"Stop fidgeting, you look great Ash,” Tim said with amusement.
"Well this is only the second time I've seen him, and I'm also meeting the other 4. What if they don't like me?" she asked in concern.
Tim looked at Ashlee in surprise. “Why wouldn't they like you, you're a great girl and they’ll love you."
Just then the car pulled up at the stadium and Ashlee's stomach flipped nervously. Tim showed all the backstage passes to the out-door security and they were ushered through immediately towards a large room where catering had set up. They had just entered the tent when Ashlee's thoughts were disturbed by Lance running through the opposite side. He stopped short when he saw her standing by the door and blushed lightly in embarrassment, and she smiled a little hesitantly as he walked over towards her.
"Hi, you look beautiful Ashlee," Lance said while smiling shyly.
"Thank-you Lance, and thank-you again for inviting me," Ashlee replied to break the silence as he stared at her with a slight smile on his face.
Lance knew she was beautiful, but dressed up she looked absolutely stunning, even more so because she didn't even seem aware of her beauty.
The quietness was soon broken when the four other members of N'sync came running through the same door Lance had just appeared out of. Lance took Ashlee's hand and led her over to the guys who now stood near the food table, and her grip tightened in panic as he introduced her.
"Guys this is Ashlee, Ashlee that's JC, Joey, Chris and Justin."
Ashlee smiled shyly at them. "Hi it's nice to meet you." But as soon as she finished she was crushed in a giant bear hug. Ashlee looked up in confusion into Joey's smiling face. "Hi there gorgeous, why are you hanging with this bum. You should stick with me."
All the other guys laughed at his comment but Ashlee was too surprised by his behaviour. Joey was shoved out of the way. "Get out of the way you big hog. I want to hug her,” Chris said with annoyance. "Hey there Ashlee come over here and give me a hug,” but before she could move she was pulled into his arms and was almost crushed to death.
"Hey be careful with her Chris, she needs to breathe too." Lance said in concern, but before he could save her Justin came over a pulled Chris away.
"Hi Ashlee it's nice to meet you," Justin said politely but before Ashlee could thank him and reply he pulled her into his arms and the room began to twirl. She couldn't contain her laughter anymore and she burst out laughing as Justin carefully placed her back on her feet.
"You guys are crazy,” Ashlee said still trying to catch her breath.
"Yeah sorry about them, they tend to scare people… A LOT… It's nice to meet you."
Ashlee smiled brightly at JC's apparent sanity "That's ok JC, that's how I'm greeted by my Dad. It just took me by surprise there for a minute."
"Well then in that case I don't want to be the only one without a hug,” JC said in mock horror and he gently pulled her into a hug.
Ashlee laughed again. "Wow you guys certainly know how to surprise a girl. I never expected to be greeted this way."
Justin looked at her in surprise.
Ashlee watched Justin's expression as she replied cautiously but honestly. "You guys are pop-stars and you probably meet like a billion people everyday. So I thought you might get sick of greeting people."
She was relieved to see that no one took offence to her comment but rather they appeared to find it amusing. "That's just the way we are, we would die of boredom if we greeted everyone with a handshake," Joey explained seriously.
"Anyway we don't greet everyone that way," JC butted in. "But you're Lance's friend, so we thought we could get away with it," he finished with a smirk in Lance’s direction.
Ashlee smiled back at his sly comment slightly embarrassed that he had called her a friend.
"I'm starving, let's eat," Joey yelled out breaking the silence.
Justin laughed out loud. "When aren't you hungry, Joey?"
"Well I don't care about Joey's hunger, but I could certainly do with some food,” Chris said beating the pouting Joey to the food table.
Ashlee looked over at Lance in surprise and he shrugged then shyly grabbed her hand to pull her over to the table also.
They sat down next to each other with JC on her right, and Joey, Chris and Justin opposite them. Tim was sitting with Lonnie and some other big guys who she assumed were other bodyguards. Tim looked over at her at that time and winked causing her to blush, but she waved in acknowledgment.
"Who's that, if you don't mind me asking?" JC questioned her as he took a bite of potato salad.
"Oh that's Tim," Ashlee answered in surprise. She had assumed Lance had told them about her life but JC looked confused. She looked over at Lance for support and he smiled at her then whispered. "I wasn't sure if you wanted anyone to know, so it's up to you Ashlee."
Ashlee smiled at his thoughtfulness, "Thanks Lance that's really nice but I might as well tell them that Tim's going to be hanging around for a while."
"Um JC that's Tim, my bodyguard," she said quietly while JC waited patiently for her answer.
Ashlee saw the surprise flash across his eyes and heard the silence fall upon the other guys. She looked up hesitantly but they all just appeared to be waiting for her explanation. She felt Lance take her hand in support and she took a deep breath.
"Well my family is very wealthy..." Ashlee paused finding it difficult to find the words to explain.
"Ashlee you don't have to tell us if it makes you uncomfortable," Justin said in concern.
Ashlee smiled at him, somehow finding the strength to go on. "No, I need to tell you if we're going to be friends," she said as she looked over at Lance.
Lance leant over and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry about this Ash but Tim told Lonnie and Lonnie kind of accidentally told me," he said softly into her ear.
"Don't worry Lance I kind of assumed that Lonnie would tell you, I'm glad you know."
Lance smiled in relief and squeezed her hand in thanks. Ashlee looked back up to the group to see them all smiling at Lance holding her hand. She took another deep breath. "Ok here goes... Last year I was kidnapped."
"WHAT?!" they all yelled at the same time causing the guards to look around in concern. Ashlee held her hand up in peace. "Its ok guys I just gave them some surprising news.” Tim nodded in understanding.
"You're not joking, are you Ashlee?" JC asked in concern.
"No, unfortunately I'm not JC."
"Are you OK," Chris and Joey asked at the same time, causing her to smile.
"Yeah thanks guys. It happened a year ago and I was hurt, but I'm ok now and the bad guys are in jail, and it's never going to happen again because I've got Tim now."
"Well now that's out of the way,” she said trying to break the growing silence, which succeeded in causing the table to laugh. Chris sensing her discomfort started telling funny stories about life on the road and soon they were all laughing along and enjoying themselves.
"My goodness is that the time?" JC asked in surprise. "Guys we have to go and get ready."
"Ok guys I will meet you in there, I'm just going to walk Ashlee to her seat."
"Good luck you guys," Ashlee said as they departed, giving them all a hesitant but friendly hug.
Lance took her hand again and walked her and Tim to their seats in the V.I.P area, which was already filling up. Lance walked them over to an attractive blond girl who was talking to an older man.
"Dani, this is Ashlee and Tim. They are going to be sitting next to you guys during the concert. Can you look after them for me?"
"Sure Lance. Hi Ashlee and Tim. It's nice to meet you."
"Hi Dani," Tim replied then turned to Ashlee. "I'm going to sit over here Ash, if you need anything just yell. Don't worry I'll be in your sight all night."
"Ok, thanks Tim. Go chat with Lonnie I'll be ok with Dani."
Dani indicated their seats and Lance and Ashlee walked over with her as she introduced her to the dark haired girl.
"Ashlee this is Kelly, she's Joey's girlfriend, oh and I'm Chris's."
"Hi Kelly, it's nice to meet you."
"Ok Ash, I've got to go and get ready now,” Lance said with a smile, nodding towards a harassed looking lady. "Melissa is about to have a fit."
"Ok Lance, I'm fine now, thanks. Have a great show!"
"I will," he replied before bending down and lightly kissing her cheek, before turning quickly and disappearing with Melanie.
Ashlee was shocked by Lance's move but was not upset, her heart was actually beating faster from his brief touch and butterflies appeared in her stomach once more. Dani and Kelly both appeared to be shocked by Lance's behaviour also and Dani questioned Ashlee in confusion. "How long have you known Lance? I don't mean to sound rude but I haven't heard him mention you before."
Ashlee wasn't surprised or offended by her question, in fact she expected them. She looked down at her watch, squinting in the faded light "Um about 23 hours give or take," she answered honestly.
"WHAT?" Kelly and Dani replied at the same time.
"What's so surprising about that?" Ashlee asked with genuine confusion.
Dani looked at her intently. "You do realize that Lance kissed you just now? I mean right in front of us?"
Ashlee was beginning to think that Dani and Kelly were crazy but she blushed at Dani’s comment. "Yeah I noticed! But he only kissed me on the cheek, lots of people farewell people like that."
Dani and Kelly just looked at each, both understanding the meaning behind Lance's affection. "I don't want to scare you off Ashlee, but Lance hasn't introduced us to any girls in that last few years. I mean any girls apart from his friends, and then he goes and kisses you on the cheek right in front of us."
Ashlee was visibly surprise by this information. "Are you sure? That's really strange. He is a really nice guy and he's not bad to look at either and I'm surprised he hasn't been snatched up a long time ago."
Dani and Kelly again exchanged looks, both realizing that Lance had been snatched up but Ashlee and Lance didn't appear to know that yet.
The Stadium lights dimmed further and the first sounds of their introductory song began and the audience erupted into cheers of joy.
The guys were performing 5 of their greatest hits before the other entertainers took the stage and they decided to include an old favourite. Lance's low sexy voice introduced the third song “We want to thank you all for coming to this AIDS benefit concert tonight, this next song helps best describe each and every one of you in attendance tonight… God must have spent a little more time on you." Lance finished adjusting his microphone and leveled his eyes to the V.I.P section, looking directly into Ashlee's eyes and smiling.
Dani and Kelly squealed in delight catching the attention of the other guys on stage, and Joey dramatically winked at them, causing Ashlee to blush even further. The concert continued with the occasional appearance of one of the guys in their area waving or smiling. Their performance was coming to an end with the guys finishing with 'Bye Bye Bye' when Dani and Kelly dragged Ashlee and Tim out of the concert area.
"Where are we going? The concert hasn't finished yet! They haven’t even brought out the second act."
Dani ignored Ashlee's question; she was too busy trying to navigate the crowded corridors. When she found the door she was looking for 20 minutes later Ashlee still looked confused.
"They guys have to rush to their rooms after their performance because of the fans. By coming in now we save them having to wait for us to fight through the crowds," Dani explained simply after gently pushing Ashlee's shocked body into a seat.
"Oh... Are you sure that it is ok that I came too, the guys might want some privacy."
"Lance invited you... He would kill us if we left you alone with all the teeny boppers," Kelly rationalised.
"You’re right about that Kelly," Lance said from behind them causing Ashlee to jump up in surprise.
"Lance, you shouldn't sneak up on people like that, you might have heard the terrible things we were saying about you," Dani joked while giving him a hug.
Ashlee looked at Lance in amazement. He was dressed in regular clothes again and had obviously showered because she could smell his distinct scent, a sweet masculine fragrance.
"That was truly amazing Lance, I don't know how you do it, but you do it superbly," she said smiling shyly.
Lance laughed softly and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks Ashlee I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think anyone could do it with enough practice and we certainly get enough of that."
"Nah...You guys just have to admit that you are naturally talented and were born to entertain."
"Ok...Yep we rule!" Lance joked as they entered the 'Toy Room" with the others. There were hugs all round and words of congratulations with the atmosphere buzzing with excitement. But that was all disturbed when they’re concerned looking manager Johnny Wright walked in the room.
Lance instantly knew that something was wrong from the look on Johnny’s face, "What's the problem Johnny?"
Johnny looked around the room before replying. "Maybe we should discuss this in private?"
Ashlee understood that something was wrong and that Johnny wanted to tell the guys in private so she rose to leave but Lance held her hand preventing her from leaving.
"No stay Ashlee... I have no problem with everyone hearing what has to be said, we are all friends in here." The rest of the group nodded in agreement so Ashlee sat back down in surprise.
Johnny nodded in understanding then sighed in frustration. "Some local radio station just broadcasted live on air all your home addresses.”
"What?!" Everyone yelled in unison.
Johnny held up his hand to quiet them all. "That's not all. They are also offering a prize for any person who can show proof that they gained access to your properties.”
Justin swore. "Shit Johnny, can’t somebody do something about this?"
"We have contacted the police but they claim that they can’t act because the radio station didn’t blatantly suggest people to break in. They were very subtle, but obvious enough to get the message across to those who are stupid enough to attempt it.”
“If we can’t do anything about the radio station can’t the police guard our houses? Maybe stop those breaking in?” Justin asked desperately.
Johnny sighed again “They promised that they would do routine checks, but we all know that the police are sick of protecting you guys from the fans.”
“Well what about our security company?” JC asked logically and Justin’s face brightened at the idea.
“They have placed guards around your properties but you know that it won’t stop those who really want to get in. The info was only leaked half an hour ago but already the guards have reported large crowds at all of your houses.”
"Man not again, I just moved in," Lance said with annoyance.
"Well I guess that means a hotel stay and no nightclub tonight," Joey said with regret.
"Nah you guys can crash at our places," Dani said indicating Kelly and herself.
Johnny nodded his head in disagreement. "I'm sorry girls but they got your houses too."
They room broke into groans again. "Well it looks like we are holding a sleep-over at the Plaza tonight," Chris said in fake enthusiasm.
Kelly looked up at Joey with relief. “Well at least Brianna is staying with my parents. Imagine what would happen if she was home?”
Joey shook his head sadly and he kissed Kelly on her forehead. “I’m sorry baby, but we have managed to keep the press away from her so far, so maybe we will be able to keep it going longer.”
Ashlee listened to their conversation silently and an idea formed in her head and she looked over to Tim in silent communication. Tim shrugged and smiled 'Yes' to her unspoken question, and Ashlee looked around at the devastated faces and knew that her idea would work.
"Um guys..." she said loudly so everyone would hear. "I know that I only just met you all but you would be very welcome to stay at my home for as long as you need to."
Lance looked at Ashlee in surprise. "You don't have to do that Ashlee. We couldn't possibly impose on you like that."
"I don't see why not. I invited you didn't I?" When Lance didn't reply Ashlee continued trying to convince him and the guys who also looked hesitant. "Look you guys, my house is huge and I probably have more security than all your houses put together, and most importantly the media don’t know about our connection."
Her argument was very logical and she could see that she nearly had them. "Come on guys you wouldn't be imposing and my house is so big I won't even notice you there!"
Johnny silently listening to Ashlee's offer then cleared his throat to get her attention. "Hi, I don't mean to sound rude, but who are you?"
Lance burst out laughing at Johnny's confused expression. "I'm sorry Johnny. I forgot to introduce you to Ashlee… Ashlee this is Johnny our manager, Johnny this is Ashlee Regent."
Johnny's eyes cleared in recognition. "Oh, I must apoligize. Lance told me about you I just didn't make to connection... It's nice to meet you Ashlee."
"It's nice to meet you too Johnny," Ashlee replied with a smile.
"You’re offer does make sense logically but if the media finds out I don't think you really understand the effect it would have on your life, you would be literally thrown into the lime-light," Johnny said with concern.
This comment caused Ashlee to laugh, the irony of the statement was beyond belief, something that Lance seemed to grasp too because he laughed along with her. Johnny frowned at their behaviour still not understanding the absurdity of his comments.
"Is there something that I am missing here?"
"Yeah sorry Johnny, I don't think you made the connection with Ashlee's name. Ashlee is John Regent's daughter, shareholder in Jive,” Lance enlightened Johnny.
This brought a smile to his face when he realised what this meant and it also cleared up their present problem. "Sorry about that Ashlee. Last time I saw you, you were a little girl so I didn't recognise you."
"That's ok Johnny. I didn't realise that we had met before. So I guess that means you know my Dad?"
"Well we haven't really met. I've just seen you hiding behind your Dad’s leg… And I guess that answers your second question. Are you sure having the guys wouldn't be a problem? Maybe you should discuss it with your Dad?"
"Dad's away at the moment but I think he would approve of my offer, he would probably say I was protecting his investment, anyway Tim is speaking to him right now."
Tim chose that moment to re-enter the room holding his phone out to her. "Hi, Dad! Did Tim clear everything with you?"
"Hi Sweetheart, yeah he did and I think it's an excellent idea. This way you won't be home alone."
"Thanks Dad. I’ll hand you over to Mr. Wright now ok? I love you Dad, talk to you later, Bye."
"I love you too Ash, Bye sweetheart."
Ashlee handed the phone to Johnny and turned back towards the group "We're all set... Dani and Kelly do you want to stay too? Kelly you can bring Brianna with you if you and Joey want some private time with her.”
Dani smiled in thanks and Kelly looked at Joey while he shrugged. “I would love to stay Ashlee, but I think I better leave Brianna with her grandparents. The normalcy is good for her while she is so young. But thank you so much for the offer.”
The happy atmosphere once again returned as they discussed their plans. "Ok Tim do you want to inform the guy’s security on the home set-up? The rest of you can organise your clothing and things for your stay, ok?" Ashlee directed, taking charge of the excited group.
She didn't know what hit her when she was suddenly enfolded in a large group hug. "Thank-you Ashlee! You saved our lives!" Justin yelled over the chaos.
"I didn't save anyone's life," she laughed.
"Well maybe not lives but certainly our sanity." JC corrected while looking relieved.
"I'm glad I could help guys, but right now you have to get organized or we will never leave."
Everyone quickly dispersed leaving Ashlee alone with Lance, it suddenly occurred to her that Lance might not like the new arrangement and she looked at him hesitantly.
"I hope this is all ok with you Lance. I didn't even think to ask you, but I know what the press can be like and I didn't want you to have to deal with it right now."
Lance just looked at her when a growing smile appeared on his lips and he pulled her into his arms. "You are truly an amazing women Ashlee. Thank-you so much!"
His closeness caused her heart to beat faster and she could feel a blush creeping up her face "No thanks necessary, I only did what any fan would do."
Lance shook his head in disagreement "No they wouldn't. They wouldn't take 7 nearly complete strangers into their home, especially when they have enough security problems themselves. I'm just lucky I met you when I did or we would all be homeless."
Ashlee was relieved that Lance's tone changed to that of humor because she was beginning to be affected by his words. "Oh go away and pack your bag you idiot or I will leave you homeless," she joked back.
Lance gave Ashlee a wink then a quick kiss on the cheek before running out of the room. When he arrived in his dressing room he was surprised to find the other guys and girls waiting patiently. He stopped short when they all looked up inquiring, "What?" he asked in confusion.
"Lance man if you like this girl, don't let her go, she's one in a million and if you don't snatch her up I will," Justin enlightened him.
Lance just smiled at Justin's candid remarks "No that's ok J, I like her and if I have anything to do with it she isn't going anywhere. And anyway you've already got a great girl, you can't have two."
This seemed to satisfy everyone so they left Lance alone with his thoughts. On their way out JC patted him on his shoulder and smiled in understanding. "I like her Lance. She's going to be good for all of us and even more so for you," and with that he left.
When they had all organized the stuff they would need for the next few days. It was decided that Lance, JC, Lonnie and Dre would ride with Tim and Ashlee to her house, while the others would follow in their own limo.