The Truth About Lying

" Lucky you, you saved up your chump change." she smiled to herself, her beauty sometimes amazing her, if only for a moment. After all, what was so beautiful about a minimum-wage-stripper-turned-prostitute who like so many others held fast to that American dream. A long time ago, there was a young naive girl that dreamed of being a model, living in the headlights and making more money than she could handle. Of course that was before, now as Maia stood before herself in the mirror, she saw that young naive girl as a women who hadn’t lost sight of a dream but definitely lost way of the path towards that dream. Today, Maia Manadelno was a woman who worked hard for every penny she got, even if it meant going to the extreme.

" Alright baby I need you out there now." Willy, the owner and stage manager for Secrets Unfold, came behind her and squeezed her butt. His gruff hands preparing her for what was to come, causing her to swallow her pride down with her disgust. She turned to walk out adjusting the bra top to her skimpy lavender bikini.

" Make Daddy proud." Willy beamed, the sweat on his bald head glistening in the light as he slapped her ass and sent her on his way. Maia rolled her eyes and moved purposefully towards the stage entrance, she knew she’d be making a couple of Daddy’s proud tonight.

"How’s it feel to be out Dad." Justin Timberlake teased as he toasted his bandmate up with his glass of vodka and cranberry juice.

" About the same as it feels finally being able to have a drink in a strip club sport." Joey replied and the table broke out in a fit of laughter. Justin brought his drink up to that and then took a hearty gulp just as the announcer’s voice bursted through the speakers.

" Hey Joey, are u sure we should have sat here." Steve Fatone asked, the only nonmember of ‘NSYNC sitting amongst them, taking note of the attached tables leading from the stage.

"And here she is Billy Jackson with Love in An Elevator." Just before Joey could explain that he had constructively sat them down in the best seat of the house, the lights went off and Aerosmith’s ‘Love In An Elevator’ blasted through the speakers. At first all that could be seen was a beautiful silhouette of a tall figure stalking to them. She walked to the beat and just as Steven Tyler’s voice cleared the music, the lights came on and her face and body came to life.

" HELL YEAH!" Joey exclaimed finally answering the question posed moments ago and standing to his feet. He was the nearest to the stage, with Justin sitting across from him. Steve Fatone of course whipped out the camera, glad he was with ‘NSYNC and actually allowed to videotape, he wanted to capture everybody’s face and of course the nude dancers. Lance’s jaw scraped the floor, while Chris and JC looked lovingly towards the stage. Justin looked frozen in his seat, his eyes moving all over the dancer’s body. The pole, which they had all seemed to miss, sat right at the center of there table. Before them stood ‘Billy’ and she didn’t even skip a beat as she winded her body against the pole. Her head spun with the guitar as did her hips as she dropped to the floor, quickly to stand again. Her hair covered her face, and although it was a lovely face, they were all satisfied even if they only got to see the body clearly. No one seemed to notice Justin staring into her eyes as did no one seemed to notice her staring back into his. As far as anyone was concerned she was staring at them.

" Wow Billy, good show." Maia almost didn’t hear them, so transfixed she was on the fact that she had just danced for ‘NSYNC. Looking at herself in her dressing mirror, she didn’t know if she should be proud of or ashamed of the fact that she felt good dancing for them. That was the first time she ever felt good dancing out on the stage, and when JC’s lips touched her secret place-she could have died right there.

" Ohmigosh Maia, did you see who you were dancing for?" Before Maia could answer, Raven Picceco was already finishing her thoughts. " You were dancing for ‘NSYNC and not only that JC went down THERE." Maia laughed outloud at the dance Raven was putting on for her.

" My neck, my back...MMM JC just like that." the tall brown skinned woman moved exotically to the music her thick thighs and wide hips moving in a back and forth motion. Even with her stocking cap on, Raven was still one of the most beautiful girls Maia had ever seen. In fact, Maia had thought many of the girls that worked there were destined to be models, they just must be where she had found herself in life. Raven, however, was the only one Maia allowed herself to get close to, afterall she was the only one that knew her true name in the joint.

" It was only a kiss down there, hell I would have gotten fired if it was more than that." Maia laughed shaking her head.

" I would refuse to WORK if it was more than that. Shit I’d be standing in line just like this." Raven teased sitting down on a chair and opening her legs. Maia fell out the chair laughing , the girl was just a mess.

" " I would hope u put that blonde wig on ‘for you do that." Maia teased slipping into her jeans.

" Speaking of which, let me get ready I have a show to perform. " Raven gave her a quick kiss on the cheek then hurried over to her station. She was to be next to perform, and Maia was sure the girl planned on taking one ‘NSYNCer home tonight. Gathering her bag, Maia readied herself for the walk home. She lived about four blocks from the joint and was thankful that she had an early gig, meaning the creeps would still be inside. Throwing her sack over her shoulder she hurried out the back door.

"Yeah in the air! In the air! Love in An elevator" Joey and Chris sang as the lazily walked towards the limousine parked for them outside of the club. Justin laughed at the two, himself being helped out by Johhny, their body guard, and placed into the limousine.

" You’ve got any room for my sweets." JC smiled, his arm thrown over a beautiful girl who looked like a mix between Hispanic and African American. Johnny eyed the girl before letting her in the limousine, wondering how JC had tagged that one. He would expect if any of them to have her it would be Justin.

" Where has EVERYBODY gone, the party is definitely in there!" Lance yelled while being pulled out the door by their second body guard Eric.

" Exactly bro, what are yall doin?!" Steve question being carried out over Eric’s shoulder. The two guards looked to each other once packing everybody in, giving each other the same amused look.

The Truth About Lying

Chapter 2

The peaceful slumber that Maia had the fortune of taking part of had suffered a massive intrusion when a glass bottle crashed and fell against the wall. She had made it home safely to an empty two bedroom apartment less than three hours ago, somewhere around 4:30 a.m., and had been all to eager to report to her bed and enjoy the solace. What had made her think it would last? Sitting up in her twin bed she threw the thick mint green sheet from her pajama clad body and moved to get out of bed.

" Boom!" she felt the body hit the wall as she stood to her feet and reached for her box cutter seated on the tilted night stand. Breathing in she prepared herself, warned herself to be strong no matter what the scene looked like. Afterall if she hadn’t, she herself would never make it through any of Kendall and Jocelyn’s fights. Opening the door she stood face to face with Kendall who stood across the room in all his 6'2 woman beating glory over a shrunken Jocelyn cradeling her bleeding head. For a moment Maia’s heart softened, there her friend was beaten once again to the brink of death, but then she had to remember the storm hadn’t passed yet- she still had him to deal with.

" Oh look Josie, your little pussycat came out here to rescue you with her boxcutter." Kendall slurred his demeanor obviously in a drunken stance. Jocelyn cried softly shaking her head, which Maia recognized as her trying to warn her off.

" You think your something because you have a dick. From what I hear though, I wouldn’t be too proud of it." Maia replied cooly ready to charge after him the minute he went to touch Jocelyn again. HE reacted just as she thought and turned his focus onto a whimpering Jocelyn, slowly unstrapping his belt.

" You goin around tellin people bout my private area." he yelled at a Joeclyn. Maia snaked up behind him, moving as light and fast as an alley cat and stuck the cutter to his throat. HE stopped in mid sentence, his eyes growing huge.

" How many times do we have to do this you little deprived fucker?" Maia sighed in an exasperated tone as if handling a massive 6'2 250 lb guy at knife point wasn’t task enough.

" Drop your fucking hands and move slowly to the door." she ordered not even glancing down at a horrified Jocelyn who seemed to be counting her prayers.

" What you gonna do with your little box cutter huh you fucking slut." Kendall teased all the while moving closer to the door, Maia planted firmly behind him.

" Cut your little shriveled head off, well actually that’s probably confusing you cuz you have 2 in this case." she teased waiting for him to open the door. " So maybe I’ll just slit your fucking throat as a lesson." With that she spun him forth slashing her knife into his skin and sent him bleeding into the hall way. Slamming the door forcefully behind her, she was glad she reminded Rueben to fix their lock.

" Bitch" he yelled running down the hall holding onto his neck as if that would stop the blood from gushing.

" Hopefully he’ll make it to the hospital and get busted for public drunkenness before becoming light headed, either way you got him out of your hair for a brief while." Maia sighed walking back into her room.

Climbing into bed, she refused to answer the subtle knocks from her beaten down roommate. At that moment she wasn’t to ready to be comforting like she had been each and every other night that Kendall decided to substitute Jocelyn for a punching bag. It was one thing to be lonely, hell she was lonely all the time. But to think being attached and suffering is a much better fate than that was just out right sickening to Maia and proved to be the point where the two straws separated for them.

" I’m sorry Maia...." Maia closed her eyes settling back into her squeaky bed drowning out Jocelyn’s voice with her own thoughts. She tuned back into her animated thoughts of ‘NSYNC whom she had the liberty of performing for. How many people got to say they put on a show for ‘NSYNC and had been paid to do so. Probably every girl who slid down the pole and happened to be dancing at the club the boys had picked for the night, her own thoughts threw back at her as an answer. Turning to her side she kept replaying the entire show. How Joey had winked and placed a hundred bill in her mouth. How JC and Chris looked about ready to devour her for themselves. How shocked Lance looked to even be sitting there while she danced. And then of course, especially how Justin and her had locked eyes and connected if only for the course of that song. She closed her eye thinking, even if it was a rather foolish and even outlandish thought, either way her and Justin had connected.

"Uuugh, yes!" Justin had forced his eyes shut to keep from rolling them has his hands lazily held onto the romping hips of Kayte Messinger- an ‘NSYNC dancer. He had decided that he wouldn’t allow himself to be left alone for the night especially after the spectacular performance at Secrets Unfolded, and made his way to ‘NSYNC’s crew floor in order to snaz whichever lucky girl had decided that going for ice every five minutes would land them a night with one of the beloved stars. As it happened, Kayte was swinging an empty ice bucket pale aimlessly- her eyes searching up and down the hallway just at the right time. It hadn’t taken much more than a mere suggestion before she was slamming him down onto his bed ripping his clothes off. However, whoever convinced him that a little harmless romp would erase any unwanted thoughts had some serious explaining to do. He had hoped Joey would have time later.

" Oh yes, Oh gosh." Justin almost questioned whether he was even that good. His package was of course a good buy all in itself, only he wasn’t really putting much into pleasing her. Perhaps this is why guys tend to think its alright to do nothing, such antics as this overrated sex feign proved to be the answer to that question. He was relieved when she rolled off of him, obviously spent with putting all the work in. He silently wondered if this would get back to the crew as unfinished business and second guessed leaving their little escapade at that. Grabbing for the second condom he had believed would be of no use that night, he rolled on top of her to show her what he really had to work with.

Lance gave Chris a questioning look as they both approached their bandmate’s door and saw a disarrayed Kayte move empathetically out the door and up the hall towards the elevator.

" Hey Kay, the elevator is broke didn’t you get the memo." Chris teased and almost lost his composure as Kayte looked completely unable to take the six flights of steps that led to her floor.

" Chris." Lance started but couldn’t help but chuckle as Kayte struggled to the steps. Not wasting a moment, Chris bursted through Justin’s room to be greeted with the steam from his shower.

Taking a seat on the disheveled bed that Lance looked too freaked out to sit on, Chris crossed his legs and waited for his younger friend to finish with his morning grooming. Twenty minutes later, ten minutes into a favorable episode of Rugrats, Justin finally emerged from the shower.

He gave his bandmates a bemused look and continued on about his business not proposing any satisfying answer as to why his bed looked like the Chainsaw Massacre had recreated itself inside of it.

" Ok, he wants us to beg." Chris sang standing up and snatching the towel from Timberlake’s body. Justin winked at him, donning his checkered baby blue boxers, and began stepping into his ambercrombie jeans. " Details Timberlake before I whip you with this towel." Chris threatened holding the white hotel towel in mid air.

" Please spare us." Lance groaned shaking his head, although they all knew he wouldn’t be covering his ears if Justin began.

" What, shouldn’t we be more worried about JC here. I mean he had the dime piece last night." Justin laughed wondering briefly how JC had tagged that girl last night.

" How did he manage that?"Chris wondered outloud.

" I don’t know why don’t you ask him yourself." Justin shrugged, a little bothered that he settled for less than what he wanted. He reminded himself, he had to speak with Joey for his rationale was all wrong.

" Wow, whew, hold the phone. Does some one smell an attitude cookin up in here. Perhaps I should grab my oven mitts before he gets too hot to handle." Chris exclaimed and the boys laughed. Justin ran a hand over his slick buzz cut and glanced in the mirror at his fully dressed self.

" Would you like to take it with us?" Lance teased walking passed him and out the door.

" Hey Lance, that was good. Tell me the truth how long you been sittin’ on that one?" Chris and Justin had the last laugh as they left the hotel room and preceded down to the lobby where everybody was waiting for them.

" Now why would she think I could just call her back." Maia thought outloud thinking twice about walking into the Ritz Carlton. She definitely didn’t look like she belonged. She quickly glanced at herself in the mirror and saw a reflection of a tired and worn hat wearing young woman staring back at her. By her attire you would have figured that she belonged in a bed rather than out in public. She wore her everyday navy blue sweats and a white tank top with no bra. Of course her D cups were aligned inside the bra provided by the top. She decided that her attire was definitely not suitable for public view, especially the public within the Ritz Carlton. She had just talked herself into staying when she received another page, this time with 911 after it. Grabbing her box cutter, that she always had placed somewhere around her, she stepped out of the car and into the Ritz.

" You need a ride somewhere?" Raven looked over her shoulder and saw a concerned JC looking down on her as she pressed hard into the phone. She was standing a little a ways from the lobby entrance trying to track down Maia so she wouldn’t miss the boys while they were near.

" Oh no, my friend..she um, should be here any minute." Raven assured smoothing out a curl that had resulted in the sweated match her and JC had wrestled together. JC smiled tenderly thinking back to what they just shared while looking at her hair which looked tussled but still as beautiful as her.

" You sure..." he drifted off, he knew she wasn’t going to give in, however he just didnt want to let her go. It had been a while, a long while since he had been with a woman. Ever since he broke up with Tara, a girl he had been dating for several years secretly, after finding out she was two timing him with his best friend back at home he had warred off women. Then he saw her last night at the club and something about the way she danced for him made him want to take her home. She hadn’t even been on the floor for more than five minutes, in fact he was her first dance. Something about the way she felt against him, he didn’t want anyone else to feel that way so he asked her to stay and she stayed with him all night long. Call him crazy that was the most loyalty shown to him by any female and he knew it was her job to please more than just him.

" Um JC, about last night..." Raven had started and thought she could go through with the regular line she gave the day after when that funny look crept into a client’s eye but it was something about the way he looked at her that she didn’t want to, not this time. What confused her more was that she didn’t know if it was because he was apart of ‘NSYNC or just because he had given her more satisfaction that any man- client or not- had given her in a long time. She couldn’t remember the last time she was held until last night.

" Rave..I think someone is flagging you down."

That had been very well the case until Maia realized that Raven was talking to JC Chasez, being JC Chasez from ‘NSYNC. The guy that had nearly tongued her down last night when she danced for all of them in a lavender string bikini. It wasn’t like she never saw clients outside of work before, it was just that she never saw ‘NSYNC ANYWHERE before until yesterday and then today. And honestly, as she stood there ready to piss her pants by just the mere sight of one of them, she had rather liked not ever seeing them at all.

" Oh gosh, he’s going to recognize me." she croaked breathing in. She saw Raven wave her over and even JC’s friendly gesture. Refusing to be up close and personal with any of the members from ‘NSYNC Maia signaled the door and quickly turned on her heel. This is not happening, this is not happening. She hadn’t even once looked up to see that while she was making her way out the door, so had been another profound member of ‘NSYNC- Joey Fatone. The red haired superstar was cradling his phone as he winked at her and pushed the door open for her.

" Hey cutie." he smiled and horrified by his attempt of a greeting, Maia stumbled back towards the sidewalk. Joey looked at her closely and she thought she saw a hint of recognition in his face.

" Uh hi!." she tried to say in her butches voice possible then turned and walked determinedly to her car. Raven then walked out the door waving quickly to a confused Joey who gave up on his previous conversation and stared after the two women.

" Beautiful huh?" Justin asked walking up to Joey and following his eyes recognizing Raven from the back. Joey tipped his head and wondered, Raven was undoubtedly beautiful but it was something about that other one.

" Yeah, yeah." he muttered following his group out onto the tour bus.

" I can’t believe you!" Maia yelled pushing her foot on the gas once the light finally turned green, surging them forward in the open lane. Traffic hadn’t been so clear in a long New York while, Raven thought sitting amazed by her friend’s bold driving skills.

" Me, I wasn’t the one that lost my marbles." Raven defended.

" What, no that is no way loosing my MARBLES. First in for most I lost nothing back there.."

" But the act of speech and a chance to meet the world’s hottest guys." Raven chimed in before she could finish, laughing at her own wit.

" You think its so funny don’t you. Well laugh it up Groupie!" Maia shot back, angered that her friend had called her out.

" Jealous?!"

" Damn right!" Maia finally laughed turning onto 125th St. where Raven lived in a studio apartment with her cat. Maia stopped the car and turned to look at her friend who was spilling over with joy. She must have had a good time, Maia thought happy for her friend.

" You look like shit." Raven smirked

" Jealous?!"

" Yeah right, anyway...shall you come up for a can of coke so I can give you all the juicy details of my extraordinary night spent in the arms of JC Chasez." Maia pretended to think , as if she wasn’t two seconds from jumping out of the car and up the steps.

" If I remember correctly you have a coke and a Vanilla coke. Whoever up the stairs first gets it!" Maia teased already out the car.

" Fine leave your hooptie unlocked." Raven smiled purposely leaving her door- the only door- unlocked.

" Cheater." Maia grumbled walking down the steps as Raven moved up them closer to the Vanilla Coke.

Moving passed security, Justin Timberlake walked into the studio where he planned to find some solitude. He was lucky to find that JC had left early, leaving him the studio to share with the hand picked body guards who were ordered to watch his every movement. Sitting behind the booth on the wooden stool provided, he closed his eyes and rubbed a hand over his head letting the steam of the day lift off his shoulders. He wrestled through his thoughts wondering why in the hell had that girl from the club still remained in them. What was so crazy about it all was that he had no idea what she looked like anymore, he had been so drunk that he barely remembered anything from the night before. Only that she was on his mind, whether his mind refuse to remember her face or not, she was still ragging his brain. He couldn’t tell you more than that she was a tall, beautiful woman with long dark hair and a remarkable body. Then it came to him, like a hidden jewel uncovered, her eyes glimmered in the darkness of his thoughts. They were a deep chocolate brown that transfixed them by a glance. He remembered those, how bold and daring they had been while she danced for him on that stage. Then he thought, hell she was a stripper. She wasn’t dancing for him, but for every guy that cam to that table- heck even his own buddies. What made him think there was something special about him- besides the fact that he was Justin Timberlake. There seated beside him had been JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick and Joey Fatone. So what difference did it make that he sat there. She could have easily ended up looking at anyone of them.

" None in the world." he answered himself out loud and opened his eyes to begin his work. HE looked over his notes and realized that he was almost done with the video edit of his next single "Cry Me A River" which would be ready to shoot in about two months. Next week he would be sitting down with Hype Williams to create a vision of the video. Timberland promised to fly in by next month to help him with casting as well as Missy Elliot who would undoubtedly help him with some choreographic moves. He was ready and glad that his band mates had backed him to this point. His solo album was going great, just as everyone’s separate careers seemed to be going. Only his social life had plummeted, and while he gained many friends in the industry he still was at a lost in the love life department. After his worldwide break up with phenomenon Britney Spears, he was quite the bachelor. And he did play his role well, only he was getting a little tired of the role and would prefer a warm body to call his own- instead of the multiple one night reliefs. And then that image of her popped into his head, those brown eyes seemed to chase any sane thought away. He shook his head, it was ridiculous. The girl was a stripper, most likely a whore and far from being the one he wanted as that one warm body. It would take a certified accountant to round up the number of bodies she probably had under belt. But damn those eyes of hers.

" Hey son." Charlie Merrimack threw a loving arm over his clients shoulder. Justin looked up at his manager and smiled meekly, his thoughts still not passed the beautiful stripper.

" Hey Chase, what you doing here."

" Lookin after your career, what else do you pay me for." Charlie smiled rubbing his shoudlers sensing his intensity. The short balding man wondered if his best client yet was still fretting over the loss fo Britney Spears or just hung over from the night before. He guessed a little bit of both and thought it better not to ask.

" I pay you?" Justin teased placing the headphones onto his ears. Charlie took his cue and moved over to the sound board to gear the star up for his editing. Listening in Charlie thought about the good wholesome image he had made of this clever teen. Well Justin Timberlake had certainly crossed over into adulthood and had it not been for Charlie it would not have been as easy of a transition. It was hard for America to see a growing teen idol talk about sex, hang out at clubs drinking and do the type of things any normal man his age would do. But somehow Charlie had made it all work out, even through the tough break up with Ms. Spears, they had survived. There was no way anything was going to mess that up.

Maia woke up to a loud blistering ring that came from nowhere else but Raven’s cell phone. She had fallen asleep waiting for Raven to return home from her night shift job at Polmeroy’s so they could both catch the L to Secrets Unfolded at 11. She glanced at the clock and realized she had been sleep for almost 5 hours seeing that it was 9:27 p.m. Maia had thought about just ignoring the incessant ring, but knew it would just drive her crazy. She hadn’t even imagined how incredibly annoying it was searching for the little rotten thing until she reached it at the very last ring.

" Figures." she sighed dropping it on the table and laying back down. Right when she closed her eyes the ring blared through the silence. " Goodness gracious." she complained pulling herself up and grabbing the purple monster.

" Hello." she tried to bite back the attitude but it slipped out anyway.

" Uh...hello, I mean hey how ya doin." a smooth voice cleared its way through the reciever confusing Maia.

" Who is this?" she asked a little more softly wanting to glance at the number but realizing she would miss the name.

" JC, remember." Omigosh, Maia thought pulling the phone away from her ear. No she didn’t, that little whore gave out her number. Maia smiled, Raven wasn’t treating this like a regular sale. Ms. Raven Piccecco had some explaining to do, BIG TIME.

" Uh, yeah, um.." This would be the time you tell him, your not Raven. "JC this is....this is not ..."

" I know, I know this is not right. It’s crazy but I can’t stop thinking about you." Wow, am I hearing this right is JC telling my friend that he can’t stop thinking about her...oh gosh. Hang up now before you embarrass you both. " Look you don’t have to say nothing, I know you said just call whenever I’m in town but I just had to call you and let you know I haven’t stopped thinking of you, not once. Ok I’m gonna go now, this is my number...so if you want call me." With that he hung up and Maia sat stunned, her mouth not able to close in utter shock. Then her eyes filled with tears, that had to be the most beautiful thing she ever heard. She couldn’t believe she sat there crying confused tears, she didnt even know whether they were for joy or loneliness. She decided they were for both afterall she was joyful for Raven but she knew the loneliness that would soon follow. Noone that led their life had that easy of a chance to find happiness. She pulled the one decorative pillow Raven adorned her shag couch with hard against her chest as she buried her head into its softness. She wondered where she might have been had she not left home at 16 in pursuit of a happiness that would never come. How silly and ridiculous the idea of her becoming some supermodel and actress seemed now. The only spot light she ever gained was that inside of Secrets Unfolded. She was the supreme seductress, that’s what she was good at now. She didn’t come to New York to finely tune her art of seduction, but that was just the way that certain cookie crumbled. IF she would have imagined this was how she’d end up she would have found some way to bear the life she had at home in Minnesota, nothing can be worse then having no one else to blame but yourself for the fuck up you’ve become. She looked down at the phone that had moments before held a man who had found his happiness on the other end and for a moment wondered what it would be like had he been calling for her. Would she be able to leave and continue her plans for the night. Or would she leave all that behind for the sake of love, for the sake of happiness. She knew Raven’s answer without even talking it over with her, standing up and heading for the shower she realized what hers would have been also. But that was just they way the cookie crumbled.

" How come you didn’t tell me you gave him your number?" Maia had just finished her set and she was prepping for working the floor as she watched Raven apply her makeup in the dressing mirror. The brown skinned girl didn’t miss a beat as she continued to smooth on a thick coat of lip gloss and smash her lips together. Raven peered at Maia through the glass and smirked in response.

" How come you weren’t there to wipe my ass this morning when I went to the bathroom." Raven mimmicked and Maia couldn’t help but smile. She loved her friend even if she was the biggest smart ass in the world.

" Fine, I’m just looking out. You know its crazy to get involved." Maia warned slipping her stocking up her thigh. Raven sat back starring at herself, amazed at how well she could hide herself in makeup.

" I know Maia." she said solemnly. " That’s why I won’t."

" Mai, come one he’s lonely." Jocelyn pleaded finally looking her regular self after having been granted a full month’s absence of abuse. Her long blonde hair cascaded around her thin shoulder which still had the slight imprint of a black and blue bruise.

" Really, cuz we’re broke and im not turning another trick just to pay off your gotdamn collect calls."Maia screamed pulling the jack from the wall. " Get a fucking life Josie. HE beats the shit out of you, why aren’t you out celebrating! He’s fucking gone!" Maia exclaimed throwing her hands up in exasperation. Jocelyn pinched her lips from drawing into a soft smile, why had she been on the phone with him? She clearly deserved better, this had been the first time in months she could look at her face in the mirror and not see a scratch or scar.

" Your right Mai." she sighed surprising herself and Maia looked at loss for words. " Your right." Jocelyn smiled through tears just thinking of the impeccable things she had put her roommate as well as herself through. And by God’s good grace, she was rid of him. Through it all Maia had remained by her side, helping her time after time even when she knew it was pointless. Jocelyn stood up and drew her friend into a hug, they had been through too much together these last three years, and yet they remained together.

" It’s about damn time." Maia breathed through her friend’s shoulder, holding her close to her. She cried on the sheer strength that her friend was coming back to her, a person whom she had felt she lost a long time ago. The two had grown up together in Taffy, Minnesota- a backwater country town that left them starving for life in the city. Living next door to each other, they couldn’t help but become best friends. It just so happened they were also the two most gorgeous girls within a 50 mile radius, which proved to be a source of negativity in their lives. They survived their homes, junior high, high school and now this together. Holding onto a promise they made to each other, they vowed to never leave one another’s side no matter how compromising the situation.

" Who you tellin." Jocelyn laughed pulling her friend back and looking into her tear stained face. Touching the side of Maia’s damp cheek, she admired her beauty. " You be the prettiest of them all Ms. Maia.: she mimicked their favorite childhood movie "The Color Purple". Maia broke out into laughter bringing her hand up to Jocelyn’s face, crying at the sight of the life protruding behind her baby blue’s.

" I be’s dat huh?, but so does you Ms Josie Carmicheal." Maia smiled and the two friends embraced.

" Now what you say about celebrating."

Justin sat in a secluded corner of a little café diner called Benjamin’s watching as life buzzed around the bust streets of New York. JC had just excused himself to the bathroom, but really intended to use the allotted time to place a quick phone call to his current main squeeze Angela Stokes- who had every intentions of joining him before the sun fell down even though she resided in the sunny nest of Miami.

" I say before 5." Chris sighed looking down at his watch engaging in a betting gamble with Joey on what time Angela would arrive in New York.

" Thats being realistic, we’re talking Angela hear. I guarantee 3." Joey countered stuffing a bagel into his mouth. It was currently 11:47 a.m. and they were waiting for Lance to show so they could head off to the beginning of "Cry Me A River" production with their youngest but thriving member Justin Timberlake. To show their support they made an appearance with him last night on Saturday Night Live to assure the fans that they weren’t breaking up just trying out different avenues. Justin looked from the window and smiled at his brothers, he loved being around them. If only admitting it to himself, he had missed them horribly the past two months they had been working on their respective projects. Joey had become a stay home dad with his new arrival Brianna as well as working the broadway scene. Justin had seen him the most of the group since he had been back and forth between New York and Orlando. JC was stationed in Orlando working on his album and new found love Angela that he had met while walking the beach one Florida night- how romantic:). Chris was out in L.A. designing clothes and sponsoring numerous children hospital charity events. Justin had flew down their last month in April to participate in a basketball game which he ended up winning with his star studded team. Lance was in Nashville working on his productions company for country music artists, it was rumored amongst the group that he had taken a particular interest in country artist debut Courtney Dream and that was the reason for his delay.

" Hey." Lance breezed in, his linen blazer producing a chorus of laughter around the table.

" I knew it would happen, as soon as we let him go he’s gone." Chris laughed hugging the blonde haired man who at present was beet red with embarrassment.

" What it’s a designer original."

" Tell your mom good work on the stitching." Joey smiled patting his back.

" Tell your mom to mail me my draws." Lance winked and Justin gave him an encouraging pound.

"That’s what im talking about boy!" Justin sat back, while Lance took a seat next to JC’s vacant chair and for the first time realized they were missing one member. The entire group eyes him in response and Lance shook his head in understanding.

" Oh, I see...Ashley right."

" No, AN-GE-LA." JC corrected taking his seat while patting his friend on the back. The whole group made silly noises in response and waited as their friend took his seat.

" By the way I just talked to her, she called on my way to the bathroom." Everyone, excluding JC made a "sure I believe you" gesture as the brown haired man continued. Clearing his throat JC took a sip of his water. " She’s gonna be coming in at 2:15."

" Up, cough up the money dough man."Joey smiled as Chris slapped a five in his hand. Before JC could be offended, Justin broke in and began with the focus of their reunion.

" As we all know we’re hear to shoot my video." He stated boastfully and Joey smacked him over the head. " Hater." Justin teased clearing his throat. " And today we’re going to be speaking with Hype to formulate ideas on the plot. I need everyone to grab their thinking cap. Joey I know you can’t find yours so I’ll let you borrow mine."

" Ha ha, not so funny." Joey rolled his eyes taking a sip of his soda.

" That girl you had in your last video was hot." Chris commented venturing on who would be the next leading lady of this video.

" Yeah Deja, she’s cool." Justin shrugged unphased.

" So who you got in mind for this next video."

Raven and Maia hadn’t even realized that Jocelyn was no longer walking beside them on the crowded street of Lexington Ave. where the girls had decided to go shopping in attribute to the fact that Jocelyn was back at it again. They had just left Chic and were making their way to Kenny’s to buy shoes, Raven carrying the most bags of them all.

" Hey crew, missing somethin." Jocelyn yelled about a block behind them. Raven and Maia stopped and turned to see their loud mouth friend waving vigorously at them.

" What in the world." Maia sighed starting back towards her. As they approached the beautiful blonde bombshell who looked amazing in her crop top tee and hipster jeans they saw her standing next to a poster advertising the world reknown modeling agency Sasha Inc. Maia rolled her eyes towards Raven who had lowered the oakley sunglasses that covered her hazel eyes and stared questioningly at Jocelyn.

" Come on, Mai member our dream, to become world famous models and star in commercials and videos." Jocelyn gushed pointing at the poster adorning a beautiful foreign model.

" It’s not like you guys don’t have the bodies." Raven agreed as if the idea sounded somewhat practical. Maia couldn’t believe she was even considering this, how lovely it would be to live the life she dreamed. There was only one problem, reality.

" OK lets bring it back to the fore front, we are nickle and diming it here on our way to Kenny’s. Let’s not loose focus on silly dreams." Maia sighed pulling her two friends along after her.

" Thats exactly what happened and that’s why we’re where we are today. WE lost sight of OUR dream." Jocelyn continued, Raven chiming in every so often to voice her support.

" No we got smacked in the face with reality." Maia argued trying not to discourage her friend but at the same time not uplift her on false hope. There were thousands of beautiful girls wanting to become models, and also thousands with experience and connections. Jocelyn and herself lacked two of the three, besides their good looks they had nothing when it came to making it in the modeling business.

" This is not a bad idea, what can you loose from showing up for an audition?" Raven shrugged in that nonchalant way that drove Maia crazy, it was an obvious attempt of reverse psychology to down play a possible life altering situation that would seem more accomplishable in a dimmer light.

" Come on Mai, just one audition. You never know, it could change our lives." Jocelyn jumped right in winking at Raven who winked back.

"We’ll see ." Maia sighed promising herself that she wouldn’t get to worked up over the impossible.

" So have you figured out what you want your leading lady to look like?" Justin bit his lip in amusement as his four other group members raised their hands simultaneously ready to answer the question of the hour. Of course Hype Williams would ignore every other hand but Joey’s and request his response.

" Ok its like this Hype, we’re looking for a Billy Jackson look alike." Joey nodded his head in understanding at Hype’s confused expression. " Make a long story short this stripper at Secrets Unfolded."

" A gentleman’s club, she just has a very masculine name." Lance clarified and Joey contiued.

" Tall, thin, shapely, dark hair and mesmerizing brown eyes." Looking towards Justin for approval, Justin breathed a sigh of relief. Thank gosh Joey didn’t use his earlier description, Justin thought. Hype nodded in concentration and called to his assistant who approached rapidly. The mousy looking woman handled a short notebook, which she opened and began writing in furiously.

" OK tall, thin, shapely, dark hair and brown eyes." Hype read off quickly interrupted by Joey Fatone.

" Uh Hype that was MESMERIZING brown eyes, there is a difference." Joey corrected. Laughing cooly, Hype instructed his assistant to write that down.

" We’ll take a look at what Sasha Inc. Has to offer, and see what girls Milo has." Hype waved the mousy looking woman named Anne off and turned back to the group. " How about casting a week from tomorrow."

" So your not over her yet?!" Justin thought he might try ignoring the question, but felt it was only right to respond to a person he was looking dead in the eye, even if it was just Joey. They were seated at the airport, having been designated to take JC to pick Angela up since Lance and Chris had some errands to run. He was sitting on a ledge beside Joey a few feet away from JC who waited anxiously at the terminal for his beloved. He turned to look out at the people crowded below pointing at him and taking pictures, flashing an award winning smile he waved back at them.

" What are you talking about Joe?!" Joey mimmicked him, rolling his eyes upward.

" I’m talking about Billy."

" This Billy, or whoever, I don’t even know them to be trying to get over them in the first place."

" Oh really." Joey sighed not buying any word that the young man spilled out. In fact he knew Justin was still replaying the night over and over in his head. No wonder the poor boy had made his way up to New York so often during the two month period. He was just waiting for Joey to bring up going back to that club, but as it turned out Joey decided not to give in and babysat his way out of every boy’s night. He wasn’t letting his friend off that easily.

" Really Joe. It’s not like I would want a blonde babe to play the part. It’s a depressing song..."

" Dress her up in black." Justin laughed at his friend and shook his head. The man never ceased to amuse him. Just then a wave from JC caught his eye, and Justin signaled Joey to walk over with him so they could finally be introduced to Angela.

" Guys this is Angela." a petite red head with a face full of freckles smiled sweetly up at them. Justin was half expecting to see braces pop out when she opened her mouth. She was fairly built with boyish hips and a heart shaped face. She was more cute than she was beautiful.

" Hey." Justin elbowed Joey so that he would reconstruct his face as they both greeted her.

" Hi." Angela gushed falling into JC’s open arms and smiling brightly.

" Well, what are we waiting for?" JC cooed and pulled Angela along with him to the exit.

" What in the world...." Joey trailed off shaking his head following behind Justin towards their limousine.

Justin walked into his hotel room still buzzing with the laughter from his very first encounter with Jc’s new girlfriend. He was too glad to have made the acquaintance with Joey, although with Chris it would have also been a laughing stock. He slipped off his shirt throwing it on the dresser before walking out into the living area to watch tv. He slipped a hand into his pants to feel the warmth and layed back against the plush cushion of the couch to relax. Like clock work a commercial flashed with Britney Spears filling the screen. Justin closed his eyes pushing away anything thought provoking that would drive him to start thinking about his ex girlfriend. If he was to spend the night alone, he’d rather not be accompanied with thoughts of his ex girlfriend. It didn’t take him long to settle on something to think about, in fact he had already seen her walking towards him in a way of seduction that even now, two months later, he responded to all the same. She filled his thoughts, and as of late it wasn’t even her specifically, it was just the thought of the mysterious woman he had clicked with that night. He wanted her, he wanted something to fulfill this lonesome. He was tired of forcing himself to be content inside of just anyone who happened to be available for the moment. He wanted someone to call his own, and he felt quite ridiculous feeling this way now that he was a 21 year old pop star sought after by the majority of the female population. Suddenly the phone rang bringing him out of his own thoughts, distracting him from his fantasy. He leaned over and picked up the phone, his hand reluctantly coming out of his pants.

" Justin." of all the calls to receive that moment, it would only be Britney, as if she had some radar that signaled his lonesome.

" Brit, whats up?" he had a straight to the point tone about his voice, obviously not in the mood for any head games. She cleared her voice on the other end, signaling a default in her plan and began speaking.

"I can’t stop thinking about you. I miss what we had Justin." her voice pleaded with him. He sighed inwardly, why was she doing this to him now. Of all moment to catch him, why had she choose that exact moment when he felt vulnerable.

" Brit, don’t do this. It’s over, done with. Alright." he tried to sound convincing. Any other time he had been convinced. I mean it didn’t take much to see her heart wasn’t with him if she partook in various rump sessions with their former choreographer Wade Robeson. Only now as he sat on the couch, feigning for some type of female companionship, all was forgotten

" I’m sorry Justin, I don’t know what was going on with me. All I know is that right now I need you." And he could hear it in her voice, that yearning captivating him in such a manner that he hadn’t even realized he was able to respond that quickly. He looked down at his lap and felt ready to explode with desire. This wasn’t suppose to be happening.

" I’m in New York Justin, let me come see you." He wanted to hold out, he wanted to convince himself that he didn’t need her. He wanted to so bad.

" Room 411, u know the hotel." with that he hung up dreading the day after tonight, when he would realize what he had done.

" Did u wipe the seat after you binged." Maia whispered as low as possible, sure that some of the girls who had been paying plenty of attention to them had overheard.

" Yes." Jocelyn replied meekly, her bright blue eyes moving about the room.

" Don’t stare." Maia hissed watching Jocelyn unashamedly stare gapped mouth at all the woman standing around in fine silks and stilettoes.

" They’re staring at us." Jocelyn hissed back looking down at her own ensemble os a tube top and cuffed capri express jeans. She then turned to examine Maia’s appearance and smiled at the simple white tank and navy blue linen pants with tweed white flip flops. " You still be da prettiest." Jocelyn cooed and Maia visibly relaxed.

" Yeah right." Maia laughed nervously. The door then thrusted open to the office the two girls were positive held casting for whatever modeling job they had. Reading off a clipboard, a very elegant looking man called out several names.

" Maia Manadelno..." they two girls looked at each other then Maia ascended smoothing out her favorite linen pants. Looking back at her friend, Maia winked before entering into the secluded room.

"Perfect." Hype smiled to himself staring at her from across the room. He had been cooped up in that office interviewing girl after girl for the past 2 hours. Each one was turned away, one thing or another being off about them and the way they measured up to the specific description given by Justin for his leading lady. He didn’t expect to find an exact replica, but he also didn’t expect to find so many so far from it. He had almost given up hope when there she walked in, walking collectively to the center of the room her innocent and self conscious demeanor speaking for itself. She was dressed in a simple outfit that still outlined perfectly her admirable body, wore little makeup that accented her beautiful face. He shook his head, she was not just beautiful she was gorgeous and he knew she was the one.

" Uh, that’s Maia Manadelno." Anne offered already writing down all the information that was presented from Sasha Inc.

" She’s perfect." Hype whispered licking his lips in satisfaction.

" It says here that she has no experience, from Minnesota...it also says that she is a....." But Hype shushed her off standing up and walking over to her. She was remarkable and he had to have her to cast. Looking on as Hype moved towards the beautiful girl Anne sighed, " But she is a stripper."

His head rocked with the gyrating speakers as he drove in complete silence alongside Chris Kirkpatrick on their way to the final casting call. Today was the day that Hype would present all the girls he had hand picked for the video’s leading lady. However, contrary to former beliefs, Justin’s mind was so far away from the day’s events. All he could keep thinking about was last night. How could he do that after what was done to him? He had been lonely yes, but to fall into the arms of the person who put you there was just foolish. As it were to happen, Chris showed up right as Britney was excusing herself from his hotel room. Justin didn’t even offer an explanation as he made his way out the door behind her to join Chris in the car to the studio. Chris had opted to drive sensing his friend’s frustration and had been good about not breeching the subject. Justin stared out the window, wanting to find some sort of answer. He hated to admit it but he had felt good in her arms. He had felt good to be held and to hold once again. With her it was different than the others because he had a foundation with her. They shared more than just a one night stand, they shared a love.

" So I heard Hype found a perfect match." Chris began trying to break the silent mood. Justin nodded acknowledging what he was partly listening to. At the moment he was completely concentrated on what he should do concerning his awful love life.

"Hey kid, what happened?" Chris finally asked his voice expressing his apology for asking, but they both knew it was going to come sooner or later.

" Nothing, just a little romp in the sack, you know how that goes." Justin tried to shrug off and offer just that as an explanation. Shortly after, the two pulled into the parking lot where Lance was emerging from his car on his cell phone. Waving over at them both he signaled that he’d be a few minutes. Chris and Justin nodded walking into the studio to find Joey sitting in what looked like the director’s chair. The red head man was beaming with joy as he sat forward clutching a clipboard talking to what looked like a girl there for the purpose of casting. Justin noted that she was beautiful, but just not what he wanted.

" Hey Joe." Justin sighed patting his friend on the back and taking the seat next to his friend. Looking towards the smiling girl, Justin winked and smiled his forever charming smile.

" Hey, I’m Natalie." she breathed her body leaning close into him as she offered his hand. Justin looked over at Joey who winked his approval and then Chris who shook his head.

" Hey Natalie, you’re here for the casting."

" I guess you can say that, but Hype pretty much has an idea of who he wants for the video." Natalie sighed sadly looking over at Joey as if he shared some lead way in the decision and promised to do his best to work her in. Justin laughed to himself and settled back in his chair just as Anne walked over and placed a cup of cappuccino in front of him.

" Hey good morning Anne, what you got for me?" Justin smiled warmly and Anne couldn’t help but smile back. Standing to her side, she pointed over to the woman who was to be cast as "Cry Me A River’s" leading lady. Justin felt his breathing grow still while his heart skipped several beats, he was taken aback. There she stood a few feet away, oblivious to the eyes boring into her.

" Ms. Maia Manadelno."

" Anne." she called out and the mousy woman came to her, smiling rather timidly.

" Yes Maia, is something wrong."

" What exactly are we here for?" Anne looked at the young girl confusedly, but answered her question anyway.

" This is final cut casting for Justin Timberlake’s Cry Me A River video. There is no doubt that you will be cast, this is just for preliminary precautions. NOT that Mr. Timberlake won’t be satisfied with you..." Anne went on but Maia had long since stopped listening, she was there to be in a video. And not just any video, Justin Timberlake’s video.

" Take a picture kid."Chris teased, although Joey was looking for his camera. Justin finally closed his mouth, licked his lips and blinked his eye. He didn’t know what to do with himself. Could this be Billy Jackson?

" Where is that damn little bugger..." Joey murmured rummaging through his jacket pocket. Justin turned to him and tapped his shoulder.

" Joe, is that the girl. I mean is that Billy Jackson?" Joey stopped and turned towards the girl he had been desperately trying take a picture of and stared for a moment. If anyone where to know the girls of Secret’s Unfolded, it was Joey Fatone.

" No, no thats not her." Joey finally said shaking his head. Suddenly Justin felt a bit embarrassed, three months later and he was still asking about some stripper he saw dance at a club. Furthermore, he just labeled his leading lady a stripper, keep it up Justin and you might charm the socks off of her.

" But I wouldn’t mind seeing her at Secrets’" Joey teased and Justin laughed half heartedly. He was just about to suggest they pop up there when Hype finally approached, settling behind the guys.

" She’s beautiful isn’t she?" he beamed proudly, glad to have found such an exact replica of what his star wanted in his video. Justin could barely respond, his mouth growing dry as he desperately tried to swallow.

" Perfect, she’s remarkable." Chris nodded in agreement to his own words and nudged Justin in the elbow. " Get a grip kid." he whispered and Justin smiled in response. What was going on with him? He had to do something with himself, this was just beyond pathetic. Since when did he get all choked up over a beautiful girl?

" Yeah, I guess I’ll go introduce myself." he tried to sound as nonchalant as possible sliding off the chair and walking towards her.

" Hi, I’m Maia." she was sure by now she would have forgotten the entire english language, much less her name, but by sheer chance the words rolled off her lips.

"Nice to meet you Maia, I’m Justin." she felt like laughing, it was quite comical for Justin Timberlake to be introducing himself as if even a mormon who lived under a rock wouldn’t know who he was. Breaking the ice, she laughed a relaxing laugh that sparked a slight smirk on his handsome face.

" But I guess you already knew that." he liked her laugh, yet loved her smile as she stood laughing at him. He found himself relaxing while standing before the most gorgeous speciman of a woman almost as if he hadn’t been introducing himself but instead reacquainting himself.

‘ Yeah, I kinda did." she smiled, settling her laughter and biting her lip. Justin had to bring his hand to his own mouth for fear of tracing hers, and smoothed it over his head. Realizing that he had been acting very much out of character of the smooth playboy he had always been. Then it hit him, looking into her eyes- a hazel greenish sparkle that set his body on fire. She looked familiar.

" Have we......., have we met before?!" her heart caught within her throat, she hadn’t expected him to ask that next. For a moment, she had delighted in the fact that they were being introduced for the first time and that he had no recollection of ever seeing her perform naked, in fact she had even forgotten herself. Now she was faced with the realization that maybe the past had come back up to haunt her. What she had hoped would drown in memory had somehow resurfaced.

" Uh....I don’t...."

" Well hello Ms. Manadelno. Pleasure to see you again. It seems you have passed the final cut." Hype interrupted patting Justin firmly on the back and winked at her. Breathing in, silently thanking him, she smiled brightly.

" Thank you very much Mr. Williams." she beamed and glanced over at Justin who offered a brief smile then looked down. What do you know Mr. Playboy bashful, Maia laughed to herself and shook Hype’s hand.

" Thank you very much Hype"

" What in the hell am I suppose to do around here without you for one whole week?!" Willy exclaimed glaring at Maia through her dressing mirror as she prepped to go on stage. Raven looked on from her chair, a smile spreading across her face as she winked at her friend.

" What the hell are u smiling for anyway over there you fucking spic." Willy yelled and Maia bit back her laughter.

" Give me a break you giant ass wipe, SHE is going to be in a VIDEO. Shit if I had the chance I would leave this hellwhole and become a fucking star. MORE POWER TO YA SISTER!" Raven bellowed and sashayed out of the dressing area. Maia smiled inwardly and applied a fresh gloss on her lips.

" One week Maia, one week or I’ll make your life one not worth living." Maia breathed in standing to her feet, her body glittering with the jewels that adorned it. Maybe if she was lucky, this would be her last night of work. She smiled meekly, a soft tear cascading down her face remembering the threat Willy had just proposed. Maybe luck just couldn’t do anything for her.

" Mai, its almost 8...don’t you have to be on set soon?" Jocelyn popped her head in looking as carefree as Maia wanted to be. There was no way she was going to be able to sit on Justin’s lap and partake in a fierce make-out session. Swallowing hard, Maia turned and looked at her roommate.

" Maia you should get a move on, cuz no offense girl but your gonna need that makeup chair." Jocelyn teased entering the room and plopping on the fragile bed beside her friend.

" I can’t do it Josie, I just can’t do it." Maia sighed looking down at herself and then at Jocelyn.

" There is no way I can sit on his lap half naked......"

" Stop right there, don’t you do that for a living?" Jocelyn reasoned a bemused look crossing her face. Maia thought for a second and then glared at her friend. " Furthermore, hasn’t Timberlake already seen you half naked." Jocelyn continued and Maia had to allude to the fact.

" There is a difference?"

" I don’t see how, your still gonna be getting paid for it just extra. Plus this is a chance at stardom, don’t get me started on how we were all dismissed after YOUR interview therefore shortening our chances of success..." Maia finally sat down beside Jocelyn slapping a hand over her mouth.

"Fine your right ok, its just im a little freaked."

" A little, I saw the way you roll those hips of yours! "Jocelyn teased and Maia had to laugh even as she rolled her eyes. Pulling her hair up into a loose bun, she decided to be on her way.

" By the way, don’t forget I want to be asked out by Lance Bass himself...make that happen." Jocelyn sang as she pranced out the room.

"Sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday." JC breathed taking a seat next to Joey who had been the first to show of all Justin’s band members. Sitting in the makeup chair, Justin waited for Marsha to approach and prep him for the video shoot.

"It’s cool." Justin shrugged looking through the mirror to greet his friend. It was 8:50 a.m., a few minutes before the first day of shooting. He had been so psyched about the video, he believed it would be his best to date. The plot was so amazing and daring that Justin thought it perfect for the song. At one point he thought about maybe altering the original concept while laying in Britney’s arms last night, but he knew he couldn’t. It was something that had to be done. He decided that he would let her in on the video’s meaning before she heard firsthand from somewhere else. Running a hand over his face he then thought about Maia, another reason why he hadn’t minded continuing with the original plot.

" So whose the girl?" JC asked interrupting Justin’s thoughts.

" Angela." Joey quickly answered and Justin couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Just imagining red haired freckled face Angela as the leading lady in this seductive video took Justin from his chair to the floor. Sometimes Joey was too funny for his own good. JC pursed his lips and ignored the comment waiting for Justin to pick himself up off the floor.

" Her name,...hahaha, her name is Maia." Justin breathed out through laughs as he desperately tried to compose himself.

" She’s hot." Joey smiled nodding his head like a dog in heat.

" Does she look like the famous Billy Jackson?!" JC rolled his eyes, briefly thinking about Raven who he hadn’t spoken to since he’d been in New York several months ago. He acted as if he agreed with the rest of the group on their perception of Justin being an ass for falling hard over a stripper he’d never meet in life again outside her job. They clowned the poor boy, regardless if the fact that she had been worth leaving an imprint in his mind. JC never would admit his connection with Raven and had felt quite ashamed and disappointed when she never returned any of his phone calls, even when he had made his trips to New York. He had been too embarrassed to show up at the club, even though he wanted to see her bad. He just forced himself to get over her and thus found Angela, someone that would keep him grounded with reality. Someone far from any resemblance of a sexy seductress from New York.

" Actually she does." Justin answered thoughtfully, turning to look over his shoulder to see if she showed up yet. He scanned the room and saw no sign of her.

" SHE DOES NOT!" Joey retorted shaking his head. " He just wants her too, but she is beautiful, no doubt about that." Marsha then approached the boys smiling in greetings. Walking over to Justin she ran a hand over his head. She had been with the boys since the beginning and still had yet to adjust to the fact that Justin hadn’t the head full of curls anymore.

" Dag still no mop top J."

" That phase has passed." Justin explained slowly and the surrounding members laughed.

" And what a phase that was." JC smiled receiving the middle finger for his antics. Just then the conversation was broken by the approach of Maia. She smiled sweetly and tried to ignore the gapping mouth of JC and the intense stare from Justin. However, there was no missing Joey who flashed a quick picture of her from the side. Laughing, Maia swapped him away and turned to look at him. Mr. Joey Fatone, who had yet to recognize her was recognized as one of her faithful customers. She was thankful and yet surprised that he hadn’t recognized her, if any one would she was sure it would be him.

" Joey down boy." Justin teased and Maia quickly glanced at him. He was breathtaking, sitting there in the makeup chair with a pair of sweats and a white tee. So simple, yet so sexy. His laughing eyes met with hers and suddenly they shared the laughter as she begin smiling once more at Joey’s antics. She turned her eyes abruptly before an awkward moment could pass between them and then looked at the woman who had to be Marsha the makeup artist.

" Hello dear, you must be Maia." Marsha smiled sweetly and touched the side of Maia’s face. "Your quite the beauty." Maia blushed under her observation and looked down. It wasn’t like she hadn’t heard it before or that it had never been brought to her attention. In fact Maia didn’t know what it was, this definitely wasn’t like her.

" OK I need everybody on the set, I wanna do the intro scene." Hype declared through a speaker just as a Blonde haired Britney look alike breezed passed her. Breathing in Maia prepared herself, and so it begins.

"Cut!" Maia turned and looked behind her from inside the souped up silver colored Mercedes that was parked outside this cream stucco house. By set, Hype had meant this house he had rented for the video that somewhere outside of New Jersey. It was beautiful, furnished with glass doors a stream of flowers and a brick walkway. She sat in the car behind Timbabland, who had produced the song. He turned and winked at her before getting out of the car, obviously realizing that Hype was calling them. Maia moved out, her leather pants squeaking against the black leather interior. Standing up she adjusted her cropped black tank and brushed down her fitted black leather jacket. Her hair was straightened and its strands whipped around her head as the wind blew by fiercely.

" Mmmmm." Timbaland grunted coming up from behind her. Maia blushed and walked towards Hype who had been waving at her. Smoothing her lips together she glanced over at Justin who was listening intently to his choreographer. When he noticed her looking at him, he winked and then turned back to listening.

" You look...REALLY good." Hype smiled holding her hand out and spinning her. " Have you ever done modeling before, cuz your definitely more than just a video girl."

" Um, no this is my first job." Maia replied humbly bringing a brighter smile to his face.

"We’ll see about that." Hype promised and then began giving her instructions on how he wanted her to get out the car and walk into the house. Maia had been listening and even communicating any questions up until the point when he explained her entering the bedroom. Just the mention of bedroom where Justin would be waiting made her mouth water and the only reason she interrupted because she hadn’t been able to hear the directions to the bedroom. Hype hadn’t noticed her change in stance and explained everything clearly once more. Upon finishing he directed everyone to return to their places to continue shooting. Maia gulped walking back to the car while Justin moved towards the house. She wanted to look over at him, but knew she would give herself away. Sitting in the car, she waited for Hype to announce action, all the while breathing rapidly. You can do this girl, just pretend he is a customer.

" Action!"

Maia waited for her cue, which Hype gave just as the second verse to the song began. She began by placing a snakeskin boot clad foot on the ground then slithered out the car. Walking to the beat she reached the house and tried to pretend to not be amazed by its beauty. Walking the path she had been instructed to towards the bedroom, she felt as if all the world were on stand still. On cue she turned and winked at the camera before pushing the bedroom door open.

Justin remembered thinking he could handle this, it would just be like any other video shoot, he remembered thinking that but somehow it was all replaced with a sense of anxiety when she opened the door and stood before him. He almost missed his cue to smile into the camera, so amazed was he by her. Doing so, he grabbed his mini camera and focused on that, as she moved across the room to stand in front of him. He looked up at her, the length of her body towering over him and he felt ready to tear the clothes from her body. She wreaked of seduction. He licked his lips and smiled one of his boyish smiles.

"Perfect." Hype yelled, but Justin ignored him. Sliding her jacket off, Maia smiled back. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and began unbuttoning her pants. She felt his breath on her stomach and it made her hot. Sliding them down, Justin’s hands joined hers and took them off. He then brought his hands up to her thighs and sat her down on top of her.

" You guys are amazing!" Hype exclaimed, shocked at the chemistry. They, however, were in their on world. Moving further into his lap, she waited for him to focus the camera on them. Her breath became ragged as he lifted the camera and looked at her.

" You’re beautiful." he mouthed and she took hold of his lips with her own with a passion so fierce she was sure she heard the shock among the crowd. Justin’s lips were as soft as she imagined and she sucked them as his hands grabbed her hair. Pulling her back he kissed he neck and she moaned unconsciously. Her moan turned him on and he had to kiss her again. She tasted too good to him. His mouth found hers and kissed her , her body sinking into his.

" Her shirt." Hype croaked and Justin smoothly moved to the bottom of her shirt. In sync with him, Maia moved her arms to his shoulder as he inched her blouse up, just as he was about to cup her breast she laid her head back and lifted her arms. In one swift move her shirt was on the bed and her bare chest crushed onto him. She moaned once more, disappointed that she couldn’t feel his bare skin. Their mouths met again and his hands crept up her back. He felt like he was ready to explode, somehow this was no longer a shoot. He wanted this to be his bed, his home, so he wouldn’t have to stop and he could make love to her like he wanted to make love to a woman for so long.

" Cut." Hype finally said and yet they were so caught up in their own world he had to repeat it again. Maia pulled herself from him, her pouted lips unable to leash the rapid breaths she made. She was beautiful, Justin thought cradling her in his lap. Suddenly someone tapped her on her shoulder and handed her a robe, which she reluctantly slipped on then moved away from his lap. His hands fell to his sides and he watched her walk out. Once she left the room he breathed and looked over to the crowd of people that stood amazed.

" WOW!" Joey bursted through the crowd flashing his instant camera. JC emerged from the crowd with a half smile on his face.

" What was that all about?" JC asked taking a seat next to Justin who was still recovering. Justin shook his head looking over at the door as if she was still there then down at his lap.

" I don’t know." he finally said and Joey snapped a picture.

" This is going to be one hell of a video."

Walking out the studio, in a hurried rush, Maia scrambled for her keys. She was so embarrassed by herself, although everyone on the shoot had commended her for her performance. The only problem was, it hadn’t been a performance. She had literally fell into the arms of Justin and had every intention of making love to him on the provided bed, amiss all the people, had noone taken her out of her world and brought her back to reality. She felt it, she felt his lips, she felt his hands, she felt his manhood and it all had felt too good to impersonate for. She wanted the real thing. What scared her though is that she had never, ever reacted the way she had while on the job. Except for that night when she danced for him.....and his friends. With that thought she scanned the parking lot with hopes of pulling up to her front door before anyone even made it out the studio. She was driving herself crazy with thoughts of him.

" Maia!" she heard the voice, she instinctively knew the voice, but she would not allow herself to respond. How embarrassing would it be to look him in the eye now, she had practically raped him. She continued on and hadn’t realized how close he had come to her until he touched her shoulder. " Maia, wait."

" I really have to get going Justin, I uh...I..." she paused when he forced her eyes to his and almost melted in their stare. He was so damn gorgeous, she thought.

" I know I don’t wanna hold you up. I just want to...." he drifted off a confused look coming over his face. Oh gosh, I had raped him, maybe he was coming out here to have me justify my actions.

" Look, this is my first job and I might have over did it with the acting, sorry I just wanted to be good." Maia quickly covered smiling apologetically completely ignoring looking his eyes at that point.

" Oh, I see." he said solemnly and took a step back.

" But, good shoot huh?" she continued taking a step closer to her car.

" Yeah, good shoot." he said slowly licking his mouth. Maia felt ready to confess that it was all a lie, she hadn’t been acting it, her body truly did respond to his. But she couldn’t, it wasn’t like Justin would ever end up dating a stripper who turned tricks for side cash. Not likely to happen at all.

" See ya tomorrow then." she finally said turning her back and getting into her car. Closing her eyes once completely inside, she sighed with frustration. This was just a job, it will be over in a day.

"There you are."JC smiled jogging over to him just as he walked through the door. Justin looked distractedly up at him, the events of the previous moment still clouding his brain. Had it all been an act for her? Was he just playing himself? Justin had learned from a long time ago not to ever play himself over a girl, even if she had the looks and the kiss to provoke him he wouldn’t start the impossible now. " Your phone had been ringing off the hook." JC stated looking pointedly at Justin who finally decided to give him all his attention.

" Oh for real, who was it?" Justin asked absently though wondering who had been calling him all day when everyone knew he was shooting his video.

" Pinky." JC sang prettily and handed Justin the phone. Justin gave JC a look that tried to persuade him that had he had the phone he wouldn’t have accepted the call, but JC knew better.

" Save it, Chris already told me what happened yesterday." JC sighed while shaking his head.

" Damn." Justin swore, running a hand over his hair.

" Look its your life kid, do what you want to do." JC smiled sadly and gave his friend a pat on the back. Justin followed him out the door to the car all the while thinking how he couldn’t do what he wanted, because who he wanted didn’t want him.

" I wanted to wait until Josie was gone before asking, cuz I know how incessant she can be sometimes about things. But what’s going on Mai, you have a bad day at the shoot."

" No.." Maia started sighing deeply and closing her eyes. " No, Rave it was perfect. I looked so pretty and everything went smoothly until...." Raven was the patience of the group and all though she could be a loud ass she knew when to be quiet and listen. " Until we touched." Maia gulped taking a sip of her water that she hadn’t touched the whole 20 minutes they had been there. Raven bit her lip from smiling and waited for Maia to continue.

" Rave, his hands were all over me and his mouth. Ohmigosh his mouth is so soft and sweet, his kisses! Rave I wish you would have been there."

" Girl I wish I hadn’t. Or it would have been one big orgy up in that mug’ " Raven laughed and Maia couldn’t help but giggle.

" You could have had JC, NOT Justin." Maia warned eyeing her friend suggestively. Raven rolled her eyes, glad that her friend brought him up instead of her.

" He was there?" she tried to ask nonchalantly

" Yup." Maia smiled and leaned closer. " I think I could have came from just his kiss." she whispered so the people sitting next to them in the restaurant couldn’t hear. Raven leaned forward and whispered back.

" I think you did." With that the two girls started laughing and was joined by Jocelyn who sat down in her seat.

"What did I miss?" she ventured taking a sip of her iced tea. Raven and Maia exchanged glances, then giggled.

" I was just explaining to Rave how enticing MR. Timberlake’s kisses were." Maia smiled. Jocelyn threw her hands up in exasperation.

" Well its about damn time you said something, I was beginning to think that they cut you from the video or something." Jocelyn laughed. Maia rolled her eyes, although it felt good at the time and felt good to talk about it she knew it would go no further than this shoot. Afterall she had a lifestyle to uphold and so did he. Their paths just weren’t meant to be crossed.

Justin stepped out of the car onto the abandoned alley which housed the infamous Secrets Unfolded. He had finally convinced Joey to take him back there, he needed to see her again. If only he could just spend one night with her, maybe working with Maia wouldn’t be so hard to do the next day. He had felt like he fell into a bottomless pit, never to find his way out after she made it clear that what he thought they shared was all an act on her part. She was pretty damn good, for she convinced the hell out of him. He didn’t want to be angry with her since it really wasn’t her fault that he was attracted to her, he just wished that maybe things could have been different. After being busted by JC, he couldn’t bare to see Britney tonight. So he did what any man would do in this situation, rounded his best drinking bud up and headed to the gentleman’s club. Joey sensing his friend’s stress agreed to come along, plus Gina was at home with the baby. In fact, Joey wouldn’t mind seeing Billy Jackson again, it had been awhile. They stepped into the club, again treated like kings and seated right at the edge of the stage. Justin sat down, downing the drink that was quickly placed in front of him.

" Slow down there kid." Joey laughed although gulping his down in the next instance. A man, whom they had recognized as the owner brought them more drinks.

" Hey, did Billy come out yet?!" Justin asked thanking him for the drink.

" She’s gone for the week, come back next week I’ll promise she’ll be back." the man grimaced looking none to please at the fact that he couldn’t be more accommodating. Justin sighed leaning back into his chair, figures.

" Hey cheer up, there are plenty of other sexy kittens in here. Look isn’t that JC’s favorite." Joey tried to pep him up, but it was to no avail. Justin shrugged his shoulders and looked in the direction his friend was pointing. Seated two tables away giving a perverted man with glasses an arousing lap dance was the girl JC had referred to as Rave. Justin watched as her hips moved around in perfect little circles. Licking his lips he moved his eyes up further to where her taut breast bounced with each movement. He instantly knew why JC had taken liking to her, she wasn’t as remarkable as ‘Billy’ but she was sexy. Joey noticed Justin’s response and told the guy known as Willy that they wanted her next. Moments later the girl who introduced herself as Rave stood before them.

" Which one of you guys wants to have a good time?"

" Come on Rave..." Jocelyn yawned leaning onto the steering wheel as she waited for her friend at the corner of 69th and Pine. Although she knew the extent of Raven and Maia’s profession, she didn’t understand why she was picking Raven up on a street corner. Trying not to read to much into it, Jocelyn just figured she had a rather interesting trick last night. Maia had been asked to be dropped off at the shoot, realizing that Raven was going to probably need a ride in the morning. Jocelyn was left with the unfortunate task of running all over New York and had thought that Raven would have been ready at least by now. The girl did say 9:00 a.m. right? Sitting up to examine a small pimple on her cheek, Jocelyn absently watched a limo pull up on the opposite side of the street through the corner of her eye. Moments later Raven was knocking on her window.

" What the hell?!" Jocelyn screeched, the country girl coming out of her. She still locked all doors even while occupying the car. New York was very different from Minnesota.

" Hey." Raven sighed dropping into the passenger seat of the car.

" Hey yourself..." Jocelyn greeted turning to see the limo pull off. " Did you just get out of that limo?" Raven didn’t answer for a moment until Jocelyn asked her again.

" Oh yeah, sorry blanked out for a moment." Raven laughed nervously and Jocelyn shrugged. She wasn’t going to go there.

"45 minutes late. You know this is YOUR video shoot right."Charlie exclaimed following close behind a disheveled Justin who stormed through the set. Justin sighed, he hadn’t expected to be late, but much worse he hadn’t expected to miss breakfast. He knew he was late, but he and anyone who knew him knew nothing could be done until he ate his breakfast. Charlie let out a frustrated sigh and ordered him breakfast before taking a seat beside him.

" What’s going on J?"

" Nothing, I just woke up late. Is Hype here?"

" Justin you were the only one NOT here." Marsha smiled and ignored his grunt as she began cleaning off his face. Justin closed his eyes, signaling Charlie to leave him alone. Following suit Charlie patted his shoulder and left his side. Justin didn’t mean to be rude, but he just didn’t feel like talking about what was wrong with him. He felt like a damn hormonal teenager unable to control his emotions. He hated feeling like this. Then he grimaced, he would have to face her today. He’d rather do it sooner than later, maybe they didn’t call her in yet. Afterall, he had to do his dance sequence.

" Goodmorning Marsha, hi Justin." her voice came out as clear as water, soothing his hot soul. He wanted to hate the effect she had on him, but he couldn’t even pretend. How had she become so powerful over him? He opened her eyes and she was dressed exactly the way she was dressed the day before. She wore the same clothes he had helped take off and damn if he didn’t want to do it again. She was avoiding his eyes, and that was just as well. Justin was in no friendly mood. Marsha gave him a quick kick when she realized he hadn’t responded.

" Hey Maia." he choked out and hoped it sounded effortless. Marsha excused herself and walked over to Charlie who had been watching from a distance.

" You wanna know whats wrong with him, there she is!" Marsha laughed and crossed her hands over her chest.

He was the best dancer she had ever scene. He glided across the room with such ease it looked like he walked on air. Even in the mist of his attitude she was enthralled by him. She guessed he had just had a bad night and was making up for it that morning. Of course that was understandable, but she still didn’t let him off that easy. She didn’t think she had it in her, but she was able to briefly curse him out for his rudeness before turning to walk away from him. She hadn’t spoken to him since, and this had happened early in the morning. It was now pushing close to 4 in the afternoon. She had called both Raven’s cell and her on house and received no answer. Of course, she thought and sighed in frustration when Hype yelled "CUT". She was dissappointed both because it was the last day of shooting and second because she had no way home. She walked back towards the dressing mirror and eyed a cherry red phone sitting prettily on the counter. Marsha approached to clear things off and smiled sweetly at Maia.

" Is this your phone?" Maia finally asked picking it up and showing Marsha.

" Oh no, but if you need it I’m sure you can use it." Marsha winked and excused herself. Maia smiled a thankful smile and then began dialing Raven’s cell.

" Come on Somebody, I need a ride."

Justin approached to see her using his phone and apparently singing to herself about needing a ride. He felt bad for the way he acted towards her earlier and wasn’t quite sure how he would go about expressing that without looking like a fool. Once again, he had to remind himself that it wasn’t her fault he wanted her. He got as close as he would allow himself and tapped her shoulder. She had changed into her regular clothes and now wore a t shirt and jogging shorts. Yet she still looked amazing.

" I can take you home." he stated waiting for her response, not quite knowing how she would respond. She turned and looked at him skeptically and then sighed.

" Would you mind?"

" Of course not." he shrugged feeling his heart race by the scent of her. She touched his arm, which caused him to look directly into her eyes.

" Thank you." she smiled and he could have kissed her right there. He knew there was no chance that he’d ever touch those lips again, after today she was out of his life. But he wanted to, even still he wanted those lips to belong to him, her body to belong to him, he wanted her. He drove himself crazy, he needed some sort of compensation for his torture. But no matter where he turned nothing proved to be as satisfying as the way she felt on his lap kissing him the way she did the day before. Nothing.

" By the way, nice phone." he smiled and grabbed his stuff to head to the car.

" Hey Charlie what’s up?!" Justin asked, obviously in better moods, once he approached his agent. Charlie looked from the smiling Justin to the glowing Maia and almost choked with disgust. Just who did she think she was, Charlie thought in dismay. Did she expect to gain a glorious reputation by ripping apart Justin Timberlake’s good boy image, all for the sake of being a star? She would be nothing, Charlie promised himself, she would be nothing but the whore she had been making a living at the most popular strip joint on this side of the mountains.

" Nothing just wanted to see what time you’d be heading to the studio." Charlie replied taking his eyes from Maia and smiling at Justin.

" Oh well, I was gonna take Maia home..." Justin started, he had no intentions of going into the studio tonight. He was going to use this chance to get closer to Maia, this was all the time he had left with her. He wasn’t going to waste it by drowning his thoughts of her inside the booth of a studio.

" Oh really, where do you live?" Charlie asked pointedly, prepared to relish in the fact that she was about to foreclose her true lifestyle- which was not so rich and famous.

" Cedar Point." Maia lied cooly, wondering what it was behind those eyes of Charlie Merrimack that looked like it wanted to snake her. She could be confused, she thought, but she swore she saw an angry flare in his eye as if her mere acquaintance with Justin Timberlake was driving him mad.

" Oh well that’s on the other side of town, I was just headed that way. You know Pendleton Heights don’t you?" Maia wondered if he was trying to catch her up in some sort of lie, how would he know anything about her. Too bad for him that she had lived in the city for the past three years, and with her profession had learned the ins and outs. She knew everywhere.

" Yes, right by Rochester Ave. You have a condominium there. I just love the view, how about yourself." she was quick to his game, it was something about her that threatened him. A dog always smelt fear, that was another thing she learned from the streets.

" Oh thats cool, I don’t mind the drive." Justin smiled opening the door for Maia and motioning for her to take a seat in the passenger side of his car. Closing the door once she was properly seated, Justin turned to Charlie who looked ready to explode with anger.

" Charlie, what was that all about?" Justin asked a little agitated that he would intervene like that. " If it wasn’t obvious before, I hope its obvious now that I WANT to take her home." Justin exclaimed in a heavy whisper.

" Justin, listen to me. You have a lot going for you right now. I mean after Britney..."

" Look this is not about Britney, ok? I like her, shoot me for feeling that way but I do. I’m gettin tired of thinking about everything I want with her and not going for it. This is my chance, what are you trying to ruin it for?" Justin looked accusingly into Charlie’s eyes. He of all people should have known the turmoil he had went through after his break up, and how unsatisfied he was with living the playboy life. He wasn’t exactly proposing marriage here, but he wanted a start with Maia. Pushing past Charlie he walked to the other side to get in. " Don’t wait up." With that Justin slammed the door to his car and sped out of the parking lot.

" She’s not what you think Justin." Charlie sighed, hurt that Justin felt he betrayed him. " But I will protect you Justin, by any means I will."

" Do you always look so detached while driving, cuz if so maybe I shouldn’t sit so close to this air bag?!" her voice lighted his clouded thoughts and brought a sincere smile onto his face. He turned and looked at her, a thankful look in his eye for her ease and ability to break the ice. Where he couldn’t find the right thing to say, even when he had wanted to say so much, she easily said the words that would make even the most horrendous of thoughts disappear. She was like an angel in the outfield helping a down trodden team out. How had it been that she came to him when the image of a beautiful woman he had met before was at the brink of breaking him. What fascinated him even more was that she embodied that woman of his dreams. The woman he couldn’t escape when he stared into the eyes of another, the woman he couldn’t erase from his thoughts even when they drove him insane, a woman he had met months ago and had only appeared once more in person the day he had met Maia Manadelno.

" I bet you were the first kid to raise your hand during first day of school ice breakers." Justin laughed, a joy seeping through the windows and cracks of his cherished vehicle. Maia laughed heartily, throwing her head back against the seat. Justin loved the sound of her laugh, loved the warmth that seeped off of her and found its way into his sheltered heart. He didn’t know how she did it, but whenever she was around he didn’t feel so alone. He also didn’t feel so afraid of love.

" Speaking of ice breakers, maybe we should have tried something like that before shooting our scene." Maia teased turning in her seat so that she faced him. Pulling to a light, Justin turned from his view of the city’s traffic before him to look at her. She sat with her knees to her chest, her dainty little toes creeping over to his seat while her head laid lazily against the plush seat covering. Her hair was strewn across her shoulders and she looked as relaxed as he felt that very moment.

" Honestly Maia, I think we pretty much broke the ice the moment you sat on my lap." he smiled and she giggled mischievously, her eyes glittering with just a hint of desire. She moved slowly, until her hands touched his thigh and her mouth was positioned right in front of his. Her eyes moved from his painstakingly soft and moist lips to his engrossing blue eyes.

" I think its safe to say we turned up the heat." she whispered then kissed him softly, her body trembling as the desire released from her having been pent up for the last day and half that she spent wanting to kiss him. Justin’s hands moved from the steering wheel to the softness of her hair, his lips moving lusciously over hers. It seemed as if their lips were made for each other, thriving off the passion of one another. He had never before experienced a kiss so compelling, so full of sweet and unleashed desire. It felt like every time they kissed, they made love. Just the thought alone made Justin lift in response. Maia gasped, leaning her head back for a breath of air suddenly hearing all the beeps of the horns coming from the cars sitting behind them.

" Justin." she breathed pulling away and motioning to the chaos that was unfolding around them. Justin looked behind him, adding his own toot to the crowd of them then smiled at Maia.

" Come here." he said, the short phrase sending chills up Maia’s spine. She leaned in and he gave her a short sweet kiss. When it ended he winked and put his foot to the pedal, he made the light right before it turned red.

The had finally finished laughing by the time Justin pulled off of the bridge and into a dirt plot off the side of the road. Maia couldn’t believe how exciting that had just felt, kissing him while in the middle of traffic. She had never done anything like that before, and if you would have asked her a week ago would she see herself doing anything of the such she would have looked at you and probably insist that you play in the traffic you speak of. Somehow though, she was in Justin Timberlake’s car watching her sanity and her heart slip away from her by the minute. He was so perfect, exactly what she would have wanted all this time. Before she hadn’t really cared too much for relationships, she just didn’t see how one would fit in her lifestyle. She still hadn’t, but this time it wasn’t stopping her. That could be what scared her the most, nothing seemed to be inhibiting her from falling for Justin Timberlake.

" Don’t think so much." he sighed reading her thoughts, though she hadn’t said a word. She smiled to herself and stared at her lap. What was she doing, she thought, this is not fair. She wanted him and if she had just been a girl who had the luck of being cast in his video as a first gig she would have felt she deserved him. But she hadn’t been, she hadn’t been just some lucky girl and this video had definitely not been her very first gig.

" Well when you have a brain like mine." she tried to joke, sighing reluctantly. Justin laughed running a hand over his hair. He knew she was thinking, he just didn’t know what. Maybe she felt wrong for kissing him just then, maybe he was moving things too fast?...he had no clue.

" I’m gonna take a shot in the dark here and assume you feel somewhat exactly how I feel. I mean about you of course..."

" Yes, I do think I’m a good kisser." Maia smiled and he couldn’t help but smile at that.

" Don’t stop there..." he teased and laughed when she plucked him in the arm. " No but really Maia, I’m going crazy over you. I mean I know its been like two days, but I feel like I’ve known you longer. Like you’ve been the one in my mind that I just can’t......" This can’t be happening, he can’t still remember, Maia thought frantically. When his eyes turned to look at her she blinked in hopes that she could hide whatever emotion might resemble the fear that was eroding in her head. But it hadn’t, searching her eyes that’s the first thing he saw. " Oh, I’m sorry I’m not trying to scare you..I ...I don’t know what I want to say." he finally sighed shaking his head in defeat.

Way to freak her out Timberlake, ask her if she ever took up dancing on a pole at Secrets Unfolded in her spare time, that should really get things going.

" This is crazy." Maia thought outloud unable to think of one good reason why she shouldn’t leave him alone now before she hurt him.

" Who you tellin." Justin sighed. " But, I don’t care Maia. I want to at least have the chance to make something of us. I mean unless you have a boyfriend or something...." Maybe she could lie and say she did so he would want nothing more to do with her. It would hurt, but it was a lighter blow than the real truth.

" Actually Justin, there is something I have to tell you..."

" SO, let me get this straight here. You tell the boy you are attached. Oh wait, did I say boy..." Raven backed up looking at Jocelyn for input.

" Yes I believe you did." Jocelyn nodded crunching on a piece of chicken that they had picked up at the grocery store Maia had instructed Justin drop her off at.

" I am so appalled. I MEANT to say heart throb of a sexy ass knee stompin good lookin man Justin Timberlake!" Raven declared and Jocelyn stomped her feet on the pavement as a source of rolling thunder. Maia rolled her eyes, finally starting to realize that maybe it hadn’t been her best of plans yet.

" Ok guys.." Maia started, but Raven had not been finished.

" And then you tell him to drop you off at Fresh Fields! It’s a freaking Grocery Store!" Raven bellowed throwing her hands up. As soon as Maia had placed the call, Jocelyn picked up Raven and the two of them alone wasn’t enough for torture...NOOOOOOOO...they wanted to sit on the curb of the alleged happening and harp over all the details.

" Good lookin there Mai, they got real good Chicken. Did you tell him you were picking some up to carry up the hill to Cedar Point." Maia couldn’t help but smirk as the two joined forces and bellowed over in laughter.

" You know Mai, I was gonna stay out of this. I wasn’t gonna mention this. But Justin came to the club last night." Raven started shaking her head ignoring Maia’s shocked look." Yep and you know he asked for me, if you know what I mean." Raven winked at Jocelyn who giggled with chicken stuffed in her mouth.

" Did you dance for him Raven?...what that’s when you stayed out at night! Raven, how could you!" Maia fumed rising to her feet glaring over a shrunken Raven who shrugged her shoudlers in protest.

" Do you know how long its been, 2 months Mai. 2 whole months. I had to seem him." Raven smiled. Maia was about to challenge her friend to a box before she realized what Raven had been talking about.

" You didn’t." Maia cooed falling back onto the pavement beside her friend.

" She did." Jocelyn nodded in assurance.

" I did." Raven shrugged and blushed as Maia enveloped her in a hug.

" But how, if Justin went to the club, was JC there too." Maia asked suddenly confused. The thought of Raven being with Justin began to creep back up, only to be defused away when raven explained the situation.

" See Justin had came in there looking for you, and they recognized me and he had asked mt about you."

" What did you say?" Maia ventured anxiety spreading across her face.

" I said you’ll see her tomorrow." Raven lied and then laughed when she saw that Maia was one the verge of sheer shock. " No I said you were out. He looked like he needed some bad." Raven paused on purpose waiting for Maia to explode and demand that she continue.

"WELL............CONTINUE!" Maia exclaimed and Raven rolled her eyes.

" Well, I wasn’t the one he wanted. But he knew someone that did." Raven hugged her knees to her chest. " He looked so amazing Mai, so damn sexy. They took me back to his hotel and surprised him." Maia smiled, she couldn’t believe it. Justin had looked beyond his own selfish needs, even Maia knew how hard it was to turn down something in the mist of your troubled desire.

" So they made love all night, all morning, until about 9 o clock when JC went back to his girlfriend sleeping in his hotel room and she met me on 69th and Pine." Jocelyn wrapped the story up patting Raven on the back.

" Oh Rave." Maia sighed hugging her friend.

" Hey he was a good catch, you can’t expect them kind to survive in the pond forever." Raven shrugged, even though her heart was breaking. Last night had been the second most memorable night with him. She couldn’t believe she had a second shot at seeing him. Nothing, not even a girlfriend, was going to make her turn away from the only man that made her feel the way he did. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn’t help herself. She needed him, and by the way he looked, touched and kissed her, he needed her also. It was a shame when they went their separate ways in the morning, it just wasn’t fair. They both knew where they needed to be, but both went to were the ought to be.

" Moral of story Mai, don’t let Justin get away." Jocelyn concluded looking pointedly at Maia.

" Easier said than done, I think I already sealed my fate." With that the three friends sat in silence there wasn’t much they could say to counter that.

I have a boyfriend, the words kept replaying themselves in Justin’s mind as he sat staring out at Ellis Island. Why hadn’t he thought of that? Why hadn’t he realized that? It was all there from the way she made it clear of her impeccable acting capabilities to the brush off she so easily gave. Then what had that kiss in the car been about? What was it about girls who liked playing with guys hearts? Before, it wasn’t her fault that he had been so infatuated with her? She had no idea that for him nothing was a show, that for him his very existence was being deteriorated with tormenting thoughts of their shared kiss. But now, she knew. Now she had an idea of what he wanted from her, now she had kissed him with no camera lense there to inspire her. Just when he had reason to get over that haunting image of a beautiful woman dancing for him, the reason confessed it had belonged to someone else. This just wasn’t fair, he had deserved better than to be dealt this hand in life. He closed his eyes, her gorgeous face still lingering. Even though he knew what he was up against, he knew he couldn’t let her go that easily.

" Hey you decent." Raven bursted through the shaggy door, her words a mere formality because it truly didn’t make a difference to her. Maia sat up in bed, her sheet lying limply around her short clad legs while she outstretched her arms and adjusted the straps to her yellow tank. Raven took a seat on the only provided seat, at the edge of Maia’s bed.

" Goodmorning sunshine, to what do I owe this pleasure." Maia smiled sweetly at Raven. Crossing her legs, Raven smoothed out her khaki skirt then turned to her best friend.

" You are such a low down sneaky snake." she began slowly tossing her thick wavy hair across her bare shoulder. Maia recognized the tube top as being Jocelyn’s and wondered if she could fit her D cups into.

" And you are such a brown nosing, eavesdropping, sleazy prick." Maia yawned stretching her legs out.

" I resent the sleazy....I am a woman of class, thank you very much." Raven corrected then started in on her previous assault.

" So, when do you start packing, August is definitely almost here."

" I’m not going." Maia replied simply unraveling her sloppy ponytail only to replace it with a sloppier one.

" I think dropping Willy a note will be fine. I’m sure he’ll get over it." Raven continued examining her freshly manicured nails.

" Raven.." Maia warned, but the conniving little Hispanic was not going to give up.

" I think it’s a great opportunity and I was thinking..."

" Really, now?" Maia replied sarcastically.

" I can be ready in about 3 hours, so be in front of my place by 12." Raven finally looked at her friend and winked. " I always wanted to go to Miami".

" I hate airplanes." Chris sat next to Justin who had the privilege of winning the seat next to the window. Chris always lost at rock, paper, scissors. The black haired man had still yet to realize the game is about random order, not pattern. Justin ignored his friend and continued staring out at the bustle of JFK airport. They had all just boarded a flight back home to Orlando to began recording on their latest album. Justin couldn’t be happier to be getting out of New York, too many things haunted him there. Maybe getting away would make things better. Perhaps being at home would bring everything into perspective and he would realize the remedy for his problem.

" When did they start handing cashews, who eats cashews." Joey declared waving his silver bag of cashews in the air so everyone’s attention could be directed towards it.

" Shhh, Joey quiet hours." Lance hissed reminding the red haired man that it still had yet to hit 11 o’clock eastern time, meaning half America still had to wake up that Saturday morning. Justin smirked to himself and settled back, his thoughts drifting towards familiar territory. Maia. She had taken the place of the mysterious seductress and had managed to take over all his thoughts. He couldn’t eat, sleep or think without her popping into his head somehow.

"Hey, kid you alright?" Chris asked turning his attention to his down trodden friend. Justin shrugged not really up for talking about Maia, not now anyway when the pain was still fresh. All the good girls were taken. Just then Angela bopped past their seat and Chris gave Justin an annoyed look.

" Now that is a man with a problem." Chris sighed referring to JC who sat behind them staring out the window, back completely turned away from Angela. Justin silently agreed, if he felt anyone had a worse off fate compared to his own, it was JC. He had made love to a woman he met that worked at strip joint two months before, got over her by committing to a girl still being attacked by puberty, only to fall for the woman all over again. Justin wanted to fill bad for bringing Raven to him, but no matter how anyone opposed the union- even himself- he knew it made JC happy. Justin personally could never see himself dating a stripper, he was too possessive of a man to handle that. Plus the thought of guys being able to do whatever they wanted to his girl for the right price sickened him. He could never be with a girl like that, he wouldn’t even allow himself . Never.

Jocelyn beeped the horn as they rode through the city of New York on their way to Hype Studios where Maia had been instructed to meet Hype with all her belongings. Even with all three of them packed inside her little grey chevy, all their belongings still looked as if they belonged to one person. Moving out of New York was a big and better step for all of them, Maia was convinced after still being able to close the trunk after picking Raven up.

" Okay girls, I’ll be out in just a minute. Gotta get everything from Hype and then we can hit the open rode."Maia promised before disappearing into the glass doors of Hype Studios. Jocelyn pushed the door to the little chevy open and dangled her legs out to grip a breeze that was obviously non existent in the little vehicle they were cooped up in.

" We’re leaving Rave, can you believe it."

" Would you talk with your mouth facing outside, it’s really too hot in here for all that." Raven sighed, an arm thrown over her perspiring forehead. Jocelyn rolled her eyes and watched two young looking girls start up the street, staring around in awe. They reminded her of herself and Maia three years ago when they had first arrived in the city and had been so amazed by all its splendor. Catching a glimpse of her radiant self now and thinking back a few months ago, she couldn’t believe she had come this far. Now she was leaving this place, leaving behind her old life, leaving behind Kendall. Maia had been her inspiration through it all, and here she was once again accessing an opportunity for a better life for all of them. She couldn’t have been stuck with a better friend.

" What is that all about?" Raven murmured moving up from her cropped position in the front seat. Jocelyn leaned up from the back seat to see Maia cradling a heap of flowers. Stumbling to her car, Maia placed the flowers on the roof.

" Who are they from?" both of the girls asked from the inside. Maia rummaged through the beautifully arranged flowers and found the small car in the center.

Your beautiful, but I guess you already knew that.

I just wanted to give you something as a token of my

gratitude for the happiness you brought me

those few days I had the pleasure of making your acquaintance....

Tell your boyfriend I said he was one luck guy.

J

" Don’t be so quick to explain." Raven sighed dryly stepping out of the car and snatching the card from an awed Maia. Reading over it once, Raven passed it to Jocelyn who gingerly waited to be filled in from inside the car.

" So are you going to call him?" Raven asked fingering a yellow rose. Maia breathed in sharply and adjusted her stance.

" Don’t be ridiculous Rave, plus I don’t have the number."

" It’s on the back." Raven informed jumping into the car. Maia followed suit grabbing her flowers and handing them to Jocelyn . Sitting in her seat, Maia geared for take off. Hype had just given her a preliminary guideline of what he had set up for her in Miami, he had rented a loft with three bedrooms to accommodate her and her friends and set up interviews with various modeling agencies around Florida. He had said there was more, but she would have to wait and see exactly what when she got down there. With all that in mind, Justin had still managed to steal her excitement. Those flowers had sent her over the top, nothing mattered more than when Hype told her to hold off he had one more thing to give her. Moments later he came out with the flowers and kissed her forehead.

" Do the right thing." he had whispered in her ear hugging her and then sending her off. Maia closed her eyes, time had run out for her to do the right thing.

Justin held his mother close, reveling in the presence of her. He hadn’t seen much of her the past couple of months, having been so busy within his business life. He had been overjoyed when he stepped off the plane and was greeted by none other than his best friend in the whole wide world. She opened her arms and enveloped her only son into a loving embrace. She was glad to have him home

" How ya been stranger?" she teased kissing his cheek and pushing him back to take note of all the changes he went through since his last trip home. Sometimes Lynn just couldn’t believe she had mothered such a beautiful child who grew into such a strong and handsome young man. She was proud and beyond just his success, through it all he had still been able to grow up and turn out swell.

" Happy to be home." Justin sighed looking over at JC who walked solemnly towards the baggage claim with Angela following suit behind him. The girl hadn’t even realized a change in his demeanor hadn’t even realized that his heart rejected her and in place of her was a woman he had met before her and couldn’t be erased from his memory. Justin didn’t want to end up like that, he couldn’t bare the thought of wanting another but being committed to someone else. He never liked the prospect of cheating and had always been a strong believer in admitting up-front your true feelings if it came to a point where you no longer wanted to be with that person. Some people just liked the idea or the comfort of knowing that either way you’ll have someone by your side. That seemed even more ridiculous, for it seemed that cheating always killed two birds with one stone.

" Perk up honey." Lynn motioned for him to clasp his arms in hers and walk over to baggage claim with her. Justin sighed, there was no need to be as detached as he was. He was home now, a place that he could always find reverence. His old friends where here, his family, and even his favorite pet Milo. The more and more he thought of reasons to be happy, the more and more Maia repressed those thoughts. What was it about her that made him feel he’d be a man of joy if he had her by his side? He wanted to leave all that in New York, he just wanted to be free of her and thoughts of her. Free of her like she was obviously free of him. She probably was just waking up to the man he’d replace in a heart beat. Her soft lips probably separated sometime letting out soft breaths onto his neck while still being tangled up in his arms. Or they probably could be engaged in that energized and ever pleasing morning round of lovemaking. No matter what, nothing felt as good as it did waking up in the morning to making love. He felt a jab at his heart and shook his head to take him from his thoughts.

" You alright?" Nancy Fatone asked, hugging a disturbed looking Justin.

" Yes, I’m fine ma’am." he smiled and hugged his second mom. Joey pat him on his back, while Brianna attempted to do the same. Smiling at the happy father and his god child, Justin’s heart filled with a new found joy. He was home.

Maia wasn’t in fact entangled in the arms of her lover but in the black straps that belonged to her seat belt laid about the back seat resting after her eight hour detour. She had driven half way into North Carolina before Raven had taken over the wheel and almost had to come to blows with Jocelyn over who would remain in the back seat for the duration of the ride. The idea was to drive non stop, with three of them to do the job they should make it into Miami after a total of 24 hours of straight driving. Waking up Maia looked around at the scattering palm trees and wondered what part of the country they were in.

" Oh look who decided to wake up, Rip Van Winkle herself." Jocelyn teased looking at Maia through the rearview mirror. Raven didn’t partake in the laugh, being in a quite deep slumber herself but instead offered a haggard breath that Jocelyn fanned away. Maia laughed and looked questioningly out the window. Palm trees, stretches on eight lane highway, water, convertible cars.

" Uh, Josie where are we?"

" Home Sweet Home baby! We’re in Miami!" Jocelyn exclaimed her hands going up instantly. Maia leaned back smiling, they had finally made it. A place of new beginnings and new people. As promised Raven and Maia slipped Willy a note under the door of the club before hitting the rode for Miami. It left no current address or destination, just simply stated that they were never coming back to work for that piece of shit ever again. Of course, Raven had constructed the note. Maia laughed to herself, Raven had an explosive vernacular.

"What you back there cookin up?" Jocelyn beamed, her smile so radiant and breathtaking, Maia was sure she would have no trouble finding a modeling job down here.

" Nothing just anxious to see what Miami has to offer us?" Maia sighed and hugged herself. She knew she deserved this, it had been too long in the making for her not to finally come across a chance at success. She couldn’t help but think about Justin, he was the one she owed it all to. He had been the one looking for her, even if he did it without his knowledge. She was the dancer that he couldn’t rack from her brain and now the girl he that had been chosen for his video shoot. Thinking back to the video shoot, she couldn’t help but develop chills over her body. She missed his kiss, she missed his touch, and what had made it all seem so unbearable was that she hadn’t experienced them enough to miss them. Yet she did, there was no question in that. It was like stepping into a chocolate candy and being provided with a sample but rejecting the option to buy. She wondered where he was now, what was he doing? Was he thinking of her, like she was thinking of him? Then she remembered, guys seldom thought about other guys girls unless they were slimy and guided by their dick. Justin was none of the above, so the chances of her crossing his mind was slim to none, especially when he had the privilege of having any girl set in his sight.

" Oh, first hottie." Jocelyn exclaimed snapping her instant camera on the man who rode passed them in a yellow convertible car.

" Josie!" Maia laughed from the back in shock. She turned and saw the gorgeous beach blonde man wink at them.

" Oh yes this is going to be great." Jocelyn assured herself watching as a series of stretch navigator escalades rode pass them. " They could be famous."

" Or just filthy rich." Maia smiled at a baby who clapped her hands while looking out one of the open windows. Waving at the excited baby, Maia giggled as the baby jumped up and down.

" Awwww, isn’t that cute." Jocelyn cooed and waved herself. Just then a blonde haired woman with frizzy curls leaned forward waving at them both while instructing the baby to do the same. The friendly blue eyed woman waved one more time before their car pushed forward.

" Did you see that, the people of Miami are soo friendly."

" Josie, we haven’t even passed Orlando yet. It’s just the people of Florida in general." Maia smiled, she definitely couldn’t wait to see what was in store for her.

" Had this been the surprise Hype was talking about?" Jocelyn suggested snapping a picture of the place and then the shocked looks on her friend’s faces. She stood on the ledge of the driver side leaning over the car and staring at was to be their new home. Maia felt a tear fall down her cheek, her joy inexpressible in words. All her life she had dreamed of a life like this, a life that was slowly coming together for her right now. She had worked so hard in New York, having been rejected so many times to the point where she believed there was no other direction in her life but Secrets Unfolded, at least there she was a star. But now, she stood in front of her new home and she was almost scared to touch the pavement, she had never lived anywhere so beautiful. Going from a farm to a shabby apartment in New York hadn’t prepared her for the lifestyle she was being offered now.

" Is this us?" Raven asked cautiously and Maia didn’t know how to answer. When had she ever signed the lease, she didn’t even have a key. Suddenly the door opened and an elegant looking woman came down the few steps and further down the pathway until she stood before all three of them. Her red hair blew in the air all around her cream colored suit. Disappointment crept into the heart of all three of them. She probably came to tell them to move their piece of trash from in front of her property.

" Maia Manadelno?" The woman spoke her name questionably looking equally at all three of the attractive girls that stood before her. She wasn’t quite sure which one was Maia, but by the looks of it Hype had found himself a deal. These three beautiful faces could make a big difference in the modeling scene, where had they come from? Frances Shields looked over them skeptically then frowned at their grey chevy. Suddenly a fit of laughter broke from her lips, what were these beautiful girls doing driving around in a chevy and not gracing covers of magazines.

" Uh hi, I’m Maia. And this is Raven Piccecco and Jocelyn Thomas." Maia introduced and the woman nodded knowingly.

" Well is the U haul going to arrive soon?" the woman asked brightly stepping closer and touching Raven’s wavy hair. She was surprised the girl didn’t leash out at her, afterall Hype did say they were from New York.

" U haul?" Maia asked confused.

" Yes with all your stuff." The woman nodded and then stepped over to Maia. Frances eyed this one, seeing why Hype had felt he struck gold. The girl was mesmerizing everything about her, even in her lamen state. Frances couldn’t even imagine what beauty she would possess after they really got her cleaned up.

" We have all our stuff in the trunk." The blonde haired girl smiled and Frances motioned for her to walk over to her. The girl followed suit and stood before her. Frances touched her face and then stepped back to examine her body. The girl was gorgeous, she wondered why she had never been in the industry. Why hadn’t any of them been?

" Oh I see." Frances sighed, trying not to laugh, these girls were adorable and obviously humble. She liked that in them. " By the way I’m Frances Shields. I’m the creator, chair person, and spokeswoman for Cover Girl Incorporation." All three of them gasped and quickly tried to correct their stance. " It’s ok, I don’t often meet people who are humble enough to be amazed." she laughed and the girls blushed.

" Maia is going to be working for Cover Girl?" Raven screeched.

" I don’t see why you all can’t. I mean of course we’ll have to clean you up, but you all have GREAT potential." Frances looked over their car and sighed.

" First and foremost, go take a look at your place and move everything in. I have a presentation to attend with Maybeline right now, so I’ll be back later. Be prepared to be pampered girls." she smirked and walked over to her own convertible BMW. " Oh and think about what kind of ride you want. I’m surprised you made it here in that." With that she stepped in her car and sped away.

" OK, can someone pinch me please." Maia muttered and Jocelyn moved to do the deed. " NO, not you!" she laughed and looked down at the three keys Frances placed in her hand. Tears then fell down her eyes, she couldn’t believe it. She looked to her friends and they shared in her happiness, tears streaming down both of their faces. Together they embraced and wiped each others tears. Grabbing each other’s hands they started up the pavement to their new home.

It felt as if they had been featured in an episode of Life Styles of the Rich and Famous where they did their annual charity event and had picked three urban girls that struggled too long to survive. No matter what the reason behind it all, none of them cared, the were just thankful it finally came along. Raven smiled happily standing in the middle of the loft that separated all three bed rooms on the upstairs portion of the house. Jocelyn was finishing up the spiral staircase, lugging her bag of clothes from the car and came face to face with a gushing Raven.

" Can you believe this, everything is furnished. We even have clothes hanging in our closet." Raven exclaimed and Jocelyn’s jaw dropped, she hadn’t even opened her closet door yet. She had been so hypnotized by the huge room with its deluxe king size bed and goose down bed spread.

" They even got food in the fridge!" Maia yelled from downstairs her head bent over into the oversized silver refrigerator that was only one amenity inside the huge kitchen. The counter and breakfast nook were made out of marble and the floor was an exquisite cream colored tile. The dishwasher sat on the side of the double sink with a purifying faucet. Maia screamed when she first stepped inside, she had always wanted a big kitchen. If there was one trace of farm living left in her, it was cooking capabilities.

Then a strange noise sounded through out the house. Raven and Jocelyn leaned over the rail and called down to Maia who ran out the kitchen, completing a t bird before landing on her feet.

" We have a phone!"

Jumping up and down Jocelyn hugged Raven who laughed at the pure joy in a feature she had been accustomed to but new it was something her friends had never had the luxury of possessing. Even on the farm, the two had phones.

" Well is someone going to pick it up." Raven inquired and Maia ran back into the kitchen to answer the black phone that sat on the wall.

" Hello?"

" Hey, Maia?" she recognized the voice as being Hype and she started right in on thanking him. " Whoa, whoa you deserve it hun. Now I suppose you met with Frances. She’s going to take care of you ok? I just talked with her and she’s reserving three 325 BMW’s on the lot. I’m calling because I need to know which colors’ you would all like." Maia made some sort of screeching sound and turned to Jocelyn and Raven who had already made their way down waiting patiently to hear the good news.

" BMW’S !" Maia screamed and calmed down to collect the colors.

" Okay, Green, black and silver." she replied.

" Okay I’m gonna make the down payment but you all will be responsible for car payments. The condo is covered for the next 18 months and there is about $5,000 in your bank account to get yourselves adjusted. Since I didn’t have Raven and Jocelyn’s information I put a lump sum in your account and I suggest those two head over to the bank and establish accounts. Frances will give you directions....." Hype continued on with more information that Maia forced herself to listen to even in her bewildered state. When he finished, Maia once again began thanking him.

" It’s all you Maia." he returned and made sure she had his number written down before hanging up. Jocelyn and Raven finally took a seat on the cushioned tall chairs provided by the breakfast nook, exhausted with joy.

" How?"

" The video shoot and Sasha Inc. Paid for my services. Hype just set everything up for me using that money so it wouldn’t be such a nuisance when we got down here. He just wants us to enjoy before we start getting to work." Maia replied in one breath and leaned against the wall. Even still she hadn’t believed this was happening. After moments of stunned silence Raven’s cell phone blared and she jumped before ripping it from her hip.

"Willy." she mouthed and turned on the phone.

" You fucking black ass whore.............." he yelled for all to hear since he had been put on speaker phone.

" Actually I’m Hispanic and African American." Raven replied calmly even though he hadn’t stopped yelling to acknowledge her. Unafraid of him now that they were thousands of miles away, the girls just laughed at his antics.

" Put a cork in it." Jocelyn yelled and Willy paused, his breathing growing harder and harder by the moment.

" I’ll swear you’ll pay. You both will pay, your nothing but fucking whores."

" Yeah then why you sweatin’ us?" Raven smirked. Maia laughed nervously, he had made the promise before and she truly believed he would do everything in his power to follow through with his promise. As long as he didn’t know how to get to them, they were fine. She just had to keep reminding herself that.

" Raven I’m gonna cut that fucking slick ass tongue out of your mouth and Maia. You better hope your lucky stars I don’t find you. I’ll torture you so bad you’d never have another THOUGHT about being with a man again." Maia shuttered visibly and Jocelyn moved to embrace her.

" GO jerk yourself assfucker!" Jocelyn yelled and hung up the phone. " HE can’t harm you Maia, hell your about to be a star. Stars don’t sweat the small fish." Jocelyn smiled and kissed Maia’s forehead. Raven crossed over and held her friend as well.

" He’s have to get through me first before he’d ever hurt you Mai." Raven promised, stroking her hair softly. " That bastard wouldn’t have anything left after he’s done with me." Raven chuckled and the girls giggled softly.

" He’s in the past, he can’t touch us now."

" Ready." Justin looked over the crowd of friends, his group members, and family members sitting in his living room and waited nervously for a response.

" Did we remove ALL the children from the room." Chris replied and the group laughed, Justin’s mom giving him a cautious eye. Justin nodded and thought better now than never and began the opening to his video. He was seated beside Joey and Trace- his best friend for all his life- on one of the three couches surrounding the 52' screen. He looked over at his mother and step father and hoped they would understand that just because their son implied that he had a sexual nature on the screen did not mean he had one in real life. He settled back just in time to feel his heart jump at the sight of her. The camera had even been able to capture her raw beauty and it unnerved him. He felt JC’s smirk on him and ignored his obvious knowledge of the state he found himself slowly falling back into again. He wondered if she was watching it or had she been to embarrassed to show her boyfriend?

" That’s a nice house." Nancy Fatone smiled and her husband nodded, his huge belly spilling into his lap. Joey gave Justin the look recognizing the part when Maia got out the car.

" Ooooh she’s beautiful J." Lynn exclaimed followed by an uproar of approvals.

" Very nice body, is she a model?" JC’s dad added receiving a look from JC’s mom Karen.

" Yeah, Did you know her personally?" Chris decided to venture just as the bedroom scene began. Justin glared over at his friend who looked ready to burst laughing. Suddenly the room grew silent just at the part when she approached Justin. It felt like eternity watching the entire scene over and not because of the shocked people surrounding him, but because of the replay of events in his mind all over again. He sucked in a harsh breath when the camera followed his hands over her and captured their kiss. It was such an intimate moment that he was sure everyone one in the room felt the were protruding in on a love scene. Silence remained for the entirety of the video and if there was one thing he could conclude from it, it was that the shock value of the video did have an effect. Turning the television off he finally decided too look around at everyone’s response.

" I dig it." Trace smiled high fiving his friend. Justin smiled and looked at Joe Sr. who nodded his approval while JC’s dad fixed his collar.

" Good dancing their son" Paul, his step father grunted.

" Mom?" Justin ventured and Lynn looked at her son.

" That was remarkable Justin. I loved it. SO clever and seducing, she was perfect." Lynn sighed and finally the woman began to comment with similar summations. Justin sighed in relief, she was perfect more perfect than he had wanted to admit.

" Oh yeah, Maia on TV." Raven sang spinning around the front of their living room. Jocelyn had already ran outside to alert the neighborhood that they had a star in the house. Maia sat transfixed on the television screen, only really not seeing the commercial for toothpaste but instead the scene with her and Justin. She hadn’t forgot, just being reminded by a visual sparked a new sensation. Instantly she was thinking of the way he kissed and touched her. It turned her on after one setting, she wanted to rewind the video and replay over and over the part which suggested their love making. Damn the suggestion of it anymore, Maia thought wanting to release all the pent up desire and energy on the one man she wanted more than ever.

" I can’t believe it girl. I see why you were stunned right after and even stunned now." Raven sighed taking a seat next to her. Maia held her breath because if she knew her friend, she knew it wouldn’t stop there. " And to think you told the GORGEOUS man you had a boyfriend. MMMMhhhmmm." Raven continued eyeing Maia out the corner of her eye. " Man o day is that boy fine..."

" Raven."

" I mean I would drink that man’s bath water. I declare I would drink that man’s bath water!"

" Raven."

" Do you know what you missed out on?" Finally Maia tackled her friend and they fell to the floor in a fit of laughter. " And to think all that could have been put to constructive use had you saddled him up before."

" Shut up." Maia sighed standing up and starting towards the door to retrieve Jocelyn before a neighbor called the cops on her. Raven definitely had a point.

" Caleb, meet Maia Manadelno. Cover Girl 2004." Jocelyn boasted proudly throwing a loving arm over her friend’s shoulder.

" Wow, but then again not very shocking." he replied cooly licking his lips suggestively. Maia looked at Jocelyn who shrugged and squeezed her arm.

" Are you trying to imply that you think my friend is beautiful?" Jocelyn ventured winking at the young man. He looked down, a soft laugh escaping his lips before looking back up directly at Maia.

" I apologize for insinuating, Maia...your beautiful." Perhaps her knees should have buckled and she should have swooned to the floor, but nothing took effect accept for the bashful blush that crossed her face. What was wrong with her, this was an obvious stud on her lawn? Within the first 18 hours of inhabiting her new property, a stranger had come to pass and proclaim her beauty. Why wasn’t she jumping all over his bones?

" Thank you, Caleb?"Maia smiled sweetly and touched her hair nervously. Nudging her side, Jocelyn pushed her forward.

" Unless you WANT the national world record for missed opportunities, get your ass down there." Jocelyn hissed in a rushed whisper. Feeling guilty and quite to blame for her current predicament of the heart she followed suit and moved down the lawn to where Caleb stood. Her heart should have been fluttering, the man was drop dead gorgeous. Then why could the only thought that crossed her mind be, he’s no Justin Timberlake.

" So what brings you to the front of my lawn?" Maia smiled approaching him. He gave her a boyish grin then looked towards the neighborhood.

" I live other there." he pointed to a well lit condo, right next door, with a black porsche parked in it’s driveway. Maia’s eyes moved to the condo,his car, then back to him. He’s a good catch, fish like that don’t stay in the pond forever.

" We’re you going to ask me out Mr......"

"Jones." he finished for her and stepped closer. Brushing a fallen strand from her face, he smiled warmly. Caleb Jones had never come across such a stunning woman with the right type of humbleness and cockiness in her mix. He was more than intrigued and couldn’t think of another woman he wanted more. She was captivating and he couldn’t resist himself the pleasure of escorting her around Miami. He laughed to himself, the obtrusive idea sparking a light humor within him. Maybe she could be the one.

" I see there is no beating around the bush with you, but Yes Maia I would love more than ever to take you out." He breathed, his hand lingering on her soft cheek. Maia smiled and blushed, unable to tell whether she was more pleased by the fact that he asked her out or that she had finally taken up on an opportunity that Raven and Jocelyn would be proud of.

" Well if that’s the case, shall meet right here tomorrow night say around 8?" Caleb agreed and gently kissed the back of hand before jogging back over to his pad.

The water splashed around Maia’s ankle while sitting propped up in a pink leather chair, prepping for a pedicure that was long overdue. Raven looked from her pink leather chair right beside Maia, down at the toes that were being massaged in the pool of water.

" Bout time." Raven murmured and Jocelyn gigged from the opposite side of Raven. Maia rolled her eyes and turned to see Frances sitting in a near by chair engrossed in a serious conversation on her cell phone. As promised, Frances had scheduled a day of pampering for the girls at the world famous Shay’s beauty parlor. It had just rounded to 10 o’clock in the morning, and the first thing on their schedule were pedicures. Frances had insisted that it was always better to work from the bottom up. Flashing a brief smile, Frances greeted her and then turned back to her conversation. When the girls woke up that morning , Jocelyn had noticed three BMW’s sitting outside their house. The keys were left in the mailbox, a note had been left on their door with instructions on where to find the keys. The girls had went wild and ran to each respective car. Jocelyn ran directly to her green BMW hugging the body of it as if the car was going to pick up and respond by giving her a big fat kiss. Raven danced over to her black BMW all the while taking pictures of it from the camera Jocelyn had brought along with them. Maia, the silver BMW that sat right in the middle being hers, walked over slowly. She was sure by now that she used up all her tears the day before so wasn’t surprised when one didn’t fall. She couldn’t believe this was all happening, it was so surreal. Luckily the girls had woke up early enough to catch the message on their machine that Frances would be meeting them at Shay’s, directions were posted in each girl’s car. The girls, already knowing what was in store for them, dressed and rushed out the door to begin there day of make overs.

" So I hear somebody has a date?" Raven sang splashing her toes in the water. Maia rolled her eyes, guessing that the two girls had of course eavesdropped from the window of the house while her and Caleb conversed.

" It’s not a date." Maia tried to dissuade them from believing that, for in her eyes it was just her getting to know him and Miami a little more. Maybe it sounded a little like a date.

" I believe the exact words were ‘ Are you trying to ask me on a date MR...’" Jocelyn repeated with exactness trailing off just as Maia had with Raven to come in and pick up the rest.

" Jones." Raven spoke deeply then bursted out into laughter.

" You two need to get lives." Maia laughed, shaking her head.

" So said the person whose still searching for one." Raven quipped and turned back to her hair magazine. After their pedicures they were scheduled for hair. Maia sighed closing her eyes and wondering why it was that she had still ben searching for life. In fact, Raven couldn’t have made a more accurate summation. She had almost tasted life, it had kissed her on the lips. Then again, that was one of the missed opportunities Jocelyn spoke of. Maia hated the feeling, couldn’t stand the regretting. She vowed not to let it happen again, she wouldn’t miss out next time. Sighing in content, Maia made plans to make the most out of her evening with Caleb. Who knows what can come of it?

Justin walked inside of Shay’s were he had sent his mom for a day of appreciation. He hated going inside, afterall it was a woman’s parlor and there wasn’t one sole inside that didn’t recognize him. Running a hand over his head he looked over the room in search of his mother. She said she would be at the hair station so had come to the right room, which was the orange room right next to the nail salon. His eyes ran over the women sitting under the dryers and chairs provided at each stationed. Finally saw his mom sitting next to a woman whose face was covered in a mud mask. He walked over to his mother who busied herself looking in a magazine.

" Hey beautiful." he smiled and his mother looked lovingly up at him, batting her eyes and standing to hug him. His eyes briefly glanced at the girl beside her who looked stunned at his presence, smiled sweetly then turned back to his mother. Probably just a fan, he thought touching the soft strands of his mother’s fresh curls.

" I see somebody got the curly perm"

" Stop its all natural." Lynn blushed grabbing her purse and escorting her son out the shop. Just as Justin and his mom made their exit, Maia came in - her face now completely covered with mud and took the seat beside Jocelyn. Looking over her friend, Maia wondered what had come over here.

" Let me guess, you saw Ru Paul." Maia laughed and Jocelyn swallowed hard. No actually Justin Timberlake, Jocelyn thought without saying a word. She thought about the situation and came to the conclusion that it would only ruin Maia’s plans for the night. Of course upon hearing that Justin Timberlake was now in Florida, even present in Miami, Jocelyn new her friend would back out of her scheduled date. Not wanting to risk it, Jocelyn finally closed her mouth and looked down at her magazine.

" No, your wrong. I saw Dennis Rodman."

" Here?" Maia exclaimed and Jocelyn nodded hating that she was lying to her friend especially about seeing Justin, but she convinced herself. It was for the best, the girl just didn’t act rationale when it came to the superstar. Besides, what was wrong with a little white lie ?

" Has he crossed the lawn yet?" Raven called down to Jocelyn who was stationed at the window looking out to see if the sext bachelor had made his way over to pick up Maia for their date. Raven was upstairs in Maia’s bathroom applying her makeup, which came from the salon they had spent the day at. Pushing a fallen curl behind her ear, Raven continued to concentrate. Maia had been so amazed by the transformation of each girl by the end of the day. Raven had chopped off 6 inches of her hair and now sported a sexy curly bob that framed her heart shaped face perfectly. Maia felt like fingering one of the rich curls but new that Raven would snap, after all no one was allowed to touch her hair 24 hours after it was done.

" It’s 7:30 ya’ll." Maia laughed rolling her eyes.

" Punctuality is nice. But when a guy comes early you know he’s all about you." Raven explained and motioned for Maia to rub her lips together.

" Thank you!" Jocelyn exclaimed from downstairs agreeing with Raven’s comment. Jocelyn had cut an inch of her beautiful blonde hair and now adorned light bangs that went perfect with her beautiful face. They highlighted her hair so it looked wonderful and accented her emerald green eyes perfectly.

" Okay what do you think?" Raven gushed turning Maia to the mirror. Touching her face, Maia marveled at the sight. She looked amazing. Her own hair had been layered for added thickness and rinsed so that her natural dark brown hair shown through. Raven had spent an hour on her makeup and had done a completely perfect job. With all nude colors, she gave Maia a natural look that glossed with sexiness.

" Beautiful Raven." Maia smiled and stood to examine her bra and panties.

" Finally they match." Raven teased and Maia hit her. They were waiting for Jocelyn to yell up what Caleb was wearing so Maia wouldn’t overdress or underdress for the occasion. They had hit all the stores after the parlor so there was more than enough to choose from. Suddenly Jocelyn called up from downstairs.

" HE’s wearing something nice!"

" Don’t get TOO detailed." Raven yelled back and Maia was sure he overheard them.

" I think he hears us" Jocelyn yelled up and Maia laughed out loud. Raven rolled her eyes and walked out to the loft.

" Formal or semi formal?" she whispered .

" Semi formal." Jocelyn whispered back and moved to answer the door. Maia walked over to the closet and pulled out a black jersey dress that she remembered fitting quite perfect at the store earlier. Raven returned to her room with a pair of tea green stiletto sandals with matching dangle earrings. Raven was one for accessories. Maia thanked her and dressed quickly, not wanting to keep Caleb waiting if he had made reservations.

JC smoothed his hair back while staring into the hallway mirror of the Justin’s house waiting for the pretty boy to finally grace them all with his appearance. Joey and Chris sat in the living room watching videos while they waited to go out to ‘Galaxy’s club premiere. What the hell was he doing, JC thought looking up the steps listening for any movement upstairs.

" Did someone mention to Justin that the club premiere was tonight and not NEXT WEEK." Chris called out and JC laughed at his sarcasm.

" I don’t know what you rush is for, you can’t dance anyway." Justin teased walking down the steps. He wore a black jersey tee and black slacks that made him look like a Calvin Klien model. So simple, yet so fresh.

" And here he comes to outshine us all." JC announced and laughed hugging his friend. " Man I feel like I haven’t seen you in years. How long ago did you go upstairs to get dress?" Justin rolled his eyes and stepped outside. The other four came out and separated into their consecutive cars, all except Chris who had been forbidden to be seen anywhere in public with both his hooptie and them. He hopped in the car with Justin and they started off to Galaxy were the party was beginning. Adjusting his music to allow him to concentrate on his own thoughts, Justin began thinking about what he wanted out of the night. He looked damn good, if he must say so himself, and it made no sense for him to be fretting over the unattainable. He was a bachelor and he be damned if he stayed that way stressing over a girl that was already taken. She made it clear that she was happy where she was, so as far as he was concerned she could stay there. He was done with chasing a dream.

" You cool?" Chris finally asked looking at his friend.

" Just got better." Justin smiled and Chris smiled turning up the music. He was so glad his friend was coming back.

" The boy is back!"

Caleb’s eyes feasted upon her in a desire that he had to choke back on before he scared the life out of her. She looked so good, too good for him to remain in control. He noticed Raven and Jocelyn wink at her and wondered if they knew something he didn’t. Whether or not he felt damn lucky to have her on his arm tonight.

" You look good." Maia smiled walking up to him an placing a kiss on his cheek.

" You look amazing." he gushed and cleared his throat in an attempt to calm down. Her perfume snaked into his senses and he felt himself grow excited.

" SO where to?" Raven asked breaking the silence, looking pleased with the outcome. She noted that he was even more handsome close up, still no Justin Timberlake though she thought grimly. But hey he would work. He’d definitely work.

" I just opened a club Galaxy downtown." he announced and laughed at the three shocked faces. Perhaps they didn’t recognize him as being the top guy on the organized club scene, he owned fifty across the States and thirty-two over seas.

"Ok wow!" Jocelyn sighed and smiled happily.

" That’s amazing Caleb." Maia gushed and looked to her friends.

" Yeah, we gotta get going. It’s premiere night. Hey girls why don’t you get dressed and come down. You can monitor us on our first date." he smiled winking at Maia. He obviously had no idea how much they’d love that. As he began writing down directions Jocelyn and Raven ran upstairs to get dressed. He dropped two VIP passes before heading out the door with Maia.

" By the way did I tell you you are beautiful."

" Yes, but it’s always a good thing to hear over and over again." Maia smiled falling into his arms and walking over to his porcshe.

" Victim # 1." JC laughed joining Chris and Joey on the other side of Justin, all of them watching their friend in action. JC had to admit that he was finally happy to see the Justin he remembered, he had almost forgot what a smooth playa he could be. He was almost fooled, thinking Justin had fallen himself in love and couldn’t find his way out of it. JC almost thought he grew up, but as he saw it right that moment watching his friend in action, the boy hadn’t changed much at all. Then again who was he to talk. He had cheated before, but he wouldn’t deem himself a cheating man. Only he couldn’t turn away from Raven, and he couldn’t blame anyone else for his lack of resistance when it came to her. He knew to stay away from Secret’s Unfolded, knew what would happen to him there if he ever went back. He would drive himself mad wanting something that he just couldn’t have. If he could just hold her, kiss her, make love to her, he could change her mind. He gave her everything he had that night, his all, yet it couldn’t keep her there. He sighed pushing the thoughts out of his head. He was now back in Florida with his girlfriend Angela thousands of miles away from Raven. Tuning back into Justin’s antics, JC laughed realizing Justin was searching for the valet to hand him his keys, he already scored!

" Whoa, whoa...this is just the night hasn’t even begun." JC intervened grabbing hold of Justin’s shoulders and winking at the anxious blonde haired vixen. Justin cast his friend a devious glare and followed the girl he came to know as Gabriel into the club amiss Joey and Chris.

" Payback is a bitch, just remember that Father JC." Justin whispered walking into the smoky club that glistened with sweaty bodies, alcohol, lights and beautiful women.

" Awwww, hell yeah!" Justin exclaimed bouncing to the music.

" What was that?" JC teased stepping into the beat as they made their way to the floor.

"I KNOW YOU LIKE TO THANK YOU SHIT DON"T STINK, BUT LEAN A LITTLE BIT CLOSER....ROSES REALLY SMELL LIKE MMMMMMMMMHHHHHHMMMMMHHHMM!!" Jocelyn, Maia and Raven stood in a small circle dancing to Outkast while still managing to look like the poster childs for Cosmopolitan. Maia laughed as both Jocelyn and Raven did the choreographed steps to the video pointing to her as Caroline. Following in Maia started prepping her hair and applying her makeup to the music. The girls laughed, having too fun of a time busting it up on the floor. Maia looked up towards the DJ box to see Caleb staring at her. He looked symbolic, standing against the light holding a drink with both the sleeves to his red tunic shirt rolled halfway up his arm. Winking Maia fell right into the beat of Cassidy " Don’t Get No Better" singing the chorus to him without missing a beat. He laughed, toasting his glass up to her and winked back.

" Look at Miss Thang." Raven whispered loudly to Jocelyn who was lost in the beat, rocking her body hard against the beat. Maia winked at her friend, and put a thumbs up to the outfit she was working the hell out of. Raven looked super sexy in a black lace off the shoulder cropped shirt and matching shorts. Her legs were glossed and wrapped with a thin black strap up to her knee caps. She dripped with sex appeal and Maia made it a note to borrow the outfit on a future outing. Turning to Jocelyn who had found herself an attractive dance partner, Maia laughed. The man looked down at Jocelyn in shock when as she put it on him moving in sync with the beat. Jocelyn had always been a good dance and she knew how to back it up. Maia had to once talk her out of trying out for a rap video called " Boody poppin". The blonde haired green eyed beauty wore a Celtics green cropped and fitted jersey shirt with a matching mini tennis skirt, baseball socks and Celtic colored converses. Even in the sporty outfit, she still had heads turning. Suddenly Jocelyn’s favorite song came on " Back that thing up" and the man she danced with had to reluctantly let her go so she get her girls and back it up. Maia laughed watching Raven and Jocelyn go wild deciding that she would join Caleb and continue on with their date. Looking up at him she signaled for him to meet her and he nodded pointing to a secluded corner. Maia smiled, excusing herself to meet up with him. She was stunned by how many people had showed up, then again she wasn’t the place was huge. She had a chance to see it before anyone stepped foot inside and she was set back by its beauty, sexiness and size. She had never before seen a club so hot, and she lived in New York. There were cages and three stages with tables for DJ’s. There was even a second level made out of glass that sat right in the middle of the club. She had wanted to go up there before, but Caleb had to stay ground level to make sure everything went smoothly for the opening of the club. Walking towards the secluded corner she saw Caleb looking at her his mouth curved in a seductive smile. Briefly her eyes scanned the audience and she saw a quick shot of him standing at a near by table. Her breathe caught in her throat, he couldn’t possibly be there, she thought stopping dead in her tracks. Her eyes searched the area once more, having lost sight of him, and there he was reappearing with a soft smile playing off his mouth. Her heart began racing, he began laughing and moving towards the other side of the table. Maia moved forward to see who it was he had been seated with and finally saw a slender leg stick out from the side. Gasping, she felt a jab in her heart and balled her hand into a fist.

" What’s wrong beautiful?" Caleb whispered bringing his hands to her face, his mouth placing soft kisses on her earlobe. She couldn’t believe it, he was kissing another girl. His lips were planted on her mouth, his hands groping the sides of her. Maia’s stomach twisted at the sight. Meanwhile Caleb’s hands traveled down the front of her body, his body pressing harder onto her, his breath leaving its mark on her neck. She couldn’t believe it watching as the girl’s head dipped back, reminding her of the way her own body had responded to him and suddenly felt nauseous. The girl’s expression mimicked her own, how dare he! She couldn’t believe it, she kept thinking all the while ignoring Caleb’s passionate kisses on her neck. She really couldn’t believe it, what was worse was that she couldn’t believe he was looking at her. Just then, as if fate had it in it’s mind to play games that night ‘Cry Me A River’ blared through the speakers.

" Aaaaaaa."Maia breathed in and Caleb smirked at her response. Justin by this time moved from towering over the girl at his table and stared blankly at Maia. Her mouth was parted and she hadn’t realized that Caleb had taken it as a suggestion, so was caught fully off guard when his tongue plunged deeply into her mouth. He leaned her back and Maia at first thought to resist him, but then subsided the thought. Hadn’t Justin been the one about to ravish a girl at an open table in the middle of a club. When Caleb pulled her back up Maia looked instinctively over at Justin and read the anger seeping from him.

He rose with a start towards her and Maia quickly grabbed Caleb’s hand moving them towards the steps that would lead them to the secluded second level. She didn’t say one word until they safely made it up the steps and he locked the door to the entrance. Finally deciding to offer an explanation to her actions, Maia sighed to turn towards him.

" I...." she started and had been set back by his rough breaths and sexy demeanor. He looked painstakingly sexy standing across from her awaiting a response. For a moment, Maia lost track of what to say. What could she say? She hadn’t meant to kiss him? What was worse is that she couldn’t even decipher whether she actually enjoyed the kiss or had she done it to justify her anguish upon seeing Justin with another girl. She felt herself going crazy.

" It’s ok." Caleb smiled and moved towards her. Maia took a step back holding her hands up. Suddenly her first date with him wasn’t going so well. Not when the one thought she had tried hard to repress for the evening showed up in person.

" I’m gonna catch a cab home." she sighed distractedly, she couldn’t possibly stay there. How would she keep face. She didn’t just want to leave Caleb, but she couldn’t just ignore Justin. She never tried it before, but she was sure it wouldn’t go over well.

" Why? The night is young, I promise I won’t have you out too late." he smiled. He really had no idea, Maia thought grimly. This definitely wasn’t a fair situation. She couldn’t just rush out on their date, but how could she stay there? Then she realized, Justin had been with another girl. And not just BEEN with her, he was kissing her! HE was laughing with her, he was dancing with her, and if she hadn’t known any better she was sure he would have slept with her that night. The thought burned Maia.

" You ok?" Caleb asked crossing over to her and touching her face softly. Maia looked up into his chocolate eyes and smiled weakly. She had come there with him, she had decided on a new path for her life and possibly heart that night. Maybe she wasn’t putting everything into it’s proper perspective. They had both came there with different people that night with the intent on leaving with those people. Only there was one thing she never would have expected....

He didn’t expect to see her there. His mouth dried and his body was at a standstill, he definitely didn’t expect to see her there and much less see her there swapping spit with Caleb Jones himself. He had to take a seat in the chair he had just started from. He had to take some sort of precaution before he went crazy. Maia. What was she doing here? Why had she come here? Was she placed in his life to torment him? Why on the eve of his decision to get over her had she decided to show up again? His thoughts were driving him crazy. Caleb Jones? Caleb all this time had been the man he envied, the man he wanted so bad to be. Yeah, maybe in his earlier playboy days but not when he had thought about having Maia for his own. He would never want to walk in the shoes of Caleb in that case. IF he had, he’s just end up walking away. Caleb Jones just wasn’t the boyfriend type. In fact, Justin used to look up to the man for his supreme macking skills. So then how was it that he had Maia? How was it that he, over all men, had deserved to be with Maia?

" Justin you alright?" Justin couldn’t even look at Gabrielle in the same light anymore, suddenly she became what he kept telling himself she wasn’t. An excuse to get over Maia.

" Yeah." he sighed non-convincing. Just then Chris approached throwing a heavy arm across Justin’s shoulder. The man obviously had a few drinks, but didn’t let that stop him from picking up on his friends shrunken demeanor.

" What’s up kid?" his words were slurred but the emotion of concern was definitely there.

" There you are." JC sighed taking the provided seat, pulling it out, and then pushing Chris down into it.

" I didn’t know you like it from behind J..." Chris teased winking at his group member. JC rolled his eyes and peered at Justin.

" What’s wrong with you?" JC asked and then turned at Gabrielle who shrugged in response.

" She’s here." Justin grumbled.

" Who?" JC asked and looked around the club. He saw countless women and none of them looked familiar.

" Maia."

" The stripper?" Chris questioned and his two friends glared at him.

" No, MAIA." JC said louder, his eye landing on a black haired woman who moved methodically to the music. He looked harder, as the girl moved exotically, her hips rolling in and out with the jamaican drums coming through the speakers. He thought perhaps he was just seeing what he wanted, as he watched the girl dip low then up. Finally she turned around and their eyes met. She smiled and began dancing just for him, the crowd seeming to part for his view. She cut her hair, JC thought looking her over. She was amazing. He moved off his chair, his heart moving ahead of him and towards her. Stepping in front of her, he placed his hands on her hips and guided them closer to him. She placed a soft seducing kiss on his lips, stirring emotions that hadn’t been awakened since he last saw her.

" Raven."

Jocelyn sighed in relief once seeing Maia and Caleb step back onto the ground floor. She had spent the last twenty minutes looking for Raven. Somehow she had lost her and grew worried because she hadn’t seen Maia either. Rushing up to them, she noticed Maia had a spooked look on her face and reminded herself to ask her about it later. Right then and there, they needed to find Raven.

"Have you seen Raven?" she sighed finally reaching them.

" No." Maia sighed her eyes instantly hitting the dance floor. Where could Raven have gone? Taking hold of her hand Caleb reminded Maia that he was going to get their jackets. Maia nodded and was about to protest, she couldn’t leave without Raven. Jocelyn saw the hesitation on her face and bit her lip in indecision.

"Don’t worry I’ll find her, she probably even got lucky and snagged somebody." Jocelyn smiled brushing a strand from Maia’s face. " You be good tonight ok?" Maia looked at her friend, she stopped herself from telling Jocelyn that she had saw him. She wouldn’t want Caleb to walk up on them discussing Justin Timberlake. Maybe he might put two and two together.

"Ok." Maia smiled and kissed Jocelyn gingerly on the cheek. " You be good to." Jocelyn smiled innocently and winked before walking back out into the crowd. Moving out of the way, Maia side stepped the crowd and hid in the corner waiting for Caleb. She bit her lip, closing her eyes. This couldn’t be happening to her. Then she felt him, she felt his presence before she even opened her eyes. She breathed in when she finally did, drawn into his beautiful blue eyes. They looked pained and in need. She had to stop herself from touching him, he was too close not to want to.

" Justin." she finally said, clearing her throat to sound somewhat stable. He stepped closer and Maia didn’t know whether to push him away or not. There was more of a desire to provoke him than not. He leaned in, taking it inch by inch. Maia closed her eyes, not caring that Caleb would be back any minute. Justin was there now. His mouth moved passed her cheek up to her ear, softly brushing it which caused her knees to buckle.

" You don’t know how hard it is to accept the fact that you belong to Caleb." Maia’s eyes opened in shock. What was he talking about? How did he know Caleb?

Suddenly she remembered, she remembered all. Justin thought Caleb was her boyfriend, the one she had lied about to get out of complicating things more by admitting that she had fallen for him. No, no, no. His hand moved from her side to her chin as he backed away, his eyes searching hers.

" Damn your beautiful." he whispered and Maia wanted to admit everything right there. She wanted him to know that her heart belonged to him and had held no more room for anyone but him. Caleb was just a means to an end. She was just trying to get over him, get over their kiss, get over their chemistry. Nothing more than that. But she couldn’t even open her mouth to speak, because then what would follow. Would she admit she had said that all before to hide the fact that she was the stripper he had been so drawn to before? Just as he dropped his hand from her chin, Maia saw Caleb approaching from the corner of her eye. Dammit no, Caleb go...Justin please stay she thought angrily.

" hey Mr. Timberlake in the flesh" Caleb greeted happily. Tell me about it, Maia thought, sighing in defeat. Justin took his eyes from her and greeted him.

" You know Maia I presume.." Caleb smiled placing an arm around her shoulders. Justin wanted to sock the shit out of him, he wanted to put a end to whatever false charade he had put on Maia to make her believe she was his one and only. She was one of a dozen.

" Yeah, you’re a lucky guy.................. She’s breathtaking." Justin replied strongly, his eye boring into hers. Maia gasped for air, he was so engaging. Caleb looked uncomfortably from one to the other than squeezed Maia’s shoulder.

"Well enjoy your night, we’re heading out to finish up our date." Caleb winked and Justin felt a dart hit his heart. Pulling her away, Maia looked back. Once again, she was leaving him. Once again her heart was left somewhere she wasn’t.

She was in love with JC Chasez.

Justin didn’t even try to understand why he woke up that morning with a such a throbbing pain covering his body. He didn’t want to examine reality, take a closer look at the circumstance he found himself in. In fact, he didn’t want one thought wasted on one image or recollection of her. He wanted to forget about her, forget about her the way she hadn’t even thought about him. Hadn’t he decided that hours before he came face to face with her and her precious boyfriend. It was amazing, how even he couldn’t keep a restraint on his own emotions when it came to her. Hadn’t she left the club satisfied last night, hadn’t it been just his luck to leave with less than he showed up with. It wasn’t fair, and for the life of him Justin didn’t understand. He didn’t want to understand, it would just drive him further into a state of insanity that he had been trying his hardest not to revisit.

" Hey has anyone heard from JC?" the lucky bastard, Justin thought throwing back his last gulp of orange juice like it was truly a shot of vodka. What are the chances that they both meet up with the two girls who had a hold on their heart, but only JC would end up satisfied. At first it was great to see JC so happy, but it was just down right unfair when Justin had neither a girlfriend or a mistress. It was unfair when JC had both.

" Maybe someone should call Angela and ask?" Justin smirked rolling his eyes towards Chris who had posed the question. The black haired man looked skeptically at his friend, he had seen his many bad moods in the morning- but this one was escalated to the next level. Joey walked in, wearing his silk red robe that he somehow seemed to have all the time whether it be at home or on the road. Justin looked down, staring at his finished cup of orange juice, secretly wanting it to fill up with some sort of alcoholic substance.

" I think ex nay woke up on the wrong side of the bed ya!" Chris tried to speak in whatever fashion of morse code he thought he developed. Joey nodded and looked at his young friend. He knew what it was before Justin even spoke it.

" SO someone is mad they didn’t get off last night." Joey sighed and Justin shot him a dirty look. Justin wanted it to be as simple as that, in fact he would kill for it to be as simple as that. But it wasn’t, it never could be in this case. He was tired of just getting off, he wanted to be restless from a night spent of making passionate love to the woman he loved and adored over all else. He wanted to wake up to Maia in the morning, kiss away her sleepiness and do it all over again.

" Ding Ding Ding, tell him what he’s won Johnny." Chris smiled taking a sip of his coffee. Joey laughed and shook his head, Justin was in an obvious state of suffering.

" It’s not about that." Justin sighed standing up and trailing back up to his room, it wasn’t about that at all.

" You think he’s cute?" Jocelyn wondered out loud to Maia who joined her at the bay window to watch Raven step out of the luxurious navy blue escalade that pulled up in front of their house. Of course that huge SUV had tinted windows, so the girls anticipated only a quick glance of whatever prince charming had swept their friend off her feet and out of their eyes sight last night. Just as the passenger side door opened, Caleb walked dead into view giving them a ‘you’ve been caught look’. Maia laughed while Jocelyn shooshed him to side in an efforts to get one last chance at seeing Mr. Mystery Man.

" Move!" Maia laughed sitting on her knees, looking at Caleb who pretended not to comprehend.

" Haul ass out the way!" Jocelyn yelled, though her playful manner seeped through her words. Just then Raven approached him placing a hand on his shoulder and winking at her friends. Even without hearing the words she spoke, Maia saw her lips read " Nosy Bitches."

" I’m gonna kill the neighbor." Jocelyn smiled smacking Maia’s ass before she walked into the kitchen. Maia exchanged knowing glances with Raven just before warmly greeting Caleb who embraced her easily. He smelt like a Calvin Klein Add and looked even better. He was dressed casually in dark denim shorts and a orange tee, overshadowing her simple white tank and grey housepants.

" So you take all that money you earned and walk around like that." he teased referring to the story she had told him on their date about her recent success. After they left the club, he had convinced her to stop by a secluded diner with him. She had still been shaken up by seeing Justin, but slowly Caleb had eased her mind off of him. Although her mind had not completely erased his image, Caleb had came and took up a good amount of space. Even now she tried to stay focused on the sparkle of his eye, versus the moistness of Justin’s lips. One quick thought of the girl she saw him kissing and her mind was at ease.

" Shut up, I’m not dressed."

" Really, so you consider this naked?" Caleb teased making her laugh lightly. Maia hit his shoulder playfully, he had a way of making her laugh with ease.

" No silly, I consider this decent."

" Oh well, decent, plain...same thing." he laughed and Maia rolled her eyes leading him to the couch. Suddenly Maia noticed Jocelyn starring from the breakfast nook towards them while eating her bowl of cereal. Caleb followed her eyes towards Jocelyn and threw her a remote.

" It doesn’t get interesting until the third date." he assured and squeezed Maia’s shoulders. Shaking her head, she looked at him, her eyes filled with laughter.

" Are you always this funny."

" Stay with me and find out." he said softly brushing back a strand of her hair and then leaning down to kiss her softly. Maia let herself fall into the kiss, glad that she had this chance to focus on their kiss- having missed the wonders of it at the club due to Justin. Caleb’s lips were soft and sweet, his kiss one made of perfection. She sighed when he pulled back and leaned in once more to kiss him lightly. She agreed that she liked his kiss.

" OOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhhhh, PG 13." Jocelyn teased smiling innocently.

" Did I do a good job?" Caleb questioned , Maia looking to Jocelyn to wink her approval.

" Swept me off my feet." Jocelyn smiled and they all laughed.

" So, where do you want to go today?!" Caleb asked, rubbing her thigh lightly while Maia thought of what she wanted to do. She wondered if he wouldn’t mind showing her the sights of the city, seeing that she hadn’t had the chance to get out and explore Miami. She had planned to do that with Raven and Jocelyn, but from the looks of it the girls were both tired from last night. Maia was sure she heard Jocelyn come in around 7:15 a.m. It had just barely turned 12:00 p.m.

" Everywhere, let me go get dressed then we can leave." Maia gushed and jumped off the couch.

He felt guilty, he felt guilty and ashamed that he had been so envious of his friend’s apparent happiness. Justin knew why JC had agreed to stay with him in Miami, he had known all along that JC was no longer content with the comfort that Angela had provided him. He saw it in the way he looked whenever he saw Raven, that Angela wasn’t the one that made him happy. Angela never could. Only Raven.

" What happened?" Justin asked wanting to apologize to his friend for his discomforting thoughts. It wasn’t JC’s fault that he hadn’t the same fate. Maybe there was someone else out there for him, maybe Maia wasn’t meant for him.

" The usual." JC sighed sadly, watching the road in front of him. He hated the way things were between him and Raven, even now.

" Oh, It’s crazy huh?"

" yeah it hurts J, I mean I think........" Justin watched his friend closely. JC’s jaw tensed and he blinked more than he had to. His eyes looked to be boring into the windshield, transfixed on his own thoughts. Justin knew what he was trying to say, he knew that JC had fallen in love with the girl. Justin sighed leaning back into his seat. Swallowing back, Justin didn’t want to recognize the feeling. If it meant being tormented like JC and having to live with it- like he was doing now- he didn’t want to recognize it at all. Love hurt too much.

" This is the best pizza joint for the rich and famous around these parts." Caleb announced spreading his hands over the crowded restaurant that smelled of cheese and garlic sauce. Sure enough Maia recognized the faces of many stars sitting amongst the crowd at Mama Rodello’s Pizza Shop. She tried not too look so star truck as Caleb led her to a table that passed Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. Afterall, she did belong there. She was a star herself. She took a seat, pulling up her fringed top low rise jeans that fit slimly down her leg and scrunched around her nude sandle clad feet.

" By the way you look beautiful." Caleb whispered in her ear, before taking a seat beside her. Maia smiled, although she had gone through great efforts to put together an outfit that looked effortlessly good. Atop the jeans and sandals, she wore a thin white long sleeve, stretch poplin shirt. It tucked under her breast and a silver chain accented her bare middrift. She left her hair down in a waved chaotic state and applied a layer of peach lip gloss, She felt every bit of the beautiful Caleb spoke of. She smiled and winked at him.

" Better than decent?" Caleb kissed her lips softly in response.

Love suddenly became a bitch, Justin thought walking into Mama Rodello’s Pizza Shop and coming face to face with another one of Maia and Caleb’s public make out sessions. What was fate doing to him, he thought angrily. JC moved from Usher Raymond’s table to place a hand on his friends shoulder.

" Come on man we can go somewhere else." Justin was about to agree when he noticed the surprised expression on her beautiful face after her eyes met with his. Caleb had moved to the seat facing her, his back to the door where Justin stood alongside JC.

" Nah its cool." Justin smirked, his eyes reading hers. Damn her if she thought he would be the only one tormented. He knew he could deal with the pain better when it was shared. He nodded to her and then followed JC to a table. Taking a seat Justin ran a hand over his head, she looked damn good. There was no escaping that, she would always look that beautiful to him. He felt his pulse raise with just the thought of her and knew that there was no denying what was happening to him.

" She’s beautiful." JC sighed apologetically knowing that he probably wasn’t helping the situation much. In fact he was probably making it worse, he thought amusingly to himself. Maybe he was wrong about Justin. Maybe Justin was about to find out what love really did to a person.

" Yeah." Justin replied absently his eyes looking over to her. She was in the middle of a conversation with Caleb, her eyes glittered with happiness. Caleb was one lucky guy, even if he probably didn’t deserve to be. Justin imagined how it would be to sit across from her and make her laugh, make her smile at him. He wanted her eyes to gaze into his and her lips to graze over his. It was ridiculous how he still hadn’t found a way to let him go, after all this time you’d think he’d be over it. But he wasn’t, he was nowhere near over her. In fact, the more he tried to deny it the more he realized, there would be no getting over her.

" Go talk to her." JC said on impulse, he waited the boy to do something. If Justin wanted to pretend not to recognize the fact that he had fallen in love with Maia, he could do that. However, JC wouldn’t let it go.

" Yeah go bust it up with her and MR. Dick -that-pleases- everybody." Justin sighed looking down at his cup. JC nodded, the kid had a very good point. Suddenly hit with an idea, JC waved the waitress over.

" I’ll have 2 cheese slices and a pepperoni." Justin said his eyes going back to Maia, this time her own had been waiting for his. He recognized the look as being apologetic and he almost choked with pity. Now she felt sorry for him, just as well Justin thought shaking his head. JC furiously scribbled something on a napkin and then turned to the waitress. Justin tuned in as JC just finished up by saying.

"...the beautiful girl over there with the white shirt on. Compliments of this sexy icon here." he was pointing at Justin while the waitress blushed prettily at Justin. Before he could stop her, Justin watched the waitress prance over towards Maia’s table.

Meet me in the corner by the jukebox.

She closed her eyes, not wanting to let on her surprise and looked up at the waitress, she already knew who it came from. The pretty waitress named Brenda smiled knowingly and began engrossing Caleb in conversation. Maia grabbed a pen and pretended to scribble her name before handing it back to the waitress. Brenda excused herself and Maia cleared her throat, she couldn’t believe she was about to do this.

" Um, I’m going to go to the bathroom." she smiled tentatively. Caleb nodded taking her hand and placing a kiss on it.

" Don’t be long." Maia nodded, suddenly his charm not finding its way through to her. Standing up she began descending towards the bathroom. Passing the table Justin had been sitting at, she smiled briefly at JC who winked. Oh no, Maia thought her heart racing. What was she doing? Wasn’t she seated at the table with Caleb on their second date? How did she find herself walking towards a hidden corner to meet up with Justin, why was this even happening? She had been so confused, she saw nothing but a dark corner and had almost been about to turn around, having lost the nerve. Then he touched her. His arm came out and he pulled her against him in a shadowed corner that was even hidden during the daylight. Maia slammed into him, his impressive scent filling her as she took her time to regain her composure. His hand moved up her arms to help her and Maia almost protested wanting to be held against him for just a while longer. She finally looked up at him and all at once her bodily organs stopped their usual function. She was frozen in place, choking for breath and struggling for a single normal thought besides the one that kept flashing of her ravishing him right there in that little corner. Speak.

" What are you wearing?" she asked, instantly reprimanding herself for saying something so random. She looked down shaking her head at his surprised look than looked back up with laughter in her eyes.

Justin felt himself melt in her gaze, she was laughing at her own folly. He smiled himself, unable to resist.

"What?" he laughed and she rolled her eyes.

" You.....you smell good." she stammered pushing off of him and taking a step back, a laugh escaping her lips. He looked down and reached out to touch her, his hand brushing the chain she wore around her stomach.

" Hugo Boss." he finally replied stepping closer, his presence enveloping her. Maia breathed him in once again, unable to control herself from leaning closer into him.

" For a minute I thought you meant Boxers or Briefs." he laughed, his hand still playing with the chain around her stomach.

" Well, since you brought it up." she smiled and her hands fell slowly down his chest. Justin felt the desire stir within him and cleared his throat. He couldn’t believe the conversation, a moment before he had no idea what he was going to say to her. How she would react to the note, if she would even come. Moments before he was just cursing out JC when he saw her and somehow it all disappeared. Something came over him, and he was brought down to an eased comfort. Slowly, however, she was provoking a stimulating rise out of him.

"Briefs, when it swings it bruises." he teased and she laughed out loud. Covering her mouth Justin noticed a table buster look over in their corner. Pushing her further back, Justin beagn laughing himself.

"Your wild." he smiled leaning down into her. Her body now pressed into him, her head against the wall. She was staring at him, her eyes evoking him.

" You’re here." she breathed and Justin just looked at her. What did that mean he was there? Had she wanted him there? Had she wanted him there all this time?

" Yeah I’m here." he whispered, tracing the outline of her face with his finger. He’d be there as long as she wanted him, he thought, his heartbeat matching her breathes.

" I..." Maia stopped herself, what was she doing? But it didn’t really matter did it, she was there doing it. She leaned up to complete what she was about to say, but Justin stopped her. Holding her jaw he looked her in the eye, his lips an inch above hers.

" I want to kiss you too." he sighed, this time he would do what he wanted to do every time he saw her and would not let the moment cease him. Maia moaned, her body instinctively responding to his words when JC bursted through the shadows.

"Whoa." he responded and Justin pulled back just as he was about to kiss her. Maia looked angrily than petrified towards JC. Her first thought was that he had stopped them, her second that he had caught them.

" JC?" Justin asked, his hands still holding onto Maia’s hips.

" Yeah." JC said drawn into their secluded moment and the intensity of it. " Just thought maybe you two were getting away with the time." he explained pretending to look down at his watch. "The way I see it, you either fell in the toilet or had one long log to cut from the tree." Maia placed a hand over her mouth and giggled at his comment. Justin couldn’t help but laugh turning back to Maia and touching her lips.

" I guess we gotta go." he sighed, kissing his finger than brought it to her own puckered lips. Maia stared into his eyes, her heart beating for him. Placing a kiss on the side of his neck, she whispered softly against him.

" Bye." JC waved her off and then looked at his friend.

"Did I come at a bad time?" he teased and Justin sighed in frustration. His urge to kiss her consuming his every thought. Justin shook his head, what was happening to him.

555-3163. Justin beamed with surprise and happiness all at once staring down at the number Maia had sent over to the table. He had been shocked out of his mind when Brenda came back to his table to deliver the napkin with a message.

I need to see you, 555-3163

Maia

JC smiled to himself, wondering how it was going to turn out for the both of them. It was crazy, they were both in love with two mysterious girls from New York. It was almost ironic.

" So you gonna call her." JC inquired already knowing the answer to that obvious question.

" No.....I’m just gonna let her get away again and let some other undeserving fool have her" Justin sighed and JC smiled.

" You want her real bad huh?"

" You wanna feel how bad?" Justin teased and JC made a disgusted face. Justin belted over in laughter at his friend’s expression.

" We’re close man, but not THAT close." JC laughed turning into Justin’s driveway. They both filed out of the car and were greeted by Emily, Chris’ little neice. Judging from the pinto already parked in his driveway alongside his Mercedes and Joey’s Navigator, he knew the guys were there. Emily was outside playing with what Justin recognized as one of his action figure X men. Shaking his head, he dropped down to the chocolate eyed beauty and enveloped her into a hug. The five year old gazed up at him adoringly and giggled when he picked her up.

" What you got here?" Justin asked sweetly carrying her inside so he could attack Joey and Chris for letting her play with his action figures.

" A barbie." Emily cooed and Justin looked at Chris who sat on the couch with Joey.

" A barbie?" Justin repeated, staring at the two men who already began shaking their heads.

" Uh huh." Emily smiled putting her slobber all over the front of its face.

" No honey, this, this is an action figure. They kill what you call barbies." Justin explained taking his X men from her and putting her on the ground. Joey shook his head and looked down at the bubbly little girl whose clothes were smeared with chocolate. Smiling he thought of how good he and Chris were at being babysitters.

" Who told you how to kiss, Uncle Chris?" Joey teased and Chris smacked him upside the head. Emily laughed and pointed at Joey before JC swooped her up in his arms.

"Yeah who taught you that?" JC asked again tickling the little girl.

" Kelly!" Emily laughed referring to Chris’ thirteen year old sister. Joey, Chris and JC exchanged looks right before Chris jumped off the couch to call his younger sister.

" Imagine Brianna in a couple of years." JC warned bouncing Emily up and down.

" Let’s not and say we did, k?" Joey smiled and looked towards Justin who walked back into the room.

" So where did you two back stabbers go?" Joey asked calmly, Justin guessed he and Chris were offended for not being invited.

" Your Mom’s house." Justin smiled and fell onto the couch. Joey nodded and took his note pad out, beginning to scribble something.

" What’s that, your diary?" JC teased and he, Emily and Justin joined in laughter.

" Funny. I’m just marking down who I’m not inviting to Hugh Heghner’s pool party that I was invited too. Joshua Scott and Justin Randall..." Joey smiled before tucking the note pad back into his party.

" Have fun." Justin shrugged and Joey looked at him skeptically.

" Yeah, have a splish splash hardy good time." JC sighed taking a seat on the other couch. Joey looked at his two friends and realized the inevitable.

" Awww, no THEY’VE FALLEN IN LOVE!"

Maia walked into her house, happy to finally be home. Sliding against the door she began laughing hysterically to herself. She couldn’t believe she had almost kissed Justin Timberlake while excusing herself to the bathroom in the middle of a date with Caleb Jones. She must have not been thinking to clearly, then again who could when faced up against those lips of Mr. Timberlake’s. Before walking back to the table where Caleb sat waiting for her, Maia decided that she wouldn’t be tortured like that. She was going to taste his lips, taste him, feel him and do whatever else made no sense to her for the past several months. She was finally through with trying to convince herself that she wasn’t deserving of him. Dammit, if there was ever anyone more deserving it was her! She no longer had a secret to hide, this wasn’t New York. This place was thousands of miles away from Secret’s Unfolded, in the light she could forget it ever existed. And she would, she would finally let it go.

" Maia?" Raven walked down the steps to see her friend smiling while lying on the floor. Amused, Raven continued down the steps until she stood over Maia. " You ok girl?"

" Fabulous!"

" You and Caleb do the nasty?!" Raven gushed, her eyes growing huge. She was glad Maia looked higher in spirits but there was no convincing Raven that she was completely over the sexy music icon, no way in hell.

" No, But I WILL be with Mr. Timberlake himself. Uh huh!" Maia smiled sitting up and throwing her hair over her shoulders. Raven smiled happily, it seemed this life was really coming together. Just then Jocelyn bounced in dancing on beat to her disc man that she had plugged into her ears. Jumping 10 feet high, Raven and Maia laughed at her shocked face. Pulling off her head phones Jocelyn smiled at them both.

" Let me guess, Mr. Mystery Man banged Your back out last night." Jocelyn concluded of Raven’s happy demeanor and then turned to Maia. " And you.......your dropping Mr. Caleb to be with Justin’s hunk ass that you weren’t even going to mention you seen at the club last night." Both Maia and Raven’s face dropped and Jocelyn smiled knowingly. " You sneaky bitch." Jocelyn sighed shaking her head at Maia.

" What?!" Raven laughed wondering if Jocelyn had caught sight of JC. Suddenly Maia turned to Raven and smiled sneakily.

" No the real sneaky bitch here is Raven Piccecco!" Maia smiled and Jocelyn turned questioningly. Placing her hand on her slim hips, Jocelyn was intrigued.

" I don’t know what your talking about." Raven shrugged and began to walk towards the living room.

" Yes you do." Jocelyn stopped her. " What you talking about Mai?" Jocelyn asked still staring at Raven to read any sign that might help her figure out the mystery here.

" Mr. Mystery Man isn’t such a mystery man afterall." Maia smiled and Jocelyn looked at Raven, her eyes showing she understood completely.

" You down and DIRTY rotten sneaky bitch." Jocelyn laughed crossing her arms over her chest. Maia laughed pulling herself off the ground. Just as she stood up the phone to her room rang. Before Maia could reach the stairs all Jocelyn and Raven fought their way to the top. Maia rolled her eyes running after them.

" Hello who is this?" she heard Jocelyn ask walking into her room. Justin hopefully Maia thought, her heart skipping a beat.

" Josie, who was that!" Raven exclaimed growing frightened. Jocelyn just shook her head, wrapping her arms around her thin frame and shaking incessantly. Maia came and bent down onto her knees in front of her friend. Touching the side of her face, Maia carefully brought Jocelyn’s chin up so that their eyes could meet. Maia recognized the look all to well, she knew without even having to ask. Growing angry and hot inside, she looked down and then up to Raven who still looked out in the dark.

" It was Kendall, Kendall got are got damn number!" Maia yelled and stood shaking her head. There was no way he could have gotten their number. How was it possible? They had erased themselves of that life, how had that particular part of it come back to haunt them. Raven crossed over to the bed to comfort a now balling Jocelyn.

" Don’t cry Josie, please don’t. What did he say to you honey?" Raven comforted, fear creeping into her heart. How did he get there number? What had he said? What had Jocelyn shaking so violently? Looking up at Maia, Raven could see the anger penetrating through her demeanor. Maia stormed out of the room, her heart not allowing her to stand the returns of those torturous cries she had buried months before. How had the gone from being so happy to being so confused, petrified and alone? Why did it suddenly feel like the happiness they had tasted would now be replaced with a sourness from their past? Maia ran down the steps and out her front door, she had to get away.

Caleb saw her storm out of her front door, her face etched in anger. He dropped the sopping towel he had been using to wipe down his prized porsche and jogged over to her car door that she had just slammed. She was so focused on jabbing the key in the ignition that she hadn’t even noticed him. When he tapped on her window she looked startled and jumped out of her skin. Kneeling down so that they were eye to eye, he waited for her to roll down her window.

" Our second date wasn’t that bad was it?" Maia looked at him, her anger dissolving into something less dense but still heart wrenching. Suddenly she looked sad and afraid all at once. Looking into his concerned eyes she silently thought about Justin? Why hadn’t he called? Why wasn’t he there? Maybe if he would have, she could have escaped all this and at least have been happy for another day. She wished she knew where he lived, she would go to him right now. She needed him, and although she couldn’t tell him everything, she knew just his presence would bring some sense of peace.

" Aww, baby come here." Caleb sighed opening her car door and pulling her into his arms. Maia fell into his shoulders, unable to control her sobs. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, as if letting go would be letting go of a reality that no longer belonged to her. Unlike Justin, Caleb had came with her new life. Maybe that’s what attracted him so much to her. Living back in New York, she doubted she would ever meet someone like Caleb. Although her heart belonged to Justin, she knew that had circumstances been different she would have definitely pursued him.

" What’s wrong?" Caleb whispered placing a soft kiss onto her neck and moving along her cheek. Maia moved closer to him, not caring what it was that took her mind from her troubled thoughts. " It’s ok." he murmured his lips stopping in front of hers and then moving into kiss her. Had Maia been paying attention, she would have noticed that flash of the red Mercedes that pulled up beside her lawn, only she hadn’t been and her eyes were already closed preparing to kiss Caleb. Moments passed and Caleb’s lips touched hers in an arousing fashion that had Maia wanted him in that way, he would have surely had her. Responding to him, in more of a comforted manner that exotic one, Maia followed their kiss and moaned at the sweetness of the feeling. Her mind slowly eased off into another world when suddenly the sound of screeching tires filled the air. Separating, they both looked and saw a cherry red Mercedes pulling off. Justin.

" Where the hell?" Justin spoke to noone in particular as he searched his jacket for the phone number Maia had slipped to him at the restaurant. He had just finished up at the studio, where he had came after lunch with JC to edit some tracks he had been working on for his next album. JC came in, since it was an ‘NSYNC collaboration album and worked on the tracks also. He had slipped his coat off after the meeting with Charlie to sign papers and went directly into the studio. The whole entire time, he thought about her. He thought about how sweet her breath smelled and how bad he wanted to taste it. Taste her, in fact in the law of physics would allow he would have done much more in that small space of a corner, provided the right amount of time. He had just convinced himself that Caleb had been a lucky guy, one that obviously didn’t realize the treasure he had, and that he was just taking over a job poorly done. Justin had never been one to cheat, but somehow that didn’t seem to make an imprint on any of his decisions when it came to Maia. She was worth breaking a rule or two. Even if he abided by them carefully, afterall they more or less saved him from heartbreaks.

" What you looking for J" Charlie asked coming into the office with a cup of coffee and a vanilla folder spilling with papers. Justin looked up perplexed and mumbled something under his breath, before shrugging. Sitting the coffee down along with the manila folder, Charlie stood looking at his client. Justin had just hit number 1 on the billboard and Charlie felt he had himself to accredit for that. Without him, he doubted Justin could have made it through the Britney fiasco, which is why he would never think twice to use the extreme to rid Justin of any problematic situations. Maia Manadelno, was an example of a problematic situation. After Justin had left with JC into the studio, Charlie had noticed a tissue slip out of the young man’s jacket. Picking it up to dispose of it, he had accidently come across a number with her name scribbled under it. He was so shocked that she had found her way back into his life, Charlie was sure he forgot about her. Sighing with frustration he had went to take care of things, if there was one thing Charlie was good for. He was good for eliminating unwanted problems and Maia was an unwanted problem for him.

" Yo C, you see a napkin around here?" Justin finally asked. Charlie shook his head no and took a seat at his desk. He had some researching to do, a folder of Maia Manadelno concealed sitting in front on of him. Justin sighed and headed out the door. Running into JC, he had told his friend the situation. JC suggested he look her up and call information, thinking it was a stretch he did so anyway. There was no way he was going to pass up this chance. The operator was more than informing, giving him and address and phone number. When he called, the line was busy so he decided to just show up. Pulling into the duplex, he had admired her taste but then remembered she had lived in Cedar Point back in New York- she had probably always been used to this lifestyle. He couldn’t wait to see her shocked face when he got there. He never expected to see one looking into the rearview mirror at himself, he definitely didn’t expect to see them in the drive way making out. His heart crushed into a thousand little pieces as he stared helplessly. There Caleb was in all his glory, tasting the sweet kisses Justin couldn’t erase from his mind these past few months. He couldn’t believe it, was she playing a game with him? Was this for sport, to see how heart broken you could get heart throb Justin Timberlake to be?

" You fuckin rule at this game." Justin sighed, his voice choking from the pain. He finally turned his eyes from them, she played the shit out of him. He had no one to blame but himself, he had decided to go against what he believed to be with her. What had made him think she was different from the others? He pulled off not caring that his tires screeching against the pavement interrupted there love session. He didn’t care, he just had to get out of there.

" You need to call the cops." Caleb sighed looking at Maia who sat against the bay window staring out onto the street. He had sat in between Jocelyn and Raven who had just explained to them, with little help from Maia, the entire situation. He had to admit that he was shocked, shocked out of his mind. Another time in his life he would have relished at the fact of dating a former stripper, but when he had met Maia he felt a change come about him. He had been so amused by Jocelyn who looked so full of life and definitely out of the ordinaire in his neighborhood. The way she spoke of her friend made him anxious to meet the marvelous Maia. He hadn’t expected to fall for her at first sight. It wasn’t apart of his playboy image, but he had and there was no denying it. Looking at her now, he wanted to go and console her. He wanted to kiss her, wrap her in his arms and then go kill the bastard who had threatened them.

" Maia, say something!" Raven demanded, wondering what the hell was wrong with the girl. The idea of Kendall knowing where they were and worse yet their number was troubling, but the girl was brought to silence. If there was ever one matter in life Maia spoke out on, it was Kendall.

" Maia, I swear he’d have to kill me to get to you." Jocelyn looked at her friend, feeling deeply sadden that she was the cause of the drastic turn of happy events in their lives. Without her excess baggage, she was sure Raven and Maia could be living it up in Miami without a care in the world. Maia turned from her thoughts and looked at her saddened friend.

" That’s gonna be crazy, cuz he’d have to kill me first before he got to you." she smiled sadly, a tear sliding down her cheek. Caleb stood and walked over to Maia, his heart yearning to comfort her. Maia turned away, not wanting to provoke any such behavior from Caleb displayed in their driveway. She really didn’t mean to kiss him, although she needed to be kissed. She knew it wasn’t his intent to kiss her either, it was just something that happened and came natural in his comfort for her. The problem was who was going to explain that to Justin? Not her, he wouldn’t hear it from her. She knew there was no way to even begin to think that somehow Caleb could fix this entire situation seeing that he did want to date her and they were currently dating. Maia sighed frustrated, where had the lived that afternoon gone off to.

" Hey." Caleb smiled taking a seat on the opposite side of her to face her. Maia continued looking out the window, maybe if she looked hard enough Justin would come back. " Look Maia, I know you’ve got a lot on your mind, and I know you’ve been through a lot." Caleb paused placing a hand over hers. Maia couldn’t help but let a tear fall, here was a man being all that she needed and wanted and all she could think about was what she couldn’t have. Caleb knew everything, he knew everything Justin did it. Yet he was still there, he hadn’t condemned her. He hadn’t even judged her, looking into his eyes they looked deeper than they did before. It broke her heart, she couldn’t expect the same from the man she wanted. Somehow she knew things would go different between her and Justin when the truth about her lies came out.

" Caleb." she cried and looked down.

" Don’t its ok....just let it out Mai..I’ll be here." Maia sighed, she knew he’d stay true to his word. So why wasn’t that enough for her?

" Again....... as in this has happened before?" It was an innocent question, he really had no idea how many times Justin had been faced with Caleb and Maia making out. He wasn’t surprised when he received a few dangerously suggestive glares, and waited for somebody to answer him.

" This is the third time." JC replied realizing that had been exactly the time he had cheated on Angela, thoughts of course not counting or he’d be engaged in a whole other relationship. Three times , were the many times he has woken up with her in his arms, three times he had felt anguished to the point of no satisfying, three times he’d lost his heart, three times that he almost said he loved her. Almost.

" Wow." Lance muttered taking a sip of his club soda.

" Exactly, someone else who senses the extremity if this situation. Ridiculous isn’t it?" Chris nodded toasting him up. Justin looked lazily at his eccentric friend, the drunkenness finally seeping in. HE wanted to body slam Chris, not because what he was saying was untrue, but more because even in a drunken state he couldn’t forget about her. She was still there, just lingering like an annoying bug that wouldn’t be intimidated by a swap of your hand. He wished he could squash away her existence, just remove her from his world. What was so freaking great about her, he tried to rationalize. Only setting himself up, he began thinking of every reason why starting with the scene hours before pressed against her in a corner.

" I - AM- NOT-A-PHOTOGRAPH!" Chris yelled responding to Justin’s relentless stare. Justin blinked a few times signaling he had heard the young man, but he still hadn’t registered anything. " But if you would like one I am featured in Penthouse Magazine page 47." Chris batted his eyes and Justin smirked, coming out of his daze. He signaled another glass, maybe three wasn’t enough. He didn’t care the amount, he was willing to go to the extreme. It seemed it was something of a pattern of his, he just seemed to be going to the extreme a lot lately. He closed his eyes, the pain still not disappearing. He had to do something, he had to do something fast before he really ruined himself over this girl.

Slipping further into her bath water, Maia let out a restless sigh. She couldn’t believe how quickly everything had fallen apart, she couldn’t believe what had transpired just that afternoon. A soft tap sounded on the closed door followed by an appearance of Raven’s face in the crack of the doorway.

" You decent?" she smiled and Maia rolled her eyes, the girl only did that as a formality. Maia could be stone cold naked and Raven would still proceed on into the room with whatever intent she had before.

" No." Maia said as expected and Raven walked in taking a seat on the step to the huge tub.

" How you doin?" Raven sighed touching Maia’s hair in a loving manner. Maia sighed looking down.

" I’ve been better." Both of them laughed at her response then quieted down, both with their own separate thoughts on the same thing. Looking at each other, they both recognized the look in each other’s eyes, they knew without even saying it that they had both fallen in love.

" So when are you gonna tell him?" Maia inquired, bringing her knees to her chest waiting for Raven’s response. Fingering a loose black curl, Raven looked far off and shrugged.

" I don’t think I will." she sighed and then turned to look at her friend. Giving Maia the questioning eye, Raven posed the same question.

" I guess the very next time he sees Caleb and I kiss." Maia sighed in frustration while Raven laughed. Shaking her head, she signaled for Raven to hand her a towel, so she could wipe off and they both go and lie with Jocelyn. There was no way they were being alone tonight.

"What is the matter?!" Maia looked strangely at the orange faced photographer who splashed his thick french accent across her face and open cup of coffee. She wondered how he would react if she actually took the time to explain to him that she was no model but in fact a stripper escaping a hard life she stumbled onto after running away from home at the age of seventeen, was there a french word for empathy? She decided he’d probably just give her a blank look and uncomfortably suggest she undress and prepare for her shoot.

" Nothing.....?"

" Franque." Maia raised her eyebrow and a smirk snaked across her face. His mother had surely named him Frank.

" I’m fine." Maia smiled tightly and settled back into a dressing chair. Staring straight ahead, she laughed at the irony. How many time before had she sat before a dressing mirror, preparing to go and strip down to nothing. The only difference between then and now was that she was getting paid more and by America’s morals, it was OK to be a model, but not a stripper. She wanted to cry, she wanted to laugh, she wanted to insane- all at once. Right before she had gotten ready to walk out the door the phone rang. Thinking that it might have been Kendall she decided to pick it up and curse him out daring him to set foot in their new lives. Instead a groggling voice came on the other end, a voice she hadn’t thought she’d hear ever again.

" Hey sweet cheeks, I know your on your way to a shoot, But I need you to do me favor..." she almost threw up on herself, his voice alone sickening him. His "favor" is what killed her. She thought about it the entire drive to MX studio’s where she’d be performing her first shoot for Sports Illustrated. She had given up trying to figure out how Willy had gotten their number, in fact she gave up on figuring why this was happening to all of them. She just wanted to put an end to it.

" I know you got this new life now, and if you wanna keep it and your precious Jason, Joseph..whatever his gotdamn name is you wanna come to New York. I’m gonna need reparations for such a loss of a beautiful act and of course to keep my mouth shut and my pics hidden from the press. Capeesh." She choked now thinking of it all. She would never work for Cover Girl, never if it got out about her past. What was worse was that she knew she would loose Justin, she felt she had lost him already. Only then she would have no chance of getting him back, at least now she had. She would try before she ever gave up.

Justin sighed staring at his pad of lyrics that he had been trying to edit for his latest single ‘Worthy’. He had came into the studio with hopes of focusing his thoughts on another aspect of his life besides the lack of love present in it. He ran a hand over his head, bit his lip and looked up subconsciously when he felt another presence in the room. Across from him she stood, the mere sight of her sending his heart into palpitations. She wore a white t shirt and a simple pair of relaxed hipster jeans. Even in this causal state, she had him aroused. She was so damn beautiful. Why was she there?

" What are you doing?" It didn’t matter to ask why are you here, it was more important to find out exactly what she was doing to him. He was sure she had an idea of her effect on him, and he was quite tired of being played by her. In fact he was done with being played by her. What was she after, because if she wanted his heart she surely had it- even in its broken and tragic state.

" I want to talk Justin."

" Oh. YOU want to talk." he laughed angrily, sliding his earphones off and giving her his full attention. She cringed at his demeanor and Justin hated to see that he was intimidating her, but dammit if he could control his anger. She was the one that drove him to this point. She looked down before walking closer to him, his heart etching up a pace with each step she took. He licked his lips unconsciously and sucked on his bottom lip to release his pent up tension. Even now as she stood before him, he wanted her.

" Justin I saw you yesterday....pulling off....."

" Oh you caught that, cuz I definitely pulled up at the wrong time." he replied angrily and his heart broke at the sight of her broken demeanor.

" Justin it meant nothing. I’m sorry, and I know it doesn’t sound good. It sounds crazy but you have to know that I don’t want to be with Caleb. I want to be with you." she said in one breath, her chest heaving in and out from the effort it took to say all that to him. Justin sat stunned, he definitely hadn’t expected her to say that, he thought she was coming to apologize for leading him on. He even prepared himself for the event and had been so careless in not considering that maybe she would throw something different at him. IF there was one thing about Maia Manadelno, it was that she was unpredictable to him. He didn’t know whether to be intimidated or intrigued by this fact. He looked down his heart betraying him and he knew the look in his eye would let onto the fact.

" Say something." she finally said her voice soaked with emotion. Justin bit his lip, he didn’t know what to say. There was no doubt that he wanted her, he’d wanted her from the first time he met her. Hell he wanted this very moment for what seemed like a life time. He took his headphones completely off and moved out of the booth he had been seated in. She was right at the entrance and he walked up to her. He stood before her, breathing her in as his guard against her slowly fell around him. She looked down and he instantly brought a hand to her chin, leaning her up to his lips.

" I want to be with you Mai, and I’ve been going crazy over you waiting to hear you say that." he spoke softly against her lips then finally leaned in and completed what he had wanted to do for so long. His lips touched hers, his tongue agonizingly tracing the entrance of her warm mouth until it broke through and captured her breath. She fell against him in a surrendering motion and Justin felt the power of their kiss envelop them both into a solid existence. Her hands moved up his chest and met around his neck, her fingers running into his hair. His own hands found themselves in her hair, at her sides, all over her magnificent body in an adventurous state to claim her as his. She moaned into his mouth and his kiss deepened, lifting Maia out of a state of logical existence. Justin held her against him as he continued to kiss her with his all, not holding back anything that had prevented him from doing this before. He hadn’t realized how long they were kissing, but was disappointed when they stopped followed by a clearing of a man’s throat. Justin pulled back, his eyes looking deep into hers, loving the hazel green pecks that glittered with happiness in his arms before turning to see who had intruded on such a private moment.

Charlie stood behind the sound booth, his eyes boring into Maia’s. She was quickly brought down from the high she experienced in Justin’s kiss and found herself suddenly feeling threatened for being in his arms. She adjusted herself and moved to stand apart from Justin, not sure if she could control herself from devouring his mouth while standing so close. Her knees knocked against her signaling the fragile state of her resistance. Justin had broken down any possible means of a resistance with his kiss. Maia didn’t believe there would ever be a kiss experienced again quite like the one they shared on the video set, and was shocked out of her mind when he kissed her just now. Only now the kiss seemed a million miles away as she struggled to compose herself in the stony silence of the room. She had no idea why Charlie looked the way he did towards her.

" C, whats up?" Justin finally asked the question that had been flashing in Maia’s mind. Charlie continued to glare at Maia, before speaking. Even then his eyes never left Maia.

" You have a phone call J." he said in an angered tone that Justin somehow missed. Maia, however, didn’t miss a beat and gulped down. What the hell was wrong with this man, she thought wondering if it was safe to be left with him. Justin moved past her, his hand touching the small of his back before he moved in front of her.

" Thanks." Justin sighed breezing past Charlie who grinned at his absence. Maia balled her hand into a fist and stood her ground as Charlie moved towards her, in a prey like manner.

" So, you’ve managed to get Justin wrapped around your little finger...." he stopped directly in front of her, his eyes sliding down her body. " Just like the way you wrap those long, luscious legs around a pole...by the way how is Raven?" Maia gasped, how the hell did he know all that? Her heart began to beat at a crazy pace and suddenly she felt light headed. She shook her head, her fist dissolving as well as her demeanor.

" Who the hell are you?" she managed to breath wanting to know exactly who he was that he knew all this about her. How did he go from Charlie, Justin’s manager to this man who knew about her past?

" Well..." he laughed touching her hair and then throat softly. " I’m still Charlie, Justin’s manager...but know who the hell are you?" he asked slowly and Maia was so caught in his words she hadn’t noticed his hands closing on around her throat. Then he squeezed, pushing her against the wall of the glass booth Justin had came out of.

" I know who the hell you are Maia Manadelno, you fucking dirty ass prostitute from Secrets Unfold. You stay the hell away from Justin, stay away from him. I’ve worked too damn hard to have some slut come and mess it up for me." He blocked her entire airway, causing her to clutch at the hands he had wrapped around her throat. Where was Justin? Then tears began to fall, it wouldn’t matter, she wouldn’t want him there anyway and Charlie knew it. He knew that she would do anything to keep her secret from Justin, much less keep this little event between them. She cried because it seemed just as everything always started to look up, they were always brought back down. The moment she finally shared with him suddenly vanished, and in replace the hard reality of who she was slapping her in the face. Right on cue Charlie let go of her throat and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket at the sound of Justin’s footsteps. Maia glared at him before grabbing the handkerchief and wiping her eyes. She breathed in a couple of times to regulate her breaths and had to stop herself for spitting on him.

" Thanks C, that was MusicChoice, they want to do an interview." Justin came in smiling walking past Charlie who breezed past him towards the door. Maia looked down her hair covering her face, she was sure their were marks around her neck. She breathed in, what was she going to do. Justin walked right up to her, pulling her face up to his he leaned into kiss her. Before he did, his thumb brushed her wet cheek. He opened his eyes and stared questioningly into hers. Pulling back he examined her face and then his eyes fell onto her neck. He touched the crimson red area and looked at her, his eyes confused.

" Mai?"

" Justin....." she started but bursted into tears instead. She had nothing to say, nothing to say that would make sense without leading him towards the truth.

" Maia, baby, stop crying. What the hell is this?" he demanded, wiping the tears from his eyes. All at once, his baby blue eyes turned a hot color she’d never seen in his face before. He looked at her, he didn’t want to even think it. It was insane, why would Charlie ever do this? Justin shook his head in confusion.

"Maia....did, did Charlie do this to you!" Justin tried to speak slowly, his anger seeping out of each word.

" No." Maia choked then cleared her throat. " I...I was sucking on a piece of candy and started choking." she lied, smiling for added effort. She began coughing, it coming quite nautarlly due to her recent loss of breathe. " See, I’m such an idiot. And I’m embarrassed. I was choking and grabbing at my neck." she began crying, she was lying to him again. His eyes were searching hers, he looked unsure of what she said. " It’s ok, Charlie actually helped. Surprised huh? SO was I." she laughed and leaned up to kiss him. " I’m just embarrassed." she said and Justin nodded kissing her forehead. Maia moved into his hug, her heart beating like crazy. What has she gotten herself into? She breathed in the scent of him, not sure when the next time would be when she could be with him like this. She moved up, so that her mouth met his. Even if this were to be the last moment she had with him, it would be the best. She had been so long without being able to tell him and show him exactly how she felt. There was no way she was going to let it happen again, not when she wasn’t sure how everything was going to work out. She looked into his eyes after kissing him softly. He had to know, he had to know whether he was ready to hear it or not.

" Justin, I love you." his eyes read her his shock, while his lips mouthed the words, ‘I love you too’. Maia cried, her heart breaking by the moment. They kissed one last time. Maia savoring the sweetness of him. Her lips lingered against his, the sweetness of them killing her softly. She would forever cherish this moment and never forget it. Pulling from him she backed away. His eyes showed her his confusion, pleading with her to return. Choking on her now uncontrollable sobs she turned and ran out of the studio.

" Mr. Washington?" Kendall turned at the sound of his name and came face to face with a short balding man. The look on his face, however, contradicting his small presence. His dark features were scrunched together in an ugly and intimidating demeanor. Kendall didn’t think people walked around like that in Orlando.

" Yeah." Kendall watched him sit down, smoothing out his tailored suit and looking him square in the eye. He wondered how this cat knew anything about Maia or Jocelyn.

" I’m Charlie Merrimack, Justin Timberlake’s publicist." he paused for effect while Kendall expressed his confusion and shock. What did Justin Timberlake’s publicist have to with the bitch Maia and his girlfriend. Pulling out a magazine, Charlie pushed it towards Kendall. Looking down, in sheer amazement, Maia was sprawled out over the cover of Sports Illustrated in a string bikini. The sub heading read, America’s Next Sweetheart: Maia Manadelno. Choking back his shock, Kendall looked up and met Charlie’s eyes.

" She’s dating, or trying to at least date, Justin Timberlake. Now as we both no Maia is no model..."

" She’s a whoring tramp for Secrets." Kendall smirked glancing back down at the magazine. How had she gotten here? Where the hell was Jocelyn, was she even with Maia?

" Exactly." Charlie smiled and leaned forward. " I want her out of his life." Kendall gulped down, looking blankly at the man. Obviously he had his dose of Maia and had been ready to dispose of her. Looking around, he wondered exactly what this clean cut man had in mind.

" How much we talkin?" Kendall finally asked, hoping that in someway this would lead him to Jocelyn. Charlie sighed happily leaning in to finalize a deal.

Justin ran his tongue over his lips, not caring to control the rise in the seat of his pants as he sat staring at the Tv screen that flashed scenes of ‘Cry Me A River’. He couldn’t even get excited over the fact that it had reached #1 on TRL, he was already riled up from Maia’s kiss. Or maybe it was her confession of love that had him going. It really didn’t matter anymore, he thought smiling to himself, both were just as special to him. They were also both a shock to him. Just then the bedroom scene came up and he sat up looking intently into the television set. His mouth watering for the taste of her once again. Hie heart picked up an unpatterned rhythm and suddelyn the palm of his hand began to sweat. Biting onto his lip, he realized what he had known all this time. It wasn’t him going insane that drove him to the point of madness, it was him falling in love. He hadn’t acknowledged it himself until she spoke the words to him, for some reason everything suddenly made sense.

" Now all you need is a warm apple pie." Chris teased walking in an sitting on the arm of the love sofa Justin occupied. Justin smiled, it didn’t matter how dry Chris’ humor was, it always came at the right time.

" I’ve got something better." Justin smiled and winked up towards Chris.

" Better than what?" Joey asked walking in , as usual during the middle of a closing conversation, and jumping right into the mist of it all as if he was the sugar the water and the kool aid need to mix.

" Apple pie." Chris offered looking to see how Joey was going to take the whole entire conversation he knew nothing about out of context.

" You tell me what’s better than apple pie?!" he asked adamantly and the two young men laughed knowingly.

" I guess if that’s how you feel Joe, Gina got a lot of explaining to do." Justin laughed and began to cry with laughter alongside Chris when Joey finally understood what he hadn’t before.

" You two are sick, man." he sighed and shook his head. Standing in the doorway Joey watched the TV screen until the video went off, struck all over again by Maia’s beauty. Suddenly he realized what he had interrupted them in the first place.

" Oh yeah." he cleared his throat, not sure if he should even mention it now. " Maia’s on the phone for you J."

Placing the receiver down, Maia looked across the room at Raven who watched her carefully. She had just decided to call Justin and lay on him, on top of the fact that she loved him and had for all this time, that she had also been lying about everything she’d ever told him. There was never another man, she was never a model, and that she was in fact the girl he thought her to be when they first met. She was ready to admit that she was the woman who danced for him at Secrets Unfolded several months before. She was ready to tell him everything, afterall she’d rather him hear it from her than Charlie. She was sure he’d say it in a way that wouldn’t even allow her to have any self respect left. She knew that after she left to New York, it was all over. She could go there, settle everything and return back to the life that she had started in Miami. It would have been much easier to do this and never mention this to Justin, only she knew it would haunt her. She knew there was no way of him never finding out. A tear fell down, her eyes clousing over with more to come. Would he still love her, even after he knew? Raven moved to comfort her friend, her heart heavy with just the sight of her. She vowed to kill Charlie whenever the opportunity was provided.

" Don’t cry honey, what happened? Did he even answer the phone?" Maia shook her head no burying her face in her hands. It was just as well, she doubt she would have gone through with it anyway. Raven lowered her head, knowing that had he answered Maia probably wouldn’t have said what was meant to be said. She felt a tear fall down the side of her own face, hating to see her friend go through this all. In fact, she hated to see both Kendall and Maia going through everything they had been for the past few days. It wasn’t fair, it wasn’t fair at all when of them all the sun seemed to be shining it’s brightest on her. True she deserved happiness, but it just wasn’t the same when she couldn’t share her happiness with the both of her friends. When would she have time in between consoling Jocelyn and keeping Maia strong that JC had asked her to be with him, he had finally left his girlfriend. She bit her tongue everytime, there was a right time for everything and while she would be joyous in her heart she would wait until she nursed both her friends back to happiness before she celebrated. Afterall, whenever they were hurt- she was in pain.

" I can’t do this Rave, I mean I can’t do this to him." Maia sighed, the tears drying up, as they always did when she realized there was nothing to cry for. Tears would never correct whatever wrong had been. She wished it was that easy to wash this all away, but as it stood nothing in her life ever really worked out in her favor. Except him, and even now there was something threatening to destroy it. Her own dishonesty. She should have followed through with her original plan and just leave him alone. Would it have been so bad just to stick with Caleb? Would it have been so horrible to suck it up every time you saw him and forget about the way he touched you, looked at you, held you, kissed you.....

" Yes it would have been fucking horrible!" she finally yelled out in anguish surprising both Raven and Jocelyn who had just stepped into the bedroom moments before.

" That’s why momma always said it was never good to have secret conversations." Jocelyn smiled pitifully and climbed into Maia’s lap to comfort her. Maia wrapped her arms around her best friend and sighed sadly, her head laying gently against Jocelyn’s chest. Patting her hair, Jocelyn wondered how hard it would be to convince her friend that she was going with her to New York. Maia had always been the one to clean things up, to make everything right- even if it only lasted for the few moments before Jocelyn messed it all up again. This time, she would do right by Maia. She would settle it once and for all with Kendall, afterall he was her problem- not Maia’s. It wasn’t fair for Maia to fight this last battle, not when she had done so for so long before. This time Jocelyn had to fix it.

" She’s going to ask you to go." Raven informed Maia before Jocelyn could even speak. Ignoring Jocelyn’s betrayed look, Raven continued on. " I’m going too."

" What?!" Maia exclaimed raising her head up. There was no way Jocelyn was stepping foot back in New York with Kendall on the loose. Furthermore, there was no way Raven was following after her either, Maia was called on to handle this score and as she saw it she would be the only one to go down if any of them were going to be put at risk. There was nothing in New York for them but trouble, and Maia knew that she’d handle everything alone better. She was the one they were after anyway, they’d only be a means of an end. Maia didn’t know what she would do if anything happened to them.

" No." she stated abruptly standing up to finish packing.

" Yes." they both chimed and Maia looked pointedly at them.

" No. I have to settle this myself. They called on me, I can’t risk anything happening to you okay?" she sighed and both women looked at her sadly. She knew just as much as she didn’t want anything to happen to them, they didn’t want anything to happen to her.

" I’ll be good, afterall Caleb is going to be there." she wasn’t sure if she wanted him there either, but he had insisted. And unlike Raven and Jocelyn, he didn’t follow her lead. She decided that maybe it would be good to have him there. Just in case she couldn’t handle it on her own.

" Hey, you ready." Caleb walked into the room, his strong presence becoming the atmosphere surrounding them. All three women looked at him with a look of adoration and he looked down shyly.

" Thank you Caleb." Maia sighed placing her suitcase on the floor.

" You don’t have to thank me, I’d do anything for you girl." he smiled his charming smile. Maia looked down, she couldn’t believe him. She had summoned enough guts to explain to him how she truly felt about Justin. It had been harder to tell him than Justin, she watched his heart break with everyword and yet at the end he leaned in, kissed her cheek softly, then told her he’d always be there for her. Staying true to his word, he arranged for two tickets to new york and reservations at a hotel when they got there. She didn’t even ask him to.

" You’re the best C." Raven sighed before turning to hug her best friend, she didn’t know how she was going to manage while Maia was in New York. She already knew she’d breath, eat and sleep with her worried thoughts until Maia made it back safely. Maia kissed her friend and leaned down to hug Jocelyn - who sat on the bed.

" I won’t stop worrying til you come back Mai." Jocelyn looked up sadly, her eyes tearing over. Maia bit back her own tears and stood to join Caleb out the door. She wouldn’t stop worrying either, she thought following Caleb down the stairs on their way to New York.

" J, wait up!" Charlie rushed up to his window before he could pull off. Justin screeched his car to a halt and wondered what it was that had Charlie showing up at his house. He turned and looked expectantly at Charlie, he had been in a bit of a hurry. Shortly after Joey informed him that Maia had been on the phone, Justin found himself suddenly worried about her. By the time he got to the phone she had hung up, when he tried to call her back, the number he had before had been disconnected and changed to a private number. He wondered when that change had taken place, and a wave of worry washed over him. He instinctively knew something was wrong with Maia, but what? He couldn’t wait for answers so decided to take the initiative and go to her, only now he was being held up whatever Charlie was about to bother him with.

" C, what is it? I gotta get somewhere." Justin noticed the rush in his voice and even the hint of anger. The red mark around her neck flashed in his brain and his hand gripped the steering wheel. He knew it was wrong for him to even think she would, but Justin believed that story about a damn piece of candy was a lie. In fact he knew deep down inside there was something wrong with Charlie when it came to Maia, he had known all along.

" J, where you in a rush too?" Charlie said lightly, a smile spread across his face.

" Maia." he said flatly and watch Charlie’s face fall.

" Justin get out of the car." he spoke sternly and Justin’s brow gathered together. Who the hell did he think he was? Justin thought angrily, what the hell did it matter anyway. He had to get to Maia. He ignored Charlie and started his engine once again.

" Justin she’s a whore! She’s a whore from Secrets Unfolded." Justin felt the calm before the storm pass over him as he stopped his car at Charlie’s words. He was just about to get angry when he called her a whore, but felt a new wave of anger when he said she was from Secrets Unfolded. Realizing he had gotten his attention, Charlie continued.

" Her stage name was Billy Jackson, she lived in a shabby apartment for three years after running away from a farm in Minnesota at age 16. She wasn’t only a stripper J, she turned tricks too." Justin’s heart broke at his words. What the hell was Charlie talking about? Billy Jackson? He knew a fucking Billy Jackson? She was the one that had him hypnotized at the club that night! Maia had been Billy, Billy was Maia. Why hadn’t he recognized her! He shook his head, no this couldn’t be happening, Maia couldn’t be the same person. Charlie was lying.

" Don’t fucking lie to me Charlie."

" I’m not, J. I’m trying to protect you. She’s been lying to you all along." Charlie threw a naked picture of Maia at him. She looked younger, but it was definitely her sprawled out on the stage in a split, holding onto a pole, the fold of her elbows barely covering her nipples. He felt his heart thunder, and he threw the picture down starting the car. Who the hell was the person he had fallen in love with? Who the hell was Maia Manadelno?