Chapter 12



“One minute till show-time, guys.” Madison screamed into the TRL studio. She had decided to produce the show from inside the studio instead of the control room today. It was a special day. She had done everything possible to get the guys on TRL and it worked out that their Wednesday guest cancelled Monday morning. So fate had stepped in just in time.
“We’re on in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1….” Madison said.
Carson started his everyday introduction to the show, without giving away who the special guest was. It had been Bridget’s idea to keep it a secret. ‘Build the tension, Carson, build the tension.’ She thought to herself. First commercial break. She had to go tell the guys that they’d be on in five. Usually she sent someone to do this, but she’d take every opportunity to see them.
“Hey guys…you’re on in five, ok?” Bridget said, peeking her head into the green room.
“Hey Bridge!” Justin yelled.
“Hi Justin” Bridget said.
“Hey Bridge…” JC started.
“Yeah Josh?” Bridget said on her way on the door.
“Since when do you come in here and not give me a kiss?” he asked.
“My god, I’m so sorry” Bridget said sarcastically.
JC grabbed her hand and pulled her close towards him. He kissed her, ever so lightly, but still the electric between was enough to light a room, a city, a small world country. He released her to see four pairs of eyes staring at them.
“Alright guys, show’s over” JC said.
“Come on…follow me guys.” Bridget smiled.
“Always.” JC said.
Bridget turned back around while walking out the door. That man got to her in every way. He had this quality that hit hard on her heart. She always knew she could never love another man like Josh. Smiling back at him, he smiled and winked. The guys took their place hiding behind a wall, trying not to give away the surprise. Bridget made her way back to the floor. Just as she did, commercials ended and Carson led way into the number 7. It wouldn’t be long now before the guys were unveiled. She knew she should’ve brought earplugs. This was about to get loud.
“Ok,” Carson said. “I know y’all are dying to know who our guest is. Well, I leave you in suspense no longer….it must be your lucky day girls…here they are…*NSYNC!”
The volume level in the room must have multiplied at least 110 decibels. They guys made their way out to Carson. The audience was obviously pleased. Bridget smiled in spite of herself. She was definitely pleased. Her five friends up there definitely knew how to work a crowd. The crowd calmed down a bit and Carson led on with the interview. Asking them all the important stuff that “everyone” wanted to know. Later into the show the audience took a turn asked questions. Bridget pretty much dis- reguarded the questions. She knew more than most people, she didn’t need to hear anything more from second-hand sources.
“JC, it’s rumored that you’re seeing someone from NY and that’s why you’re here. Is that true?” a fan asked.
Bridget’s ears perked at the fan’s direct question. She definitely didn’t envy JC in this situation. Being together was one thing, coming out into the public on national TV, was another. She wondered how he would handle this one. Her thoughts were interrupted.
“Well, we’re here in NY to do some promotion for the upcoming tour. But in answer to your other question. Yes, I am seeing someone from NY, which makes this stay in NY even better.” He smiled.
The room seemed to stir and Bridget was still in amazement over what had just happened. He loved her, she knew that. But being friends with Josh was hard enough. People always asked them if they were a couple before and they laughed it off. Now though, it was the truth, and sometimes the truth can get you into trouble.
Carson smiled. “Yeah, you better say that…ya never know if she’s watching somewhere.” He said, looking in Bridget’s direction.
Carson knew the truth. Bridget had filled him in on Monday after Carson asked a dozen questions about the party the Friday night before.
“She’s watching,” Justin interjected. “Believe me, she’s watching.”
They all laughed, including Bridget who was standing just beyond the cameras. She saw JC smile at her and she smiled back. I smile she grew to love and look forward to seeing over the past few years and now, it was all for her. He, was all for her.

Chapter 13