I just spent half of the time pacing back and forth thinking what I was going to tell him. I walked to the back of the stage and watched from the side. They guys were definitely hot tonight and the energy from the crowd was insane. I still don't get how they all can handle this kind of madness. I mean yeah I'd love to have a stadium full of girls scream for me, but I've seen the way they act around them, literally going crazy and doing some crazy shit to get to them. I remember one time one girl climbed up the wall of a hotel where the guys were staying at and actually made it up to one of their rooms through the window and hid until they got there.

Justin freaked out and called security and this girl went on and on about she knew they were perfect for one another and she wanted his babies. Security rushed in and took the girl away, but not before attacking Justin with a kiss and then they finally pulled her away. J, was so freaked out that he had to have double the security that week just to make sure it didn't happen again. I hear shouts from the crowd that send me out of my thoughts and see the guys head backstage. My panic kicks in again, I have to tell him no matter what.

"What's wrong with you? You look like a ruminant in the cross beams of a large truck," Lance commented. The guys stopped what they were doing and looked at him. "A deer in headlights," he corrected himself, dully. I smiled a bit as he shook his head, muttering something about them needing to build their vocabulary.

"I, uh, I feel a little sick, that's all," I replied, holding my stomach. That wasn't a complete lie, my stomach twisted every time I caught a glance that JC threw at me. "I'll be fine in a bit." The guys rushed to grab their things and get on the bus to take us to the next city, New York I think was where we were going to next.

Justin was excited because they were going to meet up with Britney, which meant I could spend a day away from him and try to figure out how to tell him that the others were suspicious. Geeze, I didn't think becoming J's PA would come with a bunch of problems all ready. I mean, the most I thought I would be doing would be transporting all 450 pairs of J's shoes but this was ridiculous!

"You have some grip on that bottle," JC noted as we walked as fast as we could to get to the bus and leave.

"Couldn't leave it behind. A fan could think that it's one of yours and sell it on ebay or something ridiculous like that," I said with a little laugh. JC must've thought the idea was logical because he left me alone after that. The guys were going to kill me with paranoia if not physically. We made it to the bus to go to the next city and I just sat there still trying to figure out how I was going to tell J that the guys know something’s going on.

"Trace, are you okay?" Joey asks as he sat at the table eating.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine. Why?"

"You look nervous."

I chuckle, "What? What makes you say that?"

"You've been tapping your foot for the past ten minutes," he laughs.

Had I? I didn't even know I was and it's giving me away. I do tap my foot when I'm nervous, it's just a habit I have and I gotta stop. "I'm just nervous about telling my parents about dropping out of school and working for Justin that's all."

He chuckles, "I gottcha, but they'll get over it eventually."

"Yeah I hope so"

"They will, well, they should," Joey continued. "Your parents should support you no matter what you do. Besides, you're an adult and you can make your own decision whether they like it or not."

I sighed and leaned back a bit, running my hand through my hair. "Good point," I mumbled.

Joey grinned. "You can talk to any of us if things get a little crazy, all right man?"

"All right." He lightly hit my arm and walked to the back lounge where Chris and JC were yelling about some video game.

"Why did this have to happen to me?" I groan, rubbing my temples when I felt a headache coming on. I checked the fridge for any beer, grabbed one, and dropped down on the couch, flipping through channels, not really paying attention to what was on it 'cause I was making a list for myself.

TRACE'S TO-DO LIST:

1) Tell Justin that they suspect something is going on

2) Give JC some information about why Justin is acting weird

3) Tell my parents I'm dropping out of college

4) Stop playing messenger for other people (aka stop being someone's bitch)

I felt some sit next to and opened my eyes to see Justin.

"Man you okay?" he asked looking at me.

"Yeah, just thinking about some stuff," I sigh.

"Ah, I see. You still trying to figure out how you’re gonna tell them huh?"

"Yeah" I sigh. And the fact that i have to tell you they know I thought. "It'll all be fine, your parents will be so happy you actually got a real job," he smiles as he puts an arm around me.

I roll my eyes, "You’re funny.”

He laughs, "What can I say, I am." He grins. I push him and we both laugh. I guess I'll tell him tomorrow. "So are you dating some chick or what?" He asked so suddenly I almost choke.

"What?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. That seriously came out of nowhere.

"It's been a while since you mentioned dating someone so I asked. Are you dating someone from home? College? or do you swing the other way and you never told me? I'll still be your friend, man," he rambled.

I continued to look at him as if he were crazy. "What would make you suddenly ask me that?"

He shrugged. "You don't seem happy. I mean, you're with ME you should be ecstatic."

"Have you always been this cocky?" I questioned.

He smiled. "They don't call me TrouserSnake for nothing."

I couldn't help but laugh. "That's not what I meant you freak," I mumbled once I was done laughing.

"I know," Justin replied.

"And there is this girl at college I talk to. She's a photography major and she's cool..." I sighed. "I don't know, I kinda feel like the only reason she's talking to me is because I’m friends with you, ya know?" Justin stayed silent but nodded. "I...I don't want to feel this way but I can't help it."

Justin nodded again. "Sorry you feel that way, man," was all he could think of saying.

"So what's this girl’s name?" Justin asked.

"Taylor," I reply.

"Is she hot?"

"Oh yeah, other than workin’ behind the camera lens she works in front of it." I grin.

"Oh a model," he said in a french accent.

I laugh. "Yeah but I know she wouldn't be interested in me because well I'm not you."

"Man don't cut yourself short. You’re a great guy and any girl would kill to have you and if that girl is just using you to get to me than she doesn't have to even consider you as a friend."

I smile, "Thanks man."

"You know I'm here for you anytime you need me," he smiles.

I really miss having J around. He always gave me the best advice and tips to get the girls. It doesn’t hurt that he happens to be Justin Timberlake and every time we go out he attracts all the girls and I can talk my pick of anyone of them. "I know. It just gets to me sometimes,” I continued. "Not knowing if a girl is into me because of me or because she knows I'm your friend. Like, I stress out wondering if she's fake or not and then I ended up driving the chick away in most cases."

"Don't let me be the reason your love life sucks,’ Justin chuckled. "I can't help that the media likes keeping me in the spotlight, you know that." I shrugged and nodded. "You're making me feel like the bad guy here."

“No way man.” I shook my head. "Far from it. I'm just saying that the dating scene is harder for me, that's all.”

"Really?" Justin raised his eyebrows. "Trace, while we were in Europe there were plenty of fine hunnies that I would've loved to meet and get a chance of dating but I couldn't. Why? Because Lou kept us locked up like we were in church or something. You had a normal dating childhood, I didn't. It's harder for me to date because I don't know how to trust people. That's why I'm with B, we've been with each other for so long that I trust her and know she won't ever hurt me or use me for money."

I nod. Him and Brit are the happiest I've seen them. It made me sick to my stomach to see them together. They are the perfect couple, something I wish I could be part of one day when I find the right girl of course. "You guys are the perfect couple," I voice my thoughts.

He grins, "Man we're far from perfect. No two people in a relationship can be perfect especially in this business."

"Well that’s true, but I meant like you guys know how to balance your careers and your lives. I could never be able to do that." I laugh.

"You'll learn," he replied, lightly hitting my knee. "I'm gonna hit the sack before C comes in here and acts all fatherly. You should too. It's going to be a long day tomorrow. Radio interviews and photoshoots take up the time before sound check and the show as well as a meet and greet." Justin grinned. "I'm going to have you running aorund like a little puppy."

I rolled my eyes. "What a great friend," I muttered sarcastically. "Night man." Justin held out his hand and I slapped it.

"Nite,” he replied before moving back to the bunk area. I glanced out the window and strained to see through the dark but all I saw were cars and a long stretch of highway. That's what I felt like sometimes, rushing into the unknown not knowing where i was going to go and how i was going to end up.

* * *

"Trace wake up."

I groan, "No Momma 5 more minutes." I hear the curtain open.

"Man I'm not your momma get your ass up, we gotta go in 15 minutes!" Justin barks.

I groan again and turn my body to get out of the bunk. Justin's stands there with a coffee mug sipping in it. I stretch out and yawn, "What time is it?"

"7:30, now get dressed. The guys are waiting for us and we have a lotta shit to do."

"Yes sir" I say and salute him.

"Don't be a jackass," he tells me shaking his head. Ugh why did I decide to do this? It's too early; at least when I was in school I didn't have to get up til 10. But Justin is my friend and hell I'm getting paid to travel with him, so why am I complaining, fuck school. I get dressed and follow Justin to meet the guys.

"Did you ever tell your dad about you dropping out?' Justin asked casually as he lifted the hood on his hoodie and shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Not yet. I don't want to have to pay for his hospital bill yet," I replied.

He chuckled a bit. "Yeah, he's sure to blow a blood vessel," he agreed laughing a bit before the smile dropped from his face altogether. "Why's he such a hard-ass anyway?"

I shrugged. "He was raised in a way that he thinks you have to focus on one thing and eliminate everything else until you get it,” I replied. "He just doesn't understand that I'm not going to have my mind made up when I'm twenty. I don't get it. He and I used to be so close and now..." I let my voice trail off. I didn't want to think about it.

I knew it would be better to tell Mom instead of Dad about my decision. She'd understand and she would be able to relay the message, I hope. We made it into the building of the radio station without much harm. Lance's sleeve got ripped when a fan wouldn't let go of his arm but that was about it. When they got on their air I watched Justin carefully. He joked and laughed like usual but he let JC do most of the talking, probably to try and shed the image that he was the only leader of the band. They were all leaders in their own way; they each had their own special talents. It wasn't fair that Justin was the one who was thrust into the spotlight.

After they were done with the radio show, they had some magazine interviews a photo shoot and a meet and greet with some contest winners. Justin wasn't kidding when he said I'd be running around like a little puppy. My feet hurt and my head was spinning from running back and forth getting things for Justin. I now have respect for all assistants who have been doing this longer than I have. Around 1 they finally finish.

"Alright guys lets go have some lunch before we head to the arena," Lonnie announces. Thank god, I'm fucking starving. We head out and as soon as we opened the doors the shrill of screaming girls and flashbulbs start. This definitely not helping my headache at all. Lonnie and Rob get in front of us and they clear the way as arms are attacking us trying to reach one of the guys. I swear one of them ripped my shirt and another knocked my cap off my head. I didn't even care to go back and get it; I just wanted to get out of there.

"Here's your hat," Justin said as he held it out to me as soon as we got into the van that was waiting for us.

"Hold on, I think I'm blind," I replied, rubbing my eyes. Those fucking flashes from their fucking cameras were fucking bright. As soon as I could see again I grabbed the hat and looked at it. "Fuck, no! There's a fucking footprint on my fucking hat!" I snarled studying my crushed hat. "Man, your fucking fans are fucking crazy!" I looked up when the others stopped talking and looked at me. "What?" I snapped.

"Nothing," they mumbled their reply and went back to a conversation about how Joey saw this hot chick that he wished he had talked to.

"What's goin' on man?" Justin asked, nudging my side.

"Nothing, man, I just have a headache," I replied clutching my hat in my fists.

"Oh. Well, I'm sure food will help. And you can rest in our dressing room during our show."

"Yeah, if the pounding beats and the screaming doesn't get to me,” I muttered.

“We have a quiet room," Justin pointed out smiling a little. "Everything will be fine.” If I’m getting this headache from what I think I’m getting it then everything won't be fine.

We finished lunch and headed to the venue. While the guys did sound check I decided to take an Advil and lay down in the quiet room.

"Trace," I hear and I groan. Great what does he want now? I turn my head and prop up on my elbows,

"What the fuck do you want do you want now?" I rub my eyes to see it wasn't Justin but it was Taylor the girl from school that I liked. "Holy shit," was all I could say.

She giggles and gets closer to me, "You’re too cute." she smiles.

"Tay-Taylor how'd you get here?" I stutter still surprised.

She laughs again, "Justin invited me, he said he wanted us to hang out." My face sinks I knew it was too good to be true, she’s here for him,

"Oh so your here for Justin."

"Well yes and no, I mean when Justin Timberlake calls you to hang out you have to say yes," she laughs and I lower my head. "But he also told me that you really like me and I might've said I feel the same."

My head went up and I couldn't help but smile, "Re-really?"

She smiles, "Yeah, I really like you too Trace." I get closer to her and our lips meet.

Yes!

I suddenly feel something hit me.

"Trace."

What the fuck? I open my eyes to see it was all a dream, a fuckin dream. "What the fuck man?" I say as I prop myself on my elbows to see Justin laughing.  

"Finally I got you up, you’re like a fucking rock."

"Well sorry I'm not feeling well." He chuckles. I swing my legs to get up and get a bottle of water. I take swig, "So you guys done already?" I ask as I sit down.

"Uh, no, we haven't even started yet," Justin replied.

"Just wanted to make sure things were ok with you."

I stared at him. "You woke me up for that?"

"Hey, I had to check, man. You've been acting funny lately."

"I just..." I let my voice trail off. 'i was thinking about Taylor, that's all," I replied. It wasn't a total lie, I have been thinking about her lately and it was the best i could come up with on such short notice.

“You can bring her out here if you want."

"With Joey around? No thank you."

"He's with Kelly, you know that."

“Yeah, but Chris is worse. He’s an old man and he's alone."

"I heard that, Shorty!" Chris yelled from somewhere on the other side of the door.

"I don't think she'd be able to deal with this hectic pace. Just calling her is fine, it adds more to the imagination if you know what I mean." Justin laughed as I wiggled my eyebrows.

"Like I said man, if you get lonely we can easily fly her out here."

"Thanks man, I appreciate it."

He pats my shoulder, "No problem, we're boys remember? We help each other out, especially when it comes to getting laid," he laughs and he starts heading toward the door.

"Shut the fuck up man," I say as I throw a pillow.

"Hey!!" he shouts as it hits him. “Why were you saying her name when you were sleepin'?"

Was I really talking in my sleep? Shit. "What? I was not."

"Dude I heard you, you were so having a wet dream," he laughs.

"Fuck you man."

"Hey its totally okay man I get it, you’re lonely and get horny nothing to be ashamed about. You can totally take up my offer to bring her here." He smiles.

"Well thanks man," I smile back. "Just warn me when you have your ‘alone time’ okay?" He smirks.

I throw another pillow at him and he starts running and laughing.