CHAPTER 8
“I’ll have the french toast.” Vanessa said folding her menu and handing it to the waiter.
“Make that two orders of french toast.” Lance said extending his menu to the waiter. He looked over at Vanessa and smiled. She returned the gesture and then focused on the glass of water that she was stirring with a straw.
“I’ll have a short stack and sausages.” J.C. said as Chris and Joey decided what to order.
“Scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, wheat bread please.” Chris ordered and handed his menu to the waiter.
“Belgium waffles with whipped cream and blueberries.” Joey said grinning. The waitress informed them their order would be done shortly and then walked away. Vanessa stole a glance over at Lance who was talking with J.C. about something quietly. After he had walked out of her room so suddenly this morning she had cried. She knew why she was crying but her head refused to give into her hearts whim. ‘Why can’t I stop loving him?’ her head screamed as she had tried to dry her eyes. There were a million answers to that question but she didn’t dwell on the painful subject, instead she sucked up her feelings and got ready to go to breakfast.
Lance had walked out very quickly but he did not leave her door for a couple minutes. Letting his sweaty hand rest on the knob he asked himself why he had left so suddenly. Was it because he didn’t want to kiss her? Was it because his head told him it was wrong? Was it because he was afraid? Unable to answer any of these questions he had reluctantly left Vanessa’s door and went to his room to get ready for breakfast.
Neither knew of the others feelings, and so there hung an awkward silence between the two of them.
“I can’t wait to eat those pancakes! This’ll be the first morning that I won’t be eating soggy Apple Jacks.” Justin said with a grin and hoping for laughter from the other occupants of the booth. Nobody seemed to think it was funny. J.C. was talking with Joey about a new amusement park and Chris was shooting the covers off of straws. Justin, annoyed that no one was paying attention to him, turned to Lance.
“Why are you so down?”
“I’m not down.” Lance said, while he snuck a look at Vanessa from the corner of his eye. Justin noticed the gaze and raised an eyebrow.
“Okay so why aren’t you talking? Usually you would have said something about this restaurant looking like one in Mississippi or told us our schedule. Are you sure there’s nothing wrong?” Justin probed.
“No really I’m fine. Just a bit tired I guess.” Lance responded quietly as he formed a soft smile. Justin slightly nodded his head. He turned towards Vanessa and saw her lost in her own thought.
“Hey Jellybean, is there something interesting in that water or do you just feel the urge to stir?” Justin said with a smile, motioning towards the glass. Snapped out of her thoughts Vanessa looked over at Justin.
“Are you ever going to stop calling me Jellybean?” She asked forcing herself to smile.
“Never, especially after my wake up call this morning. Girl it’s all your fault I’m not funny this morning, you came barging in my room like a freakin moose.” Justin answered with a goofy face. Vanessa laughed softly as the waitress arrived with the food. She set down the plates in front of their owners and left with a shuffle. Eyeing her french toast Vanessa grabbed her fork and slipped a napkin into her lap. Before she could dig in J.C. interrupted.
“Vanessa you like roller coasters right?” He asked with a quizzical look. Vanessa bobbed her head up and down and he continued. “Which roller coaster is your favorite?” She paused from cutting her breakfast for a moment then answered.
“I remember a couple years ago I rode a coaster at Busch Gardens that was incredible. So many loops, turns, and twists you were dizzy when you stepped off. I wish I could recall the name of it but I can’t.” Said Vanessa. She looked at her breakfast and dug in.
“You mean Busch Gardens in Virginia?” Joey said as he played with the whip cream on his waffles.
“Yeah, Lynn and I went there when I stayed at her house, she lives near Richmond.” Vanessa said after she had finished her bite.
“Our next stop is in Virginia, right Lance?” J.C. said with a glance towards the quiet Mississipian. Startled, Lance whipped his head towards J.C.
“Hun?”
“Our next stop is Virginia, right?”
“Oh, uh, yeah. Why?”
“No reason, go back to your french toast. By the way how is it?” J.C. asked smiling.
“It’s pretty good but nothing like the stuff at camp.” Lance said with a quick grin.
“So Vanessa was the camp food that good?” Joey asked with a playful twinkle in his eye. “Or is Lance on something?”
“Oh, yeah. The camp made French toast on a real griddle and it had the taste of outdoors. It was definitely the best.” She said with a small smile.
“Vanessa are you okay? You are so quiet I hardly remembered you were here.” Chris said leaning over the table to see her.
“Oh I’m fine, just a little tired.” She lied focusing on the table.
“Well I am not surprised, it sounds like you and Justin had fun last night.” Chris said sympathetically. Lance’s eyes grew wide considering he had not heard about last night.
“So what happened?” Joey asked picking up a blueberry and popping it in his mouth. Justin smiled and laughed.
“It was so crunk! I met Vanessa’s cousin Lynn and I must say she is the most beautiful, smart, and fun girl.” He said with a passion that surprised Chris.
“Whoa, sounds like puppy love!” Chris commented with a laugh. Justin shot him a dirty look and began to explain what happened. He told about the ride there and how surprised he had been. Lance didn’t hear a word of it; he was too busy thanking his lucky stars that nothing happened between Vanessa and Justin. ‘Wait!’ his mind said, ‘I thought you were just going to be friends?’. Suddenly he felt a churning in his stomach; his feelings for her hadn’t faded as he hoped they would. Instead he felt them stronger than ever.
Vanessa was glad that Justin and her cousin were so interested in each other but frankly she didn’t care to hear him babble on and on. Hearing about how happy Justin was made her reminisce about this morning and she decided that some time alone would help her work things out in her head. Quickly finishing her breakfast she thought of an excuse to escape. After she took a few bites and a swig of milk she looked at the others.
“Hey, guys, I hate to desert you so fast but I just remembered that I’m supposed to make a different lighting arrangement. Thanks for breakfast.” She stood up, waved, and walked out quick as a flash. Everyone watched her leave with bewildered looks. Lance picked his napkin up out of his lap and threw it down on the table.
“I’m going to catch Vanessa, I’ll meet you at the hotel in an hour.” And for a second time the guys looked at the exit bewildered.
‘I have to talk to her!’ Lance thought with determination. He had convinced a bodyguard to let him go to the arena where they were performing. He pulled the hat that he had taken from the van down to hide his face. As he walked into the parking lot he looked around for Vanessa. Not spotting her anywhere he began walking towards the front entrance of the concert hall. He turned a corner and gasped. Girls were sitting in front of the arena. Some had signs, most were dressed in baby blue, and all were chattering away. He stood staring for a moment, and then quickly backed around the corner. Letting out a sigh he turned to find the backstage entrance and ran smack into Vanessa.
“Sorry, I was looking for you but I didn’t mean to run you over.” Lance said with a smile as Vanessa looked down flustered. Confused, Lance put a hand on her shoulder.
“Are you upset with me?” He asked in a deep concerned voice. Vanessa raised her chin and looked Lance in the eye.
“No. I’m fine, really.” She said; her blue eyes lying. Lance wasn’t sure what to think. Was she hiding something? Did she regret coming on tour with us? Does she regret meeting me again? He hoped that she really was fine and that she was happy to be with them. Deciding that he could help Lance spoke up.
“Well I’m glad that you are okay. So do you want some help with the lights?” He asked letting a smile linger.
“Lance, I lied. There is no new lighting arrangement, I just needed some time alone.” Vanessa’s eyes began to well up with tears but she fought it with a slight quiver in her chin. Lance looked a bit surprised but then saw her face and decided against asking why.
“It’s alright Vanessa, if you want me to leave I’ll go.” He said pivoting on his right foot.
“Wait,” Vanessa said in a quiet whisper, “can I walk with you back to the hotel?” Lance turned around and looked at her for a second. Eyes threatening to rain tears and chin quivering with emotion, Vanessa looked stricken. He walked back to her and took her hand.
“Of course, you know I’m always here for you.” Sensing that she was in need of one Lance softly hugged her. Vanessa snaked her arms around his neck and buried her cheek in his shoulder with a deep sob. Her mind was clouded with her own mixed emotions. Sad because she could not profess her feelings for Lance; angry because she could not make the feelings disappear. Holding her in his arms, Lance knew that he needed Vanessa. She could brighten his day with one smile and captivate him with one look. If only he could tell her how he felt but he knew that it would only complicate her already intricate life. They both reluctantly drew away from one another. Vanessa sniffled and wiped the tears from her cheek. Lance once again entwined his hand with hers.
“One question,” Lance said, the crooked smile sparkling, “ how did you ever end up with the name Jellybean?” The corners of Vanessa’s eyes crinkled as a small laugh escaped her lips. Shrugging, Vanessa felt she would be all right if Lance were with her. They began walking towards the hotel talking about oddball subjects hand in hand.
“Hey guys, I talked to my mom while you were finishing breakfast.” Justin said as the group of four rode the elevator to their floor. “She says hi and hopes that we are having fun. Oh, and Jon says hi and he misses everyone, especially Nessa.”
“I bet he’s glad that your Mom is back home.” Joey said with a smile. Justin nodded as the elevator doors opened with a ‘Ding’. They all filed out and walked down the hall. As they came closer to their rooms the group heard familiar music. They followed the music, their own, straight to Joey and Lance’s room. Joey opened the door with his key and there, in the middle of the room, were Lance and Vanessa dancing to ‘Tearin’ Up My Heart’. The four of them stared in awe as Vanessa hit every move and Lance threw his whole body into the dance.
“Whoa, Vanessa, bust a move!” Chris said watching the two of them realize they had company. Vanessa stopped as soon as she saw the guys and Lance turned off the music. Her cheeks flaming and heart thumping Vanessa looked at the other guys.
“Oh, Vanessa don’t stop! You’re good!” J.C. said with a bright smile. She quickly mumbled thanks and looked down at her feet. Lance walked over and smiled at the four persons standing just inside the doorway.
“Vanessa was helping me with my moves, so what do you think?” He asked with expectant eyes.
“Better, much better!” Joey answered with two thumbs up. Lance smiled a dazzling smile and looked at Vanessa.
“Thanks Vanessa.”
“Yeah, thanks for helping our rhythmless wonder find his groove!” Chris said cracking up. Vanessa could not help but laugh as Lance shot Chris a dirty look. Justin walked over to Vanessa with a playful look in his eyes.
“Hey, Jellybean could be one of our dancers!!! She could wear the Fubu jersey Chris got for her and…”
“I don’t think so!” Vanessa said loudly interrupting. “You couldn’t get my butt out on the stage if you super glued me to one of your microphones!” Justin just shrugged while the others chuckled. J.C. caught his breath from laughing and looked at the others.
“Okay guys, we better get going or else we’ll be late for sound check.” He said while the others groaned. Vanessa smiled at J.C. as he crossed his arms and shook his head. “What am I going to do with you guys? You’re awful!”
“Hey, Pops, chill out! The sound check is in an hour, let us kick it with Vanessa for awhile!” Chris said smiling at her.
“Yeah J.C., I won’t get to see you guys for awhile after this show.” Vanessa said shooting a pleading look J.C.’s way.
“Why?” Lance asked with a puzzled look.
“Well after the show you are leaving on your bus to go to Virginia, and I’m leaving on the crew bus.”
“Uh, no. You’re coming with us after the show.” Justin said matter of factually.
“Oh yeah Curly? Who told you this?” Vanessa questioned.
“Well I say so! And I know the other guys want you to come too, so what’s the problem?” The platinum blonde retorted. Vanessa sighed and sat down on the bed.
“I don’t know if you guys realize that you are big stars and the lust of every girl but I do. I really don’t want to be hated by girls across America, and I know I will be if word gets out that I’m touring with you.” She said, her eyes deep with concern. The five guys looked at one another searching for something to say. Finally Lance walked over and sat next to her on the bed. He looked directly into her eyes.
“It doesn’t matter what other girls think, you’re our friend and you mean a lot to us. If everyone else can’t handle that then that’s just too bad because you are a part of this group.” He said with a passion that surprised not only Vanessa but the other guys. “You understand?”
Vanessa looked down at her lap and nodded. He lifted her chin with his hand. She stared at his intense green eyes and searched his soul. He had meaning in his heart and force in his words that was recognizable through his eyes. She sighed and gave him a hug. He encircled her in his arms with a smile. They both pulled away and stood up. The others walked over and gave Vanessa hugs too. They talked for a little while longer about that nights show and their plans for dinner with Lynn. Soon J.C. became agitated because they were going to be late so everyone said their good-byes until the show. When the guys and Vanessa parted ways outside her door Lance winked at her with a smile as if to say, “It’s all good”. Vanessa smiled back and deep inside she hoped he was right.
“Okay Lynn, where are you?” Vanessa said with impatience as she tapped her foot on the lobby floor. The clock read 4:15. Lynn was no where in sight and hadn’t called to say she was going to be late. Vanessa walked out of the lobby to stand in front of the hotel. About 5 minutes later, Lynn’s navy Honda Civic pulled up in front of the hotel. Vanessa smiled and forgot all about Lynn being late, she didn’t see her cousin often so it would be best if things were cool between them. Vanessa opened the passenger door of Lynn’s car and hopped in.
“Hey Jellybean! You look nice.” Lynn said eyeing Vanessa’s black pants and red spaghetti tank top.
“Thanks, you look good too!” Lynn was wearing a black ankle length skirt and a pink tank top. Her long brown hair was half pulled back into a pink beret and the ends were softly curled into loose spirals.
“So, what time does the concert start?” Lynn said as she pulled away from the hotel.
“At 6:45, but we should probably visit the guys backstage first so Justin and you can talk.” Vanessa said looking over at Lynn. Lynn smiled and wiggled her eyebrows.
“So did he say anything about me?”
“Uh yeah, he talked about you non-stop to everyone!” Vanessa said incredulously. Lynn laughed as she pulled into the parking lot of the arena. Vanessa flashed her VIP pass at the guard and he ushered them into a secluded parking lot only containing 5 other cars. Lynn impressed by the special treatment looked at Vanessa.
“The guys must love you a lot! This is the easiest I’ve ever parked for a concert.”
“Well this ain’t nothin’ honey! You just wait until you see the backstage.” Vanessa smiled confidently and checked her appearance in the passenger side mirror. Lynn shut down the engine and got out of the car. Vanessa exited the car and smiled at Lynn.
“So are you excited? I mean, the boy could not stop talking about you!”
“Jellybean, I’ve got butterflies in my stomach I’m so excited!” Lynn said with a hearty laugh. The two of them walked towards the backdoor of the venue talking and laughing like they were little girls again. They entered the backstage area and Lynn was overwhelmed with the commotion. People running around with headsets on or walkie-talkies in hand, directions being yelled across halls, and managers running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Vanessa was used to this kind of chaos, and on most nights she was part of this chaos. Vanessa led her cousin through a maze of hallways until they came to a door labeled “ Staff Only”. Lynn took a deep breath as Vanessa opened the door.
“I told you, I’m the walrus! ”
“Yeah right Chris, Paul was the walrus.”
“Joey what are you guys talking about?” Justin stood in between Chris and Joey with a puzzled look on his face. Lynn’s eyes lit up as she saw the tall, baby blue clad, platinum blonde, singing sensation. Vanessa just rolled her eyes, not only was Justin dense but Lynn was getting that funny look on her face.
“Justin, I believe they are talking about the Beatles and sorry to say Chris but Paul was the walrus.” Vanessa said entering the room with strong strides, leading Lynn in by the hand. Justin didn’t hear a word Vanessa said he was too busy focusing on the angel who had stole his heart. He wanted to say a million things but he stood there speechless and in awe as Vanessa introduced Lynn to Chris and Joey.
“Justin don’t leave you mouth open too long, the flies will start to wonder!” Chris said with a smile and laugh. Lynn walked over to Justin and smiled. Justin, back from his coma smiled back and encased Lynn in a hug. Vanessa smiled inwardly and concluded that it wouldn’t be too bad if Lynn and Justin hooked up. Suddenly, J.C. and Lance busted into the room smiling from ear to ear.
“I have news! We just went gold!!!” J.C. yelled. The room was silent for a split second as everybody realized what had happened. Vanessa broke the silence with a shriek.
“Oh my god! Gold, you guys this is awesome! Congratulations, you did it!” The room burst out with cries of joy. A round of hugs was in order, and before Vanessa realized it she was being passed from one group member to the next, from J.C. to Justin to Joey to Chris and then Lynn. Vanessa and Lynn burst into gales of laughter as they realized whom they were hugging and both stepped back with smiles. Then, as if caught in a whirlwind, Lance swept Vanessa up into his arms and swung her around. She laughed and clung on to his neck with both arms. He held her tightly with arms that she felt safe in and even after they had stopped spinning the room had not. Their eyes met and their pulses quickened. He could smell her soft scent that drove him crazy. She could see the sparkle in his eyes. Lance leaned in close to Vanessa and planted a kiss on her cheek, so close to her lips that she shivered with delicious delight. To them it had seemed if time had progressed in slow motion. Lance pulled back and flashed his infamous crooked smile and Vanessa returned his affection by smiling and then whispering “Congratulations” in his ear.
“Ahem!” Justin cleared his throat, rather loudly, and everyone turned his or her attention to him. “I just want to say that we are da bomb!!! Kidding, um, we did this together guys and every minute was worth it. To my brothers, groupmates, and best friends we earned this!” The room erupted into cheers all over again as Justin smiled and Chris pretended to brush tears away from his eyes.
“That was beautiful, man!” Chris cried with mock emotion. Everyone laughed and Justin bowed.
“Well, I guess you’ve met Lynn.” Vanessa looked over at J.C. and Lance.
“Kinda, but not really. We just smothered her with hugs.” J.C. said as he advanced towards Lynn. He extended a hand to her. “Hi Lynn, my name’s J.C.” She shook it and smiled.
“Hey Lynn, I’m Lance.” He introduced himself. Lynn smiled.
“Ah, so you’re the knight in shining armor!” she said while shaking his hand.
“Hun?” Lance said with confusion.
“Oh, well I came to calling you that because you rescued the damsel in distress.” Lynn said motioning towards Vanessa. A smile crossed his face.
“Nah, I was just helping her through some tough times. That’s what friends are for.”
“Hey Lance, could I steal Lynn away from you?” Justin asked walking up to the pair talking.
“Sure, I think I’m gonna go talk with Vanessa.” Lance excused himself and walked away to find Vanessa. He spotted her sitting on a chair talking to Joey. Lance quietly snuck up behind her and covered her eyes with his hands. She stopped talking and giggled.
“Lance I know it’s you!”
“No it’s not!”
“Yes it is, I recognize that voice from anywhere!”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Lance said in a high pitched tone which made Vanessa laugh even harder. She pulled away his hands and looked up at him. He whistled and looked away with innocence.
“You may look angelic but I know you’ve got horns and a tail!” Vanessa said pointing at him. He threw a shocked look at her but couldn’t hold in his laughter. They smiled at one another.
“Uh, I hate to interrupt but we have a show to put on in a half hour.” J.C. said looking around the room.
“Aww, J.C.! You always ruin our fun!” Justin said, pouting like a baby. He was sitting on the couch with his arm around Lynn.
“Don’t worry we’ll see you after the show. We’re not going anywhere.” Vanessa said winking at Lynn, who blushed. The two girls stood up and hugged each of the guys wishing them good luck. They left the room and made their way to the seats. As soon as they were settled Lynn looked over at Vanessa excitedly.
“I think I’m in love!”
Lynn danced her eyebrows which made Justin burst out with laughter. Suddenly an onion ring whizzed past Justin’s head, just barely missing his fro. Lynn looked at Justin and giggled, he was checking his hair. Vanessa ducked as an onion ring soared her way; it hit J.C.’s chest.
“I’ve been hit! Mayday, mayday!” J.C. cried while clutching his chest.
“Yes! Victory is mine!!!” Chris said pumping his fists into the air. The whole table fell into gales of laughter. The sound echoed in the deserted Burger King. After the concert everyone had decided to go out to dinner. They originally wanted to eat at a nice restaurant in town but they were recognized by a whole group of girls coming from the concert. About an hour later, after trying two other restaurants, the group finally decided on an empty Burger King on the outskirts of the town.
“I feel sorry for you Vanessa! You have to deal with them everyday, I think I’d run away!” Lynn said after she had caught her breath. Justin put on his best puppy dog pouty face and looked over at Lynn.
“You would run away from me?” He said with a sniffle.
“Aww, no you’re too cute to run away from!” Justin’s face lit up and he kissed her on the cheek. Lynn and Justin had quickly decided after the concert that they would have a relationship but just as good friends who saw one another whenever they could. Justin had seen what involved long distance relationships could do to two people, and he didn’t want to risk it with Lynn.
“Hey I’ve got a great idea,” J.C. said, “why don’t we go to the Busch Gardens park in Williamsburg together?”
“Yeah, that sounds like fun! Remember when we went there when we were little Jellybean?” Lynn said with a illuminating smile.
“Of course I remember, but we weren’t so little. You were thirteen and I was twelve.” Vanessa reminded Lynn with a small smirk.
“Seems like a long time ago though! Anyway, what day do you guys have free? We could stay at my mom’s house and then go the next day. Richmond isn’t that far from Williamsburg.” Lynn suggested.
“I think we have Thursday free. Actually I’m positive we have that day free. How about we go to Richmond Wednesday afternoon and then we can go to the park on Thursday?” Lance said looking around the table. Everyone nodded in agreement.
Everyone finished their burgers and fries. The guys and Vanessa said goodbye to Lynn and hopped on the bus. Lynn climbed into her car and turned up the stereo. They were all excited about the trip to Virginia.
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