Chapter 13

JC pulled away a bit and smiled down at her.  He wanted more, in fact, he craved it now, but despite what she believed, he’d promised to take this slow and he wasn’t about to break that promise.  He needed to prove to her that he was serious. 

“What did you wish for?” He asked quietly.

Alexis shook her head.  “If you tell a wish it won’t come true.”

“Says who?” JC chuckled.

“Cinderella.” Alexis replied very matter of factly.

JC laughed.  “Well, I guess she would know.”

“So…now what?” Alexis asked as she tried to calm her now racing heart.

Just the feel of his lips on hers was making her lightheaded. 

“Are you hungry?” He asked.

“Starving.” Alexis replied.

JC grinned then reached for her hand. 

“Good…we have a dinner reservation in 10 minutes.”

Alexis’s eyes widened and she smiled as JC started to lead her down the path and past the castle towards New Orleans Square.

“Dinner reservation? Please tell me we’re not character dining?” Alexis teased.

JC chuckled and shook his head.  “Not hardly.  Although, as much as you love Disney, I should have considered that.”

Alexis giggled a bit as his statement as she allowed him to guide her through the crowd.  It surprised her just how much he remembered about her. 

“Ok, then where are we having dinner?”

“You’ll see.” He said smiling back at her.

That smile was going to be her undoing, especially now that it was directed at her.

Moments later they were headed down what looked like an alley in New Orleans.  There were buildings on either side and people were passing through, on there way to somewhere else but JC guided her through until they stopped in front of what appeared to be a hostess stand.  It was in front of an entryway that looked as if it were cut into the walls around it.  She’d been to Disneyland at least a hundred times, walked down this alley way at least that many but never noticed the entrance before.

“Reservation for 2 under Chasez.” JC explained to the hostess.

The hostess smiled and nodded then looked down at the screen in front of her.

“Right this way Mr. Chasez.”

JC looked to Alexis, smiled, squeezed her hand gently then started to follow the hostess.  As soon as they stepped up the steps into the restaurant and rounded the corner it got very dark. 

Alexis could smell chlorine and salt.  They were near water.  Then, as her eyes adjusted and the lanterns began to glow above them, her jaw dropped.  She knew where they were.  They were literally inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  This was the Blue Bayou restaurant.

Truthfully, Alexis had always wanted to come here but thought it was a romantic spot and, could never figure out where the entrance was, until now.

The hostess escorted them to the farthest table in the restaurant, right up next to the rail separating them from the watery ride on the other side. 

JC pulled out her chair then waited for her to sit before taking his own seat.

Once seated the hostess handed them two menus on thick, fancy paper.

Alexis swallowed hard as the words on the page registered in her brain.

Blue Bayou-Sweetheart Dinner

This was definitely a date.  If there had been any doubt in her mind it was gone now.  They’d been BEST FRIENDS for almost seven years, 4 of which she’d been in love with him and now here they were.  She was still trying to wrap her ahead around it.

“Wow!” She whispered.

“Too much?” JC asked.

Alexis shook her head and bit her lip.  “NO! No, it’s perfect…I was expecting Turkey leg.”

JC laughed. “Nah.  Not this time. You look too good to get you all messy.”

Alexis laughed in reply.  He LOVED the way her eyes lit up when she laughed and the way the glow from the lanterns and the candles flickered across her face.

“You’re not so bad yourself.  You clean up good Mr. Chasez.”

“Oh really?”

Alexis smirked and shook her head.  “Whatever?! You know you’re FINE as hell!”

JC grinned and bit his lip.  Meanwhile, Alexis was covering her face with her hand.  She’d just said that out loud, to his face.

He reached across the table and pulled her hand away from her face but didn’t let go.  She was blushing and he was enjoying it immensely.

“You think so?” He chuckled.

Alexis giggled a bit and bit her lip.  “No, not at all, only for the past 15 years.”

JC chuckled a bit then sat back in his chair.  “Has it really been that long since we met?”

Alexis nodded. “1991.  The turkey leg kiosk in Fantasy land at the Magic Kingdom.”

“I felt so bad about knocking you over.”

Alexis blushed again.  “You were cute.  I wasn’t complaining.  You and that floppy hair.”

JC groaned but he was smiling as he did so.  “Oh GOD! That hair!”

Alexis smiled and gave him a look.  “What is it with you and your hair?”

JC made a face. “You don’t like my hair?”

He tugged at a few of the curls and she laughed.  GOD! Her laugh, and those eyes, and her lips.  She was stirring up feelings in him that he was not at all prepared for.

Alexis giggled. “On you, it works.  I guess I just forgot how curly your hair is.”

Dinner was incredibly romantic.  It surprised her.  However, it wasn’t until the waiter brought out dessert that Alexis realized just how romantic he was trying to be. 

Her eyes widened as she looked down at the plate.  Chocolate Mousse cake with Cream filled strawberries.  There was no way he could have known that strawberries and chocolate were her favorite dessert.

One plate. Two forks.  She was in TROUBLE, that much was certain.

“Ladies first.” He said nodding to the fork in front of her.

Alexis didn’t have to be told twice.  Immediately, she made a grab for her fork and dug it into the chocolate cake. 

JC watched, his eyes wide as she slowly pulled the fork from between her lips and her eyes fluttered closed.

“Wow! That’s SOOO good!” She whispered.

“It’s all yours.” He said grinning.

Alexis shook her head.  “NOOO!  I can’t eat all this by myself.  Besides, there are two forks, meaning it’s meant to be shared.”

“You’re sure?” He asked.

Alexis nodded. “Absolutely.”

He smiled then took the second fork and stabbed a strawberry with it.  He brought the fork to his lips and bit into the strawberry watching her curiously as he chewed. 

Meanwhile, Alexis was trying to maintain her composure.  There was something about watching him, his Adams apple bobbing up and down as he chewed and the juice from the strawberry shining on his lips that was making her dizzy.

He pulled the fork away and set it down on the plate and that was when she noticed the bit of cream at the corner of his mouth.

Alexis smiled and nodded at him.  “You’ve got a bit of…”

“Where?” He asked pulling his napkin from his lap.

“Just there.” She said motioning to his lips.

He wiped his lips but it was still there.

“Did I get it?” He asked.

She blushed, bit her lip and shook her head.  Then silently, she cursed herself for acting so shy.  She was anything but shy.

Taking a breath, she lifted her hand, reached across the table and rubbed the bit of cream away with her thumb.  But, when she went to pull her hand back, he grabbed it, then without saying a word, pulled her thumb into his mouth and sucked the cream from the tip.

Her eyes went wide and she inhaled sharply.

“Mmm…you’re right, that was good.”

Alexis laughed.  “GOD you’re awful!”

“Am I?” He teased.

Alexis shook her head and smirked a bit.  “Yes! But…also…No!”

This time, it was his turn to laugh.

“That’s fair.” He chuckled.

The waiter came to bring the check just then and before she knew it, they were standing outside the restaurant again.  It was after dark now and the lights of the park lit up the night sky. 

After dinner they did a few more of the rides then started back towards Main street.  People were already starting to gather to grab a spot for the fireworks.

“Do you want to stay for the fireworks?” JC asked.

Alexis shrugged.  She’d seen the fireworks at least a hundred times and although the idea of watching them with him sounded appealing, fighting the crowds afterward did NOT.

Alexis smiled and shook her head.  “No. I’m good.  I’m not tryin’ to get trampled by this crowd on the way out afterwards and well, I am here…in Disneyland…with Disney royalty …so there is that.”

“True.” JC smirked.

Another awkward silence followed.  Alexis was starting to lose count of how many times they’d both been at a loss for words.  It wasn’t like her to not know what to say, but here she was, speechless, because of him.

Alexis wasn’t ready for the night to end but things in the park were starting to shut down. 

“Want to go for a walk?” Alexis asked bravely.

JC smiled and took her hand again.  “What did you have in mind?”

Alexis grinned then tightened her grip on his hand.  “Follow me.”

Kenny and Dre were about ten feet back, keeping their distance but still looking out.  They picked up the pace a bit to keep up as Alexis led JC through the crowd, dodging between strollers and people as she made her way to the entrance.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint girl.” Kenny called after her.

Alexis giggled and slowed her pace but didn’t let go of JC.  Soon, they were headed towards Downtown Disney. 

“You sure about this?” JC asked seriously.

Alexis stopped briefly to look at him.  She understood his concern.  It was a Friday night in July, and they were in Disneyland.  In other words, the perfect scene for a mob if too many people recognized him.

Alexis smiled then gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. 

“I’ll protect you.”

He laughed. “Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?”

“Says whom?” Alexis teased.

“Fair enough, but I’m holding you to that.”

“No complaints here.”

They walked through Downtown Disney for a bit, stopping every so often to watch the street performers or window gaze but didn’t say much.  It was nice.

After about an hour of wandering around Downtown Disney they started back towards the Valet entrance.  It was nearly 11 and neither wanted to press their luck just yet. 

Things were quiet for most of the drive back to Alexis’s place.  They were both lost in their thoughts.  JC was thinking about how he hadn’t been on actual “real” date like this in a long time.  In fact, lately, most of his rendezvous with the opposite sex were strictly between the sheets. 

Meanwhile, Alexis was thinking about how long she’d wished for this opportunity and how surreal it felt now that it was happening. 

“That was definitely an improvement from last time.” JC said chuckling as he pulled the car to a stop in front of her place.

Alexis smiled. “Oh, absolutely!”

“Do you want to try it again sometime?” JC asked hopefully.

Alexis giggled and nodded. “I think that could be arranged.”

“Do you want me to walk you to the door?” He asked politely.

Alexis smiled. “You don’t have to.”

JC grinned and bit his lip.  “That’s not what I asked Lexi.”

Alexis smirked.  “It’s not necessary.”

He chuckled a bit and shook his head.  “So, that’s a “no.”

Alexis giggled.  He was flirting again, that was obvious.

“I didn’t say that.”

Grinning a bit, JC unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car then jogged around to the other side.  He opened the door for her then helped her out but before she even had the chance to open her mouth to speak his mouth was on top of hers. 

JC pulled her hard into his chest then snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her into him more as her arms went around his neck and her hands went to his hair.  She tugged softly at the curls on the back of his head and he groaned against her lips. 

“GOD Lexi!” He breathed out.

He deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue into her mouth with ease and she felt herself fall back against the car door trapping her against him.  She could feel him getting excited but she could also feel her excitement building as well.

When he finally pulled away, they were both a bit out of breath.  He smiled at her.  Her lips were a bit fuller from kissing and her cheeks were pink.  She looked AMAZING.

“FUCK! I’m in trouble!” Alexis thought to herself.

***

2 days later

Alexis hadn’t heard a word from JC since their date on Friday night.  After their impromptu make out session, he’d escorted her to the door, given her one more kiss “goodnight” and then left.  Since then, silence. 

No text. No phone call. Nothing.

Typical male behavior.  It infuriated the hell out of her.

Saturday and Sunday had been pretty uneventful.  She and Michelle had hung out at home, watched movies and ordered pizza.  It was nice to relax after a crazy week and Alexis was grateful for it.  She knew her days of lounging at home on a weekend were numbered.

On Sunday afternoon, after binging several hours of “One Tree Hill” with Michelle, Alexis received a text from her manager; Andrew.

Andrew: I need you dressed and ready to go tomorrow at 9

Alexis: Ok?

Andrew:  We have a meeting at 10

Alexis: A meeting? Since when? With whom?

Andrew: Since about ten minutes ago. 

Alexis: Ok, but who with?

Andrew: JIVE records

Alexis made a face. She’d heard that label name before but she couldn’t place it right then.

Alexis: Why?

Andrew: No idea. The label just called and asked if we’d be willing to meet and well…it’s JIVE…so I said “Yes.” I figured it was at least worth the tank of gas to hear what they had to say

Alexis nodded.  It made sense.  Andrew had always taken care of her and her career.  There was no reason to not trust him now.

Alexis: I’ll be ready. 

Andrew: Great.  I’ll have Kenny pick you up and I’ll meet you there

Alexis: Sounds great

Andrew: I know I don’t have to tell you this but I’m going to, just to be safe, dress business casual, ok?

Alexis smiled and shook her head.  He was a stickler for the details.

Alexis: Got it

Alexis put the phone down and looked to her sister sitting on the couch next to her. 

“JIVE Records.” Alexis said simply.

“What about them?” Michelle asked turning towards her sister.

“The name is familiar.”

Michelle smirked.  “Well, that’s not a surprise.”

Alexis made a face.  “Ok, but why?”

Michelle giggled.  “I would imagine it’s because that’s *NSYNC’s label.  Why do you ask?”

Alexis’s eyes went wide.  Of course, it was. 

“I have a meeting there tomorrow at 10”

Michelle laughed and shook her head.  She had a feeling she knew where this was headed.

“With whom?” Michelle asked as fought to control her smile.

Alexis shrugged.  “No clue.  Andrew didn’t know.  He just said that the label wanted to meet with me tomorrow and he thought it was worth at the very least, the tank of gas to get us there.”

Michelle grinned and nodded. “I completely agree.”

Alexis sighed and laid her head back against the couch cushion, closing her eyes briefly.  The fact that she hadn’t heard from Josh in days was really starting to bug her, and now this. 

“*NSYNC, huh?” Alexis smirked.

Michelle nodded. “Yeah, but they have plenty of other artists too.”

Alexis just shook her head.

“I am sure they do.  I just find it a bit suspicious that I go out with Josh, don’t hear from him for two days, and now this.”

Michelle giggled a bit and nodded.  “Ok, yeah.  Not ideal. HOWEVER, he is a guy and they have rules, STUPID rules but that’s not the point.  AND, you two have history so I would guess that he’s just trying to figure out what happens next.”

“Then tell me that.  Don’t just make out with me then “Ghost” me.”

“I don’t think that’s what he’s doing.” Michelle replied.

“Could have fooled me.” Alexis snapped.

Michelle shook her head.  She understood Alexis’s frustration but there wasn’t much that could be done right then.

“Regardless, a meeting with JIVE is a good thing.”

Alexis nodded.  She knew Michelle was right but it didn’t change the fact that she wanted to know what was going on in Josh’s head.

***

At 9:00 on Monday morning Alexis was dressed and ready for her meeting at JIVE.  She was nervous, but also excited.  She had NO idea what to expect but had the sinking suspicion that JC was behind it.

She was dressed to impress.  Her hair was pulled back in a pony tail and she was dressed in a pair of black, skinny slacks.  They fit like a glove, hugging every curve perfectly.  She had on a black camisole with lace trim at the top and over it, a dark green blazer that brought out the green in her eyes.  On her feet, a pair of ankle boots. 

Alexis decided that if Josh was going to get into her head like he had then she was more than capable of getting into his.  She was going to make him squirm.

The doorbell rang and Alexis opened it to find Kenny standing on the other side with a Venti Starbucks cup.  He looked her up and down and grinned as he shook his head then handed the cup to her.

“DAMN girl!”

Alexis smiled.  “Good? Bad?”

Kenny snorted.  “You look dressed to kill.  The question is, why?”

Alexis smirked.  “I like to be prepared and if my suspicions are correct, HE has it coming.”

Kenny eyes widened.

“You haven’t heard from him, have you?”

Alexis shook her head.  “Not a peep.”

Kenny snorted. “Dumbass.”

Minutes later they were in Kenny’s SUV headed towards JIVE’s LA offices.  Alexis stared out the window and sipped her coffee quietly, her mind deep in thought.  She was attracted to Josh.  She always had been but for her, it was more than that.  For 7 years they’d been BEST FRIENDS.  There wasn’t any thing they didn’t tell each other.  Even when he’d gone off to Nashville to record and write with Justin they’d kept in touch.  She remembered how excited he’d been when *NSYNC formed and how he literally bounced off the walls the day they found their 5th member.

He wasn’t that guy anymore, and it killed her to see him that way because she knew why.  April was the why and she HATED her sister for what she’d done to him. 

“We’re here.” Kenny said snapping Alexis from her thoughts.

Alexis took a deep breath and nodded. 

“Let’s do this!” She said before stepping down from the SUV.

Andrew was waiting for them just outside the front door.  He smiled as he watched Alexis and Kenny approach. 

“I’m glad to see you listen to me some of the time.” Andrew teased.

Alexis grinned. “Only when I feel like it.”

Andrew and Kenny both laughed.

“Are you ready?” Andrew asked.

“I got this!” Alexis replied nodding with an evil grin.

Andrew made a face but chalked her expression up to excitement.

Together they entered the building and right into a very modern but elegant reception area.  Andrew approached the receptionist with Alexis and Kenny right behind him.

“How can I help you?” the receptionist replied smiling.

Andrew smiled back.  “I’m Andrew Thomas, this is Danielle Moretti.  We have a 10:00 appointment.”

The receptionist looked at her screen and then back up at Andrew, her smile wide.

“Yes. I see.  I will let Mr. Wright know you’re here.  Please have a seat. Someone will be right with you.”

“Thank you.”

Alexis, Kenny and Andrew took seats on the plush leather couches to wait.

“Who is Mr. Wright?” Alexis whispered to both Kenny and Andrew.

Andrew smiled.  “Well, unless I am completely mistaken Mr. Wright is Johnny Wright, manager for *NSYNC.”

Alexis smirked then sat back against the couch, crossing her arms over her chest.  “OH, It’s ON Chasez.”

Andrew looked to Alexis and then over to Kenny.

“What does that mean?’ Andrew asked confused.

Kenny laughed.  “Danielle and Mr. Chasez sorta have a thing.”

Andrew’s eyes widened.  “A thing?!”

Alexis snorted.  “We do NOT have a thing!  He wishes we had a THING!”

Andrew groaned. “Danielle …PLEASE…let’s just hear what they have to say. “

Alexis nodded.  Regardless of how she felt she wasn’t about to ruin an opportunity to boost her career.  However, that didn’t mean she wasn’t about to make Josh squirm in the process.

Moments later the Receptionist approached them. 

“Right this way, they are ready for you.”

Alexis looked to Andrew.

“They?” she mouthed quietly.

Andrew shrugged. 

The trio stood and followed the Receptionist down the hall.  They rounded a corner then down another long hallway until she stopped in front of a door.  The receptionist opened the door and held it for them as Andrew stepped inside first.  Alexis followed with Kenny right behind her. 

As soon as Alexis stepped through the doorway and saw what was waiting on the other side her heart stopped.

They had just walked into a conference room.  The man she assumed was Johnny Wright was seated at the head of the table.  Seated to his right, along the side were all five members of *NSYNC.  Alexis looked to the door again and then back to the group.  They were all smiles and it was un-nerving as HELL.

“Something wrong Miss Moretti?” Johnny Wright asked smiling.

“I’m just waiting for Ashton Kutcher and his camera crew.” Alexis replied.

Johnny laughed and the members of *NSYNC grinned.

“You’re not being Punk’D, I can assure you of that Miss Moretti. Please have a seat.”

“Yes, please, sit down Lexi.” JC said grinning at her.

That smile. Right then she wanted to wipe that smile right off his face.  He was behind this, she knew it.

Alexis took her seat between Kenny and Andrew and waited for Mr. Wright to speak.

Johnny chuckled.  “Oh yes, that’s right. I forgot that you and Mr. Chasez have worked together previously.”

Alexis smirked. “Among other things.”

Johnny shot JC a questioning look.   Meanwhile, Andrew had just kicked Alexis under the table.

Alexis shook her head and smiled. “Yes. We’ve met…I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Timberlake, but we were never formally introduced.”

Justin grinned and motioned to JC. “That’s his fault.  He seems to be struggling with basic skills, like manners and common sense as of late.”

“Apparently.” Alexis replied.

“Well then, allow me to introduce you to the other three members of the group.” Johnny started.

Alexis shook her head and smiled, but unlike the sarcastic smile from earlier this was a genuine one.

“No…no…please…let me see if I have this right.  I’ve been taking *NSYNC lessons …”

“*NSYNC lessons?” Johnny asked laughing.

Alexis blushed. “Umm…let’s just say the group has been off my radar a bit, at least until very recently but thanks to my younger sister I’m catching up quickly.”

“Well, ok then.” Johnny replied chuckling.

Alexis looked to the remaining three members of the group and took a breath.  She wanted to do Michelle proud.

“I apologize in advance if I get this wrong.”

“No worries.  We get it.  It’s a lot to take in all at once.” One of the darker haired men said grinning.

She smiled at him and bit her lip nervously.  “Mr. Kirkpatrick?”

He nodded.  “That’s me.  The resident Goofball.”

Alexis giggled a bit and nodded.  “You also started the group, am I right?”

Chris beamed.  “Your sister taught you well.  Yes. That’s correct.”

Then Alexis turned to the other dark-haired man.  If the other guy was Chris then she knew who he was.

“You’re Mr. Fatone.  I know you from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, which by the way my sister dragged me to…TWICE…because you were in it.”

Joey laughed.  “Next time I see your sister I’ll be sure to tell her “thank you.”

Alexis immediately shot JC a look.  Alexis knew that Michelle had met Justin but the fact that she’d met the other members of the group was new information.  She and Michelle would DEFINITELY be having a discussion later.

However, now was not the time to dwell on that.  This meeting was far from over.  She needed to have her “game face” on.

Alexis just smirked a bit then allowed her eyes to fall on the last man seated at the table.  He was blonde, and his green eyes were almost as green as hers.  He had a warm, friendly smile.  Seeing it reminded her that she’d heard about him in the news recently.

Across the table JC was watching her with interest.  He knew she was angry with him for not calling her after their date.  She had every right to be but although he had done it on purpose his intentions were pure.  He hadn’t wanted to tip her off about this prematurely.  He wanted her to seriously consider their proposal and he was afraid she wouldn’t if he told her about it ahead of time.  He didn’t want her to get the wrong idea about their date, that he was just buttering her up for this.

Her eyes changed when she looked at Lance.  Her smile was almost sad, but reassuring at the same time.

“You are Mr. Bass.”

“I am. Five for five.” He replied smiling.

Alexis nodded and smiled then directed her gaze back towards Lance.  “Thank you, and can I just say, for the record, Mr. Bass, Perez Hilton is a FUCKING ASS HAT but you handled that like a ROCK STAR!  I’d have decked him for sure.”

Lance chuckled then blushed.  “Thanks.”

Around the table everyone was smiling.  The tension in the room had settled a bit.  It wasn’t completely gone but it definitely wasn’t as thick.  It was a start.

“Well, now that we have introductions out of the way.  I bet you’re wondering why we asked you here today Ms. Moretti.” Johnny said smiling.

Alexis nodded.  “The thought had crossed my mind.”

Johnny nodded.  “Well, *NSYNC is currently working on their 4th album and they’ve decided that their first single, “If I Never See Your Face Again” needs a feminine touch…”

“Ok?!” Alexis replied her eyes wide.

She had a feeling she knew where this was going.

“They’d like you to sing on the track with them.” Johnny finished.

Alexis’s jaw dropped meanwhile Andrew was grinning like a fool.

“Me?!” Alexis exclaimed.

“Yes, YOU!” Justin said grinning.

“Why?” Alexis shot back.

“Because Ms. Moretti you can SAAAANG and you’re just what this song NEEDS!” Lance chimed in.

“How do you know I can sing?” Alexis continued in shock.

She wasn’t sure she wanted the answer but she asked anyway.

“How do you think?” Chris teased nodding to JC.

“I was there at your Album Release party too, remember? AND…you do have an album out, do you not?” Justin added grinning.

Alexis’s eyes went wider still.  “YOU, Mr. Justin Timberlake, have a copy of my album?”

Joey laughed.  “We all do Ms. Moretti.”

Johnny chuckled and nodded.  “Your talent is undeniable Ms. Moretti, and the group has been pretty insistent that it be YOU they collaborate with on this song.  I should also add that if the song is received well, and gets good reviews, which we believe it will, the group would also like to extend an invitation to you to join them on tour, as their Opening Act.  Their ONLY Opening Act.  You would get the full 45-minute block.”

Alexis’s eyes darkened and she looked to JC.  JC shifted uncomfortably.  He knew what was coming.  He’d been expecting it since the moment she entered the room.

“This was YOUR idea, wasn’t it?” Alexis snapped glaring at Josh.

JC just smiled and shook his head.  “Actually, No, it wasn’t.”

“It was mine.” Justin chimed in.

“Yours?” Alexis asked in disbelief.

Justin nodded and grinned. “Yes ma’am.  As soon as I heard you sing at the Release party, I knew you were what WE needed for this song.”

Alexis looked to Josh, then back at the group, then over to Mr. Wright.  Her head was spinning.  She needed to get her wits about her.

“I’m sorry Mr. Wright…I mean no disrespect, but do you think I could get five minutes with *NSYNC, ALONE, just the six of us?”

Johnny smiled and nodded.  Based on the little he knew about her relationship with JC he felt her request was reasonable.

Without a word Kenny, Andrew and Johnny stood and left the room leaving Alexis alone with the pop super group.

As soon as the door shut behind them Alexis’s eyes rounded on Josh again.  Her eyes were on fire and she was half out of her chair by this point.

“You’re a FUCKING piece of work Chasez!  First you tell me, NO, beg me for a second chance then you take me out on this super romantic date, get my hopes up and then don’t call me for two days and now THIS!”

JC opened his mouth to respond but was cut short by Joey.  Upon hearing Alexis, Joey scooted his chair, reached around Justin and smacked JC on the back of the head.

“Oww!  What the hell Joey?!” JC yelped.

“You’re an ASS!” Joey snapped.

“I didn’t want to give her the wrong impression.” JC said seriously.

“Then tell her that.” Chris chimed in.

Lance nodded in agreement.  “Yeah man, if you like her and you want THIS to work then do us all a favor and ditch the Douche-bag routine!”

“Exactly!” Alexis smirked.

“I’m sorry…” JC started.

Alexis shook her head.  “Nope.  You tried that already.  It didn’t work.  You’re gonna have to try a little harder now.  You are going to have to work for it.”

JC nodded and sighed.  He’d screwed up…AGAIN.

“May I say something?” JC sighed.

Alexis nodded. “Go ahead.”

“I should have called.  I should have texted.  I should have communicated but I really was just worried that you would get the wrong impression about our date.  I was scared you’d think that it was all just a ploy to get you to do this.”

“Wasn’t it?” Alexis shot back.

“No! It wasn’t. Not even a little bit.”

There was something about the look in his eyes that told her he was being truthful but she wasn’t about to let him off the hook just yet.

Alexis nodded then swallowed hard.  Her eyes lowered on JC and she rose to her full height, placing her hands on her hips.

“I want to do THIS! I do! I also want to believe you, more than anything! I also want to believe that you are the Josh I remember, but so far, I’m not seeing it! All I see is JC, “pop star playboy” and I don’t like him!”

Then, she sighed and looked at him sadly.  It broke his heart to see that look in her eyes and know he was the reason.

“I get it! I get WHY you’re this way! BUT…in case you’ve forgotten, in case you need a reminder…I’m NOT HER!”

“I know that.” JC sighed.

“Then PROVE IT!”

An awkward silence followed but it was Lance that broke it.

“Would you like a couple of days to consider our offer?”

Alexis smiled and shook her head.  “No.  That’s not necessary.  I’ll do it! I’d be STUPID not to, and I’m NOT stupid.  Just do me a favor…”

“Sure.” Justin said as the other three nodded.

Alexis smirked then looked to JC.  He was still sitting quietly, brooding.

 “Make sure HE doesn’t make me regret it.”

Joey chuckled. “Done!”