Afterthought

*Something Like You* - A fan fiction story by Tammy "Tammtamm" Frederick © starting July 24, 2001, please email feedback to thetamm@yahoo.com or stories@iwuvjoey.com or come and write about it at Feedback Forum. Sequel to THIS I PROMISE YOU. (inspired by the song Something Like You, written by Justin Timberlake/Robin Wiley; off NSYNC's new album, Celebrity, in stores now!)

It’s been just over six weeks since Joey and Tara and Chris and Danielle were married. They had just celebrated Valentine’s Day and were all settling into married life. Chris and Joey were laying down tracks for the new album as well as working on outside projects; Danielle was busy with running FuMan Skeeto; and Tara was busy with both her own line and helping Trish get the company moved down to Orlando by the end of June.

Joey and Tara seemed to be adjusting really well to being husband and wife, while Chris and Danielle, on the other hand were having some problems adjusting. It was mostly Chris’s fault, he just didn’t feel “married”. He had begun to believe that maybe he and Danielle should not have gotten married. He loved her more than life, but he believed she could do better. He believed they had made a terrible, terrible mistake.

“This isn’t happening… no way! I don’t believe it!” Tara was crying into the phone to her Auntie. She and Joey had received a letter from the county stating that their marriage was not legal as the man who performed it was not a man of the cloth and had no right to do so.

“Tara! Calm down honey. Where’s Joey?” Auntie Linda asked.

"In the studio. Finishing up some work on the new album with the rest of the guys. Why is this happening Auntie? I don’t understand it.” Tara replied. She had thrown the letter on the desk in the den and was now pacing.

“Honey, this isn’t your fault and it’s not Joey’s fault. Don’t blame yourself or him for this. I know that you both and Chris and Danielle had believed that this man was for real. After all, he was your pastor at your church.” Auntie tried to calm Tara down.

“Oh my gosh… Chris and Danielle! They don’t even know yet! I gotta go.” Tara said. She hung up the phone and called Danielle.

“Danielle Kirkpatrick here, may I help you.” Danielle answered her cell phone.

“Dani, it’s Tara… can you meet me at the recording studio? I need to talk with you and Chris and Joey and it can’t wait.” Tara stated.

“Sure… I can be there in thirty minutes.” Danielle replied.

“Great. I’ll see you there.” Tara replied and quickly showered, changed, and got in the car to head towards the guys’ manager’s house. She remembered she left the letter in the den and ran back into the house to get it.

“Tara, where are you going?” Aida yelled as she and Tiny had returned from getting groceries. Tara explained as she ran back out of the house.

“I need to go talk to Joey in person. If Shawn shows up, please tell her I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Tara replied as she sped off out of the driveway.

“I hope everything’s okay.” Aida said as Tiny got on his cell phone to Joey.

---

“Thanks, Tiny. I see her driving up now.” Joey was on the phone with Tiny when Tara pulled up at Johnny Wright’s home.

“Tara? What’s wrong?” Joey asked.

“Is Danielle here yet?” Tara asked as Joey opened her door for her.

“No, why? Should she be here?” he asked.

“Yes. I need to talk to the both of you and Chris. It’s important.” She replied.

“All right, I’ll go get Chris and meet you in the lounge.” Joey gave her a quick kiss to which she didn’t respond and headed back to the studio for Chris. Danielle drove up a few minutes later.

“Sorry I’m late, there was an accident on Coleson.” She explained when she got out of her car.

“No problem, c’mon… we’re meeting the guys in the lounge.” Tara said. They hurried to the lounge. Chris and Joey were waiting anxiously for them.

“Tara… what’s wrong? I know you, you wouldn’t have come if something didn’t happen.” Joey asked right away. Tara took the letter out of her purse.

“This came by special delivery this morning.” Tara said and handed it to Joey. Her hands were shaking.

“Sit.” Joey told her. She sat down on the couch. Joey sat next to her and Chris and Dani sat in chairs on the other side of the coffee table.

“This is absurd.” Joey said, getting angrier the more he read.

“What is it Joey? What?” Chris wanted to know what got Joey so rattled.

“Seems the guy that married us on New Year’s Eve didn’t have the authority to do so. We’re not married.” Joey said to Chris. Danielle’s jaw dropped in disbelief as Joey handed the letter to Chris.

“You’re kidding, right?” Chris asked as he took the letter from Joey and began reading. “Holy cow! You’re not kidding.” Chris said as he showed the letter to Danielle.

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Tara spoke softly.

“Wait a minute… Tara… we’re married in our hearts, we were married for a long time before the ceremony. Don’t let this get you down.” Joey said, “I love you and we’ll fix this.” Joey looked into Tara’s eyes. He loved her so much and he knew she had to be hurting over this letter. He didn’t know how just yet, but he knew that he would correct this error… somehow.

“All right, all right… since this is happening to the four of us, we need to talk to the elders at the church and see what happens next.” Danielle suggested.

“I’m not going back to that church. I no longer have faith and trust in that ministry.” Tara had decided.

“Tara, we need to talk about this. This isn’t the end of the world.” Joey stated.

"Joe, I know that. I just feel so betrayed by this. I’m so disappointed in that church right now.” Tara explained.

“She’s right, you know. Who’s to say that they knew he wasn’t appointed already?” Chris stated. He was secretly hoping that they didn’t know so that he could find a way to tell Danielle that he didn’t want to be married.

“Okay, let’s talk to a lawyer then. We don’t have to go back to that church, but we do need to find out our options and decide where to go from there. Possibly make new wedding plans.” Danielle suggested.

“Lawyer would be good.” Joey admitted as he looked at Tara, “Don’t blame yourself Tara. I can see that you’re starting to in that pretty little head of yours already.” Joey wiped away a loose hair from Tara’s eyes.

“Can anything else go wrong in our lives?” Tara asked him.

“Don’t think like that. If this all turns out to be legitimate, we will just have to redo our vows.” Joey said.

“When? At the end of the year when we both will be able to fit it in? Because at this rate, that’s going to be the first time we’ll be able to.” Tara replied. Between her clothing line, the company, FuMan Skeeto, Joey shooting the movie with Lance and then going into rehearsals for the tour, time would be very precious for them over the next year.

"Tara, when it comes to the two of you, you both always find the time and make the time. Things will work out.” Chris stated.

“Well, I know you two need to get back in there… I should go. I left the house in a huff and I’ve got a teleconference at three with Trish.” Tara had distanced herself from the conversation. She needed to absorb everyone’s thoughts and think about them away from the group. Joey knew she’d talk to him about this when he got home.

“I’ll walk you to the car. See you in a few Chris?” Joey asked. Chris nodded.

“You okay to drive? I could drive you home and then come back.” Joey suggested when they got out to the car.

“I’ll be fine. I just knew that I couldn’t keep this under wraps until you got home tonight. Try not to be too late. I know how you guys get when you’re laying down tracks.” Tara said.

“C’mere, Mrs. Fatone. I love you.” Joey told her and kissed her passionately.

“I love you too, Mr. Fatone. Now get to work.” She said and swatted him on the butt as he turned to walk away from her.

Tara left the recording studio feeling defeated. She didn’t know what to do next. Go through a lawyer or go to the church and demand an answer.

She made it back to the house in time for her meeting with Trish. She counted to ten before dialing in for the meeting. Trish could always tell when something was bothering Tara and called her on it at the end of the meeting.

“All right Tara… spill.” Trish said.

“There’s nothing to spill.” Tara replied.

“Whatever you say Mrs. Fatone.” Trish continued, egging Tara on. She never addressed Tara as Mrs. Fatone unless it was to tick Tara off. It always worked.

“Don’t call me that!” Tara snapped.

"What do you mean? What happened? Did you and Joey have a major fight?” Trish asked. Tara had never replied so harsh before.

“Nothing Trish… just let it go. I’ve just had a very long and trying day. How’s Adrianna?” Tara tried to change the subject.

“Not going to work. You know if you don’t tell me, I’m calling Joey for answers so tell me.” Trish stated.

“We’re not married, Trish.” Tara sighed heavily before she spoke, “The man who married us was not licensed to do so.” Tara broke down in tears.

“No way! But isn’t he a pastor at your church?” Trish asked.

“Trish, I just don’t want to discuss this right now. I’m trying to just let it go and wait until Joey gets home. We’re going to check out our options with a lawyer, I think. I don’t know about Chris and Danielle though.” She admitted.

“What can I do?” Trish asked.

“Nothing really. I should go. Shawn should be here any second to work on the website. You’re still planning on coming down next weekend with Adrianna, though, right?” Tara said.

“Definitely, but we’ll talk before then. Try to have a good night.” Trish replied before hanging up the phone.

Shawn showed up a few minutes later, ready to work on Tara’s clothing line website.

Aida had made them a chicken dinner, which they ate while working. It was nearly nine pm when they ended for the evening.

"So how are things with you and JC?” Tara asked as she helped Shawn pack up some things.

“I don’t know how to answer that. I barely see him for more than a few minutes at a time right now. He’s been spending all of his waking moments in the studio. This is so hard.” Shawn admitted, “much harder than I thought I could ever imagine.”

“I know how you feel. But know that he loves you very much.” Tara said.

“I know.” Shawn smiled as she remembered the little notes he always left around the house for her, and in her car, and in the pantry.

“What?” Tara asked. She noticed Shawn had gone somewhere else.

“He leaves me little notes all over the place. It’s cute.”

“Awe, that’s sweet. How about I convince Joey that we need a dinner night, just me and him, and then maybe that would help give you and JC some alone time if Joey says he feels like he’s neglecting me.” Tara plotted.

“You’d do that for me?” Shawn asked.

“You betcha! In a heartbeat.” Tara stated.

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.” Shawn replied.

“Don’t thank me. Just have a great night alone with that man of yours.” Tara said. She walked Shawn out to her car.

“Well, I’m thanking you in advance because if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have JC in my life like this.” Shawn said. She gave Tara a hug before getting into the car.

"Drive carefully! Call me!” Tara waited until Shawn was out of sight before going back into the house. She made herself a cup of tea and went back into the den. She pulled out the letter again and then pulled out the wedding video and pictures. How could that all be so real only to end in a nightmare? Could someone just be playing a cruel, cruel joke on them? Tara fell asleep reminiscing about her wedding day.

When Joey finally got home, it was nearly two am. He and Chris had gotten home around one-thirty but were discussing the letter and what to do. Joey figured that Tara had gone up to bed so he didn’t check in the den for lights or anything when he locked up the house. He knew that letter was upsetting to Tara, heck, it was upsetting to him, but he knew that they would just go to another pastor and get married again. It was Chris and Danielle he was worried about.

A very weary Joey made his way up to the bedroom and instantly knew Tara wasn’t in the bed. Her second place to sleep was the den. Joey went back down to the den, scooped her up, and took her up to bed.

“Tara, honey.. I have to go back to the studio.” Joey said at eight-thirty the next morning.

“What time is it?” Tara asked as she stretched.

“Too early. Don’t you have the CNN interview today?” Joey asked.

“Oh gosh! I forgot all about that! I have to be in Miami by three pm!” Tara shot out of bed. “Crud…” she mumbled as she ran into the bathroom. Joey ran after her.

“Hey! Don’t stress over it. What time is the car coming for you and Kevin?” Joey asked.

“Nine.” She replied as she turned on the shower.

“C’mon, we’ll shower together. “Joey said and offered his hand to her.

“Okay.” Tara grinned.

“I’ll see you tonight?” Joey asked as Tara was headed out the door, wet head and barely dressed in her power suit twenty-five minutes later. He followed her out the door.

“Yeah, there’s nothing else planned after the interview. We’ll be home right after… probably around seven or so.” Tara replied as she put on her jacket.

“C’mon T! You don’t wait to be late for CNN.” Kevin replied.

Kevin Nash was co-owner of the security services that Jive Records and Marshall Designs used. Although Kevin normally stayed behind the scenes, whenever Tiny needed an extra hand or if it was a solo long trip for Tara or Trish, Kevin cleared his schedule.

“How have you been Kevin?” Tara asked once they got underway. She was brushing out her damp hair, getting ready to French braid it.

"Not too bad. Keeping busy. Enjoying not having a battered and bruised body. How’s Trish?” Kevin replied.

“She’s good. She and Adrianna will be down next weekend.” Tara replied.

Trish and Kevin had gotten really close while Joey and Tara had been on their honeymoon. When Kevin made Trish choose between her job and him, she chose the only thing that made her truly happy at that time. Her job. She and Travis had split up, not because of a lack of love and respect, but because she was lonely. Being a Navy wife had taken its toll on her physically and mentally.

“Darn, I’ll be out of town.” Kevin responded, “Here, let me do that.” Kevin offered to do Tara’s French braid. She handed over her hairbrush and scrunchie.

“Please, do your thang.” She laughed. As Kevin did her hair, she couldn’t help but drift off to that letter about her marriage. When Kevin finished her hair and handed her back her brush, he noticed she was somewhere else.

“Hey Tara…” Kevin asked louder than normal.

“Yeah?” she snapped out of it.

“All done. Where’d you go?” Kevin asked as he handed her back her brush.

“Just mentally reviewing notes for the interview. So tell me… what’s going on with WCW and such?” I haven’t had a chance to watch it lately.” Tara asked Kevin. She was telling him the truth. She had been busy night and day working on her fall line.

Kevin did a McCauley Culkin face and then dove into bringing Tara up to date on the fate of WCW.

Meanwhile, at the recording studio…

“Guys… we need to talk.” Chris said as soon as JC arrived. He was late, as usual. Joey looked at Chris to try to get a notion on what the discussion was about. Chris looked at him as if to say `yeah, it’s about yesterday’.

“What’s on your mind, old man?” Justin asked as he sipped some hot tea.

“Remember yesterday when Tara and Danielle had stopped by?” Chris asked. Everyone nodded and smiled.

“Seems the four of us aren’t legally married.” Chris said. Lance, JC, and Justin were shocked and since Joey already new, he looked down at the floor. He was trying to avoid eye contact with the guys so that they couldn’t see the pain he was in.

“This is a joke, right?” JC asked as Chris handed the letter to Lance.

“Joey?” Justin asked.

“Yeah?” Joey’s voice cracked with emotion. This situation hadn’t affected him the day before like it was doing at that moment.

“This is real all right. Very real.” Lance said in the background.

“What are y’all gonna do?” Justin asked.

“Well, that’s why I wanted to talk before our session. Danielle and I have decided we’re better off as friends and co-workers rather than husband and wife. She’s moving out as we speak.” Chris told them all. The guys were all stunned.

“Oh my god, Chris! This is huge!” JC commented.

“I know.” Chris replied. He was trying not to cry.

“Joey? What about you and Tara?” Lance asked.

“We haven’t had a chance to fully discuss this yet.” He admitted.

“You guys ready to work?” Johnny came down the hall.

“Actually Johnny… we have a situation that we’re discussing, can we have a few more minutes?” Chris asked.

Back in the limo…

Tara was reviewing some notes for her interview when her cell phone rang.

“Tara Fatone, may I help you?” she answered her phone.

“It’s Dani. It’s over!” Danielle cried into the phone.

“What? What’s over?” Tara asked.

“Chris and I. He’s not ready for marriage. He said we’d be better off as friends, that he could never be the kind of husband I need him to be. That I deserve someone more serious and, and family oriented.” Danielle cried.

“Oh no, Dani! I’m so sorry…” Tara replied, trying not to cry.

“This is all just so unreal.” Dani cried.

“Dani, do you want me to cancel my CNN interview and come home?” Tara asked.

“No… no… I’m going to pack as much as I can and go stay at my mom’s for a few days.” Dani explained.

“If you need anything… call me.” Tara insisted.

“I will… Um, just so you know, Denise is going to reschedule tomorrow’s meeting for next week some time. I need to take a few days to get everything sorted out.” Dani sounded a little calmer.

“Are you sure?” Tara asked as her call waiting beeped in.

“Thanks, but I’ll be fine. You’d better get that.” Dani quickly hung up the phone so Tara could answer her other line.

“Hello? Tara Fatone.”

“Tara, it’s in the news.” Trish said quickly.

“What’s in the news?” Tara couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“Someone leaked to the press, Tara. I just heard on the radio about the four of you not being legally married.” Trish stated much slower.

“Crud! I don’t need this right now.” Tara said. Kevin looked up from the book he was reading.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Is that Kevin? Where are you?” Trish asked.

“I’m on my way to do an interview and yes, he is.” Tara replied.

“Man, I miss him. Anyway… you’d better call the guys and Dani and warn them. I’ve got to go… taking Adrianna to the `Y’ for her swim class, then I’m in meetings all afternoon. Call me later.” Trish said and hung up.

“Who was that?” Kevin asked as Trish stared at the phone.

“Um, Trish. We’re not doing the interview.” Tara said. She brought the partition down and asked the driver to turn around. She then called her publicist and asked her to cancel citing a family emergency. She called and left a voicemail for Danielle and then called Johnny Wright directly to let him know what she knew.

“Now what?” Kevin asked when she had finished on the phone.

“Would you mind hanging out with me for the day?” she asked. She then told Kevin about the marriages not being legal and how everything was hitting the fan.

“Sure, I’ll stick around.” Kevin replied. “How did Trish sound?” he asked, changing the subject. He missed Trish too much.

“Fine.” Tara replied as her phone rang. She knew by the ring that it was Joey.

“Hi honey.” She answered the phone.

“Hi. Johnny just told us that the press knows about the letters? You okay?” Joey was concerned.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Marybet canceled my interview with CNN, citing a family emergency. We’re on our way home. We should be there in another hour or so.” Tara explained.

“Okay, Johnny’s going to release a statement for us. Have you talked to Danielle today?” Joey asked.

“Danielle’s devastated. How’s Chris?” Tara asked.

“The same. But I’m more worried about you. We’re both so busy that we really don’t have the time to talk about this and we should.” Joey admitted.

“I’m holding my own. I know we’ll discuss this and sort it all out together. I know we’ll eventually have another ceremony, and like you said last night, in our hearts we’re already married.”

“I do love you, Tara. You know that.” Joey emphasized every word for her.

”Yes, as I love you. Go get buried in your music. That will help you all forget for a little while. “Tara said as she opened her day planner.

“Why don’t you come to the studio? You can get lost in it with us?” Joey suggested.

“After I get out of this power suit, I’ll be there with Kevin tagging along.”

“Good girl. See you soon.” Joey said.

“Love you.” Tara blew him a kiss before hanging up the phone.

When Tara and Kevin arrived back at her home, she explained everything to Aida before going up to change.<HR> When Tara and Kevin arrived at Johnny’s, Lance was sitting on top of the picnic table going over some lyrics.

“Hey Lance! How’s it going?” Kevin said after he got out of the car. Lance waved without looking up.

“Lance? What’s everyone doing?” Tara asked. Lance stopped going over the lyrics to greet Tara.

“Hey! Joey said you were on your way back here. He told me about your call with Dani. She okay?” Lance asked as he met Tara and Kevin on their way to the door.

“Not by a long shot. Chris?”

“No way. He hasn’t cracked one joke yet. Kevin! Hey man!” Lance finally realized Kevin was there.

“Hey Lance.” Kevin chuckled. He knew how intense a person could get when working on something and he wasn’t offended by it.

“Well, Lance, you looked quite busy trying to get those lyrics down. We’ll let you get back to it.” Tara gave him a kiss on the cheek and followed Kevin into the house.

Kevin was spotted by Tiny and was summoned over to a pow wow Tiny was having. Tara found one of the assistants who told her to go on into the studio.

When she saw Chris, it was so obvious he hadn’t had any sleep and that he was upset.

Justin saw Tara right away and mouthed “Thank God” and gave her a thumbs up as Chris continued to lay down a track. Justin went to Tara.

“Hey!” Justin embraced Tara.

“Hi. Chris looks terrible.” Tara said.

“Yeah, after we get this track, I was hoping… actually, I think the rest of the gang is hoping as well, that you’ll take him home and make him get some sleep. You have a way with him that gets through to him when none of us can.” Justin said.

“Of course. Where’s Joey?”

“Talking with Johnny about something. Have a seat.” Justin said and moved some papers off a chair.

Joey appeared a few minutes later and greeted his wife. When Chris was finished an hour later, Joey, Justin, JC, and Lance convinced him to go back to Joey’s and Tara’s with Tara and get some sleep.

---

“I’m making him pasta.” Aida explained when Tara entered the kitchen after checking on Chris. He was sound asleep in the downstairs guestroom and had been for an hour.

“Make enough for all the guys. I have a feeling this is where they’ll all come for their dinner break.” Tara suggested as she poured herself some ice tea.. She remembered the first time she tried to do that, she dropped the glass, breaking it, and scaring the hell out of the cat. She smiled at that memory.

“So, do you and Joey know what you’re going to do about your marriage license?” Aida asked, bringing Tara back to the present.

“No, we haven’t had the chance to talk about it. I’m pretty sure we won’t be using that church, let alone attending it ever again.” Tara replied as she tasted Aida’s sauce, adding more garlic to it.

“I saw that! You’re as bad as Joey!” Aida laughed.

“Can I help it if I like garlic?” Tara blushed. She had been caught in the act.

“Just like my own children, you are! You know that?” Aida replied as she continued to chop up vegetables for the tossed salad.

“I know. That’s why you love me as much as you do.” Tara leaned over the island and kissed Aida on the cheek and then she headed to the den to gather some reports to review while she watched over Chris in the guest bedroom. Once she was done reviewing the reports, she did some sketching. Chris finally began to stir an hour later.

“Chris?” Tara asked when she thought he was awake. She went over to his bedside and saw that he was dreaming. “Chris, c’mon baby… it’s just a dream.” Tara gently shook him to wake him up.

“What the?” Chris said as he opened his eyes and realized where he was. “Tara?”

“Yeah… you were dreaming. You all right?” she asked as he sat up.

“I’m okay… just really tired.” He told her.

“It’s okay. Go back to sleep.” Tara instructed.

“I can’t. I need to get back to the studio.” Chris went to get up.

“Oh no you don’t. The guys sent you here to get some rest and that’s what you’re going to do. Got it?” Tara said as she stopped him from getting out of bed.

“Tara?” Chris didn’t argue with her and laid back down.

“Yeah.” She replied as she sat down on the bed next to him.

“Why are you with Joe?” Chris wanted to know.

“Because I love him and I’m happy with him.” She was honest with Chris.

“Do you see yourself with him for the rest of your life?” he wanted to know.

“Yes, yes I do. Why are you asking this of me? Does it have to do with you and Dani?” she asked.

“Because I don’t see me and Dani together like that. I never did. I always pictured her with someone else and me living it up somewhere.” He admitted.

“You two have been together for years, you both love each other. I can still see it in your eyes how much you love her. You’re heart is breaking right now over this whole mess. Why did you ask her to marry you and then why did you continue to go through with it if you knew that you two would not be together forever? Why did you lie to your family and friends, to her, and more importantly to yourself? Did you feel pressured by all of us to ask her?” Tara was curious to know.

“I do love her, Tara. I do. And I thought that being married is what I wanted for me and her, but she’s not happy being married to me and I’m not happy being married. Maybe I’m not happy being married to her, maybe if I was married to someone else, it would be different. Who knows? All I know is that I’m not the guy for her. I’m not the guy I envision her with in life. She deserves someone who’s going to be home in time for dinner every night. She deserves someone who will love her the way she deserves to be loved. That man is not me. As for the pressure question, I didn’t feel it from the guys… maybe from myself, but not them.” Chris was talking to Tara. She was happy he wasn’t shutting her out.

“Pressure from yourself?” Tara asked.

“Yeah, I’m going to be thirty in October. I thought that I should settle down and get married. I’ve told you before that I love Danielle, and I do, very much. But something’s missing. I can’t explain it, but for me, I guess love just isn’t enough in my life right now.” Chris laid back down into the pillows of the bed.

Tara thought for a few moments about what she was going to say as she held his hand in silence.

“Chris, I love you and I know that you’re hurting right now. If you need me and Joey, we’re here for you. You and Dani are two very caring people and are very special to us. Don’t beat yourself over this. Dani wouldn’t want you two, the guys don’t want you to, and all of us won’t let you.” She said as she gave him a hug.

“Thanks sis.” Chris replied.

“Now, get some sleep. The guys will probably come over for dinner break. I’ll try to keep it quiet. You’re not going back until tomorrow.” Tara took on the protective sister role.

“Yes, mom.” He mocked.

“Close your eyes and get some rest. I’ll be back in a little while.” Tara stated as she left the room. She went into the kitchen to find a note from Aida that everything was done and the pasta was warming in the crock-pot. The note also said that Joey and the guys would be home by seven.

Tara decided to check her email and call Trish. She was lucky, Trish was on instant messenger so she didn’t have to call her.

They chatted until Tara heard several cars pull into the driveway. She hastily said goodbye to Trish and ran out to greet the guys and keep the noise down to a minimum.

“We’re calling it a night.” Joey explained as he greeted her with a hug and passionate kiss.

“In that case, JC… go home and surprise Shawn. She misses you.” Tara pointed JC back to his car.

“Alright then. Guys, I’ll see all of you tomorrow.” JC bid farewell to the gang and left the grounds.

“What’s that all about?” Justin asked.

“He’s got a girlfriend who hasn’t seen much of him lately. I sent him home. C’mon, Aida made a big crock-pot full of pasta for everyone, but keep it down. Chris is sleeping.” Tara warned them all.

“How is he?” Joey asked.

“Heartbroken. He made the toughest decision he has ever had to make and he believes it’s the right one and what is best for Danielle and for himself.” Tara said as they walked back into the house.

“I’m gonna check on him.” Justin said as he headed upstairs.

“I put him down here, Juju.” Tara directed Justin to the downstairs guest bedroom.

After dinner, Justin and Lance went home while Joey helped Tara with the dishes.

“Finally, some time to talk.” Joey said as he picked up a towel.

“Yes… finally. What should we do about the letter?” she asked as she washed dishes the old fashioned way.

“I’d like us to talk to a lawyer about this letter. I want to see if there are any actions we can take against the church and this guy. Then, I want us to get married again.” Joey said.

“The lawyer sounds good. About the marriage thing, could we just elope this time?” Tara asked.

“I’m all for it. Especially with our schedules getting so hectic and everything; and we also should issue a statement about the situation. Johnny suggested it.” Joey told her.

“I know. There was an email from Marybet telling me the same thing. I was thinking something along the lines of “Joey and Tara have every intention of rectifying this error. Please respect our privacy as well as the privacy of our friends and family as we attempt to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible.”” Tara recited

“Ooh, that’s good. That’s very good.” Joey replied.

“Good, because I’ve written it down and was going to have Shawn help me put it up on the IWuvJoey.com site as well as my business site.” Tara said.

“C’mere, Mrs. Fatone. I don’t believe I’ve told you how much I love you today.” Joey stopped drying the dishes and wrapped his arms around her. As they were kissing, Chris cleared his throat from the entryway.

“Hey Chris. I’m sorry, did we wake you?” Tara asked, breaking away from Joey.

“Nay, my stomach did. Hi Joey.” Chris said.

“Hey CK. How’d you sleep?” Joey asked as he greeted his friend.

“Have a seat. I’ll heat up a plate for you.” Tara said. Chris did as she suggested.

“Same as you… with both eyes closed.” Chris cracked a joke.

“I fell for that one.” Joey chuckled, “How are you feeling?”

“Same old, same old I guess. Where’s the rest of the guys?” Chris was shocked that they weren’t there, hovering over him.

“They went home. We haven’t had a free night in a while.” Joey stated.

“All right. So, do you two know what you’re going to do about the letter?” Chris asked. Tara let Joey tell Chris their plans. “Guess I should call Dani and try to coordinate a statement as well. Can I borrow your phone?” Chris asked. Tara handed him the kitchen headset and he called Dani’s cell phone.

"Dani? We need to talk.” Chris began. Tara placed a glass of milk and the pasta in front of Chris and led Joey out of the kitchen. They had their own phone calls to make to their publicists, Johnny, and family and friends.

Chris came into the den an hour later, still on the phone with Danielle.

“Dani and I were wondering if we could all release the statement together.” He asked. Joey and Tara looked at each other.

“That would probably be the best thing to do.” Tara admitted. Joey agreed.

The plan was set. Joey, Tara, Chris, and Danielle would face the press and the fans the next day outside the FuMan Skeeto offices to discuss the letter.

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