A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 7.

"Hey Carly. It's JC."

She closed her eyes and took a minute to gather herself.

"Hey. I'm glad you called."

"We must have just missed each other. I just left the studio and they said you were just there yourself."

"Yeah, I worked on the tracks for Max last night and finished what I could. I was suppose to leave them for him to give to you or something." JC laughed a little.

"Yeah, I got it. So you're heading back to Chicago today?"

"Yeah, getting ready to take off soon I think." she said as she looked out the widow beside her.

"You're already on the plane?" he questioned softly.

Carly immediately felt the drop in his voice and it pulled at her heart strings.

"Yeah. I was hoping we'd get the chance to talk before I left." Her declaration hung in the air thick.

"I was hoping for that too, Carly."

"I'm sorry for what I said JC. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"Apology accepted."

"Could we start over?" she asked softly.

She could almost here the smile in his voice. "I'd like that Carly."

"Good. Me too."

"So back to Chicago again eh?"

"Yes. Let's hope I get to stay for longer than 24 hours this time."

JC let out a carefree laugh. "LA loves Carly. What can we say?"

"It seems to. So Max said you're leaving to work on another project?"

"Yeah, I think I'm suppose to leave sometime this week. I haven't been given the final word of where or when yet though."

"Well good luck with everything."

"Thanks. So what are you up to once you get back home?" he asked.

"Uh, sleep I hope. I might do a couple of open mic nights here and there at one of the clubs I perform at. Oh and I've got like four photo shoots to I need to get done. I kind of had to put them on hold when I left last minute for LA."

"Photo shoots?"

"Yeah, I do album covers for Indie bands here. I also shoot random things here and there. I love photography just about as much as I love music."

"Well look at you Miss Multi-tasker."

Carly laughed at that. "I enjoy the work."

"I feel like there's so much more I have to learn about you, Carly."

"Oh I've only just begun JC. Same goes for you though."

"It will happen in time honey. I've got your number now. There's no escaping me." he said as he tried to sound intimidating.

"I wasn't trying to escape you JC. I'm sorry I based my opinions of you on lies and assumptions."

"It's in the passed now, Carly. We're starting over."

"Good. I promise I'm not always a bitch." she chuckled and she could tell he was grinning as he spoke again.

"Let's hope so. The Carly I know can be pretty brutal."

"Yeah yeah. I really don't want to sit on a plane for the next four or five hours."

"You could sleep." he suggested.

"I could try. I don't really sleep well on air planes. I'll probably just listen to my ipod or read." Carly suggested.

"Read eh? Got anymore dirty books?"

Carly could just picture the seductive look on JC's chiseled features as he said that.

"Non of your business Mister."

"There's no shame in reading kinky books sweetheart."

"Kinky? What the heck JC. I don't read stuff like that!" she defended. Carly didn't even notice the pink stain on her cheeks until her face suddenly felt hot.

"If they're not kinky then what kind are they?" he laughed.

"We're not having this conversation JC. Next subject."

"Aw, come on. Um, let's see here." Carly could tell JC was up to no good. "What kind of sex do they have in the books?"

"JC! Oh my gosh. Mind out of gutter now please!"

He snickered at her outrage and could picture her all flustered and embarrassed. "I'm curious, that's all."

"They're romance novels, JC. It's cute sex okay? Nothing kinky or whatever else your thinking. Now please, new subject."

"Alright, fine party pooper. Do you have any idea when your getting back to LA?"

"Not off the top of my head. I know Max said he'd call me if anything came up and or if he needed me for anymore snags in the soundtrack."

"Well you should come out her a few days early never time you visit. I could show you around LA and stuff."

"That'd be cool." she agreed shyly.

"Cool. It'd be fun."

"Okay JC, it looks like we're about to take off. I've got to get going. I'll talk to you soon though?"

"Alright Carly. Have a safe flight honey. And yes, you'll be hearing from me soon. Call me when you land if you'd like, just so I know you made it home safe."

"Okay JC." His firm voice was a little unsettling. He was always looking out for her and she wasn't used to that.

"Have fun reading your dirty book Carly. Bye."

Carly rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Bye JC." She said before she closed her phone and shut it off. Being friends with JC Chasez was going to be an adventure.

****
Carly pulled out her cell phone right as she slid into the back seat of the taxi and began to fill out the needed info. Running her fingers across the keypad, she sent JC a quick message as she'd promised.

I made it back home safe and sound. My dirty book was quite entertaining. Talk to you soon.

Carly

****

JC felt his cell phone vibrate against his thigh as he took walked into the front door of his house. He didn't expect to hear from Carly so soon but smiled as he opened the message. Shaking his head, he text her back.

Glad to hear you made it back alive. Thank god for dirty books ;)

JC

****
-One week Later-

Carly had just made it into her loft, juggling her camera and her messenger bag and trying not to drop either of the two objects as she tossed her keys to the small stand by the door. She grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge as she kicked off her flip-flops and plopped down on the couch.

Rubbing a hand over her tired features, Carly glanced at the clock before flipping on the TV. Noting it was only 3:30 she began flipping through the channels before settling on a lifetime movie. She only made it to the next set of commercials before she drifted off to sleep.

Twenty minutes later, the sound of her cell phone singing loudly woke her from her slumber as she answered it without glancing at the screen to see who it was. "Hello?" she answered half asleep.

"Carly, it's JC. Did I wake you?"

Becoming more awake, she rolled over and sat up a little. "I must have dozed off watching TV. It's fine."

"How have you been?"

"Busy, but good. You?"

"Same. Sorry I haven't called sooner. The vibes have been great in the studio this week."

"It's alright. That's good to hear!"

"Yeah. So what have you been up to?" he asked softly.

"I've gotten two of the photo shoots I needed to do done. I went down to the lake the other day with some friends and other then that, I've just been hanging out. Trying to get my body clock back to Chicago time."

"Sounds like a productive week so far!"

Carly laughed. "Yes it has been. I was so exhausted when I got home that I turned on the TV and only made it through twenty minuets of the movie. I'm a winner."

He chuckled at her antics. "Nothing wrong with sleeping. One of my favorite hobby's."

"Mine too but I feel if do it too much, I waste the day away."

"I know that feeling. Any word from Max yet?"

"Nope. Nothing yet."

"He'll call. I know he will."

Carly let out a yawn. "I figured he will. I'm enjoying being home for now."

"So there's no way we'd get you back to LA anytime soon, huh?"

"Who's asking?' she asked curiously.

JC laughed as he tinkered around with the soundboard in front of him. "Uh, Me?"

Carly felt her heart flip flop. "You want me to come to LA?"

"If you want to." he answered absently, silently holding his breath.

"I'm sure I'll get there soon enough, JC. And if I didn't have prior commitments I might say yes."

"I understand Carly. It's cool."

"So what are your plans for the rest of the day?" she asked casually.

"My brother and I might catch a movie later on. It's kind of a low key day. I've been tinkering around in the studio here and there."

"Sounds fun. I didn't know you had a brother."

Instead of putting blame on Carly for not knowing this bit of information, he decided to inform her now. "Yeah, he's twenty six. He lives with me, goes to law school and is a giant ball of dork. You can't not love Tyler."

"That's awesome JC. Do you have any other siblings?"

"Yeah, another sister. She's a few years younger then I am. Lives in Florida. You?"

"One sister and one brother, both older."

"Aw, Carly is the baby." he laughed.

"Yeah yeah. I'm the coolest."

"No doubts there. So How old are you?"

"Is this 50 questions?" Carly laughed as she stood up and stretched, her back cracking in the process.

"It's called 'Getting to know my new friend, Carly' smarty pants." JC said as he stood from his chair in the studio and walked upstairs.

"I'm twenty-six."

"Ah, my assumptions we're close but no cigar."

"And you would be?"

"Thirty-one. I'm an old fart."

"Oh yes. So old JC. We better get you fitted for a hearing aid soon."

He let out a full on laugh as he walked into the kitchen going right for the fridge.

"You're something else, Carly Piper."

"Why thank you, JC. I aim to please."

"Is that so?" he asked, humor laced in his voice.

"Did someone spike your water with vigra?" she questioned.

He let out another laugh. "Not that I'm aware of. I'm a guy Carly. I'm just teasing you. If it bothers you, I won't do it."

"Your fine JC. I just like teasing back."

"Okay. If you're sure."

"I'm good. You're fine."

"Why thanks Carly. You're not so bad yourself." he smirked, the cockiness evident in his voice.

"Ugh, you're too much. I need to get up and find something for dinner."

"Do you cook?"

"Yes JC. I just got a new easy bake oven last week."

"Oh, looks who just took a double dose of sarcasm."

"Haha! Yes I can cook. I'm actually pretty good at it."

"Maybe you could give me lessons sometime. I suck at it."

"You can't cook anything? Geez Chasez. I'm kind of shocked."

"I never said I can't make anything. I've been known to make a mean pop tart or two."

"Ohh pop tarts! Where do I sign up?"

He laughed again as he poured himself a glass of tea and took a drink before setting the glass back down on the counter.

"What's your specialties?"

"I'm really all about making pasta's and grilled chicken. It's my favorite."

"That sounds good. You'll have to teach me sometime."

Walking in her small, but roomy kitchen, Carly begin searching the refrigerator for something to eat. "Maybe sometime."

"Okay good. So what's for dinner tonight at casa de Carly?"

"It looks like a chef salad will do for now."

"Sounds good to me. Can I come over?"

"Haha. Sure JC."

"Okay, I can take a hint. I'll let you get back to making dinner. Call me when you're not sleeping or cooking." He smiled when he heard her laugh and could hear the sounds of her rummaging around, opening things.

"I'll do that JC. Have fun with Tyler, tonight."

"I will. Later honey."

"Bye JC."

He hit the end button and slid his phone across the counter top.

"Honey, eh?"

JC placed his hand across his heart as he gasped for breath.

"My god, Tyler, you scared the shit out of me!"

"Sorry. I couldn't resist. Who were you talking to?"

"A friend."

"You call you're friends honey?"

"Sometimes, Tyler. Yes!" JC replied, getting annoyed. He could tell where this was going.

"Do I know this friend?" he asked as he stepped around JC and opend the door to the fridge.

"No Ty, you don't."

"And you met her where?"

"I met her a few weeks ago at an open mic night for songwriters. I actually worked with her recently on a soundtrack."

"Ah, so she's a singer?"

"No. She's a songwriter actually. Hence why she was at an open mic night for songwriters." JC held his fingers up with air quotes for extra affect. "She's just kind of getting into the whole production thing. She's amazingly talented though. A lot of fun to work with too."

"And?" Tyler looked at his brother as if he expected more to the story.

"And, what? She's a great girl. I don't know her all that well yet but she keeps me on my toes for sure. She's a fierce ball of energy."

"Is she single?"

"You know what Ty, I'm not even one hundred percent sure."

"Do you plan on finding out? I mean, do you like her?"

"Yes and I'm not sure. A part of me wants to but then a part of me is still messed up from you-know-who."

Tyler nodded knowingly, still angry at JC's ex for doing what she did to him. He hadn't been the same since.

"Give it time Jace. You're still healing. It will happen when it's meant to be."

"Yeah, I know. I find myself thinking of Carly at weird times of the day. She's got this addicting personality."

"Carly, huh? She'd be lucky to have you, brother."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Tyler. Are we going to the movies or what?"

"Yes, let's go. Let me just grab my wallet and we can go."

****

-Three weeks later-

Carly grumbled and rolled her eyes as she tried to perfect the photos on the screen before her. It seemed the band she had photographed earlier in the day wasn't in to mood to play the role of models and the pictures looked like absolute shit. She'd managed to scrounge a few possibilities for what they were looking for but if they didn't approve, she'd have to shoot it all over again and that was something she wasn't looking forward to.

Her days were spent in the typical fashion of her keeping busy. She'd gotten six new assignments for photo shoots through the company she worked for and had buried herself in the work, perfecting photo after photo and loving every second of it. That was however, until today.

She kept in contact with JC every now and then, having random phone conversations with him here and there. Through their periodic chats, it became their thing to share their daily tasks and they spoke casually of life and music and then there was always their never ending banter and harmless perverted inuendos.

Carly was starting to admit to herself that she began to miss his company. Having heard nothing from Max yet, she was actually growing restless and had began to feel a void from being in LA. She just didn't have the courage to bring it up to JC even though he had asked, but she kindly filled him in that she was plenty busy with work at home and was always happy to share a melody or song idea with him.

She found out quickly that his knack for music didn't end in person but was with him wherever he went. He'd always lend her an opinion or make a kind suggestion when he knew a better way to go about something artistic. She'd even found herself holding the phone out as she played a melody, asking for his honest opinion. Carly was quickly coming dependent on his weekly chats. They gave her something to look forward to and they seemed to be keeping her sane in her crazy world. His creativity was good for her life.

Exiting out of the photo editing program she was working on, Carly stood up and grabbed her things before saying her goodbyes and making her way out the door.

She needed to take her angers and frustrations to better measures and the one thing that did that for her was the gym. That was another one of the hundred reasons she loved her loft was that the fifth floor came equipped with a state of the art gym, with everything you could possibly ever need to stay in shape. Better yet, it was opened twenty four hours a day.

As Carly walked into her loft, she tossed her stuff down, quickly changing into her work out clothes before heading up the elevator to the gym.

***

She turned her i pod down and removed the headphones from her ears and took a long drink of water from the bottle she'd brought with her, just as her cell phone chirped loudly. Glancing at the caller I.D. she smiled as she brought it to her ear.

Taking in a deep breath and trying to control her breathing, Carly answered. "Hello?"

"Hey Carly! How are you?"

"Hey Jace. I'm-" she gasped, trying to suck in some oxygen. "I'm Ok. You?"

"I'm fine. You sound out of breath. Are you alright?"

She took another swig of water trying to calm her racing heart. Working out had kicked her good. "I'm fine. Just leaving the gym."

"Oh, you had me worried for a second."

"I'm fine JC. Burning off some anger-slash-energy"

"What's wrong honey?"

"Just had some issues today at work. I might have to re-shoot a band. The photos turned out like crap. Things have just been sort of nuts"

"I'm sorry. Keep your head up. Things will get better."

She smiled. She could always count on JC for a boost of confidence.

"You're right. They will. Thanks."

"Anytime sweetheart. So what are you up too for the rest of the day?"

She didn't think anything of it before she answered. "I'm pretty sure I've been suckered into playing tonight at a friend of mine's Piano bar. I'm actually kind of excited. I haven't played in an atmosphere like that in a while."

"Oh, that sounds like fun actually. I kind of wish I could be there to see you."

"I'm sure you've got more important things to do, JC."

"You're important to me, Carly." he spoke softly but his voice was firm and final.

She didn't know how to respond. Taking her keys and unlocking her door, she walked into her loft, willing her beating heart to slow down.

"I um- thanks." she responded, hoping he'd change the subject.

"I didn't mean to scare you honey. Just making a statement."

"No, it's- you're fine. It just took me by surprise is all."

"Okay, so what's the name of this piano bar, may I ask?"

"Um, it's called the Redhead Piano bar. It's on West Ontario. Ever been there?"

"It sounds familiar actually."

"Have you spent a lot of time in Chicago?" she asked, kicking off her tennis shoes.

"My parents used to live here. They still have their house and everything, it's just they call Florida home now. I guess you could say I've gotten my fair taste. It's been about four years or so though."

"That's cool. I love it here. I can't imagin living anywhere else."

"It is a great place. So what time are you going on?" he asked casually.

"Do you plan on stalking me or something, Chasez?"

He laughed at that. "My stalker schedule is full for the rest of the afternoon. I might be able to pencil you in around ten p.m. though." he joked.

Carly couldn't help but laugh, the mood finally lighter and not so thick. She was grateful. "My very own stalker? Oh my gosh! I've always wanted one. And it's you! How did I get so lucky?"

Rolling his eyes and laughing, JC continued. "You little smart ass. You're lucky you're so adorable."

"Or else?" she gigged, edging him on.

"Or else I might have to um, yea. I got nothing."

Carly let out a light hearted girlish laugh. "That's what I thought. Not a bad bone in your body, Sparky."

"Um, Sparky?"

"You heard me. Now what are you up to today?"

"Working and talking to you of course." he quipped.

"Always working. A man of my own heart."

"You know how it goes, girl. I've actually got to get going. I just wanted to say hi and see how you're week and or day was going. I'm sure I'll talk to you soon."

"Okay JC, I'll talk to you later. Have a good night, stalker." she snickered.

He laughed, his smile going all the way to his eyes, forming small crinkles in the corners. "Goodbye, Carly."

"Bye, JC."

And with that they hung up as Carly headed straight for the shower to rinse away her work out and get around for the piano bar.

****

"Carly Piper! Get over here, gorgeous!" Parker said as he opened his arms, anticipating her embrace.

Carly walked over to him and embraced him tightly. She pulled back as he leaned forward, kissing her cheek softly.

"I've missed you, love!"

"I've missed you too, Parker. Things have been crazy busy lately. You're lucky I agreed to come tonight." she grinned.

"LA seems to love you, I hear. Who wouldn't?" he said eying her up and down. "You look amazing, girl!"

Carly blushed but rolled her eyes. "You're not so bad yourself."

"We're glad you came tonight! It's been a while since I've heard anything new."

"You know how I feel about being a performer. You're lucky I love you!"

"I love you too, babe- now get moving! Show us what you've got!"

***
Carly took a seat at the baby grand piano, rubbing her fingers over the keys before actually playing anything. Leaning forward, she spoke softly into the microphone perched in front of her. "This is song I wrote not to long ago, so bare with me as I work out all the kinks. This ones called 'City'."

She began to sing, her voice shaky at first but immediately getting lost in the song.

Theres a harvest each Saturday night
At the bars filled with perfume and hitching a ride
A place you can stand for one night and get gone
It's clear this conversation ain't doing a thing
Cause these boys only listen to me when I sing
And I don't feel like singing tonight
All the same songs.

Here in these deep city lights
Girl could get lost, tonight
I'm finding every reason to be gone
Nothing here to hold on to
Can I hold you?

The situation's always the same
You got your wolves in their clothes whispering Hollywood's name
Stealing gold from the silver they see
But it's not me

Carly's eyes were closed, playing the piano keys by memory and fading away with each word she sang. Feeling a random chill hit her arm, she opened her eyes as she felt Goosebumps suddenly form on her skin. Glancing around the bar, looking around at nothing in particular, she continued.

**
He watched from the door, taking in the site of her. Her light brown hair had been pulled into a high pony tail but seemed to be curly and cascading down her back. The black tank top she wore was low cut and scooped down her chest in a modest way. Looking further, he noted the light colored jeans and her typical foot apparel of flip flops. Her heavily mascaraed lashes were thick sweeps across the top of her cheek bones as her eyes were shut as she sang. She looked gorgeous.

Sliding as quietly as possible into a small booth, he watched in awe. His eyes never leaving hers.

**
Playing on, she scanned the audience again, smiling as she sang. Familiar faces and some unfamiliar met her eyes. Doing a once over, she came across a pair of piercing blue eyes as her head snapped back. Those couldn't be?

Though it was dark, she could make out certain features as he looked back at her. Her eyes never leaving his, she continued the song. She had to be losing it. No way her eyes were telling the truth.

Calling out somebody save me, I feel like I'm fading away
Am i gone?
Calling out somebody save me, I feel like I'm fading

In these deep city lights
Girl could get lost tonight
I'm finding every reason to be gone
There's nothing here to hold on to
Could I hold on to you?

Their eyes never left the other as she finished softly. He immediately stood up and applauded with everyone else. Carly gasped. It was him. Dressed in dark jeans and a white button down shirt made of what looked to be some kind of silk like fabric, rolled up to his elbows, he looked gorgeous. That was the only way she knew how to put it. It still didn't explain what he was doing in Chicago, at the piano bar watching her sing non the less. Still she couldn't help but to smile. She'd missed him! He was there!

He walked up to her as she walked towards him, surpassing all the compliments and musical praises from her friends and strangers alike. Meeting in the middle, they stood there, neither moving.

"JC?" she whispered softly.

He smiled, melting her insides in the process. He took a step closer. "Someone order a stalker?" he joked.

With wide confused eyes, she looked at him as if he had two heads. "You're nuts." she laughed before she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his lean frame, resting her chin on his shoulder, breathing him in. That scent all to familiar in a strange but comforting way.

JC was taken aback by this but welcomed the heat of her easily. He expected her to pull back immediately but she didn't. He graciously rubbed her back with one hand as she mumbled against his neck. "I've missed you, JC."

"I've missed you too, Carly." he spoke, his voice thick with emotion.
________________________________________________
Song credits: Sara Bareilles-City
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB4LlEaK8eM

Red Head Piano bar gallery:
http://www.redheadpianobar.com/?gallery