[JC’s and Eric’s conversation from the prior chapter continues]

„It won’t happen.“

„What makes you so sure, hm?“

„Because she’s the one.“ 

Eric's jaw dropped to the floor. 

„Jesus… Jay… how can you say that? You barely know that woman.“

„Trust me. I simply know.“ 

„Dear god… honestly, I didn’t expect you saying something like this about a girl… ever.“

JC chuckled.

„Well, me too. But here we are. I want doing life with her. I want everything with her.“ 

„Dude… if you propose… be sure this will give me my first heart attack.“ 

„I will, when I have the feeling she’s ready.“

„Thanks for the warning.“ 

Both looked at each other for a moment. Then Eric continued talking. 

„Man… I wish you well and you know it. It’s just a lot to process, you know.“

„I understand.“ 

„If she’s really the one… I guess I have no other choice than giving you my blessing.“ 

JC just smiled and nodded. Eric grabbed his face and sighed. 

„I’ll try to be nice to her. But give me some time to get used to all of that.“ 

„Okay.“ 

Eric stood up and stopped standing in front of JC. Then he gave his friend a deep hug. JC appreciated his gesture of good will. 

„Really strange things are happening today,“ Richard said, seeing JC and Eric hugging each other through the glass wall. 

Eve turned around to witness the same scene. 

„Is this a good or a bad sign?“ 

„As they had an emotional fight yesterday, I guess this means they’re good again,“ Richard answered. 

„What did they fight about?“ Eve asked curiously.

„Dunno. Probably you?“ 

As it was the last day before Christmas, everybody left work early that day. As usual Eve was the last one in the open space office. But Eric was still there, as well. 

Eve switched off her laptop and went into JC’s office. 

„Hey love, just give me a minute,“ he said, seeing her coming closer. She sat down at his desk and watched him finishing an email. 

„It’s nice,“ she said, while he was still typing. 

„What is nice?“

„Not hiding.“ 

JC smiled, still focusing at the screen.

„I know. But right now no ones is here anyway, accept Ricky.“ 

„Still it feels nice.“ 

He finished his mail and turned into her direction. 

„Yes. It feels nice.“ 

„Are you looking forward seeing your family tomorrow?“ she asked next.

„I do. But mostly I’m happy that you’ll join me.“

„I didn’t have time buying any gifts.“

„Don’t worry. Few years ago we decided donating money to charity projects instead making gifts to each other.“

„Oh, this is really sweet of you.“ 

Eric entered the room in the next moment and interrupted their conversation. 

„So, you’re heading to Orlando tomorrow?“ he asked, coming closer. 

„Yes.“ JC replied. 

Eric looked at Eve. 

„You go, as well?“ 

„I do.“ 

„Congrats. I can’t remember the last time someone having the honor.“

„Ricky…“ JC warned him. 

He shrugged his shoulders. 

„What? It’s the truth. You didn’t bring a girl home for a decade, at least.“ 

Eve was truly surprised to hear that.

„Really?“ she asked JC. 

„Yes,“ he answered. 

Eve looked at Eric. He looked back sternly. 

„Don’t screw this up, princess.“

„You wanted to be nice, remember?“ JC said annoyed. 

„It’s okay, baby. Ricky just meant well, right?“ she said cynically. 

„I want both of you stop bitching around,“ JC replied. 

Eve and Eric exchanged glances. 

„Fine by me,“ Eric finally said. 

Eve smiled at him. 

„I’m like a mirror. If you behave, I will as well.“ 

JC stood up in the next moment.

„Happy Hanukkah, Ricky,“ he said and hugged his friend goodbye.

„Merry Christmas, Jay.“ 

Eve stood up, as they released each other and gave Eric an eager smile.

„Jesus… you want a hug, too?“ 

„Yes. It’s Christmas. Time to share some love.“ 

He rolled his eyes, before hugging her, as well.

„Merry Christmas, Eve.“

„Happy Hanukkah, Eric.“ 

Eve and JC made a stop at her apartment after leaving the office. She packed some stuff for the weekend in Orlando. Finally they went to JC’s place, as he needed to pack, as well. They decided spending the night in his house, before leaving in the next morning. Eve never slept here before and felt a little excited, as they entered his property. 

„Your place is so posh,“ she said, as he parked his Jeep in front of the double garage. 

„Is it good or bad?“ he wanted to know. 

„I love your house. But it makes me feel kind of intimidated, to be honest. It reminds me, that you’re not just an regular guy,“ Eve tried to explain.

JC gave her a calm smile.

„You should know by now that nothing about me is extraordinary.“

She smiled back.

„I’m crazy for you, JC Chasez. That makes you very extraordinary.“ 

Suddenly another Jeep entered JC’s property.

„Who’s that?“ Eve asked surprised. 

„It’s T.“ 

Both left the car. Justin parked in front of the house and did the same. 

„Hi,“ he said, as they were coming closer. 

He looked incredibly tensed. 

„Hi,“ both replied. 

JC immediately noticed something was wrong with his best friend. 

„What happened?“ he wanted to know. 

Justin gave both of them a sheepish look. 

„Jess is pregnant.“