It's too late to turn back now

I'm afraid we don't know how

Baby keep your faith in me

I'll never let u down...

Crazy - 3LW

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace

March 26, 2006

Sunday Afternoon at the Parkers House

Walking outside with a tray holding four bottles of water and two glasses of lemonade Lori looked up to find the boys playing two against two on the basketball court and Mimi seating in a lounge chair under an umbrella.  "Here you go Mimi," she says handing her a glass of lemonade as she places the tray down onto the side table and took a seat across from her.

"Thank you sweetie, this is just what I needed," the older woman says while taking a sip of the homemade lemonade topped with mint and fresh red berries and winks, "Mmm prefect..."

"Thank you," Lori says with a smile and takes a sip of her own; it was good. However, not delicious as when Mimi makes it. A bigger smile spreads across her face; because only Mimi would act as if it was the best she ever had, just so Lori would feel as if she had aces it.  Turning back to the game, "so who's in the lead?"

"It's a close one but Andy and Trace just made lead. 45 to 48"

They watched as Justin dribbled the ball trying to get it around Andy, faking it to the right and pass it to Jared on the left who made a lay-up tying the game.  After church, the boys changed and had been going at for almost the past two hours from playing one on one to two against two once Trace showed up an hour ago. Mimi brought them some water and towels earlier, only to been keeping score ever since. 

Mimi speaks up again. "I tell ya young energy something else; you would think they'd be tired by now."

Snickering, "even if they were, they wouldn't admit it."

"True" the two shared a laugh just Justin dunked the ball on her little brother and winning the game.

Lori looked up to see the back of a shirtless Justin hanging from the goal, her breath hitch in her throat as her eyes took in his muscular arms, shoulders and back, how they flexed before he let go. Her hand absentmindedly flew to the necklace hanging around her neck, she bite her bottom lip as she fingered the pendent.

"Show off"

Giving Jared a high five, "Don't hate little man ‘cause I put your foot in your mouth." He jokes with Andy putting him into headlock the other two continue to talk shit to each other.

"Great game boys," Mimi says speaking up first she claps her hand, "Lori brought you something to drink, come cool off."

Justin smiles looking over at the two women and dragging Andy along with him who struggle a couple of times before finally getting out of the headlock.

"Thanks Mimi." Andy says reaching the women first taking a bottle of water and a towel.

‘I don't know why I'm acting like this,' Lori thought as she takes a sip of her lemonade and hopes to moisten her mouth that had suddenly gone dry the closer Justin got. She watches beads of sweat rolled down his chest done his tone stomach and her lips began to tingle as if they remember trialing kiss the very same way. ‘As if I never seen this boy naked-I mean shirtless. Oh my...' if her cheeks were not pink before she was sure, they were crimson now. ‘You have got to get yourself together woman!' biting her bottom lip absentmindedly she looks away only to make eyes connected with the older woman knowing stare twinkling and shining back at her.  Embarrassed she been caught she looks away just as Justin walks up to her chair with a towel hanging from his neck and a cocky smile playing on Justin face. "What?"

"Like what you see?" leaning over, he whispers in her ear sending shivers up and down her spine.

 Mortified that she been caught again her cheeks warmed but what stunned her most was the sudden desire to kiss him, she instead shook her head, "No of course not." However, that even fell weak on her ears.

"You sure about?" he whispers again, this time his lips brush her earlobe and linger a little longer.

Jumping back as if she been burn she uses one hand to pushes him away creating distinct between them, "What are you doing J? People are around us,"

"So they're going to find out later night right?" he says while stroking her cheek, his fingers trialed down towards her lips and her mouth went dry, "beside don't you want to be a good wifey and give your husband a victory kiss?" his blue eyes danced with mischief.

 Just like that, she was over it, shoving him away Lori rolls her eyes while Justin laughed. "Uh, you suck." She says while taking another drink of her lemonade.

"Only if you want me to," He wiggles his eyebrow suggestively and starts laughing all over again when she spits out her drink. "Plus I can do so much more."

"I can't believe you said that?!" her eyes wide and slaps his shoulder.

"Hey you two love birds, break it up." Jared jokes. "We got little ears that shouldn't hear."

"Jared it's not nice to offend Trace like that man, he does have feeling you know." Andy jokes.

"Boy he was talking about you." Trace retorted.

"Who you calling boy? I'm a man."

"Such a handsome one at that," Mimi says pinching his cheeks.

"Awe Mimi, not in front of the guys" Andy blushes sending the group into laughter.  It was a known fact that Jared, Lori and Andy were Mimi and Papa's heart. However, it was no secret that Mimi was crazy about Andrew; she had been nurturing him every since he came out of the wound.  

"Little man or not," Lori speaks up first looking at her little brother while placing her glass down next to her on the table, "I saw two dunks you did on Justin. They were amazing." Standing up she walks over giving her brother a high five, she made sure to look at Justin as she said the last three words.

"Thanks sis."

"Oh it's like that now?" Justin says.

"Yeah what about the rest of us?" Trace chimes in.

 "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't get to see much but heard it was a tight one." She says while ignoring Justin. "However from what I did see, great game guys."

"Thanks, I think it's been one of our best we've done in a while." Jared said. "You missed some cool moves."

"Like the four three pointers I made in a row."  Trace bragged.

"That was in the first game of one on one." Justin says as he grabs Lori's glass and takes a drink. 

"Don't hate."

"Ignore him Trey. One on one or not that's awesome," she says smiling giving him a high five. Only for Trace to stick his tongue out at Justin and vice versa.

 "Mm Ms. Hollywood, this lemonade is so good." Justin says while drinking more he walks over to the rest of the group. "I tell you it's better every time you make it."

"J! That was mine!" Lori whines as she reaches for what is left.

"If you want it you're gonna have to get it." He laughs putting it higher in the air. Suddenly it was as if nothing had changed, it was a normal Sunday afternoon with the Parkers and Timberlake family.

"Thank you sweetie, but I didn't make it." Mimi chuckle watching the two together, "Lori did."

"Really? This is good Lolli." Andy said to his sister as he drank some of Mimi's, who had given him her glass once he emptied his water bottle.

"I agree it is yummy Lolli, you should really get yourself a glass," Justin teases also calling her childhood nickname before taking another sip.

"Alright I'm going back to finish helping mom and auntie in the kitchen, you guys should clean up. Dinner will be ready soon." Lori says ignoring Justin and walking back towards the house with him in tow leaving the others to follow. 

"Come on Lolli don't be like that." He says once they were through the door.

"Hmm? Don't be like what?"

 "Pouty" grabbing her hand he stops her in the foyer in front of the main staircase and pulls her back to face him. 

"I'm not pouty, just thirsty." The same pouty formed her lips. 

"Okay I'm sorry for drinking it all," He lets out a chuckle as his fingers stroked her cheek and then moved lower. Lightly running his thumb over her bottom lip, his mind flashback to earlier when the game first ended. He saw how she was looking at him; desire filled daze. By then Justin did not know if he was hot from the game or the look she giving him like the one she was giving him now. "But you made it look so good..."Remembering how her lips felt against his earlier, how the taste of vanilla from her lip-gloss lingered after. Justin lightly ran his thumb over her bottom lip, looking at her plush lips wondering if they tasted even sweeter from the berries in her lemonade, before tugging at it gently and letting it go.

Licking her lips, the gaze he was giving her made her feel flushed and her body was buzzing where his fingers grazed. All of which felt familiar, other emotions were whirly through her and Lori did not know what to feel, which only left her stomped. Yeah they were suppose to act interested in each other, so it would be easier to explain later, however, what if they were believable than what?

What she need was space, time to think, the past few days had been unreal. Her emotions were dancing on edge, one misstep and she was sure she would fall right over. Taking an uneven breathe, "I really should go back to the kitchen, J" but he only pulls her closer to him leaning in only for her hand to shoot out stopping his advances, "What is up with you?"

Before he could answer, the doorbell rang.

*ding dong*

Snapping out of daze, Lori leaped out of his arms quickly, "I got-" her voices cracks, as footsteps and voice coming both ends of the hallway head towards the foyer. Quickly running a slightly trembling hand through her hair, she steps around him heading towards the door creating distant between them. Clearing her throat, she tries again, "I got it!"

*ding do-*

"Coming" she calls, swinging it opening without looking to see who it was, only to be meet with hazel eyes, "Adam?"

-----------

After Dinner

"You know, just because you think, if you keep looking at the dishes hard enough they'll wash themselves doesn't mean they're going to." Papa says as he walks into the kitchen with the last set of dirty dishes to find Lori slumped over the front of the sink in a daze, giving her nudge as he drops them off into the soapy water. "Believe me, I know ‘cause I've tried several times and still no void."

Standing straight, she quickly wipes the corner of her eyes and lets out a quiet sniffle along with chuckle in hopes to hide it, "You are too much."

"That's what the ladies use to tell me all the time before your Mimi tied me down fifty years ago," he turns to her with a wink and watches as a smile breaks across her face but does not quite reach her eyes before he speaks up again. "Which by the way, I wanted to thank you personal for the other night. Boy did you all surprise us."

"Really?" she questions walking to the pantry and coming back out with a container placing it down on the counter next to the coffeemaker, "I was so sure Mimi was onto us earlier last week, when mom and I were completing the details of the fake dinner date we setup."

"No you two got her too; the party meant the world to us."  

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"It's a night we will never forget it." He says while taking a seat on a barstool in front of the island across from her.

"Me too,"

It warmed her heart to know how much it meant to them. She would not forget that night either, it was what happen at the end of the party, is what she was trying to forget. Lori almost did earlier, the day had been going great, the past two days completely slip her mind as everyone hung out it reminded her of old times. Everything was great until the doorbell rang. Every since Lori open the door to find Adam behind it her whole world had shifted as if it had not been rocked already. As a reminder of just how much, this unreal weekend was real.  The night was turning into complete nightmare. She felt like she was on the top of a slippery slope, just waiting to come crushing down any minute.

"Lori," Papa calls her name before reaching over and gently shaking her shoulder, "Lorraine!"

 "Huh?" she snapping out of it she looks up at him, her hand stop playing with the pendent hanging from her neck, "I'm sorry did you say something?"

"I said I'm here if you need me."

"I know Papa," Lori says while scooping up the coffee grains, she pours it into the maker and turns it on. "And I'm fine, really-"

"Are you sure?" he cuts her off, "Because when I walked in you may have been psychical here but mentally, you were somewhere else. You have been all night."

"Oh just got a lot on my mind," She turns to put the container back into the pantry, "so much to do so little time."

"So this has nothing to do with the other night and a certain young man sitting in the other room. That has you playing with your necklace dreaming of far off places, now would it?"

Slightly pausing in mid step, ‘which one,' she thought putting the item away. She glances down at the pendent Justin gave her years ago right before prom. Lori had been wearing it for so long, she forgot most of the time that she had it on. Grabbing plates and silverware, placing them by the cake she made earlier.

If the older man only knew how close to being true he was, before Adam had arrived, Lori had been so sure Friday night would be the elephant in the room. However, everyone had been silent about what happen, even her father who she was so sure would bring it up the moment they would had free time but he never did. She would not have to agonize about her runaway bride moment until after her and Justin announcement, which left her wonder about when they would tell their family and how would they take to their faux nuptials. However, those thoughts were short-lived when her father invited Adam in for dinner and had him sit next to her.

Dinner left her feeling annoyed, unsure and guilty. Annoyed by how Adam and her father acted as if nothing had changed. Each time he touched her, she would pull away thinking did he not understand that she needed space?  Confused because her feelings were all over the place, maybe she was the one taking it wrong; it was not as if they fought or that he did a terrible thing. They dated for so long, that maybe marriage was the next step for them. Only to feel guilty each time Justin, who seat on the other side of her, touch her leg or how at ease she felt each time he held her hand under the table.  

"It's alright to be hesitant when it comes to making big decisions."

"Dashing out of a ballroom jam-packed of people is a little less than what I'd like to call hesitant," she says walking over to the large double door stainless steel refrigerator, pulling the freeze door open she grabs a tube of ice cream and places it onto the counter next to the other items, "Mortified yes, terrified defiantly..."

"So is it because he did it in a ballroom full of people?"

She shrugs unsure of her answer, "Papa, Adam and I have been going together for almost three years. He knows how I feel about something like that, if he does not than he should. Which has me wondering does he even know me at all?"

"And if he doesn't?"

Unsure what to say she begins to cut the cake she made earlier, putting a piece onto a plate and a scoop of ice cream. Grabbing a spoon, she places it in front of him, "I made your favorite caramel crunch cake for dessert tonight and Mimi made some homemade vanilla-..."

"Changing the subject is not going to give you the answer your looking for. You're gonna have to talk about it sooner or later."  

That was what Adam said too, that he just wanted to talk but she was not ready to talk to him. Talking was the last thing on her mind right now, what she wanted to do was, run. Which she would have if weren't for her father blocking the exit door and Justin saying everything would be all right.  Left Lori wondering would it?

Through both of them had agreed on what they wanted, which was Adam and Cameron. Lori was not so sure on her part. She loved him, yes, but marriage was huge and she did not know if she ready for all that as Adam was. She just wanted some time, a little break, to gather her thoughts' that was all. This was only temporary at least that was what she kept telling herself.  

Sighing Papa continues, "Just because you two love each other and everything feels right to him, does not mean it should feel true to you. I'd rather you be unsure and say no a thousand times than say yes to the wrong one. Angel, I want you to know that, when the one comes along to ask you, the crowded ballroom won't be crowded anymore."

"So I see this is where the party in here," Justin jokes walking into the kitchen, seeing the plate in front of Papa, "Which is fine by me as long as you share."

"I guess so sonny," The older man smiles, "but sweetheart cut him a thin slice."

"Wait a minute now."

"Of course papa," she smiles.

"Great! I better get back to your Mimi before she comes looking for me," standing up with his plate in hand, walking over to her he whispers to her and kisses her temple, "Remember what I said, Angel."  

"Everyone moved to the family room Pops," Justin speaks up before he walks out the room. Pulling two trays out from under the counter and placing them on top, "Soo what was that all about?"

"Nothing just he was just telling me how much they love the party," she says as she began placing everything onto them, "and wanted to know how I was doing."

"And how are you?" he ask turning to look at her, he wanted to know every since Adam walked through the door but she had been dodging him.

Shrugging, she glances up at him before grabbing the coffee and pouring it into serving pot. "This is all just a lot to take in ya know? Do you see how my dad is acting? I don't know what to say to Adam and let's not forget about our little surprise..."

"About that," reaching for her hand he takes it into his and pulls her too him, tilting her head to look up at him, "I know the past few days have been crazy. Lori, we do not have to do this if you do not want to. I am sure I can work something out with-"

"No!" she stated quickly, feeling her cheeks warm she looks down at his chest and light traces her finger over the embroidery clearing her throat and tries again, "no I want to, I mean we should do this."

Pulling her face back to face him locking his eyes with hers, "Are you sure?"

"Positive." Lori says only to suddenly feel uneasy biting her bottom lip, "Unless you don't.."

"No no, I'm fine I was just worried about you." His eyes run over her while his fingers play through her hair, tucking some strains behind her ear. "When the time is right we'll tell everyone, don't worry everything will be alright."

"Okay," she tugs at the hem of his shirt once before letting it go, "we should go before they come looking for us."

"Wait," he pulls her back to him, "about that piece of cake."

She snickers, "What about it?"

"Come on Lolli your joking right now right?"

Shrugging she pulls away to grab a tray, "I don't know we'll see, maybe Papa changed his mind."

"But I'm your.."

"My what?" she asked cutting him off Lori turns to face him, arch eyebrow and all.

"Favorite."

Lori turns around shaking her head with a smile, "just grab the other tray."

 "Yes dear," reaching for the other, Justin swipes his finger over the edge of the cake and bring it to his mouth he sucks the icing off the tip.

"Justin!"

"Coming!" he calls following her down the hall.

"There you two are we were being to wonder if you locked yourselves into the pantry again."

"Mom, that was almost twenty years ago," Lori moans, "how long are you going to keep bring it up?"

"For as long as I want too, I'm mother, I can do what I want."

"Ooo you got told." The guys said and laughed.

"Don't think I won't bring up your cute and embarrassing moment neither boys." Lynn said while looking at her son, Trace, Andy and Jared.

Lori gives them a smug smile and sticks her tongue out at them when their moms' were not looking. "Who wants ice cream with their cake?" she asks while holding a plate for Justin to put a piece of cake onto it.

"Me!" Andy calls, jumping up and walking over to get his plate.

"Hey can we talk?" Adam asks her quietly walking up behind her.

Lori hesitate, only to think about her conversations in the kitchen and nods, "Um yeah, just let me finish serving everyone first." 

"Actually, Andy and I got it from here, you two go." Justin says running a hand over her back supportively.

"You sure?" she ask glancing up at him.

"Positive." giving her shoulder a quick squeeze, he winks. "Bigger slice of cake for me of course."

"Great!" Adam cuts in, taking Lori's hand into his, pulling her away from Justin, he excuse themselves from the room.

--------------

Thoughts begin to flood her mind again, as Lori allows Adam to lead them down the hall and outside to the wrap around pouch. Letting go of his hand she walks over to the bench swing and sits down, taking a deep breath she inhales the Tennessee night air before exhaling. Suddenly her mind was not cluttered as it was before, relaxing Lori's eyes gazes up at the sky, "God it's so beautiful here." She whispers as she watches the stars twinkle.

The bench dripped a little as Adam took a seat next to her, before he pushed it off.  "Yeah it is," he says as his eyes lingered over her.

Their eyes lock when Lori looks over at him and her cheeks warmed slightly from his intense stare. Biting her bottom lip, she looks away nudging her shoulder with his a smile forms on her face. The two seat in a comfortable silence for a little while longer before both spoke up at the same time.

"Adam."

"Lorraine." His nervous chuckle fills the air, "I'm sorry you go first."

"I just wanted to say, I'm sorry about how I've been acting tonight and the past couple of days. I should not have run like that-"

"No, it's okay, really. I am sorry; I shouldn't have put you on the spot like that," he says turning towards her. "I have been thinking about Friday night all weekend, what could I have said or done differently. I know we have got a lot on our plate right now, with the new division opening soon."

Her eardrums begin to hum at the mention of this weekend; Saturday morning flooded her mind. How was she going to explain what happen with Justin to him? She was barely ready to explain it to her parents yet alone him. Lori snaps out of it when he takes her hand into his.

"...maybe I was moving too fast."

‘Maybe? Ya think?' Lori says to herself, however she was relieved it seemed as if he shared her same feeling, speaking up, "Look-"

Only for Adam to interrupt her again, "But all I know is that every since I met you, I knew you were the one for me. You and I are compatible in so many ways, how we share the same life goals with our love for entertainment law. You are a strong-minded woman who stands for what she wants and believe. One that I would love to carry my last name and be the mother of my children, to grow old with..."

The possibilities that once filled her mind clouded as she continued to listen to him. Butterflies that had once fluttered in her tummy turn into knots. The word Papa said earlier played in her mind as his words fall onto deaf ears and the plan that she had once agreed to with Justin jumped ship. That plan was over. Lori was in such deep thought that she did not even notice the swing shift, until Adam began to go down on one knee again.

Before he could utter those dreadful words, she could hear herself say, "Justin asked me to marry him," her hand let go of his went to the pendent Justin gave her, looking everywhere but Adams face Lori swallows nervously before continuing, "I said yes, he and I eloped later on that night."

Adam leaned back as if someone had knocked him down, his eyes watched her empty left hand play with the necklace and he asks, "No ring?" He knew she was telling the truth for the simple fact Lorraine did not lie, it just was not her style. Nevertheless, he was grasping for straws here.  

"Ring?" her eyes snap to meet his, confused before it click a second or two later. "Oh no not yet, unless you want to count a ring pop," She jokes.

"Does he make you happy?"

She nods biting her bottom lip, "I never wanted it to happen this way. You deserve someone who wants and shares same feeling you do. Adam I love you, I do-"

"But let's face it," he cuts in, his wounded stare burned her but it was what his said next that sent chills down her back. He did not even need to ask if she loved him. He knew the answer, "you love him more."

Lori open and closed mouth several times to say sorry, something-anything but nothing came out.  

"Congratulations, I wish nothing but the best for the two of you." He says standing up, "I think I should go in and say goodnight. It is getting late and I have an earlier morning tomorrow."

Wordlessly she watched as he walked back into the house, so many things thoughts and feeling cruising through her. However, it was the relief that washed over her that left her stunned and speechless. 

------------

Excusing himself from the room when Lori didn't return, Justin went in search for her only to find her outside gazing at the stars.  

"You okay?" he asked taking a seat next to her, crowding her space he pulls her close.

Instantly wrapping her arms around him barring her head into his chest, she nods. It wasn't until Justin held her, did Lori know just how much she needed it. 

Kissing the top of her head, he stroked her back. Justin did not have to ask her what happen; when Adam walked back in earlier, it was written all over his face. As he said his farewell to everyone, he congratulated Justin, which left everyone but Trace curious. "We can go home if you want." He mumbles into her hair. "We don't have to tell them tonight."

Pulling away shaking her head, Lori wiped a few tears that had escaped, "Like if we could break out after what just happen." she tries to joke. "Besides I just want to get this over with."

Wiping her face, he kissed her forehead, "Whatever you want." Standing up Justin takes her hand into his helping her up before leading, the way back into the house.

Prying eyes greeted them once inside. However, it was the look on her father's face, which had Lori holding onto Justin's hand with both of hers.

"Everyone, Lori and I have announcement to make." Justin cleared his throat, giving her hand a quick squeeze, "I asked Lori to marry me and she said yes."

"Wow that's great sweetie!" Mimi says.

"What about Cameron and Adam?"  Angela and Lynn ask.

"Obviously it was Adam who? And Cameron what..." Andy snickered only to clearing his throat when his father shot him a glare. 

"Is that all?" Anthony deep voice filled the room looking at the couple.

"No daddy," Lori says, "we eloped."

"You did what?" Jared joined in.

"Dude this is getting interesting."

"Andrew go to your room!" Angela said.

"But mo-," he stops when another glare was sent his way, "yes ma'am."

"What we're you two thinking?" Lynn asks.

 "Obviously they weren't-" Anthony says.

"Dad-" Lori speaks up at the same time as her mother, "Anthony!"

"Well what do you two what us to say? My daughter not even forty-eight hours after her rejection to long time boyfriend marriage proposal, announces after Sunday dinner that she eloped with her mud eating childhood best friend."

"No Angela he is right," Paul verbalizes, "We want to know how you two could be so irresponsible."

"Look we can understand why you feel this way, but," Justin began to speak to their family. "Maybe you can see it from our side. We have been friends for years and wasted time for so long-"

 "If you two wasted 20 years fooling around, unsure of your feeling for each other." Lynn says, "I'm sure more like positive, another year or two of dating and establishing a real relationship as more than friends wouldn't have hurt."

"And where were you, Alaya, during all of this?" her father's eyes and some of the other turn to look at Trace.

"Oh my gosh, what does Trace have to do with this? His not our babysitter, you can't be serious right now," Lori says looking at their parents. "For as long as I can remember ya'll always say we act like a marry couple. How cute we would be together and when it actually happens everyone loses their mind."

"Playing house when you two were five and six years old is one thing; even than I wasn't so sure. Now you are both adults with responsibilities."

"Sir I assure you, it's nothing like that, and I am absolutely crazy about her-"

"I don't give a damn what you feel; they come and go. You did not even have the courteous to ask for her hand. So how do I know you have my babygirl's best interest at heart?" Her father asked with his eyebrow arch looking toward Justin.

"You never doubted my interest before, so why now?" Justin shot back. 

"It's not that honey, we just what's best for you two." Lynn says,

"And who's to say that this isn't?"

"Vegas wedding isn't giving my baby girl the best." Anthony says, "What did you do, Son, knock her up or something?"

"What kind of shit is that?" Lori's faces warm slightly not from embarrassment but from anger, words being to fly out her mouth before she could stop it. "Hell no!"

"Lorraine!" her mother said.

"No mom, what does he think, he raised a child with no morals."

"Well what do you want me to think-"

"You know what; I'm not even going to dignify that fucked up question with an answer." Lori states calmly, turning to Justin. "Let's go please; I'm ready to go home."

"Where do you think you're going? This isn't over."

"It is now." She says walking out of the room without another glance.

-------

March 30, 2006

Los Angeles, CA.

Justin's Place

"Ladies guess what American heartthrob was spotted at the local Beverly Hills Harry Winston's, more after these messages." 

Leaning into his couch Justin changes the channel in hopes of finding something better. The past few days have been crazy; waking up married to his childhood friend is a doozey all within itself. However, having to telling each other's parents and the ones they love is a whole another ballpark. Of course, why not just get it annulled just like every other human who has made a mistake or bad disunion. If only his life was that easy...

"Ladies it is true, heartthrob, Justin Timberlake is officially off the market. However, it is not to one of our beloved Charlie's Angels. Close source to the Timberlake camp has confirmed to ET that the Memphis Tennessee native married hometown girl this past weekend." the entertainment host.

Johnny, who was just as livid as everyone else, leaked the information to the media this morning every since then every channel he flips to had something to say, even the news at noon between the morning soap operas. His phone had been ring off the hooked, Trace called to inform him of thirty-six interviews offers, and when Johnny called the numbers only doubled that.

Living in the limelight is not all it's cracked up to be; everything he does, good or bad is magnify ten times than what it really is to the public eye. The media, fans and the rest the world all want a piece of him. That even meant knowing his personal life, it did not matter that he knew nothing about theirs, as long as they were involved in his.  Sure, his ex, Britney, got annulment less the 48 hours of getting hitched in Vegas, which is all the more reason why this marriage must go on, like it or not.

Flipping the station, "How is the, Something about Mary, star taking the news about the newlyweds. So far no word from Cameron, girlfriend of three years, nor her camp, who is right now in the middle of latest movie, The Holiday-"

Turning the TV off, Justin rubbed his cheek absentmindedly.

‘Cameron,' he thought to himself, who had been M.I.A. every since slamming the door in his face three days before. Justin tried to get in contact with her for the rest of that night well into Tuesday, leaving messages, sending flowers and gifts through fake names, but no void.  He was just going have to give her time; maybe she would give them another chance. However, every time he closed his eyes, he could still see the hurt in her eyes and suddenly was not so sure there would be a second chance.

~~~~~~~~~~~

March 27, 2006

Monday Evening

Walking into her house, Cameron dropped her things by the garage door and keys onto the side table before continuing farther into the house. However, not before taking noticed of a familiar carryon bag lying near the stairs. "Justin?" she called out.

"Living room" he called

"Hey baby," walking to the room to find him on the couch lights off the only light coming into the room was from the television.  "I didn't know you coming back home early. I would have left work to pick you up at the airport." She says greeting him with a peck on the lips.  "I hope you haven't waited to long.."

"I know you would have but it was a last minute trip and I've only been waiting for a couple of hours."

"Oh alright, I'm just happy to see you."

 "I'm happy to see you too; it was beginning to get lonely here."  Justin says with a smile he pulls her into his lap and places a kiss on her cheek before nipping at her neck.

Squealing she tries to pull away "Justin stop, you know that tickles." Moving his lips up her neck, the two shared another kiss before Cameron pulls away. "How about we do a movie night? Maybe order some pizza later..."

"Sounds like a good idea to me."

"Great, I'll go get the drinks and snacks, you pick out the movie." She says jumping up and heading for the kitchen.

Standing up, Justin walks over to her movie collection in search of something good.  The news of what he had to tell her still pulled at him. He been thinking about what to say, how to tell her and he knew he need to open his mouth soon. It was times like these when it was just them two, made him see their future together. Like now, what if it would be the last time they do something like this. Sure, he and Lori talked about trying to keep the relationship going with their respective halves.  But what if Cameron did not agree to it and broke off their almost three year relationship.  He loved her and didn't want that to happen, every since their first holiday together he saw a future with her.

Nevertheless, it was now or never and never just was not an option.

"Find anything good?" she asks walking back into the living room placing down the tray of popcorn, candy and beer, on the table in front of the couch.

"Cam, baby, before we turn on the movie," He says while walking towards her and stops, "there is something I need to talk to you about."

 "Oh what is it J?"

Taking her hand into his he brings it up to her lips and places a kiss on it, "Baby you know I love you whole heartily," he says while looking into her eyes.

Nodding she agrees, "I know"

"And I don't want you to ever forget nor question that."

"I know but baby," she pauses unsure what to think, Cameron watches him closely unsure if he was going to go down on one knee at any moment. "Justin what is this all about?"

"A lot happen the other night at the party and af-after." he pauses to clear his voice when it cracks before continuing, "I really don't know how to say this but somewhere between late Friday night and early Saturday morning, Lori and I eloped..."

Dropping down onto the couch before he could even finish, time stood still as she watched Justin mouth continue to move slowly, one minute her nerves were buzzing with un-assurance but full blown excitement.  Now she just- she just didn't know what to feel.

"Cameron? Baby? Say something please..." he says also dropping to his knees in front of the couch and gives her hand a soft squeeze.

Slowly snapping out of it a half hearted laugh filled the room, "I'm sorry what is this April Fool's cause last time I check we were still in March. ‘Cause I don't think I heard you correctly; it sounded like you said you were engaged."

Justin looking away from her he shook his head regretfully and the words slip from his lips softly.

"Could you repeat that?" she asked him, she heard him perfectly clear this last time. 

"I married Lori." Before the words could finish Cameron's left hand reach out and slapped him so hard, Justin was surprise his head did not fly off his shoulders.

Silence filled the room before a whimper except. Turning back to her as she tries to pull her other hand out of his grasps, but he only holds on tighter ignoring the throbbing in his cheek and neck. He continued, "Please, I can explain."

"Let go of me." She tries to say calmly.

"Let me explain, please, ba-"

"Don't you dare call me baby!" Snapping at him, she yanks her hand back extremely hard, hard enough to free it and knock him backward in the process.  Standing up, Cameron steps over him wanting to get far away. So many things were running through her head now, "Oh my- this explains why our conversation the past few days never lasted more than five - ten minutes top."

Scrambling up to his feet, "Okay I deserved that, but if you would just ple-," following her out of the living room down the hall.

"Please what? Let you explain why you fucked me over?"

"It's really not like what it seems."

"Really, you exchange vowels with another woman that's not me, and I'm the one who's got it twisted?" Whipping around to face him once she reaches the bottom of the staircase, "Please enlighten me than."

"This whole weekend has been unreal. That night especially, I remember us leaving Mina and Jeffery's anniversary party with Trace; we were not ready to go home. Which was fine because Pharrell was in town with his new artist and I had promise him I would swing through; one minute were hanging with him and having a good time. The next we were waking up in some strange motel on the outskirts of the city married. "

"Ok so it was just a drunken mistake, did you two get it annulled?"

"Not exactly-"

"Oh so is this what your urgent business is about? Getting a lawyer to fix this ‘suppose' misunderstanding?"

"No it's not that simple-"

"What is she knocked up?"

"No, it's not like that-"

"Do you love her or something, ‘cause I don't get it.  What is so fucking hard that you can't get annulled?"

"You know why, you know how this business can be Cam. If I annul this or if it leaks I did a Vegas wedding like my ex, the press will have a field day. My fans will be disappointed-"

"So what, either way it goes, they'll see you as a fake lying cheating bastard that you obviously are!"

"Wait I minute, I never, not once cheated or lied to you. I fucked up yes and it was a drunken mistake.."

"Where the fuck was Trace during all of this? Does your mother know? So what am I the last to know?" the pause before his answer told her everything, shoving him away towards the entrance. "Get the fuck out!"

"No wait I know this looks bad, but it is only temporary. I want to be with yo-"

"Temporary how Justin," Cameron questions, "This maybe short-term for you and that little two faced bitch-"

"Hey! Don't talk about" before he could finish another hard slap was meet on his right cheek.

"Don't what? Bad mouth her," Her voice quivers with anger and hurt. "Do you know how stupid I feel right now? Everyone told me to keep my eyes open. That it is not normal for two people to be that close and not have some kind of feeling of being more than friends. Nevertheless, I told them there was nothing to worry and took her in as a friend because she was your childhood best friend. I knew I had nothing to be concerned about because I trusted and loved you enough and thought you felt the same; how could you do this to us-to me?"

"I'm sorry and I know that doesn't cut it," his heart drops gazing at her sadness by what he has done.

"Please leave," the anger in her voice was gone but the pain was evident. Opening the door, she cuts him off when tries to speak again, "just go..."

"I understand this is a lot to take in, and I'm sorry I fucked up. But I love you and I'm not giving up on us." He speaks not ready to give up but knows it is best to give her space; Justin grabs his bag and pause in the threshold. He leans in to kiss her lips, only for his lips to brush her cheek when Cameron to turn away.

"Goodbye Justin." she says and slams the door in his face before he could reply.

~~~~~~~~

Picking up the phone, he began to dial a familiar number.

------

Memphis, TN

Law Office of Parker and Taylor

A soft knock filled the room, "Come in," Lorraine calls, busy finishing up, last minute touches to a clients file. She had been away in her office all day and had been that way for the past three. Monday everyone was surprise to see Adam and Lori after what happen Friday and was positive that she was hiding out in her office because of it. Truth be told she was just busy with two new clients. What no one understood, what happen between Adam and she would not see the light of day in that office.

Today however was a different story, news of a certain pop star nuptials had been announced and it's been nothing but coos every since. Through they had not leaked her name to the media yet, the buzz around the office was that she was the new Mrs. Timberlake. However, that is what happens when working with such a close knit of people and being the bosses' daughter. People will always stick their noses where they do not belong. 

"Ms. Parker," her assistant says opening and closing the office door once stepping in; Lori did not even have to look up at her to see she was on cloud nine. The older woman had been all day since it had been announced asking all kind of questions. "I just wanted to see if there was anything else I can do for you before I leave for the day? Like, I do not know get you something to eat, maybe? You haven't eaten all day."

"I'm not hungry right now Stacy, remember you brought me something on your coffee break."

"It was a fruit salad that you ending up chucking half of it almost six hours-"

"I'm fine thank you; I'm almost finished for the day I can eat when I get home." Lori says, "Did you get the Donnellson file taken care of?"

"Yes ma'am, I did. I also started working on the Walters, which I should have finished by tomorrow. " The phone rings interrupting her, reaching for the phone Stacy watched as her boss signaled to say she was not here. "Hello, thank you for calling the Law Office of Parker and Taylor, how may I assist you?"

Lori started to go back to work only to pause when a giggle escapes her assistant's lips, raises her eyebrow in questions. Before she could mouth who it was she got her answers.

"Oh Mr. Timberlake congratulation on tying the knot," She giggles again, "Yes sir, she's right here.  Maybe you can talk her into taking a break, since she won't listen to me."  Stacy pauses only for her smiles brightens even more, "Alright you have a good evening too, Justin." 

"That friend of yours is such a charmer." The older woman says handing the phone over.

"That he is, alright have a good night Stacy, I'll see you in the morning."

"Yes ma'am bright and earlier," she says walking towards the door before pause, "Oh don't forget about your appointment with Mr. Parker at six."

She only nods her head this time, Lori had not forgotten. The meeting had been in the back of her mind every since Stacy told her earlier this afternoon.  Spinning her chair around to face the window to look at the view, she puts the phone to her ear, "Hey J"

"Hey wifey, miss me?" he asks in a low voice.

Rolling her eyes, a smile plays on her lips, "No Barry, not at all."

"What kind of stuff is that to say to your husband?"

 "I'm sorry J, it's just awfully lonely without you here..."

"Really?" he asks hopefully.

"No not really, I was just stroking your ego."

"You know what else you could stroke?"

"Barry White, what do you want?" Lori says teasing him, leaning back in her chair placing her high-heel cover feet on top of the long cherry wood file cabinet.

"You," he says in still using his low sexy voice before clearing his throat, "Naw but seriously how are things over there?"

"Fine, Stacy was full of questions and so were other coworkers. I have not really left my office too busy finishing last minute touches to two cases. But quiet for the most part."

"And how are things with Adam?" After leaving her parents, Lori informed Justin on her decision on keeping Adam in the dark about their marriage.   

 "Even thought it didn't work out for us, doesn't mean he's doesn't want me to be happy." she shrugs, "But you know him, quiet and respectful."

"Yeah" he nods, enough she could not see. "If only Cameron understood..."

"Still no word from her?"

"No."

"Well J, can you blame her? From what you said the other night, she was already apprehensive when it came to us. It's like we confirmed her suspicions."

"I know but, she wouldn't even listen to me when I said it was temporary and I wanted to be with her."

"Just give her time, she'll come around."

"I hope so."

"Don't worry, she will." Lori says, "So how is it on your end? Hectic I bet..."

"Yeah the phones been ringing off the hook, I can't even turn on the TV without seeing my face plastered on it, so I decided to put a movie on. I shit you not I saw them announce it on Telemundo. If it makes it to the evening news, it will officially show how ridiculous the media is."

"You really think it would?"

 "I don't know but I wouldn't be surprised if it did," he says.

"Yeah, Trace called earlier to inform me of the reporters who are surveillance your place here and hopes you or I would show up."

"I know, he and I were talking about that earlier. Since I'm not there with you, it would make me feel better if you stayed somewhere else-"

"Wait a minute, what? No! J they do not even know my name yet, let alone where I live."

"But what if they do find out between now and when I come back this weekend."

"I'm a big girl, I can handle myself."

"I know you can, but just to be on the safe side maybe you can stay at your parents."

"No, you can't be serious right now, were you not in the same room I was in on Sunday?"

"Yes but-"

"But nothing," Lori says sharply, that night still very vivid in her mind. It was not how everyone acted or what words were said, she rather expected it. What hurt was how her father looked at her suddenly she did not feel like daddy's little girl anymore, and how harsh his words were to them-to her how little he thought of her. She still could not believe how he talked to Justin, those two had always been close and her father treated him like a son. "The answer is no."

"Fine, what if Trace stayed with you, it would put my mind at ease if he did."

"But J-"

"It could be a lot of fun, you two could have a movie night or something," he says, "Just do this for me, please."

"I guess." She mumbles.

"I'll make it up to you to when I get home."

"Really? Like a puppy," hopefulness in her voice.

"No I was thinking more like you and I having some," his voice changes as he continues becoming low and seductive, "alone time." 

"But, Barry, a puppy would be fun to play with."  

"I'm sure almost positive playing the newlywed game with me would be so much better."

"The Newlywed game, like that old 70s-80s show on TV?"

"Damn, woman you can take the seduction out of a Marvin Gaye!"He groans playfully which receives him a chuckle through the phone, "Naw but seriously how about a little one on one time? We could go to the beach..."

"Right now is not a good time. I have so much on my plate with last minute decision on the Miami office; trying to convince our families we made the right decision..."

"Just for a little while, it will give them time to cool off and us time to brainstorm while everything is still slightly normal."

"What if it leaked to the media-"

"Even more reason for us to go, they'll think were off on our honeymoon which gives us good publicity."

"J, I don't know..."

"It would be a mini vacation for us before everything turns into a media circus." Justin says, "Just think it about it please?"

"Okay I will," Lori says while glancing at her watch that was hanging on her wrist, only to throw her feet down onto the plush carpet and jumping up. "Oh shit I gotta go before I'm late to this meeting with my dad."

"Alright, bye, call me afterwards."

"I will, later J." Hanging up the phone, she begins shutting down her computer; grabbing her belonging and turning out the lights. She makes a beeline out her office and down the hall. Walking into the waiting area the door to his office swings open as her father and his secretary step out.

 "There she is," Lisa said with a smile.

 "Perfect timing, Lisa was just about to call you before she left the day."

"Oh I'm sorry Ms. Bryant-"

"Please call me Lisa."

"Right well Ms Lisa, please don't let me keep you waiting," Lori says looking at the thirty something year old woman before glancing at the clock on the wall. It was five minutes to six and most of the staff had left almost an hour ago. "I can see it's been a long day."

"You have no idea and they keep getting longer. But that's what happens when you work for person in charge."

"Well I hope his not working you too hard."

"No of course not," her father says, "Lorraine why don't you wait for me in the office, while I go over tomorrow agenda with Lisa before she leaves. I'll be in there shortly."

"Yes sir, well don't keep her too long, I'm sure she's ready to go home." she says to her father before saying farewell and walking into his office, "Have a nice evening Ms. Lisa."

"You too sweetheart," his assistant says with a smile.

She always loved his office, being on the 26 floor it had the most breathtaking views of the Memphis skyline. Dropping her things in a chair, she walked over behind his desk to get a better view. So many thoughts running through her mind, she wondered what her father wanted to talk to her about. Was it business or personal, before she could speculate any further he walked back into the office closing the door.

"Alright," Anthony says taking a seat in one of the wingback chairs in the sitting area. "How's my angel doing?"

"I'm okay and you daddy?" she says walking over and taking a seat across from him.

"Fine, just extremely busy meeting your mother for dinner at 730 and you how temperamental she can be if I'm late. So let's get started."

She nods folding her arms over cross her chest, "Yes sir,"

"I'm having this meeting to let you know I was letting you go from the Miami project."

"You're what?! Why? Did you not get my notes?"

"I did and looked over them, I was very impressed. Everything is on schedule and ready to go." He says while adjusting his tie, "But by me sending you there would only create conflict-"

"Did Adam put you up to this?"

"No he doesn't even know about this."

"Dad-Mr. Parker, is this really necessary? I spent the past year getting this project up and off the ground."

"You're not the only one Lorraine, I don't know if you forgot, but I have a business to run," he states, "its bad enough you embarrassed me Friday night in front friends and clients.  The last thing I need is your spectacle marriage and the media behind it to overshadow this is huge opportunity for the fi-,"

"I'm being drop from a project because I embarrass you?"

 "You should have thought twice about your decisions before jumping the broom."

 "So that's what this is about? What happen to my father wanting his little girl to marry prince charming because she was in love? Justin makes me happy and I can truly be myself with him. Not me living and being something somebody else wants me to be and I love that about him. Daddy, I am sorry," Lori says while looking at her father. "Maybe Justin and I did go about this the wrong way but, I'm not going to apologize for not say I do to the wrong man." 

Looking away from her, he begins to gather his things, "I'm moving Jared to Miami and you to LA, I'm sure that will work best with your new lifestyle."

"You can't do this!"

"I can and I will young lady, you need to learn that when you make foolish choices it not only effect you but the people around you. This firm has an image to protect."

"Fucked the firm, what about me? I am your daughter doesn't that mean anything?" Lori asked, staring at the one man that she always looked up to with new eyes, only for silence to answer her back. "I guess not and to think I was surprise the way you treated Justin the other night. Wondering how you could do be so cold to someone, you have treated like your own son. But its turns out with you it doesn't matter if you're flesh and blood or not."

"I'd like to get you transferred within the next week or so." Anthony says walking back to his desk, "I'll need you to start getting your things in order. You and Jared need to get together so ya'll can brief each other's files. So step up a meeting for that-"

"You do it," she voice bitingly finally feed up wondering where the man who raised her went, because the one from the other night and standing in front of her now, was not him. Suddenly that vacation was looking might inviting, "this is your idea, correct? You wanted me, the embarrassment out of your hair, right? You got it, however you brief Jared on the cases because I'm out of here."

"And just where do you think you're going young lady?"

"Don't worry I'll be in the LA office two Monday's from now bright and earlier ready to roll."Grabbing her stuff and heading for the door no longer able to look at him, she continues sweetly, "Now if you would excuse me, I have a honeymoon to get ready for. So many things do in such a small amount of time."

"Lor-"

"Have a good evening daddy, send mom my love." Lori calls over her shoulder before slamming the door on her way out.