*This I Promise You* - A fan fiction story by Tammy "Tammtamm" Frederick © Sept. 2000, thetamm@yahoo.com (inspired by the song THIS I PROMISE YOU written by Richard Marx and sung by NSYNC - from their album NO STRINGS ATTACHED, released in 2000)
“Okay, what got into your system guys because tonight was so amazing!” Jonathan said when the guys came off after singing Bye Bye Bye.
“A renewed sense of brotherhood, right guys?” JC said as the guys gathered around each other.
“Right!” They all yelled and hugged one more time.
“Let’s go out and sing one last song tonight.” Justin suggested.
“Yeah, let’s go out and sing Here We Go.” Joey suggested.
“Perfect!” The guys declared.
“I’ll just go tell the band.” Jonathan ran to the other side of the stage and hurried the band back onstage to play Here We Go.
“Man, that was amazing… Amazing!” Chris said when the guys came back offstage.
“Did you feel it?” JC asked everyone.
“The power of the five of us on stage doing what we love!” Justin said.
“Awesome!” Joey yelled.
“Unbelievable!” Lance added.
“Okay guys… meeting in 20 minutes to discuss tomorrow’s itinerary. Right in front of the buses. See you then.” Jonathan said. Joey looked over at Tiny. Tiny laughed and handed him his cell phone.
“Hello?” Tara immediately answered the phone. She was waiting for Joey’s call.
“Hey babe… did I wake you?” he asked.
“Nope… been waiting for your call. How’d it go?”
“I have so much to tell you Tara. So much.” Joey said.
“How you feeling?” Tara asked.
“Like I’ve got a renewed sense of myself.” Joey admitted, “The guys and I bonded tonight. It was so amazing. Chris told us about what happened the night of the accident after I poured my heart out to everyone.”
“That’s wonderful Joey. I’m so proud of you.” Tara said.
“Thank you for your encouragement to open up. I don’t think I could have done what I did tonight without it.” Joey admitted.
“I think you would have in your own way, in your own time.” Tara said.
“And what did you do tonight while I was working my butt off?” Joey asked.
“Well, Trish, Trav, and Betsy helped me finish packing up everything I want to send to Florida except for the attic. I’m not ready to do that just yet.” Tara admitted.
“Too much memories of Andy and you up there?” Joey asked.
“Yeah. And lots of you and him up there. I think we should do it together.” Tara said.
“Okay. We will. So what are you doing now?”
“Watching a video of one of your shows… This I Promise You is on.” Tara said.
“Now that just makes you miss me more.”
“I know, but at least I get to see you.” Tara giggled.
“True… Well, we have an itinerary meeting to get to. Get some rest. I love you.” Joey said.
“I promise and I love you too.” Tara replied and hung up the phone.
“Joey! C’mon, let’s go!” JC said from the doorway. Joey quickly put the cell phone in his pocket and followed JC out to the buses. Once the gang got their itinerary, the guys boarded the bus to go back to the hotel. They had some interviews to do the next day before heading to the next venue. Lance went to the back of the bus to call Betsy, while the other four stayed out in the lounge area and played a wrestling game.
“Oh my god, did you see that move! Amazing!” Joey said as he and Justin tag teamed against Chris and JC.
“We still rule you two!” JC said as his player flipped Justin’s player.
“Oh yeah!” Joey said as he put his controller down and grabbed Joey in an arm lock. Chris and Justin threw down their controllers and it became a free for all. Tiny looked up from the magazine he was reading and shook his head and laughed.
After they got back to the hotel, the guys spent the night hanging out in Joey and JC’s room. They talked, played video games and finally, slept. Joey did call Tara, but she was asleep so he left a message on the answering machine.
Sunday morning and afternoon the guys did interviews and made an appearance at a local mall unannounced. They stayed for two hours and sang songs and answered questions before loading the buses and heading for the next venue. They would be performing at the same venue on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights to sold out shows in Los Angeles, California. Tara and Danielle were flying into Los Angeles on Tuesday. Tara had convinced her girlfriend, Shawn to go out to LA with them for a vacation so she was joining them on the trip. Betsy was flying out after her Thursday night class, Tara insisted that it was “work related”. And Britney was flying in as soon as her Friday night concert would end. The women were going to be the female NSYNC group to surprise the guys. Tara and Betsy had spent all day Sunday on the phone. They would do Tearin’ Up My Heart while the boys were hanging from the rafters waiting to start off the concert. They guys didn’t know it yet, however, Jonathan did agree to it and even Shawn was up for some fun in LA.
Monday came and went. The guys arrived at the venue and prepared for the concert. Meanwhile, Tara, Betsy, and Randy flew home to Orlando. Tara turned around and packed for LA while Betsy went on to prepare for school the next day. The guys continued their energy from Saturday night and it was noted in the media across the globe at the newfound energy the guys seemed to possess. The guys were revved that Tara, Danielle, Britney, and even Betsy were coming out. JC was a little down that he didn’t have anyone to share the last night of the concert with but he was thankful that his family and the girls were going to be there.
“Tara… Dani… over here.” Jonathan said as Tara, Danielle, and Shawn as they came off the plane. They were psyched and ready to see their men. They greeted Jonathan and made their way to the baggage area.
“Are they here yet?” Chris yelled as he got out of the shower. He missed Danielle and couldn’t wait to see her.
“Not yet, Chris… plane just landed.” Justin yelled back. Tiny just called.”
“Someone wake up Joey?” Chris yelled back.
“He’s up already. You two are so nervous, this is fun to watch.” JC replied. He and Justin laughed. Joey came into Chris and Justin’s room dressed and anxious.
“Chris you ain’t done yet… c’mon man!” Joey said and pounded on the bathroom door.
“Some of us want to look good for our woman.” Chris commented and opened the bathroom door. The room exploded in laughter.
“You are such a goober.” Joey teased.
“I’m not the one who spends all night on the phone with my girl then falls asleep during sound check.” Chris laughed.
“True, true, but it was worth every minute of it.” Joey replied.
“So what time is sound check?” JC asked.
“In an hour, c’mon, the van’s waiting.” Lance said. The girls were going straight to the venue to meet up with the guys from the airport.
“It’s about time you guys got down here. What took you so long?” Tiny said as the guys piled into the van. They all pointed to Chris.
“Hey, gotta look good for my woman!” Chris said as he flashed his pearly whites and shook his hair for the guys. Tiny roared with laughter.
“That’s a good one, Chris… that’s a good one.” Tiny said as he closed the van door behind the guys.
“First time to Los Angeles, Shawn?” Jonathan asked as they waited for their baggage.
“Yes, it is.” Shawn replied softly.
“Would you stop being so nervous? We’re on the ground already.” Tara told her friend.
“I can’t help it. The shock still hasn’t warn off. You know how I hate to fly.” Shawn said.
“You did great, Shawn. Tara’s just as nervous as we are.” Danielle said and put an arm around Shawn. “Don’t worry, the guys are sweethearts and are going to love you as much as I do, thanks to Tara.” Danielle gave Shawn a warm smile.
“I see some of our luggage. Randy, could you give us a hand?” Tara asked her bodyguard.
“Excuse me, but aren’t you Joey Fatone’s girlfriend?” this young lady appeared from a group of young girls at Tara’s side.
“And you are?” Tara said, holding off Randy from taking the girl away from her.
“My name is Lacey. I’m here for the NSYNC concert tonight.” The girl extended her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you Lacey. Yes, I’m Tara, and this is Danielle and my friend Shawn.” Tara smiled for the girl. She seemed sweet enough.
“Are you here for the concert as well?” Lacey asked.
“Yes we are. How many times have you seen NSYNC in concert?” Tara asked.
“This is my first time.”
“Are you excited?”
“Totally. Can I get a picture with you?” Lacey asked. Tara looked at Jonathan for permission and Jonathan nodded.
“Can Danielle and Shawn be in the picture too?” Tara asked. Lacey nodded. Jonathan took the picture and Tara asked Lacey to introduce her to her parents. She found out where they were staying as Lacey was giddy telling her friend what just happened. Tara was going to have Lacey and her girlfriend put on the meet and greet list so that Lacey could meet the guys.
“That was really nice of you Tara.” Danielle said when they were on their way to the car.
“It’s her first concert. I wanted it to be memorable for her.” Tara shrugged.
“Well, I’m proud of you and Joey would be too.” Jonathan said as they all got into the car.
“I don’t know how you guys are managing to do this? You’re going full throttle in sound check and then performing later tonight. Wow!” Tiny said as the guys finished up sound check.
“The girls here yet?” Joey and Chris said as they came off the stage.
“Not yet!” Angie, Jonathan’s assistant announced.
“Angie… what’s up? What are you doing here?” Lance asked.
“The last few days of the tour, the energy you guys are showing, gotta be here to hold off the press and the screaming girls. Oh wait, that’s just the fiancees and girlfriends.” Angie replied.
“Ha ha ha.” Justin replied. Joey called Tara’s cell phone.
“Hi Joey.” Tara answered the phone on the first ring.
“Hey, where are you?” he asked.
“Stuck in traffic outside the venue. Sound check over with?” Tara asked.
“Yeah, hold on okay? Tiny!” Joey cupped his hand over the phone. Tiny looked up from a clipboard. “Tiny, Tara said that they’re stuck out in traffic in front of here, could you…”
“I’m on it!” Tiny said and assembled a few men to go out and get the girls.
“Tara?”
“Hey.” Tara was smiling. Joey could feel it through the phone.
“Tiny and some guys are on their way out. I can’t wait to see you. I’ve missed you.” Joey said into the phone.
“Me too Joey. Me too. And how are the guys?” she said as Danielle’s phone rang. Danielle laughed and answered it with a `Hi Chris!’.
“The guys are fine. Did Shawn come with?” Joey asked.
“Yeah. She’s zoning out right now to some Richard Marx music to calm her nerves.”
“Did you tell her you were coming out to see me and the guys?” Joey laughed.
“Hey, you know her first love is for great music and Richard’s Repeat Offender album rules.”
“Whew, for a second, I thought you were going to say the new Backstreet Boys album ruled.”
“Too ballad-y.” Tara laughed. “Hon, I’ll see you in a few minutes. We can see Tiny and the guys from here and they’re ushering the car onto the sidewalk with the permission of the police.” Tara replied.
“Okay, hurry up and get in here.” Joey told her and hung up the phone. He joined Justin, Lance, and JC in the game room.
“They here yet?” Justin asked. He and JC were playing Mario Tennis. Lance was going over some paperwork for Freelance Entertainment.
“Stuck outside in a traffic jam. Tiny’s on it.” Joey said as he went over to the pool table.
“They’re in the building.” Chris said when he burst into the room fifteen minutes later. Joey followed him out the door and out to the buses where the saw the limo pull up. Lance, JC, and Justin had stayed back so that the Joey and Chris could have a few minutes with their women.
“You’ve lost some weight.” Joey noticed immediately when he picked Tara up in a hug.
“Only three pounds.” Tara insisted as they kissed. Danielle and Chris were in a serious lip lock.
“Honey, put me down now.” Tara laughed as Joey kept her in a hug. He reluctantly put her down.
“Hey Shawn, I’m glad you could take a few days and come out for the end of the tour.” Joey said and gave her a hug.
“I’m glad I could be to. I needed a vacation. I needed some fun.” Shawn said.
“You’re looking great.” He told her. “Hey, Chris. Come say hello to Shawn.” Joey threw a hackey sack at Chris.
“Hey!” Chris broke the embrace between him and Danielle.
“Oops, sorry.” Joey replied. Chris came over and shook hands with Shawn.
“Tara said you were at both Westbury shows that we were at with Richard Marx. It’s nice to meet you.” Chris replied.
“Nice to meet you as well.” Shawn replied.
“C’mon, let’s go get the rest of the guys and get some food. Are you ladies hungry?” Joey asked as his stomach growled, echoing thru the garage. They all laughed.
“Well, Joey, sounds like you’re hungry enough for us all.” Shawn teased.
“Shawn, you’re like one of the family already.” Chris said as Joey playfully swung his arm to hit Chris. Chris dodged out of the way. Lance, JC, and Justin were walking down the hall when they all met up. Tara introduced Shawn to the guys and they easily accepted her as if she was a member of the family already. Tara looked at Joey and smiled.
“So you’re a big fan of Richard Marx?” JC asked as he and Shawn embraced.
“So are you from what I understand.” Shawn replied.
“Hey you two,” Tara got their attention, “What’s your favorite Richard Marx cd?” she said. She already knew the answer.
“Repeat Offender.” They both blurted out in unison and then laughed when they realized what they had just done.
“Uh oh… we’re in trouble.” Justin teased. They all headed over to where the food was. They all sat together at one of the longer tables and chatted. The guys all wanted to know about Shawn and her life in Georgia. Shawn gave them general information and then asked the guys some questions of her own.
“Alright guys, now it’s my turn to play twenty questions with you. Justin, is there anything you miss about your teenage years?” she asked.
“Hmmm, I’ve thought about this and I have to say no. I mean, I never got to go to a prom or any of the stuff that a teenager did in their senior year, but I got to tour the world and make music and perform in front of thousands of fans. If there was anything I missed, I’d have to say no because I was fortunate enough to do things many teenagers never get to do.” Justin said.
“That was a good answer, Justin.” Joey told his friend and gave him a high-five. “Now, if you all will excuse us, Tara and I are going to grab some time alone. JC, take care of our Shawn.” Joey instructed. Tara gave Shawn a look.
“I’ll be fine. They’re harmless.” Shawn told her. Tara giggled. Little did they both know that Shawn was about to fall hard for JC and JC hard for her.
“I didn’t think I could ever miss being away from someone as much as I’ve missed being away from you.” Joey admitted to Tara when they were alone in the dressing room.
“Awe, Joey. You’re going to make me cry.” Tara said softly.
“Don’t cry. So tell me…” Joey said pulling her down on the couch with him, “How have you been without me?”
“Pennsylvania was hard after you left, but I muddled through. I think Betsy’s smitten with Lance and I’m excited about the plans for the house.
“And the imbalance? Any side effects?” Joey asked. Tara pulled out her journal.
“Only one and that was Sunday night. I had insisted that I go through the house one last time, which I’m glad I did, however, I was so tired that I didn’t take the medication in the afternoon and had a bad dizzy spell before going to bed Sunday night.” Tara admitted.
“Was someone there with you?” Joey asked.
“Travis witnessed it. We were looking through a box in the basement and when I went to stand up, it hit. Really freaked him out.” Tara said. “And yes, it’s in the journal and I even called the doctor, who by the way when I saw him early this morning, said that it was a combination of everything that culminated from Friday on.” Tara explained.
“So your levels are alright?” Joey asked.
“Yes and they’re better than ever.” Tara said and pulled out the test results from the back of the journal. Joey looked at them.
“Wow, this is a good sign. But what about what happened on Friday?” Joey asked.
“Well, unofficially, Dr. Ken said that it seemed to be more mental than anything, which is understandable and he recommended someone for me to talk to.”
“Are you going to call them?” Joey asked, hoping she would.
“First appointment is scheduled for Monday.” Tara said.
“Thank you.” Joey said.
“Don’t thank me yet. I still have to get use to the idea of seeing a shrink.” Tara said.
“Okay. So… I been thinking about the wedding.” Joey said.
“Yeah… the plans are coming along great. We’ve got Trish, Dani, and Shawn all agreeing to be in the wedding. Have you asked the guys yet?”
“Not yet. But I was thinking… could we have it sooner rather than waiting until July?” he asked. Tara was taken aback but liking the idea of moving the wedding up.
“What about getting married at the park?” Tara asked.
“Well, I was thinking we could get married at the house in Orlando? We’ve got the pond in the background and all.” Joey suggested.
“How soon?” Tara asked.
“The week of Christmas? We go back into the studio after the first of the year. Family would already be assembled and it would totally throw the media off guard.” Joey said.
“Well then, I think you need to talk to the guys and see about a best man or best men.” Tara said with a huge smile.
“You mean it? Really?” Joey was happy.
“You betcha!” Tara replied and kissed him.
“Okay, break it up… break it up.” Justin said as he entered the room with a single knock. “Time for the meet and greet.”
“Oh my gosh… I hope Jonathan remember to call Lacey and her folks.” Tara said aloud.
“Who’s Lacey?” Joey asked.
“This young girl, maybe 12 or 13, that we met at the airport. Tonight’s her first NSYNC concert. I thought it would be neat for her to come to the meet and greet. Jonathan okay’d it.” Tara said.
“You have such a big heart woman.” Joey said. “Everyone ready?” Joey said as the guys, Danielle, and Shawn were assembled in front of the door.
“Let’s go people!” Jonathan said from behind. Jonathan had pulled Tara aside briefly to let her know that Lacey and her parents and her girlfriend had just arrived and were being taken to the meet and greet room.
“Wow look at everyone here! Thanks for coming!” JC said into the microphone to the room full of fans. “How’s everyone tonight?” he added. The room erupted in screams.
“Plug your ears, it gets loud.” Joey warned Tara and Shawn as they were the last ones to enter. Tara immediately scanned the room for Lacey and her girlfriend. She saw Lacey’s face light up when they made eye contact. Tara pointed Lacey out to Joey and he waved to the little girl. Joey took Jonathan aside.
“After they come through the line, take them back to the lounge?” Joey asked him. Jonathan nodded in agreement.
“Who’s got a question?” Chris asked the crowd as everyone sat down. JC had taken Shawn’s hand and led her over to an empty chair next to him. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Just play along, okay?” she nodded back in response. JC sat down next to her and put his arm around her. The guys got the usual questions like who they were dating, what music they were listening to, how were their families and Chris’s pugs. And then a question from a news reporter was asked.
“Joey, did you know that Kim has escaped from the mental insti…” the reporter didn’t get far before he was escorted out by Tiny and additional security. Joey looked at Tara and could see the fear in her eyes. Jonathan and Angie rushed to their side.
“Tara, you okay?” Joey whispered in her ear.
“I need some air.” She admitted. “Stay, I’ll be okay… this is for the fans.” Tara told him. Danielle and Shawn followed her out. Jonathan led them to the dressing room. Tara immediately dialed information in Pennsylvania for the District Attorney’s office in Philadelphia. Joey just watched the door.
“Okay guys and dolls, here we go………… line forms this way.” Angie showed those for the meet and greet how to line up and the line formed naturally. Lacey and her girlfriend came thru the line towards the end. Joey was the last one to greet her.
“Hi Lacey. How are you?” he asked.
“I’m good. This is my friend Chloe and this is our first concert ever. Thank you for signing my things.” Lacey replied.
“Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoy the show.” Joey told her.
“Is Miss Tara okay? She looked upset when she left.” Lacey asked.
“She had to take care of something but she’s okay. Thank you for asking.” Joey gave Lacey a huge smile.
“See that man over there? He’s going to show you and your parents to another room, wait for us, okay?” Joey asked. Lacey nodded. He felt better, although he was worried about Tara and how she was taking the news of Kim’s escape. Lance leaned in to talk to Joey for a sec.
“Is it true?” he asked.
“I don’t know. That’s what Tara’s probably finding out now. I just hope she’s okay.”
“She’s fine. She’s tougher than what we all think.” Lance said. “Try not to worry.”
“I’m trying.” Joey and the rest of the guys got thru the meet and greet with some tension over the announcement of Kim’s escape, but the fans had eased it by the end of the time they all spent together.
“Let’s go see Lacey and Chloe, guys.” Joey said when all the other fans were gone. When they got to the lounge area, Tara, Danielle, and Shawn were already in the room. Joey took Tara aside.
“What’s the word?” he asked, concerned.
“It’s true, she’s escaped. They’re looking for her now. Extra security is on it’s way out here and to Orlando and to Philadelphia. I’ve warned Trish and Aida.” Tara told him. He pulled her into a hug.
“Will this ever be over?” he asked.
“Let’s not dwell on Kim, okay? You’ve got a show to do and some fans that adore you and we’ve got a wedding to make happen.” Tara told him.
“Now who’s being the strong one?” Joey chuckled. They re-joined everyone as they talked with Lacey and Chloe and took pictures with the girls and their parents. The guys had to leave to get ready for the show and the girls had to get to their seats. Tara, Danielle, and Shawn went to the side of the stage to watch the concert from there. Randy didn’t leave Tara’s side the entire time. The guys dedicated God Must Have Spent… to Lacey and Chloe. After the guys sang This I Promise You, Tara, Danielle, and Shawn went to the other side of the stage to wait for them to do Digital Getdown and Bye Bye Bye. After the concert, everyone piled onto the bus to head back to the hotel. The guys didn’t have to report anywhere until sound check the next day.
When Joey and JC had checked into the hotel, they had gotten a two-bedroom suite because Tara and Shawn would be joining them. JC would crash with Lance and Justin when it was time for bed.
As usual, everyone gathered in one room. Chris and Danielle were off in one corner talking and necking. Justin and Lance were actually working on a song. JC and Shawn were discussing Richard Marx music and other interests and Tara and Joey were discussing the newest snag in their life.
“I’m glad you’re here with me and not back in Orlando now that we know that she’s escaped.” Joey said as they stood locked in an embrace in front of the fireplace.
“We will not let her get to us. We’ve beefed up security for everyone we could, including the guys and Aida. We have to believe that she’ll be found soon.” Tara said as Joey hugged her tighter.
“I don’t know what I’d ever do if anything happened to you, Tara. I mean it. You are my life.” He whispered in her ear.
“I know. I feel the same way.” She replied. Shawn had put on the radio. They heard the end of This I Promise You and then the DJ spoke, “From NSYNC to the man who wrote and produced that hit song, Richard Marx with Now and Forever. JC asked Shawn to dance and Tara and Joey began to dance to the music. Justin and Lance sat at the table, oblivious to their surroundings. Chris and Danielle were no where to be seen.
“Good morning beautiful.” Joey said when Tara woke up the next morning. They had gone to bed shortly after dancing the night before. Joey had been up for half an hour or so just watching Tara sleep. Tara stretched.
“Been up long?”
“Nope… so what are we doing today. I’m all yours until sound check at three.” Joey said.
“Well, remember my foster family in Pico Rivera that I told you about?” Tara asked.
“Yeah, aren’t they coming to tonight’s show?” Joey asked.
“Yeah, and they should be here around noon for lunch.”
“Oh, that’s right. I set that up. Duh!” Joey laughed.
“Don’t worry. They’ll love you as much as you’re gonna love them.” Tara told him and gave him a kiss.
“So, what do we do until then?” Joey asked.
“Wake up? What time is it?”
“Only a little after eight.”
“I need some O.J. and my medicine.” Tara said.
“Okay, let’s see who’s all up and we can do a big breakfast order?” Joey suggested.
“Sounds great to me, but just remember to order extra milk for Justin.” Tara laughed.
“That kid and his cereal.” Joey chuckled before going out to the rest of the suite. Lance and Justin were sacked out on the couches and the bedroom door to JC’s room was open. Joey went over there and noticed that the bed was never slept in. There was a note taped to the door.
Went out for a walk on the beach. Be back soon. (yes at 7am!). JC and Shawn
Another chuckle escaped Joey’s mouth, which woke up Lance.
“Huh?” Lance sat up.
“Good morning Lance… sleep well?”
“Sorry… Justin and I got into a groove last night.”
“That’s okay… didja even notice that JC and Shawn left earlier this morning?” Joey asked.
“No, sorry.” Lance replied as he threw a pillow at Justin to wake him up.
“What the!!!” Justin exclaimed.
“Mornin’ sunshine.” Tara said as she came out of the bedroom. Hair pulled back in a ponytail and her comfy clothes on.
“Yeah yeah yeah…” Justin said.
“We’re about to order breakfast. Should we bother Chris and Danielle?” Joey asked.
“Nah… leave them be.” Tara said. “Just means that I get three gorgeous guys to myself this morning!” Tara grinned.
“Yeah, JC and Shawn snuck out.” Lance told her.
“Really? What time did they leave?” Tara asked.
“Note says seven am.” Joey showed her the note.
“Shawn’s handwriting… hmmm, wonder if they got any sleep?” Tara stated.
“Nope, not a wink…” JC said as he and Shawn walked into the room. They were both laughing and giggling. Tara noticed that they were holding hands as well and beamed.
“JC, Jonathan will kill us if you show up with bags under your eyes.” Lance worried.
“Shawn, you tired?” JC asked. Shawn shook her head.
“Nope.” She said.
“JC… you really should get some sleep.” Justin insisted.
“Justin’s right. You should.” Shawn said.
“Only if you come with me?” JC insisted. Shawn turned beet red. “We’re not going to do anything silly, just sleep.” JC said.
“Oh, ok… sure.” Shawn said and looked at Tara. That look told Tara all she needed to know. Shawn was hooked. JC and Shawn retreated to JC’s room and closed the door. Everyone else tried to stifle their giggles. Lance and Justin went to shower and change while Joey ordered breakfast and Tara showered.
Tara and Joey met up with her foster family for lunch on the boardwalk. Joey and Tara both wore sunglasses, goggles and Tara wore her hair in braided pigtails. The family didn’t recognize her at first until she took the sunglasses off. They spent an hour and a half with the family, laughing and telling stories. Joey was treated already as if he was one of the family. To Tara, that meant everything to her.
Joey and Tara were the first ones to arrive for sound check so Joey took her up on stage with him and she watched as he went through some routines with the choreographer and sang his parts. The guys trickled in one by one.
“Tara… there you are… Danielle and Shawn are back in the lounge area.” Chris said. He was the last one to appear on stage. Jonathan looked at his watch.
“Wow, everyone’s here on time. You ready for sound check?” he asked. Tara slipped away with a wave to Joey as the guys did the sound check.
“Joey, you okay?” Jonathan asked as Joey stopped midway through No Strings Attached.
“I’m not hearing anything out of my ear pieces.” Joey admitted as he got down and went over to a stage hand. JC’s microphone gave out midway through It’s Gonna Be Me and Chris fell during Digital Getdown.
“Everyone doing okay? Nervous about tonight or anything. Your energy is tremendous but something is bothering all of you… I can tell.” Jonathan said when BYE BYE BYE was over. Lance looked at each of the guys.
“Okay we didn’t mention this to each other last night but I think we’re all worried about the same thing.” Lance said.
“Kim.” Joey added.
“Security has been beefed. Tara, Danielle, and Shawn are fine. You’re all fine. All of the security team has a picture of Kim. The media has plastered her all over the place. Nothing’s going to happen.” Jonathan tried to sound reassuring to the guys.
“It’s just a little unsettling. We all know what she’s capable of.” Justin admitted.
“Every precaution is being taken. Now, let’s check the ear pieces and microphones one last time before I send you guys back to relax and eat.” Jonathan said.
“That was brutal!” JC said as he slouched down in the nearest chair as the guys entered the lounge.
“You wouldn’t know it, JC, with all the energy you show out there.” Justin said as he found the nearest ottoman to fall onto.
“That one was a little longer than usual? Technical difficulties?” Danielle asked, looking at her watch.
“For the most part.” Chris admitted and sat on her lap. Tara went over to Joey.
“Everything okay?” she asked.
“Excuse us everyone.” Joey said and took Tara’s hand and led her over to the dressing room. “No, everything’s not okay.” Joey said and embraced her. He was trembling.
“What happened during sound check?” Tara asked. Joey told her how his ear pieces weren’t working, how he missed notes (or so he thought), missed steps (or so he thought), and how he couldn’t help but worry about Kim being on the loose.
“We should be enjoying these last few days of the tour, Tara.” Joey said.
“Do you trust Tiny and Randy and Jonathan?” Tara asked Joey outright.
“Of course I do.”
“Then let them worry about our protection. You have a concert to do tonight.” Tara said. “Sit…” she instructed as she pulled out a chair from the dressing table. He did as he was told and she began to massage his neck and shoulders. “Relax.” She told him. Joey took a deep breath and imagined that they were back at the house in Orlando in the hot tub listening to Richard Marx. He started to relax. “That’s better.” Tara said as she continued to work on his shoulders. Joey kept his eyes closed and was nearly asleep when Justin knocked on the door.
“C’mon guys, we need to eat something before the meet and greet.” Justin said.
“We’ll be right there.” Joey replied as he gently grabbed Tara’s hand and pulled her around so that she would fall into his lap. “Thank you.” He said as he looked into her eyes.
“Anything to help.” Tara told him and kissed him.
“Hold that thought…” Joey said after they kissed for a few minutes. “We should get out there and get some food.” Joey said.
“No arguments from me.” Tara said as her stomach growled. They both laughed.
“It’s about time you two showed up. We were about to call out the posse.” Shawn teased when Tara and Joey walked into the chow room. Everyone laughed.
Joey and Tara both turned bright shades of pink. They both got some food and something to drink and joined JC and Shawn at their own little table. After the guys ate, they went to do the meet and greet and the girls stayed behind. Tara called Betsy to check on how things were going and then she called Trish while Shawn called home to check in and to check her messages. Then they all looked thru wedding magazines as Tara and Danielle were planning weddings. Tara just hadn’t told them yet that hers may be sooner.
“Hey girls, how about coming out and dancing during Just Got Paid?” Angie went back and asked the girls during the meet and greet. The girls all looked at each other and shrugged.
“Sure… why not… Angie… you just gotta tell Lance not to tell the guys, okay?” Danielle said.
“You bet… Thanks girls.” Angie said.
“Wait… I can’t go out like this!” Shawn declared. Referring to her hair and no make-up.
“Don’t worry… Tara and I got ya covered.” Danielle told Shawn. When the guys came back to change and do their pre-show warm ups, the girls all wished them good luck and scattered to the ladies’ room. Randy stood guard and Danielle and Tara went to work on Shawn’s hair and make up. Once the guys were about to go on-stage, Angie had sent their make-up artist in to help the girls.
JC and the guys started their routine for Just Got Paid and Tiny was standing guard at the night-club. Danielle, Tara, and Shawn were all positioned as the music started and they began to dance to the beat, when the doors were open and all the guys saw them standing there, Lance, Chris, and Joey pulled the three of them out onto the floor to dance with them. JC took over for Lance to dance with Shawn and the girls remained on stage for the rest of the song. The guys all then escorted the girls offstage. The guys had to do a costume change anyway.
“That was a nice surprise.” Joey told Tara as he kissed her on the cheek and went to his changing station. Shawn stood stunned at the kiss she got from JC… it was totally unexpected.
“Shawn, are you okay?” Tara giggled.
”I think I’m falling for JC and I’ve only known him two days.” Shawn said.
“Awe…….. that’s so sweet.” Tara said. “C’mon, we’ve got to get to the left side of the stage for Space Cowboy and This I Promise You.” Tara said. They tore Danielle away from Chris so that Chris could change and get into position and they went to the side of the stage to watch the rest of the show.
After the guys sang Space Cowboy, JC called out Shawn, Tara, and Danielle. Joey ran over to the edge of the stage and brought the girls out to center stage.
“Everyone, say hello to three very important people in our lives. Tara, Danielle, and Shawn.” Justin said.
“Girls, we would be honored if you would join us while we sing this next song. What do you say we go join the crowd and sing this song?” Lance asked. The girls all nodded in agreement. Shawn was petrified, but JC calmed her nerves by taking her hand in his and leading her onto the platform. The music started and the platform rose as Justin began the opening for This I Promise You.
Afterwards, the guys ended the show as they normally do and then escorted the girls off stage. Randy took them back to the dressing room so the guys could finish the show.
“You women ruled!” Joey said as all five guys ran back into the dressing room after the performed Bye Bye Bye. He gave Shawn and Danielle each a hug and then gave Tara a kiss. Jonathan came in a few minutes later after everyone had thanked each other.
“Just when I thought you guys couldn’t surprise me any more, you get bigger pops from the crowd by bringing the girls out for TIPY. And ladies, thank you for being a willing participant and surprise for the guys. Now, guys… we leave for San Diego at ten am tomorrow. See you all at the hotel in the morning.” Jonathan said.
They all waited until Jonathan left and then cleaned up the dressing room and got into the limos to head back to the hotel to change and then go out for some food and dancing.
At the club later that night, Joey raised his glass to everyone and simply said, "Two more concerts to go... let's make them our best ones ever!"
