Alexis returned to her place Tuesday morning feeling like she was on Cloud 9. The whole birthday “staycation” had been total bliss! She couldn’t remember when she’d had a better birthday!
Michelle was scheduled to arrive home in a couple hours, meaning she had the house to herself.
“Want to come in for a bit?” Alexis asked as JC pulled his Mercedes into the drive.
“Sure.” JC replied smiling.
Alexis dug through her purse until she found her keys then opened the door and disarmed the alarm quickly. With the alarm deactivated they stepped into the condo and headed for the kitchen.
“Are you hungry?” Alexis asked as she set her purse down on the counter.
JC cracked another smile. “Nah. I’m good. I think I am still full from breakfast.”
Alexis nodded. “Same. Would you like some coffee?”
JC sat down at the counter, looking at her now standing on the other side, in the kitchen. She looked comfortable, but beautiful just the same.
“Sure. But only if you’re having some.”
Alexis laughed a little. “Have we met? You should know by now; my blood type is actually coffee.”
JC chuckled. “Actually, I did know that.”
His laugh made her whole body tingle. He just did that to her. EVERY TIME. It didn’t matter that she’d known him since she was 12. They’d met just a few days before her 13th birthday. He still had the ability to make her knees turn to Jell-O with just his laugh or a smile.
Minutes later Alexis handed JC a steamy cup of French press coffee before pouring herself a cup.
“Just a splash of cream and sugar.” She explained as she handed the cup to him.
JC took a quick sip then his lips quickly curved into a smile.
“Since when did you get so good at coffee?”
“Since I worked as a Barista for a while after moving here.”
JC nodded. It still made his heart ache a little that he’d missed out on so much of her life. However, he tried not to dwell on it. Things were looking up now and the last thing he wanted was to mess it up again.
“What’s a “while?” JC replied.
Alexis blushed slightly. “Umm…I don’t know…a year, year and a half maybe. Then I got too busy with music.”
He smiled again and she felt her heart flutter a little.
“Well, it’s really good. You obviously haven’t lost your touch.”
“Good to know I have a future in coffee if the music thing doesn’t pan out.” Alexis half teased.
Truthfully, she still wasn’t sure she was good enough to make it beyond a first album.
JC grinned. “I think you have a very LONG career in music of ahead of you, and I am not just saying that because you’re my girlfriend.”
Alexis’s jaw dropped. Yes, they had been “dating” for over a month and he’d said on several occasions that he wasn’t seeing anyone else but this was the first time he’d actually used the term “girlfriend.”
“Excuse me?! What did you just say?” Alexis exclaimed.
JC shot her a confused look. “Umm…I said I thought you had a very long career in music ahead of you.”
Alexis replied by shaking her head. “No. No. After that. The other thing you said.”
Immediately a grin spread across JC’s face. He understood now what she was getting at, and he found it absolutely adorable. She was flustered. Her eyes were wide and she looked like she was fighting to maintain her composure. It made him feel good.
“I said that I wasn’t just saying I think you have a long career ahead of you in music because you are my girlfriend. Was that wrong? Are you not my girlfriend?”
Alexis blushed. “Umm…I guess so.”
JC smirked a bit. “You “guess so” but you’re not sure?”
Alexis bit her lip. “Do you want me to be your girlfriend Josh?”
“Do you want to be my girlfriend?” JC replied.
Alexis gave him a look. “I asked you first.”
JC laughed a little. “Would I have called you my girlfriend if I didn’t?”
“I don’t know, would you?”
JC chuckled and shook his head. This was the STUBBORN Lexi he remembered. Although, he couldn’t blame her, his track record with women wasn’t doing him any favors.
His eyes softened and he smiled at her as he reached across the counter and took her hand. He squeezed it gently then looked up at her, his blue eyes swimming.
“Lexi…I don’t know how else I can say it. I love you! I’ve loved you on some level since I was 15! YES! I want you as my girlfriend!”
Lexi looked back at him and tried not to smile. She was biting her bottom lip so hard it she felt as if she was going to bite a hole in it.
“Does that mean you’re my boyfriend?”
JC laughed and shook his head. “Only if you want me to be.”
“I’m good with it.” Alexis teased.
“Glad to hear it.”
“So…now that we have that established…what’s on your agenda for today?” Alexis asked, taking another sip of her coffee.
JC looked down at his watch.
“I have a meeting with Johnny and the guys this afternoon. I think it’s about the VMA’s.”
Alexis nodded. “Same. I mean, I have a meeting with Michelle, Andrew and Kenny …also about the VMA’s. Apparently, I am nominated…and I’ve been asked to perform.”
JC grinned. “I might have heard that.”
“Oh yeah, where?” Alexis smirked.
JC laughed, a deep laugh, that made his whole body shake a bit. She LOVED it!
“EVERYWHERE! They are already playing the promos on MTV…hosted by Jack Black with performances from Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Danielle M.”
“Oh!” Alexis giggled.
Then it occurred to her, he hadn’t mentioned *NSYNC.
“What about *NSYNC? You’re not performing?”
JC smiled and shook his head. “No. Not this year…the video just dropped, meaning it was too late to be considered for this year, but we are presenting and Justin is performing.”
Alexis nodded. “I did know Justin was performing. Michelle hasn’t shut up about it. I guess he officially asked her to be his date while they were on the flight to NYC.”
JC laughed a little. He was reminded of Justin’s “NEXT LEVEL” comment about the flight. Apparently, Michelle hadn’t shared as much, or she had and Alexis was keeping quiet on account of the “sister” code.
A sly smile had appeared on JC’s lips. He was thinking about something. Alexis knew it. What it might be, Alexis had no clue but whatever it might be she had the feeling it would involve her.
“What’s that look for?” Alexis asked.
“Just thinking.”
“About?” Alexis asked, raising an eyebrow.
JC grinned more if possible. “Well…Justin is taking a date, Joey is taking his wife, I think Chris and Lance are taking their Moms, which just leaves me…”
Alexis giggled. “Josh, are you asking me to be your date to the VMA’s?”
“Well, I hadn’t yet…but yeah, that was kinda what I was leading up to. What do you say?”
Alexis blushed, then nodded. “You do realize that means we are going public with our relationship?!
JC smirked a bit. “I’m good with it!”
“Well…ok then…should we coordinate outfits…how does this work? I’ve never done an awards show before.” Alexis giggled nervously.
JC smiled. “Call your sister. She’ll know what to do.”
“Michelle?”
JC chuckled and shook his head. “No. April. Call April. I’m gonna take a wild guess that she is probably working on something for Michelle, and, well the VMA’s are more funky than formal. In other words, it’s not black tie, you can get away with more. I think the guys and I are going with jeans and t-shirts and suit jackets.”
Alexis nodded. It did help knowing someone who’d done this before. She felt like a fish out of water most of the time.
“Although, you’ll probably want a 2nd outfit for your performance. Most artists have one outfit for the Red Carpet, sometimes a 2nd if they are presenting and then a 3rd if they are performing…sometimes even a 4th.”
Alexis’ jaw dropped. April had always been about fashion, not her.
“Well, I guess I am glad I am not presenting then. I think two outfits for one event is my limit.” Alexis laughed awkwardly.
JC smiled reassuringly and nodded. “I would call April ASAP if I were you.”
Alexis smiled. “Knowing her, she has probably anticipated my call and is working on something already, but yes, I will call her this afternoon.”
About an hour later, just as they were taking the last sips of coffee Michelle barreled through the door with Justin right behind her.
“OH MY GOD! Seriously! YOU need to be better about taking your phone off silent!” Michelle exclaimed, dropping her bag at the door.
“Umm…ok…” Alexis replied, trying not to laugh.
Obviously, something was up, otherwise Michelle would not be this flustered. Michelle didn’t get flustered. In fact, of three Moretti girls Michelle was typically the most calm and collected during a crisis.
“I’ve been trying to call you since we landed! The video for “If I Never See Your Face” dropped this morning and it’s already BLOWING UP! People are losing their minds on Facebook and Twitter! Andrew just called a few minutes ago, album sales in just the few hours since the video dropped have skyrocketed!”
Alexis’s eyes were wide now. “Ok…wait…wait…first, what is Twitter?”
Michelle gave her sister a withering look. “It’s a new social media platform…only been active a few months but it’s catching on quickly. Don’t worry…you already have a profile.”
“I do?!”
Michelle made another face. “Uh yeah! That’s kinda my job…as your Publicist.”
Alexis tried not to laugh as she nodded. “Right. Ok. Is that all or is there more?”
Justin snorted and made a face. “There’s more.”
Until then, Alexis had almost forgotten that he was there but the look on his face spoke volumes.
“Mom and Dad called this morning too.”
Alexis nodded. “Yeah, I know. They left me a voice mail but I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet.”
Michelle smirked. “Like I said, you REALLY need to be better about turning your phone on. They are coming to LA, THIS WEEK, they want to have dinner…the six of us.”
“Six?” Alexis replied making a face.
Then realization set in.
“OH!” Alexis exclaimed, her eyes wide as saucers.
“Exactly.” Michelle replied.
Alexis giggled slightly. “It’s just dinner, not the Spanish Inquisition. I don’t think it will be as bad as you think.”
“Maybe not for you, they know your boyfriend, they’ve never met mine.”
Justin laughed. “So, I’m your boyfriend now?! Good to know.”
“Is that a problem?” Michelle shot back.
Justin chuckled and shook his head. Seeing this side of Michelle was a new experience for him, but he wasn’t complaining. To be honest, he liked seeing her vulnerable side, it made him feel more connected to her.
“Nope! I’ve thought of you as my girlfriend since the album release party.”
“Whose album release party? *NSYNC or my sister’s?”
Justin grinned. “You tell me.”
Michelle’s jaw dropped, meanwhile, Alexis couldn’t help but laugh.
“Yup! It’s official, I like you Timberlake. You can stick around. Anyone who can render my little sister speechless like that is good in my book.”
“Glad I have your approval. I’m two for two now.” Justin teased back.
Alexis laughed more. “April gave you her approval too, did she?”
Justin nodded. “She did.”
“I told you they were more alike than they will admit.” Michelle smirked.
“When it comes to our little sister, yes, we are, and speaking of April, did you happen to ask her about an outfit for the VMA’s?”
Michelle grinned. “I did…and no worries, she is already working on designs for you.”
Alexis blushed. “I figured as much.”
“Still might want to call her though, she said she has questions about your performance outfit.”
Alexis nodded.
Justin grinned. “That’s right, you’re performing. I did hear that. What song are you doing?”
Alexis blushed. She knew the song was his favorite. “Umm…Bang, Bang.”
Justin was beaming. “HELL YEAH!”
This time it was Michelle that blushed. “I’m not doing it with her. The label tapped someone else MUCH BIGGER to do the song with her. In fact, they are re-recording the track together tomorrow.”
Justin looked half disappointed half intrigued. “Oh yeah?! Who did you get?”
Alexis giggled. “I can’t say. Michelle and I signed a non-disclosure agreement. We can’t say anything until the VMA’s…but I can tell you that it’s such a BIG deal that the label is re-releasing the album with the new version as a bonus track…and we are in talks to re-do the video with this person.”
“Damn!”
“I am so EXCITED! I can’t wait!” Michelle gushed.
“That good, huh?” JC chuckled.
“You have NO IDEA! I’m gonna have to try REALLY hard to not “fan girl” too much.”
“Fan girl, huh? So, it’s someone you like?! Hmm…” Justin teased.
Michelle made a face. “Stop! Listen Mr. Collab king, even if you guessed I couldn’t tell you so quit trying. You’ll find out soon enough.”
Justin smiled and nodded. “Ok, ok. Yeah, I got you. I get it. Trust me. If you’re excited then I am excited and I LOVE that song so I can’t wait to see it live.”
Alexis blushed again. He was an AMAZING artist so knowing he liked the song as much as he did definitely made her feel good.
“I know, it probably sounds weird, redoing a song after the album has already been released but between myself, Michelle and the label we thought it was a good idea given that Michelle is now my Publicist/Personal assistant and well…I happen to be a big fan of this person too.”
Justin and JC both smiled and nodded.
“Nah. It doesn’t sound weird. We did something very similar when we did the remix of “Girlfriend” with Nelly.” Justin replied.
Alexis nodded and smiled. “I’ve actually seen that one. I really like it. “
“Thanks.” Justin and JC chorused.
“What song are you doing?” Alexis asked curiously, looking back at Justin.
Justin grinned at Michelle. “A medley of “Sexy Back” and “My Love”
Michelle’s jaw dropped and in the next moment she was tackling JC in a hug.
“Umm…ok…I’m confused. Why are you hugging me?” JC chuckled.
Michelle pulled away, a huge grin on her face. “Well…if not for you Josh, producing Alexis’s album, we would not all be standing here right now and I would NOT be attending the VMA’s as Justin’s girlfriend where is he performing my FAVORITE song off his album.”
JC laughed and nodded. “You’re welcome ‘Chelle.”
Alexis just giggled a bit and shook her head. “Not to change the subject, but did Mom say WHEN exactly they were coming into town this week?”
Michelle nodded. “Late Thursday night. They want to have dinner on Friday night. Actually, they wanted to come next week but I said we would be in New York for the VMA’s.”
Alexis sighed. Her little vacation was officially over. It was going to be a very busy week. She had the meeting with Andrew that afternoon, she would be recording on Wednesday, and probably Thursday if they didn’t finish in one day. Then, dinner with her parents on Friday before leaving for NYC on Sunday.
“Are you available on Friday?” Alexis asked turning to JC.
JC grinned. “For you…yes.”
“What about you?” Michelle asked nervously, looking to Justin.
Justin chuckled a bit. “I think I can make it work.”
***
The rest of the week seemed to fly by. The meeting on Tuesday with Andrew was just to discuss the VMA schedule for the coming week. Wednesday she was in the recording studio ALL day working on the new version of “Bang, Bang” with her top secret, surprise guest. Thursday was spent putting the finishing touches on the track. By Friday she was exhausted but thankfully, had the day to recharge and pack for her trip before dinner with JC, Justin, Michelle and her parents that evening.
“Where are we going?” Michelle asked that evening as she and Alexis were getting ready.
“What do you mean?” Alexis asked as she shimmied into a pair of jeans.
“For dinner. Where are we taking Mom and Dad for dinner?” Michelle replied.
They were standing in Alexis’s bedroom as she was finishing getting dressed for the evening.
Alexis smiled. It was obvious Michelle was nervous about their Mom and Dad meeting Justin for the first time. Truthfully, she was a bit nervous too. The last time their parents had seen JC was the day he stormed out, swearing he would never be back.
“I was thinking El Sombrero.” Alexis answered.
Michelle made a face. “Really?!”
Alexis just shook her head. “I know, not very original but I figured one, we know we like it. Two, we know we won’t be harassed by fans or Paparazzi and three, it’s relaxed and casual so less pressure.”
Michelle nodded. “Good points. Ok, yeah, that makes sense. Did you already let Mom and Dad know about the plan?”
A smile crept across Alexis’s face. Typically, Michelle was the “details” girl but given the circumstances Alexis had decided to cut her some slack.
“I did! I talked to Mom last night, once they got to the hotel. She said they would meet us there. I also called Josh and told him. He said he and Justin would pick us up at about 7 and we could go together.”
Michelle laughed a little. “Wow! Look at you, handling things all on your own.”
Alexis just giggled and shook her head. “I figured what with Mom and Dad meeting Justin for the first time you deserved a bit of a break.”
“Thanks.”
Alexis nodded. “Nervous?”
Michelle made a face. “More than I want to admit.”
“I get it.”
“I mean, introducing a boyfriend to Mom and Dad has NEVER been easy! The fact that he is JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE just makes it ten times worse. Did you know I caught Mom scream singing “Cry Me a River” in the shower once?”
Alexis snorted. “No, but thanks for sharing that visual!”
“Are you nervous?” Michelle replied.
Alexis nodded slowly. “A little. The last time Mom and Dad saw Josh wasn’t under the best circumstances. True, things are different now, but it still feels weird.”
Michelle cracked a knowing smile. “Mom will be fine. She has a big heart, and she always LOVED Josh. Honestly, I think she wanted him as a Son in law. I think she still does. It’s Dad that you have to worry about. He’s like the Poster Boy for protective father.”
***
“How are you feeling?” Justin asked.
He and JC were in a chauffeured SUV headed towards Rancho Park.
“Honestly? I feel a bit nauseous! The last time I saw Mr. and Mrs. Moretti was the day I stormed out of their house. Mrs. Moretti was in the kitchen, making dinner I think and Mr. Moretti had just pulled into the driveway. I nearly ran into him in my mad dash out of the house. It wasn’t pretty. What about you?”
Justin chuckled awkwardly. “Umm…well…I don’t have the history hanging over me that you do but yeah, I have to admit, I’m a bit queasy myself. I can’t even remember the last time I met a girl’s parents, and well, yeah, there is the whole I’m Justin Timberlake thing.”
JC smiled. “Mr. and Mrs. Moretti aren’t like that…trust me on this. Yeah, they probably know who you are but with them…it’s more about how you treat their daughter.”
Twenty minutes later they were pulling into the drive at Alexis and Michelle’s condo. Both men stepped down from the SUV, dressed casual but still nice in dark wash jeans and button-down shirts.
Alexis opened the door. She was dressed in a pair of jeans as well. Low rise, that hugged her hips and a deep purple peasant top that came off her shoulders. Her hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun with a few loose tendrils framing her face.
“Ugh! Really Lexi?!” JC grumbled.
Alexis gave him a look. “Something wrong?”
“Yeah! Actually! Why do you have to look THAT good when we are going out with your parents?!”
Alexis blushed.
“Behave yourself at dinner and MAYBE I will let you stay the night.” Alexis smirked.
“Is that a threat or a promise?”
“Both.”
“You’re on!” JC said grinning.
Michelle appeared at the door a moment later and Justin’s jaw hit the floor. She was dressed in a denim skirt and a cute, flowy tank top with ruffled straps. Her hair was pulled back in a long French braid that stretched almost to her tail bone.
“Wow!” Justin breathed out.
“Thank you.” Michelle replied smiling.
“Should I promise to behave too?!” Justin teased, running a hand over his head and rubbing his neck.
“It would probably be wise…at least during dinner…” Michelle giggled.
“After?”
Michelle laughed. “We’ll see.”
Ten minutes later they were pulling into the restaurant parking lot. It was a Friday night so the parking lot was full, but not overly full. Thankfully, Alexis had pulled strings and gotten them a secluded table at the back of the patio that was mostly hidden from view. That, and Lonnie and Kenny would be in attendance as well. At their own table just a few feet away. It was the price of fame, and also necessary given that Justin, JC AND Alexis were now well known.
Freddy was the Host for the evening, meaning they were seated quickly and as soon as he saw Alexis and Michelle his grin was a mile wide.
“My two FAVORITE people! Nice to see you again too Mr. Chasez and Mr. Timberlake.”
Both Justin and JC grinned.
Freddy showed them to the table, then handed them menus to look over while they waited.
“Not that you two need a menu…but just in case.” He said with a wink.
“Thanks.” Michelle replied.
“Who should I be on the lookout for? Mr. Fatone and his wife?”
Alexis giggled. “No. Not tonight. Tonight, it’s an older male and female version of us.”
Freddy’s eyes went wide. “OH! Well…good luck gentlemen.”
JC chuckled. “Thanks. It’s appreciated.”
A few minutes later a true older male and female version of Alexis and Michelle entered the restaurant and approached the host station. JC quietly sucked in a breath. Justin went for his water. Their father was dressed in jeans and long sleeve button down with a tie, his hair was dark like his daughters’ but also peppered with flecks of grey. Their mother was dressed in a long flowy, maxi skirt and a simple white top. Her long dark hair fell in waves around her shoulders and down her back and she had the same deep green eyes and cute smile.
Instinctively, JC stood from his seat as they approached and Justin quickly followed his lead. Alexis and Michelle stood as well.
“What?! No hug?!” Mr. Moretti teased.
“Hi Dad.” Michelle said stepping forward first.
Michelle pulled away and immediately Mr. Moretti’s eyes shifted to his oldest daughter.
“There she is…my superstar!”
Alexis blushed as she hugged her dad. “Not hardly.”
“Oh, most definitely!” JC agreed grinning.
“Good to see you again Josh.” Mr. Moretti said, offering his hand.
JC shook the older man’s hand, their eyes locked on one another. Mr. Moretti’s grip was firm but not aggressive. Basically, he was saying, don’t make the same mistake twice.
“You too Sir.” JC replied clearing his throat nervously.
Mr. Moretti cracked a smile. “We’re good Josh. As long as my girls are happy, I am happy.”
“Yeah…about that…Dad…this is…” Michelle interrupted motioning to Justin.
Mr. Moretti gave his youngest daughter a sly grin. “Sweetheart…I know who he is…I’m not going to let my baby girl date a Pop superstar and not do my due diligence.”
Justin smiled a bit awkwardly. “Nice to meet you Sir.”
Mr. Moretti chuckled and outstretched his hand. “Like I said, we’re good Justin, my girls are happy, so I’m happy.”
Justin bit his lip and grinned. “I promise to do my very best to keep it that way.”
Mr. Moretti laughed. “See that your partner in crime does the same.”
Justin chuckled. “I will keep him in check, but I think your girls are perfectly capable of handling themselves.”
“Agreed.” Mrs. Moretti chimed in.
Dinner went surprisingly well, all things considered. Mr. and Mrs. Moretti kept the conversation casual and light. They talked about Florida and the weather and the upcoming VMA’s. Mrs. Moretti had invited some of her friends from work over to watch the show live.
“You would think that my wife was hosting an Oscar party.” Mr. Moretti teased.
“It’s just a few friends coming over for some wine.” Mrs. Moretti insisted.
Mr. Moretti chuckled. “Wine and about half a dozen different appetizers.”
“Well, it’s not EVERY day your oldest daughter is nominated for TWO moon men. This is her FIRST award show, of course I’m going to make a big deal of it. I’m her MOTHER…it’s what we do.”
Justin smiled. “My Mom would say the same!”
“It sounds like fun.” JC agreed smiling.
“See…I’m not crazy.” Mrs. Moretti replied, shooting her husband a look.
“I never said you were crazy my love…over excited, yes, crazy…NEVER!”
“Justin is performing too Mom.” Michelle added.
Mrs. Moretti blushed. “I know! I’m excited…you, my daughter, Shakira, Beyonce…should be a great show.”
Justin chuckled. “Shakira and Beyonce…ok?!”
Mr. Moretti smirked. “She left out Ludacris…I think she’s more excited to see you and Ludacris than she is her own daughter.”
“Not true!” Mrs. Moretti protested.
“I’m impressed! Michelle…you never mentioned you got your cool from your mom.”
Michelle half giggled half snorted. “Yeah…that’s our Mom…always trying to be like the cool kids.”
Justin grinned then winked at Michelle. “Want to know a little secret Mrs. Moretti?”
Mrs. Moretti’s smile grew. “It’s Susan…and PLEASE!”
“Timbaland is joining me for my performance.” Justin replied.
Michelle’s eyes went wide as saucers. “WHAT?! You never mentioned that to me!”
Justin recovered well. “She’s your mom, you wouldn’t be here without her…that deserves some VIP treatment…besides…you get an introduction, she doesn’t.”
Michelle’s jaw was on the floor now.
Alexis laughed. “Nice save Justin!”
“Thanks. Now if only you’d tell us who YOUR special guest is?” Justin teased back.
“Special guest? You have a special guest?” Mr. Moretti asked, raising an eyebrow.
Alexis blushed and giggled slightly. “I do, but I really can’t say! It’s Top Secret…but I can tell you…my performance is gonna be Supa Dupa Fly.”
This time it was Justin’s jaw that dropped, with JC quickly following.
“NO WAY!” Justin squealed.
Alexis giggled and nodded then put a finger to her lips. Justin grinned, meanwhile JC could only smile and shake his head. It was going to be some night.
The rest of dinner passed by rather quickly. However, it seemed as if everyone enjoyed themselves and now that the awkwardness in the air seemed to have dissipated everyone relaxed. It was a good night but one that Alexis and Michelle were glad to have over with.
Now it was time to focus on the VMA’s. They were only 6 days away. There was still so much to do.
