*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)
After the club, Joey and Tara went for a walk on the beach with Randy and Tiny close by at all times.
“It sure is different to be on the west coast walking on the beach. This is nice.” Tara admitted to Joey.
“Did you have fun tonight?” Joey asked.
“I had a lot of fun and I hope you aren’t upset that we showed up like that for Just Got Paid.” Tara replied. “It was Angie’s idea.” Tara said. Joey laughed.
“Nah, I’m not mad. Surprised that you did it, but not mad. It was a nice tension reliever. We needed that. I think all of us still had Kim on the brain. Her escape is affecting just not you and me, but the group and those close to us. I only hope they find her soon.” Joey said. He stopped to look out over the ocean. “Ya know, if someone were to tell me that Kim would be the way she turned out to be back when I first met her, I would have told them, nah, not Kim. Kim would never do anything to hurt me or anyone I loved. Never. Look at how wrong I would have been.” Joey said. The ocean was nice and calming to Joey.
“So tell me about when you two first met. Tell me about the good side of her Joey. All I know is the bad side. The ill side.” Tara suggested.
“Would you be mad if I said that I don’t think I’m ready just yet?” Joey said as he looked at Tara. The moonlight was radiating off of her with a beautiful ray of moon blue. Joey took his hand and brushed her hair, back away from her eyes. Tara reached for his face and brushed her hand softly across his cheek.
“No, because I know you’ll tell me when you’re ready. Just don’t let this eat away at you. We’re in this together. Okay?” Tara said as she looked into his eyes. Joey leaned down to kiss her.
“I promise.” He replied. They stood there with Tara embraced in Joey’s arms and looked out over the ocean for what seemed like a short time but was a half an hour. Joey looked at his watch.
“C’mon, it’s late, we should head back.” Joey said. It was nearly one am. Tara yawned.
“Yeah, you’re right.” Tara replied. They got back in the car and headed for the hotel.
“There you two are… we were beginning to wonder what happened to you.” JC whispered when Tiny had opened the door and Joey walked in with Tara in his arms. She had fallen asleep in the car and he didn’t have the heart to wake her. Tiny had told everyone to ssshhh when he first opened the door.
“She okay?” Shawn asked she ran over to their room and opened the door.
“Yeah, just tired.” Joey replied, “Thanks Shawn.” Joey took Tara straight to the bedroom and put her to bed. A few minutes later, he too, was sound asleep next to her.
“Tara?” Joey woke Tara up as she slept in his bunk in the bus on the way down to San Diego. They had gotten up early that morning and had breakfast before packing up everything and everyone to leave Los Angeles by ten am. Tara had a small headache and went to lie down.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Tara asked Joey.
“Nothing, I’m just checking on you. We should be in San Diego soon.” Joey explained as he felt her forehead. “How are you feeling?”
“Headache’s gone. Still sleepy. Come join me.” Tara giggled and pulled him into the bunk with her. He chuckled softly.
“There’s not enough room in here for both of us. Why don’t you come out and play?” Joey asked.
“Five more minutes dad? I was having a wonderful dream.” Tara smiled with her eyes closed and wouldn’t let Joey leave the bunk.
“Well, in that case…” Joey closed the curtain to block out the light.
“Anyone seen Joey?” Tiny asked a little while later.
“Sshh, their sleeping.” Justin pointed to the bunk. Tiny couldn’t help it, he had to interrupt them. He opened the curtain to see Tara and Joey sound asleep.
“Excuse me, Joey?” Tiny said.
“What is it, Tiny?” Joey said.
“There’s been some news regarding Kim.” Tiny said. Joey’s eyes popped open.
“Give me a few minutes.” Joey said. Tiny closed the curtain. Joey kissed Tara’s forehead and slid out of the bunk, carefully as not to wake Tara. He met Tiny up front with Jonathan and Randy. “What do you know?” Joey asked all of them.
“Kim’s been spotted in Pennsylvania. The house is gone.” Randy explained.
“What do you mean, gone?” Joey demanded to know. But he already knew the answer.
“It was set on fire last night.” Tiny said. `Damn!’ Joey thought.
“Chris’s sister okay?” Joey asked.
“Yeah, she’s staying with Trish and Travis right now. The police have a description of a woman fitting Kim’s description in the neighborhood yesterday.” Randy replied. Joey sat down in the nearest chair. Tara was not going to take the news well about the house.
“She has to be stopped and Chris needs to be told about his sister. Are you sure she’s alright?” Joey asked.
“I just talked to her and Trish. Everyone’s fine.” Randy stated.
“I’ll go tell Chris.” Jonathan offered.
“No… I will. Just give us all some time alone okay… none of us is taking the Kim situation really well.” Joey told all three men.
“Tara, c’mon honey… I need to talk to you and the others.” Joey woke Tara up on the way to the back room. Tara could tell by the look in his eyes, something was wrong. She didn’t hesitate to follow him out of the bunk that time and to the back room. “Justin, please turn that off. We need to talk.” Joey said, referring to the video game Justin was playing. Shawn and Danielle were looking at some magazines while JC was writing and Chris was reading a book. Lance was working on some paperwork for FreeLance. Everyone stopped what they were doing. Joey pulled out his cell phone and dialed Trish’s number.
“Last night it seems, the house back in Pennsylvania was set on fire. It’s gone. Completely. No one was hurt.” Joey handed the phone to Chris. “The situation regarding Kim has just gotten more serious." Joey explained.
“What do you mean the house is gone?” Tara asked with tears in her eyes. Justin was sitting next to her and took hold of her hand.
“The police think she did it. They have reports of a woman fitting her description in the area yesterday.” Joey told Tara. Tara looked down at the table and grew quiet as Joey sat down on the other side of her. She pulled away from both Joey and Justin. Everyone waited to see her reaction as she just looked at the table and tried to collect her thoughts.
“I guess there’s truly no reason to go back now.” she said, barely audible. She put her arms out in front of her and laid her head down on top of them and buried her face so that no one could see her tears. Joey just rubbed her back and let her cry. Chris came over to her a few minutes later.
“Tara, it’s my sister…” Tara looked up at Chris and took the phone from him. Joey gave Justin a look as if to tell him not to leave Tara’s side while he left for a few minutes. He went back out to talk to Tiny, Randy, and Jonathan.
“How did she take it?” Randy asked.
“Better than I expected, but she’s still truly upset. Is there any way we can get a hold of the police reports and the fire report?” Joey asked.
“Sure, I can get them faxed to the hotel.” Tiny suggested.
“Good. Do that. How much longer until we get there?” Joey asked.
“Another hour or so.” Jonathan told him.
Joey heard crying coming from the bunks as he went back to the gang. He immediately recognized them as Tara’s cries.
“Tara?” Joey asked.
“Please Joe… I just need some time.” Tara replied.
“Okay… you know where I’ll be.” Joey said and kissed the back of her head before closing the curtain and returning back to the gang. Shawn was curled up next to JC, who was staring out the window. He hated to see Joey and Tara in pain because of Kim. Chris and Danielle were talking in the other corner. Lance had gone back to working on some FreeLance paperwork and Justin was sitting at the table, drinking some soda. He had tried to call Britney but then remembered that she must be in sound check so he left her a voice mail message to call him.
Joey could feel the anger building up inside from what he was feeling towards Kim at the moment. He wanted to yell, he wanted to scream, he wanted to hit something. He wanted something to feel the fury and rage he was feeling. “Think… what had Tara taught you about letting it go…” Joey said to himself as he sat down next to Justin. Singing. Singing was the answer. He began to sing a BOYS II MEN tune…Good-bye To Yesterday. All the guys new the song and one by one joined in. By the end of the song, Joey felt better.
“Thanks guys. I needed that.” Joey admitted.
“No problemo…” JC replied.
“It’s just so frustrating not being able to know that we’re safe from Kim’s wrath. And now to learn that she’s the top suspect in setting fire to the house in Pennsylvania… well, I’m just angry.” Joey admitted.
“Totally understandable.” Lance offered.
“Did Tara say anything before she went back to the bunk?” Joey asked.
“No… she just handed me back the phone and took some tissues with her.” Chris replied.
“Don’t worry, Joey… she’s alright… she’s just dealing with it right now the best way she can.” Shawn replied.
“Yeah, I know.”
“Gang… we should be at the hotel any second now. Joey, we need to prepare a statement. The press now knows about the house belonging to Tara.” Jonathan said.
“No comment at this time.” Joey told him as he went to check on Tara.
“Okay ladies, don’t go anywhere without security. We’ll be back after the radio gig.” Joey said an hour later after everyone had settled into the hotel. The guys had to go do some press releases and make an appearance at a radio station’s fair where they would sing a few songs. Because Lance knew that it would end up running late, he asked the girls to pick up Betsy at the airport and to take extra security with them. They would all meet up at the hotel restaurant once the gig was over. While this was all happening, Jonathan had prepared a statement on NSYNC's behalf. The press were told that they were aware of what happened back in Pennsylvania and that they had every confidence that Kim would be found and treated.
At the radio gig, The guys sang More Than A Feeling, This I Promise You, I Thought She Knew, and It’s Gonna Be Me for the crowd and explained that they could not stay for a meet and greet but however, they could stay for a few more minutes for people to take pictures of them and to answer some questions. Luckily, no one asked about Kim and the fire in Pennsylvania.
“They should be here by now.” Lance said as he looked at his watch. He paced in front of the guys as they waited for the girls to show up. It was nearly ten pm and the girls hadn’t arrived yet. Joey’s cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hi, it’s me. We just pulled up. We’ll be right there.” Tara said into the phone. “How’s Lance.”
“Nervous as all hell. How’s Betsy?” Lance chuckled.
“Excited.” Tara replied.
“See you soon.” Joey said.
“What? What’s wrong?” Lance said.
“Stuck in traffic… we should go ahead and get seated. They’ll be here as soon as they can.” Joey teased, trying not to laugh. The look on Lance’s face read disappointment. “Oh man, I was wrong cuz Lance, turn around.” Joey said and swung Lance around to be face to face with Betsy.
“Hi!” Betsy said to Lance. Lance bent down and kissed her passionately. Tara, Shawn, and Danielle joined their men.
“Well, looks like we can all finally eat.” Joey said.
“Yeah… you see those two greet each other?” Tara said.
“Yup, you’d think they were you two.” JC teased. Shawn playfully hit him.
“Thanks Shawn.” Joey laughed. The hostess showed them all to their tables. As he helped Tara with her chair, he noticed that Justin seemed a little down. “Juju, she’ll be here tomorrow night.”
“I know, I just feel like the ninth wheel is all.” Justin replied.
“Here, just press redial.” Tara handed Justin her phone. She had called Britney from the limo and Britney said she’d be waiting by the phone for Justin’s call. Everyone saw a smile form on Justin’s lips as he took Tara’s phone and pressed redial. Danielle reached over to Tara from where she was seated.
“Girl, you’ve done a good thing.” She said.
“I know.” Tara smiled.
“Boy, you’d think those two hadn’t seen each other in months instead of days.” Chris said, referring to Lance and Betsy as they sat together, engrossed in each other’s presence and vaguely aware of their surroundings. Lance heard that and diverted his eyes to give Chris a look as if to say `don’t mess with me’.
“Okay, so, ya know how Friday and Saturday nights are our last shows for this concert, well, I was thinking that maybe we could do something special for not only the fans, but for us.” Joey said to no one in particular.
“Like what?” JC liked Joey’s thought.
“I dunno… I mean, the fans are expecting the NSA tour and a Christmas song or two, but that’s not enough.” Joey replied.
“Joey, I’ve told you once, and I’m telling you again, you have a heart bigger than anyone could ever imagine and if it ever got out, your reputation as a womanizer would be history.” Tara teased her man.
“Ssshhh, fans might be listening right now.” Justin teased as he cupped the phone. He was still on the phone with Britney.
“Joey’s right. Maybe we could do an extra song or two?” Chris suggested.
“Yeah.” Lance agreed.
“Ladies, what do you think?”
“You have Soul Decision, Dream, and Pink opening up for you both nights, and then you guys perform for ninety minutes… I think an extra song or two from you guys would be great.” Danielle replied.
A waiter finally showed up to take their orders.
“I agree… maybe like do Could It Be You and the song from The Grinch.” Tara suggested.
“That would be neat. You guys haven’t sung those songs here in the states.” Shawn said.
“Oh yeah… and Chances.” Danielle suggested. Joey and the guys looked at Tara.
“Would it be okay?”
“Um, how about Silent Night.” Tara suggested. “You guys do that one so great acapella.” Tara told them.
“And you could bring the others on stage for that one.” Betsy spoke. Lance was writing down everyone’s ideas. Now & Forever began to play.
“Hold that thought gang… Tara, can I have this dance?” Joey asked his fiancee. Tara happily accepted. Chris and Danielle and JC and Shawn also joined them on the dance floor. They spent the rest of dinner eating, laughing, and talking about the previous concerts. When the women all went to the ladies room, the guys pounced on Lance.
“Uh, Belle who?” Justin started first.
“Boy, it’s gotten really serious between you two, hasn’t it?” Joey asked.
“Need some chapstick for those lips?” Chris added.
“Whoa, wait a second guys…I’m allowed to miss my girl ya know.”
“You’ve barely known her for two months. When did she become your girl?” Justin inquired. The guys were all laughing.
“I guess I should ask her first but, man, she’s awesome.” Lance said. He couldn’t wipe the grin he had off his face.
“JC, usually you’re in there with the witty remarks… how come the silence?” Joey joked.
“I’m not one to pick on Lance when there’s a woman in the ladies room that I’ve only known for two days that I’m falling hard for.” JC admitted.
“No way!” Chris said. Lance high-fived JC.
“So looks like the end of the tour is a good thing?” Joey asked.
“Yeah, I’m going back to Georgia for a few days to get to know Shawn a little better.” JC admitted.
“Wow. Well, as long as you’re all back here for Christmas and the week after.” Joey said.
“You know we’ll be here but what’s going on afterwards?” Justin asked.
“Tara and I’ve moved up our wedding date. We’re getting married at the house in Orlando the week after Christmas. Almost everyone will be there for the holidays anyway, so we figured that it would through off the media and be the perfect opportunity for everyone.” Joey explained.
“You two kids… always throwing us off guard.” Chris laughed.
“So old man, you and Dani fixate on a date yet?” JC asked.
“New Year’s Eve, this year… same idea. Although we told certain family members it would be in May because we knew they’d leak it to the press.” Chris laughed.
“Boy do we know how to work angles or what?” Lance said in amazement. They talked for a little while longer and paid the bill before the ladies came back. It was decided to go on up to the rooms and get some sleep for Friday.
“Tar… we really should define a date for the wedding.” Joey said when they got to their room.
“I know… Chris and Dani’s is on New Year’s Eve which is on Sunday, I was thinking that maybe ours can be on Saturday? Have it be a weekend wedding event?” Tara asked.
“Hmmmmmmmm, really?” Joey asked.
“Actually, Dani came up with the `weekend wedding event’ label.” Tara laughed.
“I like it. What do you think?” Joey asked as he swept her off her feet and plopped her down on the bed.
“I think great minds think alike.” Tara replied and reached for his neck and pulled him closer. No sooner did they start kissing that someone pounded on the door.
“Tara, Joey… it’s Chris and Dani. Open up.” Chris said.
“Go away Christopher.” Joey responded.
“C’mon, there’s more important things than THAT right now.” Chris exaggerated.
Joey sighed, “this better be good,” he told Tara as he walked to the door and opened it.
“We’ve got an idea and want to run it past you.” Chris said as he barged into the room.
“Chris, this could have waited until morning.” Danielle protested.
“Okay Chris, you’re here, let’s hear it.” Tara said as Joey helped her stand up from the bed.
“Joe… Danielle and I were talking and we thought it would be neat if you and Tara and Danielle and I got married on the same day. What do you think?” Chris asked, totally serious. Joey and Tara looked at each other, shrugged and said sure at the same time.
“Really? You wanna?” Danielle was stunned.
“Ladies, this is your day… what do you think?” Joey asked both Danielle and Tara.
“Danielle?? You are suppose to be my maid of honor. It would be cool.” Tara said.
“We could have soooo much fun with this.” Danielle admitted.
“Well?” Chris asked.
“Sure… let’s do it.” Danielle said.
“Yeah, let’s do it.” Tara agreed.
“Looks like we’re all getting married on New Year’s eve. It’s gonna be a great night!” Joey said.
“Do you guys always yell at one in the morning?” Lance asked as he came out of the room from across the hall.
“Sorry… where we yelling?” Chris asked.
“It’s okay… Betsy and I were just talking.” Lance explained.
“Yeah, okay Mr. Clean.” Joey teased. Lance’s shirt was unbuttoned to mid chest level. He blushed instantly.
“Well, we were just going to bed. See you in the morning?” Tara said.
“You’re looking a little drained Tara. You okay?” Danielle noticed. Tara was feeling a headache coming on.
“Yeah, just tired. It’s been a long day.” Tara replied. Joey went into concern mode.
“Okay gang, thanks for stopping by at this ungodly hour but it’s time for bed.” Joey ushered everyone out. When he turned around, Tara was pouring herself a glass of water. “Tara, everything alright?” he asked.
“I think the late nights and the plane ride are catching up with me. I’m tired and feel a headache coming on. What about you? You okay?” Tara asked as she tried to open the Tylenol bottle. Joey took the bottle from her hands and opened it for her. “Thanks.” She smiled.
“Yeah, I’m good. But you’re right… You’ve been surviving on a lot of adrenaline since you got here Tuesday. I’m surprised you haven’t had any episodes.” Joey said.
“Ssshhh, maybe I won’t. Wouldn’t that be a nice surprise.” Tara said before taking a few gulps of water to down the Tylenol. She then disappeared into the bathroom while Joey undressed and got ready for bed.
“So what are you girls up to today?” Joey asked as he and Tara were leaving their room to join everyone down in the restaurant for breakfast.
“We’re just gonna hang out. Darren is gonna show us some moves.” Tara told him.
“What kind of moves?” Joey laughed.
“You know I can’t dance and Danielle and I wanted to start taking aerobics so we thought that we’d get some pointers from Darren and Shawn and Betsy are up for the challenge.” Tara told him.
“What challenge?” Shawn asked as she and Betsy came out from their room.
“Aerobics from Darren.” Tara asked.
“Yeah… Darren said he’ll make it fun for us.” She replied without missing a beat. They met up with everyone else coming out of their rooms at the elevator.
“Boy, don’t we all look lively this morning.” Chris mumbled with a yawn.
“If you keep doing that, we won’t be.” JC teased. The group laughed. Tiny came out of the elevator as it opened up.
“Oh no you don’t kids… the lobby is mobbed with screaming teenagers.”
“So much for breakfast in the restaurant.” Lance commented.
“Cool, I can go back to sleep now, right?” JC asked. Shawn playfully slapped him in the chest. Tara grabbed Joey’s arm. She needed something to drink to take her medication. Joey looked into her eyes and knew something was wrong.
“Uh, gang, that’s okay… we can just order and eat Chris and Dani’s suite. In the meantime…” Joey said while looking at Tara, “we need some juice for Tara.” He led her over to the nearest seat closest to the elevator and steadied her as she sat down. He knelt down in front of her. “Side effects?” he asked her. Everyone but Shawn and Randy went back to the rooms while JC and Tiny went for some orange juice.
“No… I’m not sure… could be. I’ve never felt like this before.” Tara admitted.
“Think you can walk?” Joey asked. Tara nodded and he helped her up.
“What can I do?” Shawn asked. Joey handed her the key to the hotel room. She went down and opened the door.
“How you doing?” Joey asked as they walked down the hall.
“Nauseous and achey.” She admitted.
“Sounds like the flu.” He replied.
“I know, but we know how hard it is to diagnose me.” Tara admitted. Joey felt her head.
“You don’t feel warm.” Joey explained when they got into the room. He wanted to take her over to the bed, but she insisted on sitting down on the couch. JC and Tiny came back with the orange juice and the house doctor.
“Geez, JC… did you have to?” Tara asked when she saw the other man.
“Hey, with your history, if I hadn’t, Joey would insist that you see one anyway.” JC told her as he handed her the orange juice. Joey handed her a pill.
“He’s right and we both know it.” Joey told her. She rolled her eyes but she understood that they were both right.
“Okay, let me guess, nausea, achey all over, and you were fine when you first got up? Did you have a headache last night?” The doctor asked.
“Yes, is something going around?” she asked.
“What did you have for dinner last night?” The doctor asked.
“Um, the salmon with new potatoes, vegetables, and french onion soup.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.” The doctor took some notes before addressing Joey and Shawn.
“Did anyone else have the French Onion soup last night?”
“Yeah there were several of us, me included.” Joey told him.
“I did too.” JC admitted.
“Tara, you’re suffering from food poisoning. You should be fine in a few hours. I’ll send up some pepto-bismol for you and you should order some toast for breakfast, don’t try anything else until the nausea goes away.”
“Whew…” Tara sighed. Thankful that it was food poisoning. “Thanks doc.” Tara smiled. Joey was relieved too.
“How are you two feeling?” The doctor asked. Both men said they were fine.
“Chris and Danielle and Justin are complaining of stomach cramps.” Betsy said as she came into the room.
“I’m going to go check on them. Are you two okay?” The doctor asked.
“More or less.” JC said.
“I’m fine.” Joey insisted.
“What’s going on?” Betsy asked.
“French onion soup.” Shawn said.
“That stuff is nasty.” Betsy wriggled her nose at the mention of that soup and left the room.
“I’ll call Jonathan, let him know that Chris and Lance…” JC began to say.
“Already on it.” Justin said from the doorway with his phone attached to his ear. Tara had stood up to go to the bathroom.
“Tara?” Joey asked.
“Bathroom.” She explained as she balanced herself. Joey was worried about her because she was the one with the chemical imbalance. Justin handed the phone to Joey.
“Hey Jonathan.” Joey said into the phone as he watched Tara go into the bathroom.
“How’s Tara?”
“Weak, but that’s how she is when she’s sick. She’s got food poisoning and from the sound of it so does Chris and Lance.” Joey said.
“Alright. I’ll see about canceling Leno.” Jonathan suggested.
“Don’t do that yet. The guys would kill you if you did. We love doing Leno.” Joey told him. “If the guys aren’t better by noon, I’ll call ya.” Joey promised.
“Don’t worry about them, just worry about Tara. Sound check is at three. Hopefully everyone’s better by then.”
“Alright. Alright. See you then.” Joey said and hung up the phone. Tara had come out of the bathroom and plopped down on the bed while he was on the phone.
“Plans for this morning are scrapped then?” Shawn said. She poured some water into a glass for Tara.“Looks that way. Could someone go see how the guys are doing?” Tara asked. JC and Justin left the room.
“Tara?”
“Give me an hour or so… maybe this will just go away without me getting sick in the bathroom.” She admitted.
“Okay, I need to call home anyway.” Joey said and kissed her forehead.
“Want me to stay with you?” Shawn asked.
“Nah, go find JC.” Tara told her.
“You sure?”
“Positive… go.” Tara said. Joey escorted Shawn out as Tara got under the covers and closed her eyes to go back to sleep.
“Chris… how ya doin?” Joey asked when he went into Chris’s suite. Danielle was nowhere to be seen and Lance was lying down on the couch.
“Don’t ask, I won’t tell.” Chris replied.
“Danielle?”
“Damn soup.” Chris replied. Lance chuckled from the couch.
“Lance?”
“It figures… I finally get to see Betsy and wham! Get stricken with food poisoning.” Lance said. Joey laughed.
“Early stages of lust, eh.” Justin said as he came in behind Joey.
“Okay, serious moment here… do you guys think you could handle Leno after sound check?” Joey asked.
“I’ll let you know after some pepto-bismol takes affect. How’s Tara?” Lance asked.
“Hopefully sleeping by now.” Joey replied.
“What did the doctor say?”
“We should feel better by this afternoon. The girls though, it might take a little longer. Smaller framed women that they are, it affects them more deeply.” Chris explained as Danielle came out of the bathroom. Chris went over to check on her. Joey went to talk to Lance.
“Where’s Betsy now?”
“She went down with JC and to get the Pepto and some hard candy for everyone.” Lance explained.
“How are you feeling?”
“Like that time when we all had the bad cheese fries in New York. Remember that night? We all thought we were going to die.” Lance said.
“Ewww, that was nasty.” Joey laughed, “Anyway, I’m going to go back and keep an eye on Tara and I need to call home anyway. I’ll be back… sleep it off, ok?” Joey was concerned about them all.
“I’ll try, Joe. Thanks.” Lance said. Joey took the afghan that was on the chair and covered his friend with it. Lance went to protest but Joey gave him a look that said `Just amuse me a minute’ so he simply said “Thank you” before closing his eyes.
When Joey got back to the room, Tara was sound asleep. Joey checked her forehead and she was fine. The pepto-bismol bottle was on the nightstand. He took the cup to rinse it out before he sat down on the couch and called home.
“Joey?” Tara asked when she woke up later. He was reading the local paper.
“Hey… how are you feeling?” Joey asked as he put the paper down. Tara sat up in bed and assessed how she was feeling.
“Better, but not a hundred percent. What about the guys and Danielle?” Tara asked.
“Good question.” Joey said. There was a knock on the door. Joey got up to answer it. It was JC.
“Came to check on you and Tara.”
“Hey JC, Tara just woke up. How are the guys and Danielle?”
“Better. The guys are rearing to go. Danielle’s sworn off French Onion soup though.” JC laughed.
“She’s not the only one.” Tara said from the bed.
“Where’s Shawn?” Tara asked.
“Checking her email and stuff and making plane reservations for Wednesday after the Billboard Awards. For both of us.” JC said.
“So you’re going home with her?” Tara smiled, she was feeling better by the minute.
“Yeah… I can’t wait.” JC grinned.
“Hey gang… let’s go.” Lance said from the doorway. JC hadn’t closed the door when he had entered.
“You’re looking better.” Joey greeted Lance.
“Thanks… anyone else hungry? It’s nearly noon and I’m starved.” Lance said.
“Sure… what are you thinking?” JC wanted to know.
“A limo run through a McDonald’s drive thru on the way to the venue. I just talked to Jonathan and he suggested that we do the sound check early so that we can relax before Leno and not be so rushed.” Lance explained.
“Give us about fifteen minutes?” Tara asked. She wanted to wash her face and change her clothes.
“Sure… I’ll round everyone else up. Meet you at the limos in fifteen minutes.” Lance said.
“I’d better go tell Shawn.” JC said.
“Hey, fifteen means fifteen JC!” Joey said as he closed the door behind JC.
“You are so dead later after he’s thought about that comment.” Tara giggled as she got out of bed.
“I know.” Joey laughed.
“I’ll be ready in a few minutes.” Tara said as she grabbed an outfit from the closet and disappeared into the bathroom.
They had fun going thru the McDonald’s for food and went straight to the venue. The band was warming up getting ready for sound check with the guys when they piled out of the limo.
“Tara and Danielle, we were able to get an extra office for you two to rest if you needed it.” Jonathan said before the guys went onstage.
“Thanks Jonathan, but I’m actually feeling a lot better. How about you Danielle?” Tara replied. Danielle agreed. Darren stopped over and said that he’d work with them as soon as the sound check was done. The guys were going to Leno minus the girls so they would be able to get an hour to two hours done regarding the dance for the next show. The girls all went out to watch the sound check and Darren made the guys do the steps to Tearin’ Up My Heart several times because he claimed that the last few shows they were lacking. Actually he was just giving the girls the opportunity to learn the steps that they were going to be doing.
“C’mon Joey… where’s that great smile you’ve always got for the crowd? Let me see it!” Darren barked. “JC… your crispiness is lacking… c’mon… work those steps!”
The guys all collapsed at the end of Tearin’ Up My Heart onto the stage floor. Darren went up on stage. “Guys, guys, guys… because it’s one of your older songs, you need to be perfect… that’s why we ran it several times full speed. I’m proud of each of you for giving me a two hundred percent every time we do these sound checks and during the shows. Chris, Lance? How you two holding up? Stomachs okay?” Darren asked. Both guys nodded as Angie threw water bottles to each of the guys. The guys finished sound check before saying good bye to the girls and being ushered into a limo and off to Leno.
“Okay guys. Thanks for being here… I know you’re in a hurry to get back to your two fans that are going to be at your show tonight. Good luck.” Jay Leno said to the guys after they finished taping the show.
“Thanks Jay. As usual, it was fun.” Joey said as each of the guys shook Jay’s hand as they headed out to the waiting limo. Tiny called Tara’s cell phone to let them know they were on their way back.
“Alright, you two… What’s going on?” JC asked as he looked at Chris and Joey.
“What do you mean?” Joey asked.
“You two are up to something. Right after we all went our separate ways last night, Chris and Dani went into your room Joey and there was some laughter.” Justin said, in reporter mode.
“Oh, that…” Chris chuckled.
“Yeah, that…” Lance added.
“There looks like there’s going to be a double wedding on December 31st in Orlando people.” Joey explained.
“Your serious?” JC stated.
“Yes, we’re serious. The media will never guess.” Chris stated.
“What do Danielle and Tara think?” Justin asked.
“They think it’s a good idea.” Joey insisted, “You guys don’t think so?” Joey asked.
“We’re in shock. You’re both getting married at the same time, on the same day. Wow.” JC told Joey and Chris.
“Yeah, I mean……… wow, Joey, we never thought you’d settle down. You’ve always been the one to say you were afraid of commitment.” Justin said.
“I’m a changed man. Tara came into my life and loved me for being me and taught me patience, love, friendship, trust, and understanding again. All thanks to Andy.” Joey told them, which shocked everyone even more.“Changed is definitely correct for you, Joe. You’re not as rough as you used to be, but marriage?” Justin asked.
“Look guys. You all know how much I love Tara and how much she loves me. I thought you all accepted her into my life? Ju… after the shooting you poured out your heart to her for not allowing her into your life so to speak; what’s changed?” Joey could feel his eyes begin to tear up.
“Joey, I think we’re all just in awe of the changes in you since you met Tara. I think she has jumpstarted changes in all our lives and we’ve all become the better for it. Don’t be upset with us for being shocked or stunned or calling you on your choices in life. We’re your friends and that’s what we’re suppose to do.” JC moved over to sit next to Joey to explain.
“Joe, I didn’t mean to upset you.” Justin said. Chris had remained quiet to let the youngins work it out. Joey sighed and wiped his eyes on his sleeve.
“I know you didn’t, Juju. It’s just really hard still to express myself to you guys when it comes to Tara and I’m trying to open myself more and more and it’s just going to take use to hearing your opinions on everything like I use to with Andy.” Joey admitted.
“Joey, we’re all friends here and will be for the rest of our lives. Tara’s a good woman, you couldn’t do better. We’re proud of you and we’re happy for you.” Chris said from the corner of the limo.” Everyone turned to him.
“He’s right guys. You know it and I know it.” Lance said from another corner of the room. All eyes switched to Lance. Joey looked at JC and Justin.
“I’ve got Chris, you two get Lance.” Joey said as he grabbed a pillow and hit Chris with it. A pillow fight had started out in the back of the limousine. They were really rowdy. Tiny finally put the partition down to find out what was going on and couldn’t help but laugh.
“You guys are soooo dead.” Tiny boomed from the front of the limousine. All the guys stopped what they were doing and looked at Tiny. They looked like a herd of deer looking into the headlights of a car.
“What? We’re bonding.” Chris declared all in good fun. The guys all slumped down in heavy laughter. The limousine pulled up to the venue. Jonathan was waiting for the guys and opened the door. Justin and JC fell out still laughing.
“What is going on?” Jonathan asked. Angie laughed at the sight of the guys laughing.
“Just relieving some stress.” Lance stepped over the guys, completely composed. Joey and Chris were still in the limousine laughing. As soon as Lance passed Jonathan he started laughing again.
“Okay, what are you guys on?” Jonathan asked.
“Wait, you know we don’t do that stuff Jonathan… we were having a really serious discussion and started a pillow fight by accident and it just ended up making us feel really good.” Joey spoke up for everyone.
“Yeah, you know us better than that Jonathan.” JC said, helping Justin off the ground.
“Yeah!” The rest of the guys chipped in.
“You’re right, I do… Just wanted to get your goat. Okay… Go grab a quick bite to eat. The meet and greet is in a half hour.” Jonathan looked at the clipboard.
“Where are the girls?” Joey asked, looking around for any sign of Tara.
“They just went into the lounge.” Angie told the guys. Joey, JC, Justin, Lance, and Chris headed for the food. After the guys had grabbed some food, they headed for the lounge. Tara and Shawn were off talking in a corner. Dani was in another corner curled up with a book and Betsy was on the phone with someone checking on something for Tara. Joey smiled as he saw Tara talking with Shawn. Yes, it was true, he was afraid of commitment but that was a long time ago in his eyes. Now, with Tara, a commitment is what he wanted. A lifetime commitment. He smiled to himself as he sat down next to Tara. Tara and Shawn didn’t acknowledge him but that didn’t bother him as he eavesdropped in on their conversation.
“What about the duster? How long do you want it?” Tara asked. `Cool, they’re talking about clothing. Wonder what for.’ Joey thought to himself.
“I was thinking mid-calf or ankle with it tailoring back like a long tuxedo jacket maybe.” Shawn said.
“That’s it exactly! With a bow in the back… like this?” Tara said as she drew something down on a pad.
“What are you two talking about?” Joey asked.
“Hey hun… How was Leno?” Tara leaned in for a kiss. Joey was eating pasta.
“Good. What’d you guys do?”
“Nothing. Shawn and I were just discussing an idea I had for the fall line for next year.” Tara explained.
“That’s cool.” Joey said.
“I can’t believe she’s going through with it though.” Shawn said.
“With what?” Joey asked.
“This design.” Tara said and showed Joey the three drawings she and Shawn were looking over.
“Wow. Honey… what made you think of this?”
“Well, I can’t explain that to you right now without giving away the look of my wedding dress, but I think this look would go over well with a pair of pants, not too loose and a turtleneck.” Tara explained.
“Guys, five minutes.” Angie said from the doorway. “Chris, Lance? How are you feeling?”
“Hundred and fifty percent.” Chris said enthusiastically.
“Like I could do this forever.” Lance rolled his eyes and laughed.
“I’ll take that as you’re both feeling better. Okay.”
“Okay… after the meet and greet we’ll be really pressed for time. You’ll be near the stage before we start though, right?” Joey asked as he put his plate down.
“Yeah, we were planning on it.” Tara said. Joey looked into her eyes and just wanted to take her in his arms and never let go. She had a way of making his nerves go away and he was nervous. He and the guys were always nervous when they went to meet their fans. They loved it, but got nervous when the screaming girls wouldn’t stop or if someone had to be taken away for being too aggressive. Tara could sense he was uneasy a little.
“Do you want me to come to the meet and greet?” Tara asked, putting a hand on his forearm.
“Would you, please?” Joey asked.
“You bet.” Tara smiled.
“Shawn, what about you?” JC asked from where he was standing.
“Um, would it be alright?” Shawn didn’t want to impose.
“I wouldn’t want to scare you off or anything.” JC replied.
“Just come on out with us. Having our own private cheering section behind us would be a great benefit to making the meet and greet extra special.” JC said.
“Yes, I’d like that then.” Shawn smiled.
“C’mon guys. Let’s go.” Angie said.
“The girls are coming with us.” Lance said, not taking his eyes off of Betsy.
“Well then GANG, let’s go.” Angie laughed. Trying not to push the guys too much. A gentleman accidentally bumped into her as he was being escorted into the room.
“Oh, excuse me. I’m so sorry.” The man said as he bent down to pick up her clipboard.
“Richard?” Angie asked. She knew immediately that it was him. She hadn’t seen him since he had worked on putting This I Promise You on track with the guys.
“Angie… when did you start working out on the road?” Richard Marx laughed and gave her a hug.
“When Melissa went on maternity leave, Jonathan demanded that I come and help out. How could I say no to Jonathan?” Angie shrugged.
“Richard! What are you doing here tonight?” Joey said from as he led the guys thru the doorway.
“Hey…………… we had a deal, and I’m sticking to my end of the bargain.” Richard laughed.
“What deal?” Angie asked.
“Well, we’ve done a few guest appearances over the past few years and we asked Richard to come hang out with us during the last two shows.” JC announced. Angie looked over her clipboard.
“There’s no mention of it on my notes.”
“It’s okay Angie… I wasn’t sure until this morning.” Richard placed his hand on Angie’s as she flipped through her paperwork. Even though the man was married, he still gave her goose bumps when they touched.
“Okay you two… enough with the footsies…” Jonathan teased. Angie and Richard both blushed.
“Richard, it’s soooo good to see you!” Tara said and made her way through the pack of men to get a hug from Richard.
“Hi Tara.” Richard smiled.
“So you came here just for me?” Tara asked.
“Of course I did. Speaking of which, Cynthia wanted me to give you and Danielle something. Richard said as he handed them each a little gift bag.
“Thank you and Cynthia.” Both girls said.
“She wanted to be here, but Luke wasn’t feeling well. And he’s the one that insisted that I had to come.” Richard said.
“Well thanks for coming. Hey, wanna do a song with us?” Justin asked.
“Yeah, c’mon Richard…” Joey said. He knew Tara loved to hear Richard’s voice intertwined with Joey’s.
“Sure… why not.” Richard agreed. Joey, JC, Lance, Justin, and Chris left Richard with the girls and went to pray with the crew, change, and then get ready for the show.
The show was a huge success. The guys ended the show by bringing Richard out to sing This I Promise You with them one more time. Then they broke into Days In Avalon acapella and the crowd of mostly females swooned to the sounds.
They all went out for food at a local Denny’s before returning to their hotel for the night. Before Joey and Tara went to bed though, Joey told Tara about the conversation he had in the limousine with the guys on the way home. They fell asleep with Tara’s head on Joey’s chest and Joey twirling her hair in his fingers.
