There were more interviews to be done, and more pictures to be taken. It seemed like the girls were constantly having someone call out to them for a quick word or a photo. In the craziness of it all they maintained their upbeat attitude. Finally they were given a break. They found a table off in the corner of the room where they could relax and enjoy a moment of quiet.
"I don't think I can smile anymore. And those camera flashes are making me see spots."
Coretta laughed at Becca. "My problem isn't the cameras, suprisingly enough, I kinda like that part. I love those guys and all, but I think if one more person asks what it's like to be working with NSYNC, I may lose it."
Justin came over and joined the girls. "Woman, how many times do I have to tell you, in order to lose it, you have to have it to begin with."
"You are so lucky there are cameras around, otherwise...."
"Otherwise, what?? You'd just sit there like you always do." Justin grinned
Coretta was about to reach over the table when a photographer approached the trio. They posed for a few shots and turned back to the conversation.
"Boy, you are so lucky he came over here."
"Sure, whatever. How is it you get away with calling me boy, but I can't call you woman."
"Because I'm me and you're not." Coretta replied sticking her tongue out in the process.
Kat and Charetta took a break from their star chasing and sat down at the table. It was almost the first they had seen of the girls all night. Coretta looked at the two as they sat down.
"Hmmm, you two look familiar. Can't be sure though since I haven't seen you all night."
Becca turned from her conversation with Justin, "You are really here, I thought maybe I imagined it or something."
"Very funny guys. Can we help it if we're a bit star struck? I can't believe we're here. Since we have to leave right after the party, I want to be sure I come in contact with everyone. If I had known NSYNC knew all these people, I might have visited sooner." Kat said.
"Sure just use us for who we know."
"Shut up Justin." Kat replied.
"Besides, along with half the city, we heard you and Mike having it out, so we wanted to give you some time to harness your chi." Charetta added.
"Stealing my lines, man everyone wants to be like me."
"Shut up Justin."
"Plus," Kat added, "It's not like we haven't talked. I talked to you in the bathroom when you needed me to pass the toilet paper."
"Is that why girls always go to the bathroom together?? In case of a toilet paper emergency??"
"SHUT UP JUSTIN!!" The four girls said in unison.
Justin looked wide-eyed at the girls and stood up to leave. "You know, I'm not feeling the love here. Just for that I'm leaving. I'm going to share my new found knowledge of women with the world."
"That'll be a short conversation." Coretta said trying to hide the laughter.
Justin stopped and turned around. "I heard that woman, don't think I won't get you back."
The four continued to laugh and talk about the different people they had met throughout the course of the evening. Occasionally one of the guys would sit for a minute and talk with them.
"Just look at her over there. She just has to be part of every little thing he does." Coretta had been watching Angela with Joey's family. Everything about Angela made her mad. From the way she clung to Joey as if her life depended on it, to the way she had to laugh at everything as if it was the funniest thing she had ever heard.
"You're jealous aren't you." Chris asked with a smirk.
"Completely." Coretta groaned as she rested her head on the table.
"I have something that will fix that as soon as you end the show."
*****************
Diversity was in their dressing room changing for the last song. The night had gone by so quickly. They were given a chance to meet so many people that they had admired for years. They had also proven they could sing as well as dance. Now it was time to show why they had so badly wanted to become part of this industry.
"Becca, I want to change the song." Coretta had been thinking about this for a few hours now.
"What do you mean change it?" Becca was curious as to where her friend was headed with this idea of hers.
"I know Chris wanted us to close with "On and On" , but I'm not really feeling that tonight."
Becca eyed her friend trying to figure out what was going on in her head. "Okay, now you got me curious. What are you trying to pull. I know all too well how sneaky you can be when you want something."
"I'm not trying to pull anything. I just think a different song would be better that's all." She turned away so she wouldn't have to look her friend in the eye.
"You are so not good at this lying thing, but I'm gonna let that go. What song do you think we should do instead?"
Coretta took a deep breath before answering, "Silly Love Song"
Becca's mouth dropped open. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Of all the songs they had, that was the last song she expected Coretta to want to sing. The song has a special meaning, and given the earlier events of the evening, all meaning seemed to be lost.
"You can't be serious. You wrote that song for..."
Coretta abruptly cut her off. "I know who I wrote it for, but that is the song I think we should sing instead."
"I still think you're up to something. As much as I feel this is a bad idea, I'm going along with it. I know I'll probably regret it later."
Coretta hugged her friend. "Thanks girl! Have I ever steered you wrong before?"
"I know you don't really want me to answer that."
*****************
Chris and Lance took the stage for the final time that evening to thank everyone for coming out and supporting them and their artists. They were pleased with the turnout, as well as the responses they were getting about their artists. Chris introduced Diversity and the lights went down. The lights went down and a single spotlight illuminated the stage. As the background music began to play, Becca stepped into the spotlight.
If I could write a silly love song,
I would write it all about you.
The words would reflect your inner beauty
And the melody your eyes so true.
I love you more and more each day
And baby if I had my way
I would write a song
All about you boy
And I'd sing it all every day
The music continued and there was another spotlight now lighting the opposite end of the stage. Coretta now walked in to that light.
If I could write a silly love song
You know the world would never be blue
I'd tell the world about your sweetness
And the beautiful things you do
So all I'm really trying to say is
Baby if I had my way
I would write a song all about you boy
And I sing it all over the world
The five guys of NSYNC stood in shock as the song continued. Mike, who had been talking to Entertainment Tonight, stopped in mid-sentence. He knew the song very well. He couldn't believe they chose to perform it.
"Chris, where did this song come from? I've never heard it before." Justin commented
"I have no idea, but I intend to find out. One of them better have a good reason for changing things without telling me."
Joey laughed, "Don't you get it??"
JC looked at Joey "No we don't, but apparently you think you do."
"She said it was for someone she cared about, but couldn't find the words."
"They were supposed to say that about the other song. What does that have to do with why they chose this one instead."
"I think that it's for me. Maybe she's finally over that dating more than one person thing."
"You know for once Joe, you might actually make sense."
"Thanks, I think."
The song ended and the girls took their final bow before running off the stage. They made the last change of the night, and now after all the hard work, it was time for the fun part. Now they could just hangout and relax. A party was to follow. As exhausting as the night had been, they still had enough energy to dance the night away; which was exactly what they planned to do. Just as they were finished getting dressed there was a knock, and Chris stuck his head in the door.
"I hope you're both dressed."
"Chris what was the point of knocking if you were coming in anyway?" Coretta shook her head
"I wanted to give you some warning that I was coming in."
"Great, and that whole nanosecond would've given us so much time if we hadn't already been dressed."
"Anyway.... I'm not pissed, but could one of you ladies tell me what just went on out there? Where did that song come from?"
"Sorry Chris, that was my idea." Coretta said guiltily. "I just didn't feel like singing that other song."
"Stick to the plan next time, or at least discuss it with me. Speaking of plans, we have a party happening out there and I have an announcement to make, so let's go."
Chris escorted the girls out to the party. Music was pumping from the speakers that surrounded the room. Dani came over and congratulated her friends on their performance.
"Did you tell them yet?" Dani asked excitedly
"Not yet but as soon as we get everyone together I will." Before Chris could continue, his phone rang again.
"Hold up, how do you rate? Why is it he told you the news and not us?" Coretta asked while she pouted like a child.
"I have my ways of getting info from Chris." Dani said with a giggle.
"Stop it right there, nevermind, forget I asked. I do not need nor do I want any mental pictures."
Once they were all settled conversations were carried on all around Coretta, but she wasn't paying attention to any of them. She was watching Joey across the room. She always knew that a lot could be told about a guy, by the way he interacted with the women in his family. She admired the way he stuck close to his mother, and laughed at the way he jumped to the protective brother role as soon as anybody approached his sister. Occasionally he would glance her way and toss her a smile or a subtle wave. Just enough to let her know even though he was there with Angela, she was the only person on his mind. She loved his smile. It was the kind of smile that reached up to his eyes, and radiated from his body to those around him. Soon the quick glances turned to longer gazes, and then to outright stares.
"Whoa, if you two don't stop looking at each other like that, you're gonna send this room into a meltdown." Justin nudged his friend.
She immediately came out of her daze. "Huh, what did you say?? Who's melting what?"
"I was talking to you, but apparently what was melted was your sense for paying attention to anyone not named Joey."
"Whatever. I heard everything you said."
"You did huh?" Justin grinned. "Well in that case what did I say just before this?" he challenged
"Why are you asking me?? You should know what you said, you were there when you said it." Coretta tried to play it off as best she could, but was failing miserably.
"Woman just admit you have no clue what I, or anyone else at this table has said." He watched as her eyes lit up seeing Joey excuse himself from his family, and venture across the room.
"Sorry guys, but I need her right now."
"Yeah we know you need her." Justin said wiggling his eyebrows.
"I didn't mean it like that, but now that you mention it, it does get a little lonely in that new house by myself." Joey looked at Coretta and winked.
"You're both sick. You need to stop spending so much time together."
"What do you think I'm trying to do here?" Joey said. "Anyway, I want you to come meet my family. I know you've met them before, but that was only for a minute. I'm sure they could use a break from Angela."
"I feel their pain. I hate to think of what they're going through. Nice way to treat your family Joe."
"She's really not quite as bad as you all think. If you spent some time alone with her, you probably still wouldn't like her, but maybe you could tolerate her."
"I really don't want to know anything about the time you spent alone with her. Furthermore, if I had to spend time any time alone with her, I'd jump off the Empire State building, and hope to catch my eyelid on a nail."
Before Joey could respond, they reached the circle that was the Fatone family. Steve gave Coretta a quick hug and apologized for their lateness. "I wish I could have seen the first song, but we seemed to be running late for some reason."
Steve looked pointedly at Angela, who in turn flushed red, and excused herself to head to the bathroom. Joey proceeded to introduce Coretta to his parents as well as his Uncle Anthony, who had flown in from New York for a surprise visit. He also pulled Coretta into a bear of a hug. Coretta shocked by the sudden movement remained still.
"So this is the girl that's got my Joe nervous all of a sudden. You be sure to keep him straight, he's a wild one, always has been." Joey's uncle joked.
"Tony, you let that girl go right now." Joey's mom Phyllis said swatting him on the arm.
"I hope you can forgive them, these men just act like children when they're together. It’s nice to see you again. You both sang beautifully up there."
"Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. We've been working very hard the last few weeks."
"That's what Joe's been telling us, we have hardly seen him lately." Joey's dad said. "Of course now we know it wasn't so much about the work, as it was the girls behind the work."
Embarrassed, Coretta smiled and buried her face in Joey's arm. He laughed knowing that his family was okay with the new relationship he was about to embark upon.
The parents left to mingle with the other NSYNC parents whom Becca and Coretta would be introduced to later. Also in attendance was Joey and Steven's sister Janine. Janine rarely made appearances with her brothers, but she wanted to get a feel for the girl that had unknowingly captured at least a small part of Joey's heart. The two connected instantly, they shared many of the same interests. This became apparent when Jordan Knight walked by, and both girls stopped conversing to appreciate the view, then dissolved into a fit of giggles. This led to a conversation where Coretta shared her extensive, yet embarrassing knowledge of NKOTB.
"Hey! How come you never do that when I walk by?" Joey asked pitifully.
"You're my brother, and it's not only gross, it's illegal." Janine said still eyeing Jordan on the other side of the room.
"I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to Miss Jordan Knight lover over here. I still don't see what it is about him. He's cool and all, but what's the big deal?"
Without thinking, Coretta reached up and kissed him. "Sorry Joey, but that man over there is definitely what all men should strive to be."
"If I hadn't gotten a little action out of the deal, I might have been insulted." Joey said laughing.
Janine was able to see how she was able to be respectful of Joey and his family, while still remaining true to her. Janine decided this girl was definitely worthy of her younger brother's affections. After some encouragement, Janine left to go chat it up with Jordan. She gave Coretta a quick hug, and gave Joey a look of approval he hadn't seen from her in a long time.
Joey's cousin approached the group to tell Joey and Steven about the girls he had met outside. Coretta laughed to herself at how much the three were alike. She waited until just the right moment before tapping Al on the shoulder. Al stared at her briefly before a look of recognition crossed his face.
"Hey baby what's up? How ya been?" He asked engulfing her in a hug at the same time.
"This family sure has a thing for hugging." she laughed "I've been good, busy but good. I missed seeing you at the last concert though."
"I saw you, but I didn't get the chance to say hi."
Joey stood in confusion as the conversation progressed around him. The two chatted away like old friends. "I guess there's no point in introducing you. Looks like you already know each other. Oh, and Al....you can let go of her any time now."
"Chill out cuz, but yeah we know each other. I see her all the time at concerts when I'm working."
Joey turned to Coretta. "How is it you managed to become so friendly with my brother and my cousin, but we didn't meet until a few months ago??"
"They were just lucky I guess." she responded
"I gotta run, but I hope we can talk later." Al reached over and hugged Coretta again.
Joey knew his cousin was just being friendly, but he didn't like it. "Alright already, break it up."
Angela stood just outside the bathroom watching them from across the room. Joey looked so comfortable, and happy. It was a look she had never seen when they were together. She watched as Janine hugged Coretta. His uncle said something to her that made the whole family laugh. As much as she tried, Angela never seemed to fit in with the Fatone clan. She couldn't remember a time when Janine said more than two words to her, let alone hugged her. Then there was Al, the cousin that supposedly liked everyone. He hardly ever gave Angela a second glance. Even from across the room, she could see a look of jealousy in Joey's eyes as Al and Coretta talked.
"Sucks to see someone else in your place, huh?" Dani stood next to Angela watching Coretta interact with Joey and his family.
Angela casually wiped a tear from her eye. She knew Dani had never liked her and refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing her hurt. "I don't know what you're talking about, we're perfectly happy. You should mind your own business. Go back to doing whatever it is that you do."
"I was actually feeling a little bit of sympathy toward you. I don't know why, but I was. Open your eyes. Have you ever seen him happier? Was it even close to that any time you were with him?? I'll answer that for you, no to both questions."
"Well we have a connection none of you will ever be able to break. Just get used to me being around." Angela retorted before stalking off to Joey.
"That's all about to change Angela, all about to change." Dani smiled to herself as she went to gather everyone for Chris' announcement.
*****************
Becca and Justin were out on the dance floor watching as Coretta was introduced to Joey's family. Becca thought about how unhappy her friend had been in the months before the trip to Orlando. No one thought she would ever go back to being the person she was before the accident. Now Becca was seeing a little more of that person everyday. She was truly glad to be getting her friend back. She reminded herself to thank the guys for that later. She almost laughed out loud when she looked at Justin and thought about how he in particular, had brought some of the fire back into Coretta. She looked up at him a kissed him softly. Justin was confused, but didn't waste time returning the kiss.
"What was that about? Oh wait, what do you want me to do for you now?" He asked.
"I don't know, it just needed to be done. Anyway, I do want to thank you." Becca said.
"I don't know what I did, but whatever it was, I hope I manage to do it all the time." He said grinning.
"Look over there," Becca pointed to Coretta. "That is the happiest I've seen her in a long time. It's because of the things you all have done for us."
Justin looked into Becca's eyes "We haven't done anything, but bring out what you already have, I've seen you in the studio, and in rehearsals, it's all you. We just helped you to clean it up a bit. As for her, I'm pretty sure that has to do with one person, and one person only. All I've got to say about that is, damn he's good."
Becca stopped dancing and looked at him, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Pull the claws back in. Don't get all defensive on me. All I meant was that as hard as she tried to push him away, that only made Joe try harder to get under her skin. Judging by the way things are going over there, I'd say he did a pretty good job."
"Oh please, you think he got her just like that? Let me tell you, I've known her a lot longer than you, and I know he's got to come harder than that."
"Interesting choice of words."
"You know that's not what I meant, sicko. I'm just saying he's got a long way to go before she drops everything and gives into him. I'm betting it will be a while."
"A bet? Now that could be fun. Exactly what are we putting up for this bet?" Justin asked, his interest peaked.
"You are not about to get me to bet on my best friend's love life. Not that you would win, but still. It's the principle of the whole thing."
"What are you worried about then? Personally, I'm so sure I would win, I'm willing to bet anything, that those two will be leaving here together tonight." He leaned down, and whispered seductively in her ear, "Just think of the possibilities the word anything implies." He looked at her, but said nothing, just waited for a response.
Becca stammered a bit before responding. "Okay, so I get anything, and what do you get? I will not even go the "anything" route."
"I didn't think so" Justin agreed, "But, I recall doing you a favor where Coretta was concerned when you first got back. I think maybe it's time to cash in on that IOU." He left to find his mother, leaving Becca to her thoughts.
*****************
Joey and Coretta were out on the dance floor together. It was the first chance they'd had all night to be even close to being alone. As they moved together, she thought about where she wanted her relationship with Joey to go. Even though she had said earlier in the day that she didn't want the kind of thing he wanted, maybe there was some middle ground they could find.
"I've been think about what we talked about earlier." Joey said as if reading her mind. "I know I said I wasn't ready to be with just one person, but then it occurred to me that I've already been doing that. Unless you count Angela, and I know you don't. I don't know how good I'll be at this steady boyfriend thing though."
Coretta was stunned to hear what Joey was saying, but thrilled all the same. "I was just about to tell you I was willing to deal with the other women as long as there were some ground rules."
"Really??"
"No not really, but it sounded good, right?"
"Forever the smartass." Joey laughed "Before we really get into this, you know I have to completely clear the air with Angela. The sooner the better."
"I understand that. I have my own ideas on how she could be handled, but I'll keep that to myself."
*****************
Watching the two together sickened Angela. In her mind it just wasn't right. She couldn't handle that she has been so quickly cast aside. Sure she was never an integral part of Joey's life, but she was still a part of it. Now in a matter of months the arrival of this girl stripped her of what little grasp she held. She marched up to the two determined to invade any time they were trying to have.
"Excuse me, I'd like to dance with my date." She said snottily
Joey and Coretta shared a collective groan before looking at the girl. Angela stood impatiently tapping her foot, arms across her chest. Coretta fought to keep herself in check. She wanted nothing more than to tell her off once and for all. The only thing that stopped her was the pleading look in Joey's eyes and the gentle squeeze he gave her hand as she pulled away. As much as she tried, she couldn't resist just one comment as she walked by.
"He's dancing with you, but believe me, he's thinking about me." She smiled and went to find the others.
"Does that boy ever get off the phone?" Coretta asked referring to Chris who was once again engaged in a conversation on his cell.
"He's been on it pretty much since we sat down." Dani informed her.
"So then that little scene from "I Drive Myself Crazy" wasn't too far off." Charetta joked.
"No, I have to admit, that may have happened a time or two."
*****************
"You aren't listening to me at all!!" Angela had been going on for the last few minutes about Synchronicity. The idea of them becoming closer with music in common just wasn't happening. She was thankful for her father and his investments.
"Oh I'm sorry, were you talking?" Joey asked her. Not that he much cared. As far as Angela was concerned, he just wanted the night to end. He was trying to think of the best way to be sure things were over. Joey was not one for confrontation. and did not want to cause a scene. He looked at his friends gathered together at a table on the other side of the room. He desperately wished to be there. Taking a deep breath, he decided it was now or never.
"Angela, I've been thinking about his for a long time now, and you should know that after tonight, after this very dance, I can't and I won't be with you anymore." He waited for a response.
"No."
Joey could do nothing but stare in confusion. "No?? What do you mean no?"
Angela spoke as if she was talking to a child. "No, as in I'm not letting you break us up."
"You don't have a choice. I'm telling you this is what's happening. It's not up for discussion."
"We've been through this so many times before. You say that, but I know you don't mean it. For Chris' sake especially.
*****************
"You managed to tear yourself away from Joey long enough to grace us with your presence? I'm impressed." JC joked.
"As well you should be. My time is very valuable, I must dispense it wisely."
"Oh yes, we're incredibly honored." Lance added
Chris looked at the group with a huge grin on his face. He of course said nothing, causing them to wonder what was going on. Chris eyed each of his friends around the table. Lance, the businessman, always there with sound advice. JC, the musician, nothing more needed to be said. Dani, of course, was the love of his life. He often wondered how he managed without her. Justin was oddly enough his connection to his mature side. Without them he wouldn't have been able to make FuManSkeeto a reality.
Angela decided to approach the situation from a different angle. She knew Joey couldn't stand to see women cry. She mustered up all her emotion into tears. She looked at him with tears ready to spill over onto her cheeks at just the right moment.
"You really care about her don't you?"
Joey was surprised at her sudden calm attitude. He wasn't sure where the conversation was headed, but he felt he should pursue it anyway. He thought for a minute trying to choose his words carefully.
"I'm not sure I want to be discussing this with you of all people, but I really do."
Angela forced herself to laugh, even though inside she was already planning what she would do to destroy this new relationship. "Don't be silly Joey, I just want you to be happy."
"Wait, what did you say? You called me Joey."
*****************
"Time for my announcement." Chris told those around him. After a reassuring hug from Dani, Chris made his way back to the stage while the others at the table moved to stand closer to hear the news.
"I look around this room, and I see so many people that have helped to support my many dreams the past few years. This is one more dream to add to that list and I thank each and every one of you for your role in this. Today I received a very interesting call. It seems the very last investor has what he calls a conflict of interest. So, in light of that, he's signed and sent over the all the paperwork regarding FuManSkeeto, giving me complete control and ownership of my business." Chris finished with a smile while he waited for everyone to comprehend what it all meant. Coretta was the first to congratulate him.
"Chris, I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks. You know, I think this is something that affects both of us."
"Are you kidding, this is great for all of us."
"I meant you and a certain Italian we both know. Now Angela has nothing to hang over his head. What are you waiting for girl?? Go get him."
Coretta laughed wishing it was just that simple. Even with Angela not being a factor, there still were other issues to be dealt with. She turned to head to the dance floor, what she saw made her heart drop.
*****************
Angela looked at Joey and smiled. "That's what you're friends call you, right?"
Joey visibly relaxed. Maybe this was going to be easier than he thought. There would be no drama, and he could move on. "Yeah, my friends. This was easier than I thought it would be."
"Look Joey, I know I haven't been the easiest person to get a long with the last couple of months, and I apologize. I want you to be happy, even if that's not with me. I don't want to sound too cliche, but I hope we can still be friends."
Joey pulled Angela into a tight hug. Everything was falling into place.
"Of course we can. I know this business can be crazy, so if you need to talk, just call. I better get going now though. I want to congratulate Chris, and I have something else I need to do." Even though Angela seemed okay, he didn't want to throw this new relationship in her face.
"No, it's okay, I know you want to get to your friends."
"You're welcome to stay and hang out if you want." Joey said as he turned to leave.
Seeing Coretta watching them, Angela suddenly got an idea. She may have lost Joey for the moment, but she wasn't going without causing at least a little stir.
"Goodbye Joey." She said before kissing him with everything she had. She winked at Coretta as she walked passed her and out of the door. Joey turned to watch her leave, and noticed he was the one being watched.
"Oh this can't be good." He said to himself as he made his way across the room.
