Early Friday Evening...

Justin's Home....

Pilfered Hearts

Part 2

"Hatred can be overcome only by love. Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law."

It's been a long day with the guys. I want nothing more than to knock out cold from sleep, but I need to get ready for Yolanda's show later. I can't wait to see her. She's going to do great. I haven't thought about Zara since she left the studio early this afternoon. I only got a call from Yolanda when the shoot was over stating that her and Zara were going out to buy an outfit for them to wear tonight. Well Yolanda has her stylist. They were going shopping for Zara and that irritated me even more. I guess she wants to impress Jeremy. Typical.

I don't know what's wrong with me...or berry for that matter. Where does she get off calling me Mr. Timberlake like we're on some formal basis with each other? We've long crossed those lines and now she wants to backtrack? Ok Justin, so you don't give a fuck. I really don't.

Kicking the front doors to my house open, I hear loud trampling in my direction. A big smile crosses my features when my two dogs Buckley and Brennan come into view.

"Hey guys!" I coo, kneeling down to pet them and rough them up a bit. They're really excited to see me as they're panting heavily and smothering me with licks. "Haha, I missed you all too."

"You're finally here. So I can leave."

Looking up from my dogs I notice Rachel is perched against the wall staring down at us. Standing to face her, I brush off my jeans before I go over and give her a hug.

"Hey Rach. When did you get here?" I enquire.

"About three hours ago, but no one was home. I know you're busy and can't have them around constantly. And I'm all up for dog sitting, but they miss you. Buckley has been lazing around whole day just laying there. He knows you're not around J. You need to spend more time with your dogs." She says matter-of-factly causing me to groan.

"Yeah Rachel I know. Thanks though. I've got to get ready for Yolanda's show later."

"Ok fine. I'm just going to head out. Give me a call ok?" She grabs her side bag, heading straight for the exit.

"Ok later Rach. Night!" I wave to her as she swiftly exits the house, leaving me alone with my dogs.

Looking down at them, I notice they are quiet just glaring at me interestingly.

"Oh great! Not you all too! I thought you were my loyal amigos. Quit looking at me like that with those big eyes!" I laugh, hearing Brennan let out a little whine.

"Ok, are you all hungry? Do you want something to eat? Let's see what we have in the doggy department." I joke, walking into my kitchen with them close behind.

Looking through my tons of dog food, I finally pick out something for them to eat. While preparing their meal my house phone goes off. Grabbing the line in the kitchen, I hit the talk button, slipping the phone between my ears and shoulder blade while I grab my dogs' bowls.

"Talk to me." I answer, engrossed with what I'm doing.

"Justin?"

I instantly tense, stopping all my actions when I hear her smooth voice. She still sends shivers down my spin despite how pissed off I am with her right now.

"What do you want Jahzara? I thought it was Mr. Timberlake again now." I snap.

I can hear her sigh over the phone and I just roll my eyes, finally placing down Buckley and Brennan's bowls so they can eat. Damn, they're greedy. They could at least breathe in between ever so often. Chortling lightly, I wash off my hands in the sink...

"Yeah right listen..." Zara begins as I lean against my marbled island with the phone clutched tightly in my hands. "Yolanda and I will meet you at the show. She's with her stylist now and I've decided to just get prepared here with them. It's easier than coming all the way back to your place. You don't mind do you?"

Yes I fucking mind! You're being a bitch! "No that's fine. Do whatever pleases you." I reply nonchalantly.

"Come on Justin..."

"You mean, Mr. Timberlake?" I query, correcting her.

"Ok, ok. I was kind of stressing it there. But I'm sure you get what I was trying to do. We can't keep doing this. It's wrong and I'm starting to feel really bad about all this."

"You mean your conscience is finally catching up to you about Jeremy? You feel guilty Zara." I state. Now she wants to grow a conscience? After all this? I'm sorry but I feel no remorse what so ever. She was just as into what ever this is...was...as I was.

"Now is not the time for this discussion. I'm just letting you know that you can meet us at the show later with everyone else ok?"

"Yeah that's fine. If you're done; I need to go and get ready." I've got to get off this phone. I can't deal with her right now.

"Just, don't make things a big deal ok? I'll see you and Trace later. Bye." She voices before I hear a click on her end and the line goes dead.

Glaring at the phone, I place it back on the receiver. That woman is getting under my skin but I'll be damned if I let her succeed at whatever game she's playing with me. Why can't she make up her mind on what she wants? Is it that hard to accomplish? All she has to do is sit down and make a choice. I don't mean choose between me and ‘gym boy.' I just mean, she needs to get her shit together if she even wants to keep this job. But she seems to be doing well so far.

Pouring some water into Buckley and Brennan's bowls for them to drink, I hear the front doors swing open and the silent house is soon filled with laugher from Trace and Mallory. Oh great they're finally back. After leaving since morning. It's night time now. She must have maxed out my card. I'll kill her if she did. I have no face right now; I'm angry and I don't even know why exactly.

Leaving my dogs to their business, I rub my hands together, walking out of the kitchen, and cutting across to the living room area where I can hear their voices.

"Welcome back." I smile, my eyes darting over the numerous shopping bags sprawled out on the living room floor and couches. "Shit Lory, did you buy the whole store?"

"Hey Justy!" She jumps from her seat and comes over to me giving me a hug and a kiss. Trace is just sitting there, staring at us.

"Yeah hey. Like I was saying. How much did you spend?" I can feel myself on the brink of exploding. There're Gucci bags, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dolce and Gabanna, Coach, Nine West, Burberry...ok I'm just going to stop there because I can feel the sudden headache coming on.

Giving me an innocent smile, she shrugs. That's all I get? A fucking shrug? She better start talking. "It's nothing much."

"Nothing much?! Mallory, it looks like you brought home a whole damn store! You could open a boutique with the amount of shit you bought!"

"Why are you yelling at me Justin? You were the one who told me to go out and get something nice for myself." She defends.

"Yes! Something Mallory! As in one or two outfits. Not a whole fucking mall worth of shit!"

"I don't have to deal with your fucked up attitude. What crawled up your ass?" She says snottily. Oh so she wants to give me lip too?

"Just forget it. Just, put all this shit away and go get ready so we can head down to the club for Yolanda's show." I'm not in the mood to fight. I'm drained and tired and my life is getting on my nerves.

"What's wrong Justin? Why are you so on edge baby?" She does a complete 180 on me as she rubs over my upper arms soothingly.

"It's nothing. Just had a long day. Go get ready ok? We'll just meet Zara and Yolanda there."

"Fine. I'm going to shower then." She states, grabbing as much bags as she can before she stops to give me another kiss then heads up the stairs.

Diverting my attention back to Trace, he's still just sitting there quietly while studying me with his eyes. I hate when he does that shit. It's unnerving.

Taking a seat next to him, I exhale loudly, sinking into the couch.

"What's wrong Justin?" He finally asks. "Is it Jahzara?"

"Why would you think my problem is automatically associated with her?" Is he being for real? My life doesn't revolve around Zara.

"I'm just taking a wild guess, but by your tone and remark I'm guessing I was right." He has a smug grin on his face that enrages me even more.

"It's nothing ok? Just forget about it..."

"What happened with you two this time? You all are beyond Abnormal. I get confused just watching you two interact. What's really going on man?" He's staring at me, abstrusely.

He'll never get it. I don't even get it.

"It's not even a big deal. So berry heard me and Mallory having sex last night. It's no reason to overreact the way she did." I blurt out.

"Wow, she what? She heard you guys?! Well shit Justin, think about it. You all go around flirting and kissing on each other from what I understand based on what you've told me. I don't view Zara as the infidelity type, yet somehow her defenses are always broken around you. Have you ever stopped to think that you all aren't just playing some sick game? Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe she might have some sort of feelings for you which is why she puts up with your shit? I mean, yeah she's with Jeremy, but dude, people can't control their heart and emotions man."

Leave it to Trace to shed light on the situation. Leave it to him to get all philosophical on me. How could I have considered anything he just said? Zara and I are not on those levels. He just doesn't fucking get it!

"Ok, Trace. And let's suppose you're right...what the fuck does that have to do with anything?" I think my ignorance it getting the best of me.

"Well Justin! It has everything to do with it. Obviously, hearing you and Mallory do the ‘funky monkey' must have hurt my Zar-bear in some way. You all need to get your acts straight before someone gets hurt. But I'm guessing that ship has sailed."

His Zar-bear? What the fuck?! And this is me, feeling a million times worse and angrier than before. Trace has to be wrong. He just has to be. Zara doesn't care about me like that. All I've ever been was an asshole to her. I've judged her from day one. I still do. She doesn't deserve that.

"Well Trace..." I'm not going to think about this now. I have a fucking show to get to. "I'm sure I don't know what the fuck you're talking about. You're wrong ok? Zara is just pmsing or something. Just drop it. Let's get ready for the show." I stand to leave not waiting for his response as he sighs profoundly.

"You are one stubborn mule Justin. Shit will bite you in the ass for it. But whatever. You're right, it's getting late. We should probably get ready to head out..." He suggests, respecting my wishes that this conversation is over. Shaking my head at him, we both decide to head upstairs so we can prepare for the night's events. This should be an interesting night. I hope Yolanda really rocks the crowd tonight. Although, I have no doubt that she will.

****

Hours Later...At Club Giant

"Hey LA! How's everyone doing tonight?!" Yolanda shouts into her mic receiving a series of hoots, yells, screams and hollers. "Yeah that's what I like to hear. I'm about to switch things up a bit and break into my single that's gracing the air waves across the country. You think you guys can help me sing it?" She places the mic to the crowd and their screams instantly intensify as the bright stage lights shine on her.

Smiling brightly, I cheer from the V.I.P section as she gets the crowd hyped. Damn, she's a sensational singer and performer. That girl's music career is made.

Feeling a sense of elation, I rest back against my seat in our booth, enjoying the show. It's been going well so far and the place is jam-packed with fans and club goers. We had quite the struggle getting through paparazzi. When I noticed the frenzy going on outside the grounds of the club, I knew this was only the beginning of this chaotic life I'm going to live. I really hope I can cope. But now is not the time to dwell on such issues. I'm here for Yolanda and to give her support. And she's doing great!

"Hey babe! You want another drink from the bar?" Looking over, I smile warmly at Jeremy. He's such a sweetheart.

"Yeah, get me a Cosmopolitan please." I reply.

"You got it. Be right back." He gets up from his sitting position and struts over to the bar. Glaring at his ass, I sigh lightly before my view is rudely blocked out by a tall frame. Fixing my thin strapped red dress, I flinch when I hear someone clear their throat loudly.

Snapping my head up, I notice Justin is staring down at me.

"What?!" I shout over the music.

Without answering, he slides into the booth next to me still just staring. His eyes look dilated too. Since he got here earlier he hasn't said much to me. He's not ignoring me. He's just been preoccupied with Mallory and Trace. He does look dashing in his William Rast ensemble which consists of a green v-neck graffiti t-shirt, black canvas recruit jacket and long dark flare jeans. Damn it. Why does he have to look this good all the time? Why can't he look like a bum every once in a while? It would make both our lives easier. Well, not really.

"Are you having fun!?" He asks and I nod in response. "Ok good! Do you want to dance?" He asks again and I just glare at him. He must be joking.

"We're kind of with other people Justin. Jeremy just went to get me a drink." I state firmly.

"So what? A dance never hurt anyone. Come on." He grabs my arm, pulling me out of the booth and unto the dance floor. I'm going to regret this.

Leaving me there, he stalks over to the bar where Jeremy is located. Oh no, what's he doing? I can see them talking but I have no idea what's being said. Yolanda is still performing and the music is deathly loud. Seconds later, Justin is walking back over to me with my drink in hand.

"Here, Jeremy says he's cool. Go put your drink down and come back." He hands me the item and I oblige, a little upset that Jeremy would just willingly allow that. Then again, he has no reason to think anything of a dance. If he only knew.

Finally returning, Justin instantly grips me by the waist pulling me flush against his torso. Oh no, what the hell is his deal? Reluctantly, I snake my hands around his neck as we sway to the slow ballad that Yolanda is now singing.

After dancing for a few minutes, I can feel Justin's hands slowly graze down to my lower back. I'm beginning to get uncomfortable. Mainly because Mallory is just staring at us from their booth area where Trace and some of their entourage is located. I'm kind of wondering why she's not doing or saying anything. That's not like Mallory at all. Did Justin tell her something?

Speaking of Justin, I can feel his nose nuzzled into the crook of my neck as he inhales deeply letting out a low throaty growl.

"Justin? What are you doing?" I ask quietly.

"Nothing." he mumbles, tightening his hold around me. Oh my god, is he trying to get us in trouble? "Just memorizing your sent."

Wow, creepy. "Uh, could you loosen up please and give some space between us?" I push a little at his chest but he doesn't budge.

"We're dancing, it's cool."

"No it's not. You're too close."

Pulling his head back he looks at me with tired eyes. "You never had a problem before." He hisses and I instantly get a whiff of alcohol and something else on his breath. Is that weed? He's been smoking? How comes I didn't smell it on him before? Maybe because I was a little stunned with his forward gesture? I don't know.

"Are you high?" I squint at him and he just gives me a lazy smile.

"No."

"Yes you are. You're high aren't you? Why Justin?"

"I'm not high berry."

"I told you don't call me that."

"Well I like it. You smell like strawberries so it works." He smirks at me. If there is anything more annoying than asshole Justin, is high Justin. Why me?

"Justin, just go sit down or something. Looking at your face properly now, you look really...out of it." I suggest, but he protests by ignoring my statement and resting his head on my shoulders.

"I prefer dancing with you. Besides, you look really beautiful in your short dress." He groans. "And ‘fuckable' too." He adds in a whisper. Ok, that's it. I've had enough. Forcefully breaking our embrace I stumble back a bit.

"Ok, that's it Justin. I'm done. Just go do something with yourself. I'm going to head back over to Jeremy." I explain, casting my vision to Jer who's at our table having a deep conversation with one of Justin's many bodyguards. Does he not care that his woman is over here with another man? He really shouldn't put his guard down just because it's Justin. But who can blame him? He's clueless to what's been going on.

"NO!" Justin grips my arm, pulling me back towards him. "What the fuck do you see in him Zara?" He snaps. "Ok, beside the fact that he's all muscular and whatever and shit?"

"I'm not having this conversation with you now." I snap back trying to break free from his hold.

"Yes we are. What better time than now? Why do you constantly flaunt him in my face? Does he even know what's been going on between us?" He enquires and I quickly put my hands over his mouth to shut him up.

"Just shut the fuck up Justin. Now is not the time! I'm warning you." Oh my god, he's trying to destroy me. I knew I should have only kept him as part of my daydreams and not let any of this happen.

"Poor berry. She's afraid that if her precious Jer finds out that we've been messing around he'll leave her." He says in a condescending tone. God, I want to slap him right now. Is anyone witnessing this? I'm looking around the dance floor and everyone seems occupied. Wait, where did Mallory go? I actually need her here right now to get Justin's attention off me.

"Listen Justin. You are clearly high. Why don't you head over to Trace and chill for a bit?"

"No. No...not until you tell me what the fuck is your problem. Are you playing games with me? Because, I don't take kindly to a bitch who's trying to screw me over." He snarls, still holding unto my arm.

Sighing I try to calm my nerves and the initial urge to blow up on him. "I'm not playing games." I respond sadly.

"Yes you are, always flirting with me and flaunting your fucking body around in those kinds of outfits you wear. You've never done that before."

"You've never dealt with me outside of work before!" Is this fucker for real? How can he blame this on me?

"Oh please. You were an unsocial, unattractive hermit. And all of a sudden, you want to be Zara this voluptuous bombshell?"

He's ridiculous and high out of his mind. I'd laugh in his face right now if I wasn't afraid of him running his mouth for everyone to hear.

"Just leave me alone Justin. I'm not having this conversation with you. And you better let me go before..."

"Before what? I dare you to do something about it." He challenges me, his eyes burning with fury.

"What is wrong with you? Why are you acting this way?" I cry out.

"I'm not acting any way Zara! You've been leading me on and I'm really getting pissed off by it. I agree that we need to talk about this."

"Oh now you want to talk? Now!? Justin! We can't always do shit on your time! People have lives too! And my life does not circulate around you!"

"It might as well, you wouldn't have one if it weren't for me. You should be grateful." He growls, finally releasing his hold on me. Rubbing at my sore arm I shake my head sadly.

"So that's what this is about? You think I owe you because you gave me this job? You think I should be at your beck and call? Well I'm not going to do that." I retort.

"You know what? Just forget you. You're a fucking tease and nothing more. You're worthless Zara! You should be lucky I didn't fire you back when I was considering it due to your incoherence and fucking daydreaming all the time. What the fuck could possibly have you so enchanted all the time? Your work was sloppy and so were you."

My eyes widen in shock as Justin continues to ramble on, not caring about the dangerous effects his words are having on me.

"So just fuck you and I hope you're happy with ‘gym boy'. But don't come to me when he's broken your heart or something."

"You're one to talk when you have Mallory fucking with." I finally regain my voice and I'm seriously embarrassed and angry with him right now. He's such a dickhead.

"Yeah, at least she's not a fucking tease like you. But hell, I can understand you wanting to wild out and have every guy that shows some form of interest in you. I mean, you're what? 300 pounds? What guy would be interested in that? Mallory was right. I don't know what I was thinking. You're just a fat hideous bitch!" His spits, his words stinging me like venom.

Without a second thought I react the only way I know how...by raising my hand and swinging it subconsciously. I watch in slow motion as my palm connects to his cheek. His shock is apparent as he clutches unto the sore spot stumbling back a bit, but what's really apparent is the fact that my eyes are watering and the tears are just about ready to spill out.

"You're an asshole Justin Timberlake! Do you hear me!? A Fucking self-centered, arrogant jerk! I hate you!" I scream not caring who hears or sees.

"Justin! Jahzara! What the hell is going on?" Trace calls out to us approaching us with Mike and Lonnie in tow.

Wiping at my eyes roughly, I jack Justin out of the way who's still just staring at me in shock. Yes I slapped you; you deserved a lot more than that but get over it.

"I'm fine Trace."

"But I just saw you slap Jus..." Trace trails off looking perplexed as Jeremy makes his way over.

"What the hell is going on? I thought you two were dancing?" Jeremy asks, staring Justin down.

"You let them dance?" Trace asks incredulously. Oh god...

"What's wrong with that? It's good if they are getting along and not at each other's throats." Jeremy explains. I feel so terrible. He's so clueless.

"It's fine!" I scream through frustration. "I can't fucking do this right now! God!" I yell quaking, turning on my heel and stomping away from everyone. Those eyes. Those piercing blue eyes just keep drilling a hole into me as he just stands there emotionlessly. He's just standing there rubbing at his face vigorously. I think he's trying to sober up from his high. I'm sure my smacking him helped. It really happened before I had a chance to catch myself.

I can hear them calling out to me, but I don't care. I need out. I need to get out of here. Fuck being a PA right now. Fuck Yolanda's show. I'm out.

Sprinting down the stairs of V.I.P, I disappear into the crowd pushing at the bouncers at the exit to let me through. When they see me, they step aside and I'm instantly bombarded with blinding light flashes.

"Miss Gilmore!"

"Jahzara over here!?"

"Yolanda's PA! What's it like in there?! Is Yolanda doing great?!"

Holy shit! When did these people learn my name? What's happening? Pushing them out of the way, I try to get unto the sidewalk so I can hail a taxi.

"Miss Gilmore when did you and Justin begin having an affair?"

Stopping dead in my tracks, I turn around to see a very tall man with auburn hair and olive skin holding a camera in his hand and an evil glimmer in his eyes.

"Wh...what?"

"You know, you and Justin. There's a rumor going around about you two kissing in some parking lot after a Lakers game. But no pictures have surfaced yet. What's that about?"

"Oh my god. Are you people insane? Just leave me alone!" I yell, whipping around and picking up my pace, practically sprinting out of the mass hysteria and down the sidewalk.

"I can't believe this is happening." I mutter to myself, hailing a cab over. The taxi pulls up in front of me and just as I'm about to enter I hear him calling out to me. Can this night get any worse?

"Zara! Berry hold up! Where are you going? Jahzara! Wait a minute! Don't leave!"

Looking up, I can see Justin, Mike, Lonnie and Trace heading in my direction and there's a swarm of people behind them. Where the fuck is Jeremy? You know, I don't care right now. He should have never allowed Justin to dance with me. What kind of boyfriend is he? Mike and Lonnie are doing some serious damage control right now so their superstar doesn't get mauled. Justin doesn't seem to care that there are cameras everywhere!

"Zara wait up please. Don't get in that cab, we'll take you home." Trace pleads.

Shaking my head sadly, I instantly hop inside before they can get to me. "Drive! Now!" I demand to the taxi driver and he instantly speeds off leaving everyone in the dust.

Looking out the window, I can see them still staring in my direction as they disappear into the distance.

Turing back around I whimper, clutching unto my purse tightly. "I hate him." I mutter, digging through my purse for my handy pills. "I fucking hate him."

"Where to miss?" The Indian man asks me.

Glaring at him through the mirror I contemplate my choice of destination. ‘Home' is not an option right now. "Just drive sir. I'll let you know once I figure it out."

Nodding understandably, he diverts his attention to the road and I divert my attention to my nails. "God I hate him." I mumble yet again.

And finally for the first time that night, I allow my tears to flow freely.

I make no effort to wipe them away. I just seat in silence and cry, because for some odd reason, everything Justin said to me was true. He's right. I am worthless. I've always been.

He's rudely reminded me why I've kept to myself all this time and never let anyone in.

Glancing at the small bottle in my hands, my lips tremble slightly. Shutting my eyes tightly, I stuff the items back into my bag before I look out the window, zoning out and becoming mesmerized by all the bright lights of Hollywood, LA.

****

Quote by: Buddha and Gandhi