Chapter 7

Melissa arrived at the airport an hour later, her mind a jumble of emotions. She was still reeling over her near kiss with Justin yesterday and this morning only left her in more confusion. She barely even noticed the shadow that was cast over her, while she sat in the airport terminal.

“Hello? Earth to Mel? Come back to our planet again,” a voice said loudly as a manicured hand waved in front of Melissa’s face.

Melissa snapped out of her trance and saw the blonde-haired popstar looking down at her suspiciously. Melissa gave her a hug. “Oh, hey Brit. How was your flight?”

Britney sat in the chair next to her. “Hey Brit? That’s all you have to say? Hey Brit? Ok, who are you and what have you done to my overly bitchy friend? The Melissa I know would have cursed me out 6 times now for waking her up earlier than 9:00 on a school day.”

Melissa cracked a small smile and giggled. “You say bitch like it’s a bad thing. I rather enjoy it. It makes people keep their distance and feared to the masses.”

Britney smiled back but then hit Melissa on the arm. “Ok girl, I want details. I want to hear everything that’s happened so far.”

“On what?”

” On Carson Daly. You and Justin silly,” Britney said rolling her eyes as the two followed Britney’s bodyguards to the luggage terminal.

Melissa gave her a look. “Do you want the long version or the extended, I’m so confused, Justin’s left me in a stupor, version?”

Britney raised an eyebrow. “I see there’s been plenty.”

Melissa nodded. “Oh yeah. Enough to last me a life-time of eternal insanity.”

“Starbucks, then?” Britney asked, looping her arms through hers.

Melissa nodded and smiled. “See, this is why I love it when you come here. It’s the only time I get to bum free coffee.”

Justin knocked insistently on JC’s front door. “Hello? Jace, are you still asleep man?! Open the door!”

The wooden door to JC’s house opened slightly and JC’s sleepy face peered through the crack. “ Go away, Justin. It’s too early for this.”

“Hi JC!” Jonathan said smiling brightly.

JC smiled at Justin’s mini replica. “Hey Jon! What are you guys doing here so very, very, early this morning? Was it to spite me?” JC said looking pointedly at Justin.

“Justin said we were going to Trace’s house but Trace said we had to leave cause we woke him up at the crack-a..”

Justin covered Jonathan’s mouth quickly. “Such a talker this morning, aren’t we Jonathan?”

JC smirked. “And the truth finally comes out. From the child no less.”

“Jace, buddy, you weren’t actually sleeping this late, were you?” Justin asked punching him lightly on the shoulder. “I mean, you do have to start getting in that touring state of mind.”

“No Justin. Of course not, I was just enjoying the few precious moments of silence I have before I’m tortured for 4 months with you guys. But by all means, come in. You’re not intruding on my privacy at all, “JC said sarcastically.

“Great!” Justin said pushing JC out of the way. “You got anything to eat?”

“Yes, Justin, you can come in,” JC said rolling his eyes as he shut the door behind him. He turned around and found his band-mate rifling though his refrigerator.

“I had breakfast this morning but I could always eat more. Ooh, you have waffles! I love waffles. Mom used to make them every morning when I was sick. She had this special syrup and everything…”

“And this is something you couldn’t have done at your own house, J?” JC questioned looking at Justin quizzically.

Justin pouted. “I was lonely. Plus, you have waffles!” Justin watched as JC waved his arms in exasperation and trudged upstairs. “Hey, where are you going! You’re forgetting the waffles!”

“To the moon, Justin. Where do you thing I’m going? I’m going back to dream land where I was before I was so ignorantly interrupted. Screw you and your stupid 9:00 waffles. I’m going back to bed.”

“What’s a 9:00 waffle?” Jonathan asked his brother, confused. Justin shrugged. “Don’t you even want to know why I’m here?” Justin called out.

“Not particularly. As long as you don’t make noise, I don’ care what you do, “JC replied.

“But, I wanted to talk to you,” Justin said following JC up the stairs to his bedroom. Jonathan towed behind them. “When’s the last time you and me have ever sat down and really talked together?”

“You’re forgetting that I’ve seen you at least 305 days out of the year, for the past 5 years. We talk plenty.” JC hit his comfy bed with thud and closed his eyes. “The JC psychic hotline is officially closed for business.”

“Seriously Jace. I need to talk to you. It’s about Melissa,” Justin said tracing the outline of JC’s blue comforter. He looked to his friend. “I just don’t know what to do anymore. Everything has gotten so complicated.”

JC remembered his plan with Britney a day earlier. He had promised a friend to see this through, no matter the consequences. “Hey Jonathan, I got this whole new set of video games for my playstation downstairs. Do you want to play a couple of them?”

Jonathan frowned. “You said you were going to take me somewhere fun, Justin! You promised.”

“We are, I swear Jon. Just give me a few minutes with JC and we’ll go do a million of fun things. I promise,” Justin said tousling his little brother’s hair. “Just go play for a while.”

Jonathan pouted but left the room silently, shutting the door behind.

JC rolled over and sat up on his elbows. “The doctor is in,” he said sighing.

“So then Justin looks down and I take the opportunity to pull down his pants!” Melissa explained giggling. “Let’s just say he wasn’t very happy.”

Britney snorted. “I hope he was wearing underwear. God knows we don’t need another Usher scandal on our hands.

Melissa smiled devilishly. “He was, but now a million teenyboppers know he wears snoopy boxers with ratty holes in them.”

Britney sipped her latte and smiled at her friend. Her face was a glow as she talked animatedly about her antics with Justin. Even though she had always denied it, Britney had always known about Melissa’s feelings for Justin. The chemistry was there and they obviously had feelings for each other. If only Melissa could realize this herself. Britney touched Melissa’s arm, “Okay girl. Spill. Though de-pantsing Justin is the most amusing thing to hear about in the whole world, it’s the not the real reason why we’re here, is it?”

Melissa blushed. “I was hoping you’d forget about that.”

“How could I forget? You kissing Justin is the only thing that’s been running through my mind all day. I mean, that’s really big. Huge, even,” Britney exclaimed to prove her point.

Melissa sighed and ran her fingers through her dark tresses. “When did my life become so complicated?”

“Honey, life is always complicated. The only thing difficult about this situation is that you two knuckle-heads can’t realize that you two have feelings for each other!” Britney rolled her eyes when Melissa’s mouth opened in protest. “And if you even try to deny that, I’ll be the first person in line to slap you. Then I’d punch Justin.”

Melissa snorted at the thought. “So what if we love each other? We’ve always had that attraction and bond between us. That’s why we’ve been friends for so long.”

“Yeah, friends who kiss. Why don’t you just admit that the real reason why you and Justin haven’t hooked up, is that you’re scared,” Britney challenged. She smiled smugly when she saw Melissa’s face flush up. She knew she had hit the bulls-eye with that comment.

“Scared? What make’s you think I’m so scared?” Melissa asked in a defending tone. She then picked at an invisible thread on her shirt, conveniently avoiding Britney’s eyes.

“Then tell me, why haven’t you gotten together yet? And why you aren’t looking me in the eye?” Britney asked innocently.

“Because, I am scared!” Melissa declared her eyes flashing. “Jesus, is that so wrong? Is that a crime?”

Britney shook her head and took another sip of her latte. “At least you’re admitting to SOMETHING.”

“I have my reasons, Brit. I know you, Justin, and I have been real close for a long time, but do you really understand Justin and me? Do any of you guys? Our friendship goes deep, deeper than anyone could imagine. With one glance at him, I can tell you what Justin’s feeling or thinking about doing. Hell, sometimes I even know what he’s doing and I don’t even have to call him. That scares me Brit,” Melissa confessed softly. “People just don’t know each other the way we do. It’s a special bond that nobody can break. And what if we do start going out? What if something goes wrong? Not only do I lose my boyfriend, I lose a friendship, that very same bond, that has almost lasted 2 decades…And If I were to lose Justin, I don’t think I’d be able to take it,” Melissa said her voice thick with emotion. “I wouldn’t be able to deal with it. And don’t even tell me that if we break up we’ll still remain friends, because I know we won’t. We live to the extremes and we’re both too stubborn and pig-headed to be able to. I know it’s probably unhealthy to think like that or to be that dependent on a person, but it’s the truth…And I don’t think I’m ready to take that risk.”

“Sweetie, if you really truly care for him, the way you confess to, then it IS worth that risk. Love is a special thing and it make’s you think and feel crazy things. It if doesn’t work out than it wasn’t made to be. You can’t spend the rest of your life thinking and wondering what if I had done this or whether I could have changed something if I had done that. You have to experience them and make that choice from there on,” Britney said consoling her friend. “I know you love Justin. I can see it with every look you give him, every smile, and every glance. Anybody can look at you two and tell that there’s something there. The question is, can you convince yourself to admit to it?”

Melissa didn’t reply and stared out the window, leaving the unanswered question lingering in the air.

“I love her, JC.”

JC’s blue eyes popped open in surprise. The two had laid there in silence after JC grudgingly admitting he was willing to talk and JC had almost fallen back asleep. JC turned over to face his band-mate. “What did you say?”

“I said I love her. I’ve always had. There’s been apart of me that has always belong to her in my heart and I think I’m ready to give her my all.”

“Just, that’s great and all, but are you sure?” JC asked tentatively.

“Of course I’m sure! Think about it. There have been so opportunities for me girl wise over the years. I’ve practically had girls throwing their love to me, and every one, I’ve all declined because of one little thing: they’re not her. They don’t make me feel the same way, like when I’m around her. I want to take that special bond that we have to another level. I want her to love me, Jace,” Justin said softly. “She’s been there for me more than any person in the world. And ever since we kissed, it’s been all I ever think about,” he said with a far off like on his face.

JC chuckled lightly. “Yeah, and it shows. I didn’t mean to question you there man, but god, it’s taken you a long time to figure this out. But if you love Melissa and since Melissa obviously love’s you back, what’s the problem? Better yet, tell me what’s the super important reason, you just had to wake me up this morning?”

Justin sighed. “That’s just it Jace. I don’t know. I don’t know if she loves me. I mean, every time, I even try to bring it up, we’ve been interrupted, or she just changes the subject. She acts almost as if she’s…she’s…”

“Scared?” JC put in. Justin nodded. “You can’t blame her J. I mean you wouldn’t exactly have the most normal relationship in the world. How would you feel if the man you love was almost never there and was touring all over the world, having 50 million women throw themselves at you? I’d be scared and unsure of myself too. Melissa’s a tough kid, but she’d only human.”

“You don’t think she thinks I’d hurt her would you?” Justin asked alarmed. “God, I would never do that, even if we never got to be more than friends. I’d still care for her as much as I do now. Probably even more.”

“Well there you go, You’ve answered your own questions, man. Now all you have to do is prove that to her. Prove to her that she has nothing to worry about, that she has no reason to doubt you,” the brunette concluded to his friend. He made a mental note to call Britney later and tell her about the latest developments. This was turning out to be easier than he thought.

Justin smiled and leaned back on the bed. “Thanks for your help, Jace.”

“Anytime, dude. Oh and Justin?”

“Yeah?”

“Could you please kindly get out of my house so I can get some shut-eye!” JC exclaimed.

Justin wrinkled his nose in mock anger and prepared to leave. “Well damn, you don’t have to get an attitude with me.”

“At 10:00 when I’m supposed to be waking up at 1:00, yes I do,” JC retorted waving him away.

The sun was shining through the glass roof the living room foyer as Justin and Jon entered the house later that day. Loud music seemed to be blaring from upstairs and Justin raised an eyebrow. “Jon, why don’t you put those things in your room and then we can talk about what we’re going to do this afternoon?” Justin asked putting his keys on the coffee table. Jonathan nodded and hopped the stairs two at a time to his room. Justin followed and went towards Melissa’s room. The music got louder as he approached and Justin smirked. He entered the room to find Melissa braiding Britney’s hair as Janet Jackson blasted through Melissa’s speakers. Justin gave a fake pout. “You guys were hanging out and you didn’t even invite me. I hate you guys!”

Britney squealed and ran over to Justin to give him a hug. “Baby J! I haven’t seen your nappy curls in 4 months!”

“Brit!” Melissa exclaimed as 10 beads fell off her head. “I wasn’t finished!”

Justin gave Britney a quick peck on the cheek. “BJ! How’s my girl doing? And if I do say so myself, you do the ghetto fabulous look really well.”

Britney rolled her eyes and slapped his arm. “Funny J. Really funny.” Britney sat back down on the floor and Melissa began to put the fallen beads back into her hair and gave Justin a knowing smile. “So I hear Mel got her first screen debut this weekend. How did things go?” Britney’s head suddenly jerked back. “Ow! Melissa, my hair!” she exclaimed turning around.

Melissa gave an apologetic smile as a blush crept across her face. “Sorry, it slipped.”

Britney turned back to Justin with a questioning look. “So? How was it?”

Justin shrugged. “It was interesting. Some parts more than others,” he said softly looking pointedly at Melissa.

“What parts?” Britney pressed.

“I’m done!” Melissa exclaimed, interrupting. “So what did you and Jonathan do today. Did he have fun?”

Britney rolled her eyes at the subject change and gave a look to Melissa.

“Trace was sleeping so went to JC’s to hang out for a bit. Then we went to the mall for some clothes. Jonathan obviously picks up on my sense of style. He doesn’t shop anywhere but the Gap,” Justin replied with a rich accent.

Melissa raised an eyebrow. “What’s your style? Loud and unfashionable? Don’t let me tell people about that Beadazzler you have hidden under your bed.”

“I think you must have me confused with JC, Lissa, because I obviously have the best style in the group. And who told you about my Beadazzler,” Justin asked.

“No one. You just did,” Melissa said with smirk on her face, “I had my suspicions but you just gave yourself away. Have you no shame?”

Justin smiled back sweetly. “Of course not. I lost that when I started hanging out with you in public.”

Melissa threw a bead at him and it bounced off his head. “I hope you enjoy eating with all your other public friends tonight, cause I sure as hell aren’t feeding you.”

Justin ducked and dodged the bead. “Well actually, I was hoping to take Jon to Disney World this afternoon. He’s been asking to go for the last couple of weeks. You guys interested?”

“No, I said I’d check in with Johnny at the studio. He has some deals to work out with me,” Britney said with a sad smile. “Where is the little guy, anyway? I want to say hi.”

“He’s in the guest room.”

Britney’s hair clinked together as she left the room.

Justin sat down on her bed and watched Melissa as she put up the hair supplies that were strewn all over her floor. “So what about you? You game?”

Melissa shrugged. “I kind of have things to do. I have my Calculus final tomorrow and I still haven’t touched my art final because of a certain someone.”

Justin pouted. “Please? You’ll have fun I promise. I’ll win you an animal and pay for dinner.”

Melissa snorted and looked at him pointedly. “Dinner was a given to begin with, J, especially after your little comment.”

“Look it’s 3:00 and I swear I’ll have you back here by 9. Hell, I’ll even help you study. Please come, Jonathan really loves you hanging around. Lisa says he talks about you almost as much as he does me. Just come for the Jon, please?” Justin pleaded.

“Aww J, don’t pull the kiddie card on me! You know how that works,” Melissa whined. “I have stuff to do.”

Justin sighed. “Then I guess I’ll have to force you, huh? Or at least the tickle terror will,” he said as his two hands reached out for Melissa’s stomach.

Melissa squealed and backed herself against the bedroom door. “Stop it, Justin! You know I’m ticklish!”

“Damn straight I do. And I’m going to use towards my advantage,” Justin declared. “Now will you go?”

“Never!” Melissa shouted jumping onto her unmade bed.

“We’ll have to do this the hard way, then.” Justin grabbed Melissa’s foot, sending her sprawling towards the sheets and began to tickle the undersides of her foot mercifully.

“Ok! Ok, I’ll go!” Melissa gasped between giggles. “You big fat baby. Its not like I had a choice anyway. You always get what you want,” she said as she regained her composure.

“Not everything,” Justin muttered softly to himself.

Melissa stared at him with a questioning look. “What did you say, Just?”

As Justin was about to reply, Jonathan came running into the room and latched onto Justin leg. “Did she fall for it, Justin? Are we going?” he asked excitedly.

Melissa pursed her lips and gave Justin a look.

Justin laughed nervously. “Jonathan, what have I told you about that mouth of yours?”

Jonathan looked at Justin weirdly. “That it’s the trademark of all Timberlake men?”

Melissa raised an eyebrow. “Good one, J. I see along with his ABC’s you’ve taught your little brother to be a player as well. I can’t wait to see the look on Lisa’s face when Jonathan tells her that.”

Justin gave her an indignant look. “That won’t happen because I didn’t teach Jonathan that, right Jon?”

“But you said –”

Justin pulled his sibling out of Melissa’s room before he could relay anymore information. Melissa rolled her eyes and began to pack a day bag.

Britney bounded back in Melissa’s room with a bright smile on her face. “You are going, right?”

Melissa laughed, tossing in 3 hats in her bag. “Yeah, no thanks to you. It’s miraculous that you managed to figure out that you had to go see Johnny today even though an hour ago you said that you would hang out with Coral and I.”

“I forgot, ok? And besides I think you’d have a better chance of settling things with J,” Britney explained while she picked at her nails. If she had her way, Melissa and Justin would have hooked up back in 7th grade.

“So this IS a set up. What do you expect me to do, grab and kiss on the teacup ride?” Melissa asked rolling her eyes. “Then our date would be finalized by having juiceboxes in Minnie’s playhouse, while Jonathan runs around doped up on sugar and other assorted junk. I don’t think so, Brit.”

Britney pulled Melissa away from her packing and sat her down. “Aren’t you at least going to try? I mean after what you told me today, you would think you would be a little more eager to get some alone time with J. Opportunity is knocking at your door, Mel.”

Melissa’s cell phone rang from the dresser and as she leaned over to pick it up the dark haired girl snorted. “Looks like opportunity went wireless, huh Brit? Hello?”

“Hey Chica! Did you die from lack of sleep from picking up BJ this morning?” Coral asked as her light Latino accent rang out from the phone.

“If I had died, would I be picking up the phone right now, Coral? And first of all, let me be the first to say that all airplane’s that come in before 10:00 should be illegal,” Melissa stated, getting up off her bed to put more things in her bag.

“Classes before 11:00 should also be outlawed. Not that I called to talk about the failure’s of the school system at the university, for that would take all night. When do you want me to come over?”

“Sorry, C. Change of plans. It seems that I’ve been conned by Justin to come with him to take Jonathan to the Disney World,” Melissa said giving a look to Britney.

“You’re dissing us for a guy? Especially that Justin boy? Gees, Mel, I never thought you had it in you. Maybe J has finally got you whipped after all, huh?” Coral said with a giggle.

“Excuse me? Justin can’t whip cream let alone a person, so don’t even go there, C. I’m just doing this as a favor to Jonathan,” Melissa replied.

“Yeah and the fact that you can get some alone time Justin so you can make your move doesn’t influence your decision to go at all, right?”

Melissa frowned and didn’t reply. Were her actions that obvious?

“Your silence is golden, Chica,” Coral said with taunting tone.

Melissa blushed. “Shut-up.”

Coral laughed. “I’m just playing with you. Go on and handle your business. Oh and can you tell Joey that he owes me 20 bucks? A girls’ got to pay the rent.”

Melissa gave a smile. She had inadvertently set up Joey with Coral a couple of months ago and even though they claimed that they were strictly buds, Joey often mentioned Coral’s name in conversation’s with Melissa. “I see that it’s now my turn to make fun of you. So when are you a Joey hooking up?”

“The day you and Justin quit playing around,” Coral retorted. “After me and David broke up, I don’t do Italians anymore. They’re too much of a package deal. So what if I didn’t like his sister? What’s the big deal? Joey seems to think I broke some kind of sacred rule. And don’t even let me get started on the whole Rigatoni thing.”

“Sure. Tell the BJ I said hi and tell Justin that it’s just a hormonal problem. He’ll understand,” Coral insured.

Melissa wrinkled her nose in disgust. “I don’t even want to begin to know what that’s all about. I’ll talk to you later.”

“You better, Chica. Later.”

Melissa tossed the cellphone in her bag and turned to Britney. “So I guess you’d better get going before you’re late for your fake meeting with Johnny, huh?”

“Alright, I can take a hint. I’m sorry, but I was only thinking of the well being of you and Justin’s friendship. Or lack thereof. Forgive me?” Britney asked with a pout.

“No! Not the ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ pout! Its lonely look is killing me! I’m defensive under its boy swooning powers!” Melissa shrieked turning away.

Britney hit her playfully and her bleu purse off of the floor. “There goes your birthday present, Mel,” she said as she walked out of Melissa’s room.

“It probably would’ve been something pink anyway!” Melissa shouted after her, then shook her head. Hanging out with Justin and Britney always brought out the 5 year-old in her. After packing a few more items in her bag and after Melissa had put on her favorite pair of ratty-paint stained jeans, she came down the stairs with a sardonic smile on her face. “Alright, let’s get this show on the road, people. A certain somebody promised that they would help with my homework tonight.”

Justin rolled his eyes and turned to his younger brother. “You ready Jonathan?” Justin sighed when he saw that Jon’s shoelaces were untied. “Tie your shoes, little buddy.”

Jonathan wiped his nose and shrugged. “Don’t know how.”

Justin squatted to his level and picked up the laces. “It’s easy, Jon. You can use a little song to help you remember. These 2 laces are best friends. Tie them together so the fun won’t end. Loop friend 1 and Loop friend two and when they’re tied they’re stuck like-

“-Glue,” Melissa finished for him with a smile. “You still remember when I taught you that song, Just? That was ages ago.”

Justin stood up and blushed, while Jonathan continued to fix his shoes. “Of course I do. My mom was so surprised when I came home from school that day with both of my shoes tied, without them causing me to fall down every two seconds.”

“And I’m sure you took all the credit for it too,” Melissa said grabbing her car keys off the counter. “You want to drive?”

“Your 79’ Mustang? I thought you specifically told me that if I came within 10 of your car, you’d slash the tires on my Bemer?” Justin asked raising an eyebrow. “I think you’re becoming soft in your old age, Lissa.”

“Tires, Justin. Think flat tires.”

“Ok boys,” Melissa said as the three of them reached the crowded entrance of Disney World, “Checklist time.”

Jonathan jumped up and down excitedly grabbing Justin arm. “I see Mickey! Can we go see Mickey, Justin?”

Justin jumped along with Jon. “Yeah can we go see Mickey?”

Melissa rolled her eyes. “Here are your hat and sunglasses, Just.”

Justin gave a low whistle and put them on quickly. “Crap, I almost forgot. Thanks Lissa.”

Melissa pulled a bottle of suntan lotion and began to rub Jonathan’s arms and face. “There. You want some too, Justin?”

“I have a hat.”

“Yeah, but I imagine it’ll be more painful for Keila to comb a nappy and sunburned scalp, huh?” Melissa said tossing him the bottle. Justin took it grudgingly as Melissa gave him a smirk. “Now, is everybody ready?”

Jonathan shook his head furiously.

“Go along, children. Have fun, and don’t get arrested, Justin.” Melissa said with a sigh.

“What do you mean, have fun? You’re hanging with the Timberlake crew today, missy,” Justin said grabbing her arm.

“Do I have to?” Melissa whined.

“Yes,” Justin and Jonathan insisted together.

Melissa shook her head. “What did I get myself into?”

The sun had faded away into darkness when Melissa put the giant white teddy bear in the back seat of the car. She plopped into the passenger with a sigh. “J, I’m exhausted.”

The three of them had nearly tackled every ride in theme park, hugged every cartoon character and taken every “complementary” picture that was thrown in their faces.

Justin sat in the driver seat with Jonathan in his arms, who had fallen asleep right after the three of them had dinner in the one of the parks many theme restaurants. “You ready to study, Lissa?”

Melissa rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. “Right now, I can’t even spell ‘study’ let alone attempt doing it.”

Justin shivered when a few of Melissa’s strands of hair tickled his face. Her hair smelt strangely like baby powder. “I see you’re taking the slacker approach. I’m glad I’ve been some source of bad influence on you the last couple of years.”

“I’m so glad you’re finally admitting to it,” Melissa said lifting her head, sitting up. She picked up the huge teddy bear and tossed it Justin. “I still can’t believe you won this thing, Justin. The game must have been rigged or something.”

Justin flexed an arm and gave an egotistical smile. “With a body like this, what did you expect?”

“Children to run away screaming, perhaps?” Melissa suggested.

“Whatever. The fans have no complaints, obviously.” Justin said pulling Jonathan’s thumb from his mouth.

Neither do I,” Melissa thought to herself. Justin had changed a lot physically from the boy she lived next door to in Memphis. His face had matured, his boyish looks mixing in with the makings of the man, and his sexiness was apparent. His body had grown taller, muscles filling out all the right places, and Justin practically dressed like a GQ model everyday. Any girl in their right mind could see that Justin was eye candy. Melissa snapped to attention when Justin waved a hand in her face. “What?”

“Why are you staring at me like that? Do I have a stain or something?” Justin said looking down to check himself.

“No, its nothing. Let’s go home,” she pulling Jonathan into her lap. She was surprised Justin hadn’t already figured out that she was interested, as if drooling over him in public wasn’t enough of a clue.

Justin started up the car and began to pull out of the parking lot. “Hey, by the way, Johnny’s throwing the tour party tomorrow night at the compound. You’re coming with me, right?”

Melissa mentally checked her calendar and nodded. “Sure. Can Coral come too?”

“Joey said he would call her. He has her number on speed dial,” Justin said with a grin. “I think something funky going on.”

Melissa smiled, thinking of her conversation with Coral earlier. She gave a frown. “Just, what are you going to do Jon tomorrow?”

“My mom will take him or something. I haven’t really thought about,” Justin said scratching his head.

“I thought she and Paul had that party to go to for his job?”

“Crap. What am I going to do? I can’t take him with us because it’ll be way past his bedtime. And I’m positive there’s going to be alcohol there,” he said mentally panicking.

“What about that girl who lives across the street with her mom? She’s like 14 or 15 isn’t she?”

“You mean that kid who I think is staring out her window with binoculars every time I come outside? What about her?” Justin mused.

“Why don’t I call talk to her mom before I go to school tomorrow and see if she can watch him. I doubt you’ll even have to pay her too. Just sign a picture or something,” Melissa said with a laugh.

“Fine, but if we come back and I find 10 million of her teenybopper friends stealing all my underwear for satanic voodoo rituals, I’m going to blame you, Lissa,” Justin said pulling into an intersection.

The conversation in the car slowly stopped as sounds of the lulling engine gave them a peaceful silence. The car grew chilly and Melissa scooted towards Justin for warmth. Justin put him arm around her with a smile and the three people drove off into the night.