Alexa didn't know how or why...but they were back at the venue the night after the concert. N'Sync was doing 2 dates in Orlando before the tour ended and they had time off before heading to Europe on the second leg of their tour.
Claire and Lance had hit it off and at Joey's begging (for Lance apparently), the two girls had come back to hang out. Claire was off with Lance, flirting up a storm no doubt, and Alexa was left to her own devices.
She was sitting on the edge of the empty stage, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, her legs swinging back and forth gently. She was definitely in her own little world, thinking about 'stuff'.
"Hi Alexa."
She jumped and turned to see Justin behind her. She smiled a little, "Hi Justin."
"Didn't mean to scare ya..or anything."
"It's okay, I wasn't paying attention anyways. So, how are you?"
He nodded a little and sat down, "Seems to be an good day...so far. You?"
"Mine's okay.."
"You looked like you were deep in thought..."
She shrugged, "Just thinkin' bout some stuff...nothing big. Do you know where Claire ran off to?"
Justin shook his head, "Nope..she's probably off with Lance somewhere.."
"Oh..yeah..."
"They seem cute together.."
Alexa smiled, "More like sickeningly cute."
Justin's face finally broke into a smile but it didn't quite reach all the way to his eyes, she noticed. "That's true...Lance is a true romantic.."
"Yeah..so is Claire. She's SO sentimental about stuff like Valentine's Day and things like that..."
"Really? You don't like Valentine's Day or somethin?"
"Well..it's not that...it's..oh well...it's nothing..really."
"No..go on."
Alexa stood up and brushed her hands across the front of her shorts to smooth them out, she looked awfully nervous. "I..I can't. Umm..I gotta go..umm...find Dan..I'll see you later Justin."
She was gone before he could stop her. His face fell, just when he thought he wasn't running someone off...he went and did. He put his head in his hands and mumbled, "Wonderful Timberlake, you're a regular Romeo."
Alexa walked until she found the back entrance her and Claire had come in and walked outside into the warm, humid weather. She spotted her car and walked over to it, her heart beating about a thousand times a minute. She didn't know why she froze the way she did when Justin asked her that question about Valentine's Day..it was just a touchy subject and she wasn't about to open up to someone who she had barely known for 12 hours and about half of that he had been rude to her.
She put the key in the ignition and turned it, the radio coming to life, blaring Nelly from the speakers, the bass pumping out "Ride Wit Me". She closed the door and enveloped herself in the music and the cool air conditioning.
Dan found Alexa in her car a short time later and knocked on the window to get her attention. Her head snapped around and she motioned for him to get in. He did so and closed the door behind him, "I was wondering where you disappeared off too...what's up?"
"Nothin.."
"Nothing my ass...Alexa.."
"Look, Dan, I don't wanna talk about it.."
"Are you sure? It always helps to talk..."
"I'm sure.."
He sighed, "Ok..okay..."
"What's wrong with him?"
"Who?"
"Justin.."
"I don't know..."
"Bullshit Dan. You're his bodyguard, you know what happened to him..he's got more mood swings than I do during PMS."
Dan sighed again and ran a hand over his shaven head, "He's been hurt Alexa...by someone he gave his entire heart to. He's confused and he's still angry....and I think he needs someone to talk to. Not a therapist or one of the guys...and I think that person could be you."
"Me?! Dan, in case you haven't noticed, it's not like I'm the most stable person in the world. And..we both know I'm not good with relationships and stuff like that. I mean, you know what happened with--"
"Yes. I know what happened with him and I'd like you not to say his name in presence. He's an ass and deserves to be shot."
Alexa looked down at her fingers that were desperately pulling at the hem of her shirt, "I'm sorry.."
Dan sighed, "No don't be..I'm the one who's sorry. I know you want to forget him and I know it's hard. But you're my little sister, ya know? And I know you're 20..but you're still my little sister and I feel the need to protect you..."
"I know.."
"Just...try not to bite Justin's head off too much?"
"I guess I can try.."
"Good. Are you heading home?"
She nodded, "For a little while...tell Claire to call me when she's ready to leave and I'll come pick her up.."
Dan nodded before leaning across and kissing her forehead, "Go home, take a nap, relax..."
"I'll try."
"Be careful on the way.."
"I will..tell Claire!"
"I will."
Dan got out of the car and watched Alexa drive off until he couldn't see the car anymore. He turned and walked back into the building, Justin was waiting for him. "Dude! Where have you been? I was wanting to go to McDonald's but Lonnie said I had to take you with me...wanna go?"
"Sure..come on."
"Where were you anyways?"
"Talking to Alexa.."
"Yeah? Where'd she go at anyways? I kinda wanted to apologize for making her uncomfortable earlier..."
"Oh really? And why, Mr. Justin, did you make her feel uncomfortable?"
"Oh..umm..nevremind..So! How about that McDonald's trip?," Justin said with a smile.
Dan grinned and opened the door, "After you superstar. But just remember, I'll get the story out of you sooner or later...I surely, surely will."
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