MONDAY - 9/9

I woke up to my alarm going off. I stretched in bed wishing I was waking up next to JC. I got up, got ready, and waited for Lance & Melinda. Our flight was at 9, so we'd be back in LA around 11am. We said our goodbyes to Mel, since her flight wasn't for another 30 minutes for Florida. When we landed in lax & got all our luggage, we headed to the transportation gate. I was going to order an Uber to JC's place but upon looking at my phone, I had a notification of a ride waiting for me already. Lance's car was also waiting for him, so we said our goodbyes before going into our cars. As I walk to the car waiting for me, I smiled as I approached the driver. 

Jerry: ms Suarez?

Gianne: yes. 

Jerry: pleasure to meet you. My name's Jerry. 

He opens the car door for me and loads my bag into the trunk. 

Gianne: thank you Jerry. Nice to meet you too. 

As he situated himself in the driver seat, he looked at me in the rear view mirror.

Jerry : we shall be at your destination in about 20 minutes

I nodded ok & thought to myself, it'd be a lot longer to my house so I must be getting dropped off at JC's. Traffic was light, so before I knew it, we pulled up to JC's driveway. Jerry opened my door to let me out & then began removing my bags from the trunk. The front gate opened & there was JC, smiling & looking all kinds of gorgeous. I did a lil run towards him & ran into his arms & gave him a kiss.

JC : sorry, I couldn't wait until the weekend to see you

Gianne: (smiling) no need to apologize. I wanted to see you too 

As Jerry finished bringing out my luggage, JC thanked him with a tip. 

Gianne: thanks Jerry. Have a good day! 

Jerry: thank you miss Gianne. You two have a lovely day as well. 

JC grabbed my luggage as we walked thru the gate. We walked to the door with his arm around my shoulder, pulling me in close to him.

Gianne: no work outings today? 

JC : some calls, but not til this afternoon

We walked into the house and as soon as he shut the door, he couldn't keep his hands off me. But then again, I couldn't keep mine off him. We ended up cuddling & having a makeout sesh on the couch. I had to admit, even though touring was fun, it was definitely tiring - and I'm only doing weekends. It just felt nice being on the couch in JC's arms. We went about the day - eating brunch, JC taking his business calls, me working on photos for the tour & looking into the move again. Before we knew it, it was almost 5pm. 

Gianne: I feel bad that you have to take me home. I can just call an Uber or something 

JC : don't be ridiculous. It's a lil bittersweet since it'll be the last few times 

We walked down to the garage and JC loaded my bag into the jeep. 

JC : but first…. dinner? 

Gianne: yes! I'm starving 

He drove us to this nice Italian restaurant, some place off Melrose. We checked in and were seated towards the back, with a little more privacy. I ordered carbonara while he ordered some seafood pasta & some appetizers to start. After we inhaled our food & paid for our meal, JC drove me home. He helped me bring my stuff in the house and then said he'd be by on Friday to pick me up for Autumn's premiere. He kissed me at the door, leaving me wanting more. He gave me a sexy lil smirk & walked off. I watched him drive away before shutting the door. 

FRIDAY - 9/13 

I started the day with an early shift at work. Ugh! I couldn't wait to get out of this place. I went about the day, counting down the minutes to get out. Once 330 hit, I grabbed my stuff & hurried home. When I was about to pull into the driveway, JC was already parked in the driveway. I put my car in park & jumped into his arms. 

JC : (holding me in his arms from my hug) hi. Have a good day? 

Gianne: it is now. (I kiss him on the lips)

He smiles & sets me down on the floor. I grab my stuff as we head inside. I grabbed a few more things for my overnight bag & was ready to go in no time. JC sat on one of the island stools and smiled when I walked into the kitchen. I stood in between his legs, looking into his eyes, ready to spend all weekend with him. 

JC : (wrapping his arms around my waist) you OK? 

Gianne : yea. just ready to spend the weekend with you

JC places a finger beneath my chin and kisses me. 

Gianne: I have time to get changed at your place first right? Or should I just get ready now? 

JC : nah, you can get ready at the house. The premiere isn't til 8.

JC gets up from the stool & grabs a water from the fridge before we head out. I lock up as JC gets my stuff settled in his car. 

As he made his way onto the 210 fwy, 

JC : autumn's really excited to meet you

Gianne : is it weird that I'm nervous about meeting her? She's one of your closest friends. I just hope she likes me

JC : (grabbing my hand & kissing the back of it)  she'll love you

We arrived at JC's house about half an hour later. Once inside, I went up to his room and started sorting through my bag to get my outfit together. 

JC plopped on his mattress, propped up on his elbow, looking at me and then the time.

JC : you know we still have about 3 and half hours to kill right? 

Gianne: yea, just don't wanna be running around later trying to put it together. That way…. (grabbing the last part of the outfit & setting it aside) … I can just cuddle up with you til then 

I climb onto the bed next to him & wrap my arm around his waist & cuddle up close. He wraps his other arm around my waist & kisses my head while I nuzzle into his chest. I thought to myself, I could do this all day, everyday. JC turned on the TV in his room while we laid in each other's arms. At one point, he couldn't find anything on TV & put on Netflix. All I could hear was the clicking noise of him browsing thru the titles and I tried grabbing the remote from him. We had a little tickle/wrestling match & I eventually got the remote - thanks to some kissing persuasion. I sat up against his chest while he settled his hand on my thigh. I settled on Cobra Kai & we instantly got thrown back to our childhood. We got so caught up with the first episodes that we didn't realize it was almost 7. I scurried to get ready - at least my hair & makeup, since I already had my outfit ready. JC walked into his closet to decide on what to wear. 

Gianne : See ? Getting my outfit ready beforehand totally saved our asses from being late. 

JC : so… We'll be fashionably late

Gianne : nuh uh… I don't want to be late for the first time meeting your best friend and to her premiere of all things. 

I finish the last touch of my eyeliner and look at myself in the full length mirror JC had by his walk in closet. I had on a black sleeveless bodysuit that hugged my set of curves in the right places paired with some light denim jeggings. I had my hair curled but in a messy updo kind of ponytail, paired with some simple dangling earrings. I put on some heels to dress up the outfit. I thought to myself - simple & dressy without going overboard. 

I look towards JC, who is putting the last of his outfit on - a light grey blazer. Underneath that, he wore black jeans and a white button up - leaving the top two buttons undone - showing a lil skin. I couldn't help but stare & think about the things this man does to my insides. This was gonna be a difficult night trying to keep my hands off him. JC noticed my dumbfounded stare & couldn't help but flash one of his seductive, flirty smiles. He knew the effect he had on me. As he began walking out of his walk in closet, my attention came back to reality & I couldn't help but be slightly embarrassed - caught in a fan girl moment, drooling over her favorite boy band member. JC lowered his head to mine, kissing me by the ear and then whispered. 

JC : you look gorgeous! (eyeing my outfit) But we better leave before anymore obscene ideas pop up in my head and I take you right here, right now. 

As he turned to walk into the bedroom, he lightly slapped my ass. The combination of touching, whispering, and comments definitely got me flustered. I grab my clutch off the nightstand and follow him downstairs. We get into his jeep and head to the venue the premiere was being held at. 

When we arrived at the theater, there was already media set up along the red carpet. Thankfully, we weren't late as other cars were still arriving behind us. As we got out of the car & i met JC towards the back of his car, David (Kater) was making his way past us. 

David: hey C! How's it going? 

JC : good! How bout you? 

David: not bad! 

JC looked at me. 

JC : you remember Gianne? 

David: (realizing who I was) Oooh yea! From MMC30 right? 

Gianne : (nodding) yea…. Good to see you again! 

David : you too! 

David then looked back & forth between JC & I. 

David : are you two? 

JC puts his arm around my shoulder bringing me closer to him as we both look at each other smiling. 

JC : yea, we sorta hit it off & we haven't looked back

David: that's so awesome! I'm happy for you guys

We both say thanks in unison. We walk together towards the red carpet and try looking for Autumn. As we approached the red carpet, we saw Autumn in the middle of an interview with one of the reporters covering the event. I thought to myself, this is it. Reporters are gonna ask JC who I am. The world is gonna know that I'm officially his girlfriend. The butterflies were going crazy. 

As the three of us stepped foot onto the carpet, camera flashes went wild. Photographers yelling this way. Down left. To the right. Each trying to get us to look at their camera. Some asked for a solo shot of David, which left JC & I to pose for some together. Then it started, 

JC! Is this your girlfriend? 

What's your name?

How long have you been dating? 

What happened to Jen? 

Was I supposed to answer the name question? When do you even have time to answer when you're smiling for so many damn pictures?! JC placed his right hand upon my lower back, rubbing up & down to let me know he was right there - to relax & comfort me. He began to guide us off the carpet when some photographers yelled for a solo shot of him. I looked at him & nodded to do so & I walked over to David who was already done with all the photos. 

Gianne: I don't know how you guys get used to that

David: (huffing) believe me, still not.

I blink my eyes a few times to try to adjust from all the flashes. 

Gianne: so JC told me you worked on some songs for the movie. 

David: yea, me & manny just went in the studio & we just got in the right head space & voila! JC even came in & helped out a little

Gianne : that's so awesome! Can't wait to hear it! 

JC finally escaped press photos and rejoined us. Autumn caught a glimpse of us and made her way as soon as her interview wrapped up. 

Autumn: Josh! Where have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever! 

They hug & cheek kiss. 

JC : I know… I missed you! 

When they pull away, JC puts his arm around my waist. 

JC : Autumn, this is my girlfriend Gianne 

Autumn: I finally get to meet the one that Josh has been gushing about everytime we talk. 

She leans in for a hug. JC shakes his head in disbelief of Autumn's statement. I laugh & feel my cheeks blush a little. 

Gianne: it's so nice to meet you Autumn! Thank you for inviting me! 

Autumn: of course. 

She eyes me & JC back & forth. 

Autumn: ya'll look good together 

She then continued greeting David, as well as other guests that started arriving.

Autumn: excuse me. We'll chat more later 

We nod to her and mingle a bit more until the premiere started.
One of the media outlets covering the event noticed JC, and approached him to do a quick interview. JC obliged and I took a step to the side to not get in the shot of their camera.

Reporter: JC, how are you? Did you have any part in the movie? 

JC : I'm good! I played around a bit with the music for the movie but mainly here to support one of my best friends. 

Reporter: that's awesome! Any plans to start acting in these feel good Christmas movies? 

JC : (laughing) no no, I'll leave that to the professionals. 

Reporter: ok ok. And I couldn't help but notice your beautiful date…. 

JC : yes, my girlfriend Gianne

JC looks at me with a smile and a wink.

Reporter: ya'll look beautiful together. Thanks for talking JC. Have a great evening. 

JC : thanks! 

JC rejoins David and I and we head inside to grab some drinks from the bar. Hors d'oeuvres were being passed around and they were delicious. A few friends came up to say hello to JC & David, and introduced me as well. We head into the theater and find ourselves some seats as the movie was about to begin. We found a pair of seats towards the middle. We were ready - popcorn, drinks, and good company. In my head, I couldn't help but think how this was technically our first movie date. At least he wouldn't get bombarded with fans asking for photos. 

An hour & a half later, the movie ended & we applauded the cast that sat among us. Autumn and the rest of the crew all took turns thanking everyone for such an amazing night. When we excited the theater, we hung around in the foyer/lobby to wait for Autumn so that JC could catch up with her a little more. JC was leaning up against a wall, while I leaned my back against him. He hung his arms over my shoulders, lightly resting his weight on me while messing with my hair or playing with my ear. He'd occasionally kiss me on the side of my head or on top of my shoulder. 

Gianne : I think the movie brought out your cheesy side

JC : (offended) cheesy? 

I laughed as he hugged me tighter & began kissing my cheek. I suddenly saw a camera flash go off. Our moment came to a halt as we turned to see who took our picture. Autumn had walked up with the event photographer that they had hired to document the evening. 

Autumn: sorry, that was just too cute not to capture. 

She then hurried over to stand next to us to get our picture taken, all three of us. JC put his arm around her while I still stood in front of him. We smiled at the camera. The photographer continued their rounds throughout the party. 

Autumn: thank you again so much for coming guys. 

JC motioned with his head & hands that it was nothing to thank us for. From what I could remember, he's always been photographed attending her premieres. That made me smile thinking about their friendship. 

Gianne: I think this may be my favorite Christmas one yet 

Autumn: really!? I'm glad to hear you liked it.

Autumn & JC continued onto some other topics such as the kids and some upcoming projects.

Autumn: any plans for Halloween? 

JC : well there's Eric's annual party. But that's pretty much it

That was the first I heard of JC mentioning Eric's party.

Autumn: any idea what ya'll are going as?

I don't know why, but I was surprised by the question. I knew JC went to this party every year & again, I didn't think I was gonna be included. I seem to keep overlooking these events that I was expected to be at with JC.

JC : (looking at me) we haven't discussed it yet…… So we'll see. 

Autumn: well I can't wait to see what you guys come up with

More guests were leaving & Autumn was needed to see them out.

Autumn: ok sorry guys… I have to go see some people out. Thank you again for coming. (giving me a hug) Gianne, it was lovely to meet you. We'll all have to get together to hang out when it's not work related.

Gianne: for sure

Autumn gave JC a hug.

Autumn: Josh…always love seeing you. Need to see you more! (whispering in his ear) I love her! And you are definitely different around her.

As she pulls away, she gives him a playful little slap on the cheek.

As we watch Autumn attend to the other guests, JC wraps his arms around my waist and leans his head closer to my neck.

JC : ready to get out of here?

Gianne : ready when you are

JC grabs my hand and leads us out to the car. I had survived my first red carpet. I survived my second paparazzi encounter. JC opened the passenger door for me before heading over to the driver seat. As he entered the jeep, I fastened my seatbelt.

Gianne: so …. what’s this about a halloween party? 

JC: oh yea, eric’s annual halloween party . Sorry i forgot to mention it earlier.… I really hope you can make it

JC started the car and headed home.

Gianne: did you already have something in mind to go as? 

JC: nah, not really. do you have any ideas in mind for us? 

Gianne: ha no. (mumbling to myself) … i’ve never been to a halloween party dressed to match someone

Heck. I’ve never been to a full blown halloween party. Only party i’ve ever attended was Lauren’s themed birthdays since it was the day after Halloween - which again, she hasn’t done since we were kids. How lame am i? 

JC: what was that?

Gianne: huh? um… just that i’d have to think about it especially since its my first time dressing to match someone. 

JC: WHAT?!

Gianne: heck… my first time going to an actual halloween party. 

JC: YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!?!? 

Gianne: what!? 

JC sat there shocked & stayed quiet the rest of the drive home. He finally pulled into his garage & we made our way inside.

JC: I GOT IT!

I jump, startled by JC’s sudden outburst.

Gianne: excuse me? 

JC: i know what we can go as 

Gianne: is that what you’ve been thinking about this whole time? (laughing) is that why you were so quiet? 

JC: if this is your first halloween party, we have to make it memorable. 

Gianne: (sitting at the island) ok… what’d you have in mind? 

JC: Danny & Sandy from grease

I stare at him while pondering the idea. A hint of smile emerges from my lips at the idea of dressing up with JC. 

Gianne: preppy jock or t-bird version?

JC: (poppin his collar) t-bird of course

Gianne: (unable to hide the smile on her face) sounds fun

JC kisses the top of Gianne’s head as he passes her to go grab a drink.

Gianne: let’s just hope i get the day off or get off early 

I was suddenly startled by a text notification. It was Lauren. All i could see from the preview was OMG!!!!!!! My initial instinct was to panic. All my attention shifted to my phone.

Gianne: Sorry, its Lauren. 

I open up the text. 

OMG!!!!!! I’M ENGAGED!!!!!! 

That text was followed by a photo of her & her, now fiancee, Tom.

Gianne: oh. my. god.

One hand went to my mouth and i couldn’t stop smiling. I was so happy for Lauren.

JC: everything okay? 

Gianne: Lauren’s engaged!!!

I flip my phone around for JC to see.

JC: thats awesome! send her my congrats.

I text her back which was basically identical to her text. 

OH MY GOSHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAH!!! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU! WE NEED A GIRLS NIGHT! I NEED ALL THE DETAILS!! 

AND JC SENDS HIS CONGRATS!!!!! 

THANK YOU!! XOXO

SEND ME YOUR AVAILABILITY BECAUSE WE'RE GONNA BE PLANNING AN ENGAGEMENT GET TOGETHER SORTA THING MAYBE WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH…. I NEED YOU THERE MS BUSY BEE!! AS WELL AS YOUR BOO!! 

will do. Love you! 

I immediately start looking through my calendar to try and see what I have going on. There was the two pop2000 dates next week on the 20th & 21st and then the halloween party next month. That was perfect since Lauren said it would be within the month. Hopefully JC didn’t have too much scheduled. I walk over to the sofa and plop next to him.

Gianne: hows your schedule looking this coming month? 

JC: (looking at the TV and flipping channels) as far as im aware, nothing too crazy. just a few studio sessions and then whatever meetings come up with the residency. how come? 

Gianne: i know it's kind of early … but how would you feel meeting my family ? 

JC looks towards me and before he could give a response, i rambled really fast, feeling like i needed to give an explanation.

Gianne: … because Lauren is gonna be throwing their engagement party sometime this month and obviously, our families are going to be there. And she really wants you to be there. Heck, i really want you to be there. But i know meeting family can be a lot. So its up to you. no pressure.

JC lets out a little smile and seems amused by my rambling.

JC: honey, if you want me there. im there.

I grab his face and give him a kiss.

JC: (looking in my eyes) and i’d love to meet your family.

My heart fluttered & I couldn't help but smile. I cuddled into him on the couch as we tried to find something to watch on TV.