Chapter 5

Amber watched patiently as JC's eyes scanned over the pages of her notebook. To say she was nervous was an understatement. She knew in the back of her mind he wouldn't criticize her for them. But all the same these were based on events in her life, and were very personal for someone to read over and tell her if they were good enough for her demo or not. By the time he looked up her fingernails were bitten down to the quick from her incessant nail biting.

"So what do you think?" Amber asked softly eyeing him.

"There really good, I especially like this one." He said clearing his throat then flipping back a page. "I'm heavily broken, and I don't know what to do, can't you see that I'm choking, and I can't even move, when there's nothing left to say, what can you do I'm heavily broken, and there's nothing I can do" He read aloud softly then let his eyes meet her emotion filled ones. "I would really love to help you record this song, I've got a killer beat worked out in my head already."

"Well if we succeed in getting me a recording contract then I'll let you do that." Amber said, the excitement she felt at just knowing he liked one of her songs was barely being kept at bay. "Which one do you think we should use for a demo?"

He flipped a couple of pages before handing her the notebook and pointing to the song he wanted. "That one, we can record it to be a more upbeat song, and all of us guys can help you out with a dance routine for it or you can come up with it on your own. But I really think the Executives will love this song."

Amber read over the lyrics quietly and couldn't help the bright smile that took over her features. She couldn't believe she was sitting here with none other than JC Chasez talking about what song she should record for her demo. Not only was he going to help her record this demo, but also they were quickly forming a friendship while doing so.

"I have to say Amber, you've got a real talent for songwriting, it's making me curious to see how you sing." JC commented"

Curiosity is about to kill the cat, because I just got off the phone with the secretary at the studio and she said they have a room free. So do we want to take it?" Justin said casting a quick glance in Amber's direction.

"Yeah we'll take it. That is if you're ready Amber?" JC asked

Justin watched silently as Amber's wide brown eyes connected with his, it was that look alone gave him the confirmation that she was scared and unsure of the events taking place. He couldn't blame her he felt the same way when they recorded their own demo. It was an exciting process, also a scary one. Getting up in front of those executives wasn't an easy task.

He remembered when they auditioned for there own recording contract. And the stress they went through to get there routine and vocals perfect. He also remembered the excitement when they got the call back saying they wanted to meet with them and discuss a contract. It was one of the best moments of his life. Now he was about to go through it again, but this time he was helping out someone he held dear to his heart.

"Hey J, you alright?" JC asked standing up then walking softly over to his friend. He clamped a hand onto his shoulder and shook him softly.

"What was that?" Justin asked blinking rapidly.

"I asked if you were alright." JC chuckled eyeing his young friend warily. "You totally spaced out there for a bit."

"I was thinking." Justin shrugged

"Okay. Well Amber went to get ready then we're going to head out to the studio."

"Okay." Justin agreed looking down at his basketball shorts and tank top. "I guess I better go change."

JC watched as Justin retreated from the room and couldn't help shaking his head. "Oh he's got it bad." JC mumbled while shaking his head. Looking up towards the stairs, he caught sight of Amber as she bounced down them. "Are you ready?"

"Yep, where's J?"

"Went to go change clothes." JC said eyeing the young girl as she came to a stop next to him. "You excited to record your demo?"

Amber shrugged softly then let her eyes wander around the room. They landed on a picture of her and Justin the night he left Utah. A soft smile spread across her features as she padded across the living room to retrieve it. "Wow, we were so young in this picture." She mused.

"You didn't answer my question Amber" JC said coming to stand next to her.

"Yes I did, I shrugged." Amber retorted not letting her eyes waver from the picture for a second. "I don't know how I feel about recording it today. I have so many confusing thoughts running through my mind, between this demo, Justin, and my life in general."

"Do you want to record it today? Because if you don't we can wait, till you get a little more settled here in Orlando." JC asked gently. He didn't miss the slip-up of Justin's name and intended to find out more about that in the near future.

"In a way I want to, because it would be one more step closer to making my dream come true. Still in a way I don't, because I'm scared that I won't be good enough to get the contract. And that's even if you guys like what you heard."

"I'm going to let you in on a little secret. If one of us likes what we hear then we all do. Justin has a keen sense about these types of things. So I am pretty sure that since Justin is so smitten with you're voice, I will be to." JC smiled titling her head up by his index finger to look into her troubled eyes. "Even though I barely know you Ambs, I have a gut feeling you are going to go far. Those lyrics I just read gave me all the confirmation I needed to know that you are going to be a star."

Blushing softly Amber looked into his blue eyes and smiled. "Thanks Jayce, I appreciate it."

"Anytime sweetheart." He smiled

"So we ready to go?" Justin asked padding softly in the room.

"Yep let's go." Amber said bending down to grab her notebook and purse from the coffee table, after retrieving the two she stood up straight and shot Justin a smile, as she walked towards the door.

Hour Later

She sat between Justin and JC discussing the song they were about to record. She was only half listening to what they were saying. It was stuff she had heard before, how to pronounce specific words to make them sound better, and some other little tips to deal with her voice.

She had sat in on many recordings throughout her life and knew all of this, but alas, she didn't say anything to the two because she didn't want to offend them when all they were trying to do was help her out.

"Okay guys I think I got it"

"Are you sure?" JC asked casting a weary glance at her.

"Yep, let's get started." She smiled standing up from the couch, she walked softly towards the recording booth. Once inside she let out a breath and prayed to God that she could do this. She let her eyes wander around the room, there was a single microphone hanging from the ceiling, a wood stool sat in front of it with a stand that held her music.

They had already worked out the beat for the song, so all they need was her singing the lyrics. Taking a seat in front of the microphone, she put the headphones on her head and smiled softly at the two guys looking at her in the next room.

"Ready?" Justin asked watching her intently for any signs of backing out. When she nodded her head softly, he flipped a few switches, causing the beat to flow through her headset.

She closed her eyes counting the beats then leaned forward and let the first few notes fly out of her mouth. "You're beautiful but you don't know, can't see what's there inside your soul, always feelin like you're not good enough"

Justin watched her intently as she sang with all of the emotion her little body could muster. He heard her voice before but he had no clue she could sound like this. It was as if a totally different person was sitting there behind the microphone. "Wow."

"You've got that right." JC said training his shocked eyes on the man standing next to him. "I don't think I've ever heard a voice like hers. It's filled with so much emotion, damn, it just drags you in. I have a feeling every record label in the country is going to be knocking on your door step."

"Me to." Justin mumbled softly. He couldn't for the life of him take his eyes off her. The moment she opened her mouth to sing, he was memorized by her voice. "I've heard her sing before Jayce, but I've never heard her sing like this."

Amber opened her eyes and locked her brown orbs on Justin's blue ones, as she sang the next worse. "You never think you measure up, never smart or cool, or pretty enoughalways feeling different from all the rest, oh"

By the time the song was over, JC and Justin were both sitting there with there jaws slack which only made Amber chuckle in return. "How was it boys?" she asked raising a single eyebrow in there direction.

Justin shook himself softly then clear his throat. "Amazing." He breathed in the microphone. "Damn Ambs, your going to have record companies breaking down the damn doors for you."

"Thanks J" She beamed giving him a brilliant smile full of white teeth. "What did you think Jayce?" she asked

"Phew.." he said wiping his brow. "I'd have to agree with Justin. That was fantastic I don't think I have ever heard a voice like yours. It so full of emotion and just drags you in. I think you'll have a contract by the end of the week." He smiled softly.

Justin watched Amber silently as she digested the information and felt a great sense of pride fill him to the brim. He always had a feeling that she would follow some what in his foot steps, he knew she had a voice that could wow an audience since they were very little, but to cause this kind of emotion out of two musicians who knew the ways of the music world was a great accomplishment. He couldn't wait for the rest of the guys and his mom to hear the demo.

He also couldn't wait to give this to Johnny, truth was he had talked to him a couple days ago about her, and he was really interested in helping with getting her the audition with jive. So all he had to do was have Jayce fix up the demo then burn the cd and put it in Johnny's awaiting hands.

"Want to go grab some lunch before we get to work on editing this?" Justin asked both JC and Amber.

"Yeah" Amber replied taking off the head phones placing them on the stool then straightening her shirt and walking out of the booth. "I'm starved"

"So am I"

"What's new? You're always hungry j." Amber kidded poking his stomach.

"Hey, what can I say I'm a growing boy." Justin said in his best little boy voice.

"Mhm right." Amber sarcastically replied giving him a cheesy grin.

"Do you see this Jayce, she's giving me lip." Justin pretended to be offended

"I see it." JC nodded softly then let a slow grin spread across his lips. "But you need it, keeps that ego knocked down a few levels."

"What is it pick on Justin day? Because if it is I must have not gotten the memo." Justin scoffed throwing his hands in the air.

"That was good Jayce." Amber giggled giving him a high five.

"I know huh."

"That's it, I forbid you two to ever hang out. No more.. Nuh uh. Not when ya'll are going to gang up on me." Justin said walking a little faster down the hall.

"Awe poor baby feels picked on." Amber whispered to JC then ran up next to Justin and threw her arm around his waist. "You know J, if I didn't give you shit, you wouldn't know I loved ya."

"Mhm right. If this is how you show you love me then I sure as hell don't want to know what you would do if you hated me." Justin replied wrapping an arm around her shoulders pulling her to his side. "But I wouldn't have you any other way." He smiled kissing the top of her head.

Twenty minutes later the trio walked into a quiet little coffee shop a couple blocks down from the recording studio. As they stepped up to register Amber took a quick look around and smiled softly, it was small compared to the ones she'd been in before with about five tables, a book shelf full of items you could purchase, ranging from t-shirts with the company logo, to custom made jewelry, and candles. When Justin nudged her in the side she directed her gaze toward him with a raised eyebrow and spoke softly. "Yes"

"What do you want?"

"Oh, uhm" She mumbled looking up at the menu. "I'll have a iced mocha, and cup of Wisconsin cheese soup please." She watched as the lady wrote down her order then directed her soft green eyes toward JC.

"I'll have the same please." JC said

"I'll find a us a table." Amber said stepping around the two men, and padding softly towards a table in the back. After sinking down in the chair she pulled out her note book pulled the pen out of the spine and began to write feverishly.

While waiting for there order JC turned around and leaned his elbows on the counter. He spotted Amber across the room leaned over the table then nudged Justin softly in the side. "Does she ever stop?" he questioned

"Mm, not really she told me once that she always has ideas for songs mulling around her mind and whenever she can find a quiet moment to herself she'll pull her notebook out and write them down. Hmmm which reminds me of someone." Justin said eyeing his older friend thoughtfully.

"Who?" JC asked, then caught the look he was giving him. "Oh yeah I use to be like that."

"Use to? Pfft you still do it from time to time."

"Hey what can I say, when you get an idea you got to write it down." JC shrugged while giving his friend a smile. "But you do it also so don't act all innocent J."

"Hey I'll admit it, when I got a good hook I will write it down so I don't forget but also I don't carry a notebook with me in my back pocket constantly. Hmm I wonder what she's writing."

JC silently eyed his younger friend as many emotions passed over his features. He'd been watching the two all day and he thought he was picking up on something other than friendship vibes, or it was something the two were feeling he wasn't sure. But the look on Justin's face right was a big neon sign saying, "I'm in love with her, but don't know what to do about it."

He couldn't blame him Amber was a really good looking and she was a total sweet heart but he sensed something else with her, like she had this big dark secret she had to hide, and from what he could tell she was feeling about the same for Justin. Interesting he thought.

Oh this was a real life fairytale at it's best and he had a front row seat to the action. He wondered how long they could keep there feelings a secret he highly doubted would last a week but knowing how stubborn Justin was he was probably fighting tooth and nail with himself trying to convince his heart he couldn't be in love with someone he thought of as a sister.

Shaking off his thoughts he turned his attention to the man standing beside him. "You know she's probably writing some deeper meaning song to go with the rest."

"You're probably right." Justin sighed turning around to face the people working behind the counter. "What's wrong man?"

"Nothing just thinking about something." Justin said desperately trying to keep his mouth shut. He wanted to talk to someone who knew Amber as long as he had, figure out if it was just him or if what he was seeing out of her was what he thought. "I just got a lot on my mind is all Jayce."

"Alright. Let's go sit." JC said grabbing the tray with the food and walking towards the table. "So what you writing Ambs?"

Ambers head shot up with a soft smile. "Nothing really, just some thoughts and stuff like that." She replied closing the notebook and stuffing it in her bag.

"Cool." JC said placing her drink and bowl of soup in front of her.

Once there food was passed out and in front of the respectable party they grew quiet and began eating. Justin was half way through his sandwich when he looked up at Amber. "So Amber what do you think of Orlando so far?"

Holding up a finger to signal for him to wait a second she swallowed her bite of soup and wiped her mouth with the napkin that had been resting in her lap. "I love it, it's a lot different from Utah, warmer than I expected."

"Yeah it is. I got to say I'd choose Orlando over Utah any day. Cleaner air better atmosphere."

"Oh I agree." Amber replied looking out the window at the ocean. "An it has amazing views. I've always wanted to live close to the ocean." Justin chuckled softly at her dreamy expression which received a glare in return from Amber. "What's so funny Timberlake?"

"Nothing, it's just the look on your face." She quietly raised an eyebrow in Justin's direction preparing to come back with something witty when the chime above the door signaled a new customer was in there presence. She let her eyes gravitate towards the new person, instantly recognition dawned on her features, causing her breath to shorten and her face to pale.

She couldn't believe of all places in the world, he had to walk into the very same coffee shop she was sitting in. Of all places in the US he was in Orlando, her new home. She watched him walk up to the register and briefly speak with the employees then turn on his heal and sit down at the closest table. He looked almost the same as he did when she had last seen him.

Before she could turn away he glanced over at her and gave her a smile which caused her blood to run cold, and her eyes to widen. She waited for him to get up and stalk over to her, but all he did was sit there and quietly stare at her with an amused twinkle in his eye. It was like she was frozen in place, with fear coursing through her, an the horrible memories flittering through her mind. She told herself to look away but her muscles weren't listening to a thing her mind was telling them so she sat there staring as he stared back, challenging her to stand up and walk away.

When he winked at her, she wasn't surprised when her skin started to scrawl, just the mere thought of him was causing the sensation. She bit down on her bottom lip to keep from crying out and alerting the two guys sitting next to her. Finally not being able to stand it any longer she abruptly pushed out of her chair causing it to crash against the floor and fled the room, bursting into the near by bathrooms.

Walking over to the sink she looked at her self in the mirror and willed the tears to stay at bay, she could feel them bubbling up to the surface. As she closed her eyes one squeezed out which opened the flood gates as the memories zoomed through her mind, the good, the bad and the absolute terrifying memories that she had kept hidden in the darkest parts of her mind for the past 6 months.

She bit back a sob and wiped at her eyes angrily she promised her self she wouldn't cry about him anymore. It angered her to see herself letting the tears slide down her face. But she couldn't help but let them go. Seeing him after all this time and in the one place she was hoping to escape all of the memories. This was her new home it was supposed to be some place where she could start over and reinvent herself.

The place where all of her dreams were going to come true for the first time in her life

When the tears subsided she bent over and turned on the faucet splashing cold water on her face to remove all the traces of her tears. If there was one thing she didn't want Justin or JC to know about this was it, an if she went out there with the traces she had been crying they would undoubtedly question it. Which she knew she wasn't ready to talk about this event.

She walked silently over to the paper towel dispenser and dried her face, then looked at herself in the mirror and gave her reflection a small smile. She sighed softly then opened the door and walked out. As she made it to the table she looked over JC's and Justin's faces noting the shocked and worried expressions and gave them a shy smile.

"Are you alright?" Justin asked raising a single eyebrow in her direction.

"Yeah I'm fine, just had to use the restroom." Amber said plastering a fake smile on her face. She stole a quick glance in his direction and sighed softly. He had the look he usually got when he knew she was lying, there was no hope of getting out of this one without explaining why she left the table so abruptly. Before he could open his mouth to speak she beat him to it. "Justin let's just finish our meal and I'll tell you later alright?"

"Okay." He sighed noting the pleading look on her face. Shaking his head he decided to let it go till they were in a private place. He couldn't help but worry over her actions before. He had watched as her eyes widened and how her breathing pattern had changed, when the door opened and someone walked in. He wondered who he was and why he had caused such a reaction out of her. Making a mental note to find out later he gave her a small smile and finished his meal.

"Are we ready to go?" JC asked looking around the table at all there plates.

"Yeah, let's get out of here." Amber said standing up grabbing her purse. Then proceeded to walk out the door. Once the humid air of Orlando hit her face she let out a sigh of relief she had felt suffocated in there. She knew she needed to come up with a story fast, or she might possibly have to tell Justin about her past, which she dreaded even doing so.

Justin watched her walk out and shook his head sadly. "I'm worried about that girl." He sighed standing up and pushing in his chair. He turned his head and gave the guy sitting across the room and sly look.

"C'mon man we got work to do." JC said slapping a hand on his younger friends back and motioning towards the door. "Shall we?"

"Yeah, let's go. I need to have a long talk with Amber." Justin said walking towards the door of the shop.

"Well you can do so at the studio." JC said trailing behind him, when they met up with Amber he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. "C'mon beautiful let's go edit that demo."

Studio Hour Later

Justin sat back quietly watching as Amber ignored him, she was up front with JC asking questions about what he was doing seemingly trying to learn as much as she could about the editing process. But he knew what she was a doing, she was putting off the inevitable oh she thought she was being sneaky about it. If she thought she was being sneaky about it she was dead wrong, but he'd let her slide for a while he knew this process was exciting, and he knew for a fact she had been there when they were editing one of there cd's a couple of years ago.

So he'd let her have her moment then he would corner her. He was going to find out one way or another what was bothering her and why she acted the way she did at the coffee shop. It was nagging on his brain to find out. There was only one reason why someone would pale like she did and if what he thought was true he'd hunt the fucker down and beat him to a bloody pulp for laying his hands on her.

He couldn't understand what kind of man could hurt a woman that way, and in his opinion someone like that was lower then a piece of dirt on the bottom of his shoe. The perfect moment arose when JC stepped out to make a phone call. So he stood up and walked softly over to the mixing board and sat down next to her.

"This is so exciting Justin, I never knew there was so much into recording a song." Amber gushed smiling brightly.

"Mhm, it is exciting." Justin nodded reaching over to take her hand. "But I didn't come over her to talk about songs, I want to talk about what happened at lunch."

"Oh." She said looking down at her lap. "It was nothing Justin, just forget about it okay."

He bopped his head back and forth for a second as if he was thinking then lifted her head up by his index finger and searched her eyes. He could read the fear easily but he didn't understand why she was so scared to tell him, all he wanted to do was help her. "No, I can't just forget about it Ambs. It worried me when I watched your face pale, and the shortness of breath I heard. Please put my mind to rest and tell me what caused this all I want to do is help." He said softly reaching up with his left hand cupping her cheek softly.

She snuggled her cheek into his hand and looked up into his blue eyes. She blew out a breath and sighed softly. "That guy that walked in, was my ex-boyfriend John. It just surprised me to see him there that's all J."

"I don't believe that. There is more and it's pissing me off that you're keeping it from me. Amber please talk to me." He replied with a lot more venom then he meant. He took a deep breath and counted to ten. "I just want to understand what is going on with you. You're not the same Amber I left in Utah two years ago."

"I am the same Amber, just a lot of shit that has happened the past couple of years. Shit that I'm not ready to talk about, or don't know how to talk about it." She replied, she didn't think she acted any different, but it was understandable since he knew her so well that he would pick up on new things about her.

"Well you may not be ready to talk about it but I am. I'm going to tell you what has been running through my mind all you have to do is tell me yes or no."

She sighed in annoyance while standing up out of her chair and walking softly over to the nearest wall to lean against it. "It's not that easy Justin, because once I say yes to any of those questions you'll need the whole damn story to understand why I gave you that answer. And I'm just not ready to give you those answers so please just drop it."

He watched her quietly for a moment and considered his options. He could either keep pressing and wait till she broke and spilled everything which in return would cause her to blow up at him and not talk to him the rest of the night. Or he could wait till she was ready which it would produce much better results.

He weighed his options carefully while doing so he couldn't get past his stubbornness or pride for that matter so he chose the first one. So he stood up out of his chair and walked softly over to her, once he was standing and inch in front of her. "All I'm trying to do is help you Amber, I know deep down somewhere inside of you wants to tell me. Please let me in that's all I'm asking. Give me something to go on please I'm begging you." He pleaded pulling her forward by her forearms and into a hug.

Pulling back she looked up into his pleadings eyes thought over what he said for a moment. "I... I can't" she mumbled blindly fumbling for the door handle upon finding it she gave him one last fleeting look before pulling it open and slipping out the door and into the hallway where she walked as fast as she could get away from everything. Passing JC he opened his mouth to question her but she waved him off while shaking her head.

Justin watched her retreating form and wanted to punch himself, "Fuck, I'm so fucking stupid." He growled walking over to the mixing board and sat down with a huff. All he could think was the pleading brown eyes staring into his own blue ones. "I should have stopped."

"Stopped what?" JC asked with confusion written across his features, he looked between the man at the board and the door he had just came in from. "Where did Amber go?"

"She left because of my dumb ass" Justin groaned looking over at JC. "I should of backed off but no I'm to fucking stubborn to quit while I'm ahead, and now my best friend probably wont ever speak to me again."

"I don't understand? What happened in the whole ten minutes I was out of the room?" JC asked coming to sit next to his distressed friend.

"Remember the way she acted at the coffee shop when that guy walked in?" Justin asked receiving a nod in return. "I confronted her about it. Jayce this isn't the Amber I've always known, she was never this shy around people, and never so guarded. I swear she was this outgoing fun loving person. I don't even see that girl anymore. So yeah I'm worried and want to find out what I can do to get her back. This girl that I see now is a shell of the person I use to know, is it a crime to want to find out what caused the change? What was so horrific to change someone who would always brighten my day with just one smile."

"No it's not a crime but I can tell you this Justin. I've been watching her so I can get a feel of her personality. Yeah you remember this girl that you've always known but ya'll were kids right?" JC asked watching as Justin nodded to his questions. "An when was the last time you seen her before you went out to Utah. How old was she?"

"16 I think, but she was the same girl I grew up with.""Okay, well now she's an adult don't you think she's grown up a little bit and maybe this is who she was underneath."

"No Jayce, I know that girl inside and out. She was always like I told you. There has to be something I'm missing. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, even her mother said something to me about her not being herself. God all I want is to know what the hell happened to my best friend." "And the woman I am falling in love with" he added that last part in his head not quite ready to admit it out loud.

"Well J all I can tell you is to wait till she is ready to talk about it. If what you say is true, then maybe when she tells you it will explain the change. I don't know what else to tell you, but I know if you keep pushing, you're going to push her right out the door."

"Don't I know that." Justin sighed leaning his elbows on his knees and putting his face in his hands. "What should I do till then?"

"Just be her friend, don't mention any of this. Right now she has enough on her plate without you pushing at her for answers. Let's just help her get this record contract and then maybe she will be ready enough to tell you what is going inside of that head of hers."

"Alright I'll do that. Are we done with the demo?" Justin asked

"Yeah, let me just burn this to a cd and you can give it to Johnny." JC asked turning so he could flip a few switches. "John is going to go nuts when he hears this. He was talking to me about something along the lines of finding a voice like hers a couple of days ago."

"Well he's got it. I have a feeling by mid summer all of Amber's dreams are going to come true."

"Oh me to. If we get her album done in time, I think we should mention to Johnny for her to be on our tour, ya know just to promote her music. Maybe have her do a song or two, after our opening act."

"Yeah that would be cool. But let's not get to ahead of ourselves she still needs to wow the jive execs."

"Yeah true." JC said nodding his head, then turned towards Justin to give him the cd. "Give this to Johnny before you leave."

"That was my plan all along. What are you going to do?"

"Work on some of our new songs. I don't got anything planned tonight, and I figured I could edit them some more."

"I don't know about you man, you're a damn workaholic." Justin replied shaking his head. He patted his friend on his shoulder. "Well I'm going to go see if I can find her then go home for a bit."

"Okay. Remember what I said, don't push at her anymore."

"I wont." JC watched Justin's retreating form and shook his head softly. "that boy is head over heels for that girl, I sure hope Amber can see that." He mumbled to no one but his self.

After walking a ways down the hall Justin stopped at a door and smiled to himself. Raising his fist he knocked twice then waited for the man on the other side of the door to answer.

"Come in." a gruff voice replied from the other side of the door.

Placing his hand on the door handle he turned it then pushed the door open. When he stepped into the office he noticed his long time manager and friend sitting behind the huge oak desk chatting on his cell phone. Smiling brightly when Johnny looked up and noticed who it was. Quickly ending the call he placed the phone on his desk an stood up to embrace the younger man.

"Hey J, I wasn't expecting to see you till later on." Johnny said pulling back and rounding his desk to sit back down. "Please sit."

"Well it didn't take as long as I thought." Justin replied taking a seat in the plush chair in front of the desk.

"She's that good?" he asked raising a bushy brow in Justin's direction.

"Better, once we got her in there and the music started there was no stopping her. She hit every note perfectly I was amazed. I swear man I've known this girl her whole life and I don't think I've ever heard her sing like this." Justin replied holding up the disc then sliding across the desk where Johnny picked it up.

"Do you mind if I listen to it with you hear? I've been really curious to hear her voice since you mentioned her. I also have to be honest I got a hold of her performance from the fair last week and she blew me away. She has this stage presence that is unbelievable."

"Go ahead, I haven't listened to it since Jayce edited it." Justin replied, and watched as Johnny slipped the disk into his computer. When the soft melody hit his ears he almost groaned in satisfaction. Closing his eyes for a minute he listened to her voice.

"Wow."

Justin opened his eyes and focused them on the older man in front of him. His eyes were wide and his mouth was open a sliver as he listened. "That was my reaction."

When the song was over Johnny sat the a moment and composed himself. "Holy shit, that girl has a voice of an angel. An is the exact thing I am looking for. Shit if I could I would sign her right here an now."

Justin chuckled softly then leaned forward and stared into Johnny's eyes. "She's amazing isn't she? Just wait till you see her sing live I know you watched the performance but that ain't nothing to compared to seeing her live and in person."

"Well I'm going to get this ball rolling I want this girl signed by the end of the month. America needs a voice like this."

Justin smiled in satisfaction as he stood up."Well I will leave you alone so you can do so. When you hear something call my cell."

"Will do man." Johnny replied leaning forward and picking up his phone. "Have you gave any thought to being her manager?"

"Naw man, I want her to have a fair chance, and plus she doesn't want to ride on our coat tails. Managing is all you man."

"She's a smart girl." Johnny decided then waved at Justin.

Justin waved then slipped out the door with a wide smile. Oh couldn't wait to tell Amber, about this. This was going to make her day. "An hopefully, it will cause her smile and to actually talk to me." He mumbled walking down the hall. When there was no sign of her in the building he pulled out his cell phone and quickly punched in the numbers and put it up to his ear.

"What do you want Justin?" she answered the tone of her voice causing him to wince.

"Where you at?" he asked ignoring the tone of her voice.

"I'm standing by you're care because I forgot you drove us here."

"Alright I'll be out there in a minute. Then we need to talk about something."

"Are you deaf? I already told you I didn't want to talk about it so just please drop it."

"Well I wasn't talking about that. But since you bring it up, I want to apologize." He said walking up to her he flipped his phone shut and stood in front of her. "When you are ready I want to hear it, but for now I have something better that I want to talk to you about." He smiled then opened her door for her and motioned for her to get in.

"Alright" she sighed getting into the car and making herself comfortable. She watched as Justin rounded the front of the car then opened up the drivers door and slid in. "So what do you want to talk to me about."

He flash his white teeth then turned so he was looking at her. "Well while you were out here, JC and I finished the your demo." Justin said watching her intently.

She waited for him to continue and when he didn't she felt like slapping him. "That's it?"

"No hold on my dear." He cooed brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. "Well I took your demo to Johnny."

"And?"

"Well he thought it was crap." Justin said biting down on his lip to keep from smiling, her face was to good she was all smiles and once he said it was crap it fell and her eyes began to water.

"Oh" she sighed trying with all her power not to show her discouragement. "Really? Well did you tell him it was only my first time, and that I can do better. I mean damn what does that man expect. You can't just throw someone in there and expect them to be perfect. Did he do this to you guys?"

When Justin couldn't take her frantic rambling any more and the all to hurtful look on her features he burst out in a giggle. "Oh my god" he chuckled

"I personally don't think this is funny Justin. This is my future hello all I've ever wanted to be was a singer. An why the hell are you still laughing?" she seethed glaring in his direction.

He held up a finger while his other hand held his sides. "Phew. Damn you sure know how to make a person laugh. And you're all to gullible I swear Amber. You need to lighten up."

"I don't see how someone in my position could be lightened up. Someone who was just told in not so many words she sings like crap."As she continued to ramble he sat back and watched her, her arms were flinging all around her and her face was turning a nice shade of red. "He loved it." He said grabbing both her hands and putting them in her lap.

"Wait what?" she asked shaking her head then tuning her brown eyes to his blue ones. "But you said?"

"I know what I said." Justin shrugged while squeezing her hands.

"You asshole." She screamed pulling one of her hands free and slugging him in the shoulder. "You prick, that was just rude. How could you make me think that?" she glared then punched him again in the same spot.

"Ow, jeez back off rocky. I'm sorry when i got in the car you looked to serious so I had to mess with you."

"You suck." she replied sticking her tongue out at him then turning in her seat, folded her arms across her chest and stuck out her bottom lip.

"Aw, now you know the pout is all mine. So it wont work on me."

"So." She huffed sticking her bottom lip out even further.

"Ambs." He sighed leaning forward. "Amby pamby poo" he pouted in his best baby voice.

"Nope not going to work." She said shaking her head."Not till you get on your knees and beg for my forgiveness."

"Well it's a little hard to get on my knees in this car. But will it help if I say that Johnny is in there working on getting you an Audition as we speak."

"Maybe, tell me more.. Tell me everything he said." She said turning towards him then held up her finger to his lips. "The truth Justin or so help me god I will beat you to death."

"You wouldn't, you love me to much.." He grinned but it faltered when he noticed the all to evil glint in her eyes. "Ahem any way. He said that you had a voice like an angel, and that if he could he would sign you right here right now. An he is anxious to see you perform live."

"He said that?" Amber asked letting a wide grin spread across her lips. When he nodded his head she flung her arms and wrapped him in a hug with a squeal. "Thank you Justin."

"Your welcome sweetheart." He said wrapping his own arms around her. "Your very welcome." Truth was he couldn't wait for everyone to see this amazing girl sing live, or better yet he couldn't wait to watch her blossom into the star he knew she would become.

Chapter End Notes:
Song Credits
Exceptional by JoJo
Heavily Broken By The Veronicas


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