"Nick, are you ok?" Caitlyn softly asked her speechless friend.
"What the hell do you think" Nick said, pushing everyone out of the way as he ran out of the restaurant.
No one else knew what to say, they all just silently followed.
Meanwhile...
Jennifer quietly paid the taxi driver, and with tears in her eyes she entered the hotel.
"Where have you been all this time" a voice called from behind her. She turned around. "James?"
"Yes, its me, now where have you been?" he asked once more.
"Who are you, my mother" she snapped as she began to walk away.
"No, just your manager who was sent her to make sure you do your job, got that, J-O-B" he spelled out to her, making her even more furious.
"Fine James, what the hell do you want?" she demanded, spinning around to face him, the anger in her eyes became clearly visible.
"I want you back down here in 5 minutes ready to board your flight to New York" James said, his voice annoyingly calm at this point.
"New York?" Jennifer repeated, a confused look took over her face.
"Yes, if you werent off playing silly little games, you would have gotten the 50 messages I left for you. I even told Nick to tell you, but I suppose he didnt" James told her sternly
"Why New York?" was all Jennifer could say
"Lets see, could it be your TV appearance on TRL for your single release?" James said as-a-matter-of-factly. "Or did you get to involved in your personal life to remember such an important date" he added
Jennifer just stood there. How could she forget? "Oh my gosh" she finally choked out. A single tear rolled down her face. James walked over to her and gave her a reassuring hug.
"Now listen" he said softly. "I think you are one of the most talented female vocalists out there, and you could go far, but you have to keep yourself focused on your career, not your personal life. Now that may seem like a lot to ask, but I think you have it in you. When I first met you, it was all about the music, but now its all about the guys, or the tabloids, or whatever else may come along. Now I think that on this long plane ride over, you need to sit down and really think about your life, ok?" James said in a comforting, but honest tone.
Jennifer nodded her head in agreement.
"Ok, now go get ready, quickly" James said as he pushed her towards the elevator gently.
Meanwhile...
Nick quickly entered the hotel and ran to the elevator. He knew Jennifer was leaving and he had to say something to her. HE didnt know what, but he had to see her and get all his emotions off his chest so he could move on. With her room key in his hand, he ran into her room.
"Nick?" Jennifer gasped. She was in the middle of changing after a quick shower and was wearing only a towel.
"Oh sorry" he muttered fumbling to get the key out of the door and leave.
"Wait" she said. "This looks familiar" she exclaimed, trying to lighten the akward moment.
"Huh?" Nick said, finally retrieving the key and closing her door.
"I remember the first time I met, er, saw you, I was wearing the exact same thing" she said, a tiny smile came over her face. She silently prayed he wouldnt hate her forever, although she could understand if he did.
"Oh yeah" Nick said, the same infectious smile came over his face. They both let out a little laugh, unsure of how to act in a situation like this one. Nick suddenly recalled the events that had unfolded earlier that night and the smile left his face. A look of sadness shown through.
Jennifer," he finally spoke
"Yes?" she answered, her head facing the ground. She couldnt bear to look him in the eyes after what had happened.
"I need to know how you feel about me" Nick said, his eyes not leaving her. He still had feeling for her that went so deep into his soul, but did she feel the same way? Only time would tell.
Jennifer stood there. She looked up. He looked so helpless, so fragile. She wanted so badly just to turn back the hands of time and make him hers again. She knew she had to tell him the truth, but what was the truth? How did she feel? She was so confused. She needed more time, but feared to ask him.
"I get it" Nick finally said, breaking the deadly silence.
"No Nick, wait!" Jennifer yelled. She ran to him, threw her arms around him and kissed him. He started to pull away, but couldnt. Her kiss was so full of passion and love. She had answered his question with her kiss, her touch. They held each other for what seemed like an eternity before Jennifer pulled back.
"I have to get ready" she said, "I'm leaving for New York for my single release and TRL" she said quietly as she threw some clothes in a suitcase.
"Oh" Nick said, sounding depressed. He had just got her back and now she had to go.
"I'll be back though" she said, walking over and kissing him once more.
"For good I hope" Nick said
"Indefinately" Jennifer replied before going into the bathroom to change. When she came out, Nick was gone, but he had left a note.
Jennifer
Good luck in New York. I had to go take care of some things.
Love always (and forever)
your Nicky
Jennifer sighed before grabbing her bags and running downstairs.
Meanwhile...
"Nick?" a voice called out to Nick who was walking through the hotel lobby towards the front desk.
Nick spun around. "Oh, hey Bri" he yelled to his tired looking friend.
"Your ok!" Brian exclaimed as he embraced his friend in a playful hug
"Yeah, why wouldnt I be?" Nick asked, confused
"I couldnt find you anywhere. I was so scared you were getting ready to jump off a bridge or something" Brian said, breathing a small sigh of relief
"Oh no man" Nick assured him
Brian paused before speaking. "Not to bring up any bad memories, but you look pretty happy considering what just happened earlier" Brian said
"Dont worry, things are as they should be" Nick said with a smile
"Huh?" Brian asked inquisitively
"I'll tell you in a few Bri, I have to take care of some unfinished business" Nick said as he ran over to the front desk leaving Brian very confused
As Nick approached the counter, he spoke. "Excuse me ma'am" he said politely
"Yes Mr. Carter, what can I help you with" the woman replied
"Can you tell me where I can find a Mr. Justin Timberlake" he asked
"Mr. Timberlake checked out a few minutes ago. Something about a trip to New York. He seemed to be a hurry, but I believe he was headed to the Las Vegas Airport, if that helps" the woman told him
Yes it does, thank you" he said, handing the woman a twenty dollar bill before running out the front door. Brian, still uneasy about what happened with Nick, was quick to follow.
