Chapter Forty-Three

(Tuesday. May 16, 2000. Greensboro, North Carolina.)

It was amazing how a day off could give the mind a little relief from the pressures that fought to overload it. The tour had been going for almost a week and between interviews, appearances, and the shows at night…the guys were tired already. Lauren didn't know how they kept up with everything because she was tired just thinking about the schedules they kept every day, but there was something to be said about the passion for what you devoted your life to. All five of those guys were entertainers and they were living out their dreams every day.

It was still a shame that they couldn't achieve those dreams without a little trouble mixed in.

She knew that Tom was just biding his time until he could get her alone, and she was waiting for it. In fact, she was looking forward to it because then she would get a few more pieces to the puzzle he was working on and those pieces would be put to good use in the plan she and Justin had going on. Tom wasn't an easy one to figure out by any means, but he hadn't given her a lot of details this time. Sure, he had told her what he expected out of her, but he didn't go into the reasons why, when he had gone to deeper and greater lengths in all the other plans he had had so far.

The guys were clueless about what was going on, Miranda was lost but suspicious, and Lauren was trying so hard to forget about the mock pain that she was going to have to put Justin through. At least they both knew the truth and they both knew that there was a deeper and greater love between them then there had been the first time, but they were facing pretty big odds here. She was going to have to stretch and pull at every manipulative fiber in her body while trying to shut off her distaste for what they were putting themselves through.

Tristan was going to have to be told, and there was no way around that. He had a crush on her, he had from the beginning, and playing with those feelings or leading him on was the wrong thing to do in every way. The problem was, she didn't know if she could trust him or not. It was unlikely that Tom had sought out Tristan, got him a major recording contract, handled that kind of talent and promoted it to Jive, just so he could get back and her and Justin. That was a big feat and also improbable, but right now she didn't want to put anything past the man. He had already proven that he would go to almost any length to pull them apart, but Tristan seemed like such a good guy.

She was struggling with trusting him, but this time she wasn't struggling with trusting Justin. It felt good to have him on her side again and to know that he wasn't going to waver from it. As hard as it had been, he had been open and honest with her about his feelings. She knew that it had taken a lot out of him because he was risking everything he had with her, but every time she felt the beads in her pocket, every time she looked at them, and every time she saw the twinkle in Justin's eyes when he looked at her…she knew that this time they were going to come out on top. They were going to fight this together, and they would be the victors.

Justin had warned her repeatedly about what was to come and what they were going to have to sacrifice to pull this plan of theirs off. He made it sound like doomsday was about to hit and that he wasn't sure if she could handle everything that was going to come with it. Whenever he talked like that, Shai's name was soon to follow in the conversation. She was going to slide right by his side the first opportunity she had and from the way Justin was talking…he was going to let her. It was going to be hard on him to see her with Tristan, but sitting by and watching the arrogant and pleased look on Shai's face while she moved in on Justin was going to test her own patience.

This was going to get very ugly before it got any better.

Shai had to know what Tom was up to, and she had to know that she was going to have a bigger access to Justin because she had been strolling around with a knowing smile on her face and it was almost as if she was trying to lure Lauren into a confrontation. Since Shai wasn't exactly the brightest light up in the night sky…she was getting confidence from somewhere. The only source that she had at the moment was Tom and Lauren could only imagine the lies and evil intentions he was feeding her.

Justin had encouraged her to go out and have some fun while he handled the guys. She hadn't wanted to leave the venue, but Miranda had wanted to go shopping so she agreed to tag along with her. Actually, Justin had told her to go with Miranda because he felt that Lauren needed some girl time or just some time away from the madness that surrounded the tour at the moment. He was going to have a lot on his hands by explaining things to the guys, but they were very essential to the plan. If they expressed their concern or their confusion about why Lauren and Justin were fighting one minute, but close and loving on the bus then Tom would get suspicious and he would attack. Her ever growing concern was raised a few notches just knowing he was explaining things to them because the more people who knew the plan…the greater the chance of failure. All it took was Chris or Joey to spill something or to talk about it at the wrong time, and it would all fall apart.

She took a deep breath and pushed those thoughts aside. Worrying over "what ifs" would only succeed in driving her insane and right now she needed a clear head more than anything else. "I wonder if every nineteen year old goes through this much crap when they fall in love."

Miranda paused as she held the mall door open. "What was that?"

She walked through the door and shook her head. "I was just talking to myself. I never used to do that but you seem to be the master at it so I took a few lessons."

"It's a nasty habit but when you grow up like I did, you learn that talking to yourself is the only real way to avoid arguments or pain. It's really hard to argue or hurt your own self with words."

Lauren looked back and rolled her eyes at the huge man who followed a few yards behind them. "How about a few choice words for that man's presence?"

Miranda looked back as well and questioned. "I've been wanting to ask you about that. When you agreed to go shopping with me, well…when Justin pushed you out the door and carried you to the car to MAKE you go, I didn't know you were going to bring one of the mountain men along."

"Neither did I. This is a complete waste of money and time."

Miranda smiled and walked closer to a window display before stopping in front of it. "I think it's sweet of Justin to do."

"You think it's sweet to have someone follow me around like a big huge puppy? Yes I'm talking about YOU!" She glared at the man for a second before turning to see what Miranda was looking at. "I'm just a girl, a plain simple girl, and I have a bodyguard following me. Not only that, but a HIGH PRICED bodyguard following me. Does this make sense to anyone? I'm not famous or even special but…"

"You're special to Justin and that alone makes every bit of this situation understandable."

"JC isn't hiring big macho men in shirts that are four sizes too small to follow you around and watch your every move." The man looked down at his shirt and Lauren leaned her back against the glass to watch him. "Tell me, did you buy that shirt at Guard Me R Us?"

"I'm just following orders and doing the job I was hired for, Miss."

"You were hired to…oh nevermind. I'm not even going there. Do you have to be so close or am I allowed a little bit of distance?"

He checked his watch and pretended not to hear her words. "Justin made it clear that I have to be within sight."

"Then just sight your big ass over that way and…"

Miranda grabbed her arm and pulled her until she was walking beside her. "I think maybe we should start our shopping adventure. That might make you feel better."

"I'm going to kill Mike when we get back. I have NO DOUBT that he planted this seed in Justin's head and while I'm beating his ass I'm going to do an all out search for his momma too. Those two can have one big happy reunion in a hospital room."

Miranda pulled her over to another display that had bathing suits. "In the mood to shop for bathing suits?"

"You're terrible at changing the topic, Miranda."

"I really don't understand why you're getting so worked up over this. I'm going to piss you off I'm sure, but I think this is very sweet of Justin. He knows that you're apprehensive about the fans, he knows that journalists and photographers are drooling to get their hands on you, he knows that a few fans would LOVE the chance to get a hold of you, and he wants to protect you when he can't be there. He scored a few man points with me, whether you like hearing that or not."

It was sweet of Justin, but the fact that she had to have a guard beside her everywhere she went made her face facts that she didn't want to face yet. This only proved that she wasn't the only one who was fearful of the situation she was in. "Ok, so I'm overreacting but that's me. I speak and I lash out before the person or the situation has the chance to lash at me first. Sue me."

Miranda turned slowly and grinned at her. "I haven't seen this side of you in a while. Tell me, why does the idea of this guard get you so hot under the collar?"

"I…I just think it's a waste of money. Jive wouldn't put up the money to hire another guard just to protect me, so Justin is doing this out of his own pocket. It makes me…I just don't think he should be doing that. I feel like a child who has been given a babysitter to watch her and it creeps me out. If I wasn't on the tour, if I hadn't opened my big mouth and told Justin how much he means to me then…"

"Then you would be absolutely miserable, you would be sulking unlike anything anyone can imagine, and Justin still would have pursued you and protected you. That's what you were going to say, right?"

She saw the bright twinkle in Miranda's eyes and walked away from her. "I hate you, Miranda."

She laughed and walked faster to catch up with her. "I'll ignore that bitchy statement for the moment and you need to watch what you do and say because we wouldn't want that story to hit the press. Lauren Owsley, girlfriend of Justin Timberlake, was spotted arguing with Miranda Hill in a mall today. The topic…she hated how chivalrous her love was trying to be when he sent out a guard to protect her. Oh yes, I can see hatred directed at me already."

"Do you know why I am going to attack JC one day? He turned you into this sarcastic and annoyingly RIGHT ALL THE TIME person. Next thing I know, you'll be on the stage giving out pamphlets and scheduling truth sessions with the fans."

Miranda hugged her and laughed when Lauren started giggling against her will. "I know you're tired of the pressure and I wish I could tell you that it gets easier, but the fans are always going to be nosey and curious about Justin's personal life. Justin was open, he was honest about his feelings for you, and I don't think you want him to handle it any other way. Keeping everything a secret is much worse. It's hard to dodge questions and always be on my toes whenever I'm with JC in public or even a semi-public place."

"You have a job on the line, I don't."

"That's true, but it doesn't make it any easier. I wish I could go out in public and just hold JC's hand, but I can't and that makes me envy what you and Justin have even more. I don't envy the curiosity or the obsession that the media is having with you right now."

Lauren looked over her shoulder and groaned. "That photographer is still back there, isn't he?"

"He's been following us since we left the venue and it looks like he met up with a reporter friend of his. Now do you see the benefits of having Anthony around to keep those people away? We haven't had any fan encounters…yet…but at least he's there to cover your back if you need him. Let's forget about the guards, the reporters, and everything else. Let's shop and spend some money that we don't have."

That idea lasted all of thirty seconds. They were inside the GAP looking at a rack of pants when Lauren looked up and questioned. "You're a journalist, Miranda. Why does there have to be this kind of obsession? Right now that guy is zooming his lens in and I have to wonder what he thinks he will get."

Miranda held up a pair of pants and her eyes widened before she put them back on the rack. "They're hoping for the picture that every magazine and newspaper will want to print, and the journalists are waiting for what I've been waiting for…you to open your mouth about Justin. It's a nasty business and a cutthroat one, but you have to get down and dirty to survive."

"You didn't do that."

"I've done my share but never have I chased people down or hound them for a story. It's amazing how far tact and an honest approach will get you. It's very refreshing in this business. You're wanting to be a photographer, Lauren. You're going to enter this race one day."

She turned her back on the window and leaned her forearms on the rack. "I never want to get into THAT side of competitive photography. I love the art, not what the art can do for me." She thought about Mary Beth and about how she had taken her talents and her skills to do more harm to people than good. It was funny how money and fame could turn some people to the bad side of humanity.

Miranda whistled softly at a pair of bright pink pants and moved on to the next rack. "Their feeling is, you might suddenly become honest or you might do something interesting that they can print. You're shopping, you could buy something for Justin for all they know, and you being here is a photo op in itself. You can't hate them for trying."

"Do they honestly think I'm going to go into a sex shop and load up on motion lotion? Come on! I'm in the middle of the GAP and…" Miranda waited for the punch-line and Lauren grinned mischievously, much in the way Justin always did, before delivering it. "It's not like I'm dating JC or anything."

Miranda's eyes closed for a second before she shook her head in amazement. "Just what do you think my relationship with JC is all about here?"

"Don't hit me with words Miranda, I know you love the guy. But I also know that you LOVE the guy, and that's beside the point."

She held up a hand and walked out of the store with Lauren still laughing as she followed behind. "I'm going to ignore that little statement and the ramifications of it because JC and I know what we love about one another, and that's all that matters. However, that photographer is hot on your tail right now and I think we should go into Victoria's Secret just to give him a thrill."

"You're evil but I like the way you're thinking. Maybe we should go into the lingerie section just as an added bonus. Can you imagine the look on Justin's face if he saw that in a magazine and then never saw the actual…uh…" One of Miranda's eyebrows raised questioningly. "Uh…nevermind. It was a bad idea and an even worse joke. Hey this shop looks pretty rustic and homegrown. Let's see what the locals can provide us. I promised Justin I would pick up something with North Carolina on it. I didn't tell him WHAT exactly, but maybe I can get creative in here."

The store was rather scary and it wasn't because of the items inside, but because of the southern "class" that was displayed there. Lauren thought that they had some true hicks and hillbillies in Tennessee, but the two older women working behind the counter were straight out of possum country. Miranda gaped at the two women and she broke out of her trance when Lauren elbowed her. "I uh…I see something new every day."

"You're from South Carolina, Miranda. Don't tell me that they didn't have rednecks down there too."

"I didn't exactly grow up in the backwoods."

Lauren knew exactly what Miranda had grown up in, and it was nice to see that even Miranda was capable of being naïve from time to time. "Oh that's right, you were too busy diagramming sentences and earning a Pulitzer prize at age five to get out and see the finer sides of country folk. This will be a learning experience for you Miranda. Stay on your toes, you don't want to get any chewing tobacco spit on your new shoes."

"Tell me you aren't being serious."

One of the women sized them up and slowly made her way over. "Somethin' I can help you two out with?"

Lauren smiled at the strong accent. "We're just browsing but I don't think I've ever seen a shop that is as rustic as this one is."

"Who are you callin' rusty?"

"Rustic, as in homey and country."

The woman looked around and sighed. "That be's our place. You two city folk?"

Miranda eyed a jar full of homemade salve and put it down quickly when she saw that it had spider legs as one of the ingredients. "We're from Orlando, Florida. Well, originally I'm from South Carolina and Lauren is from Tennessee."

She looked Miranda over from the perfectly ironed clothes, trim waist, matching belt and purse, and leaned in close to Lauren to whisper. "She's as purdy as a speckled pup but done gone off an' got herself Yankee rich."

Lauren covered her mouth to hide her smile when Miranda looked like she was offended by the comment. This was definitely a side of life that she didn't get to see much and it was refreshing to see REAL people. These women weren't the example of what North Carolina life was like or even what life in the South was like, but they were living day to day and they were happy. It was true that they were judgmental and overbearing, from what she had seen so far, but at least they didn't offer any pretenses.

Four teenage girls came into the store and they stuck out about as much as she and Miranda did. Lauren eyed them carefully and saw that they were trying to look like they were shopping, when really their attention was completely focused on her. They looked at her over shelves, followed her around the small store, and Lauren was careful about what she did or said just in case her feelings were right about this.

A little while later, Miranda was talking to the woman at the counter about some home remedy, while Lauren looked at a fake voodoo doll that she knew she could scare a few guys with. One of the four girls inched up beside her and Lauren looked away from the doll to smile at her. "Do you think these things actually work?"

The girl shrugged and looked back at her friends before speaking. "Has anyone told you that you look a lot like Lauren Owsley?"

Lauren tensed up and then relaxed when she realized that it was stupid to freak over a girl who was being pleasant for the moment. "I can't say that I've ever heard that before. What's the big deal with this Lauren girl?"

"Well, she's…she's Justin Timberlake's girlfriend and they're in town today. I hope I'm not bothering you but my friends and I saw you walking around with that guy over there and some guy was following you taking pictures so I…we thought maybe you were her."

Lauren put the doll down and chewed on her bottom lip while she tried to figure out what to do. "What do you think of her? I mean, if I were her…what would you want to say? Obviously you have something to say because you followed me around thinking I was her. What's the big deal?"

The girl looked shocked and she pushed her hair back nervously. "I just think it's cool that he's found someone he cares about and who obviously cares about him. I mean, I've never talked to her or met her or anything, but my cousin talked to her at a concert last week and she said that Lauren was really sweet. She said that she looked kind of nervous about being around the crowd, but do you blame her? It can't be easy being his girlfriend."

"Hmmm…you're probably right."

"I don't know if I could do it. I mean, he's a cutie and everything but I don't know if I would want to date him."

Lauren grinned and felt herself blushing. "He's a romantic and wonderful guy. I mean…I'm sure he is."

"I hear that they've been friends since they were kids and that's so sweet that they would fall in love. As long as he's happy and not with Britney, my friends and me think it's awesome. You should look on the Internet and get a picture of her because I swear you look just like her!" Her southern drawl got heavier and heavier the longer she spoke. "I just wanted to see if you were her because if you were I was going to say that you're a lucky girl and I hope to see you at the concert tonight. All of my friends are jealous of her but it's a good kind of jealousy. You know, we wish we could be her but we're also glad that Justin found someone like her to love him. Sorry to have bothered you."

Miranda looked over and smiled warmly when she heard the young girl's words. Lauren was shocked but at the same time she loved N SYNC fans even more because of girls like these. "You didn't bother me. Have fun at your concert tonight."

Her three friends walked out when they heard that it wasn't Lauren, and the girl looked back and forth between Anthony and Lauren before leaning in close. "Tell Lance I said good luck tonight and I hope you and Justin are happy together."

Lauren's jaw dropped slightly. "But…"

The girl winked and straightened when she heard Anthony's footsteps behind her. "No need to draw unnecessary attention. They wouldn't understand anyway."

The girl had just walked out of the store when a voice yelled out. "Tennessee girl, did ya know that there's a man with a camera in the window?"

Lauren was still beaming when she looked over and rolled her eyes when she recognized the same pesky photographer. "I know, but I'm trying to ignore him."

"You some kinda celebrity or is he some kinda stalker?"

The twang in this woman's speech was enough to make Lauren's ears hurt. "He's…he's just being a pain. It's ok."

The woman barreled over to the window and tapped on it loudly. "You git away from my store before I call the cops, you pervert! You're old enough to be her daddy!"

He came around the glass and looked Lauren over before turning to the woman. "How are you doing today ma'am? I'm from one of the local papers here in town and I was taking pictures for an article we're running soon on local businesses. I'm sorry for upsetting you but…"

She put her hands on her rounded hips. "Look mister, my cow died last night so I don't need your bull."

Miranda stepped up next to Lauren and smiled in amazement. "Should we say something or just let this woman kill him?"

"I really want to see this battle."

He was relentless in trying to convince her that he was running a story on her shop, but the way he was looking Lauren over was creepy and she wasn't the only one seeing it. "I'm really sorry that you don't want to be featured in our paper but…"

"All I want to see featured is your ass as you're runnin' away. Now get outta here before I tell Martha over there that you're steppin' on her homemade quilt."

He took a step back and held his hands up in defense. "I'll leave your shop right now. Lauren! Lauren, all I want is one picture. Just give me a picture and a statement and I'll leave you alone."

Anthony stepped up to push the man back but the older lady beat him to it by grabbing a broom and shoving it in his face as she backed him out of the store. "Get out of here."

"Lauren, what do you think of the allegations that Justin isn't being faithful to you? What are your thoughts on Britney and was there a competition between you two? Just give me five minutes!"

Miranda grabbed her bag and laughed. "I weep for whatever paper hired him if that's the best he can come up with. Are you ready to go? This place…well…frankly it scares me."

Lauren had to admit that she was a bit shaken by his imposition, but she also couldn't get the fan out of her head. The girl had managed to make her entire day brighter just by understanding that not everything was black and white. If she was true to herself and true to her feelings, other people would see that as well. "I'm ready to go when you are."

The woman started cackling when he was finally gone and she turned to Lauren and Miranda as she put the broom back down. "He ran like a scalded dog, and I'm plumb tuckered out. Anything else I can help you two with?"

Lauren patted her shoulder and smiled brightly. "I think we're going to find something to eat and leave your store before there's more trouble, but thank you for everything you did. I know you don't understand any of this, but thank you just the same."

"I'm Loretta and you can come by my shop any time. I don't hold account on people botherin' my customers, but you two look busier than a cat covering crap on a marble floor. Thanks for droppin' by."

Lauren couldn't hold back her laughter anymore and she searched deep into her roots to pull out what she said next. "That guy has been following us all day long. He's slicker than otter snot and like a booger that you can't thump off."

Miranda froze where she was and turned slowly to give a wide-eyed look. "Lauren?"

Loretta had no idea what the big deal was, but she liked Lauren even more and clapped at her words. "That he was…that he was. But he was caught with his pants down this time."

"I think we should let the guys know about this place and make sure that Lance and especially Chris drop by. They would love you, Loretta." And she could just see their reactions if they met up with the one and only Loretta.

Miranda was WAY out of her element and all she could do was stare back and forth between them. "Lauren…mall…scary place…can we go?"

Lauren leaned in close to Loretta and whispered. "She's been out of the loop for too long. Those South Carolina people…hmph."

"I hear ya honey."

Miranda stepped back and held her hands up much in the same way the photographer had. "I don't know what revenge you're trying to get on me here, but I'm going to get out of here."

"Oh come on Miranda, give it a try. I know you have a little bit of Southern comfort in you somewhere."

She grabbed Lauren's arm and thanked the women before pulling her laughing butt out of the store. "It was nice meeting you all and I hope you have a wonderful day."

"You're no fun, Miranda."

She paused and turned to yell over her shoulder. "And Loretta? You're tougher than a one eared alley cat." She looked back down at Lauren and grinned at her shocked expression. "Lost my roots huh? Sounds like someone counted all her chickens before they hatched."

Lauren watched her stroll away arrogantly and she slapped her forehead with a hand as she her head slowly shook back and forth. "You scare me, Miranda. You really, REALLY scare me."