WEDNESDAY, 10/16

I woke up around 8am. As my eyes adjusted, I had to familiarize myself with my surroundings - almost forgetting that we were in New York. I turned to JC who was already on his phone. 

Gianne: oh, you're up already? 

JC : just a few minutes ago. Didn't want to get scolded for not posting on time

JC winks as he makes a teasing face. Could it be possible to be irked and sexually frustrated at the same time? I sat up against the headboard to actually witness JC post something on social media. He must've felt me staring since he turned to look at me. 

JC : what?! am I doing something wrong?

Gianne: no no! Just wanted to witness you actually post something 

This time I laugh and he shows me his irritated face. I run my hands through his hair to let him know I was just teasing. He hit post & I reposted on the nsync socials! I felt like JC posting was going to cause the internet to break - or cause mass hysteria.

[black screen] 

wishing I could touch your face 

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

[tonight show logo - tonight - check local listings] 

While JC went to go freshen up, I knew his post would be getting a lot of traffic so I went to go check what was being said. 

Oooh I wish you'd touch my face

Even when you talk it's so fucking sexy! 

I laughed because I agreed but I kept scrolling trying to see what other comments have been made. 

If this doesn't end up being reunion news, imma cause hell 

Heck, if this is just a one night thing on Fallon, I'll take it! But also, reunion news welcome! 

I tied my hair up in a messy bun sort of way & headed to the bathroom to freshen up as well. As I began brushing my teeth, JC stripped off his pajamas & walked in the shower. I couldn't help but gawk & follow his every step in the mirror. 

Gianne: um… so what time is soundcheck? 

JC : I think they said around 3 

As I was wiping my face with a towel, the hotel phone started ringing. I go to answer it. 

Gianne: hello

Lance: good morning! We're meeting for breakfast downstairs at Southgate….in about 45 minutes 

Gianne: ok sounds good.  

Lance : (cheerful) ok bye

I hang up the phone & get my outfit ready before I take a shower. JC walked up to the bathroom doorway with a towel wrapped around his waist. 

JC : who was that? 

Gianne : Lance…. Said to meet downstairs for breakfast in 45 minutes

JC : yea, like that's not gonna cause attention

Gianne : im sure it'll be fine

I give him a quick kiss before I undress & hop in the shower. He shaved & got dressed in a gray hoodie & black pants. I unfortunately didn't have the leisure of having a wardrobe change at the taping, so I dressed in my outfit for the day - black dressy pants & a ruffled teal blouse and brought a coat on the side. We headed downstairs after we were all set and ran into Joey & Izzy by the elevator. 

Gianne: (giving Izzy a hug) hi iz! How are you? 

Izzy: hiiii…. Good! You? You look cute! 

Gianne: good! And thank you! 

Joey & JC conversed since we basically ignored them as we greeted each other. When we reached the lobby, everything still seemed normal - no leaked information to paparazzi or media on the guys lodging accommodations. As we reached the hostess at Southgate, she smiled wider than normal, obviously knowing who the guys were. She kept her professionalism and lead us to our table which was sectioned towards the back away from the entrance. Already seated in our section was Joe, Melinda, Johnny, Kari, Chris, Karly, Nash, Lance and Michael, and Eric. I suddenly wondered if Justin was coming by. Paparazzi followed him everywhere. If he came to breakfast, the guys hideout would be blown for sure. JC and I said hello to everyone before we sat down and i finally got introduced to Johnny. JC sat next to Eric, followed by me, Izzy, and Joey - who ended up by Joe. The others had already ordered their drinks & some were waiting on their food. You either had the option of ordering from the breakfast menu or doing the buffet. I opted for menu and ordered the brioche French toast. I was a sucker for French toast. I'd say only 2 or 3 people opted for the buffet. We all avoided business chatter while enjoying breakfast. We caught up with one another, laughed, and just enjoyed the company. 

As soon as we were done with breakfast, we discussed the schedule for the day before everyone got up and left. 

Johnny: ok, so soundcheck for Fallon is at 3. Ya'll gotta be there by 215 to get checked in and situated. Cars will be down here by 2. After soundcheck, wardrobe & makeup for all 5 of you. You guys are the last guests and closing out the show. 

The guys nodded and looked at the current time. It was almost noon. It's crazy how fast time flies when you're just eating & catching up. 

Melinda: Gianne, have you prepared posts for announcing the residency after Fallon airs? As well as their upcoming appearances the next two days?

Gianne : yep! Just waiting on some graphic clearance and any additional info Caesars sends over. And just need some final touches for Friday's appearances

Melinda: Good! It's important we keep the momentum going

Johnny: definitely! It's good to finally put a face to who is behind all the posts. Keep it up Gianne! 

Gianne: thank you

I could suddenly feel my face turn beet red. My face felt so warm. JC placed his hand on my knee to comfort me and let me know he was proud of me. Izzy nudged me with her elbow showing her support too. 

Johnny: ok I'm heading to Justin's and we'll meet you guys at Fallon.

Johnny and all the guys hug goodbye or pat each other on the back. 

We all headed out of the restaurant and agreed to meet in the lobby a little bit before 2pm. Karly had to make sure they had everything they needed for Nash while waiting around at Fallon, especially since it’d be a few hours. I certainly hoped they had the space to accommodate all the friends & family that the guys were bringing tonight. In our room, I made sure to pack up my ipad, as well as any charger cables just to be safe. Eric hung out in our room in the meantime until we needed to be downstairs. I came out of the bedroom with my tote bag in tow. JC was sitting on the sofa across from Eric, who was in the other armchair. 

Gianne: (setting my tote bag in the armchair closest to the door) Oh Eric, before i forget, Karly is throwing a surprise dinner party for Chris tomorrow night in Midtown, if you can make it…. 

Eric: oh! sounds fun! i should be able to. 

Gianne: great! I'll forward you all the details

Eric : great!

After I forward Eric all the info through email, I received a notification of an email and check to see it's from Caesars. I open it up and see that they had sent over their approved graphic of the residency name. 

*NSYNC: unplugged & remixed 

I got excited just seeing the name of the show finalized. JC hadn't mentioned it, nor did Melinda or any of the other guys.

Eric : (to JC) gianne's eyes just lit up

At the mention of my name, I look at both of them staring at me.

Gianne : oh sorry… Just got the approved graphic for the show name

JC smiled probably knowing that I was low key freaking out inside. 

JC : oh yea, let's see.. 

I pull up the attached image & show both him & Eric. 

Eric : that looks awesome. (to JC) So you guys did finalize on the unplugged intimate feel…?

I look to JC to see what other information he might give out. 

JC : yea… we've already done the all out, bells & whistles with the other tours. Thought this route might give the audience a more personal experience. 

I plop on the couch next to him with legs under me, excited with all the details he's been withholding from me. Eric & him simply laugh at my excitement. 

JC : (directed more so towards me) we haven't finalized the set list yet. I'm sure there will still be dancing or some old routines for the uptempo numbers, unless we're doing a remixed version or what not. 

Gianne : so are we talking remixes like…. reggae tearing up my heart or the version from vmas. Reggae bye bye bye from the Xmas intimate special? Booty poppin it's gonna be me from the vmas? 

JC & Eric continue laughing. 

JC : yes

Gianne : (satisfied with his answer) ok

I settled back against the couch & tried to calm myself. I tried brainstorming the changes i could make to the announcement post now that I have the approved graphic but can't really concentrate with the news. 

We headed down to the lobby around 1:50pm and saw that Chris, Karly, and Nash were already waiting. Looking out the front entrance, i could see two heavily tinted luxury vans waiting for the guys. One by one, the rest of our group showed up in the lobby. Although having 4 out of 5 NSYNC guys in the hotel lobby didn’t cause a commotion, we couldn’t speak for outside the hotel. We spread the guys out as we exited the hotel and boarded the vehicles. We made our way to Rockefeller Plaza and as soon as we approached our entrance, we realized we were about to be greeted by the guests attending the taping as well as numerous fans. On one side, some audience members were starting to form a line as they entered the building and were being guided by staff. On the opposite side, a barricade had been set up since fans gathered to try and get a glimpse of the guys. It was definitely more security than I was used to - just like back in 2000 when the guys couldn’t go anywhere without them. In the first car, it was me, JC, Joey, Joe, izzy, and Eric. As Joe opened the door to get out, the screams were deafening. It brought me back to the days I screamed from the nosebleeds of my first nsync concert - to lose your voice just to get a second of attention from any of the guys. We all stood up to get out & followed the assigned staff member into the building. JC made sure he had his hand on my lower back to avoid losing me in the shuffle. The other hand waving to the fans. As the others exited the second car, Chris made sure he held onto Nash, while everyone followed after him. Lance & Michael waved & even blew some kisses to the fans. We were quickly escorted into the elevator & headed to studio 6b. 

Chris : Man, didn't think it'd be that crazy outside

Lance : felt like being back at TRL… about to release a new music video or something

They all laugh reminiscing about the memory. 

The PA escorted us to the guys dressing rooms, where Johnny & Justin were already waiting. Justin greets everyone & says an extra little hello to Nash. It was endearing seeing the dad side of Justin, Chris, and Joey. We all settled in among the two dressing rooms, which were across from one another, while the crew got the guys sound check ready. I situated myself on the couch in one of the rooms to start editing the final teaser. I suddenly thought of an edit I could do, now that we were here at the studio. I carried my phone with me that way I'd be ready when the opportune time came. 

The PA announced they were ready for the guys to do sound check & like groupies, we all followed behind them. We took up the first row of seats to watch. I made sure I had nothing obstructing my view as I had to get some bts footage. Being that it was an a capella number, sound check was just to make sure their mics were all set to the proper volumes, echos, and what have yous. I don't know why they were stressing - they sounded like they never stopped singing together. Flawless. 

After about half an hour or so, they wrapped it up and had their mics set aside. Before they walked off to the back, I had them stand against the curtain and told them what I had in mind for my edit. They had to practice 2 or 3 times to get in sync, but then I was able to get the 4th take on video. I thanked them and we all headed back to the dressing rooms. 

I began editing the teaser to incorporate the new video of the guys while they went into wardrobe & makeup. It felt like everyone was going back & forth between rooms. As I settled in the corner couch of one room, izzy came to join me. 

Izzy: hey! What's that? 

Gianne: the final teaser for tonight

Izzy: really? Can I see? 

I showed her the clip and felt relieved that she was smiling. 

Izzy: the fans are gonna go nuts seeing all five of them together like that

Gianne: I know 

As Izzy got comfortable next to me, I looked around for Chris. He was in the other dressing room, which gave me the time to let the people in this room know about tomorrow's party. 

Gianne: (in a soft voice) hey, I'm not sure if Joey knows yet but tomorrow, karlys throwing a surprise dinner for Chris. So be sure to fill him & Joe in for me, yea? 

Izzy: oh sure! 

Gianne: I'll text you the deets 

As I found myself alone with certain people, I also made sure to fill them in. Everyone I informed seemed to be able to attend so that was good news. We'd have a good little crowd attending. 

When I finished editing and I knew I couldn't mess with it anymore, I set my stuff away and took in all the commotion of the guys getting ready. The room I was in - Justin was getting his make up done while JC sat next to me on the couch. On the opposite couch was Chris & Karly, while Nash ran around. 

Chris: dude, you should've brought Silas.

Justin: (laughing) didn't realize everyone was coming. But I'm sure you'll see Jess & Silas at least once while ya'll are here 

I knew he was talking about chris' surprise party tomorrow. Chris probably just thought that it would be at one of the upcoming tapings they had. 

At about 5pm, all the guys were dressed and done with make up. All the guys were either in dress shirts & a vest or dress shirts & a blazer. They were coordinating without being 90's cheesy. All 5 looked damn good. They were probably sick of me taking pictures and videos, but I had to make sure to get a photo of them. 

Justin: (sarcastically) damn Gianne, are you gonna be doing this the whole time we promote? 

Gianne: yep! And during the residency. (making a face) So get used to it!

Melinda: (laughing) I taught her well 

The guys laugh as they stand side by side for a photo. 

Once the show started taping, Chris brought out a hacky sack. 

Chris: ok let's get this over with

Lance: you couldn't have brought this out before we got dressed? 

Chris: uh.. no

We all laugh as the guys form a circle to start their hacky sack tradition. I, of course, got video of it and again felt like I needed to edit my teaser. I opted against it since it was cutting it close. I was planning on posting the final video as soon as they finished taping their segment. It took the guys a few tries, but all of them eventually hit the hacky by the time they needed to go on stage. 

As they waited to be announced, makeup people did final touches before the guys walked out. We all got to watch from the side of the stage as the guys did their segment. 

Jimmy: ladies & gentlemen, *NSYNC 

We hooted & hollered just like the audience did - not that they needed any help. I couldn't stop smiling. This moment just made me so happy. The guys hugged & handshaked Jimmy as they walked past him to their seats. The guys also waved & smiled to the audience. 

Jimmy: oh my gosh! I can tell you right now…. People are screaming, crying & glued to their tvs right now!

The guys laugh in response. 

Jimmy: ok ok… First off how are you guys? 

Joey: we're good man

Lance: yea, glad to be on the show. Thanks for having us. 

Jimmy: thanks for being here! Last time all 5 of you were on the tonight show together was with Leno! So this is looooong overdue! 

Chris: (laughing along with the others) yea…. at least you had this guy (nudging Justin) to keep you company 

Jimmy: I did. I did…..But having all five of you… I'm kind of fanboying right now

The guys laugh & Justin pretends to be offended, before joining in the laughter. 

Jimmy: so now the obvious question… the question every nsync fan is waiting for me to get to. Is *NSYNC reuniting? Is there gonna be a new album? A new tour? Anything? 

Justin : damn Jimmy! One question at a time! 

Jimmy :(laughing) sorry sorry…. Ok, is *NSYNC reuniting? 

JC : yea, you could say that

The screams from the audience were deafening. 

Jimmy : is *NSYNC releasing a new album? 

Justin : no talks of an album right now, but never say never

Lance : but there may be little surprise that won't disappoint the fans

Of course Lance had to throw that statement out. He was always so good at that - teasing the fans. 

Jimmy :ok, so if there isn't a new album… that leaves a new tour? 

Chris : not a tour per se… buuuuut…. 

Jimmy looks to all of them waiting for an answer. 

All the guys: (in sync) WE’RE GOING TO VEGAS!! 

The audience went nuts. 

Jimmy: WHAT!? WHAT?! OH MY GOD!! A RESIDENCY?

The guys nodded. 

Jimmy: how did this come about?

JC: ever since we did coachella with Ariana, we’ve had so many offers left & right. and we know fans have been waiting for us to get back together….. . for what? 18 years. 

Joey: and I've done a few gigs in Vegas and when this offer came up, I provided my feedback to the guys… That way they could weigh in on whether this was something we wanted to do or not 

Justin: and with all the kid situations within the group, it'd be less stress than there would be with a traveling tour 

Jimmy: ok, so what's the details? Where's it gonna be? When does it start? Fans need to know! 

Lance: so…. *NSYNC: Unplugged & Remixed… will be based at Planet Hollywood and will be starting with dates in February. 

Jimmy: sweet! Unplugged & remixed?? 

Chris: yea, different versions of some songs. Some songs will be the same. You know, we can't give you all the details…. Ya'll gotta come & see it for yourselves 

Jimmy: ok fair enough. (looking at the camera) OK, we're gonna take a break and when we come back, *NSYNC will give ya'll a sneak peek of one of the songs they'll be performing at their residency. We'll be right back! 

As they cut to commercial, the make up artists attend to the guys and do any necessary touch ups. 

Some audience members yelled their love for their guys & the guys just waved. The producer counted down the seconds til they went back on air & everyone hurried out of the way or in position. The guys shuffled their way onto the stage with mics in hand. 

Jimmy: welcome back! Now for a very special treat, please welcome *NSYNC… singing This I Promise You. 

The crowd applauded and JC started counting down when they started to quiet down. Justin immediately went into his verse and the guys joined in harmony where they needed to. They were singing the Atlantis special rendition of the song, mainly to match the part where they're in the underwater tunnel. No band or backing track - just them. Just their voices. The studio was dead silent - in awe of the guys voices & harmonies. 

When they ended the song, Jimmy walked onto the stage alongside them. 

Jimmy : that was incredible!! Oh my God. 

Tickets go on sale November 13th. So mark those calendars! 

Chris: but wait wait…. Your lovely audience will be getting tickets today! 

Chris mimics screaming as the fans go crazy. 

Jimmy: wait wait….Does that include me? (laughing)

Lance: of course! 

Justin: (winking) we got you! 

Jimmy proceeded in thanking his other guests & *NSYNC & wished everyone a good night. 

The guys mingled a bit on stage with Jimmy while the PA crew cleared out the audience. While waiting around, the ladies & i, plus Michael, took selfies with the tonight show backdrop in the background. As Jimmy and the guys were making their way towards us, he noticed our good little entourage. 

Jimmy: wow! You guys got the whole entourage going on over here. 

Melinda: it's a big announcement! We didn't want to wait to watch it on TV. 

Izzy: or miss their first live performance together in 7 years! 

Jimmy: good point! So who's all here? 

The whole management team introduced themselves except for Johnny. Jimmy was already well acquainted with him since he was so close with Justin. Jimmy goes down the line to greet us like we were a bunch of fans. 

Karly: (carrying Nash) hi I'm karly, chris' wife. This big guy is Nash! 

Michael: I'm Michael… you can prolly assume who my husband is. 

We all let out a laugh as they shake hands. 

Izzy: I'm Izabel. Joey's girlfriend. 

Gianne: and I'm Gianne. (pointing at the guys with my thumb) I do their social media & I'm JC's girlfriend. 

Jimmy: Oooh.. I see! So you'll probably be the reason my ratings skyrocket tonight! 

Gianne: nah… That'll be all them (nudging my head towards the guys) 

Jimmy: (laughing) also true…. It was nice meeting all of you. Glad ya'll were able to make it out. 

Karly: thanks for letting us huddle in the corner

Before we made our way back to the dressing rooms, all of us gathered around Jimmy for a large group photo. One of the PA'S was kind enough to take our picture. When we got backstage, karly quickly snuck in a word with Jimmy while Chris was busy changing. She passed on the info for chris' dinner & said he'd try to make it after tomorrows taping. As I waited outside the dressing room, I posted the final teaser on NSYNC's Instagram. 

[black screen] 

but the truth remains…. 

[black screen] 

[clip of the guys from soundcheck - you asked for it] 

[tonight show logo - tonight - check local listings] 

I suddenly heard notifications go off - did others also sign up to get notified when the nsync account posts? I look up and see Michael & Izzy grab their phones. 

Gianne: awww… you guys have notifications set up for the nsync account? 

Izzy: of course! 

Gianne : for me? Or the guys? 

Izzy: you

Michael : the guys

I make a face as Michael laughs. 

After they watch it, I see smiles appear on their faces. 

Michael : the clip of all of them…. My god! everyone's gonna go crazy

I feel my phone going off like crazy & see a bunch of dm's and some texts from Lauren. 

I opened Lauren's first. 

Gianne! I'm so proud of you! Still can't believe you're the one running the guys social media! That's insane! Miss you! 

P. S. The guys look goooooood! 

Haha don't they?! 

And thank you! I still can't believe it either! 

Miss you too! 

I also send her the picture of our group shot since I had to send it to the others anyway. After sending it to Lauren & Melinda, I opened up a new group text & included Izzy, Michael, and karly - the S.O.'s is what I named it. 

When the guys finished changing, we all headed out to the cars waiting for them outside. Apparently while the guys had been changing, the guys decided we'd head over to Justin's place first to hang out for a bit. As we exited the building, the crowd outside was significantly larger compared to when we came in. Some fans even made it into the building lobby but luckily it wasn't enough to cause the guys to panic. They just tried to squeeze in quick selfies as we walked by them. Justin, JC, Chris, karly, Nash and myself squeezed into the first van. Lance Michael, Joey, and Izzy squeezed into the second. 

After several minutes in traffic, we reached lower Manhattan & the driver parked in front of a red brick building, which could've passed for a factory building of some sort. A security guard manned the main entrance - and with all the high profile tenants in this building, I would hope someone manned the front door. He greeted Justin as we approached and greeted us all with a smile as we entered the building. As we walked in, the main lobby totally didn't match the outside. It was like walking into the Waldorf Astoria - high ceilings, intricate & expensive looking decor. We followed Justin to the elevators and surprisingly enough, we all fit in one ride. We were a bit snug but I didn't mind getting pressed against JC. I don't think he minded either with his hands wrapped around me & his head resting near my neck. 

Chris: (jokingly) ok everyone jump! 

We laugh and then continue to laugh with Joey's comment that followed. 

Joey: ok, who's grabbing my ass? 

The elevator dinged as we reached Justin's floor. We made our way out & down the hallway to the front door of his penthouse. Justin opened the door to Jessica & Silas playing in the living room. Silas began running to Justin but then noticed the big crowd behind Justin. He suddenly became shy & eyed us all as Justin picked him up. Jessica began making her way towards us as well.

Justin : Silas, these are your uncles. (and pointing at Nash) and that's Nash! Say hi. 

Silas shyly waved at us. 

Karly : what are we? Chopped liver?

Jessica: (greeting karly with a hug) definitely not. 

(to Silas) this is aunt karly Silas. She's nash's mommy. 

Jessica stands between Izzy & I, after giving us hugs. 

Jessica: and this is Gianne & Izzy. Can you say hi? 

Silas: hi 

We all walked in further to the living area to get more comfortable. Justin set Silas down on the couch. 

Justin : see… didn't wanna make things awkward by not calling Izzy & Gianne aunties…. but Jess went ahead & did it anyway

Jess, Izzy, and I looked among each other with a questioning look. 

Jess: you're the only one making it awkward

Justin looks at Izzy & I, as we shrug & nod & smile. 

Justin : ok ok. Changing the subject then… 

We all sit & get comfortable on the living room sectional. 

Jess: how'd the taping go? 

Lance : I think it went really well

Karly: they sounded amazing 

Jess: (to Michael & the girls) were all of you at the taping? 

We all nodded. Jess looked at Justin jokingly like he was in trouble.

Justin: great! Ya'll changed the subject & actually made it awkward. (to Jess) and in fairness, I didn't get the memo that this was gonna be a family event with all in attendance 

Jess: (sarcastically) uh huh

We all laugh it off and continue chatting. Nash & Silas began getting comfortable and started playing with one another. Justin & Jessica gave us a tour of their place. 

As we all mingled back into the kitchen,

Izzy : this place is amazing! 

Jess : thank you! 

Jessica had ordered food ahead of time to be delivered & we enjoyed dinner together. After eating, Justin began making the guys some drinks - glasses of whiskey. They sat out on the terrace shooting the shit like men do. It was nice to see them all together again. In the kitchen, we picked at fruit & chocolate while we showed Jessica what she missed at the taping. And while the guys were outside, karly filled Jessica in on Chris' surprise tomorrow evening. She assured her that they'd be in attendance. 

Around 9pm, we decided to head back to the hotel. 

Gianne : thank you guys for dinner!   

Justin : anytime! 

We all hugged each other goodbye. 

JC : see ya tomorrow

When we got back to the hotel, we said goodnight to the others and headed to our rooms. Before heading to bed, I scheduled the announcement post for 4am, that way it wouldn't spoil the Fallon episode for the west coasters. I also scheduled  their gma appearance to post for 5 am.