busy freaking out, so that leaves you."
"Do you plan on making an entrance sometime soon? I'm not sure Mike and JC can go much longer without completely losing it. Who knows what Chris will do when he finds out. Why don't you get the driver to pull the car around again, and I'll ride with you for a bit."
*****************
Becca was seated in front of the mirror in dressing room, searching for what her next excuse would be when Mike came to the door. She wasn't upset, but she knew Coretta better show up soon. This was going to be their big moment and they both needed to have their heads in the right place. If that meant Coretta needed some time, Becca was okay with it. Justin stuck his head through the door.
"Hey girl, has Mike been in here yet?"
"Only about five times in the last twenty minutes, I'm running out of excuses."
"Not a problem." Justin said as he opened the door a little wider to reveal Coretta.
She stepped around Justin and through the door to face Becca. She wanted to explain, but could not find the words. All she could manage was a small smile and a slight shrug of her shoulders. she knew this would be okay for now, but she would have to take responsibility for her actions. There was no time to think any more about it, at that moment Mike pushed Justin aside and entered the room. He looked less than happy.
"Mike you know that vein in your forehead is really throbbing. It's really not a very good look for you."
"I'm not in the mood right now. Mind telling me where you've been for the last twenty minutes?"
"No I don't mind at all." Mike glared at her. "Oh you mean you want to know right now? I thought you just meant when I got around to telling you"
He had less patience than usual for her attitude and sarcasm. He had never known her to be serious about much of anything. He wasn't sure why he thought this would be different. It was different though, in the next few hours the world would get the first glance at the group. This night could quite possibly set the tone for the rest of their careers , himself included. At that final thought Mike lost it.
"Damn it Coretta!! This is not a joke! You need to stop playing around all the time. You've been given an opportunity people dream about, and I will not sit here and watch you piss it away. I don't know how far you expect to get with that attitude of yours, but as far as Diversity is concerned, it stops now. I don't care if that means you never say another word while being part of this group, but it will end."
*****************
The room was silent, no one was sure what to say or do. The tension was thick. Becca looked at her friend, then at the floor. Seeing that people were beginning to stare, Justin stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him. He saw Chris rushing down the hall toward him.
"What the hell is going on in there? Don't tell me nothing either, you can hear the yelling all over the building."
"Umm, let's just say a difference of opinion between management and artist. I'm sure it's no big deal really."
"You really aren't a good liar." Chris opened the door to the dressing room to find Mike and Coretta in an embittered argument.
"Mike you need to chill. I took a few minutes to collect myself, what's your deal?"
"My deal is you totally blew off all this publicity tonight. Then when you finally do decide to show up, you breeze in here with this attitude and I'm tired of it. Like I said, I won't stand for it anymore."
"So sit down then. I've always been this way. If you're tired of it, there's the door. Don't let it hit you in the ass on the way out."
"I, unlike you, can handle the pressures of this business. Maybe it's better that we find this out about you now. Lots of groups are one hit wonders. If you can't take it than fine, take off for good. Becca can make it on her own."
Becca and Chris both got ready to interject before more angry words were dispersed.
"No you two, sit down. I'm interested in what else Mike has to say about me. So tell me Mike, what else is wrong with me? Hell, we've got a whole room full of people out there, why don't we go share my downfalls with all of them, after all they came to see a show, right??"
"That right there is what I'm talking about! We are having a serious discussion, and all you can do is be a smartass."
"We are not discussing, we are fighting, and being a smartass is not all I can do. You said yourself I'm good at taking off. Watch this." She walked out slamming the door behind her.
Chris was shocked by the display he had just witnessed. For what seemed like an eternity, no one spoke or even moved. Justin turned and went down the hall to find Coretta. Becca took a few steps across the room and was right in Mike's face.
"What was that about? As if we weren't stressing enough tonight, you had to do that now?"
"Look Becca, I'm sorry you and everyone else had to see that. You know as well as I do, it was bound to happen."
"What I know is that you may have single handedly ruined the best night of our lives. You could have waited until after the show to freak out."
Mike thought about what had just happened, and realized Becca may have been right. He should have been able to control his anger. Everyone had been under a tremendous amount of pressure and things escalated quicker than they normally would have. He didn't mean most of what he said, it was all out of anger. The lack of sleep the last few weeks didn't help much either.
"You're right, maybe I should go talk to her."
Chris regained his voice. "There's no time for that now. It's almost time for them to go on. Mike, I hope in the future, you can contain yourself. At least until after the performances."
*****************
Justin had to laugh when he finally located Coretta in the crowded room. She had found Darrin and was now engaged in a conversation with him and Jordan. He hated to disrupt, but he knew it was almost time to get started.
"Hey Darrin, what's up? Jordan, how's it goin' man? Sorry to interrupt, but this girl needs to get changed. We'll catch y'all later, enjoy the show."
Jordan grabbed Coretta's hand and shook it. "It was nice meeting you, I look forward to seeing you perform."
She was so shocked, she could only nod. Just as she was regaining her senses, Justin grabbed her hand and led her away.
"No you did not just pull me away from Mr. Right Stuff himself. He's definitely got it."
"That right there was too much information, but I'll deal. Anyway, you can talk to him all you want after this is over. My job now is to make sure you're ready, and to keep you away from Mike."
"Don't even go there right now."
*****************
The stage was dark and the two girls stood in position with JC and Justin in place behind them. They were so nervous, but both guys whispered words of encouragement just before the lights went up and the music started. The song was more powerful than ever before. After the first five minutes they forgot they were performing to a room mostly full of famous people. They sang their hearts out, and danced the best they ever had. Darrin was proud to see his choreography presented so well. Just the way he wanted it done. Chris stood toward the back of the room with Lance and Carson Daly.
"Chris, these girls are really good. I have to admit, when I heard the song, I figured they were just another girl group trying to cash in on the market right now."
"Carson, your faith in me is astounding."
"C'mon man, you know what I mean. Once the door was open for guy groups, the market was flooded with girls trying to do the same. I just interviewed a group similar to Diversity, only I don't think they're in it for the long haul. You might have heard of them, they're called Synchronicity."
"No never heard of them. Sounds like we might have a little competitive action on the way."
"Very little. Like I said, they seemed like they were out there for the fast buck. I'm surprised you haven't heard anything about them. Lou Perlman signed then to TransCon not long after Diversity came out."
"Can't say I'm surprised by that. He's always out to get his piece."
"How soon can I get Diversity on TRL? I'd love to have them."
"We've got video ideas in the works now, so as soon as it's done, I'll let you know."
"Good, I want them for the premier, maybe you guys too, to talk about the album and such. I hear you all have been working on it. I do want a short interview with them tonight though."
"No problem man, as soon as they get changed, I'll send them your way."
The song ended, and the lights went down. The crowd went wild for Diversity. They had definitely proved themselves. The girls were relieved to have made it through the first performance. The guys congratulated them both.
"That was great! You didn't seem nervous at all." JC commented
"Really, you would think y'all did this all the time." Justin agreed
Coretta wasn't paying much attention, she was looking out into the audience. During the performance, she noticed Joey had not yet made it. "How could he not be here?" She thought. "This was our big night and he's late. What am I getting so worked up for? Maybe he is here and I just didn't see him." JC came and stood beside her.
"He's almost always late. Haven't you figured that out by now?"
She turned and smiled, "I know, I just thought, I don't know, maybe he decided he didn't want to show up."
"Are you kidding??? Chris and Lance would kill him. I can think of another person that would be pretty pissed as well. Look, go change, I'm sure he'll be here by the time you come back out."
"You're probably right. Thanks JC."
"No problem, but if you'll excuse me, I saw a cute brunette walk in a few minutes ago. I think it's time to mingle."
They all quickly changed and watched Lance introduce his first artist. There wasn't time to watch the artist, Meredith Edwards. Meredith, like Diversity, already had a deal, but Lance wanted people to have a preview of her talent. Chris and Mike came to tell the girls it was time to interview with Carson. Mike and Coretta looked at one another, both almost challenging the other to say something. Noticing there was about to be a continuance of the earlier drama, Chris cleared his throat and began to speak.
"I think we should make our way over to Carson. You can get acquainted with him a little bit before he interviews you, and don't be over there trying to hit on him either."
"Chris now what would make you say something like that??"
"Well Darrin told me about you practically on the floor for Jordan, and I saw you and Becca working the room a few minutes ago. You two are dangerous when you're let out alone." he laughed.
"Fine then, ruin our fun. That's okay though, Joe McIntyre has yet to show up."
"He's engaged you know."
"What's that got to do with me? I'm not trying to marry him."
"Oh geez." Chris rolled his eyes. "Let's just get going."
Carson was just finishing his first spot for the next MTV News broadcast. He had done a quick interview with Howie from the Backstreet Boys. Both girls stood in awe as Howie walked by and smiled. "Nice job ladies." He said before continuing on his way.
"Okay, hold up." Coretta said a little confused. "A BSB member here?? How does that happen?"
"Howie and I have always been cool. It's a couple of the others I'd rather not talk about." Chris explained.
"Well remind me to find him later." Coretta was still looking in the direction Howie had gone.
"Umm what about Joey?" Becca reminded her friend
"Who? Oh Joey, right. What about him?"
"Never mind, let's go get on MTV."
*****************
"Damn that girl, I know she's trying to make us late on purpose."
"She's doing a good job then. We're already thirty minutes late. I still don't understand why you're taking her anyway." Steven said to his obviously frustrated brother. "No one wants her there, you don't even want her there. Plus I thought you and Coretta had a thing."
"We do. At least we did up until this afternoon. Now, I'm not sure what we're doing."
"What happened?"
"She says she can't be with me until I'm ready to be with her and only her."
"And showing up with Angela helps you how...???"
"It doesn't. I'm just not ready for that kind of thing yet."
Steven had to laugh at that point. In the months that Diversity had been in Orlando, Joey hadn't even talked about another girl, much less been out with one. Although their parents had only briefly met her, they knew practically everything about Coretta. Even Janine liked her, and it was rare for her to like any of the girls her brothers brought around.
"What's so funny?"
"You are man. Think about it. how many girls have you dated in the last couple of months? No, better yet how many girls do you usually date in a two or three month period?"
"I don't know, maybe three or four. what's your point?" Joey asked oblivious to what Steven was getting at.
"How many have you dated in the past two months?"
Joey thought for a minute before he caught on to what his brother meant. Even though he said he wasn't ready to be with just one girl, that's already what was happening. They hadn't really been anywhere besides hanging with the guys at one of their houses, but they were pretty much always together when they had free time. He hadn't even thought of dating anyone else. The idea of being committed to one person scared him a little. Actually a lot. He didn't think any more about it because just then the limo door swung open.
"So sorry I'm late. I hope we didn't miss too much of the show." Angela said to Joey not bothering to acknowledge the other passengers in the car. She moved closer to Joey. "I'm so glad you came to your senses, hon. You know we were made for each other, especially now with this music thing going for both of us."
Joey looked at her strangely. "What do you mean both of us?"
"Oh that's right, I haven't had the chance to tell you. Daddy helped me and some friends get our group together. We call ourselves Synchronicity. We've even been interviewed by Carson Daly."
Joey couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You have a group?? How did that happen?? You couldn't carry a tune if someone handed it to you in a box."
"Daddy called in a few favors, and we've been working with some great people. We just got signed last month. You would know all this if you weren't so busy chasing that girl."
"Chasing what girl?"
"You know that black girl, that Diversity girl."
"I'm just going to pretend you didn't say that."
"Honestly Joseph, I don't know what you could possibly see in her. You know it could never work. Besides, you and I just make sense."
"There is no you and I. You are definitely one person that never made sense. As far as Coretta goes, that's just none of your damn business. As a matter of fact, don't even talk about her."
"Sounds like a touchy subject, is there trouble in paradise already?" Angela asked sarcastically
"Look, I just want to get through this night, you could make it a lot easier for everyone if you just didn't say anything to anyone ever."
"Whatever you say Joseph. I've got my own things to tend to anyway. Even though the other girls aren't with me tonight, Lou said it would be a good idea to try and get us as much media attention as possible tonight."
"Hold up a minute. Lou??"
"Oh, that's what I forgot to mention. You'll find this interesting. You are looking at part of the newest group to come out of Transcontinental Entertainment. Headed by your friend Lou Perlman.
*****************
"What's up, this is Carson Daly in Orlando. Two members from on of music's biggest groups are putting on this show to showcase the talents of other people they've been working closely with. I've already talked to some of the stars in attendance, now let’s talk to the performers. Discovered by NSYNC's Chris, over here is Diversity."
Both girls were extremely nervous, but tried to cover it up. "Hey Carson, how's it goin'?"
"Not bad. You were great up there, tell me what it's like to be such a hot group in such a short time."
Coretta and Becca laughed. Neither of them felt like they were part of a hot group. They were just two girls doing what they loved, that happened to get a lucky break.
"I don't know if I'd call us a hot group, but we're having fun so far."
"Judging by sales and radio, I'd say you're a hot group. Tell me about working with NSYNC, that's got to be cool."
"Yeah, it is. The guys are a lot of fun to be around. A little crazy at times, but fun."
As if to prove Becca's point, Chris, JC, Lance and Justin came over and practically tackled the girls. They proceeded to jump around, steal the mic, and begin making requests for videos no one had seen in years.
"Carson!! Hey!!" Chris said while grabbing the mic. "I want to vote for "Walk the Dinosaur" by Was Not Was because I think everyone should walk the dinosaur." The four doing their own little version of the song and dance followed this.
"No, you dork" JC took his turn at the mic. "I want to see "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba. Now that song was da bomb back in the day." While dancing to the music in his head JC began singing "I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down..."
"You both are wrong." Justin said, "The real song from back in the day is "Mama Said Knock You Out" by my man LL...Mama said knock you out, I'm gonna knock you out...." Justin rapped into the camera while pathetically attempting to box. He was about to continue when Lance cut him off.
"My turn, my turn. You know what I want to see?? "Hangin Tough" by New Kids on the Block. You know back before they just went by initials." He noticed everyone staring at him. "What?? Don't act like you didn't do the New Kids dance in your living room every time the video came on....Listen up everybody if you wanna take a chance.." He sang.
The other three mildly amused by this immediately joined in. "Just get on the floor and do the new kids dance." complete with choreography, and only drew a few stares from people in the room.
Before the mini concert could continue, Coretta managed to stop laughing. "See what we mean Carson, crazy."
The interview ended soon after and they continued talking so Carson could get to know the girls on a more personal level away from their music personas. His attention was drawn to the other side of the room.
"Chris, I thought you said you didn't know anything about Synchronicity?"
"I don't, never heard of them."
"Well apparently Joey knows one of them well enough to bring her with him tonight."
They looked in the direction Carson was already looking, and saw Joey entering the room with Angela. He stopped to talk to a few people and paused for some pictures, Angela making it a point to stay close to him especially when the cameras were flashing.
"Good Lord, why doesn't she just get all up in his jacket with him? Look at her, that girl makes me sick." Coretta said bitterly
"Wait, you all know her?" Carson asked
"Not by choice, she's uh, Joey's friend." Justin clarified
"Interesting...well she's part of a new group I interviewed yesterday."
*****************
Joey made his way over to his friends. Hoping for the night to be over as soon as possible. Twenty minutes with her, and he was already tired of Angela. He exchanged hellos with his friends. Angela looked at the group, with a smug grin. Wordlessly laughing at them for thinking she could be so easily gotten rid of. The idea for the group was one of her father's best she thought. With the formation of the group and the amount of award shows they would all be attending in the next six months, she was going to be able to not only see a lot of Joey, but be seen a lot with Joey. By the time her father signed the papers for Chris, she would have Joey wrapped around her finger. He will have forgotten all about the arrangement. That is, if she had no interference from his friends. She turned back to talk to Joey, only to find herself closed off from the circle. Joey was now whispering something to Coretta, Chris was on his phone, JC was telling Carson and Lance some sort of story gesturing in wild animation, and Becca and Justin were in deep conversation.
"Oh Carson, is that you?? I didn't even recognize you." Angela squealed attempting to focus the attention back on her.
Carson looked at her strangely, "I look just like I did when you saw me yesterday. Maybe you were confused by me actually looking interested in what JC is saying."
"Oh you're so funny. You didn't mention you were going to be here tonight."
"We've been talking about it all week in TRL, did you think I came down here just to interview you?"
"Yeah, I did actually."
"Usually MTV likes to wait until groups have some sort of following. At least a single or something, before we send people out of their way to talk to them." Although he couldn't put his finger on exactly why, Carson decided he didn't particularly like this girl. He could tell from the body language of the others, they shared his feelings. He felt sorry for her group mates. They seemed to be okay girls, but he could see Angela as being the downfall of the whole group.
"Wait, what group?" Coretta pushed Joey away so she could find out if she had in fact heard, what she thought she heard
"I guess in all that whispering, Joey forgot to mention my group was signed to TransCon a month ago."
"Looks like he did forget to mention that." Coretta looked at Joey, who only shrugged and looked away.
Chris clicked off his phone and grinned at the group. "I've got great news for all of you, well most of you anyway." He said looking at Angela. "I'd love to tell you now, but I've got some more people to introduce and some rounds to make before we get ready to close the show."
Becca smacked him in the back of the head. "How are you gonna say you have good news, but then turn around and say you can't tell us??"
Dani, who had been pretty much invisible all night approached the group. "Hey whatever he did, I'm sure he deserved it, but try not to damage his brain too much. Our children may rely on those genes at some point."
"He just made this big production of saying he has great news but then decides he can't tell us now."
"Oh in that case, carry on." Dani laughed
"Sure Dani, turn on me in the presence of your girls."
"Sorry Chris, sounds like they have a good reason this time. How can you tell people you have great news, but turn around and say you can't tell them now??"
"Just like this, I have great news, but I can't tell you now."
"Coretta is definitely rubbing off on you."
"Like I said, I'd love to tell you now, but duty calls. Believe me when I say it's well worth the wait."
Chris made his way through the crowd stopping every so often to shake a hand, or thank someone for coming out. Soon Lance excused himself from the group to do the same. Joey spotted the "NSYNC parents" arriving and went over to greet them, with Angela following like a lost puppy dog. Becca and Justin returned to their conversation. Dani went back to her business of running the show. Carson eyed Coretta as she watched Joey and Angela walk away.
"Totally off the record, how long have you and Joey been dating?"
"What, Joey and me? Where did you get that idea?" She stammered, caught completely off guard by Carson's question.
"A blind man could see your chemistry. Plus the look on your face right now is every bit the look of a jealous girlfriend. Not to mention that protective vibe you were throwing the minute he got here with that Angela. I'm guessing it's a recent thing, and he already had his date for the evening, and you just have to deal."
"I'm not jealous, that girl just bugs me."
"So you're not jealous, but you are the girlfriend, is that what you're saying??"
Seeing that she was starting to panic, JC grabbed Coretta and took her out to dance.
"Thank you."
"No problem, you looked like you needed an escape. Carson is cool, but I don't think tonight is the right time to let the world in on this thing you and Joey have."
"At this point, there's nothing to let anyone in on. I can't be the woman he wants, and even though he's already pretty much what I want, he can't give up being that guy for every woman."
"What?? You can't be serious." JC said amazed. "I never thought Joey could find the right person, but here you are. Maybe not forever, but right now you're it."
"It's nice to know you feel that way, but until he sees that, y'all are stuck with Angela hanging around again." They both rolled their eyes and laughed.
