...With You

Chapter 11


Second week in July

"I'm telling you Liz, I haven't seen them in over a month." Madison said.
"I just don't understand how you could stay away from them that long" Liz said.
Madison and Elizabeth were laying on the warm sand. Madison's parents had bought this piece of land a few years ago. Madison had started to put herself through school with scholarships and such, and they thought the perfect thing to do with tuition money was to make everyone happy. So they bought two houses down on the beach, fixed them up a bit and started to rent one out. They already got back what they paid for them and Madison always had the remaining house as a permanent place to go to relax. Madison had the summer off. No more school, and the MTV gig didn't start until September. This was the chance to have the summer of her life.
"I don't know what to tell you Lizzie. It's just a weird situation now. I mean JC and I broke up. It's not like I'm going to spend quality time with his best friends." Madison said.
"Well, there's another reason that I think you're crazy. Why the hell would you break up the JC Chasez. I mean aren't fame and money enough for you?" Liz asked.
Madison propped herself up on her elbows. "No, they're not. I wanted him. You know I don't care about that kind of stuff, Liz!" she said.
"Settle down, I was just kidding. I understand your reasons, really, I do." Liz said
"But…." Madison started for her.
"But….Don't you think you could've worked through it without breaking up with him?" Liz suggested.
"I've went through that day over an over in my head thinking the exact same thing. It wasn't just the fact that he lied or the fact that his ex-girlfriend was all over him when I got there. I just didn't feel that I could trust him. Trust is a huge issue with me, especially since Chase." Madison said.
"Oh, now don't start comparing JC to Chase. They are totally different. Chase is a slimeball, JC is…." Liz started.
"…a liar" Madison finished for her.
Liz rolled her eyes. It was impossible to get through to her.
"Look, Liz, I don't want to explain myself, especially to you, ok?" Madison said.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry. I'm even more sorry I couldn't be there for you, but I guess that's what Carson is there for." Liz said.
"Liz, I wouldn't expect you to abandon the chance to study in Paris for a semester for me!" Madison asked.
"I know, but we've known each other forever! I didn't even get to meet them! I sure picked the wrong semester to go away!" Liz said.
Madison laughed at her friend. Elizabeth was her oldest and dearest friend from back home. They'd known each other since first grade and have been best friends ever since. Having her gone for the semester was hell, she sure could've used her advice then.
"Yeah well, it's all over now and you're back! Madison sighed.
"Well, that's the problem….it's all over!" Liz laughed.
Madison smiled and rolled her eyes. "You have a one track mind, girl!" Madison said.
"Ha! You're one to talk Ms. Nsync!" Liz said.
"Well, that's changed a little" Madison said looking down at the sand.
"Yeah, I guess it has" Liz said quietly "So who am I supposed to go to concerts with now?" she wondered aloud.
"Hey! I’m still going to concerts with you, don't count me out just yet! Things are weird, but I'll live with it. I'm still a fan!" Madison said.
"Well, that's good." Liz smiled, turning sides to her back.
Madison got up from her towel.
"I'm gonna grab a drink, you want anything?" she asked.
"Yeah, my usual" Liz answered.
"Alrightie! Two Pina Coladas….comin' right up!" Madison said, walking toward the Tiki Bar.

**~*~*~*~**

Justin sat at the bar. It was nice to sit and not be bothered. They had a four day break from the tour and Justin planned to spend it no where else but this deserted beach. Every other place had been packed with tourists, but finding this private beach was a god sent. So private….so far he saw only one other house and it didn't look as if anyone was there. 'All for the best' he thought to himself. He turned towards the ocean and saw the heavenly image walked toward him. She was perfectly toned and tanned and it showed in the black string bikini she was wearing. His eyes followed her curves up to her face and her hair blowing in the breeze. Justin stopped himself. 'Madison?' he thought. But the girl kept coming toward him, no chance to move now.

**~*~*~*~**

Madison stomped her way through the sand to the bar across the beach. The only bad thing about having your own private beach was that the bar was quite a distance away. As she approached the bar she saw a man looking at her. Instinctively, the smiled. A thought rushed through her head, 'Justin?'. No turning back now as she continued straight for the bar.

**~*~*~*~**

"Well, well, well. There's a sight I didn't expect on seeing." Justin spoke up as Madison approached the bar.
"Justin! How are you?" Madison smiled, reaching her arms out to give him a hug.
"I'm good, I'm good. You?" Justin asked, accepting her embrace.
"I can't complain" Madison said smiling still.
"You on vacation?" Justin asked.
Madison squinted her eyes questionably.
"Alright, I guess that was a stupid question." Justin replied.
"Ha! Well, yeah. Yes, I'm down here with my friend Liz for a few weeks. Just chillin' and catchin' up." She said.
"A few weeks? NYU must pay better than I thought." Justin laughed.
Madison laughed. "Nah, my parents own the two houses down there, so we come down here whenever we can." She said.
"Really?" Justin said. "That would explain why S and S Wilkes was on the property papers, I guess."
"You mean your staying in the other house?" Madison guessed.
"Yeah." He answered.
"What a small world" Madison said.
Justin smiled and started to open his mouth.
"….and if you break out into song, I'm leaving!" Madison laughed.
"Ha ha. Well, alright." Justin said. "If you put it that way, I won't say another word."
"Good. Come on, I'll take you over to meet Liz." Madison said.
Justin smiled and let Madison lead him over to where she and her friend were sitting.
"So, how are the guys?" she asked.
"Good. We're heading into the last part of the tour, and we're getting excited for a little break." Justin answered.
"And JC? How's he?" Madison asked quietly.
"He's alright, I guess." Justin lied. "He hasn't been talking much."
"Oh." Madison said.
"Madd, truth is he's miserable. Miserable without you." Justin confessed.
"Justin, I did what I had to do and I'm sorry to say that I don't regret breaking up with him." Madison said.
"I know. But do you know what a pain in the ass he is to work with!" Justin laughed.
Madison looked at Justin and laughed. "So I suppose you want me to take him back…" she said sarcasically.
"Please!" Said Justin. "At least until the tour is over!" he joked.
"You are too much!" Madison smiled.
"I try." Justin said, smiling.

**~*~*~*~**

Madison and Justin continued to walk toward Elizabeth, who was sitting up looking at Madison and a guy she'd obviously picked up at the bar. "How does she do that?" Liz asked herself aloud. "Guys just flock to her. It's sickening!" she sighed, standing up to greet Madison and her new friend.
"Well, it's about time!" Liz shouted to Madison.
"Sorry, Liz" she said handing her drink to her.
"Liz, I'd like you to meet my friend…" Madison started.
"…Justin" Liz finished for her, surprised.
Justin smiled his hundred watt smile and held out his hand, Liz shook it.
"You must be Elizabeth" Justin said.
"That's me. You can call me Liz though." She said.
"Alright." Justin said smiling.
"J, why don't you join us?" Madison asked.
"Yeah, ok. I'd love too" he said looking at Madison.
Was she this beautiful when she was dating JC. 'She was dating JC' Justin thought to himself. 'Justin, pull yourself together. This would not be a good situation to get yourself into' he thought. He watched Madison smile and talk to her friend. She looked happy, he wondered if she really was or if this was just a front. Even more, he wondered how his friend could ever let this girl get away, for she was more spectacular than anyone Justin had ever met.

**~*~*~*~**

Madison stood up and brushed the sand off her legs. Justin stood up next to her. Liz had went in about a half hour ago to shower and get ready for her date.
"So, Madd. What are you doing tonight?" he asked.
"Nothing, actually." She answered.
"Well then, what do ya say you and I grab a bite to eat." Justin asked.
Madison hesitated. "Do you think that's a good idea?" she asked.
"I'm just talking about dinner, Madd, not getting married!" he laughed.
Madison smiled. "Just dinner?" she asked.
"Alright, maybe dancing too?" Justin suggested.
"Alright, you win." Madison answered smiling.
"Good." Justin smiled. "I'll be by your place by 6."
"Ok. See ya then." She smiled back.
She gathered the rest of her stuff and headed back to her house. Once at the door she turned around and watched Justin walking back towards his house.

**~*~*~*~**

"Madison, is that you?" Liz yelled from the top of the steps.
"No. It's the boggie man. Yes, of course it's me" Madison said.
"Very funny. Now how do I look?" Liz asked, modeling the sundress she had on.
"Nice, and considering that's my dress, I like the outfit too!" Madison smiled.
"Sorry. I would've asked. Besides, you're not going anywhere tonight." Liz said reasonably.
"As a matter a fact, I am." Madison smiled walking up the stairs to start getting ready.
"No. Don't tell me…" Liz started.
"Justin is taking me out to dinner." Madison said simply.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Liz said. "Madison you can't go out with your ex-boyfriend's best friend. It's bad form, and just….…not good!"
"Liz, I'm not going to date him. We're just going out to dinner. We're friends, friends go out to dinner. Carson and I do it all the time." Madison defended.
"Yeah, well, we won't get into you and Carson right now cause you two are a different story. I saw the way Justin was looking at you and I know you saw it too!" Liz said.
"I don't know what you're talking about" Madison said nonchalantly.
"Madison, just be careful, ok?" Liz warned. "You'll hurt more than JC's ego with this."
Madison's smile fell. "I know. But it's just dinner. It'll be fine." She said seriously.
Madison went into the bathroom and started her shower. The last thing she wanted to do was to hurt JC any more than she already had, and she hoped Justin knew that.

**~*~*~*~**

::RIIIIIIIIING::
Madison ran down the stairs to answer the door. Liz had left around five so she knew that Justin had to be the one at the door. She opened the door to see his smiling face.
"Hi." She said smiling.
"Wow, you look great." Justin said.
"Thanks." Madison said, blushing a little.
"I'll be right back down" she said "I just gotta grab my purse."
"Alright, take your time"
Madison got up to her room and took one last look in the mirror. She had decided on a simple black strapless dress that went done just below the knee and her heeled sandals. Her hair hung loose on her shoulders, blond highlights strung through, made by the sun. She put on a little lip gloss and headed back downstairs.
"All ready" she said smiling once she reached the bottom of the stairs.
Justin had already made himself comfortable in the chair in the living room.
"Have I told you how nice you look?" Justin asked.
"Yes, you did." Madison said smiling.
"Well, you do. Shall we go?" Justin asked, getting up.
"Yep. So where are you taking me?" Madison asked.
"I saw a place a little down the beach, looked deserted. That might be a good place." Justin said.
"Sounds good to me." Madison smiled, walking out the door with Justin tagging not far behind.

**~*~*~*~**

Dinner was done and Justin and Madison walked along the sand with the sun setting into the horizon.
"It's a nice night" Justin said.
"Yeah, it is" Madison said quietly.
Justin took a long look at Madison. It didn't take a genius to figure out what she was thinking about.
"You thinking about JC?" he asked.
Madison's head turned to look over at Justin. She smiled.
"What makes you say that?" Madison asked.
"Just wondering, that's all" Justin said quietly.
"Yeah, I still think about him. I can't get away from that, you guys are kind of all over the place." Madison said.
"What about now" Justin asked, not wanting to push her into talking about anything she didn't want to.
"Justin, let me ask you a question. What do you think JC would say if he knew where you were right now?" Madison asked.
Justin looked down into the sand, searching for the right answer.
"He'd probably ask how you were, and then kill me." Justin laughed.
"Justin, it's not funny. I know I hurt him, and I'm accepting that. But I can't stand here and pretend that he's not going to find out about this." Madison said.
"Why should he?" Justin said. "Madison, we just had dinner! That's it."
"You're not going to tell him?" Madison wondered.
"Why should I make him more miserable than he already is?" Justin asked.
Madison sighed and walked down to the water just so it lapped over her feet. Liz was right. Going out with Justin was a mistake, even just for dinner. It was a little uncomfortable, being with JC's best friend, and she would forever see Justin and the rest of the guys as just that. His friends.
"Madison, I know how much he loved you, or loves you rather. But if you're not happy, if he didn't make you happy then you're better off without him. And that really sucks, because he is a pain in the ass to work with when he's miserable like this." Justin said.
Madison turned around and saw Justin standing there.
"I'm sorry you have to deal with the aftershock of this" she smiled. "Breaking up with him wasn't a decision I came to quickly. It's just that I couldn't trust him right then. Walking into that room and seeing Bobbie hanging all over him was appalling, but that was no way as humiliating than the press conference I saw the night before."
Justin nodded. "I understand what you're saying Madison. I'm just telling you that you're not wrong. Don't blame yourself for something that he did or didn't do." He said.
"I don't. I just wish things could've worked out." Madison smiled.
Justin nodded. "I understand" he said. "Can we just forget about JC for awhile and have a good time?" he asked.
"Sounds like a good idea to me" Madison smiled.
"Good. Now, let's go dance!" he said.

**~*~*~*~**

Justin and Madison walked into the club. The music was loud and the lights seemed to be dancing all around the dancing couples on the floor.
"Dance?" Justin asked, turning to Madison.
"Yeah," Madison tried to scream over the music.
As they made their way down to the main dance floor, they received several looks from on-lookers who obviously recognized Justin. Justin saw the questioning looks, but ignored them. Justin and Madison danced close together, his arms brought her closer with every song. Justin didn't know why he was pushing the issue. In the beginning of the night she seemed as if she hardly wanted to be out with him at all. Now, she didn't seem to mind being in his arms.
"You want a drink?" he asked her.
"Yeah, sure. Should I get us a table?" she asked.
"Sounds good." He said, walking off toward the bar.
She spotted an empty table not far from the dance floor and headed toward it, claiming a chair. It felt good to sit down and get off her feet.
Justin spotted her and headed towards the table with their drinks.
"Here Madd" Justin said.
"Thanks." Madison smiled.
Justin took a seat next to Madison. He watched her as she took a sip of her drink.
"Madison! Justin!" he heard a voice yelled.
Before either of them could move, Liz made their way toward them.
"Hey you two" she smiled.
"Hey Liz," they both said.
"Isn't this club awesome?" Liz screamed.
"Yeah, it's pretty good" Madison said.
"So, how was dinner?" she asked looking from Justin to Madison.
"It was good." Justin smiled.
"And you? How's your date….or shall I ask, where's your date?" asked Madison asked.
"Oh, he went to get drinks." Liz answered.
"Well, good, then you can have our table. J? You ready to dance again?" she smiled.
"Absolutely!" Justin smiled, extending his hand to Madison.
Liz ducked her head under their joined hands as Justin led Madison to the dance floor. She watched as Justin's body moved closer and closer to Madison's. Justin's arms seemed to pull Madison closer and closer as time went on and Liz couldn't help but worry about where this was going.

**~*~*~*~**

Madison and Justin walked up the walk-way to her front porch.
"Ya know you really didn't have to walk me back." Madison smiled.
"Are you kidding? You never know what kind of wacko is just waiting on the beach!" Justin joked.
"Well, in that case you better be careful!" Madison laughed.
"Ah, don't worry about me." Justin shrugged.
Madison stopped short at the front door and turned to face Justin.
"I had a really good time" she said smiling.
"So did I" Justin said.
"So, I'll see you tomorrow?" Madison asked.
Justin smiled. "Absolutely." He said.
"Good." Madison said.
At this point they both realized the awkward situation this moment was.
"Well, goodnight Madison" Justin smiled and kissed her quickly on her cheek.
"Goodnight Justin." Madison said.
He turned around and walked down the porch steps and across the sand over to the place he was staying. Madison turned around and headed in the front door. She quietly tip-toed into the main hallway and was about to go up the stairs.
"Well, it's about time!" Liz yelled from the living room.
Madison stopped herself in her tracks, turned and walked towards the living room.
"Hey Liz, what are you doing up?" Madison asked.
"I was waiting up for you" Liz replied.
"Honesty! What a quality!" Madison laughed. "I haven't had someone wait up for me since I was in high school."
"Well, dearie, maybe that's what you need. Someone to wait up for you and smack some sense into you" Liz said.
"Oh no. Not another lecture…." Madison laughed.
"Madison, this isn't funny! Liz shouted.
"Elizabeth, nothing is going on. Nothing is going to go on. I know what I'm doing!" Madison yelled.
"What are you doing?" Elizabeth asked.
Madison sat down on the chair opposite of Liz.
"Liz," Madison started "I'm twenty-two years old, can't I have male friends?" she asked.
"Not ones that are best friends with your ex!" Liz yelled.
"Look, Liz. JC and I are not total enemies or anything. Sure, it's an awkward situation but if I were to see him again it wouldn't be all bad. Justin is here and I had a great time out with him tonight." Madison said.
"Of course you had a good time. You had Justin Timberlake's undivided attention, girl!" Liz laughed.
Madison blushed. "Well, I don't know about that" she said.
"Ok, I promise not to pry anymore into this than you're willing to tell me. But just two more questions." Liz said slyly.
Madison sighed. "Alright, what?"
"Did he kiss you?" Liz asked, smiling.
"Liz!" Madison yelled, shocked.
"Well? Did he?" Liz pushed.
Madison smiled. "Yes, he did. Only on the cheek so don't get too excited." She said.
"I see." Liz said smugly.
"And will you please ask your second question so I can go to bed." Madison said.
"Ok. Second question. Do you wish he kissed you somewhere else?" she asked.
"Ha! I am not answering that!" Madison stood up.
"Why not? You do, don't you?" she smiled.
"Of course not" Madison said.
"Yes you do! I knew it!" Liz followed her.
Madison walked up the stairs and turned around to see Liz standing there behind her.
"Liz, I know you mean well, but really I don't know what is going on, ok?" Madison said softly.
"So, something is going on?" Liz asked seriously now. Madison looked down to the floor. "I just like how I feel when I'm w
ith him, that's all." She admitted.
"Uh-oh. That's never good, for JC's sake anyway." Liz said.
"That's the funny thing. After dinner we took a walk on the beach and I told Justin I thought it was weird for the two of us to be out because of JC. He understood and told me to try to forget about JC for one night and have a good time. Thing is, I didn't think about JC once the entire night after that. There hasn't been one day that I haven't thought about JC, and it was Justin who made me forget him." Madison admitted. "I mean Carson and Tara have both set me up on dozens of dates in the past month and every time I could only think of one person. It's different with Justin."
"Madd, I just want you to be happy. If Justin makes you happy then I say go for it, even with JC standing in the wings. Just be careful, alright?" Liz said.
Madison smiled. "I will." She said hugging Liz. "I will. And when I figure out what the hell is going on, I swear you'll be the first to know."
"I better be." Liz smiled.
"Goodnight, Lizzie" Madison smiled.
" 'Night hon" she answered.
Madison walked into her room and collapsed onto her bed. 'What am I doing?' she thought to herself. 'I seriously can not fall for Justin. Liz is right, it won't be a good situation.' She walked over to her window and glanced off at the ocean. She found herself peering over at the other house on the property. A light had just went out in the upstairs bedroom. "Goodnight Justin" she said aloud. She turned around and turned out her own light, crawling in bed without changing out of her dress.

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