When we arrived at JC’s house, I followed him inside and was glad to be somewhere safe and sound. Voyeur hadn’t exactly panned out as I had planned and getting some rest at a friend’s house sounded perfect. I hadn’t been inside of JC’s house for awhile, but it was still the same bachelor pad as I remembered, with more stuff and space than one man needed. Yet, it was good to be back and knowing he had come to my rescue. It was nice to know he wanted me here.

“I’ll grab you some water and cookies. Then we can go upstairs and get you settled in.” JC said, locking up the door and then walking toward his kitchen. “Oh and take your heels off and let your hair down. Get comfy.”

I smiled at his words as his voice got further away and as I waited for him to return from the kitchen, I did just that. I removed my high-heeled sandals from my feet and then I pulled my ponytail out of the elastic it was in. I shook my head a little and let my hair fall all over and then slightly winced, as it hurt a little. I knew that JC would find me some painkillers for my neck and I was just glad I didn’t have real whiplash.

“Ice cold bottled water and Oreo’s.” He grinned, holding them in his hands and walking back over to me. “This way you can’t say I didn’t offer you anything.”

I chuckled softly and took the water and cookies from him. “Thanks. It makes for a good snack after what I just went through.”

He nodded and then he led me toward the staircase and I followed him upstairs. We walked into his bedroom and I tried to not look at his bed. Looking at it would just give me thoughts I didn’t want to have. Though I was pretty sure it had to be comfortable and better than my bed at home. We stepped into his adjoining bathroom and he opened up the medicine cabinet and pulled out some Tylenol.

“I don’t know if this is your drug of choice, but hopefully it helps your neck. If not, I can run down to Rite-Aid and get you some Icy-Hot or something other.” I appreciated that he wanted to play pharmacist and was concerned, though I knew a couple pills and some sleep would probably just be the best remedy.

“It’s fine, JC. Just give me two pills and we’ll call it a night.” He opened the Tylenol bottle and poured out two pills, handing them to me.

“Thanks.” I popped them into my mouth and then unscrewed my bottled water, washing the pills down with it.

He then scooted past me, stepping back into his bedroom and walked into his closet. I waited for him to reappear and when he did, he had a white t-shirt and some flannel pajama pants in his hand.

“I know they’ll be big on you, but it’s the best I can do for pajamas. I don’t want you sleeping in your dress.” I smiled, stepping beside him then and taking the clothes from him.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s better than nothing. Thanks.” I retreated back into the bathroom and I changed out of my dress and into the t-shirt and pants. Once I was all set, I walked back out, carrying the water and cookies as well.

JC had changed into a hoodie and another set of pajama pants. He looked comfortable and ready for bed. I smiled at him and yawned softly.

“Okay, honey. Let me show you your guest room. I can grab extra pillows or blankets if you want any.” I simply nodded and followed him across the hall to one of the guest rooms. It was decorated simple, but still had an artistic touch, along with an abstract painting I was sure JC had to have painted himself. The room had a nice size bed as well, though it wasn’t as huge as JC’s.

“This is fine.” I said, noticing the bed had a couple of pillows and the mattress seemed adequately covered in blankets and a comforter.

“Okay, good.” He smiled. “And you can use the bathroom next door. I think Lila left some girly stuff in there from the last time she spent the night.” I chuckled.

“Sounds good and I’ll holler if I need anything, but I should be good. I’m just going to fall asleep now anyways.”

“Me too. I’m tired and my bed is calling me.” I watched a yawn escape from JC’s lips then and he even yawned sexily. I made the thought disappear from my head right away.

“Well…thanks for bringing me back here and letting me spend the night. It’s good to know someone cares.”

“Eh…it’s not a problem. I just didn’t think you needed to be alone after what went down. I’m just glad you’re okay, Ev.”

“You’re such a good friend.” I tossed him a smile and then I felt him envelop me in a hug. He pressed a small kiss to my cheek.

“Goodnight, Everly.”

“Night, JC.” I managed to say in return, only to feel him pull away in a flash and leave me standing there, wishing he wasn’t going to be falling asleep across the hall in his own bed.

I ended up flopping on the bed a moment later and I enjoyed a couple Oreo’s and more water as I relished the fact I was wearing clothing JC had worn. The fan inside of me wanted to scream, but the normal girl who was just his friend held it in.

 I scooted under the covers as my eyes grew heavy and my head hit one of the plush pillows. I cuddled into the blankets and then closed my eyes, allowing sweet dreams to follow.


When I woke up the next morning, I was slightly disoriented, but then remembered exactly where I was. I noticed I was still clothed in spare pajamas from JC and smiled, wondering what it would be like to wake up every morning at JC’s house. I slid out of bed slowly and then made it into the guest bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror and I wasn’t exactly a sight to behold. My makeup from last night was smeared upon my face and I had some raccoon eyes. I found some makeup remover Lila must’ve left behind at one point and I did the best I could with it, to bring my face back to normal. Then I found some mouthwash as well and swished some of it in my mouth, before spitting it into the sink. Once I was through in the bathroom, I decided to see if JC was in his bedroom. Though before I made it to his room, I heard noise coming from downstairs. So I headed for the kitchen and that’s exactly where I found him.

He was dressed like he was ready to go to the gym, as he sat upon a chair at the counter eating some cereal. He had a gray track suit upon his body and I noticed his shoes looked like a new pair of cross trainers. As for his cereal, it was Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I had no problem joining him for breakfast and was about to, until I heard his cell phone go off. I watched him pick it up and something made me stay behind the wall from his view. I decided to not interrupt, even if it really meant I was eavesdropping.

“Hey.” He greeted into the phone. “I’m so glad to hear from you.”

I peeked around the wall and noticed his lips were pursed into a smile and he seemed truly happy to be speaking to whomever was on the other line. I continued to listen to his side of the conversation.

“Yeah, I’m still looking forward to meeting up with you. Then we could grab lunch or something, if you’re up for it.”

“I might have to double check on my friend Dallas beforehand though. He was out of his mind and macking on one of my other friends.” He then let out a chuckle. “Might be better if I do it without you with me or he might hit on you too.”

“Yeah, I knew you wouldn’t really care for that. Oh, but before I forget, I remembered to download more songs onto your iPod for you. So I can give you it back and you can listen to all the awesomeness I added to it.” He laughed. “There may be one or two songs from me. You’ll just have to listen.”

“Okay, then I guess I’ll catch ya in a little while, sweetheart. See you then.”

I heard him end his call then and I was puzzled. Maybe puzzled wasn’t even the word. I just knew I was curious and his phone call had me wondering. It sounded to me like his caller had been a girl and that possibly they’d become more than friendly with each other. Though I couldn’t say for sure because I knew JC was an affectionate guy and sometimes things weren’t always what they seemed.

I decided to stop hiding behind the wall and join JC, as if everything was normal. I smiled as I stepped up beside him and I grabbed the box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, as well as an extra bowl that he’d apparently taken out for me.

“Good morning, JC.” I greeted him and poured some cereal into my bowl.

“Hey, sleepyhead.” He grinned. “Glad to see you’re back in the land of the living. Your neck feel okay?”

I rubbed it gently then and then nodded. “Yeah, the Tylenol and comfy pillow you provided must’ve done the trick.”

“Good.” He smiled again and ate a spoonful of his cereal.

I grabbed the milk from the fridge and then a spoon from one of the drawers, before taking a seat beside JC. I poured enough milk into my cereal and then began to dig in.

“You don’t mind if I take you home as soon as you finish your cereal, right?” I heard JC ask after a moment of silence and I shook my head. I knew he had plans and I also was a guest at his house. I couldn’t say otherwise.

“No, that’s not a problem. At least you didn’t kick me out to the curb before breakfast.” He laughed then and so did I.

“Well, I’m a little classier than that.” He smirked. “But, yeah…its up to you whether you want to go home in your dress or my clothes. Either way, I know you’ll give me my clothes back.”

I swallowed down more cereal and then gave him a response. “How about I wear this lovely t-shirt and these lovely pants home and then I’ll wash them for you? That way you can have them returned fresh and clean.”

“Sounds good to me.” I watched him then drink the excess milk from the bottom of his bowl, causing a milk mustache to form upon his upper lip. Then he licked it away, moving his tongue in an almost sensual manner, after setting the bowl back down.

I think I had enjoyed it a little too much, but was glad he didn’t catch me looking, nor could read my mind.

I quickly finished up the remainder of my cereal and then drank the excess milk as well. Then I tossed my bowl and spoon into the sink, where JC had thrown his.

“So, you going to the gym, after you drop me off?” I asked, as I followed him out of the kitchen.

“Yeah, I could use a workout. It’s the best way to start the day.” I nodded and then found my purse on his coffee table and noticed he’d brought my dress downstairs as well.

“You’ve been working out a lot lately?” He contorted his face and then shrugged his shoulders.

“Yeah, I guess….you could say that. I’m just trying to stay in shape, ya know?” I just nodded again in return and decided to not further comment.

“What are you going to do?” I smiled.

“Get into my own clothes and then lounge around some. I might see if Nathaniel is fine from last night and wants to get together. Anything’s possible.”

“Well that sounds like a good time.” He jingled his car keys, which he had in hand, and then gave me a smile. “So, you ready to get back to Casa Monroe?”

“Yeah, because Casa Chasez loves kicking out guests.” I teased and grabbed my things. I also slid my sandals on and then followed JC out to his car.

We arrived at my place shortly after and I thanked JC once again for everything. He just nodded like it was no big deal and smiled, as he gave me a wave. With my stuff in hand, I slid out of the car and then waved back at him, before closing the door. I watched him pull away then and I sighed softly as I walked into my apartment building. I wondered when I’d see him next.



Later that night, after looking over my schedule for next week and cleaning up around my apartment, I received a phone call from Nathaniel. He was curious to know what happened during my stay at JC’s and even though I told him there wasn’t any dirt, he insisted on meeting me for coffee. So, I agreed to meet him at Starbucks at 8 o’clock, figuring I’d at least get to enjoy a mocha, if nothing else.

I threw on some jeans and a hoodie, deciding to be casual and not expecting to meet my future husband tonight. I also slid on sneakers and threw my purse over my shoulder. I fished my car keys out and then headed to my car. When I hopped in, it was quarter to 8 and I knew I’d arrive right on time.


When I stepped into Starbucks, I found Nathaniel in line, ready to place his order and I smiled, walking up behind him.

“Hey.” I said, tapping his shoulder and he turned around giving me a smile.

“Everly. Hey, girl.” I watched him turn back around and quickly order his drink and hand over money, before turning back to me.

“So how was the rest of the night without me?” He laughed at my question.

“It was crazy. JC’s friends are pretty interesting.” I nodded my head at that and then I stepped up to order a grande mocha. When I finished paying, I further inquired.

“Can you expand on crazy?” He grabbed his drink from the barista then.

“Well Summer, Pete, and Alex all had to take a cab home and Dallas was escorted out by security. Lila had some guy keep creeping on her and I had to get in his face and then I got so drunk I ended up going home with Lila. Oh…and I also got this really hot guy’s number and we might be going on a date soon.” I chuckled, not surprised that Nathaniel scored a number, but amused by everything else. I grabbed my drink when it was ready and then followed Nathaniel over to a table.

“So how was your sleepover at Lila’s?” I asked, sitting down in a chair, as Nathaniel did the same.

He smiled. “Pretty fun. She let me play with her dog. He’s so cute. She also gave me some food and some medicine, so I wouldn’t wake up with a horrible hangover. She gave me these amazing pajamas to sleep in and then cooked me breakfast this morning. I was almost sad to leave. That girl is so fabulous.”

I grinned and nodded my head, before taking a sip of my mocha. “Yeah, she’s great. I’m glad she took good care of you.”

He then looked at me expectantly and smirked. “So, did JC take real good care of you? How was your sleepover?”

“I told you already, nothing happened. He gave me some Tylenol for my neck and a t-shirt and pants of his to sleep in. He gave me some water and Oreo’s too and then a hug before I went to bed.” Nathaniel shook his head, almost in disgust.

“That’s it? You didn’t share a bed? No kiss? Nothing?”

“He gave me a peck to my cheek, but that was all. What did you expect him to do?”

“I don’t know, but more than that. You looked real good last night and if I were straight I probably would've molested you or something.” I chuckled and blushed slightly.

“Thanks, but…I just don’t think JC sees me in that light and plus, I sort of eavesdropped on him this morning. He had a call and I figured out it had to be from a girl.”

“Oh really? Tell me more.” Nathaniel was just like any gossiping girl and he loved to be in the know about everything.

“Well he seemed really happy to hear from the person on the other line and he joked that Dallas might hit on her too. Then he told her he’d downloaded more songs onto her iPod for her and that he’d see her soon. It sounded like they were meeting up at some point today and he also called her sweetheart. So I’m pretty sure he was talking to a girl.” Nathaniel nodded his head, agreeing with me.

“Yeah, it sounds to me like he might be getting sweet on someone. He hasn’t said anything about a girlfriend, has he?” I shook my head.

“Nah, plus he’s pretty private when it comes to stuff like that. Though it’s been awhile since he’s been serious about anyone.” Nathaniel sipped on his drink and then tried to be positive for me.

“Well, maybe it’s nothing serious. You know how Hollywood dating can be.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Who knows.” I sighed. “If it’s not serious then I probably won’t even find out. I’d rather not find out.”

Nathaniel then stared at me and I tried to ignore it, by drinking more of my mocha. Though when I set it back down, he was still looking at me.

“What?” I asked, not sure why he was staring.

“You really like him, don’t you?”

“Who?” Nathaniel laughed.

“JC. Come on, Everly. You like him.” I sighed and then nodded my head.

“Maybe, but so what? I mean….nothings going to come of my feelings.”

To be honest, my feelings for JC go way back and didn’t develop just from knowing him a few years. I had fallen in love with *NSYNC when they first premiered their Disney concert special and had remained a die-hard fan even after they went on a hiatus after Celebrity. I had followed their career all the way and still listened to albums when I was in the mood. When *NSYNC went their ways to partake in other endeavors, it was JC’s solo album that had garnered most of my attention. JC had been my favorite member and I couldn’t turn my back on him. I bought Schizophrenic the day it came out and I was just as distraught like every other fan that he didn’t receive all the recognition and success that he deserved. It was even more painful for me when his sophomore album got jerked around and Kate didn’t even get a release. I just always felt he got the short end of every stick and yet, he had more talent in his pinky finger than most people had in their enitre bodies. Not only was it his talent and his love for his craft that was something to admire, but so was his positive outlook on most things and the way he just managed to keep himself busy. To this day, he’s a breath of fresh air.

He doesn’t walk around feeling sorry for himself and still makes music for other artists, as well as helps young dancers on America’s Best Dance Crew. He is so underrated and sometimes I don’t feel like he even knows just how special he is. The fan in me, always wants him to bust out in song and holds out hope that he might make a musical comeback, but the friend in me, tries to keep the fan in check and doesn’t hold out hope for anything. In fact, I’ve always played it cool around him, not wanting him to see the fan side of me, in fear that he’d make me disappear from his life. How I ever got lucky enough to know him in real life, I’ll never know, but I’m just glad I became a stylist after all. Of all my clients, he truly has been the best and the one I hold closest to my heart.

“Your phone is ringing.” Nathaniel announced, after I didn’t say anything for a moment and I cleared my head of my reverie. I dug into my purse and I fished my phone out, putting it up to my ear.

“Hello?” I answered and was greeted by none other than JC.

“Hey, Evers. Sorry if I’m interrupting anything. It’s just I’ve got a question for you.” I couldn’t help, but to smile at the way he said my nickname. I also couldn’t help, but to smile at the fact that it was him on the other line.

“You’re not interrupting. What’s up?” I waited for his question, imagining all the possibilities of what it could be.

Hs smooth voice came over the line again. “Well I’ve been in the studio helping out Matthew Morrison and you’re a Glee fan, right? I swear you told me.”

I chuckled. “Yes, that would be true. So that’s the questions?”

He laughed. “No, that wasn’t my actual question. I was wondering, would you want to go out on a date with Matt?”

I froze, wondering if this was a joke and if he was for real. “Wait….you’re asking me to go out on a date with him? Why?”

“Well yeah….because he’s single and he’s looking for a nice, normal girl. He asked me if I had any friends I could hook him up with and I told him about you.”

I thought about it for a moment and then sighed. I mean, I was a fan of the show Glee and I did think that Matthew Morrison was talented, as well as cute. I didn’t find him to be the same degrees of hotness as JC, but it couldn’t hurt. I figured one date wouldn’t hurt and I wouldn’t be running off to Vegas to marry Matt. “Well…okay, I’ll go on a date with him.”

I could tell that JC was pleased with my answer. “Awesome, thanks, Everly. He and I are actually getting together in the studio again on Tuesday, so maybe you can come check out our session and then go on the date afterward.”

“Yeah…that should be okay. I’ll double check my schedule and let you know for sure.”

“Alright. Sounds good. Well I’ll let you get back to whatever you were up to. Talk to you real soon. Goodnight.”

“Okay, bye, JC.” I closed my phone then and I just shook my head in disbelief.

“What?” Nathaniel asked, anxious to hear what had transpired.

“JC called to ask me if I wanted to go on a date with Matthew Morrison.”

“Glee guy?!?!”

“Yes.”

“He’s so adorable, Everly. I’d eat him up with a spoon. So what did you say? Please tell me you said you would.”

I nodded my head. “Well yeah, I said ‘yes’, but how messed up is this? The guy I actually having feelings for just asked me to go out on a date with another amazing guy that he happens to be working with.”

Nathaniel laughed. “It’s pretty messed up, but at least your life is filled with eye candy. Enjoy all the sugar you can, girl.”

I shook my head at his comment and then finished my mocha. I only guessed things would get more complicated now and I wasn’t sure who, if anyone, was going to hold my heart.