Chapter 20
It was a whirlwind of a weekend. The video shoot for Alexis’s second single, “Bang, Bang” went off without a hitch but it was a LONG day. One that stretched into the wee hours of Sunday. However, despite her exhaustion, Alexis felt good about the video. Truthfully, it had been a lot of fun to shoot and now she was anxious to see and hear what others thought, particularly Josh and the rest of *NSYNC.
On Sunday Alexis slept a good part of the morning but managed to drag herself out of bed before noon. Michelle was already up when Alexis got out of bed but instead of doing chores around the house like Alexis thought she would be Michelle was seated at the kitchen counter with her lap top and a cup coffee, her fingers flying furiously across the keys.
“You look…busy.” Alexis said yawning as she shuffled her way to the coffee maker.
Michelle sighed heavily and took a sip of her coffee.
“This is it, my last year of Grad school, and technically this is my last semester, that is if I can come up with and submit my Capstone project proposal on time but I’m fresh out of ideas. I don’t just want to do the typical internship and analysis paper. I want something more adventurous, something that stands out.”
Alexis nodded. The three Moretti girls had NEVER been the type to settle for the status quo. If they did something then they put their whole heart and soul into it, Alexis with her music, April with her designs but apparently Michelle hadn’t found her passion yet.
“You’ll think of something. I am sure of it. I would say don’t stress yourself out over it, just relax and keep yours eyes open. Inspiration could come from anywhere.”
“I know. I just wish it would come a little faster.” Michelle grumbled.
Alexis smiled and nodded. She understood her sister’s frustration completely.
“What’s on your agenda for the day?” Michelle asked before taking another sip from her cup.
“Absolutely NOTHING! Thank goodness. I’m still trying to recover from yesterday.”
Michelle grinned. “Yeah. I bet. I only had to be there for a couple hours and I thought it was intense but interesting as hell to watch. That whole process is just so …mesmerizing.”
Alexis turned to look at her sister and grinned. It felt good knowing that Michelle took such an interest in her career.
“Yeah, thanks for doing that. I never imagined when the label said they wanted to make the song a single that they would leave your voice in for the rap. I always just assumed we would re-record it with someone else. Although, I have to admit it was fun to have you in the video with me.”
Michelle bit her lip and nodded. “It was fun. Now I am just anxious for it to come out and hear what others think of it.”
“Others?” Alexis teased.
Michelle smirked a bit. “Yeah, you know; Mom, Dad, April…”
“Justin.” Alexis finished.
Michelle blushed a bit. “Ok, yeah, and Justin.”
Alexis nodded again. Then took another sip of her coffee before speaking.
“He invited you to the party tomorrow, right?”
Michelle blushed again and nodded. “Yeah. Did Josh invite you?”
Alexis laughed. “Yes and no. Since I have a song with them on the album, I got an invite from the label, but yes, Josh would have invited me anyway.”
“Makes sense. What are you going to wear?”
Alexis giggled. “I don’t know, I was going to ask you the same thing.”
“Is it going to be as dressy as yours was?”
Alexis paused in thought. “You know, I’m not sure. I would think not just because this isn’t *NSYNC’s first album, but given that they haven’t released a new album since Celebrity I am not sure. I know this album is a big deal for them and they have a lot riding on it so maybe it’s a more formal thing.”
Michelle grinned. “Look at you laying down some *NSYNC knowledge. I’m so proud.”
Alexis laughed. “I learned from the best.”
After reaching out to April for suggestions and an impromptu shopping trip late that afternoon Alexis and Michelle found outfits suitable for the release party.
Kenny arrived at the condo shortly before 7:30 and the chauffeured car *NSYNC’s label arranged for arrived about fifteen minutes later. Truthfully, Alexis suspected that it was actually Justin and JC that had arranged for the chauffeured car but she wasn’t about to complain. This was a BIG event so parking would be a BEAST and definitely not something anyone wanted to hassle with.
Once the car arrived at the party and Alexis stepped out of the vehicle, she let out the breath she didn’t even realized she’d been holding. This was a BIG deal for *NSYNC! This album had been nearly 5 years in the making. There was a LOT of pressure for the album to do well. Alexis knew how hard the guys had worked on this album, how much of themselves they had put into it. It wasn’t like any of their previous albums, at least not based on what she’d heard. This album was much more about the men they had grown into. The content was more mature and their voices more seasoned. It sounded amazing, or at least the parts she’d heard did, but she completely understood the anxiety they were inevitably feeling.
Unlike her own release party this one was much more of an event. Instead of the ballroom of a swanky Hollywood hotel, this one was being held at one of LA’s premiere nightclubs; Greystone Manor. The paparazzi was out in full force and the Red carpet was lined with reporters from various media outlets, all itching for an exclusive photo or juicy sound-byte to use.
“Wow!” Michelle breathed out as they approached the Red Carpet.
“Right?!” Alexis giggled nervously.
“It wasn’t like this for your Release Party.” Michelle mused.
Alexis smiled and shook her head. “Well…I’m not *NSYNC, I haven’t been on hiatus for almost five years and I am not Justin Timberlake, who just released my 2nd, INCREDIBLY successful solo album, nor am I Lance Bass, who just came out as Gay like a month ago.”
Michelle giggled a bit and nodded. “True!”
It was then that Alexis turned to her sister and smiled. “Ok, so now I have to ask you something, and I want you to think about it because once you make a decision there is no going back.”
Michelle nodded but stayed quiet.
“The video for “Bang, Bang” drops tomorrow, once it does people are going to know who you are. There are going to be those that say you’re only on the track because you are my sister, but you and I both know that was the label’s decision, not mine or yours. SO…I have to ask you, do you want to walk the Red carpet with me or do you want to avoid all that mess and go in on the DL?”
Michelle grinned back at her sister. “Lexi, please! You should know me better than that! I could give a rat’s ass what the haters think. Let em’ hate! The people I love know the truth and that’s all matter as far as I am concerned. I would be honored to walk the Red Carpet with you, but now I have to ask you something?”
“Ask away?”
“Why aren’t you walking the Red Carpet with Josh?” Michelle replied seriously.
Alexis blushed slightly. “Umm…well…aside from Joey who is married, all the guys are walking the Red-Carpet solo.”
“Did he ask you to walk the Red Carpet with him?”
Alexis laughed slightly. “No. Did Justin ask you?”
Michelle smirked. “It’s not like that.”
“Yeah, that’s what you both keep saying. Personally, I think admitting you have a problem is the first step towards recovery.” Alexis teased.
“Are we doing this or not?” Michelle laughed as she swatted at her sister.
“Let’s do this!” Alexis replied as she and Michelle started towards the Red Carpet.
Kenny fell into step directly behind them, but far enough back that he was out of frame when they posed for photos.
The moment that Alexis and Michelle came into view the cameras started flashing and people began to call out, shouting questions from behind the velvet rope.
“Who is your date?”
“What are you wearing?”
Alexis smiled for the cameras and posed with her sister before responding.
“This is my sister, Michelle…we are both wearing designs by April Denise.”
Alexis was wearing a pair of mermaid inspired pants. The material was thin, and translucent but was covered in shiny fabric in hues of pink, purple and aqua that fell like tinsel down her legs. Her top was a soft pink color, made of chiffon perhaps. Alexis wasn’t sure, but whatever it was, it was gorgeous. It came off one shoulder, then fell down on one side all the way down to her feet, almost like a train on a gown. She LOVED it.
Michelle on the other hand, was dressed a bit more demurely. She was also wearing an outfit designed by her sister. It was a long, white chiffon skirt with a slip skirt underneath and a blue halter top that showed off just the tiniest bit of skin at her waist.
In other words, they were both dressed to impress!
After posing for at least a dozen photos Kenny ushered the two girls forward towards the entrance. Meanwhile, the questions were still coming. There were a few about her presence on the album and maybe one or two about her relationship with Josh but by then they were already at the door.
Inside, the club was GORGEOUS. Dozens of crystal chandeliers, ornate patterned ceilings, wooden floors and staircases, vintage leather and velvet couches. It felt like you were in a turn of century Victorian inspired mansion and not a night club. It was without a doubt, one of the fanciest places either of the Moretti girls had ever been to.
“I wish April could see this. She would LOSE her shit! This place is AMAZING!” Michelle hissed grabbing her sister by the arm.
“Right?! “Alexis giggled.
“Twenty bucks says Justin picked this place. This totally seems like his style.”
Alexis made a face at her sister. “His style? So, you know his style now? Tell me again that you guys are not dating.”
Michelle gave her sister a look. “You might not remember him from the MMC days but I do. I’ve been following his career since then, and ok, yeah, we’ve been hanging out recently so yes, I think I know his style.”
Alexis smirked and shook her head. “Fair enough. Should we go find a drink?”
“Yes please.” Michelle huffed.
Together, with Kenny close behind, Alexis and Michelle found the nearest bar. There were several within the club and all were well stocked and staffed for the party.
“What can I get you ladies?” the bartender asked.
Alexis grinned. “Well, typically we are tequila girls but this is a special occasion so what would you recommend?”
The bartender chuckled a bit. “Tequila girls, I like it. Truthfully, I can make you anything you want but there are five signature cocktails for the evening. “
Michelle snorted, behind her, Kenny rolled his eyes.
“Ok what are they?” Michelle asked as she tried to hide her smirk.
“Well…we have the Cosmonaut for Lance which is a take on the White Russian with coconut milk and Coconut rum.”
Both girls giggled and nodded.
“Go on.” Alexis laughed.
“Then we have the Tennessee Honey Hole ….”
“That’s for Chris, right?” Michelle teased.
“Right!” the bartender laughed.
“What’s in it?” Alexis laughed as she shook her head.
“That one is Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey, Peaches and Ginger ale.”
“What’s JC’s drink?” Alexis asked curiously.
“The Fine Ass Fig & Cardamom Gin & Tonic.”
Both girls snorted loudly, barely able to control their laughter.
“For the record, I did NOT come up with the names. The label hired some mixologist to come up with the drinks and teach the staff to make them.” The bartender replied, laughing with them.
“I’m afraid to ask what the other two are.” Michelle snickered.
“Chris is the Fineapple Vodka Lemonade.”
Again, both girls laughed and shook their heads.
“And Joey?” Alexis replied.
“Joey is the Fatone Fire Peach Tequila Sour.”
“What’s in that?” Michelle asked curiously.
Given that they were tequila girls that didn’t sound half bad.
“Let me think…umm…lime juice, red pepper jelly, bitters, Peach Schnapps and tequila.”
“I’ll take the Tennessee Honey Hole.” Michelle giggled.
“Got it, and for you?” He asked looking to Alexis.
She blushed and bit her lip. “Umm…I’ll try the Fine Ass Fig & Cardamom Gin & tonic.”
“Done. What about you? Anything to drink?” the Bartender replied looking behind the two women to Kenny.
Kenny shook his head and laughed a bit. “I’m technically on duty but I suppose one would be ok.”
The bartender grinned and nodded. “With as big as you are, I am positive one would be fine. What can I get for you?”
Kenny laughed. “I’ll have a Gin & tonic, minus the Fine Ass and the Fig please.”
Once they had their drinks the girls started to mingle through the club. There had been no *NSYNC sightings as of yet but there were plenty of people already gathered. It made sense that the members of *NSYNC would be the last to arrive as they were the guests of honor. However, there was no shortage of celebrity guests at this party. Within moments of stepping into the club Alexis spotted Ellen Degeneres, Carson Daly, Timbaland, Richard Marx, Pharell Williams as well as Johnny Wright and Clive Davis. In addition, Alexis’s manager; Andrew Thomas was also in attendance and currently milling about.
Alexis and Michelle were keeping to themselves for the most part. Both girls were a bit out of their element and truthfully, both were on the lookout for *NSYNC, or at least certain members of *NSYNC.
Twenty minutes later *NSYNC made their entrance. One by one they filed into the club to applause from those that had gathered. All of them were dressed sharply in tailored suits but it what was missing on JC that made Alexis suck in a breath and her knees begin to shake. His curly locks were GONE! He’d cut his hair. He now looked almost exactly as he had the day he walked out of her life, all the way down to the pendant around his neck.
“OH MY GOD!” Alexis whispered grabbing Michelle by the arm.
“It’s about DAMN time! He looked ridiculous with long hair.” Michelle teased.
Alexis blushed and shrugged. “It was growing on me, but yes, I prefer this look.”
Once all five men made their entrance, they started making the rounds as a group. Alexis and Michelle watched with admiration as they took their time with nearly every guest at the party. The two girls were mingling as well, making polite small talk with some of the guests as they made their way around the perimeter of the club towards where *NSYNC had stopped to talk with Timbaland and Pharell.
“I don’t know Johnny…the Board and I just aren’t convinced she is the right fit for the tour.” Michelle overheard Clive Davis say.
“You do know she is on the album.” Johnny reasoned.
Johnny Wright knew that part of the deal with this album, the majority reason that all five members of *NSYNC had agreed to come back was because the label had assured them that they would have COMPLETE creative control over the album and any subsequent tour. In other words, if the label was having second thoughts it was not going to go over well.
“Yes, yes, I know but one song doesn’t mean she’s tour material or tour ready.” Clive replied.
“Have you heard the song?” Johnny asked.
“I have. It’s good, but frankly, I think they should have gone with someone like Kelly Clarkson or Alicia Keys. It would have been just as good, if not better.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” Johnny answered.
“I just don’t think she has the right sound to mesh well on an *NSYNC tour.”
Michelle looked to Alexis. She hadn’t heard what was being said. Then Michelle looked to Kenny. Kenny had heard and his eyes were wide. He knew the Moretti girls well enough now that he knew Clive’s statements weren’t going to go without a rebuttal.
Michelle grabbed her sister by the hand and pulled her closer to the two men. Meanwhile, the members of *NSYNC were also approaching. In fact, they reached Clive and Johnny at the same time Michelle, Alexis and Kenny did and Andrew Thomas; Alexis or Danielle’s manager joined the group a moment later.
Michelle downed the rest of her drink in an instant then handed it off to waiter who happened to be in the right place at the right time. With her glass gone Michelle took a deep breath and then opened her mouth to speak.
“Excuse me, Mr. Davis I couldn’t help but overhear, allow me to introduce myself, I’m Michelle Renee Moretti…”
Michelle outstretched her hand and he took it, shaking it cautiously.
“She’s my…” Alexis started to explain but Michelle cut her off.
“I’m Danielle’s Publicist.” Michelle said seriously.
Immediately, Justin had to cover his mouth to smother his smile. He had no idea what was going on or what had prompted Michelle to come at Clive Davis like this but he could tell by the look on her face that she was poised for battle.
“Nice to meet you Miss Moretti. What can I do for you?” Clive asked politely.
Meanwhile Johnny was shooting both Andrew and JC a look of confusion. Both men shrugged.
“Well, sir, I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with Mr. Wright just now and as Miss Moretti’s Publicist I have to say…”
“Moretti, isn’t that your last name?” Clive asked his eyebrows raised.
“It is.” Michelle replied curtly.
“So, that would mean you are …”
“I am sorry Sir; I am going to have to stop you right there. I apologize, but for the purpose of this discussion I am Miss Moretti’s Publicist, any other connection I may or may not have to Miss Moretti beyond that is irrelevant as it pertains to this discussion.”
Clive was slightly annoyed, but also slightly amused and intrigued. Whomever this woman was, and whatever her connection to the artist might be, she was definitely not afraid of anything, or anyone.
Behind her and around her the men of *NSYNC were all grins. Meanwhile, Alexis was standing there dumbfounded. She had no idea what was happening but she knew her sister well enough to tell when she was PISSED, and Michelle was definitely pissed.
“Alright, go on.” Clive said motioning for her to continue.
“As I was saying, I couldn’t help but overhear your discussion with Mr. Wright just now and as Miss Moretti’s Publicist I am going to have to respectfully disagree with your assessment. I think Miss Moretti is absolutely capable of a tour and definitely has the sound that would “mesh” well with *NSYNC. “
Around Michelle, every other jaw dropped. The men of *NSYNC were definitely paying attention now as was Alexis. In fact, JC and Justin did NOT look happy. The idea that Clive Davis was now questioning their decisions in regards to the album and the tour wasn’t sitting well at all. However, no one had the chance to speak on the topic because Michelle was far from finished.
“As Mr. Wright pointed out just now, she already has a song with them on the album and just in case you were unaware, I know you’re a busy man, I’d also like to point out that Mr. Chasez was the primary producer on her album. In other words, I think he will more than vouge for her “sound.”
JC could only nod and try not to laugh. He was quite familiar with this side of the Moretti sisters.
Clive smiled a bit and opened his mouth to speak but Michelle kept going.
“Furthermore, and please Sir, understand that I mean no disrespect. I am well aware of who you are and your reputation within the music industry. You are an Icon, no doubt about that, but just how well do you know *NSYNC and what “meshes” with them? I’ll spare you the history lesson, since it is the history of YOU in some respects, but as pertains to *NSYNC you really haven’t been around all that much, at least not until recently. All the mergers and label acquisitions that have occurred since you and Clive Calder founded JIVE, it would make anyone head’s spin. It was Barry Weiss and Clive Calder that were present for most of their career. I mean, again Sir, no disrespect, you say that you’ve heard the song but have you listened to Miss Moretti’s album? I’m going to take a wild guess that you’ve at least her first two singles, but what about the rest of it?”
“Umm…no…” Clive stuttered as he tried to keep from chuckling.
“I didn’t think so, however, as I said earlier, I understand, you’re a very busy man. Knowing that, and as Miss Moretti’s Publicist I think it’s relevant to this discussion that I point out to you that it was your own artist, a Grammy and American Music Award winning singer, songwriter and producer; Mr. Justin Timberlake that initially brought the idea of having Miss Moretti sing on the track to the table. And well, correct me if I am wrong Sir, but if you trusted Cissy Houston, who at the time had no awards, and no other credentials to speak of, but had a well- established reputation as a gospel singer, to bring you Whitney Houston; one of the greatest voices of all time, why wouldn’t you trust Mr. Timberlake to potentially do the same? I think he’s more than proven he knows his stuff, don’t you?”
Alexis couldn’t help but beam at her sister for defending her honor to Clive Davis of all people.
“Publicist? Is that what you said?” Clive said, stifling a smile.
“Yes Sir.” Michelle said, standing her ground.
“Not manager?” Clive continued.
“No Sir.” Michelle replied.
“I’m Miss Moretti’s Manager.” Andrew chimed in.
Clive nodded. “I see, and do you agree with your client’s Publicist?”
Andrew smiled. “100%”
Clive then looked to the men of *NSYNC, who were all still trying to maintain some shred of composure.
“What about you five, since as it was just pointed out to me, you know Miss Moretti better than I do, would you say she is *NSYNC tour material?”
“Definitely!” Justin replied grinning, while the others all nodded.
“We wouldn’t have already asked her if she wasn’t.” JC chimed in.
Clive nodded then looked back to Michelle and smiled. “Is it just the two of you, or is there another Moretti milling around this party that I should be concerned about running into?”
Alexis bit her lip and tried not to giggle. “There is a third, but I can assure you Mr. Davis, she is not here tonight.”
Clive just grinned. “Moretti, is that spelled M-o-r-e-t-t-i?”
“Yes Sir.” Both girls replied.
Clive chuckled a bit then looked from Alexis to Michelle. “I’m going to have to remember that one! You make a strong case Miss Moretti, and it’s obvious you know the music business so I am going to consider your argument. I like your spunk and your determination. Very few have been brave enough to question me, and even fewer have been able to with the knowledge and class you just demonstrated, and for THAT reason alone I will take your concerns to the Board. Someone will be in touch.”
“Thank you, Sir.” Michelle replied smiling politely.
Johnny just shook his head and chuckled a bit as he and Clive walked away. Once they were out of range the men of *NSYNC turned on Michelle.
Justin was grinning and shaking his head as were the others.
“What just happened?” Justin asked chuckling a bit.
“That’s what I want to know.” Alexis added.
Michelle grinned devilishly. “I overheard Mr. Davis telling Mr. Wright that he didn’t think my sister was right for the *NSYNC tour, and that he thought you guys should have gone with Kelly Clarkson or Alicia Keys for the song and well…I’m a Moretti, so I wasn’t about to let those statements go unchecked.”
“Thank you.” Alexis said as she smiled and shook her head.
If there was one thing she could say about Michelle, it was that she had absolutely NO FEAR. Calling out Clive Davis like that had been nothing short of AMAZING to watch.
“My favorite was when you said you were her publicist and then told Clive that any other connection you had was irrelevant to the discussion.” Justin said chuckling.
“Yes, I do love how you just appointed yourself my Publicist. Do I owe you backpay, or can we negotiate terms going forward?” Alexis teased.
“If I had stuck with the you’re my sister angle he NEVER would have listened. At least this way I was able to acknowledge it, but at the same time keep it professional.” Michelle replied.
Andrew was still trying to process what had just happened. However, he was also making a mental note to have the legal team for the label look over the contract Alexis had signed with *NSYNC. There was absolutely no way he was going to allow RCA or Jive or whomever was in control now back out of a contract without a fight, regardless of who was initiating it.
“You do probably need a Publicist. I should look into that.” Andrew said seriously.
Alexis laughed. “Were you not listening? I have one already.”
“I wasn’t being serious.” Michelle giggled.
Alexis looked to her sister and as she did her smile grew a mile wide. “Weren’t you though? Think about it. You said yourself this morning you needed something for your Capstone project that was “outside the norm” and “out of the box.” I think this more than fits that description. Also, an artist needs to be able to trust their Publicist implicitly, am I right?”
Michelle and the members of *NSYNC all nodded.
“There is not a single person on this planet I trust more than you. Plus, this checks all your boxes.”
Michelle made a face. “What does that mean?”
“The job is in Entertainment, which is what you’ve always wanted. It will require travel. You’ll get to work with print and Digital media. You will get to do Graphic design; which I know you love and it’s definitely “outside the box.” I’d say that’s a win-win, wouldn’t you?”
Michelle cracked a smile then looked at Andrew. As Danielle’s manager he definitely had a say in this aspect of her career. “What do you think?”
Andrew laughed. “Well, I think my opinion is moot at this point. Besides, I’m pretty sure it’s the artist that has the final say in who their publicist is, and it sounds to me like she already made her decision.”
“You don’t really want me as your Publicist, do you?” Michelle asked skeptically.
Alexis grinned. “Publicist, Personal Assistant, Cheerleader, Reality check, whatever you want to call it, I can’t think of anyone more perfect than you.”
Michelle still wasn’t convinced. “Well, ok then, but isn’t that called nepotism?”
The men of *NSYNC all laughed.
“’Chelle, do you know how many artists and entertainers give high paying positions to their family members?” JC replied chuckling.
“You’re sure?” Michelle asked looking to her sister.
Alexis grinned and nodded. “Absolutely positive!”
Michelle blushed. “Well, ok then.”
“Now that we have that settled, please, tell me, what is that your drinking?” Joey asked nodding to Alexis.
Alexis laughed. “It’s called the Fine Ass Fig & Cardamom Gin & tonic.”
Chris snorted. “STOP! No, it’s NOT!”
Alexis laughed more. “It is…and yours is called the Fineapple something…I don’t remember.”
“Oh GOD! I don’t dare even ask what mine is.” Lance groaned slapping a hand over his face.
Michelle smirked. “The Cosmonaut…it’s a twist on a Moscow mule I think, Coconut Rum and Coconut milk.”
“That’s not completely awful.” Justin teased.
“Neither is yours…although I do question part of the name.” Michelle snickered.
“What’s it called?” Justin asked raising an eyebrow.
Michelle grinned up at him. “The Tennessee Honey Hole.”
Justin visibly choked. “Who was in charge of that?! For real?! That’s what it’s called?!”
Alexis laughed. “Yes, I am afraid so.”
“It’s actually not bad.” Michelle giggled.
“You tried it?” JC asked chuckling.
Michelle blushed. “I did.”
“Ok, I think we need to try these.” Joey said before flagging down a waitress.
Minutes later Alexis and Michelle were settled in the VIP area with *NSYNC, sipping on drinks and chatting freely as the party continued.
“You look AMAZING!” JC whispered to Alexis.
Alexis smiled. “You’re looking pretty good yourself there handsome, I LOVE the hair.”
JC chuckled and his warm breath tickled Alexis’s ear. “Do you? I thought it was time to switch things up but I’m glad you approve.”
Alexis looked over at him and smiled more. “I’m not gonna lie, the long curls were growing on me, but I’ve always loved the shorter hair.”
JC smiled back. “I will admit, not having the curls is going to take some getting used to but if you like it then I like it.”
“I love it! You look GOOD!”
“MMM, so do you Pretty Lady. You’re still leaving with me, right?” JC asked as he leaned in a bit closer.
Alexis blushed and nodded. “That’s the plan.”
Before either of them could say another word, Johnny Wright appeared. He looked to Michelle first and chuckled.
“I have to give you credit Miss Moretti, that was impressive. I don’t think I’ve EVER seen ANYONE call out Clive like that, and I’ve known him a LONG time.”
“Umm…thank you.” Michelle said giggling.
“You’re welcome. Also, for the record, I happen to agree with you. I think your sister is PERFECT for the *NSYNC tour.”
This time it was Alexis that giggled a bit.
“Thank you, Sir.” Alexis replied.
“You’re most welcome.”
Then Johnny directed his attention to the members of *NSYNC.
“Gentlemen, it’s time” He said seriously.
All five men stood from their seats and started to smooth out their suits and adjust their ties. Meanwhile, Alexis and Michelle were exchanging looks.
“You might want to find a spot close to the stage for this.” Justin said winking at Michelle.
“That goes for you too Pretty Lady.” JC said grinning at Alexis.
Again, both girls looked exchanged looks with each other. They had no idea what was about to happen.
Then, one by one the men of *NSYNC filed out of the VIP booth and followed Johnny Wright to the stage that had been set up on one of the balcony’s overlooking the dance floor.
Alexis shrugged at her sister then stood and started for the dance floor with Michelle and Kenny right behind her.
Alexis and Michelle made it to the front just in time for Justin to start speaking to the room full of guests.
“We just wanted to say “Thank You” to all of you for coming out tonight and for being there for us, supporting us every step of the way for the past 10 years. We wouldn’t be standing here today without you.”
JC started to speak next.
“AND…since this is such a special occasion, we thought we would get the party started right with a song from the new album, “Private Affair” …it’s called “I Swear.”
As soon as the words left JC’s lips a synthesized beat started and then right away both Justin and JC jumped in with the ad libs.
Justin had the first verse and as he sang, he focused his attention directly on Michelle. Michelle felt a shiver race down her spine all the way to her toes as Justin sang. He was being sexy and suggestive and his blue eyes were on fire, and tracking only her.
I’ll never give you up
I’d cry my eyes blind
I’d bleed my body dry
I’d finish dead last
I’d walk a mile on broken glass
Anything you want, you just ask
Anything you want and I’m down for the task
Give me the chance to prove I’d make it last
Just forget the past
Then JC started, and as soon as he opened his mouth and the words came out Alexis felt her body go numb.
But you keep picking away
How much can one take
Before the wall starts to break
You’d love to see me crumble
You’d love to see me fall
But you can’t break me down
At the chorus they all sang together and from behind the two women Kenny couldn’t help but smirk and shake his head. Then, he caught Lonnie standing off to one side. They exchanged looks briefly and by then, both men were chuckling.
And, I swear if I could take it back
Then I would take it back
Baby, I’m so in love with you
I don’t know what to do
I’m so confused
I’ve been to hell and back
I don’t know how to act
But after all is said done
Baby, I’ll never give you up
Next, it was JC’s turn to sing lead for the start of the verse and as he sang, he got right up in front of Alexis, leaned forward, grabbing the railing for support and sang directly to her. Immediately, Alexis could feel the heat rising in her cheeks and her pulse begin to race.
You wanna see me suffer
Babe, I’ll never give up the fight
Cause there’s something about you baby
I just don’t live without you baby
Cause girl it’s you I want
And there’s no looking back
I want you so bad
By the time the song finished both girls were both beside themselves, and feeling a little warm. What had just happened was not at all what they had expected and now both girls were fighting to make sense of it.
“I need another drink.” Michelle said breaking from her trance.
Alexis nodded then forced herself to speak. “Same girl, same!”
