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The
Real Impression Shape Of My Heart |
*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)
Two days after the proposal, Tara had TRL on while she was preparing an email letter to family and friends about the engagement.
“Live via satellite… NSYNC…” Carson said and the crowd went nuts.
“Hey Carson.” The guys answered.
“Okay, I’m gonna get right to the point, Joey… is it true? Are you off the market?” Carson asked.
“Well, Carson, frankly I haven’t been on the market for quite some time.” Joey said. He was wearing a leather jacket, Superman tie with a blue shirt and a big necklace that had Tara’s initials on it. That was new. Tara noticed it right away and got teary-eyed.
“Is it true you’re engaged?” Carson asked.
“Yeah, and he couldn’t be happier.” Chris replied for him. Joey was sitting behind Chris and Justin with JC and Lance.
“Congratulations. Tell us, when’s the wedding?” Carson asked.
“Well Carson, we thought we’d get married on Christmas.” Lance put his arm around Joey, the guys all laughed. Joey had asked the guys to help keep that information as private as possible. Tara and Joey had set the wedding for her birthday, July 10th, but no one would truly know as they didn’t want a huge wedding and they didn’t want a mob scene.
“You guys are too funny, but Joe, I respect your privacy man and I couldn’t be happier for you. I’ve had the pleasure to meet your fiancée and you are one lucky man. Now, the other reason you’re here today is to announce something. What is that?” Carson asked.
“The release of a twenty-song CD and video of concert footage and music, Carson.” JC said after Justin provided them with a drum roll.
“And it’s to be released next month.” Joey said.
“Just in time for Christmas!” Chris contributed as he made a goofy face. Tara laughed at them all. They looked rested and like they were having a good time.
“And we’re going to show a preview of one of the songs on both the CD and the video… Thanks guys for taking time out of your schedule. Good luck on this next leg of your tour! Ladies and gentleman… here’s NSYNC with No Strings Attached.” Carson said. The camera went off and the booth cued the video. A few minutes later, the phone in the den rang.
“Hello?” Tara answered the phone as she turned the TV down.
“Hey sweetie. Miss me?” Joey asked Tara.
“Hi honey… Nice surprise to see you on TRL.” Tara replied.
“You saw that?” Joey asked.
“Yeah, needed background noise while I worked on some email.”
“You’re not working too hard are you?”
“Oh no… actually this is pleasure… I’m working on sending out the engagement announcement to family and friends.” Tara explained.
“Cool. I miss you.” Joey stated.
“I miss you too. So what else do you guys have to do today before the show? Sound check?”
“TV interview, radio interview, meet and greet with the fans.”
“That’s a lot! Don’t work too hard. Oh and I saw the necklace. I love you.” Tara said.
“Chris had that made for me. And he says that you are the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“Yeah? Listen to that man.” Tara giggled.
“Yeah. What are you doing tonight?” Joey asked her.
“Working on iwuvjoey.com and taking it easy. I did some sketching this morning and will work on that a little tomorrow. Promise me you won’t sulk because I’m not with you, if the guys go out after the show that you’ll go with them?” Tara asked.
“I promise I’ll go if I’m up to it, but usually after the first two or three shows, we pretty much just go back to the hotel and wind down because we’re pretty exhausted until we get into a routine.” Joey explained.
“Okay. Well, I know you’re time is valuable right now so have a great show and remember… I’ll be right here waiting for you. I love you.” Tara said.
“I love you too. I’ll call you after the show.” Joey said and hung up the phone. Tara went back to working on the email. Joey went to join the guys in the interview room. Next up was an interview with a Los Angeles News team regarding the show.
“I want to put a stipulation on this interview.” Joey had thought quickly. He didn’t want the interview to be about his engagement to Tara.
“Let’s hear it?” The guys asked.
“No more talk about the engagement. Tara wouldn’t want this and I don’t. When I’m with you guys, we’re NSYNC and it’s about us. We have always tried to keep our personal lives as private as possible. I want to continue that.”
“Okay Joey.” The guys said.
“If it’s dwelled upon we ask for the next question. Agreed?” Justin asked. He had gone thru this with the rumors of him and Britney so he knew what Joey was feeling.
“Agreed. So, did she see TRL?” Lance asked.
“Yeah, she was surprised to see us on, but she sounds good.”
“So when is she coming out?” Chris asked.
“I didn’t ask that. So, when is this interview suppose to start? Don’t we have sound check in like half an hour?” Joey asked.
“The station is due here in five minutes. So if no one else is going to ask Joe, I’m gonna. Joe, we wanna sing Chances tonight. Is that alright?” JC asked. They hadn’t sung it live for anyone except for Tara and they had recorded it, but they haven’t decided to put it on their new album yet. Joey sat down. Singing Chances to an audience would be emotional for him. He knew that, but he knew that it helped bring him and Tara together. He thought it was a great idea.
“Yeah, sure. Let’s do it.” Joey said.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tara broke away from the computer to heat up some soup and make a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner. Belle and Danielle had both dropped off magazines on weddings and everything that had to deal with them so Tara’s first big decision would be her dress. Should she make her own or go to someone else? They would be getting married in Pennsylvania during the hottest time of the year up there. What style did she want? Long and flowing or short and modern? She flipped thru the magazines. Tara thought about what Joey had said before he left the night before.
* “I want to help you in every step of planning our wedding except for the dress. That decision is yours because I love you in the simplest of clothing or the most glamorous of clothing. But don’t let anything, anything stress you out. Call your Auntie to help you, call Trish or Shawn to help you. *
“I’ll worry about the dress later. Heck, I’ll worry about everything later… I need a movie.” Tara said to herself. She finished dinner and went back into the den. That’s the room she felt most comfortable in when Joey wasn’t home. It had a TV and the computer hook up as well as the phone and a powder room and a mini refrigerator that was fully stocked. Tara rummaged thru the movies and found her favorite, Steel Magnolias, so she put it in the vcr and pressed play. Tara was sound asleep ten minutes later. Tara woke to the sound of the phone ringing.
“Hello?” she asked. Her voice was hoarse.
“Tara, baby? Are you alright?” Joey asked. Tara looked at the clock. It was 2:30am her time.
“Hi Joey. I’m okay. Fell asleep to a movie.” She replied.
“Aawww honey, that’s not good for you. So that’s what you did tonight?”
“Right after dinner. Put in Steel Magnolias and was out minutes later. How was the show?” Tara asked. She got up and headed towards the kitchen.
“It was great! Tiring, but great. Everyone else is sound asleep already in their bunks.” Joey chuckled softly. He was tired, but he missed Tara terribly. No other woman had ever affected him that way before.
“Where are you headed next?” she asked.
“San Jose. Then we have Sunday off and then Seattle on Monday and Tuesday and Tacoma on Thursday and Friday.”
“Okay. You sound tired, Joey. We should get off of the phone so we both can get some sleep.” Tara suggested.
“Just a little while longer. Sing to me, Tara?” Joey asked. Tara laughed. She began to sing Now & Forever to him.
“That was the perfect song to sing Tara. You do know me so well.” Joey sighed when she was done.
“I love you too, Joey. Get some rest. Call me when you wake up.” Tara told him.
“Tara… I didn’t dream the other night, did I?” he asked.
“Joey… look in your purple book bag. You didn’t dream the other night.” Tara knew he wanted to stay on the phone a little longer so she walked around the house and made sure everything was locked up and she made sure the alarm was on before going up to the bedroom.
Joey searched through his purple book bag. Tara had packed that with pictures of them, letters that she had written to him that she hadn’t given him before, videos of the parties they had in the backyard and up in Pennsylvania and there was another video that had simply “The Night” written on it. Joey went to the VCR in the common area and popped in the video and played it.
“When did you find time to make that?” Joey asked as he kept his eyes on how intense he and Tara were dancing during I Need You.
“Thank Lance. He made two copies, one for you and one for me. You okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, I just miss you and I worry that I shouldn’t have left you alone in the house.” He replied.
“Don’t worry. Randall is downstairs in his room. Everything is locked up tight and the alarm is on. I’m alright. Oh and I’ve got Tigger right here with me and Marxycat is sleeping at the foot of the bed.” Tara said.
“So what are you doing after you get up in the morning?”
“I’m not sure. Probably will go through some email. That new person that I hired is suppose to be by around 2pm, other than that, nothing really. Oh except probably wedding stuff. Gonna see if we can rent out the park for the wedding. That’s what we agreed on, right?” Tara said as she got into bed and turned out the light.
“Yeah, Are you under the covers yet?” Joey asked.
“Yeah. How about you?” she asked.
“Watching the video again.” He explained then broke into singing I Need You to her.
“Awww, thank you.” Tara whispered. She was getting sleepy.
“I’m gonna hang up now. I love you.” Joey said into the phone.
“I love you too, night.” Tara responded and hung up on her end. She was back to sleep in no time flat.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tara awoke before 9am to the sound of a thunderstorm pounding down outside and the cat lying on her chest shaking because she was afraid of the storms.
“It’s okay, marxy… it’s just a storm. C’mon, let’s get the day started.” Tara said and got out of bed. She grabbed the phone to check any messages. There were several from Joey. He couldn’t sleep. Missed her. Was thinking of her. Just called to say he loved her. Another time to remind her to take her medicine. Yet another time to remind her about her appointment on Tuesday. “How sweet.” Tara thought to herself. She took a shower and pulled her hair back into a French braid before going downstairs. Randall was waiting for her outside her door.
“Good morning Randall. How did you sleep in a new room?” she asked him.
“It was comfortable. I’m glad to see you moved up here to your room. I’m sorry I didn’t wake you or bring you up here myself.” He replied.
“That’s not your job Randall, but thank you for looking in on me. I fell asleep to a movie last night and then Joey had called. Is Aida here yet?” Tara asked as she followed Randall down the stairs. Marxycat passed them on the way down.
“She just got here. It’s really coming down out there. Any plans for today?”
“Um, I’ll let you know in an hour or so. Let’s see what the weather report is calling for and if this rain lets up at all, otherwise, probably going to stay home. My new assistant is due by this afternoon.”
“Um, no she’s not. She called and had to fly to Wisconsin. Family illness that needs her attention. She had to decline the job offer. Left me a voice message this morning.” Randall replied.
“Well, that’s just dandy! Gggrrrrrrrrrrrrr… now I need to get someone else…” Tara said in disbelief. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Well, we won’t worry about that today. It’s Saturday. It can wait until Monday.” She decided. She detoured to the den on the way to the kitchen to write it down in her day planner for Monday that she would need to find a new assistant.
“Did you two have breakfast yet?” Aida asked when both Tara and Randall walked into the kitchen.
“Not me, Aida. Randy?” Tara asked.
“Yes, I did. I need to go out to run some personal errands so I’ll be back after lunch. If you need me, call me on my cell phone?” Randy told them. “And Tara, don’t go anywhere without me.”
“I won’t Randy. Have a good morning.” Tara said. Tara waited until Randall had left before slumping into a chair.
“What’s wrong Tara?” Aida asked.
“The assistant I thought I hired the other day had to quit. I’m going to have to find another one. What am I going to do?” Tara said.
“Not stress over it. How long are you going to be down here?” Aida asked.
“Indefinitely. Trish has the reins on the company right now. I am on a semi-vacation. And with planning the wedding and such, I could really use a personal assistant, to keep me focused on work related issues as well as life in general. I just don’t know where to look for a new assistant.” Tara admitted.
“Well, don’t fret over it now… That’s what Monday is for. You’ve got this weekend to relax and do whatever you wish.”
“Yeah as long as my bodyguard goes with me.” Tara laughed it off as she took a sip of tea.
“Now Tara… don’t be like that. It really is for the best.”
“I know it is. But I don’t have to like it. So, what are your plans for this weekend, Aida? And why are you here on a weekend? Do you work here seven days a week?” Tara asked.
“More or less… ever since Henry passed away, Joey’s been my family. My children and grandchildren are spread out over the U.S. so being here helps pass my day away. You won’t even notice me here, Tara.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to sound ungreatful or anything… I’m just not use to having a bodyguard and being taken care of 24/7.”
“It’s alright dear. But, get use to it because Joey loves you and you know what, I love you too.” Aida said and handed Tara a bowl with cookie dough in it. Tara smiled.
“You’re making cookies this early?” Tara asked.
“A birdie told me that your favorite cookies are chocolate chip so I thought I’d make a fresh batch.”
“Aida… you are too good to me and you barely know me.” Tara said.
“Well, that’s gonna change, my dear. So would you like to help me with the cookies?” Aida asked.
“Definitely.” Tara replied and spent the rest of the morning helping Aida make cookies and plan out the next few days of meal.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tara spent the afternoon in the den answering email and sketching some more for the company. She scanned in one of her sketches and sent it along with her ideas to Trish back in Pennsylvania. She had an email from the head of the investigation into the shooting and a few from Joey. She was avoiding working on wedding plans as she remembered how she and Andy had planned their wedding and it didn’t happen because he was killed a week before. Instead of getting married, she was burying him. All of a sudden, she found herself crying. The phone rang, which startled her.
“Hello?” she answered the phone.
“Tara? Did I wake you?” Joey asked?”
“No, no… I was just working on something. Did you just get up?” Tara asked Joey.
“More or less… The guys let me sleep a little longer… are you okay? You sound upset.” Joey noticed right away.
“Just missing you.” Tara replied as thunder clapped above the house. It was loud enough so that Joey could hear it on his end of the phone
“I miss you too. Thunderstorm?”
“Yeah, been happening off and on all day. Oh, I have to hire another assistant. The other one had a family emergency in Wisconsin.” Tara told him.
“I can check with Jive see if they recommend any of the college kids.” Joey suggested.
“That would be great, Joe. But it can wait until Monday. I’m just going to take it easy and if it ever stops raining, go shopping.”
“Is Danielle going with you?” Joey asked.
“No, just me and Randy. You know how I hate to mall shop. We’ll be in and out really quick. I just need a few things that I forgot to pack before we came down here.” She replied.
“Just be weary of the teenie boppers and the paparazzi.” Joey warned.
“I will. So, what are you doing tonight?”
“Sound check is in a half hour or so then shower, shave, meet and greet then the pre-show ritual and finally the show. Oh… some things I forgot to tell you last time. We sang Chances last night. I got a huge pop from the crowd, Tara, and it seems you and I have a fan club. We got a lot of Congratulations wishes from the meet and greeters last night. I’ll send them out to you on Monday.”
“Aaawww, how sweet.” Tara said.
“Did you eat and take your meds today?” Joey turned serious with her.
“Yes.”
“Any side effects?”
“Nausea, dizziness.” Tara admitted.
“Aw, hun, I’m so sorry you’re going thru this alone.”
“I’m not alone. Aida is here.”
“You know what I mean.” Joey said.
“I’m not alone, Joey. I’ve got you and the guys and Trish and Trav. I’m okay. Of course, it doesn’t help that the lead officer on the investigation sent me an email regarding the report. I have to go back home for a meeting next Thursday depending on what the doctor says on Tuesday.” Tara told him.
“Make sure you take Randall with you.” Joey instructed.
“Ugh…. That stuffy thing. Do I have to?” Tara wined. Joey laughed. He knew she was exaggerating.
“Yes. He’s now an extended part of you.” Joey said. Tara was clicking through the channels.
“And I should treat him as such.” She rolled her eyes at that saying. “So, what about you? Don’t forget to eat a decent meal.” Tara said.
“Yes mother. Oh wait… Chris wants to talk to you for a second.”
“Alright… don’t go far.” Tara said. She heard Joey hand the phone to Chris.
“Hey sweetheart. How are you?”
“I’m good, Chris. How are you?”
“I’m okay. Trish faxed me some sketches yesterday and I was wondering if you had seen them? They’re by a Janice Weston.” Chris asked.
“For the spring line, right?” Tara asked, nodding as she went through a stack of papers.
“Yeah… have you had a chance to go through them yet?” Chris asked.
“Yes I have. Check your email. I sent you feedback on them earlier today.”
“Thanks. You’re too good to me. Here’s Joe.”
“Ok, I should go. I’ll call you later. I love you.” Joey said
“I love you too.” Tara said and looked at the clock. It was nearly five in the afternoon. The rest of the weekend flew by uneventfully. She and Randall ventured out to the mall on Sunday and she was able to get the things she needed rather quickly. When she had arrived home, there was a message on the answering machine from Jonathan from Jive records stating that he would send over a college intern for an interview first thing Monday morning and asked Tara to call him back and leave him a message; as he was on his way back from seeing the guys’ show the night before.
Aida had shown the prospective hire into the den at 10am sharp Monday morning. Tara was working at Joey’s desk on some sketches.
“Tara, this is Elisabeth Andrews.”
“Thanks Aida, would you please bring in some tea? Elisabeth, is tea alright?” Tara asked.
“Yes, tea is fine. Thank you and please, call me Betsy.” The brunette answered politely.
“Betsy it is, please, have a seat.” Tara showed Betsy to the couch. The women spent the next two hours getting to know each other. And they got along very well. Betsy was sweet, smart, funny, and witty.
“Okay, I’m done with any business related questions I have for you, is there any that you have for me?” Tara asked as Aida knocked on the door.
“Excuse me, but will Betsy be staying for lunch?” Aida asked.
“Betsy, would you like to stay for lunch?” Tara asked.
“Does this mean I have the job?” Betsy asked.
“If you want it.” Tara replied.
“Oh, I would love the opportunity.” Betsy clapped her hands together.
“I’ll take that as a yes to both questions. Aida, yes, Betsy will be staying for lunch. Is Randall around?” Tara asked.
“I’ll send him right in. Lunch will be in a few minutes.” Aida announced. Randall and Betsy knew each other from Jive records so they didn’t need to be introduced.
“I keep forgetting that you did regular security for Brit and Backstreet, Randy… I’m sorry.” Tara replied.
“That’s good though, Tara. Shows me that you’re getting use to the idea of me being around.” Randy teased back.
“Ssshhh, don’t tell Joey and Tiny that. Are you having lunch with us today Randy?” Tara asked.
“I’ve already eaten, thanks Tara. Betsy, let me know when you’re ready to leave. I’ll take you back to your dorm.” Randy replied. Betsy nodded and followed Tara into the kitchen.
“Okay, so you have classes on Tuesday afternoon, all day on Wednesday and then on Thursday nights. Are you planning on staying in the music industry?”
“Well, I’m still undecided, that’s why Jonathan and I have been looking for an opportunity like this to happen. He says I would be a great assistant for someone, their gal Friday, so to speak. And in a way he’s right, I do love being a personal assistant. I also love music and wouldn’t mind being involved in it behind the scenes. I can’t sing, can’t play an instrument, but I know what I want and believe that if given the opportunity, I could be a great producer some day.”
“I like you. I think we’re going to get along rather well.” Tara said out right. “Okay, let me explain Aida to you. Aida was Joey’s Nanny and she’s our adoptive gramma around her. She likes to do all the work but we try to help out whenever we can. She makes a mean chocolate chip cookie and has two very strong shoulders to cry on when needed. The only rule we have around here is don’t make her mad.” Tara and Aida laughed. It was then that it hit Betsy. Joey was Joey Fatone, Jr. from NSYNC. “Betsy, do you want chicken or tuna with your salad?” Tara asked. Betsy focused in on Tara’s voice and blushed.
“I’m sorry. Chicken please.” Betsy replied.
“Where were you.”
“It just dawned on me where I am and who you are. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” Betsy apologized.
“Is everything alright? Working for me isn’t going to be a problem is it?” Tara asked.
“Everything is fine. Jonathan just didn’t tell me who exactly I was interviewing with or anything. Which is good.”
“Well, I’m glad we got this out in the open. How big of a fan are you and do you know the guys?” Tara giggled.
“Well, I’ve met Justin and JC and I really like their music, but lately I’m on a solo male artist kick.
“So you won’t get all gooey eyed when the guys are over here?” Tara asked. Betsy laughed.
“Oh no… maybe if I was 14 again, but not now. Although, Justin and JC are truly nice guys.” She commented.
“Wait until you meet Joey, Chris, and Lance then. They’re all pretty down to earth guys.” Aida said as she chopped up the chicken for all three of them. “And that so-called feud with the Backstreet Boys… so untrue.” Aida continued. Tara laughed. Tara’s cell phone rang.
“Tara Marshall.” She said, composing herself instantly.
“Hey babe! How are you?” Joey asked.
“Hey, can’t sleep eh?” Tara said, noting that it was nearly 10am for him out on the west coast.
“I wanted to see how your interview with the candidate went this morning.” Joey asked.
“Rather well, much more suited for each other and she’s delightful.” Tara replied.
“So you hired her?” he asked.
“Of course. We’re having lunch right now. And I’ve already taken my medication and that nurse you hired. She’s very efficient and caring.” Tara replied.
“Good, glad to hear it. Okay, you left something out last night when we talked, ya know.” Joey said. He had talked to Randy after he talked with Tara.
“No, I did not.” Tara said.
“Dizzy spell in the mall?” Joey said to refresh her memory.
“That was not a dizzy spell. You know how I hate malls. I get claustrophobic. There’s a difference. My hands were all cold and clammy and I was hyperventilating.” Tara pointed out. She looked over at Betsy and Aida deep in conversation.
“So Randy needs to be told the difference.”
“I didn’t know he was reporting back to you.” Tara replied.
“Please don’t be angry. I’m just looking out for you even if it is from three thousand miles away.” Joey replied.
“I’m not mad and thank you for taking the initiative. Call me after sound check?” Tara asked.
“You know I will. Love you.” Joey said and blew a kiss into the phone.
“Love you too.” Tara replied and sighed as she hung up the phone. “Boy I miss that man.” Tara said.
“Aren’t they in Seattle today?” Betsy asked.
“Yes. Tonight and tomorrow night. How packed are your classes and do you have a passport?” Tara asked.
“Classes are pretty minor just stuff that I need in order to graduate. Everything else is done. I have a passport.”
“Good because ya never know when we may need to go overseas, right Aida?”
“Right.” Aida replied.
“I’ll have forms for you to fill out and everything tomorrow but if you’d like to get started this afternoon, that’s fine.” Tara told Betsy.
“Can I ask you something?” Betsy asked.
“Sure?”
“I won’t be expected to pick up your dry cleaning or anything like that, will I?” Betsy asked.
“No way, there are more important things I need you to do, besides… Aida would rather do that. She knows the right places to go and get the clothes done and she’s a big help that way.” Tara replied.
“Okay, what’s in store for this afternoon?”
“Well, how much do you know about clothing design?” Tara asked. As they ate and chatted they got to know each other more and more. They both thought the other could be a long lost sister or something because they found a lot of similarities between each other. After lunch, Betsy stopped herself in mid-sentence.
“Oh my… it just hit me. You’re Tarabear on the web. More specifically on RM.COM.”
“Yup, dat be me.” Tara laughed.
“I always thought you were so genuine on-line and off-line you’re even more so.”
“So now you know just how wacky I am. Do you still want to work with me?” Tara asked.
“Oh, even more so.” Betsy smiled. Tara seemed like the kind of person who played just as hard as she worked. Betsy thought this was the perfect job for her to start in.
After lunch, Tara had decided that she wasn’t going to get any work done that afternoon so she showed Betsy around the house and out back. When she was finished, they talked a little more about themselves and opened up. Betsy admitted that although she had had boyfriends, she had never met anyone she considered really special or someone that she loved. Betsy was originally from Memphis, Tennessee but was planted to Dunedin, Florida when her parents had separated and she was sent to live with her father’s parents. She was a triplet. The other two were her brothers and she also had an older sister and a younger half-brother and half-sister. She was close to her triplet siblings but not to any of the others. Her brothers were juniors at colleges out of state and she missed them terribly.
“Tara, Betsy… Aida wants to know if Betsy’s staying for dinner?” Randy found them talking out in the jacuzzi room.
“Oh my… what time is it?” Betsy asked.
“It’s a little after four.” Randy replied.
“I’m sorry, I can’t stay. I have a date with some friends for dinner and a movie. I’ll see you tomorrow?” Betsy explained to Tara.
“8am too early?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you at 8am. Thank you Tara. Randy could you take me home now?” Betsy asked Randy.
Tara walked back to the house after watching them leave. She missed Joey so much and had the urge to surprise him, despite what the doctors had told her. In that instant, Tara made up her mind. She went into the house and to the den to make some calls.
“Tara, I’ll be leaving now… I’ll see you bright and early in the morning.” Aida said after they ate dinner together.
“Thanks Aida. You’re so terrific.”
“Think nothing of it. Have a good night. I left some cookies in your hiding spot.” Aida gave Tara a kiss on the cheek before leaving her alone for the evening. Tara wanted to get as much done as possible before tomorrow because she knew she wouldn’t get anything done while she was gone. And she wanted to keep Betsy busy Tuesday morning and Thursday while Tara was gone. Tara continued to work on some sketches before answering email and working on finances for both her home and the business. She was dreading the phone call she knew she was about to get from Joey as soon as the concert was over because she knew it would be hard for her not to let it slip, but she just had to see him. She hadn’t even told Randy of her plans yet, but she made sure that Lance and Jonathan both knew (she told them that the appointment was canceled and that the doctor gave her the go ahead) and she already had booked tickets for her and Randy to go to Seattle. Randy had been surveying the property when Aida left so Tara knew he’d be back any minute. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the way he sounded on the phone or the way she knew she must have sounded on the phone to him, she missed her man.
He’d be upset, but, dagnabit, she didn’t need to be told by a doctor that the meds were not working or that she wasn’t allowed to fly. She couldn’t face that alone and wasn’t going to. All she thought of was seeing Joey again. Yeah, it had only been a few days, but she didn’t like not being able to see him, not after the last few days before he went on tour.
The phone call from Joey after the show was a short one. He sounded exhausted and admitted to Tara that he wasn’t sleeping very well. Tara sang to him until she heard him snore and then took the phone up with her to bed so that if he woke up, he’d hear her on the other end. She had finally told Randy what was happening and he had made her promise to tell him if anything out of the ordinary was affecting her then. She promised she would so he didn’t make a fuss.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Good morning Betsy, come on in. Tara’s already hard at work in the den. Would you like some tea?” Aida asked at ten minutes to eight.
“No thank you. I’m fine. Does she always work herself so hard.”
“This is suppose to be her vacation. Go on in… I’ll be in in a few with some muffins and some tea and orange juice.” Aida pointed Betsy in the direction of the den.
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“Good morning Tara.”
“Good morning Betsy. You’re early.” Tara said looking at her watch. “Oh my, actually you’re right on time. Good, let me show you what’s in store for you today.” Tara spent the next hour and a half hour showing Betsy the packages she needed to mail up to Pennsylvania; the packages that needed to be delivered to the Jive offices as well as to the next place the guys would be performing over the weekend for Chris’s review, the phone numbers she would need – Trish’s and Beth’s as well as how to work on Tara’s calendar on-line from a computer other than Tara’s. “And I’m leaving for Seattle at 12:30 today. I should be back on Thursday night. But, don’t forget to check in on Thursday. Here’s a cell phone for you to use.” Tara explained.
“Boy Aida wasn’t kidding when she said you are suppose to be on vacation.” Betsy laughed.
“Yeah, well, I don’t do vacations very well. On Thursday, all you’ll need to do is come by and help go through the mail with Aida. She usually separates the fan mail from the house bills or from what should come to me for business purposes. Um, I’m not expecting any fed ex packages from Trish or anything, but ya never know. “Tara… Joey’s on the phone. It’s important.” Aida interrupted them.
“Joey? Baby, what’s wrong?”
“Chris was in an accident.”
“Oh my god, where’s Danielle?”
“She’s on her way home from her business trip and, frankly, so are we. The rest of the tour’s been canceled.” Joey explained.
“How’s Chris?”
“Well, he’s been cleared to fly home. Bruised his rib cage really good and has a broken arm and sprained knee. And a hairline fracture to his cheekbone.”
“What happened?”
“Charlie was out and they went partying after the concert last night. Charlie was driving and swerved to miss something that darted out in front of him.” Joey sounded so tired.
“How’s Charlie?”
“Just some cuts and bruises but he’s quite sore as well. So what time is your doctor’s appointment? Two?” Joey asked.
“It’s been canceled Joe. I’ll explain when you get home.” Tara said.
“Okay, we should be in around 3:30, can you meet the plane?” he asked.
“You bet. Are you okay?” she asked.
“I am now, hun. I am now.” Joey hung up the phone.
“Well, big change of plans. What time’s your first class today?” Tara asked Betsy after she hung up the phone.
“I have one from one to two-thirty and another from three to four-thirty.” Betsy explained.
“And what are you doing tonight?” Tara asked.
“No plans.”
“How about coming back for dinner? Looks like the guys’ tour is over for now. Chris needs to recuperate. And I can tell you right now that everyone will be hovering over at his house or over here. So… coming back for dinner? You really should meet everyone. They’re my extended family.” Tara explained.
“Sure… I’ll come back for dinner.” Betsy replied.
“Great… let me go send Aida off to get some steak and potatoes for the men for dinner. Anything in particular you’re partial to?” Tara asked.
“No… but thanks.” Betsy smiled.
“Okay… I’ll be right back.” Tara announced and left the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“C’mon Tara… we don’t want to be late to pick everyone up. Let’s go! Aida will drive the other SUV.” Randy announced at 2pm. Betsy left at eleven-thirty and Aida and Tara had gone over to Chris’s to make the house more comfortable for him when he got home. Aida had also managed to get a guest room ready, just in case Tara and Danielle felt that he should be looked after for a few days 24/7. Tara was on the phone with Danielle.
“Dani, what time is your flight expected to arrive?” Tara asked.
“Any minute actually. I’ll meet you at their terminal?” Danielle asked.
“Yes, and hey… Joey did say that he looks worse than he actually is. So put on a great smile and then you can cry on my shoulder later. Ok?” Tara said.
“Thanks.” Danielle replied.
“Just remember that he loves you and he’s coming home.” Tara said before hanging up her cell phone. “Everyone ready?” she asked. Randy shooed them all out of the house.
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“Do you see them?” Chris asked as he was being wheeled out from the airplane. Joey was looking for Tara and Danielle and saw Danielle first. Tiny was just ahead of Joey and Chris.
“Yes, Chris… I see them… let’s get you out of here.” Joey replied. JC, Justin, and Lance were right behind them helping and shielding Charlie. Security escorted everyone to a side room that had an escape door out to the waiting vehicles. Luckily, no one was there taking pictures of the guys coming out of the airplane. They were followed by Jonathan and some additional executives from the record label. Tara and Danielle ran over to the men and hugged them all.
“Chris is going to be staying with us if that’s alright.” Joey asked Tara after they broke their embrace.
“It sure is. We already have a room ready.” Tara declared.
“Thanks T…” Chris replied softly. Tara kissed the back of his hand.
“Anything for a friend.” Tara told him.
“You and I need to talk.” Joey whispered in Tara’s ear.
“Everyone, let’s get you all home.” Tara said to the group and the whispered to Joey, “later.” They went down to baggage claim to retrieve their baggage. Randy led everyone to the vehicles. Tiny took over driving the one SUV while Joey drove the other. Once they got back to Joey and Tara’s, Tara ran over and retrieved the dogs from Chris’s house while Joey, Aida, and Danielle got Chris situated in their house. The rest of the guys all decided to crash at Joey and Tara’s for a little while before going home. They were worried about Chris. Charlie’s family had met him at the airport so he had gone home with them.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
“Tara, let’s go for a walk?” Joey suggested a little while later after everyone had settled in. It was now 5:30. Tara and Aida had planned dinner for 7pm. Joey wanted to discuss what happened to her appointment for that afternoon. Tara checked in on Justin, JC and Lance. They were all asleep in front of the TV in the den. She led Joey out to the front of the house.
“I’ve missed you.” She said and gave him a hug.
“Mmm, I’ve missed you too. But, tell me. What happened to your doctor’s appointment today?” Joey really wanted to know.
“I cancelled it. I was going to fly out to Seattle to see you this afternoon.” Tara looked him directly in the eye.
“Why? Why did you cancel your appointment? Getting your imbalance under control is very important Tara.” Joey asked.
“Because I missed you Joey. I needed to see you. To feel your arms around me. Because I didn’t want to hear any lecture from the doctor about taking it easy and going easy on my workload and then being told I still couldn’t fly.” Tara didn’t back down which got Joey excited. She was fighting and it was turning him on.
“You can’t take your imbalance lightly, Tara.” Joey said back trying to calm her down.
“You think I’m taking this calmly? Jesus, Joe. I’m down here instead of back up in Pennsylvania where my company is. My livelyhood is up there and I’m down here. Why? Because your ex tried to kill me.”
“Whoa, Tara… you’ve known about the imbalance for a few months now.” Joey’s temper was starting to show, but he managed to again talk to her in a calm voice.
“Look Joe… I haven’t had an episode since the Mall on Sunday and that was claustrophobia and not an attack. I’m taking the medication as directed and when needed and it seems to work. I try to get a nap in sometime during the afternoon and try to get to bed at a decent hour and I’m eating great, healthy meals prepared by Aida. And I did reschedule the appointment for next week. But then, I guess you didn’t think I could handle that?” Tara stormed off away from Joey. Joey didn’t back down, but followed her, caught up to her and whipped her around.
“Stop acting like a child, Tara. This is serious. Although I’m very flattered that you would drop everything to fly out to see me, your health comes first. That is why you are down here. Pennsylvania had become unhealthy for you with all that stress. You can’t handle that stress anymore. If you can’t see how much I love you and need you in my life, then there’s nothing more to say except that you’re not the woman I fell in love with.” Joey said and walked off. That stung Tara like a bee. It had hurt Joey to say it, but he knew he had to in order to get thru her stubborn streak. He didn’t expect Tara to do what she did next, she turned back and headed to the house behind Joey. Once inside, he had gone to check on Chris and Tara went up to the bedroom to move her things to another room.
“Oh no, Tara, I will not let you move into another room over some stupid fight.” Joey said from the doorway minutes later. Tara had silently started to cry and the tears had fallen freely. “All you have to do is pick up that phone and see if the doctor can see you sooner than next week, Tara. Don’t be so stubborn over this. Just do it.” Joey said from the doorway. She didn’t answer him. He went over to the other side of the bed, took the suitcase away from her and handed her the cordless. "Call the doctor.” He simply stated. She took the phone from him and started to dial.