He squeezed my hand and smiled. I smiled back. 

As we got back into the heart of Hollywood, he drove in and out of streets like the back of his hand. I had no idea where we were going. When he turned into the parking lot to valet, i realized we were eating at Catch LA. I felt like my jaw was hanging open since JC popped up on my side to open my door. Thank goodness I was decently dressed - black jeggings, teal silk camisole, and boots. I’ve seen pictures of Catch LA before and knew it was a somewhat dressy, upscale place. My sudden instinct getting out of the car was to check for paparazzi, but i also wanted to live in the moment and enjoy this. I grabbed his hand and followed him to the entrance. Luckily, since it was fairly early, there wasn’t a big crowd yet - that will probably be another story when we leave the restaurant. As we walk into the restaurant, JC was recognized by the hostess and greeted him. I gawked at the amazing decor and was dying for a photo. JC was already getting to know me so well - as we followed the hostess, he already had his phone ready for the hostess to take our photo. We stood in the walkway of hanging flowers and JC pulled me in close. I brought my body closer to his and also went into photo/tourist mode - slightly popping out my leg and tilting my head - and of course, a big ol’ smile. The hostess was kind enough to take multiple shots before giving JC his phone back. JC kisses the top of my head as we continue to follow the hostess to our table. She led us onto the rooftop seating area & the view was amazing. JC held out my seat for me before making the way to his. The hostess hands us our menus before walking off. 

Gianne: thank you for bringing me here

JC : of course. First of many (winking) 

Ugh! His winks drive me crazy!

I continue to take in the views and finally look over the menu. Our waiter came by to take our drink & food order. JC ordered an old fashioned while I ordered the one too many cocktail - one of their popular drinks. We ordered crispy shrimp & several rolls. We laughed & talked about how are week went, all the while the waiter bringing out our food one at a time as they were ready. The food was so good & the sushi so fresh. JC ordered me another cocktail when he saw I just took the last swig of my drink. He only stuck to his one since he was driving. Deep down I was hoping I wouldn't get too drunk since I hardly drank. Last thing I needed was to get sick & make a scene at a nice restaurant. When we finished up our last plate, the waiter handed JC the check. 

JC : (situating the bill) so did you like the food? 

Gianne: oh! It was amazing! 

JC : I knew you would enjoy it

Gianne: (giving him a flirty smile) thank you 

He signed the bill, stood up and walked over to me to help me out of my seat. He grabbed my hand and we began walking towards the exit. As we reached the exit, I could already see flashes going off like crazy outside the restaurant. Was I ready for this? Also made me wonder who was outside about to walk in. I slightly squeezed JC's hand & he looked back at me & smiled, slightly squeezing my hand back - letting me know it'd be OK. The doors flew open and a couple rushed in trying to get away from the bustle outside. I hoped my eyes didn't pop out of my head, but they sure felt like they did. It was Richard Marx & Daisy Fuentes. Richard immediately recognized JC. 

Richard: J! How's it going? 

JC : hey man. Long time no see. Everything's good. What about you? 

Richard: awesome! Just having date night 

Daisy walks up alongside Richard, and then proceeds to greet JC. 

Daisy: (leaning in to greet him cheek to cheek) hi JC! 

JC : Daisy! Hello. Looking beautiful as always 

Daisy: thank you 

They both then notice JC holding my hand and look towards me. I smile, hoping I'm not as red as a tomato. 

JC : Richard, Daisy…. This is my girlfriend Gianne 

Gianne : (reaching out to shake their hands) hello! So nice to meet you both 

Daisy : nice to meet you too Gianne 

Richard : (shaking my hand last) it's a pleasure 

Daisy: I take it it was date night for you two as well

JC and I look at each other and smile. 

JC : yea, it's actually her first time here 

Gianne : food was incredible 

Richard : well next time, we should go on a double date night 

Daisy : (excited) ooh yes, that'd be fun 

JC : for sure. Let us know when 

 I smile back trying to hold in my inner fangirl freak out. 

JC : ok, have a good dinner guys

Richard: ok see ya…. (looking at me) it was great to meet you Gianne

Gianne: it was so great meeting you two 

As the host leads Richard & Daisy to their table, JC leads the way out. As we walked out, the paparazzi snapped away - flashes non stop all the way to the jeep. Staff probably notified the valet to retrieve JC's car in advance because it was already waiting for us. Paparazzi yelled out a bunch of questions:

"jc, is this ur girlfriend?"

"is nsync planning a reunion?"

"any new projects you're working on?"

And JC was an awkward pro handling the paps - waving, smiling, and just trying to get both of us in the car. I tried my best to smile but also had to look down - the flashes were blinding. One of the valet guys held my door open and shut it as I got in the car. Once JC got in, he settled in quickly and drove off. 

JC : so you handled your first paparazzi encounter quite well, wouldn't u say? 

Gianne : (laughing) I suppose, if looking down is handling it well. 

JC let out a laugh. 

JC : I know that is gonna take some getting used to & I promise, it's not gonna be like that everytime we go out 

Gianne : it will be though if you guys reunite 

JC : ok, thats true…… But if it's too much, we can work around it. I just want u to be comfortable. 

Gianne : baby I'm ok. Thank u for being so concerned about how I'd feel about it. But like u said, we'll work thru it 

He grabs my hand and kisses it. He makes his way thru Hollywood & up the hills to his house. He grabs my bag from the back and we make our way inside. It was roughly 9pm and we lounged on the sofa while our food settled in. 

Gianne: so I can't believe I just met Richard Marx. 

JC : (laughing) yea? Were u a fan? 

Gianne: cmon I was an 80s baby. If u didn't listen to Richard Marx, what were u doing? 

JC laughs & pulls me in closer, messing with my hair. 

Gianne: one of the reasons this I promise you is one of my favorites 

JC : (learning more about me) really? (in a prying tone) One of the reasons? What's another? 

Gianne: you! (explaining with passion & hand movements) every word and note you sing in that song just does something to me

JC moved his arm so that my head would fall into his lap & I'd be in front of him. 

JC : it does, does it? 

I smile because he just makes me giddy. He leans in to give me a sweet, soft kiss. We continue cuddling on the couch for another hour or so. We then head upstairs to get ready for bed. He already had spots cleared out for my toothbrush, contacts, and whatever toiletries I brought by. I throw up my hair & start brushing my teeth. JC finished brushing first, and came up behind me as soon as I finished rinsing my face. My initial thought was that we were gonna go at it in the bathroom. But that wasn't the case. He kissed my shoulder & looked at me in the mirror. 

JC : you think you could move in here by the end of September? 

I felt my eyes pop out. 

Gianne: baby, that's literally a month. A month to situate work, selling or renting out my place. 

JC : I'll help with whatever you need me to. I just want you here sooner rather than later 

I turn around to lean on the bathroom counter and face him. I grab his face with one hand and give him a kiss on the lips. 

Gianne: i’ll definitely start looking into it, and if it happens to be that it works around that time frame, then fine. i just dont want to rush the process or feel rushed moving everything out

JC: (sensing my defensive blabbering) ok ok , thats good enough for me 

I let out a sigh of relief. He smiles & kisses me on the lips, followed by my cheek, my neck, and then shoulder. Every kiss sending a chill down my spine. He lowered the strap of my camisole of one shoulder as i tilted my head, that way he would have access to my whole neck. He placed kisses all around my neck/shoulder area all while slipping his hands under my camisole, rubbing my back. I was pushed against the bathroom counter now and i could hear myself panting. JC responded to my panting by kissing me passionately. I grabbed his hair to let out my frustration and he picked me up and brought me to bed. 

SATURDAY 8/31

I woke up and slightly stretched, feeling every part of me satisfied from last night. I couldn’t help but smile, as my eyes adjusted to the sun. I could definitely get used to waking up like this everyday. Looking over to JC’s side, the covers laid just below his waist. I gawked at the man next to me. Was it wrong of me to want to wake him and have him take me right then & there, so early in the morning? We were already naked under the sheets. I decided to wake him that way he’d definitely have a good morning. I went under the covers and inched down slowly, trying not to wake JC yet. He started to move around, so I kissed right below his waist before taking him in my mouth. He jerked as an initial reaction but then realized what was happening. He was already semi hard being that he just woke up, so that worked to my advantage. It wasn't even 5 minutes yet before he came. As I was about to grab the sheet to wrap around me, he grabbed me and laid me on the bed. 

JC : no no, you wake me up that way - it's only fair I return the favor

Gianne : but I'm already awake

JC : (smirking) like that's really gonna stop me

He pins me down softly, planting kisses from my breasts all the way down my stomach, and finally to my waist. I can't help but squirm. He licked me in all the right spots and I released in record time. We caught our breath in bed first before getting cleaned up. JC & I head downstairs, eat breakfast and enjoy each other's company. 

Gianne : so is Eric's party tomorrow a more chillax BBQ attire type party? Or a formal, dressy kind of party? 

JC : definitely not formal. But maybe chillax dressy? 

Gianne : (laughing) is there such a thing? 

JC : id say you got that type down - you in your boots, jeans, and sexy lil tops 

Gianne : (smirking) ok, so date night wear it is

I plop on the couch & start looking through my phone. 

JC : oh, and autumn's premiere is next week

Gianne : already?! 

JC : yep

Gianne: Oooh, busy three weeks ahead of me 

JC : what else do you have going on? 

Gianne : well, this weekend is some festival in Canada, then the following weekend after autumns premiere, the pop tour added dates in Missipppi & Kentucky 

JC : oh really? Anymore dates this month?

Gianne: nah, not til December supposedly 

JC : that's really sporadic & random

Gianne : yea you're telling me - but then it gives me time to situate my things & move in here

JCs eyes lit up. 

Gianne: that is if you still want me to move in? 

JC : (climbing on top of me on the couch) oh you bet your ass I still want you moving in 

I start laughing as we have a playful makeout sesh on the couch. JC flips through the channels on TV, while discussing my house options. 

Gianne : I really don't want to rent out my place just because I don't want to have to deal with renters & repairs and what comes with being a landlord. But I know it'll be a good investment.

JC: true, it would add more to your plate. But if you sell it, you can take that money & invest in something else. 

We continue discussing the pros & cons and eventually move on to my work situation. 

Gianne: well I'm not quitting unless your guys reunion is for sure. I'm not just gonna move in without  a job & mooch off of you 

JC : (amused) mooch? 

Gianne: you know what I mean! 

JC : ok, fine. But can u at least try & transfer so your commute isn't so bad

Gianne : I'll see - but I'd rather just hear the reunion is final so I can just quit 

I played it off like a joke even though I was really serious. Transferring would be a pain, being l.a. was a different region. 

JC : honestly, between you & me… we're just waiting on one more decision

Gianne: (eyes bugging out) who!? 

JC : I'm more curious to see who you think the holdout is

Gianne : (dreading having to answer) there's two that I'd think would hesitate

JC : (intrigued) ok… 

Gianne: one is Justin - just cause he's this big solo act now & whatever. 

JC : yea majority of the public prolly think it's him

Gianne: so he's not? 

JC : didn't say that. But I wanna know your second holdout 

Gianne: (coughing) you

JC : (making out what I said while looking at me) did you say me? 

Gianne : yea 

JC : and your reasoning? 

Gianne : you enjoy your privacy and not being mobbed in public, even tho that may still happen occasionally…. and I don't think you're quite ready for that to be gone, and I don't blame you 

JC : that's some good reasoning. spot on even. but both your guesses are wrong.

Gianne : really?! 

JC : yea we're just waiting on chris' - mainly because Nash is gonna be starting preschool soon & debating if we'd be able to work around school scheduling & what not 

Gianne : hmmm makes sense

JC : (digging for info) are you surprised it wasn't me holding out? 

Gianne : more so glad - but I think that's me just wanting to hear you sing again

JC : well it's closer to becoming a reality

Gianne: can I ask you something? 

JC : anything

Gianne: if the reunion doesn't happen…. Is the idea of you putting out another solo album, totally out of the question? 

JC stayed quiet. Did I upset him with that question? Was this a sore subject? 

JC : (sitting up) look….it's just something i rather not go thru again. I rather stay on the producer side of things

Gianne : (bummed) ok

JC : it just wasn't a great experience & I just rather not look back on it

Gianne: noted

JC: singing with the guys was what i loved doing. or writing music for us or other artists. i never pictured being a solo artist. i just really wanna write music that can be enjoyed for many years to come. songs that people can look back on and think of whatever memories they associate with it.

I sit up from lying on the couch, so that i could be face to face with JC. 

Gianne: baby, you already have - and will continue to…. you have the talent, and there is no doubt in my mind you will write a ton of music 

JC huffed and just didnt seem to have the confidence when it came to his talent. I couldn’t understand why he didn’t think this of himself. 

Gianne: i know how some people get when people compliment them, but i really don’t see why you don’t think you’re not good at what you do. i mean you’ve been writing for years

I start naming off the songs that immediately popped in my head. I would’ve kept going but he stopped me by grabbing my face with both hands and kissing me. His kiss felt different this time around - more like a thank you. It was still sensual, but soft and he took his time. He pulled away and i was still gathering myself - eyes closed and lips still mid kiss, waiting for his lips to be on mine again. I open my eyes and see him staring at me, with a sexy little smirk. 

JC: thank you for believing in me as much as you do. you’re the first to actually list off songs

i laugh and look down embarrassed. 

Gianne: I just wish you'd see what we - your friends, family, and fans - see 

He gives me another soft kiss, which was interrupted by both our phones going off. He grabbed his first & got a text about our paparazzi encounter. I grabbed my phone & saw a ton of IG messages. I then got a text - it was Lance. 

       welp, it's official. paparazzi shot in public. 

       but on another note, ya'll look good. XOXO 

I looked at the picture circulating the internet. We were holding hands and we were both smiling. JC hardly ever smiled in previous pap pics. I wondered why?! I look at IG messages and the girls were going nuts! Oh boy! Was I ready for this?

     Thank u for making our man smile 

     OMG! Ya'll look so good together.
     Guess this means, it's official? 

Then, there were the not so great comments:

Ugh! What does he see in her? Jen was so much prettier. 

This is JC’s new girlfriend? 

I quickly exit out of the many posts, and put my phone away. JC looked at me, concerned. 

JC : you OK? Everyone mentioning the pap photo? 

Gianne: I'm fine. And yes!! What about you? Everything OK?

JC: yea, Eric just reminding us about tomorrow's party & the guys are texting

Gianne: oh? news? 

JC: actually…. 

My attention is hanging on the next few words that come out of JC’s mouth. He just laughs. 

JC: they’re actually planning on a facetime meeting in an hour…. so we’ll see

I look at my watch and see its 4 o’clock. 

Gianne: an hour hmm…? 

JC sensed my mischievous tone. He knew what I was thinking. I straddled him on the couch as he rubbed his hands up my legs. I kissed him, all the while rubbing against his body. He grabbed my shirt and brought it up over my head. Every time his lips touched my body, my senses went on overload. I couldn’t help but let out moans to release my frustration. We let our senses take over us, fulfilling our every desire. Being that it was almost 5pm, we freshened ourselves up to look presentable for the call. 

JC set up his laptop on the kitchen island while i grabbed a bottle of water. As I turned the corner of the island, JC connected to the facetime call & was split among the screen with Lance and Chris. I waved hello, which was then followed by Joey & Justin entering the call. We all say our hellos and the significant others also sneak in to say a quick hello. I sit next to JC as everyone gets settled in. 

Lance: so whats up chris? why the impromptu meeting? 

Joey: yea, what are you interrupting our holiday weekend for? better be good man!

I feel myself clenching my hands into fists awaiting chris’ news. Looking at the laptop screen, everyone was paired up with their partner. We were all smiling and concerned. I specifically looked at Karly’s face, to see if her expression gave anything away. She was smiling but I didn’t want to rely on that and get my hopes up. 

Justin: (letting out a laugh) sorry ya’ll.. its just amusing lookin’ at all the women’s faces. I think they are just as anxious

I laugh and cover my face with both my hands, as all the other girls laugh and turn red. 

Chris: (laughing) what are ya’ll anxious about? we just came on to say that Karly’s pregnant!

All our faces drop, but at the same time, Karly whacks Chris’ arm - which then gave away that it was a joke. 

JC: Oh Man! you’re crazy! 

Chris: my bad… ok ok. in all seriousness. karly & I have discussed the reunion and what & how it’ll affect us with Nash and everything. but we’ve decided its a go for the residency as long as we have flexibility with the scheduling

Chris was still talking logistics of what they may need to make this work but I still had my hands over my mouth and I could now feel my eyes watering from excitement. from joy. it felt very euphoric. My teenage dream was coming true. i couldn’t hear anything else after him saying that the residency was a go. my mind just ran wild with all the possibilities from this reunion. Michael was definitely paying attention to my reaction because he called me out as soon as chris stopped talking. 

Michael: oh my goodness… is Gianne crying? 

JC turned to look at me, as well as everyone else on screen. I tried to gather myself and took a deep breath. 

Gianne: sorry.. just happy. 

Michael & Izzy laughed, while all the guys just smiled and started teasing me. JC pulled me in closer and kissed the side of my head. 

Justin: awww… aren’t you two cute? 

JC smiled and hugged me a lil tighter. 

JC : ok, how about everyone enjoy their weekend & we'll discuss all the details next week? 

Joey: (teasing) thank you! Talk to ya'll later 

Everyone waves & says their goodbyes. JC signed off the call & closed his laptop. He turned in his stool to face me. 

JC : you're on cloud 9 aren't you? 

Unable to get words out of my mouth, I just nod my head up & down. JC laughs in amusement. 

JC : wanna order some food & stay in? 

Gianne : that sounds good

JC searched through his phone, trying to see what sounded tempting. He found some Thai place & ordered for both of us while I moved to the couch, still dumbfounded. When JC finished ordering, he saw me staring at the wall in a gaze. He sat next to me & my gaze slowly shifted to his. 

JC : are you OK? 

Gianne: I'm just trying my best not to lose my shit right now

JC : seriously? Just let it out 

Gianne: I don't know if I want you to see me in full fangirl mode

JC : (laughing) I think it'd be better if you let it out. You don't wanna hold that in… 

I look at him, trying to read if he's serious, or ready even for what I'm about to let out. I grab his hands and put them over his ears. I let out the biggest scream and start bouncing on the sofa. I get up and even start pacing while speaking some random thoughts. After about a minute or two, I sit back on the couch and take a deep breath. I look at him as he sits on the couch with his arms crossed. 

JC : feel better? 

We both laugh and I lean over & kiss him. 

Gianne: (still not ready to drop the subject) so do you know if they're providing you with housing? Or accommodations? Or do you have to do that yourselves? 

JC : (laughing) wow! You're really ready for this?! 

Gianne : (burying my head in my hands) I'm sorry! I'm so excited! They probably haven't even discussed that with you guys yet huh? 

JC : well actually… 

My head shoots back up. JC starts laughing again. 

JC : we can choose to have our own suites in the hotel. Or we can provide our own accommodations outside otherwise. Or both. 

Gianne: (in a flirty tone) so what do we plan on doing? 

JC : well, I think maybe you'd agree that being in a casino 24/7 would be tiresome, right?

Gianne: agree

JC : so when we're sick of the hotel, I figure we can rent out a place depending what our residency schedule looks like. 

Gianne: Oooh, sounds good to me. Besides, who knows how many fans will be trying to get into your guys suites?! 

JC : exactly! I like my privacy 

The buzzer from the gate rang and JC went to go get the food. I grabbed some water bottles and sat at the kitchen island until JC returned. He came back with food in hand and joined me at the island. Our mouths watered as he removed the food from the bag. We ate, chillaxed and called it a night.