TUESDAY - 10/15

Getting up at 2am to make a 4am flight is something I never wanna do again. But I had a feeling that would be happening a lot more often than I'd like in my future. We had a car pick us up & drop us off at LAX. Being so early, we didn't have much of a crowd to get through - not that it would matter with the business class tickets we had. We waited in the business lounge until our flight started to board about 20 minutes later. Prior to boarding our flight, I made sure to check if wifi was included or if I had to purchase it in advance. I didn't want any hiccups whatsoever when I had to follow chris' post in an hour. JC took the window seat and I took the aisle. Watching people walk down the aisles to their seats, I don't know why I was surprised to see Lance & Michael start to board the plane. I shouldve known they'd be flying out of LAX too. After all, I was used to knowing their travel arrangements. Michael spotted me first & waved. They both stopped at our row before heading to theirs. I cheek kissed them both good morning.

Michael : they should make flights this early illegal 

Gianne : (laughing) agree

JC : where you guys seated? 

Lance : (looking at the row number above my head) uhm…. Two rows behind you

They continue to get settled while the rest of the passengers board. After we backed out of our gate & took off, I cuddled into JC, leaning my head on his shoulder.

Gianne : if I fall asleep, please wake me up before 5 our time ….or 8 eastern….. depending where we are 

JC : (amused) yea, you definitely need more sleep 

Gianne : shush! 

I thought for sure I'd fall asleep for a nap, but I think my nerves were on edge. I was too anxious. Too excited. I just started looking through the sky mall magazine to kill time. When I finished looking through that, I brought out my phone to prep the next post. After watching numerous videos - from cooking to funny fail compilations to cute puppy ones - my phone notified me that iamckirkpatrick just made a post. 

I started bouncing in my seat. JC grinned at me in amusement. Just like justin's post, it started off as a black square with no sound. Then the second line of the gone chorus hauntingly appears. 

Can't get you off my mind  

After it disappears off screen, Chris' voice states over a black screen yet again. 

You asked for it

The video then ended with the tonight show logo with Wednesday's date below it. I immediately followed suit and shared on *NSYNC's IG & twitter. I then forwarded Joey his post.

Hey Joey! Please post around noon! 

See ya later! 

Got it! 

I somewhat monitored the feedback chris' post was getting. Upon checking Twitter, I did notice that *NSYNC was trending. That was a win! With Justin's post yesterday evening & the posts to come today - i think it was safe to assume that they'd be trending the rest of the day. I was gonna start drafting posts for GMA & the today show but figured I should indulge in the alone time I had with JC. Who knew what the next few days would be like. I closed my laptop & stored my phone away with it. I leaned my head on JC's shoulder.

JC : everything good so far? 

Gianne: perfect

I smiled & closed my eyes while he kissed the top of my head. 

A few hours later, we were making our descent into La Guardia Airport. We gathered our stuff and made our way to transportation. Luckily, we all opted out on checking in luggage. Lance & Michael were ahead of us, while JC walked with his arm around me with his head down. However, with Lance strolling about carefree ahead of us, what was the point in hiding? If anyone noticed Lance, it'd only take a few moments after to recognize JC. When we got to transportation, a black SUV was waiting for us. We quickly got in and headed towards the studio the guys were going to be rehearsing at. Joey had already flown in about an hour or two earlier, while Chris flew in the night before. Both were at the studio already with Justin. My phone goes off notifying me of Joey's post. Michael & Lance lean over the 2nd row seat to watch it with me.

Same as the previous posts, but with the third line of the gone chorus :

I've tried my best to be a man and be strong

And then Joey saying, you asked for it.

Lance : soooo good. Does that mean it's finally my turn?! 

Gianne : (laughing) yes. I'll forward you your post. Maybe post around 9 tonight. Space it out from Joey's. 

Lance: (jokingly irritated) of course you make me wait the longest to post

Gianne: well…. Ya gotta tease the fans right? 

Lance : yea yea

We arrive a few minutes later in front of jungle city studios and hurry in to avoid the guys being spotted. Upon entering, Melinda was waiting for us in the lobby & we greeted her hello. She led us upstairs to the east penthouse studio, which also consisted of a lounge, terrace, bathroom, and a breathtaking view of NYC. We settled our carryon luggage in the closet and said hi to everyone before they got down to business. 

Melinda: Gianne, the response to the teasers have been insane. Great job! 

Gianne: oh gosh! I'm so glad! I was so nervous! 

Melinda: well keep it up. Can't wait to see what else you do later on

Gianne: way to keep the pressure down Mel 

Melinda: (laughing) you'll be fine.

I walk up to stand next to JC & say hi to the rest of the guys.

Gianne: hey guys…

Chris, Joey, and Justin all take turns hugging me hello.

Chris: came to get a sneak peek eh? 

Gianne: you bet your ass i did!

The guys laugh in response. I didn’t care. I’ve waited so long for this. 

Gianne: plus, gotta get the behind the scene footage. (winking) … so please don’t let me keep ya’ll from doing your thing

The guys gather around the soundboard and discuss the breakdown of the song before heading inside the live room. I gather with Michael & Melinda on the couch in the control room watching the guys do their thing. I was in awe as soon as they all harmonized on the first note. My heart fluttered uncontrollably - from excitement, happiness, joy. I couldn't wait for wednesday - when they would finally grace us with their voices again. The fans needed this. They deserved this. And with their song choice - they were gonna flip out. After taking some candid video of the guys, Melinda and I arranged to get food delivered being that some of us came straight from the airport and that the guys were probably going to be here the rest of the afternoon. We ordered some ramen bowls & sushi - it was perfect for the cold weather. While waiting for the food to arrive, I decided to check out the rooftop terrace that was part of the studio. The view was insane. Everything still felt like a dream. I took some photos & may have even snuck in a selfie. I wrapped my jacket around me to keep myself warm and leaned on the banister to take it all in. I was startled a few minutes later when JC came to join me.

JC : (leaning on the banister) everything ok? You seem deep in thought… 

Gianne: everything's fine. just taking in this view

JC : you know you could do that inside, where it's warm

Gianne: (smirking) yes, I know….. Are you guys done already? 

JC : no…. just taking a break for food

Gianne : oh good! It's here! (putting my arms around his waist) cmon, let's get you refueled

He holds onto me before I could lead him back down to the studio. 

JC : one sec….. 

He grabs his phone out of his pocket & positions ourselves to take a selfie of us with the view behind us.

JC : gotta get you a photo to remember this moment

I couldn't help but smile as JC placed his head next to mine for the photo. After taking our photo, we headed back downstairs to indulge in ramen. How any of the guys were going to work after that….. Who knows?

After eating, Michael & I gathered our stuff to head to the JW Marriott Essex hotel to check in & meet up with Karly & Nash. The company had booked the car all day, so they were nice enough to bring Michael & I to the hotel. 

Michael: I need a bubble bath.

Gianne: I second that

It was very tempting to fall asleep on the ride to the hotel, but being that it was only a couple minutes drive….. there was no point. The driver pulled up to the front of the hotel and Michael & I checked in and got our keys to our room. We were both on the 30th floor but on opposite ends. I wonder if Chris & Joey were on this floor too. 

Michael : ok, see ya in a bit

We cheek kiss & head off to our rooms. I walked in and nearly gasped at the view of Central Park. I dropped my bags & immediately went to the window. I tried taking a decent selfie and sent a pic to Lauren & my mom. As i continued to inspect the room, it was like an apartment - a living room area, a hallway to the bedroom, one full bath and a half bath. I continued to the master bath and gawked at the marble shower and full size soaking tub. I opted for the shower and freshened up. Traveling always had a way of making me feel dirty, so it felt like heaven having the hot water run over me. I wrapped one of the big fluffy robes around me when I finished & just relaxed for a bit. As I lay in bed, I checked all the socials. The entertainment socials had posted on their IG stories about the 3 guys posting so far & speculated that the guys would be reuniting just for Fallon. None had speculated the residency but they were hopeful for tour news. Being so caught up with executing the teasers, I hadn't had a chance to check my own account. Upon opening, several accounts had dm'd me basically the same message in different forms of excitement.

Tell me our prayers are being answered?! 

Fuck! It's happening! Please confirm! 

Girl, we know you know! LET US KNOW! 

What does this mean? 

Loved my other girls that supported me. 

Girl, these posts are killing me! 

What a way to tease the fans! 

Tying in the VMA's - loooove it! 

And yes! We have been asking for it! 

All I could respond with was, you won't be disappointed. 

Meanwhile at the studio, the guys had pretty much nailed the version of the song they were doing for Fallon. All they needed to do now was lay it down as a track since they knew a lot of fans have been asking for this version. It wasn't a new song but hey, they were giving the fans something.

Justin: things look like they're going good with Gianne

JC : yea, it's great. She finished moving her things in about a week or so ago…. 

Joey: that is still such a trip you asked her to move in 

JC : I love her. I know it's crazy being that it's only been a few months…. But I think she's it. 

All the guys : Whoooooa! 

Chris: who would've thought this guy (placing his hand on JC's shoulder) …. Finally settling down

Lance : and with a fan! 

JC : to be fair, when I first met her…. I didn't know she was a fan. She didn't scream in my face or hyperventilate. 

Joey: yea… You just found out the day after when she was at mmc30 asking you to sign her nsync CD 

The guys laugh it up just to give JC a hard time. 

JC : ok ok, can we finish this up & lay this track down? 

Lance : he wants to get back to the wifey

The guys head into the booth and get back to work. 

Back at the hotel, i text karly after i finish getting dressed. 

hey, what room are you guys in? 

Michael & I wanted to stop by & say hey! 

hi! 3021. what about you guys? 

oh! same floor! 3015. Michael’s in 3033. 

awesome! stop by whenever! :) 

be there in a bit! 

I walk over to Michael’s room to get him before heading over to karly. When we knock on karlys door, we hear Nash screaming in excitement  on the other side. 

Karly: hey guys

Michael & I : hiiii 

We cheek kiss Karly and get high fives from Nash. Their room setup was the same, so i’m assuming the whole floor were suites overlooking Central Park. We continued to make our way inside and settled on the couch in the sitting area. 

Michael: when did ya'll get in? 

Karly: last night. 

Michael: ugh! Lucky…. Getting up for this mornings flight was horrendous 

Karly: well now that you guys are here.. I need your help with Chris' surprise birthday dinner

Gianne : oh my gosh… How fun! What did you need us to do? 

Karly: since I've had most of the day to find a place, I found this family style taqueria place in midtown. Private room & everything. So Gianne, can you please help me spread the word to everyone that's here. I know you'll be at all their guest spots…. So just make sure I don't miss anyone. 

Gianne: got it! 

Karly: And Michael… somehow get some balloons or decorations delivered before we all get there. 

Michael: ok. I'll call & see what the restaurant allows. Leave it to me! 

Karly: thank you! 

She texts us the name of the restaurant and any other details we might need to know. We keep karly & Nash company while we wait for the guys. Around 6pm, I get a text from JC. 

Hey, we're almost to the hotel. What room are we in? 

We're in 3015. But we're in Chris' room so head to his room first. 

OK. Be there in a bit. 

gianne: the guys are on their way back. 

michael: oh good. i’m starving. i think we’re gonna head to hell’s kitchen. if any of you would like to join us?

karly: we may lay low tonight. its gonna be a crazy few days ahead… especially with a toddler. 

gianne: i dont know what jc has in mind for dinner. if we head that way, we’ll text you

michael: uh huh, sure you’ll text me

Karly laughs as she sees my facial expression towards michael. The door suddenly opened and Nash ran as soon as he saw Chris on the other side of it. JC, Joey, and Lance followed behind him. 

Chris: hey buddy… remember your uncles? say hi

Nash waved and gave some of them high fives while Joey gave him a light noogie to mess up his hair. 

Chris: i see our room has become the meeting room. 

All the guys continue into the room to say hi to Karly. 

Karly: everything go well at the studio? all set for tomorrow? 

joey: as ready as we can be 

JC: just one more run through tomorrow at fallon before we tape

Michael: you guys will kill it. you always do. 

Joey: ok i’m out! gotta go get izzy at the airport 

Lance: (handshaking joey goodbye) yea, we’re gonna head out too 

I get up off the couch and hug Karly goodbye. 

Gianne: see ya’ll tomorrow

Karly: see ya 

The guys wave goodbye to Chris, Karly and Nash while we head out of their room. 

We say bye to each other in the hall as we split ways. 

JC: surprised we all ended up on the same floor 

gianne: yea, i thought that was interesting too. whoever took the reservation is an nsync fan and is about to sneak up here to try & get a glimpse. 

jc: (rolling his eyes) you and your theories

I laugh. As we walk into the bedroom of our suite, JC empties his pockets onto the desk alongside the wall. 

JC: what did you want to do for dinner? 

Gianne: i found a little chinese restaurant in hells kitchen, if you’re up to go out. (sitting on the edge of the bed) but i know its been a long day. so…. your call 

JC: it has been a long day, but i can’t pass up spending a night out with you 

He leans down to kiss me. 

JC: let me just change & freshen up a little bit 

While he washes his face and starts changing…

Gianne: oh by the way…  Karly is planning a surprise dinner for chris on thursday night in midtown 

JC: oh damn! it is his birthday, isn't it?

I let out a small laugh - of course guys wouldn't remember these things. I flip through the hotel booklet and catch a glimpse of JC changing into some joggers. As he lifted his black hoodie over his head, his tee lifted showing off the skin of his lower back. I couldn’t help but stare and bite my lip. I just wanted to rub my hands all over him. I snap out of it before he realizes I'm gawking away at him. 

JC : ok let's go

He opens the door for me as I step out into the hallway. He grabs my hand as we walk towards the elevator. 

JC : so how'd you find this place? 

Gianne : concierge recommended it when I checked in

We reached the lobby & made our way onto the cold streets of New York. We walked alongside Central Park before we had to turn on 9th street. It always amazed me how many people walked the streets and at all times of the day. It was almost like Vegas. A few minutes later, we reached AA Jing. As we walked in, we saw most of their tables shared a long booth-like bench that ran from one wall of the restaurant to the other. Each table was paired with a seat opposite the bench. We were seated by the window which was fairly close to the entrance. The hostess handed us our menus, took our drink order and we thanked her as she walked away. 

Gianne: (looking at the menu) mmm everything looks so good

JC : imma try something different - 5 flavor chicken 

Gianne : daring huh? 

JC: hey new restaurant… new dish. What about you? 

Gianne : I might try the baby shrimp in black bean sauce

The waiter comes to take our order and we order some fried rice along with what we already decided on. I take a sip of water as JC looks at his phone. 

JC : (putting his phone away) oh, Eric will be here early tomorrow morning

Gianne: oh… Taking a red eye? 

JC : looks like it

He takes a drink of his hot tea. 

Gianne: I wonder where Michael & Lance ended up eating tonight. They said they were heading this way too. 

JC : oh yea? 

Gianne: said to text him if we came out but I'm kinda being a bit selfish wanting to keep you to myself 

JC : and I don't mind one bit 

The waiter brings out our food after a few more minutes. We each tried the other's dish & finished majority of the food. There was a bit of fried rice left over & we took it to go in case we wanted a midnight snack. JC fought me for the bill since I grabbed it as soon as the waiter placed it on the table. I knew he was going to give me grief over it but I knew of a way to make it up to me if he insisted. I grabbed our little to go bag and we made our way back to the hotel. As we walked back, we saw a little bakery & stopped in to buy a brownie & cookie to indulge on later. 

By the time we reached the hotel, it was almost 9pm. As we casually entered the hotel, I knew that this may not be the case after tomorrow. More people would be on the lookout and fans & paparazzi would eventually find out the guys were staying here. I wondered if they were gonna start having security around. When we got to our room, we changed into something more comfortable, plopped on the bed, and watched some TV. My phone alerted me shortly thereafter. 

lancebass just made a post. 

I thought to myself, oh good! He didn't forget! After all, I didn't get to remind him before we left karlys and had last told him around lunchtime. 

[black screen] 

I drove myself insane

[black screen & Lance's voice] you asked for it 

[tonight show logo - Wednesday 10.16] 

After reposting Lance's teaser on Twitter & IG, some comments stood out. 

Omg! 4 out of 5! That means we have to get a JC post right? 

I'm gonna hear JC's voice next!? I. CAN'T. DEAL. 

bring it on fineassdaddy! I'm ready for you! 

We asked for JC! And we're finally gonna get it! 

Wow! The thirst for JC was real. 

I had my head in JC's lap as he was playing with my hair. I turned my head to look at him. 

Gianne: you're up next… tomorrow morning! The fans are already anticipating yours

JC : (joking) can you just post it for me? 

Gianne: (I immediately sit up facing him) what!? All you have to do is select your video & hit post. You don't have to edit it or anything. No caption. Nada. I couldn't have made it any easier 

JC just laughs at me amused at my little rant. 

JC : yes yes! tomorrow morning. 

He grabs my waist and pulls me to straddle him as he sits up against the headboard. 

Gianne: you love getting me all riled up 

JC : I do… But I'd say right now, I'm all riled up 

I felt  him beneath me and I smiled. I playfully grinded on top of him before going in to kiss him. The way his hands made his way down my hips and onto my ass made me ignite. We indulged in each other rather than the cookie & brownie we bought.