© August
10th, 2001
by Tammtamm for IWuvJoey.com
**Disclaimer: I do not know *NSYNC, their bodyguards, Wade (the sixth member of NSYNC) & his wife, Johnny Wright, or Richard Marx (although I’ve met RM on several occasions). This story is purely fictional and all the characters in this story come from my brain and mine alone. I have to thank a few friends who encouraged me to write this stuff… S.A. à This one’s for you girl. Dragon à you get the naughty side in me working. Ang à I know, I know… it’s not BSB… but it’s OH SO GOOD! **
“Is Shawn available?” asked JC to the man who answered the phone at the Systems department of Jive Records in Orlando, Florida. JC was calling his girlfriend from the road.
“She’s not in today, may I take a message?” the man replied.
“No, no thank you.” JC said as he stared at the receiver for a minute.
“JC, what’s wrong?” Joey Fatone, Jr. asked one of his best friends.
“Shawn didn’t go to work today. She told me she’d be there. Something’s up.” JC replied.
“JC, she’s allowed to have her own life. Don’t smother the woman.” Joey offered some advice.
“Not everyone else’s relationship can be like yours and Tara’s.” JC replied.
“I’m sure she’s alright. Did you try her cell phone?”
“Says that the mobile phone user is out of the area.”
“Maybe she went home to her folks for a few days? After all, with Tara and Trish in Paris and Betsy up at Yale, there’s not much for her in Orlando without you and her friends.” Joey pointed out. JC looked at his watch. It was only 2pm in LA and 5pm in Orlando. All he wanted was to hear Shawn’s wonderful, sweet voice for a few minutes before he had to do sound check.
“What is JC’s problem?” Chris Kirkpatrick asked he joined Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, and Joey in the game room of the arena. He had passed a spacey JC in the hallway. JC was looking a bit down.
“Missing Shawn… he’ll be alright.” Joey insisted.
“Have you heard from Tara?” Chris asked. He hadn’t heard from Trish since she called the day before.
“She called and left me a voicemail this morning.” Joey smiled, remembering how sexy Tara’s voice sounded.
“Hmmm, I think something’s up with the women in our lives.” Chris said out loud.
“Nah… I think we just need to realize that our women do not sit at home 24/7 waiting for us to call.” Joey replied.
“Justin, what do you think?” Chris asked.
“I think you’re all nuts, but that’s just my personal opinion.” Justin grinned. The guys each threw bits of clothing at him.
“So you didn’t tell him she was coming out, did you?” Chris questioned Joey.
“Of course not. Wait until he sees her next to the catwalk with Janeane and my folks. Don’t be surprised if he flubs a line or not.” Joey couldn’t help but laugh.
“You are evil, Fatone… truly evil.” Chris chuckled.
“Hi sweetie. It’s me… miss you. Just wondering where you are? You weren’t at work, you’re not at home, and you’re not answering your celly. Call me when you get this.” JC left another message for Shawn on her cell phone. She had just landed in LA and was meeting up with Joey’s family when she saw the phone ring and his number pop up. She knew if she talked to him, she wouldn’t be able to hide her excitement any longer and tell him she’d be seeing him soon so she decided not to answer it.
“Guys… where’s JC?” Johnny Wright asked his guys before sound check.
“Right here. What’s up?” JC came careening down the corridor on a bike.
“The mayor and the head of Health and Human Services have asked us to cancel tonight’s show because of the heat. They’re concerned about the temp tonight still being in the eighties and with the fans having been here since early this morning, their concerned about those who haven’t been drinking enough fluids and such.”
“Johnny, we can’t cancel. Those fans out there came here to see us. How about we only open with BBMak and then we’ll go on? We can do the show… And there’s plenty of water available for everyone. Just get the complex to get out some hoses and hose people down if they have to. We don’t want to let the fans down.” Chris replied. Joey was beginning to wonder if maybe he should tell his family and Shawn to turn around and go home.
“Gang, we really should. What about you guys? You’ll be up there dancing under all the lights and then that mixed in with the temperatures still being so high, that’s going to take it’s toll.”
“He’s got a point guys.” Joey admitted. They all discussed it for a few minutes and agreed to cancel the show and push the date to the end of the tour so that they’d come back. They also wanted to be the ones to tell the fans that the show would be canceled. Johnny got a few bullhorns and managed to sneak one of the guys over to a radio station van to relay the news. JC was the chosen one.
“Hey JC! Thanks for stopping by. We know you’re busy, but why did you come out here? How’d you get past your security team?” one of the DJ’s asked.
“Well, I need to deliver some bad news to everyone. The mayor of Los Angeles as well as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services has asked that we postpone the concert because of the heat and humidity. It’s one thing for the guys and I to put ourselves at risk, but to have all our fans out there in the sweltering heat; we don’t want to see anyone hurt so we’re asking that everyone go home. We’ll reschedule tonight’s show for the end of the tour and all tickets will be honored, however, for those who traveled to see us and will not be able to come back to see us, they can be refunded.” JC said solemnly.
Shawn heard this announcement and called him on his cell phone as soon as he was off the air.
“JC, baby, everything all right?” she asked.
“We had to cancel tonight’s show because of the heat out here. Where are you?” JC asked.
“On my way back from dinner.” She replied. It wasn’t exactly a lie. They had picked up some fast food on the way to the hotel.
“You’re still flying out tomorrow, right?” JC asked.
“Yes. I can’t wait to see you.” Shawn told him.
“I miss you too.” He was a little somber.
“Just think honey, no performing tonight, you can go back to the hotel and relax and get some sleep.” She tried to sound enthusiastic.
“True… I didn’t think of that. But, I’d much rather be holding you in my arms.”
“You’ll be doing that soon enough. Oh… I have a message for you from RM. He said that the new song is on its way back to you and he thinks it’s fabulous.” Shawn said.
“Really? Great! Uh oh… I gotta go… I’ll call you when I get back to the hotel.” JC said and hung up quickly. They were being escorted to the tour buses to go back to the hotel.
“Who were you talking to?” Lance asked.
“Shawn.” JC smiled. He was feeling better now that he had heard her voice.
Once inside the tour bus, the guys waved to the ever-faithful fans that had waited around to get a glimpse of the guys. Johnny was riding back with them to apprise them of what was going to happen with the next shows and the heat.
When Joey had a free minute, he went up to the front of the bus to call Shawn’s celly. The guys were still about an hour away from their hotel.
“Shawn here.” Shawn said when she answered the phone.
“Hey, it’s Joey. Are you guys there yet?”
“Yeah… Eric and Bradley gave me your instructions. Everything’s set. I’m glad we could get him good on his birthday.” Shawn replied.
“You’re the one who made this possible by getting off a day early. He’s going to be so surprised. You okay?” Joey asked.
“Yeah, I just can’t wait to see him. It’s been nearly three weeks because of schedules and such. We’re just pulling up to the hotel now. Janeane has the video camera ready to go.”
“Cool… we should be there in an hour or so because of traffic. Hopefully that should give you enough time.”
“It does, thanks Joe…” Shawn hung up the phone as Joey’s father helped her out of the limousine.
Justin and Chris were racing on the PlayStation 2 when Joey went back towards the back of the bus. Lance was on the phone about something and JC was in the midst of writing again.
“Where’d you go Joey?” Justin asked, not taking his eyes off of the TV.
“Up front for a minute to check my phone messages to see if Tara called.” Joey replied.
“Did she?” Chris and JC asked in unison.
“Nope.” He replied.
“Wanna race with us?” Justin asked. Joey jumped in and raced with the guys.
When the tour bus had arrived at the hotel, a few fans were standing outside screaming, each of the guys signed autographs and talked with the fans for a few minutes before going inside to their rooms. Joey had Tiny call ahead to let Shawn know they were in the building.
When JC opened the door to his room, he found a small, gift-wrapped box in the center of his bed with a card. `Open Me first’ was written on the card on the box. JC opened it to see a small, framed picture of him and Shawn at the table at the wedding reception on New Year’s Eve, totally oblivious to their surroundings. He smiled as he remembered that night. He put the box down, but held onto the picture and picked up the card. He anxiously opened the card and saw that it was hand made. He laughed at the front of the card. It was a sketch of a man and a woman, sitting in their seats on an airplane. The woman was gripping her hands to the arms of the chair and had her eyes firmly closed shut, the man was singing to her. Under the caption was written “Just a touch of heaven”. Another memory of him and Shawn that he cherished… singing that song to her. He opened the card.
Twenty-five years ago today an angel was born. Eight months and several days ago, I was fortunate to meet that angel. He can make me smile when I’m sad; lift me up when I’m down. Who would have guessed that we’d be together and so much in love like we are now? God has given me a gift and that gift is you, JC. The gift I want to give you, I can’t because of work. It’ll have to wait a day until I can be in your arms again… wait… does it have to wait another day? Go talk to Joey about it? See what he says! Happy Birthday my love… Shawn.
“What does Joey have to do with all this?” JC asked out loud. He took the card and the picture with him and knocked on the connector door. “Joey, it’s JC… got a minute?” he asked.
“Come on in!” Joey replied from the far side of the room. He had the video camera and was going to tape JC’s response to seeing Shawn.
“Joey… need your opinion on some…” JC was looking down at first when he opened the door to Joey’s room. When he looked up, he saw Shawn with a huge bow tied around her. The sad expression he had worn for a few days was now gone. He quickly reached Shawn and scooped her up and twirled her around.
“Happy Birthday JC!” Shawn laughed as he spun her around and around.
“The best birthday present I ever received.” He replied as he let her down and kissed her. “When did you get here? Who helped you? I have missed you so much.” JC just let his laughter take over as he hugged her again.
“I’ve missed you too. The guys all decided that the best birthday present that they could ever give you was to have me come out a day early to help you celebrate your birthday. I managed to pull some strings and got the coverage for today that I needed and here I am.” She explained.
“The guys all knew?” JC asked. He should have known.
“Yup. Every last one of them.” She smiled as Joey cleared his throat. JC turned to finally see Joey standing in the corner holding the video camera.
“You guys are so dead. Turn that thing off.” JC told Joey.
“Awe man.” Joey was bummed. He turned off the video camera and put it down.
“What else is planned for today?” JC asked the two of them.
“Can’t tell you that. It’s a surprise.” Joey replied. JC looked at Shawn.
“Nothing that I know of, sweetheart, but you know what? Let’s go take a nap? Flying takes a lot out of ya.” She replied.
“How did you manage to take that plane all by yourself?” he asked as he let her lead him back to his room. Joey closed the door behind them.
“I closed my eyes and imagined you singing to me.” She replied as she backed him up against the bed and gently pushed him down on it. The look between the two of them was intense.
JC and Shawn had taken their relationship slowly, one day at a time. They had made plans to move in together, but he got busy with the new album and tour and she got busy with moving down to Orlando and getting a new job and such. She was actually staying with Lance because he insisted that he needed someone to housesit for him because he was never there. Which was true. If he wasn’t on tour with the guys, he was in Nashville, or at the office, or off seeing Betsy at school, or promoting Meredith or the group. She didn’t mind it, but neither she nor JC could wait until the tour was over for her to move into his house with him.
JC couldn’t take the look any longer and reached up to kiss her. She anxiously responded in kind and the foreplay had begun. Totally lost in each other, they kissed and petted for a little while before giving in to sleep. It was the first real sleep that either had gotten in days.
When JC woke around 7:30, Shawn was still asleep, nestled in the crook of his arm with her arm across his chest. He loved moments like these. He loved to watch her sleep. He loved to have her in his arms. He just loved being with her. He loved her.
“What are you smiling about birthday boy?” Shawn asked a few moments later.
“What’s not to stare at?” he complimented her as his cell phone rang.
“You’d better get that.” She blushed and moved away from him.
“Hello?” he answered the phone.
“Happy Birthday JC!” Tara and Trish yelled into the phone. He had to hold it away from his ear. Shawn laughed as she heard them screaming.
“Hey… what are you two doing over there? No monkey business!” Tara teased.
“We’d expect to hear that from Trish and not you Tara.” Shawn shot back.
“Ain’t that the truth! I’m telling Joey!” JC laughed, “Wait, he might enjoy to hear that his wife is a little on the wild side.”
“JC, hate to break it to ya, but he already knows. Listen… we’ve got to go… it’s pretty late here, we just wanted to wish you a happy birthday JC and we’ll see you in another week.” Tara replied.
“Thanks gals… hugs and all that mushy stuff.” JC replied.
“We’ll leave the spanking for Shawn to do.” Trish said. Both JC and Shawn blushed.
“Stop blushing you two.” Tara added.
“Dang… they know us too well.” Shawn said.
“Maybe we should get new friends? Just kidding… bye.” JC said and hung up the cell phone.
“So… you’re suppose to spank me?” JC said with a serious face.
“But… er… uh…” Shawn froze. She suddenly got the image of him in leather and waiting for her to spank him.
“Honey, it’s okay… I was just teasing.” JC said.
“Whew…” Shawn replied.
“Ya know, I could use some food. You hungry?” JC took the room service menu from a folder and looked it over.
“Yeah, but not for food.” Shawn thought to herself.
“Ya know… I think I left my bags in Joey’s room. I really want to take a shower and change… then maybe we could go out for dinner? My treat. And I’m not taking no for an answer.” She told him. She really needed a cold shower.
“Sure, sweetheart. That sounds great.” JC replied and watched her walk over to the connecting door. When it opened, the guys let her into Joey’s room and then they all pounced on JC on the bed, wrestling him to the floor.
“Someone’s having a birthday and needs spanked.” Chris said.
“You guys… be gentle with him. I’m gonna need him later.” Shawn replied as she came back through the door.
“Okay Shawn.” Justin replied as he tickled JC.
“Shawn! Help!” JC pleaded with his girlfriend. Each of the guys was tickling him.
“Alright, alright, alright… that’s enough guys… c’mon… it’s his birthday… at least give him ample opportunity to get you all back? Besides, he needs to get ready to go out… back to Joey’s with the lot of you.” Shawn ushered Joey, Justin, Chris, and Lance back into the other room.
“That was torture!” JC laughed as he collapsed on the bed.
“And you enjoyed every minute of it.” Shawn replied. She leaned over to kiss him before going to take a shower.
They had dinner down in the restaurant and when it was over, she led him to one of the ballrooms where he thought was a dance club, in actuality, it was a birthday party for him.
“Surprise!” all the guests yelled when JC and Shawn walked into the room.
“Dancing my ass.” JC smiled at Shawn.
“We still get to dance, but this is your 25th birthday, have to celebrate it in style.” Shawn explained.
“Thank you.” JC said and kissed her. His parents came up to him and his band mates. Shawn met up with Wade and his wife and another dancer and watched as JC mingled with the guests for a few minutes. All the while, keeping his eyes on where Shawn was and whom she was with.
“How did you pull it off? He is totally shocked?” Wade asked.
“Joey and Chris managed to get the ballroom for me and a guest list. I called everyone and sent out invitations and such last week to those who weren’t within the immediate family and friends list that I knew JC would talk to before tonight and whalaa… party set. Party success.” She explained as JC caught her out of the corner of his eye and went back to join her.
“Thank you for doing this? I thought I’d be just happy spending it with you, but this is just as special.” He admitted to her as he swept her away from Wade and his wife.
“Anything to see that smile of yours and that sparkle in your eyes… yup… there it is… that one right there.” She said as she saw a tear form in the corner of his eye. “Just wanted to give back some of what you give me every day. Happiness, joy, friendship.” She said as they danced to the music.
“Do you remember the conversation we had at that table during the rehearsal party?” JC asked as he twirled her around the room.
“Yeah… yeah, I do.” Shawn blushed. Even back then she knew she was in love with JC. She wanted to tell him so badly now, but she was a little afraid to. “You told me you were the Josh I had been talking with online for a while and you felt as if you knew me forever.”
Now it was JC’s turn to blush. She did remember. She probably remembered it all, just as he had.
“Do you remember the song I sang with Jessica Simpson?” JC asked.
“Yup… I Finally Found Someone.” She replied.
“I have, you know.” JC quipped.
“I have too, and he’s having a birthday today and we’re celebrating.” Shawn replied. JC broke the gaze between them and looked around the room. He decided that now was not the time to tell her that he truly loved her. As he was scanning the room, his eyes fixated on the main entrance. Shawn hadn’t noticed, but Joey did.
“Damn… who told Amanda where we’d be.” Joey commented as he sat at a table with Lance and Justin and Justin’s friend, Marcie.
“What? She’s here?” Lance questioned.
“I’ll be right back.” Joey said. He positioned himself in between JC and Amanda and walked towards Amanda. JC saw Joey escort her out of the room.
“JC… have you heard a word I’ve said?” Shawn asked again, this time poking him lightly in the chest.
“I’m sorry, no, I didn’t.” he replied.
“Where did you go just now?” Shawn asked.
“I was just remembering staring at you throughout that song and then the look on your face as Richard Marx stood right next to you when he shouldn’t have been there until the next day for the wedding. You were as surprised as the foursome were.” JC covered.
“Yes, I was. I just wish that Chris and Danielle had admitted before the wedding that they weren’t ready. I’m glad they’re still friends and have moved on from it, but to see them each go through the pain of the breakup, that was hard on the rest of us.” Shawn said.
“Yes, it was. How about something to drink?” JC looked down at her.
“Something to drink would be good.” She admitted. They joined Lance and Justin and Marcie at their table.
“Where’d Joey go?” JC asked as he held out a chair for Shawn.
“He just said he’d be right back.” Lance replied.
Justin introduced Marcie to JC and Shawn and then took her out on the dance floor.
“Was it something I said?” Shawn asked.
“Nah… She’s got to go back home and get ready for school day after tomorrow so he’s just trying to enjoy every possible moment with her.” Lance replied.
“Speaking of which? Where’s Betsy?” JC asked.
“She’ll be joining us on Saturday. There was a problem with some stuff for Tara that she needs to fix before she can get away.” Lance replied as he took a swig of the beer that was in front of him. He looked a little gone.
“I’ll be right back. Tea all right with you Shawn?” JC asked.
“Iced, please.” She replied as JC nodded and headed for the bar.
“What’s wrong Lance? There’s more to it. You don’t normally drink alcohol.” Shawn asked as soon as JC was out of earshot.
“Your guess is as good as mine. She called me up yesterday to tell me that she wasn’t going to be able to come out after all. Something came up. She wouldn’t tell me what.” Lance replied. “Damn it all to hell. Things just aren’t working out for her and me. I’m too busy, she’s got school and such.” He replied.
“Do you love her, Lance?” Shawn asked. She was being bold.
“What’s it to ya?” he slurred.
“If you love her, you’ll fight for her.” Shawn replied.
“What’s the use in fighting for her when she doesn’t even answer the phone?” he asked.
“Why don’t I call and see what’s up?” she asked.
“It’s too late to call her. She’s probably in bed anyway.” Lance replied.
“Don’t say that.” Shawn replied. Lance handed her his phone after he pressed redial.
“Lance, honey… I’m trying to sleep.” Betsy answered the phone.
“Bets… it’s me, Shawn.” Shawn said into the phone.
“Oh no… is Lance all right?” Betsy sat up in bed.
“Just worried about you. What’s this you may not be out here at all?” Shawn replied.
“I’ve got the chicken pox, Shawn. At twenty-one! Do you believe that!” Betsy cried. Shawn couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m sorry to laugh, but Lance thinks you don’t want to see him.” Shawn replied.
“Put that man on the phone.” Betsy ordered. Shawn handed the phone to Lance.
“You’re in trouble mister.” Shawn said. Lance took the phone from her as JC came back with their drinks and his parents.
After Lance got off the phone, he excused himself from the table. Joey and Justin and Chris had all returned to the table.
“JC… time to blow out the candles, dude.” Lance said from a microphone as a big cake was being wheeled out from a back room. JC took Shawn by the hand and led her up to the cake. It had musical notes to “Happy Birthday” decorated on it. He had to laugh. Someone had tasted the icing already.
“Chris!” he chuckled.
“What? I didn’t do nothin’!” he declared and then burst into laughter. After the room sang happy birthday to JC, the candles were blown out, the cake cut, and more dancing was had.
“So, are you having a good time?” Shawn asked after they had danced for a little while.
“No, I’m having a great time.” He replied.
“Good, because I’m exhausted. It was really hard putting this all together. Next time, I’m getting an assistant.” Shawn laughed.
“Well, I think you did a fabulous job.” JC said as he moved in to kiss her.
“Ew… can’t you two take that somewhere else?” Joey teased as he went dancing by them with Wade’s wife.
“You’re just jealous because Tara’s not here.” JC teased.
“Maybe so, but that’s okay… I’ll see her soon enough.” Joey smiled.
“Get out of here.” Shawn playfully hit Joey.
“JC, your woman is mean! You need to tame her.”
“Hey, anyone who can hit you in my defense needs no taming!” JC declared and dipped Shawn, catching her off guard. “How much longer do we have to stay here?” he asked with her still dipped.
“Not much longer.” She replied as he brought her back up. Joey and his dance partner were long gone.
“Smooth move, Josh.” Shawn told him.
“Not as smooth as this.” JC said and kissed her again. She couldn’t help but giggle when they came up for air. “Have I told you how beautiful I think you are?” JC asked her.
“Not lately, but it’s okay. It’s your birthday. I forgive you.” She laughed.
A half hour later, they found themselves saying goodbye to his parents and the guys and sneaking back to JC’s hotel room.
“Thank you for tonight, Shawn. It was a nice birthday.” JC said as he swept her into his arms and carried her over to the bed.
“Well, wanted to make your day extra special.”
“Thank you. You definitely made my day. You and you alone. Everything else was extra.” JC said, “Do you have your own room for tonight?” JC asked, hoping she didn’t.
“Yes, Joey managed to get me my own room for the next few nights. Is that all right?” Shawn asked. She could tell that he was disappointed.
“Yeah, I just… now that you’re here, I don’t want to let you out of my sight.” He admitted.
“JC, we’ve talked about this…” Shawn began.
“I just want to hold you in my arms… is that too much to ask.” JC wanted to know.
“No, it’s not. Let me go change into my comfy clothes and then I’ll be right back. We can watch a movie or something, how’s that?” Shawn didn’t want to disappoint him, but she wasn’t ready for that “NEXT” step yet. She was, but she wasn’t. Not in the hotel… not when so much other emotion was about.
“Okay… I’ll be waiting.” JC said as Shawn left him standing in the doorway.
When she returned, they found “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on one of the cable channels and left it on as they cuddled on the bed. Before they knew it, they were sound asleep. When Joey checked on them later, he turned off the TV and put a blanket over them.
I wish I could fly home with you. Why don’t you stay another day?” JC asked a few days later. It was Sunday morning and Shawn had to fly back to Orlando for work on Monday.
“I have this little thing called a J-O-B. I have things I need to work on or I’d stay… you know I would.” Shawn said as she caressed his face.
“Well, I’ll see you on Tuesday when I get home then. I’ll call you when the flight gets in. And then I want us to really talk about things. Okay?” JC asked.
“Sure… how about I make plans to come over to your place then? We can have dinner and talk?”
“Okay.” JC said. They sat in a comfortable silence holding hands and wishing that they weren’t going to be separated again.
“Flight 1272 to Orlando International now boarding.” Came over the intercom.
“That’s my flight. Have fun tonight and tomorrow night with the concerts. I’ll see you on Tuesday.” Shawn said as the tears began to flow for both of them.
“I’ll do my best. But before I let you get on that plane without me… there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you and it can’t wait any longer.” JC said as he helped her up.
“What is it?” she asked as she wiped the tears from his cheeks.
“I love you, Shawn. With all my heart and soul. I love you.” He said as he looked into her eyes.
Shawn didn’t know what to say as she placed a kiss on his lips. She was in shock. She never expected to hear those words from him. She didn’t know why, she just didn’t expect to hear them at that moment.
“We’ll talk on Tuesday. I’d better go before I miss the plane.” She said. As she turned to walk away from him, JC grabbed her hand.
“Didn’t you hear what I just said?” JC asked her, a little stunned by her reaction.
“Yes, I heard you. I love you too.” She moved closer to him, kissed him again and ran to catch the plane.
“Earth to JC… where are you?” Justin asked as the guys were heading to the venue for sound check later that afternoon. JC was in a daze and had been since he saw Shawn’s plane take off.
“Huh… what?” JC asked as he threw the nerf ball that Justin threw at him back at Justin.
“You okay? Ever since you came back from the airport, you’ve been in your own little world. We could use your input here.” Chris said. They were going over a new song they were working on as a group.
“Sorry… just up there in the clouds.” He responded and joined in on the work the guys were doing.
“Tara… I need to talk. Call me as soon as you get this… as soon as you get this.” Shawn said as she called Tara’s cell phone the minute the plane landed in Orlando. Shawn headed straight for her apartment and got online to check email. She found several from her online friends, a few from family, one from Tara, and one from JC. It was simply titled `My love for you’. She opened that one first.
My Love For You
My love for you, it comes from within
Not afraid to show it, not afraid to grin
It grew from the moment when we first met
And now that you know, please never fret.I won’t run away, won’t leave you alone
If I have to, I’ll make you a clone.
When I can’t be there, my voice you can hear
Just play the songs and you’ll see that I’m near.In your heart, you hold the keys to my heart,
My soul, and many more body parts.I’m not afraid to shout it.
Not afraid to show it.
I want the world to know it.What is IT?
It’s my love for you.I love you – JC
Shawn smiled as she read the poem over and over through the tears in her eyes. She didn’t dream it. He did tell her he loved her and she reciprocated her feelings too. It was real. Not a dream. She cried. She was so happy. She was in love with a wonderful man. To the world he was JC Chasez, one fifth of NSYNC, to her, he was Josh… her internet friend that became her boyfriend and now the man that she loved.
Shawn made herself something to eat and then went to take a nap. She woke up to the phone an hour later.
“What’s wrong?” Tara asked immediately.
“Mom?” Shawn answered the phone, quite groggy.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I woke you. It’s Tara. You said to call you as soon as I got your message. I’m calling. You all right? How was the past few days with JC go?” she asked. Shawn sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes. She had to think a moment. Why did she call Tara?
“Oh… oh! Oh my gosh! Tara… we finally told each other today before I got on the plane. Josh finally told me he loved me.” Shawn still couldn’t believe it. Tara was screaming on the other end of the phone.
“Oh my gosh! This is great. It’s wonderful! I want to know everything! Everything! Details woman!” Tara said. Shawn told her everything that transpired since she surprised JC on his birthday.
“And what about you?” Tara asked at the end of Shawn’s details.
“What about me?” Shawn asked.
“How did you react when he said he loved you?” Tara asked point blank.
“At first, I couldn’t believe it and then when he grabbed my hand and asked if I had heard what he had said I told him I did and that I loved him too.” Shawn said really fast.
“FINALLY!” Tara dropped the phone, “Oopsie… me bad. Sorry.” She giggled.
“What are you doing?” Shawn laughed into the phone.
“Can’t I be happy for two of my best friends? I dropped the phone.” They were both laughing. “So when can you come over?” Tara asked.
“Um, well… since I’m wired I was going to play on the internet for awhile, but I could come over there. I’ll just forward my phone to yours if that’s all right, in case JC calls?” Shawn asked.
“You betcha… and bring some clothes… let’s have a slumber party! I’ve got Adrianna as I just got back from dropping Trish off at the airport. She’s surprising Chris on tour.” Tara explained.
“Awe… he’s going to love that.” Shawn replied, “I’ll be right over.” Shawn hung up the phone and then re-programmed it before getting some clothes together and heading over to Tara’s.
“Shawn, c’mon… we’re going to be late for the guys’ flight.” Tara practically dragged Shawn from her desk at Jive Records and into the limousine to go get the guys. They were flying in from Canada and were due back at Orlando International at 1:13pm. It was noon and they weren’t on the road yet. Shawn had just been made Manager of her department the day before and was trying to assess the department as a whole when her boss called her into the office and told her that she needed to go rescue JC. That’s when Tara came in and pulled her out of the office.
Randy, Tara’s bodyguard, had taken the girls to the airport and onto the tarmac per Jive’s orders and with permission from the airport. Another limousine was waiting with them as well for the guys.
As soon as the plane landed, the girls were outside the limousine with Betsy, waiting for the guys. JC was the first one off the plane. He dropped his stuff at the bottom of the stairwell and ran to meet Shawn who was running for him.
“And y’all wonder where his concentration’s been lately?” Lance chuckled as the rest of them came down the stairs. Betsy and Tara both ran to their men as JC and Shawn covered each other in kisses.
“Okay you two… save those displays of affection for when you’re in the privacy of someone’s home.” Chris replied as Trish and Adrianna got out of the other limousine. “There’s my punkin!” Chris said as Adrianna ran into his arms. Trish had been crying as Chris greeted her. He put her and Adrianna back into the limousine and joined the rest of the gang back at the other one.
“Tara, Joey? Would you mind riding home with us and Lance, Betsy, Justin, would you mind going home in this one? Something’s come up. I’ll explain later.” Chris said to Justin and Lance. They had no problem with it. Lance had Randy re-direct the luggage to the correct limousine.
“I wonder what’s wrong?” Shawn asked.
“I’m sure we’ll know in time. C’mon, let’s head home.” JC said as he kissed her again. He couldn’t wait to get her alone.
The limousine dropped everyone off at their individual homes. Betsy got out at Lance’s house with him. JC and Shawn were the last to be dropped off at his house.
“Now we’re alone.” JC said as he locked the front door behind them and put his bags off to the side along the wall of the foyer.
“Welcome home.” Shawn told him. JC wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately.
“I have missed you so much.” JC said as he buried his head in her hair when they parted from the kiss.
“It’s only been a few days.” She laughed.
“Seems like weeks to me.” He replied as his stomach growled.
“C’mon, let’s go into the kitchen so we can talk while I fix us something to eat.” Shawn said and took his hand to lead him to the kitchen. He pinched her butt with the other hand on the way.
“Hey now…” she warned.
“Sorry, just wanted to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.” He replied.
“You’re suppose to pinch yourself then when you’re thinking like that.” She stopped in her tracks and poked him gently in the arm. JC pulled her closer and kissed her again.
“I like that form of action better. And no, I’m not dreaming.” JC told her.
“Wow… obviously not.” Shawn said. Shawn had already had most of what she wanted to make for dinner prepared and ready to cook as she had prepared everything that morning. She just needed to make the salad. She stood at the butcher block in the middle of the kitchen while JC sat on the counter and watched her. After a few minutes, he went up behind her and swept her hair to one side of her neck and began to nibble on the other side of her neck.
“Joshua Scott!” Shawn said after a few minutes. He was making her feel things she hadn’t felt before. She put down the knife she was cutting with and turned to face him. “Do you know what you do to me?” she looked into his eyes.
“The same things you do to me? I can’t sleep at night because of what I feel for you. My heart races every time I dream about you when we’re apart. It’s like I’m drunk on you.” JC whispered as their heads touched.
“As long as you’re not drinking any alcohol, I can accept that.” She replied. She felt the same way. Even before they told one another they loved each other.
“Can we talk about that day at the airport?” JC asked, forcing himself back onto the counter and away from Shawn. He wanted her so bad, but didn’t want to rush her into anything she felt she wasn’t ready for.
“Sure… what about it?” she asked as she went back to finishing chopping up the vegetables.
“Your reaction to what I said before you left.” JC got right to the point.
“I was stunned, but I meant what I said.” She began to cry as she cut the onions. She had saved them for last.
“You did?” JC asked.
“Yes, I love you. I think I knew it the moment you left me in Georgia that first night when you met my family.” She said, crying a little harder as she finished chopping the onions. “Damn onions.” She replied as she threw all the ingredients into the salad and put the knife and cutting board in the sink. JC got a cool was rag and put it over her eyes to help the sting of the onions go away.
“I have been waiting to get back here to hear those three words again. I couldn’t believe it at first. I must have replayed that scene in my head a million times since the airport. A million times.” JC admitted. Shawn washed her hands after he took the washcloth away from her eyes.
“You and me both. I had to talk it through with Tara to make sure it was real. And when I got home and saw the poem you had sent me, it was all the more real.” She admitted.
“So it’s okay if the whole world knows that I love you?” JC asked.
“Yup and they will all know that I love you too.” Shawn replied. She kissed him as the water for the potatoes began to boil.
Dinner was ready an hour later. Shawn had insisted that JC go and take a shower or something to get him out of her hair for a little while so she could finish getting everything ready. After she mashed the potatoes, she lit the candles on the table in the dining room and started the CD player.
She called JC after she had made their plates and put them on the table. JC brought one of the roses that were on the table in the foyer with him into the dining room.
“Awe, how sweet. Thank you.” She replied and kissed him. He held out her chair for her as she sat down.
“This all looks wonderful.” JC replied as he looked at his plate. Roast Beef, potatoes, and green beans with salad and ice tea and water. “You really went all out. Thank you.” JC said as he took a bite of the meat.
“I’ve been taking lessons from Aida. I wanted to make your first home cooked meal something special that I cooked for you and not that I asked someone else to cook.” She explained.
“Honey, this is wonderful. Have you tasted it yet?” he asked her as he gave her a piece of his meat. “Try it.” He insisted. Shawn was a little hesitant. She hoped he wasn’t just being nice because she had attempted to make him dinner. She kept her eyes on him as she took the meat off the fork.
“Oh my… you’re right. This is good.” She replied. She was shocked.
“See, I told you.” He grinned.
After they finished with the salad and main dish, she brought out Aida’s apple pie and some whipped cream.
“I’m not good at baking yet, so Aida wanted us to have this one.” She explained as she cut him a piece of pie.
“I can’t eat all of that. You’re going to have to help me.” JC insisted as he took the rest of the pie and put it out of Shawn’s reach. He put some whipped cream on the pie and the plate and then took a little and put it on his finger. “Want some?” he asked her. Shawn blushed which made him chuckle softly. “I meant, whipped cream dear.” He whispered as he kissed her and then put the whipped cream that was on her finger on her cheek. “Oops… let me get that.” He said before licking it off.
“JC…” Shawn replied with a cracked voice. How could she tell him that she wanted him without feeling like a schoolgirl with a crush?
“Ssshhh… how about some pie…” JC said as he took some of the pie with whipped cream onto the fork and fed it to her. He was being incredibly romantic, only taking a piece of pie after he had given her a piece.
“Dance with me?” he asked when they were finished with the pie. Shawn wanted to clean off the table, but didn’t want to disappoint him so she agreed to dance with him. They danced to the CD mixture that she had put on before dinner.
As JC held her close to him and they swayed to the music, he heard a familiar tune come on that he had heard 98 Degrees rehearse before an awards show the year before. They didn’t sing it, but he thought it was pretty good.
Stay The Night
Written by A. Bagge, A. Birgisson, R. VertelneyIn the still of my heart
There's a fire that burns my soul's desire
Touching me like the sun
Here and now I give my love so faithfully
I will always be the oneI wanna stay with you tonight
I don't wanna leave, 'cause I feel the time is right
Don't wanna go before I say what I have to say
Don't ask me to walk away
I wanna stay the night
Wanna stay the nightHolding you close to me
The first time that your body moved with mine
Let the mood ease your fear
Caressing as I whisper in your ear
I will always be the oneI wanna stay with you tonight
I don't wanna leave, 'cause I feel the time is right
Don't wanna go before I say what I have to say
Don't ask me to walk away
I wanna stay the night
Wanna stay the nightNow is the time
I've been waiting for so long
Just give me a sign
'Cause it's here where I belongI wanna stay with you tonight
I don't wanna leave, 'cause I feel the time is right
Don't wanna go before I say what I have to say
Don't ask me to walk away
I wanna stay the night
Wanna stay the nightDon't wanna go now
I wanna stay the night
Don't wanna go now
Don't ask me to walk away...
As they danced, JC memorized the lyrics as soon as he heard them.
Shawn broke the dance after they danced to At The Beginning by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis.
“I should clean up the kitchen and put the food away.” Shawn insisted. As much as she hated leaving his arms, she didn’t want the food to spoil. JC reluctantly let her go.
“Okay, let me help you then.” JC offered.
After they cleaned up the dining room and the kitchen, they had a cup of tea. It was then that JC noticed how late it was.
“Oh my… did we really take all that time for dinner and dancing and such?” JC asked.
“Oh you’re right… it’s late… could you take me home?” Shawn asked.
“Definitely. Let me just grab my keys and my wallet and we’re outta here. But… before I do. I just wanted to say Thank you for making this the best homecoming I’ve ever had.” Shawn placed his hands on hers.
“It was my pleasure.” Shawn gave him a kiss. It was gentle at first and as JC responded to the kiss, it got more passionate and they kissed and nibbled for a few minutes before Shawn broke away again.
“Keys… car… home…” she said as she pointed to the door leading to the hallway. “Man, that man’s driving me insane.” Shawn said. She couldn’t believe how fast her heart was racing or the passion that was ignited inside her when JC even looked at her lately. She just knew that she had to be with him and that he was THE one for her. JC had her heart, her body, and her soul. She wondered if he realized it yet.
JC had run up to his bedroom to grab his keys and wallet and took something out of his drawer and placed that in his pocket as well before going back down to Shawn. He checked his hair in the mirror and straightened his shirt.
“Shawn, honey… are you ready?” he asked. He watched her blow out the candles that were on the dining room table. He imagined taking her right then and there on top of the dining room table. He became flushed and turned away in hopes that Shawn didn’t see how red his face had become from the thoughts he was thinking.
It didn’t take long to get to Shawn’s apartment. JC walked her up to her door and she asked him in for a few minutes. She had a gift for him. It was a CD of songs that she had collected by artists that she liked that she thought he might like a copy of. He suggested that they listen to it for a little while. She didn’t turn him down. She didn’t want him to leave just yet. JC took off his light jacket and hung it over the chair that was next to the front door. He noticed the pictures that were hanging on the wall.
“New pictures? My… what a long way you’ve come since we got you to move in here.” He said. He saw one of them at the joint party before the wedding. It was a little different than the one she gave him for his birthday.
“Which one are you looking at?” she asked. JC showed it to her.
“That’s one of my favorites.” She told him and took it from his hands and put it back on the wall. “Come listen…” she led him back over into the living room in front of the stereo. They just danced for a while getting lost in each other. Before they knew it the CD was over.
JC inwardly sighed… he didn’t want to leave her tonight. Didn’t want to be alone tonight. Was alone all too often without her during the tour and now that he was home, he didn’t want to be without her.
“I should go.” He spoke softly as he led her to the front door. He opened the door with his free hand before turning to look into Shawn’s eyes. “It’s now or never.” He thought to himself.
“Shawn… I don’t want to leave. Can I stay the night? Please… don’t ask me to go… I don’t think I could.” He asked. Shawn drew a deep breath. He wanted her! He wanted to stay the night… to be with her. This was what she had been waiting for all night. It was truth time. “Please Shawn… I love you… I want you… I need you.” JC begged. He began to sing the song he had memorized earlier to her to prove his point.
In the still of my heart
There's a fire that burns my soul's desire
Touching me like the sun
Here and now I give my love so faithfully
I will always be the oneI wanna stay with you tonight
I don't wanna leave, 'cause I feel the time is right
Don't wanna go before I say what I have to say
Don't ask me to walk away
I wanna stay the night
Wanna stay the nightHolding you close to me
The first time that your body moved with mine
Let the mood ease your fear
Caressing as I whisper in your ear
I will always be the oneI wanna stay with you tonight
I don't wanna leave, 'cause I feel the time is right
Don't wanna go before I say what I have to say
Don't ask me to walk away
I wanna stay the night
Wanna stay the nightNow is the time
I've been waiting for so long
Just give me a sign
'Cause it's here where I belongI wanna stay with you tonight
I don't wanna leave, 'cause I feel the time is right
Don't wanna go before I say what I have to say
Don't ask me to walk away
I wanna stay the night
Wanna stay the nightDon't wanna go now
I wanna stay the night
Don't wanna go now
Don't ask me to walk away...Shawn’s listened as JC sang his heart out to her. She knew that this was the time. That it was right. JC and her… together… it’s what they had both been waiting for and wanting. Shawn’s answer was to pull him back inside and lock the door as she closed it in one fell swoop. She kissed him, turned off the lights to the front of her apartment and led him to her room.