Chapter Nine

Wednesday, Los Angeles

The girl was absolutely adorable, sitting curled up on the couch in a pair of sweats and a navy Yankees t-shirt with her hair in loose pig tails. Justin tried to pay attention to the game they were watching but kept finding his eyes wandering back in her direction.

"Dammit ump! One more eye, you'd be a Cyclops!"

He had to laugh. He was learning new things about Regan everyday but her obsession with baseball was classic. The last thing he expected to see was this prima ballerina jumping angrily out of her seat at bad calls and cheering on her 'boys' as they rallied for an extra inning. Baseball really wasn't his game, but thanks to the sideshow this particular game thoroughly entertained him.

"What?"

Uh oh, busted- again. "Huh?"

"You're doing that thing again."

"What thing?"

"The thing where you look like you're studying me," Regan clarified, eyebrow cocked.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Go Yanks!"

"Yeah, whatever," Regan smirked accusingly. "I really wish you'd stop. It makes me nervous."

"Stop what?"

The boy was absolutely incorrigible, sitting on the opposite end of the couch, his defensive expression dissolving into a mischievous grin- a grin Regan was getting to know all to well. She could tell the game was boring the basketball-freak out of him but she also thought it was sweet he agreed to spend the afternoon watching it just because she wanted to.

Then again, it was obvious enough to Regan that Justin wasn't watching game so much as… her. Every once in a while, she'd catch him out of the corner of her eye. It felt nice somehow to have his eyes on her and yet, it made her a bit uncomfortable. When talking with Jack she felt very secure in what she wanted to happen here. But as soon as Justin's voice came over the phone line, she knew 'secure' was that last adjective she should be applying to herself.

It was the uncertainty of it all that was what made him a mystery to her. In a way she feared the questions were all that made him intriguing. What had almost happened that night in back of the restaurant? Either way, just what was he feeling in all this? Hell, she wasn't even sure what she was feeling. She wanted, even needed, the answers to all these questions just for sanity's sake but what if when they were answered, all that she saw in Justin that felt special disappeared? The only thing she knew for certain was that the look in his eyes when she looked up at him that night made her insides run an obstacle course of intense emotions. Nervous, excited, scared, vulnerable, exposed and yet somehow… safe.

"I swear to GOD Timberlake, I knew you were going to be trouble from the very first time-"

"I saved your life?" he said finishing her sentence, eyebrow raised in confident questioning.

"You know, if you're gonna keep throwing that tiny incident back in my face-"

"Tiny? Honey, if it weren't for me you'd be sitting here dead right now!"

"Think about that for a sec, Curly-boy."

"You know what I mean."

"Oh," Regan groaned as if realizing something. "You're good."

"Good at what?"

"Changing the subject."

"I didn't change the subject," he started matter-of-factly. "I simply steered the conversation in another direction."

"Yeah, on purpose!"

"WooHoo! Go Jeter!"

"Jeter isn't even up, fro! That's Tino Martinez! Knock it off and tell me why you keep examining me!"

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. "Room Service!"

Justin grinned triumphantly. "I'll take care of that, you just sit back and relax."

Infuriating, men, Regan thought as she sat back against the couch, trying to find the comfortable position she'd lost when she began interrogating Justin. She turned attention back to the game, which had since gone to commercial.

:: But, honey, I thought you told the kids they couldn't have a dog until we got the house. ::

Oh god, not this commercial, Regan thought as she felt her chest tighten, her eyes becoming round as saucers.

::Did you hear something from our broker?::

Uh oh, here it comes." The tears began to well up in her eyes. It's bad enough this happens with long distance and airline commercials, but banking commercials? I must just have estrogen levels off the damn chart.

:: We got the house ::

She didn't notice Justin come back, standing just close enough to see the glimmer of tears in her deep brown eyes. She didn't know he'd just made a decision that would change things for them permanently.

"Good, and she performed well?"

"Camille Loree said it was a miracle… I guess that means she performed well."

"Well, things seem to be progressing quite nicely."

"They did with the others too. She's getting close to the cut off point, Aaron."

"The modifications I made for this case give me every reason to believe-"

"Yeah, and what if it turns out like the rest."

"Some sacrifices must be made in the name of progress, Baxter. Don't get soft on me now."

"I'm not. I don't give a rat's ass about this one, but the more failures you rack up-"

"The closer we are to success."

"-the closer we are to jail. You haven't been covering your ass too well, Boland, and I've been doing my research. Fraud isn't a pretty word."

"I'm a doctor, Baxter. What I'm doing is for the good of society."

"Yeah, the good of your bank account. Don't pretend to have any other agenda than that. I don't. Once you crack this, we'll be millionaires… if we're not in jail that is."

"You have to relax, Kyle. You're in good hands. Let me take care of it."

"Relax? It's kinda hard to relax when your patient jumps every time you lay a hand on her. She makes me nervous and she doesn't trust you. This could get very bad."

"I've already taken care of that. She may not trust me but there is someone she does trust that should make things a lot easier for us."

"Hey, I didn't OK a new partner, Boland."

"Not a partner. Just a helper without a clue."

"Whatever, but if this goes South I'll make a deal faster than you can say 'Don't drop the soap.' Remember that."

Click.

"So does this ballet require me to dress up?"

"Well, I don't think you need an opera dress but I'd steer away from sneakers," JC smiled.

"That leaves a pretty broad margin of error, JC."

"Well, if it helps, I'm just wearing a pair of slacks and button down- no tie, no jacket."

"Ok, that gives me a better idea. So how do you know this girl?" Grace Roberts inquired as she rummaged around her suitcase for something appropriate.

"It's kind of complicated."

"Oh," she started cautiously, "old girlfriends?" Please say no.

"No, no, nothing like that," JC answered quickly. "Just the association is kind of complicated. She's my best friend's husband's little sister."

"Your best friend is gay?"

"Huh? No! No, my best friend is a woman. Why would you go for gay before female?"

"I dunno," she shrugged. "You said 'complicated'. I went for the more complicated."

JC smiled, propped up against the door jamb, watching Grace in her quest. "Anyway, we went to visit Bridget- my best friend- in New York last week and everyone really hit it off with Regan… some of us more than others. She was going through some tough stuff, recovering from an injury, so we want to be there for her tonight."

"Well that's nice," Grace smiled, lifting her eyes up from her suitcase only momentarily. "Wait," she said looking up quickly. "What do you mean 'some of us more than others'?"

"Well, we think Justin's got a bit of a crush."

"A smell a nightmare coming on."

"Only if you think of it as a media consultant."

"I am a media consultant. Your media consultant, point of fact," she pointed out. "Like I said before, I will not tell you guys how to run your lives but I have to tell you, this could be, for lack of a better word, a nightmare."

"You don't seem to have a problem with me dating, Miss Roberts," JC smiled wickedly, pushing himself off the door jamb and moving toward her.

"First of all, your different in the eyes of your fans and you know it. Your older and while they may not like and want to crucify whoever you choose to go out with, there's more of an understanding because of your age. If you weren't dating there'd be something wrong. While the same could be applied to Justin, a good chunk of his fans still see him in a way that contradicts reality. Second of all," she smiled, moving backward as he moved closer, "if you are implying, we are dating, your wrong, my friend."

"Is that right?' JC continued his approach, the same mischievous smirk playing on his handsome features.

"Yes, that's right. This cannot be called a date. I don't 'date' clients."

"Then what do you call last night?"

"Business dinner," she answered simply.

"We didn't talk about business."

"No, but I can call it a business dinner and spare myself some guilt and ethical introspection," she said returning his smirk as her back hit the wall. "This can be a date. We just can't call it one."

By now they were face to face and Grace could feel JC's warm breath fall on her lips. He leaned in a miniscule distance just close enough to almost brush her lips with his before leaning right back, his smirk stretching into an evil grin. "Good to know," he spouted pleasantly before back away from her. "It'd be shame if Justin finally hooked up with this girl just to be given a hard time from his dedicated and ever beautiful media consultant."

"JC-"

"Grace, he deserves to have someone in his life that isn't part of the music industry. We all want something normal and it's is especially hard for Justin for the same reasons you and I both know make it different for him to have a girlfriend in the public eye. I'm going to do everything I can to help him," JC told her in a firm but gentle tone before adding under his breath, "even if he doesn't know about it."

"And what does that mean?" Grace said, dreading the answer.

"Well, me and Bridget have decide to undertake the responsibility of making sure the people who should be together end up together. It's like a community service, really." His face would have appeared like that of an angel if it weren't for the horns beginning to pop out of his head.

"It's like butting in where you don't belong, really. How about if I promise not to give Justin a hard time about this and you promise not to interfere with his love life, which is something, I should add, that could turn a manageable nightmare into one of those nightmares that can send you into cardiac arrest and kill you."

"I'd love to promise that, I really would. However, Operation Fro has already commenced. I can't close the floodgate now," JC shrugged.

"You guys are going to give me gray hair before I turn 25, I swear."

"We have that affect on a lot of people."

"Oh c'mon! That would never happen! When did she learn all those steps? At breakfast? And the chorus would totally be thrown off if someone new was just tossed in there! And who's supposed to be dancing her part if she's dancing the bitch's, huh? Center Stage. Gimme a break."

"Regan, it's a movie. Don't take it personally."

"Excuse me, but I think if this were a movie about pop groups and they were signing autographs all warped and doing pelvic thrusts willy nilly, you'd have something to say about it."

"You and Chris, both. Serious emotional problems."

"Shut up, fro."

"I think I'm like having you around if that's the best retort you can up with. I like having the last word."

"Oh yeah, like I'm going to be around so much."

"Well, that was loaded."

"Was not."

"I think I know a loaded comment when I hear one- especially from you."

"Like that wasn't loaded."

"Never said it wasn't."

Unbelievable, Regan thought as her eyes fell on Justin who was stretched out on the floor. Am I the only coward in this room or he avoiding the topic too? Almost four hours they'd been lounging around the room, eating and watching TV and teasing each other, and not once had either brought up the one thing that they needed to talk about

"Ok," Justin said in determined tone, standing up and plopped down on the couch next to Regan. "We have to talk. And since, I was the only one with the guts to bring it up, I get to go first."

"Hey, I brought it up first, on the phone before you even got here. You were the one who started going on about kicking back and ordering room service."

"You were the one who started going on about the damn Yankees game."

"Doesn't matter. You were the one who changed the subject first."

"Well congratulations because you've managed to change the subject last."

"You know something, Timberlake? You-" Regan was effectively cut off by the door of the suite opening with a hard nudge that sent it clapping against the wall.

"Oops, sorry about that," smiled the intruder as she staggered in, her arms full. "You know it's been a successful shopping excursion when you have to open your door with your foot."

"Hey, Viv," Regan smiled, a bit annoyed they were interrupted. "Viv, this is Justin. Justin, Vivian Learner- one of my roomies."

"Hi," Justin smiled, disappointed at the interruption as well.

"So this is Justin," Viv grinned. "Nice to meet you. Regan talks about you a lot, although she failed to mention that 'Justin' was Justin Timberlake."

"Must've slipped my mind," Regan smirked.

"Yeah, yeah, all I kept hearing since we left on this damn trip is Justin this and Jack that," Viv laughed, putting her bags on the floor and moving to shake Justin's hand, not noticing the change in expression on his face when she mentioned Jack. "Well, I can see you two were in the middle of something so I'll just slink into the bathroom and grab a shower. Coming to the show tonight, Justin?"

"Oh I didn't even-"

"Yup," Justin nodded, cutting Regan off. "JC got us tickets, or so he says," he said answering the questioning look Regan gave him.

"Oh… kay."

"Well, I guess I'll be seeing you around, then. Oh, and be warned you guys, Judy and Noelle should be back soon too since we have to be at the theater in an hour. Ya know, just in case. I wouldn't want you guys to have any unexpected interruptions," she explained with a wink that made Regan blush 10 shades of red.

"Thanks Viv, we'll keep that in mind," Regan returned in a tone that said "beat it" loud and clear.

"Listen, Regan," Justin started once Viv disappeared. "Since you're under a time crunch here, how about we talk after the show? Or tomorrow, even. No big rush." His demeanor had changed drastically. The reminder that she already had someone she was seeing caused his courage to take a nosedive. He just needed to regroup, think it through.

"Ok, if that's what you want to do."

"Ok, so I'll just head up to my room and make sure everything's set for tonight. Maybe we can all go out or something afterwards. I know the guys are dying to hang out with you," he smiled, trying to lighten up. "We might have to hire you for the tour to keep up morale.

"Tempting but I kind of have something else in mind for my life's work," she chuckled, "and while I care deeply about your morale, I don't care that deeply."

"Worth a shot," Justin laughed, heading out the door. "So I'll see you later?"

"Yup," she confirmed before closing the door behind him. "Later."

"I swear to God, Chris, if you don't get that camera out of my face it will end up somewhere very uncomfortable," Lance warned from underneath sleepy eyes.

"Like the back of a Volkswagen?"

"Like up your-"

"Whoa there, PooFoo. This is on camera. You wouldn't want anything less than flattering getting around the Internet."

"You know, if I thought you could actually figure out how to get it on the Internet, that threat might hold some weight," Lance smirked as his eyes drifted closed again in an attempt to ignore the new digital video camera Chris had just bought.

"No fun," Chris mumbled. "That's alright. I'll just getcha when you're snoring."

As Chris searched for a new victim, Justin discreetly let himself into the room. "Hey everyone," he greeted with a tired sigh as he scanned the suite to see several people, all four of his bandmates included, lounging about in various stages of consciousness after their early day.

"Justin! Say a little something for the camera, my friend."

"A little something for the camera," Justin mumbled, obviously unhappy long before Chris shoved the camera in his face.

"Damn, Curly. What's got your panties in a twist," Chris snickered, making no move to put the camera away.

"You are annoying with that thing," Joey commented before returning his attention to the TV.

"I'm just trying to get the inside scoop. Entertainment Tonight pays good money for this crap. C'mon, kid. Tell America why you're in such a pissy mood."

"I'm fine," Justin returned tersely, putting his hand out to cover the lens. "I have to go take a shower. Are we still going to eat before Regan's show or what?"

"That's the plan," JC answered with a yawn. "We're gonna leave around 6:30 to give us enough time. I know you wouldn't want to be late."

The knowing smirk on JC's face only succeeded in making Justin's stomach churn. He nodded quickly so he could get out of the room before his outsides matched his insides. It was too late, though, for JC at least. Not only did he see the look immediately, he knew exactly what it meant. Justin had finally admitted to himself, if to no one else, exactly what he wanted from Regan. It was the look of someone who didn't know what to do with what he felt.

JC knew that look all too well. He'd had it once before and was determined not to let Justin make the same mistakes he had, despite the fact that his co-conspirator was the woman who brought that look out in him so many years before. He wasn't one to dwell in the past but every once in a while he wondered what his life would be like if he could have given Bridget what she needed when she needed it. Guilt always followed the regret for the plain fact that he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that things had turned out the way they should have. Bridget and Mike were meant to be.

But when it came to Justin and Regan, there was more to it than young love and Dawson's Creek-esque crushes. They meshed in a way that he hadn't seen in a very long time. To have found something that even imitated what they could potentially have and be "Justin Timberlake" was nothing short of a miracle. She was good for him. She treated him like a person. She didn't expect anything from him . JC didn't even know that it was possible for any of them to meet someone like that anymore.

If he was completely honest, it was what he saw grow between those two in New York that made him take a chance on Grace. Since the day Bridget made it clear that what he wanted for them wasn't possible, he'd dated here and there. Nothing serious in almost five years and before that, only one steady girlfriend that was more of a consolation prize for his best friend- the only girl he really wanted to be with. After that, Nsync took off and there weren't enough hours in the day to breath let alone dedicate any serious time to anyone and even fewer genuine candidates. Seeing Justin and Regan with each other reminded him how much he missed that and gave him the courage to take a chance. He just hoped Grace was everything she held herself out to be.

"I wonder what's wrong with him," Joey laughed sarcastically.

"Gee, let me think," Chris added with a snort, setting down his camera finally.

"We have got to get those two together," Joey grinned evilly.

"Way ahead of you," JC chuckled, matching Joey's expression. "I've already got Bridget set to work the other end."

"Damn, you are way a head of us," Chris shook his head. "That's way more sophisticated than what I was going to suggest."

"And that would be?" Joey asked cautiously.

"Lock them in a broom closet and wait for the wacky hijinx to insue."

"Sorry I asked," Joey laughed.

"Well, whatever we do, we have to keep it really low-key," JC said matter-of-factly. "I already got an earful from Grace when I told her about this."

"Grace, huh?" Chris smirked. "You know what I say about romance in the work place, right kid?"

"What's that?"

"Don't get caught," Chris stated ominously.

"Thanks Confucius, but I think the only place you should be butting in where you don't belong is Justin's love life."

"Your logic doesn't resemble our earth logic," Lance said thoughtfully.

"You know what I mean," JC said, climbing to his feet. "I'm going to shower, too. I got a hot date tonight."

"Bringing Miss Roberts to the ballet? How romantic," Chris drawled.

"Well you know me."

"You could have told me he was Justin friggin' Timberlake," Vivian reiterated as she combed out her hair.

"I obviously don't think it's as important as you do, Viv," Regan sighed, tired of the conversation. Vivian was nice and all but they weren't good friends. The only reason she even talked to her was because so much had happened over the past couple weeks and Vivian was the only fresh ear she had at her disposal that wasn't attached to a complete bitch.

"Well, I'm expecting the Nsync works tonight, kiddo. I want intros to every one of those hotties."

"That could probably be arranged provided you keep your mouth shut about this, Viv. I don't want tonight to turn into a spectacle."

"Scouts' honor, babes," Vivian smiled brightly.

"Ok, well, I'm ready when you are. I'll be downstairs in the lobby. I have to leave a note for Jack at the front desk. He never called back and I don't know if he's going to get here before we have to go over."

"No problem. Oh one thing, though," Viv smiled cautiously before Regan could leave the room. "Since you and this Jack seem to be, well, ya know, does that mean the cutie's up for grabs?"

"Take your best shot," Regan smirked rigidly, knowing full well Justin would never go for someone like Vivian. Then again, why did she even care?

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