FRIDAY - 10/18

Wake up calls were sent to all the guys for 7am. We all needed to be downstairs by 8am to head to the studio. I prayed Chris didn't feel that horrible after last night's shenanigans. JC groaned a bit of disappointment when the wake up call came in but we managed to make it out the door in time. As we approached the elevator, lance & Michael were already waiting for it to reach our floor. 

I hug Michael from behind. 

Gianne: how are you guys feeling?

Lance: remind me never to drink that much before a taping.

Michael: yea but you were out like a baby

Lance: (to JC) how are you feeling?

JC : wouldn't mind more sleep… otherwise, OK. 

We made our way through the lobby and met up with everyone else in the SUV's. Chris was seated up front with sunglasses on – didn't know if he was awake or not. As everyone settled in and buckled up, the driver made his way to Rockefeller Plaza, nudging Chris awake.

Chris: and we're off!

Joey: HE LIVES!!!!!

Chris: sshhh… not so loud! 

We laugh as Chris massages his temples. The rest of us tried to remain quiet the rest of the drive, which wasn't too long. We were at Rockefeller before we knew it & we noticed the crowd was bigger than your usual morning - and growing by the minute. We entered through the back entrance & the guys went straight to wardrobe & makeup before their 10am spot. 

The guys' segment was going to be with Carson - so it felt a bit nostalgic, like being back on trl. The guys were set to go on air - just waiting for the cue back from commercial break. The crowd outside was insane. 

Back ON AIR…. 

Carson: guys… do you feel like you were just thrown back into time?

Joey: definitely… except this time instead of looking down, we're level. Face to face! 

Joey goes to the window and puts his hands against the glass to get the fans loud and riled up.

Carson: Joey! Get back here! You’re gonna cause the fans to break down the windows. 

The guys laugh as Joey sneaks back to his stool. 

Carson: Today has been long awaited! You guys are finally back together to perform …. and in Las Vegas!

Chris: Yep! We’ll be at Planet Hollywood performing select nights a week.

Lance: yea, so far its until April… but you never know (making a teasing face)

Carson: will the residency feature any new music?

Justin: you never know… but right now, it’ll be versions that we haven’t actually released or only performed for a tv special. 

JC: We don’t want to just throw something together for the hell of it. If we put together new music, we want it to mean something and put our hearts into it for the fans – they deserve that especially for sticking with us for so long. 

Carson: so there’s a possibility? 

All the guys shrug their shoulders. 

Carson: alright alright… will there be any VIP options or packages for fans to purchase? Lance: well, after getting some feedback from fans and discussing with some of the people on our team - we will have a few options for upgrades.

Joey: but ya gotta wait to see what those options are! we can’t give you all the deets yet! 

They went to another commercial break. They had one more quick segment playing a game with audience members. Each guy was partnered with an audience member answering *NSYNC trivia questions. The guys did horribly but it was hilarious to watch them try to remember tidbits from back in the day. Carson said the winner would get a pair of tickets to the residency but all 5 contestants would get a pair anyway as a surprise – which they definitely appreciated.

As they went to commercial break again, i made sure to get a group shot of the guys with all 5 contestants. The day continued on at the radio station as they did their interview and took some questions from fans and gave away a pair of tickets as well. The radio spot was their last job while in New York. Joey, Chris, and Lance were headed out tonight. Everyone would meet up in a week or so in LA for other TV appearances.

When we got back to the hotel and after everyone said their goodbyes for the week, I went back to our room to take a nap. After about 2 hours, I woke up around 4pm. I sprawled on the bed stretching and realized that JC wasn't in the room. I made my way to the living room and saw that JC had packed all our belongings and were neatly waiting by the door. I looked over to the couch and saw JC watching TV, with the volume really low. 

JC : (looking to me) sleeping beauty is finally awake

Gianne : (walking to join him on the couch) why is our stuff packed? Why didn't you wake me up? 

JC : I know how tired you must be. This week has been jam packed compared to the pop tour. 

Gianne: yea, but I could've still helped you fix up our stuff. 

JC : relax… we're just switching hotels & moving across the river. 

Gianne : (surprised) we are?! 

JC : it's my little surprise. besides, I'm sure the news of where we've been staying is out. 

Gianne: are we leaving now? 

JC : yea, I just need to call to have a car ready. Just make sure I didn't forget any of your things in the room

I give him a quick kiss before going into the rooms to do a quick sweep. I check myself in the mirror and make sure I don't have bedhead or anything. 

As I head back to the living room, JC was already standing by our luggage. I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his neck. 

Gianne: I'm excited. Thanks for making this a mini getaway for us too.

JC : I told you we'd go someplace just us… And I plan on squeezing them in when I can.

He brushes my hair behind my ear, rubbing my cheek with his thumb and leans down to kiss me. I deepen the kiss - feeling like I was not getting enough of him. He lightly pushed me back while he caught his breath. 

JC : easy baby… you're jumpstarting the night I have planned. 

He kisses my forehead as he grabs our suitcases. I grab my purse & walk out of the room. We head to the car waiting for us out front and make our way to Brooklyn. I gawked at the view as we made our way across Brooklyn Bridge. JC grabbed my hand and held it the rest of the way. After making it across, we circled back towards the east river and pulled up to the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. It was a very modern style hotel. The staff grabbed our bags as we walked to the check in desk. JC got our keys and we followed the bell boy to our room. JC had gotten us a skyline suite and the views were incredible. JC tipped the bell boy as I headed straight for the window with the view. The sun was setting now and the lights from the skyline began to twinkle. JC walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, nuzzling in my neck. 

JC : you like?

Gianne: this is amazing. 

I turn in his arms to face him and start running my hands up his shirt, rubbing his back.

Gianne: (biting my lip) should we pick up where we left off..?

JC : (grabbing my chin & grinning) uhm, not yet. 

I could feel my face fall with disappointment. I wasn't expecting that answer. He let's out a little laugh of amusement. He grabs my hand as he leads me to the closet. 

JC : get dressed for dinner first.

I hadn't thought about food since we finished the radio interview. But now that he mentioned it, I was quite hungry. I changed into skinny jeans and a beige loose neck sweater - almost off the shoulder but not quite. I quickly did my make up and added some curls to my hair for a messy updo.

JC had changed into black jeans and a black undershirt, which was covered with a gray charcoal button up long-sleeve. After I walked out to the living space to grab my purse, I couldn't help but gawk at JC. He just looked so sexy dressed in black. He was placing his wallet and whatever else in his pockets before he turned to look at me. He eyed me up and down and I swear I could've melted right there. 

JC : (talking to himself as he walks closer to me) dude… make it through dinner first. Gianne: (wrapping my arms around his waist) are we losing some self control handsome?

JC : I always feel like I'm losing control when I'm around you

Gianne: glad to know it's not just me

He kisses the tip of my nose before twirling me around to lead us out of our room. When we got to the elevator, he pushed the button for the roof. I looked at JC and kept picturing pinning him against the elevator wall, planting kisses here & there - just to get my fix. He saw me zone out and began waving his hand in front of me. 

Gianne: (shaking my head) huh? Oh, sorry! 

JC : where did you just go? 

Gianne: (blushing) um… 

Suddenly the elevator dinged open. 

Gianne: oops, no time. 

I wink at him as I grab his hand and walk off the elevator. As he led us to turn the corner, we saw the gorgeous view of the city, river, etc from the rooftop restaurant - Harriet's lounge. The host led us to a prime corner spot with a 360 view. It was a booth type table with fairly high backing, facing the river so it was nice & romantic & definitely private. After looking over the menu, JC placed his arm on the back of my seat, running his fingertips on my back/shoulder that was exposed. I couldn't help but squeeze in closer to him.

JC : are you cold?

Gianne: nope. (looking at him & giving him a kiss) nice & toasty

When the waiter came to get our order, we ordered some sushi rolls and the steak frites. I ordered the purple haze, which was supposed to be their popular drink. JC ordered the Carroll Gardens, one of their whiskey concoctions. As the waiter took our menus, both our phones dinged. I grabbed my phone and saw a message from Chris. 

Thank you guys for the birthday gift. I love the photo. Love you guys! 

JC looked over to read my phone.
Chris also attached a video clip of him already hanging it in his office followed by a thumbs up to the camera. 

Gianne: (putting my phone away) aww I'm glad he liked it

Our drinks arrived as well as one of the rolls. The purple haze was so good that I had to stop myself from finishing it in a few sips. Throughout dinner, JC made sure to always have body contact with me - whether it was squeezing & caressing my thigh, holding my hand, or pulling me in closer to him so that our legs were touching. After we finished our food, we ordered another round of drinks, enjoyed the view, and talked about anything & everything. We laughed. We kissed. We poked fun at each other. It was comfortable and easy. I loved it. 

On the waiters last check in with us, we asked if they could take our picture. There was no way I wouldn't get a photo of us in this setting. JC stood with his back to the glass railing with me in front of him. I leaned my head back into him as he hugged me from behind. I tried not to smile so big but I couldn't help it. 

We thanked the waiter and made our way back to our room. As soon as JC shut the door, he lifted me up & held me against the wall. I wrapped my legs around him & let him have his way with me. 

We spent the weekend exploring the city and finding places to eat. We agreed we wouldn't talk about work or do anything work related unless it was urgent. It was definitely a nice weekend to ourselves. We flew back to LA on Sunday evening. Before we knew it, we were back in our business mindset when notifications started coming in about the upcoming appearances next week, meetings, etc. After we unpacked & changed for bed, I jumped up on the bathroom counter while JC finished brushing his teeth. 

Gianne : thank you for an incredible weekend

JC looked at me while he patted his mouth dry with a towel. He stood in between my legs & placed his hands on my hips/butt 

JC : no need to thank me beautiful. 

I blushed and felt butterflies go crazy. Compliments from JC was never gonna get old. 

Gianne : YEP! Everytime!
JC : (looking confused) what?
Gianne : butterflies. everytime. Never fails. 

JC laughs and playfully kisses me before lifting me off the counter & carrying me to bed.