""All right, lets take it from the top," Alex retorted from behind the glass window. Melissa's eyes searched over her music as she remained solitary in the recording booth. She flashed a quick smile, "Ready when you are."

The music filled her earphones, and her voice let loose. She was recording one of the last songs for the album, but there was something about it-she just couldn't hit it. Every time it sounded wonderful...but the problem was, it being an a cappella song, she had to get the whole thing through-perfectly. Her voice was so strong, that each time she sang it-it sounded different. She couldn't get the song to blend if they cut and pasted parts. So one more time, she breathed in and finished it off. Finally, there it was. One of her favorite songs-and the title was fitting; At Last.

Alex continued to smile at her, "That's my girl." James looked over at her and couldn't believe it was happening. She was becoming a star-almost over night. She had so much going for her, and he couldn't wait for it to all fall into place. She exited the recording booth and James met her in the waiting room. "All right, listen up. You have the rest of the day off, and you might wanna head home home later tonight. I'm gonna stay in Orlando tonight, but you have a flight out of Fort Lauderdale tomorrow morning. We're gonna meet up in New York and you have a string of radio experiences, and you need to start hitting the dance studio. New dancers are being chosen as we speak, and they're gonna meet you in New York, for some extra rehearsals. Starting next week you'll be doing TV promotions so everyone can get a feel for the face behind the music..."

She looked completely lost. "What's the matter sweetheart?" he said rubbing her shoulder.

"Nothing, it's just so weird," she smiled up at him. It was finally her chance in the spot light and she was more than ready for it.

"Why don't you give Timberboy a call and relax. I'm sure your family will be more than surprised to see you," he suggested as the two left the studio. They were going to be surprised to see her-and more importantly she couldn't wait to see her friends. Her family she talked to almost daily, but her friends were so busy with their own lives that they barely got a hold of one another. "I just might do that," she said quietly. She dug her cellphone out of her small bag and dialed quickly.

"Justin here."

"Hey Timberboy, what's up?" she couldn't help but gush.

"Oh, so you decided to give me a chance huh? You're done already?" he smiled. He wasn't too sure how to start a conversation with her-he barely new her.

"Yeah, and yeah. You want to do something?" no point in jumping around the subject.

"Yeah, definitely. Where are you?" he asked cautiously.

"Well, I'm leaving the studio right now," she said as she walked through the open door that James politely held for her. "All right then," he said smoothly.

"Why don't we meet for lunch?" she suggested.

"Give me 20 minutes-meet me at Bongos," he instructed.

"All right, I've never been there though," she smiled-one of many new experiences to share with her new friend.

"Oh...well you have a driver right? He'll know how to get there," he replied back starting to pick out some clothes to wear. He smiled to JC who was lounged across Justin's bed at his mom's house. JC mouthed 'Is it her?" and Justin nodded accordingly. A huge smile crept across JC's mouth as he left the room hysterically laughing. "How does he do it!" he said shouting not to anyone in particular.

"Wow, you think of everything," she replied into the phone.

"Oh, you have no idea. I'll see you think, OK?" He replied with a smile. And hung up the phone. She looked at James, and shot him a smile as they got into the limo. "Can you drive me to Bongos?" she inquired to the driver.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied politely. James looked over at her, "Is the little boy gonna be a your Latin lover?" he couldn't help but laugh at her shocked expression.

"He's just being polite," she replied. He wasn't interested in her. That was very clear-just showing her the ropes.

"Right, polite. Real southern gentleman," he replied sarcastically looking out the window. Melissa suddenly got very self-conscious. Here she was going out to lunch with one of the biggest popstars in the world, and she didn't even know how she looked. 'Oh who cares,' she thought to herself, 'it's just lunch.'

A few minutes later the limo had come to a halt, the driver let himself out of the car and hurried to the passenger door, "You're destination Miss."

She smiled to James and kissed his cheek. "Wish me luck," she laughed.

"You're gonna need it," he answered after her sarcastically. "Don't be too late. You still have to head home tonight," he replied after her. She stopped dead in her tracks, "Thanks Dad."

She entered the darkly lit restaurant, and the aroma of delicious Cuban food filled her senses. She smiled at hostess, "Two please."

"Are you Melissa?" she questioned looking dead on at her. She was probably a fan, she answered politely, "Yes, I am."

"Right this way," she said grabbing two menus. She placed Melissa at a small table that looked over most of the restaurant. She felt a little ridiculous, and all the patrons looked over, knowing something was going on. She smiled embarrassed as people looked on, but she tried to ignore it. She buried her face in the menu, and tried to concentrate on the items. "Now, I know the menus aren't that interesting," a smooth voiced called from over her shoulder. She could hear the footsteps come up the small stairs as he brushed past her into his own seat. She looked up and met his eyes dead on. He stretched a large hand over the table, "Justin Timberla~ Timberboy."

"Melissa Robinson," she replied shaking the his hand. The grip he held on her, emotionally or physically, she wasn't too sure which one, was extremely strong. "It's nice to finally meet you," she said. Here he was, talking to her-eating lunch with her.

"Ditto," he said. "So, are you ready to order?" he smiled, waving down a waiter. Justin ordered his food, and looked on as Melissa still thought deeply. "I really don't know what to order..."

Justin cut in and ordered for her. "Sorry," she replied, "I don't really know what any of this stuff is."

"That's all right. Everything on the menu is great. This whole place is amazing. I can't believe you've never been here." She smiled embarrassed, already she felt not good enough to be in the same room as him. "A dear friend of mine owns it. Maybe you've heard of her," he smiled slyly as he continued, "Gloria Estefan."

Melissa smiled brightly as she heard the name roll of his tongue. "I didn't know she owned a restaurant."

"You didn't think I just got this table off my good looks, did you?" he smiled referring to the awesome view the small table had.

"Well, I just thought it had something to do with you being a big popstar," she laughed. The two continued to talk about anything and everything. She found him very easy to talk to, and even a better listener. He asked her about her dreams, her expectations, and her family. He seemed very interested in where she was coming from. And she didn't mind spilling out the information-it was only preparing her for all the interviews that were to come.

"Are there any artists you'd think about working with?" he smiled. He had an idea-that everyone but her knew about.

"I think I'm basically open to all ideas. I'm not really looking to do anything with any artists just yet. I want to establish my own place until I start mooching off someone bigger than me," she said as she subconsciously picked something off Justin's plate and slipped it into her mouth.

"So about mooching off of people bigger than you," he looked at her with a sly grin.

"Oh, right, sorry about that. Bad habit," she smiled. If she could do any more embarrassing or stupid things she was going to die.

"Don't worry-I'm extremely used to it," he replied, pushing his plate to the side. He sipped his water one more time. "So what else are you doing today?" he looked at her hesitantly.

"Well, I have to head home in a few hours. What about you?" she asked pulling out her wallet.

"Oh, don't worry about it-it was my pleasure," he replied throwing down a credit card. She put her wallet back, and smiled an obvious 'thank you' still waiting for his answer. "Well, I was just gonna go back to my house, probably get ready to go out tonight with the guys. A few of em are at my house if you wanna swing by and meet them."

"Well, the limo driver's supposed to pick me back up here, and bring me to my apartment," she replied, disappointment evident in her voice.

"No problem there. I could very easily drop you off," he was interrupted as the waiter gave him back his credit card , "it's on the house Mr. Timberlake. Compliments of Gloria."

The waiters sarcasm was evident, "She's not here is she?"

"No, sir. It was only a joke," the waiter said picking up their empty plates.

"Thought so," it was his turn to be embarrassed. The waiter excused himself from the table to leave the two alone. "So, I'd be more than happy to bring you home," he smiled removing himself from the table.

"That's very nice of you," she followed. He led her out to his car, and she smiled at the luxury vehicle. "Now was this little toy compliments of the Mercedes dealer or did you actually pay for this one?" she smiled opening the passenger side door.

"Well, smartass. I paid for this one on my own," he smiled. "And don't even think my parents helped me out. It was all me."

"Sure," she shot back sarcastically. The drive back to the house was pleasant. Simple conversation was interrupted by good songs on the radio. But the bond between two strangers became stronger and stronger by the second. They soon after pulled into small driveway, and Justin turned off the car, "This is it. Home sweet home."

"It's cute," she smiled. It was nothing that she expected. She expected huge, lavish and extremely tacky. Instead it was cozy and very lived in. He led her up to the front door, and unlocked it, "Isn't it? Welcome to my humble abode."

The door swung open and she was completely shocked. Pictures of the family lined the walls, and pictures of his four 'brothers' were right along side them. She smiled and was startled by Justin's voice, "Yo! I'm home."

"That's how you speak to your mother?" she turned around abruptly.

"Not unless you call me his mother," JC came running down the stairs, and almost tripping on the last one. He quickly caught himself and made his way over to Melissa, "You must be Melissa, I'm JC."

"Hey, sorry. I didn't know it was you he was calling," she replied.

"I wasn't calling him-he just shows up where he's not wanted," Justin replied bitterly walking out of the living room, and searching the kitchen. "Is my Mom home, Jace?" Justin said walking up the stairs to his mothers bedroom.

"Umm, no. I think she said she was going to the grocery store. She was complaining about you being home for one day and you eating her out of house and home, or something like that," he said making himself comfortable on the couch, grabbing the remote.

Melissa continued to stand in the middle of the room, "Well, miss. You have two choices. You can either come sit here by me, or you can follow Justin around the house like a lost dog. But either way you have to get out of the way."

She immediately jumped out of the way, and continued to apologize as she made her way over to the couch. He looked over at her, "I didn't mean to sound rude."

She smiled, "It's all right. I was completely zoning out." She looked over at the amazingly blue eyes. She had seen numerous pictures, television shows, but nothing was enough to prepare her for this. He was more beautiful-even though still in his pajamas-then she had ever suspected.

"So, how is it to be hitting it big. I've heard a lot about you. You're a hard worker I hear. An amazing voice too," JC replied looking over the young girl. Justin was right, she was cute.

"Well, it's really weird-but it's not like I'm huge yet. I get to go home tonight, so that should be cool. And I hope what you heard wasn't too bad, and thank you," she said trying to recall everything he said to her at once.

"No problem," he smiled switching the channel on the television that he had recently turned on. "Who told you all that, anyway?"

"Justin."

"Justin?" she questioned.

"Yes?" he popped his head around the corner. "I wasn't talking to you, I was talking about you."

"A shit talker already-wow," he laughed.

"No, no," she said looking back at JC. JC decided to spare his friend the embarrassing details, but he flashed Melissa a knowing smile. Her cheeks began to flush. JC knew so much about her, from Justin's gushing. That's all he had talked about for the past few days. When he heard about her through his publicist, he became extremely interested. Obsessed was more the word.

"So, where's home?" JC asked.

"Boca," Justin answered before she got a chance to. They both looked at him, "She told me before."

"Oh, well anyway," JC smiled. "When are you heading back?"

"Well, I'm gonna pack up my stuff as soon as I get back to my apartment, I should probably get going soon," she said looking at her watch. She sat back and looked at the television when she heard a large thud above her head. She looked up at the ceiling.

"It's probably just Chris, he was taking a nap," JC answered, noticing her confused look.

"Oh," she replied. "Why didn't you tell me he was home?" Justin said jumping up, and running upstairs. Justin made his way into his bedroom, where he knew Chris would be. "Whoa, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," Justin said taking in Chris' zombie like form.

"Shut up, I have a headache," he replied rubbing his head and heading for the bathroom.

"Too much partying last night?" he asked. Chris just grunted and rolled his eyes as Justin watched on with a huge smile. Chris splashed water over his face, and towel dried. "Why are you in such a chipper mood? Oh, did that chick call you? Melissa? or whatever her name was."

"She's here," Justin replied, his smile was irresistible.

"Damn boy, calm down. If she's here-why are you up here?"

"I don't know, I had to come up here and smile for a couple minutes. I feel like all I do is laugh in front of the girl. I'm all giddy, I feel like a girl."

"Well, you look like a girl if it makes you feel any better."

"Always can come to you for some support."

"That's what I'm here for- a boost of confidence."

"Well, when you're done bashing me come down stairs and meet her. You'll love her," he smiled leaving Chris be. He laughed when Chris replied, "Just because you do, doesn't mean I will."

Justin reentered the room as Melissa and JC continued to stare at the TV. "Just think Meliss, a few days from now you'll be on here," JC quickly said nodding to the TV which displayed Carson Daily and another tiresome edition of TRL.

"Yeah," she laughed. "Do you ever get sick of it?" she asked either one of the boys.

"Well, not really. I think it's a little weird, but I don't think I could ever get sick of it," JC answered. "The concept of my face being plastered places still hasn't sunk in."

Justin sat there looking on as Carson talked about the upcoming video. Theirs. Justin chimed in, "Oh! I love this song."

The three started laughing as Justin started to sing along with the beginning notes, "You'll never know what you've done for me..."

Chris chimed in as he came down the stairs, "What your faith in me..."

"Hey, I'm Chris," he said shaking the girls hand.

"Melissa."

"Yeah, I know who you are," he replied smacking Justin upside the head. "This one doesn't shut up about you."

The red rushed to her cheeks, and she was thoroughly embarrassed. "Shut up man. I don't talk about you... a lot."

"YEAHRITE!" they both shouted back in unison. The small group fell into a fit of laughter and the subject was forgotten about.

"Aww yes, backstreet boys!" Melissa shouted as the number one video came on. "I was just kidding," she pleaded as 3 pairs of eyes looked over at her-stunned.

"Whoa-tough crowd," she smiled. "Well, I should be going. Justin, would you mind taking me home now," she questioned looking at Justin.

"Oh no, not at all. Guys wanna go for a ride?" he said picking up his keys.

"Sure," JC said pulling himself off of the couch.

"I think I'm gonna stay here. Advil is calling me name," he said getting up from the couch and heading for the kitchen light repeating, "Chris! Chris!"

"Shotgun," Melissa shouted-completely out of habit, "no blitz."

"Well, well, the little one is already taking precedence over you," Justin said sarcastically looking back at JC. JC quietly followed the two as they got into the car once again. The motor still hot from when they arrived a little while earlier. Melissa instructed him where to go, and Justin was there in no time-very familiar with the area. "You guys wanna come in?" she questioned. "My manager's probably here, and you guys could meet him."

"Yeah sure," JC said unbuckling his seat belt.

"Actually, we should probably head home. It's getting a little late," Justin said, as JC let himself out of the car. He jumped into the front seat as Melissa had gotten out.

"Oh all right, well thank you for everything Justin. And it was very nice meeting you guys," she smiled at them both. She had a very trusting smile, so genuine.

"No problem," Justin said as he started to roll up his window again. He watched as the young girl hurried up the stairs, and as she reached the door on the second floor Justin shouted up sweetly, "Hey Meliss?"

"Yeah," she said turning back around.

"Call me when you get home, all right?" he sounded concerned. She nodded her head and smiled as Justin sped away. "Sweet girl isn't she?" Justin asked JC as he turned up the stereo.

"Yup, very."

"She's so cool, down to earth, truthful... She's gonna be great to the business."

"To the business or to you," JC said lightly and Justin began to sing with the radio.

"Huh?" Justin interjected.

"Nothing," he smiled looking out the window. Here we go again.

Melissa let herself into the apartment and was greeted by James in the kitchen. "Hey angel. How was your date?" he smiled.

"No date. More of a business meeting," she smiled, heading into her own room.

"Were there any business propositions thrown out?" he questioned. She was totally thrown off guard by his tone. "No..." she answered.

"Then it wasn't a business meeting, it was a date," he answered back satisfied.

"Whatever," she said. Good thing her stuff was still in that duffle bag. She was so not in the mood to pack it all back up. She dragged the large bag out into the hallway. "Ya wanna help me?" she questioned, and James quickly put down his sandwich and headed into the hallway. "Leaving already?" he questioned.

"Yeah, I just wanna get home ya know? The sooner I get there the sooner I can relax," she replied opening the front door. James trotted down the stairs, Melissa behind him. He gently placed the bag in the back of Melissa brand new Mitsubishi Mirage. Her parents had helped her buy the car when she realized how much she would need to travel back and forth. James grabbed onto the spoiler and slammed the trunk shut. "You have your phone right?" he questioned, closing the door as she got in and turned on the engine.

"Yup," she smiled. "OK, well, have a nice trip home, and give me a call when you get there."

She pulled onto the road and smiled, 'Now which one should I call back first?'