STOP! READ THIS FIRST! WHY? IT'S THE DISCLAIMER, THAT'S WHY!!
Well, as much as I'd like, I still don't know Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, or any of the other members of N'Sync, okay? This is fiction, and I don't claim to know anything about the sexuality or lives of those guys. Really! I don't! All other characters are products of my imagination, and any coincidence is unintended.
Well, once more Ye Writer has a few things he'd like to say, so bear with me if you would. First of all, many thanks as always to everyone who has written me with comments regarding my little tale here. I appreciate it very much, as your encouragement only makes me want to write more and better! My apologies also to all of you readers who have been wondering just where the hell I've been for the last month or so! Ah, real life does happen. Bah!
At any rate, make your voice heard! Tell me what you think about Maze by writing to KandLStories@aol.com okay?
Next on the agenda, if you have a moment, do stop by www.railwayshoes.net where you can read not only Maze but dozens of other great stories. It's hosted by my wonderful Guru, Gabriella Morrison, who has been kind enough to let me and Maze have a permanent home. You'll never know what you might find there, so go! Now! Well, read the story first. But then go!!
Lastly, thank you as always to my fellow members of the FNC, who never fail to help me out with ideas and make me laugh and smile. Big HUG to you guys!
Have a safe and Happy Halloween everyone! If Lance comes to your door, make sure to give him a special treat!
The Maze of Moments and A Kevin and Lance Story copyright 2001.
Thanks for waiting, and now on with the show!!
---Tony
The Maze of Moments - A Kevin and Lance Story
Chapter 15 - Faithful Are the Wounds of A Friend
"The truth of life is the greatest gift,
but I don't think I can make it fit."
--from "I've Tried Everything" by the Eurythmics
click
"The campaign of George W. Bush kicked into high gear today, as the Texas governor...."
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"Dee- Dee! Get out of my laboratory!"
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"Is that your final answer?"
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"Hi, this is Kurt Loder with an MTV News break. Lance Bass of the hugely popular boy band N'Sync announced this morning that the group will perform a special benefit concert later this week in his hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. Last week, a predominately African-American church was burned down, apparently an act of arson, just outside of Jackson, and the group hopes to raise enough money to rebuild it. Our John Norris was at the conference this morning, and has this report."
"Although N'Sync will headline Thursday's benefit, it was a student from the University of Mississippi that suggested having the concert in the first place. Lance Bass told us that the idea came from a friend of his, Kevin Douglas:
'It was a great idea, and I'm glad we can be a part of it. You know, a lot of people wouldn't have come up with this in the first place, so it says something about young people today. Our generation, I think, has, uh, really put the whole notion of being a slacker to rest.'
Bass also said that Douglas and his band will open up the performance, and serve as backup for N'Sync during the concert:
'This gives our own band the chance to enjoy the rest of their vacation before we start back on tour, and it gives Dubious Distinction a little exposure. Who knows, they may just be the next big thing!'
Tickets for the event went on sale immediately after the press conference was held, and early indications are that it will be a sell out."
"Bass went on to say that N'Sync will take none of the proceeds, and any costs incurred will be paid for through FreeLance, his music management company. That's all for now, stay tuned for more news at ten to the hour, every hour, right here on MTV."
click
"Dee- Dee! I said to get out of my laboratory!!!"
"Hey, why'd you change the channel?" Lance asked.
"I have a reputation to uphold, remember? That's probably the most MTV I've watched in about a year or so," Kevin replied.
May 8, 2000. Earlier that morning.
"What do you mean?.....Well, if they want juice and coffee, serve juice and coffee......Terry, I don't know, run over to a grocery store or something.....Surely to God there has to be a quickie mart nearby......okay, okay, we'll stop and get some, how much do you think we'll need? Uh-huh. Uh-huh. No, just orange......because this is a press conference, Terry, not a buffet! Look, we'll stop and get some, and should be there in about half an hour or so, okay? Right.....talk to you soon. Bye."
Lance hung up his cell phone and sighed as he maneuvered through traffic.
"What was that all about?" Kevin asked.
"Apparently some of the media doesn't drink coffee....go figure....and Terry thinks we need juice there as well. Looks like we need to stop at Kroger."
Lance's tone indicated that he was not a happy camper this morning. Although he and Kevin spent a restful weekend together, the traffic this Monday morning was heavy, and the little bits and details that Terry Reid, his assistant, kept bringing up, did nothing for his mood. That, and ever since their conversation of Saturday night, Kevin's words stuck out in the back of his mind. Should he tell Terry he was gay? Should he tell his parents? When? Should Kevin be there when he told them? How would they react? Would they get mad? Would they be hurt? Would they.....
"Lance....Lance? Babe, that's a red light up ahead. Lance? LANCE!"
Lance snapped back to reality and slammed on the breaks, screeching to a halt just in the nick of time. Kevin, who had braced himself on the dashboard, caught his breath and looked over at his boyfriend.
"Jesus, Lance! It's just some orange juice!" he exclaimed.
Resting his head on the steering wheel, and feeling a bit stupid now for not paying attention, Lance sighed. Looking back up, he turned to Kevin and in a soft voice said, "I'm sorry."
"What's bugging you all of a sudden? And come to think of it, you were kind of out of it yesterday, too. Is it this press conference thing? You'd think that you would be used to this by now!"
"No...no, Kev, that's not it. And it's not the juice, either. It's....it's hard to explain."
"Try me," Kevin said, folding his arms in front of his chest.
The light turned green, and Lance pulled into the parking lot of a gas station, off to the side. Putting the truck in park, he turned to his boyfriend.
"Look....I've been thinking about what we talked about the other night. About...telling people?"
"Yeah? And?"
"And.....and I don't think I can do it." Lance turned away, looking out his window at a station attendant checking someone's oil.
"Lance, we talked about this, remember? About telling the people you care for? You have to do it at some point, babe. It's not right to keep them in the dark."
Lance spun quickly to face Kevin, tears starting to trickle down his cheeks. "Kevin, do you have any idea how hard this is for me? Do you? Do you realize what I'm risking here? What if my family hates me? What if that goof Terry hates me? It's quite possible they may never speak to me again! You have no idea what's running through my mind right now! This scares the living shit out of me!" Turning away again, he slumped back in his seat, sobbing quietly.
This stunned Kevin. True, he had seen Lance cry on a few occasions by now, but those were tears of joy. This, on the other hand, was totally different.
"I....I had no idea. Lance, I'm so sorry," he said, reaching out and putting a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"I know I need to do this....but I can't. I'm so afraid of what will happen if I do," Lance said in a small voice.
"Lance, look. Do you remember what you told me a week or so back? You said that a big part of life was taking chances. You took a big chance on me when you asked me out, remember? Well, this is a big chance, too, I understand that. I just....I just never knew how much it bothered you."
"How would you do it? Would you even do it? Tell your family?" Lance asked as he wiped away tears with the back of his hand.
Now it was Kevin's turn to become quiet.
"I....I don't know. Like I said, it's none of their business and all, so...."
"See? That's just it. As much as I love my folks and my sister, this is none of their damn business! It's my life, after all. I don't think I'm ready for this, not at all. Maybe one day....but not now."
"Okay," Kevin replied. "I'm sorry I pushed you. But Lance....Terry. You really need to tell Terry. You see how he is around you. You've got to tell him before he finds out on his own. Okay?"
Lance nodded, and Kevin squeezed his shoulder once more.
"I'm sorry I upset you," Kevin said again. "I never wanted to do that."
"I know, but it's not your fault. It's not like I haven't been stressing over this before you brought it up."
"You okay now?"
"Yeah, I think so. Let's go to the store and stock up on some Minute Maid." Lance looked at Kevin and smiled, then started the 4-Runner back up again.
They reached the Civic Auditorium, where the concert would be held later that week, and where dozens of members of the media were waiting. Terry, with the help of the facilities staff, had set up coffee, the juice Kevin and Lance brought, donuts, danish, and assorted other goodies for the press to snack on while they waited.
Kevin peeked out from a hallway, and saw that Terry had begun to hand out packets of information, while cameramen and women put the finishing touches on their equipment. With a shake of his head, he walked back to a small room that was set aside for their use, where Lance was going over some last minute details.
"That's quite a crowd out there," he said.
"Must be the prospect of free food. Usually does it for reporters," Lance replied without looking up.
Kevin laughed, but it was a nervous one. Now normally, he could keep his cool about things, and didn't have a problem with crowds. However, he never had to appear on television before. The radio either, for that matter. And to the best of his knowledge, the last time he was interviewed for a newspaper was back in high school, when it had to do with a football game. Needless to say, he was a little unprepared for what lay ahead. His palms began to sweat, and he paced back and forth.
"Kevin," Lance said, as he saw this out of the corner of his eye. Getting no response, he tried again. "Kevin...calm down, okay?"
"This...this is for real. We're really going to do this. We're going to practice later this afternoon and everything. I'm....I'm going to be on tv...hell, on MTV! Do you know how much I watch MTV?"
"Not very often?" Lance said with a smile as he put down the paperwork he was reading. Although he felt badly that his boyfriend was quickly becoming a nervous wreck, there was still a small part of him that was amused.
"No...not hardly. Jesus....everybody and their brother is out there...and I...that is you...I mean, we..."
"Kev, you're rambling. Listen," Lance got up and walked over. "This is nothing, okay? It'll take half an hour, forty five minutes, tops. I'll do most of the talking, if not all of it, and they'll just ask you a couple of questions. It'll be over before you know it. Okay?"
"Yeah....yeah, okay. Man, I wish Eric was here...."
"Somebody mention my name?"
Lance and Kevin turned to the door, where the voice had originated, and saw Eric Hagen standing there with a huge grin on his face. Kevin's eyes lit up, and Lance broke out into a relieved smile.
"I see we've encountered rambling, nervous Kevin. Think you'll want to put up with this, Lancelot? It is cute and all, but you know," Eric said with a laugh.
"I happen to think it's one of his more endearing qualities, actually." Lance and Kevin walked over and both gave Eric a quick hug. "Glad to see you here. The directions okay?"
"Yeah, not a problem at all. The other guys are here, too. I sent them in the direction of the snack table, where we were stopped by a freshman who looks like he's in some kind of authority. I assume this is the infamous Terry?"
"One and the same," Kevin said. "How did you get past him?"
"All I had to do was mention Lance's name and yours, and all of a sudden he was practically worshiping the ground we walked on. Is he usually that annoying?"
"Pretty much, yeah. So, you going to be at the table with us, or are you going to hang out in the crowd?" Lance asked.
"I think the guys and I will sort of hang back. I'm sure you'll point us out and all, but I'd rather not answer questions or shit like that. I don't think the others do, either, for that matter. We'll just direct everyone to Kev over here."
"Gee, thanks," Kevin said dryly.
Laughing, Lance put his arms around both his friends and looked from one to the other. "Well, gentlemen," he said, "this is it. The moment of truth. Shall we meet the press?"
"Can everyone hear me? Is this loud enough? Alright then. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for coming."
Lance stood behind a battery of microphones, Kevin seated at his left, and the press conference began.
"As you know, N'Sync is more than just a group of five men singing and dancing. We have always had a particular interest in charitable events, giving back some of the tremendous fortune we have been blessed with in our careers. From our 'Challenge for the Children' basketball events, to Justin Timberlake's foundation, we are mindful of the fact that there are those who may need a helping hand."
He paused for a moment as a few flashbulbs went off.
"To that end, I am very proud to announce this morning, that N'Sync will perform a benefit concert in this building this coming Thursday night. I'm sure you are well aware of the senseless act of hatred that destroyed the house of worship for the congregation of the Mount Zion Baptist Church about a week ago. It is our intention that the proceeds raised through this concert will go to the church in their efforts to rebuild."
Another pause, and more flashes. Some of the television cameras zoomed in closer.
"Reverend Hardin, the pastor of that congregation, sends his regrets that he could not join us this morning, but he had a prior commitment. I do, however, have a letter of thanks and support from him, which, with his permission, I have included in your packets."
Lance then looked over at Kevin and smiled.
"I wish that we could take the credit for coming up with the idea of having this special event, but that honor goes to my friend, Kevin Douglas. He is a junior at the University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, and he was the one who suggested having this concert in the first place. I am also happy to say that Kevin's band, Dubious Distinction, will be opening for us that night, and will be lending their talent to us as they will be our band for the night. Kevin will be happy to answer any questions you may have shortly.
Before I take questions from the audience, I would like to say, in closing, that we feel this is the right thing to do. Speaking on behalf of JC, Chris, Justin and Joey, I would add that in this day and age, senseless acts of violence and hatred have no place. It shames me that this would have happened here in my own home state....I would think that we as a society were beyond this. Hopefully, our concert will serve a dual purpose. Not only to raise money, but to raise awareness. That in the time we have on this earth, we need to live as brothers. As someone said a few years ago, and though it may sound cliche, the words ring true....can't we all just get along?"
Lance let his opening remarks settle with the audience, and then began to take questions. Most of them were about minor details of the upcoming event: Which songs would be performed? Would all of the proceeds go to the church, or would the band keep any? Where were JC, Joey, Chris, and Justin? How did management react?
Has Dubious Distinction ever performed before?
Now, up to this point, Kevin had only been half-listening, because he already knew the answers to what was being asked. However, it was perhaps only inevitable that someone would ask about this new band that would be taking the stage with one of the most popular groups in the country. So, when he looked up at Lance and saw him grinning, a sinking feeling came over him. He was going to be on stage, so to speak.
"Well, why don't I let Kevin answer that one," he said, stepping aside.
Taking a deep breath, Kevin rose from his seat and stepped in front of the microphones. He cleared his throat, and as he was about to speak, saw Eric, Nick Smith, Brandon Moore, and Derrick Scott (his fellow bandmates) giving him the thumbs up sign, along with cheesy grins on their faces.
"Um...well....of course, we're all musicians to a large extent...and we have a great passion for our music...and...and we think that everyone will enjoy what we're going to play and no we've never played in public before but I think we're going to be really good and we hope to see you there."
Realizing he was rambling through what he was saying (or attempting to say at any rate), Lance came to the rescue, gently nudging Kevin aside. "The guys have been working very hard, and we know that they're going to put on a great opening act, as well as backing us up. Well then, I think that concludes this conference ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all again for coming, and we hope you will join us again Thursday night."
Mild applause came from some of the reporters, who began to talk among themselves. Kevin slumped back into his chair, more than a little red in the face, and sipped from a glass of water.
"Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Lance leaned down and whispered.
"Oh, yeah, just peachy...lets hope I don't make this big of an ass of myself later in the week," he replied.
Eric made his way up to the front, shaking his head and grinning from ear to ear.
"Good thing you never wanted a career in politics. That first speech on the campaign trail would be killer," he said.
"Uh-huh, whatever. Ya know, you're going to be the lawyer, why didn't you get up here and do this instead of me?" his roommate asked.
"Because, I'm not the one who came up with the name for this band, that's why!"
After Lance spent some time speaking to a few individual reporters, he led Kevin and the others to the auditorium, where practice would take place. He shook hands with and was introduced to the other members of the band along the way, all of whom were impressed that Kev knew a celebrity and had kept it to himself all this time. For his part, Kevin once again used the whole 'I'm full of surprises' line. While he liked these guys and considered them his friends, he felt that there really wasn't any need to tell them that this particular celebrity also happened to be his boyfriend. They were cool and all, no doubt of that, but they had no knowledge of his sexuality. No harm, no foul.
"Okay guys, the stage is yours. We've got the place all week, so we can stay as late as we want. All of the sound equipment is hooked up, instruments are up there....have it at," Lance said, sweeping his hand in the direction of the stage.
Kevin turned to Eric. "Ready, partner?"
"As ready as I'm going to be. Let's do this."
As they took the stage, Lance found a seat with Terry, so that they could get a little bit of work done and critique at the same time. Occasionally, he would point out a helpful piece of advice to one or more of the band here and there, especially when it came to N'Sync songs, but for the most part let things go.
He was impressed. Although Kevin and Eric sang and played together, and they had done so with just about all of the others at one point or another, this was the first time all of this particular group was together, and they sounded good. In fact, they sounded better than just good. With a little polish here and there, tweak a few things, maybe...just maybe...FreeLance could have its first group signed.
But there was still one thing he could not do, and that was reveal his true self to Terry, the ever present assistant who was sitting next to him, taking notes or answering the cell phone. Sure, he tried several times during the course of the practice session, but something always stopped him: Kevin or one of the other guys had a question, there was a phone call that had to be taken, he needed to point something out to the band....
Excuses. All excuses. And not very good ones, either.
'Well,' he thought to himself, 'no time like the present. Might as well get this over with.'
"Hey, Terry...I kind of need to talk to you about something. It's pretty important."
"Hmm? Oh, sure Mr...um, Lance. What is it?" Terry looked up from the notes he was making and looked over at his boss, who appeared to be uncomfortable.
"Well, see....it's like this. Kevin is...I mean, Kevin and I...well, we're..."
"Hey, Lance, the guys wanna break for lunch now, that cool?" Kevin asked from the stage, interrupting him.
"Uh...yeah. Yeah, sure. That's cool. Okay, we can keep on after lunch then, sound good?"
Lance quickly rose from his seat and was about to walk off. Then, stopping, he turned back to his confused assistant. "Uh...I'll just talk to you later, okay?"
"Yeah, sure, okay," Terry replied, a quizzical look on his face.
Kevin and Eric walked over to meet Lance, who was heading towards them, while the other three made their way out towards the parking lot in search of food.
"Wow, you guys are sounding fantastic up there....you're gonna be great, just great."
"Thanks Lancelot, we do try."
"You tell him yet?" Kevin asked in a quiet voice.
Lance looked down at the floor. "No."
Sighing, Kevin nodded. "Okay, but remember what we talked about. Soon, Lance. Soon."
"I know." The three were now walking through the backstage area, down a hall towards the same room that was used that morning before the conference. "I kept trying to...I really did. I just...it wouldn't come out, you know?"
"What? What did he keep trying to do?" Eric asked.
"It's kind of a long story, E. I'll tell you later." Then, turning to Lance, Kevin put a hand on his shoulder. "I know this is hard...I really do. Just tell him Lance, he deserves to know. I bet he won't think any less of you. But you can't let this get out of hand."
Nodding, Lance leaned in for a hug, and then gave his boyfriend a quick kiss.
Eric didn't mind, as he saw his friends show affection for one another a few times already.
Kevin certainly didn't mind. After all, he was the boyfriend here.
Lance....well, like Lance was going to mind?
However, someone did mind. This was noted by the sound of a glass breaking.
Three heads turned in the direction of the crash, and saw Terry Reid standing there, mouth open and eyes wide. The glass of water he was bringing back for himself fell from his hand, and the remnants of it scattered in shards and moisture at his feet.
Four young men stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity, when it was in reality only a few seconds. Finally, Lance found his voice.
"Terry...Terry, I..."
But it was in vain, as Terry turned around quickly and ran off.
"Shit. Shit, shit, shit. Shit!" Lance cursed.
"Why did Terry run off like....oh, wait a minute. He didn't know, did he?" Eric asked.
"No, he didn't," Kevin replied. "I'll go see if he's oka..."
Lance was already walking on ahead. "I'll do it...this is all my fault anyway."
As Lance disappeared around the corner, Kevin and Eric walked back into the room to gather a few things and wait. As they did so, Kevin explained his suspicions, which as it turned out were now probably true, of Terry's unrequited affection for his employer, and how he had urged Lance to get everything out in the open before something happened...which, of course, now had.
"Man....poor kid," Eric said.
"I know. He should have let him know the other night....I was afraid something like this was going to happen."
"Something like what was going to happen?"
Turning to the door, the roommates were greeted by the sight of Justin Timberlake, who had returned to Jackson to help prepare for the concert.
"Hey Just, come on in. We'll get you caught up," Eric said.
"Cool. Anything to eat?"
It took a few minutes, but he finally found him, sitting outside on a loading dock, at the rear of the arena. As he walked over quietly, he heard him sobbing softly, and saw that he had his knees pulled up to his chest.
"Hey," Lance said quietly. "Mind if I sit down?"
Terry offered no response.
Sighing, Lance sat next to the young man. As he tried to put his arm around him, Terry pulled away.
"Leave me alone! Just...just go away!"
"Terry...Terry, come on. Can I at least explain some things to you? Please?" Lance asked, again in a soft voice.
"No. I don't care...you don't care...just...why don't you just go back in there."
"Because I'd rather be out here with you, that's why. And I do care, I care very much," Lance said with a sad smile.
"No you don't....if...if you did...then you'd....you'd...."
"Like you the way you like me?" Lance completed.
Terry only nodded and sobbed again. "I..I kinda guessed you liked guys...and I thought that...thought that maybe you could...that we could....you know..."
Lance's heart broke as he realized that Kevin was right all along, and that this situation could have been avoided. He turned to look out on the trucks passing along on a nearby road, and felt the hot sun, the glare causing him to squint a little. Beside him, Terry sniveled and rested his forehead against his knees.
"It's not easy figuring out you're gay, is it?" he asked.
"I don't know....I don't know if I'm even gay or not," was Terry's muffled reply.
Nodding, Lance drew up his own knees and wrapped his arms around them, lazily intertwining his fingers. "Confusing as hell. I remember. Took me a long time to figure that out, too."
"It did?"
Lance nodded again, and turned to his assistant, who was now looking over at him, even though his head still rested on his knees.
"When I was younger than you, I started to think that maybe I liked guys instead of girls, and after awhile I knew it was just guys. I figured out that I was gay...and that was the scariest moment of my life, you know? Because I was so worried about how everyone around me would be if they found out, and whether or not I would ever find somebody to love, if I should tell my family, all of that stuff. And for a long time, I couldn't tell anyone....hell, I didn't want to tell anyone, because I knew if I did, they would laugh at me, and make fun of me, and just be mean like people can be sometimes.
Well, then I joined N'Sync...and finally, I had friends who I knew would like me for me, no matter what. I just needed some time to where I knew I could trust them, and once that happened, I told them. And I was right, they were still my friends. But even still, it's hard for me to be totally honest with everyone...even my family and some of my friends. I'm still scared of what might happen. This is why I kept it from you."
Terry sniffed and wiped his eyes with his arm as he lifted his head.
"I should have told you from day one...I know that now. And I'm so sorry that I didn't, Terry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. But I hope you understand why I have to be careful about this...this isn't like fans wanting to know what my favorite food is, or what kind of after shave I wear. This is more important than that, way more important. I should have known I could trust you."
At last, Terry looked over towards Lance, who plainly saw the pain and hurt in the red eyes and flushed face. "But....why don't you like me...like that?"
Lance took a deep breath and continued. "I guess I didn't see that for some reason. I don't know why. I guess I was too busy with the group and with work and everything else. And then I met Kevin. Terry, when that happened a few days ago in Oxford, that was one of my best days, because I finally found someone. He's very special to me...."
"And I'm not?" Terry interrupted.
"Of course you are, don't be silly. I'm flattered, I really am, you've been such a good friend to me..."
"You....you think of me as a friend?"
"Sure I do, why wouldn't I? Terry, if it wasn't for you, I'd go insane with all of the little crap that I have going on. I know that I can always count on you. Besides, I like having you around...even when you do call me Mr. Bass all the time. But Terry," Lance went once more to put an arm around his friend, and this time he was not stopped, "I'm seeing Kevin....okay? I love him, very much. And I love you too, but as a friend. And sometimes, people make stupid mistakes and hurt their friends, which is what I did to you. I hope you forgive me...but it was so hard to tell you the truth."
With a sigh, Terry looked at the ground and nodded. "I don't know, Lance, I'm just so confused. Sometimes I think I like girls, then I think I like guys...then I think I like both. It's just so...fucked up."
"I know it is, believe me. Just give it some time, you'll figure it out...I know you will. And no matter what, there's nothing wrong with you, no matter what you are....straight, gay, bi, it makes no difference. One day, you're going to find someone special too, and whoever that person is will be lucky to have you in their life. Now, come on..." Lance stood and helped Terry to his feet. Putting his hands on his shoulders, he looked him in the eye. "If I led you on in some way, I'm sorry. I don't want this to hurt our friendship, and I don't want you to quit or anything like that. I need you around, you know? We've got this big summer tour coming up, and I can't think of anyone else I could depend on. Okay?"
"Okay," Terry nodded.
Then, after he and his assistant hugged, Lance took a step back and smiled. "Hey...you called me Lance without my having to tell you too."
"I guess I did, didn't I?" Terry smiled back.
"Making progress already. Look, if you ever want to talk, we can. Same goes for Kevin. I want us all to be friends and get along, so don't hesitate. Now, how about we get something to eat?"
"That depends. Is the boss buying?"
"Hmmm. We'll see. Come on." Laughing, Lance led Terry back inside.
"Hey, Lance?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks....and...and I'm sorry about what happened."
"No Terry, I'm sorry for not telling you sooner...none of this is your fault, okay?"
"Okay...Mr. Bass."
Lance looked over and saw a grin on the young man's face, and laughed along with him.
"Does Mr. Timberlake always eat like that," Terry whispered.
They had long since arrived back at the arena after lunch, but Justin had brought some take out with him, and was now working his way through another sandwich as he sat with Terry and Lance while the band got ready to play again.
"Yes, Mr. Timberlake does. It's because he's the bottomless pit," Lance answered.
"Oh, shut up Scoop. I'm a growing boy," Justin replied through a mouthful of food.
Rolling his eyes, Lance turned his attention back to the stage. "Ready when you are guys."
Nodding, Kevin turned to the others for a minute or two, then back to the front.
"One, two three, four...." Eric took the lead on piano and vocals for this one:
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields In sixty-five I was seventeen, and running up one-on-one I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on
Running on- running on empty Running on - running blind Running on - running into the sun But I'm running behind
Gotta go what you can to keep your love alive Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive In sixty-nine I was twenty-one and I called the road my own I don't know when that road turned onto the road I'm on
Running on - running on empty Running on - running blind Running on - running into the sun But I'm running behind
Kevin, on electric guitar, made his was over to the piano, timing his playing with Eric, bridging towards the next verse. As he did so, Lance leaned over and nudged Justin. "See? That's my man," he said with a grin. Now it was Justin's turn to roll his eyes, but he grinned as well.
Everyone I know, everywhere I go People need some reason to believe I don't know about anyone but me If it takes all night, that'll be all right If I can get you to smile before I leave
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels I look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through Looking into their eyes I see them running too
Running on - running on empty Running on - running blind Running on - running into the sun But I'm running behind
Honey you really tempt me You know the way you look so fine I'd love to stick around but I'm running behind You know I don't even know what I'm hoping to find Running into the sun but I'm running behind (1)
The band played on for another minute or so, concluding the song and sounding as close to Jackson Browne as they possibly could. When they finished, Lance, Justin and Terry applauded enthusiastically as Kevin grinned and bowed. Then, he walked over to switch to an acoustic guitar for the next song:
Hi there, how are ya? Been a long time. Seems like we've come a long way.
And my but we learn so slow. And heroes they come and they go And leave us behind, as if we're supposed to know why. Oh tell me why do we give up our hearts to the past? And why must we grow up so fast?
And all you wishing well fools with your fortunes Someone should send you a rose With love from a friend It's nice to hear from you again
And the storybook comes to a close Gone are the ribbons and bows Things to remember, places to go Pretty maids all in a row All in a row...(2)
Again, the three audience members clapped. Justin made a mental note of how impressed he was that they could go so effortlessly from a fast paced song to a slow one, and that he needed to tell Kevin and the others about this later on. Lance and Terry continued to make and look over their notes, as they would help Kevin and the others choose the final list later in the week, but they too noted their approval.
After a few more songs, it was mutually decided to call it quits for the day. There was still tomorrow and Wednesday, plenty of time to get in practice. The group had 'their' songs pretty much down, it was now a matter of perfecting the instrumentals for the selection N'Sync would perform.
Coming down off the stage, Eric and Kevin said their goodbyes to the others in the band. Derrick and Nick had friends in Jackson that they were going to stay with, and Brandon, the drummer, had family on the outskirts of town, so his arrangements were taken care of as well.
"Well, Lance has plenty of room, I don't think it'd be a problem putting you up for the night," Kevin said to his roommate as they walked over to where Lance, Justin, and Terry were waiting.
"I don't wanna impose or anything like that, and I know you two want some time together and all, so..."
Kevin waved his hand. "Forget it, it's not a big deal E. We won't make too much noise, don't worry," he finished with a grin. Then, approaching the others, said, "Hey, I told Eric he could stay with us, that cool Lance?" This question was met by wide eyed looks from his friends. "What? What's wrong?"
"Um....well, I just told Justin he could stay with us," Lance replied.
"You mean you two didn't even talk about this first?" Eric asked, looking at Kevin.
"Well, I just kind of assumed...." was his reply.
"Yeah, so did I. Man, talk about planning," Lance added.
"You two were probably too busy doing other things. It's cool, Eric can have the room," Justin said.
"No, you go ahead Justin. Not a problem, I'll get a room somewhere in town."
"No, no, go right ahead, I can do that just as easily."
"No, really, you've known Lance longer and all, so I think...."
"Yeah, but I always crash at his place, so this isn't a big...."
Lance turned to Kevin with a smirk. "We obviously didn't plan this one very well, did we?"
"I don't guess we did. Couldn't they both stay? That would solve everything."
"Well, I only have the one guest room, and I'd feel bad making one of them take the couch all week long. That's just not right."
As Justin and Eric continued to banter back and forth, and Lance and Kevin left scratching their heads for ideas, it was left to Terry to come up with a solution. Several times he had tried to interject a comment, but was cut off by someone or another. Finally, he loudly cleared his throat, getting the attention of all.
"Uh...yes. I'm sorry I interrupted you, but I just wanted to say that I did make a hotel reservation just in case we needed it. You know, what with Mr. Douglas' band being here and all. Why don't Mr. Timberlake and Mr. Hagen just take that room? It'd be a shame to have to cancel the reservation now and all."
"That's not a bad idea," Kevin said.
"Um..." was Lance's reply.
"I don't mind if Eric doesn't. Eric?" Justin asked.
"Um..." Lance said again.
"Not at all, no. It might be kind of fun, staying with a famous star. I might get hooked up or something, you never know!" Eric said.
"Um...." Lance stopped as they all looked at him. "Are you two sure you want to do this?"
"Why not? Scoop, it'll be fine, trust me. Kev, I promise I won't corrupt him that much."
"Works for me, and it does make sense. Lance?"
"I....guess so," he hesitated. "Yeah. Yeah, what the hell, right?"
"Okay, so it's settled then. Terry, where's that hotel at?"
As Kevin leaned back in the couch, after changing the channel back to Cartoon Network, Lance snuggled up to him and sighed. After the sleeping arrangement discussion was settled, they went together to have an early dinner, and then parted ways, agreeing to meet up again the following morning.
"You know, there's something I meant to ask you earlier," Kevin said as he reached over for the glass of wine on the table to his left. "You seemed sort of...unsure, I guess, of Justin and Eric staying together. How come?" He took a sip of the dark red liquid and put the glass back.
"Well, Justin is sort of...unique. Yeah. Yeah, that's a good word to put it. Now don't get me wrong, I love him like a brother, but rooming with him takes some getting used to, that's all. I just don't want Eric to think that we're all like he is."
"He can't be that bad, can he?"
"Well, not to the point where you want to kill him, but let's just say that he can be a little....weird when he wants to."
"Oh, I'm sure they're fine. They're probably eating pizza and watching bad soft core porn on pay per view right now," Kevin said as he kissed Lance's hair.
"Yeah, you're probably right."
Meanwhile, in a hotel suite in downtown Jackson, Mississippi:
"Dude! You're.....NAKED!!"
End of Chapter 15 But Justin and Eric will return in Chapter 16, coming.....Justin and Eric? Wait a minute.....
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"Running on Empty" written and performed by Jackson Browne; copyright Elektra/Asylum Records, 1977.
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"Pretty Maids All in A Row" written by Joe Walsh and Joe Vitale and performed by the Eagles; copyright Wow & Flutter Music ASCAP, 1976.