Next Sunday Justin decided taking a day off from work. After having a long breakfast together, Josh asked Justin to spend some time with him in the studio. They used to do this on Sundays long time before Eve appeared in their lives. Both enjoyed it very much getting lost in their passion for music together. In those precious moments, they inspired each other in a way no one else could. Eve took Jake for a walk in the meanwhile, not wanting to spoil their quality time.

„That song is too good for selling, bro.“ Justin said, when Josh showed him his latest work. 

„I’m happy you like it, man.“ Josh replied. „But if this just another hint concerning a reunion…“

„It’s not.“ Justin interrupted his friend. „But…“

Josh rolled his eyes, before Justin continued talking. 

„We’ve been pretty good at Joe’s wedding, don’t you think?“ 

Josh sighed.

„Ya. It was fun. But still, I don’t want this.“ 

„Dude. I’m deeply relieved and grateful, that your memory is back. But I really, really, really wished you would have just forgotten about Coachella for good.“

„This is not just about Coachella, T.“

Justin raised his eyebrows. 

„Then what else is this about?“ 

„I’m a dad now. I want to be with my kid. And my wife, of course.“ 

„C, come on. There are ways to make things work and you know it.“ 

„No, there aren’t.“

„Of course they are. Eve and Jake could join us wherever we go. I really don’t see the problem.“ 

Josh deeply sighed. 

„It case you didn’t know: Eve doesn’t want a *NSYNC reunion.“

Justin frowned. 

„Why would you say that?“ 

„She wants a normal life. She has absolutely no interest standing in the spotlight and sharing anything with the public world. Did you forget the tough time she gave me, when she found out who I am?“ 

Justin thought about it for a moment. It made kind of sense, as Eve also asked him to fly under the radar and not making their relationship public. 

„So, it’s her? She’s the reason why you don’t want this?“ Justin asked, still being lost in thoughts.

„It’s a combination of everything. Coachella was tragic. I still can’t watch the video without getting depressed about my awful performance. When I learned about how Eve sees things, it just encouraged me to give up on the idea to reunite. And now we have Jake. You know exactly how hard it can be to protect kids from the public world.“

Justin listened carefully. Then he took a deep breath.

„I understand what you’re saying. At least the part about Eve and Jake. But I want you to know how hard it is for me to watch you wasting your gift.“

„You said that before like million times, T…“

„I just can say it often enough.“ 

In the next moment Justin’s phone rang. He put it out of his pocket and frowned. It was Jess. 

„Hey, what’s up?“ He answered the call.

„Hey, listen. I’m in town and have an appointment in one hour. Unfortunately the babysitter has an emergency and can’t make it on time. I know it’s on short call, but can I bring you the boys?“ 

„Ya, of course. But I’m at C’s place, so you have to bring them here.“ 

There was silence for a moment on the other side.

„Are you just visiting or do you live there again?“

„Just bring them here, Jess.“ 

Jessica arrived twenty minutes later. Justin let them in.

„DADDY!!!“ Silas and Phin shouted at once and jumped into his arms.

„So good to see you!“ He said happily, kissing their small heads. 

„No one else around?“ Jess asked curiously. 

„C is in the studio, just in the middle of something.“ Justin answered. 

„Actually, I still got a minute. Can I come in and talk to you?“ She asked. 

„Ehm, ya… sure.“ He replied. 

Then he looked at Silas and Phin. 

„Boys, listen. You can watch Netflix while I’m talking to mommy.“

„YES!“ Silas shouted happily. 

He took his brother’s little hand and went with him into the living room. Jess followed Justin into the kitchen. 

„So? What are you having on your mind?“ He asked her, leaning against the kitchen island. 

Jess didn’t know how to begin, feeling nervous. 

„Look.“ She started to talk and glanced shyly into his eyes. „I can’t stop thinking about what happened between us.“ 

Justin immediately turned uneasy. 

„Nothing happened between us. That’s what you told me.“ He replied. 

„I know what I’ve said. And I didn’t lie. But even if we didn’t have sex, there was still something between us, which I can’t simply forget.“ 

Justin’s heart was beating fast and his palms turned sweaty. He felt overwhelmed, not expecting this kind of conversation.

„What are you trying to say, Jess?“

She bit her lips and closed her eyes for a second. Then she looked deep into his eyes again.

„Justin. I want another chance.“ 

His face turned pale and his mouth got open wide.

„Are.You.Serious?“ He stammered. 

Jessica just nodded. 

„But… what have changed? I don’t get it. You wanted a divorce and now you ask me for another chance out of the blue? It… it just makes no sense…“ 

„I miss us.“ She answered sincerely. 

„Since when?“ 

„Since I realized, that no one can replace you in my life. I know how it sounds but… I needed to lose you to find out how much I still wanted you.“ 

Justin stared at her, not knowing how to reply. This was too much at once. 

„You know I’m with Eve.“ He finally said. 

„Justin. She’s married to your best friend. And he wants her back. It was you who told me, there was no chance she would chose you in the end.“

„I said this?“ 

„Yes you did. You told me everything what was bothering you in that night.“ 

Justin took a deep breath. 

„Jess. I can’t go back to you and pretend not having feelings for Eve anymore. I can’t switch them off and doing life with you, like nothing ever happened.“ 

„I’m aware of that. But I also believe, that you kept a place for me in your heart. You still love me, Justin. You always will. That’s who you are.“ 

„Jess…“

„I don’t expect an answer right now. Take your time. I’m waiting for you.“ 

Justin just nodded, being terribly flustered. 

Jessica gave him a loving smile. Then she came closer and kissed his cheek gently. 

„I’ll pick up our boys in two hours. Thank you for your help, baby.“ 

Then she turned around, said goodbye to the kids and left the house. 

When Justin heard the front door closing, he grabbed his face and took another deep breath. 

„What the fuck was this?“ He suddenly heard Josh saying. 

Justin released his face and stared into his best friend’s eyes. 

„How much did you hear?“ 

„Everything.“