Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction. It contains characters who share names, descriptions, etc., with real-life people (specifically members of the groups *N SYNC and Backstreet Boys); however, this is all fantasy and in no way is to insinuate anything about those people.
Thanks to the you guys who have written me notes. It means a lot to me--and I really appreciate the feedback. Please keep it up!
Special thanks to Eriker, Tonny, Rick, and Ryan! Bill--get well!
All comments are welcome--positive or negative! E-mail me at storywrightr@aol.com. Thanks.
All Grown Up 7--Who's the Grown Up?
A: Hi Daddy.
J: Finally! I've been trying you all evening! What kind of hours are they making you work on that movie? Do I need to call the director?
A: Daddy! You wouldn't! Would you? Don't! Please!
J: Well, I won't now, but they better not be too hard on you.
A: I'm okay. I wasn't working. Keri kind of made me go to dinner with her after we finished. She could tell I was kind of down. She's really a great lady, you know?
J: That's how I remember her--haven't seen her in a very long time. . . . And you turned your phone off?
A: She turned hers off when we left the set--said she just wanted us to have some time to talk. So I did the same. Sorry.
J: No, that's all right. And I'm glad you two spent some time together. I was just worried about you. That last phone message from you was pretty down.
A: I know. I'm sorry. Thanks for the message back. It helped me feel a lot better.
J: Good. I don't want you upset.
A: Daddy? Could you hold on just a minute?
J: Sure.
[Click to second phone line]
A: Hi Papa! How are you?
B: I'm fine--how are YOU?
A: I'm okay. Just got in from dinner.
B: Oh. Must have been special to turn off your phone.
A: It was nice. It was with Keri Russell--you know? The one playing my mother in the movie.
B: Oh, so some bonding to make the movie more real?
A: [laughing] Yeah I guess. She thought I looked kind of down and invited me for dinner. She made a point of turning off her phone so I did too.
B: Your Dad had left a message earlier that he was worried about you. I was just checking on you.
A: [small laugh] You two. He's on hold on the other line right now.
B: Oh! Well don't keep him holding! Go talk to him! We can talk later--or whenever you want. I just wanted to check on you.
A: That's so sweet Papa. Thanks.
B: You're feeling better?
A: Yeah, I am.
B: You know I love you, right?
A: Yeah Papa. Thanks.
B: Okay, if you're all right . . . take care Doodlebug.
A: I will Papa. Thanks. I love you too.
B: Night
A: Night
[click back to first line]
A: Sorry about that Dad.
J: No problem. You need me to hang up?
A: No--but it was Pop, so I wanted to just say hi.
J: Oh--you should have talked to him! I can call later. Is he still on?
A: [laughing] No, he's gone.
J: Why are you laughing?
A: Cause he insisted I come right back to you. You two trying to make sure you don't interfere with me and the other one. It's cute. And sweet.
J: Well, we both love you and we just want you to be happy. And not to interfere with your relationship with the other one, I guess. I hope we never have made you feel like you had to choose.
A: No--not at all. Like I said the other day, you've never said anything negative about Pop in front of me. There must have been times that you had to hold your tongue.
J: Probably. I can't remember them at the moment. Things between Brian and me were more about disappointment than about anger. The anger we usually directed at ourselves--him at him and me at me.
A: So have you guys talked again?
J: No, just phone messages back and forth today.
A: And you aren't going to his meeting?
J: No, he asked me not to.
A: I don't get it.
J: I think he realized that his AA anniversary is a pretty big thing on its own and that he should just concentrate on that.
A: Are you sorry? I mean, did you get mad at him or anything?
J: No--not at all. I understand. He even said that the meeting was just sort of an excuse to call me anyway. That's okay. I'm glad he called.
A: You are, aren't you? I'm still trying to get used to this idea--you two talking to each other.
J: Does it worry you still? You're afraid we won't get along? Or that one of us will get hurt?
A: I don't know. It's just strange. And since I'm not there . . .
J: Oh. . . . Are you afraid it's BECAUSE you aren't here? Or that since you aren't here you won't know what's going on?
A: I really don't know Daddy. I'm really trying to be open to this whole thing. And yeah, I guess being away I'm a little afraid that things are going to change so much that I won't know what's going on when I get back.
J: Oh babydoll, you know none of this will change how we feel about you.
A: It won't?
J: What? Why do you say that?
A: I don't know. Maybe you won't need me so much if you have Pop in your life again.
J: How silly is that? How Brian and I feel about each other won't affect how we feel about you. If we start spending time together--as friends or whatever--it would be nice for all of us to be able to do things together. Wouldn't it be fun if we all three could be in New York at the same time? Like when you finish filming? Play tourists and go to the Empire State Building or whatever?
A: I guess. But it would also be strange.
J: You never seemed to feel threatened by Jason.
A: No. I don't know. I guess I never felt like he had your heart that much.
J: Really? Hmmm . . . wish I had realized that!
A: Did you really love him?
J: I thought so then. Not sure what I think now.
A: Hmmm . . .
J: Well, it's really late sweetie bug; I should let you go to sleep, huh? Just wanted to make sure you're okay. I hated hearing how you sounded on that message.
A: Sorry Dad. I'm okay now. I was just scared I had messed things up. I don't want to come between you guys.
J: You didn't Baby. We're taking all this slowly. Don't worry, okay?
A: Okay Dad. Thanks. I love you.
J: Night baby.
A: Night Dad.
All Grown Up 8--Best Friends
J: Josh! Finally we get to talk!
JC: Mornin' Just! I was so afraid I'd get that damn voice mail again. Glad to get the real thing!
J: Me too. So how are you, bud?
JC: Doin' fine. What about you?
J: The same. How's that man of yours? You keeping him happy?
JC: I hope so; he's keeping me happy!
J: I'm glad. You guys are good for each other, aren't you?
JC: Yeah I guess we are. Can't believe it's been almost fifteen years! THIS time, that is! [laughing]
J: Well, this time's the one that counts! That IS a long time. It must be wonderful.
JC: [pause] Yeah, it is--and it can be a lot of work sometimes too. But I guess we know that we love each other and so we get through the other parts. I mean we argue--we sure don't agree on everything! But it's okay. We can get mad but we don't let it destroy us.
J: I'm glad you have such a good thing.
JC: [pause] What's up Just? You sound kind of sad or something.
J: I guess I am. I mean, it's all so stupid--I have everything I could want . . . but sometimes I'm sad. And I guess a little lonely.
JC: I'm sorry Just. I've been bad about staying in touch. I should have called.
J: No JC--don't be like that. I didn't mean it that way. I could have called you too. It's just easier sometimes not to, I guess. And I don't want to disturb you and Nick.
JC: You never disturb us. And we enjoy seeing you. We should have you over for dinner more. Make a regular thing out of it.
J: That's nice of you, but . . . I don't know.
JC: What?
J: Well, to tell you the truth, I'd enjoy seeing you guys sometimes, but I'd rather it be just you and me, you know?
JC: Oh. . . . You don't like Nick.
J: What? No, that's not what I mean. I like Nick. He's a great guy. And he's your partner. And he makes you happy. And I respect him. . . . But he's not my old friend. I'd like to spend time just with you sometimes.
JC: Well that's cool! No problem. Nick and I don't do everything together!
J: That's a lesson I wish I had learned.
JC: What?
J: Nothing. . . . I just really respect your relationship.
JC: [laughing] You do?
J: [seriously] Yeah, I do. Why are you laughing? You guys have found a way to love each other without smothering the other one-- you're together, but you're still individuals. You have things you do together and you have your lives separately. You seem to really take joy in each other's success but also to be there when the other one needs help or support. You've made a great life and home together. So yeah, I respect your relationship--I even envy it, I guess.
JC: Wow--that was beautiful. I mean, I guess I knew that that's what Nick and I had, but I'm in the middle of it, you know? So I don't really stand back and evaluate it. But I do enjoy it. And I'm really thankful for it. I do love him Just--even with all the stuff we went through during those early years. I guess it was worth it--or maybe it's why we made it. We got through the bad times and survived--and what do they say? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger?
J: You're a lucky man. And Nick too. I'm so happy for you Josh!
JC: Thanks Justin. . . . You know I've spent enough time in my life being envious of you!
J: What? Why? What did I ever have that you wanted?
JC: You were the most popular member of *N SYNC!
J: [laughing] Oh yeah. Right! But not the one with the best voice!
JC: Who says?
J: I do. You have a wonderful gift Josh. And your writing--you can say so much. I mean, I do okay, but you can really express yourself. You and Brian--you both can say so much in a song; it's just wonderful. You can express your feelings and touch so many people. Have you ever thought about the fact that when people are at their most emotional--either really happy or really sad or really sexy or really close or whatever, they may be listening to words and music that YOU wrote! I mean you have been part of their lives! Without ever knowing or even meeting them! That's pretty amazing!
JC: Oh great--scare me! [laughing] No, just kidding. But I can't think about all that. I mean it's really gratifying, but I just have to write what I feel. And I guess I'm lucky enough that other people feel the same thing. . . . [quietly] But you mentioned Brian. That was something I was envious of you about.
J: [pause] I don't know what to say.
JC: Sorry, I guess I shouldn't have brought that up.
J: No, it's okay. I mean it was so many years ago. Why shouldn't we be able to talk about it? I guess I still find it embarrassing after all these years.
JC: Embarrassing?
J: Yeah. I mean, what a bunch of craziness. And we took all you guys along for the ride. I just look at it as youth and immaturity. Those are the excuses I'm happiest with anyway!
JC: We were all young then. We all were kind of crazy. I mean we were just kids, basically, but we had millions of people watching our every move and stuff. And then to realize some of us were gay and having to keep it secret. What a mess. What a mess it all was. I guess we should be happy we survived as well as we did!
J: I agree. . . . But I still feel like I need to apologize. I don't know.
JC: I don't know that you need to apologize anymore than any of the rest of us. It's probably best just left in the past, isn't it?
J: I guess. I've just been thinking of those times the last week or so.
JC: [innocently] Oh? Why's that?
J: Well, don't get crazy or don't think I'm crazy, but I talked to Brian last week.
JC: Oh?
J: Yeah. Well, actually he called me. It was such a surprise-- almost a shock. But what was really weird--and I didn't tell him this--was that I'd been thinking about him so much. Probably because of our anniversary.
JC: That's this week, huh?
J: Yeah. And it's twenty. Twenty years. God I feel old! [laughing]
JC: Yeah--can't believe that I can remember something from twenty years ago--I don't feel old enough to remember twenty years ago!
J: Exactly! . . . But anyway, Brian called. And we talked for a while.
JC: Why did he call? About it being twenty years?
J: I think so. It's also his AA anniversary. But I think he'd been thinking like me. I mean, you can't really help it, can you? All the what ifs and stuff. What if we'd made it. What if we'd stuck together.
JC: You don't question that, do you? I mean, staying together? It was impossible--how could you possibly have stuck together?
J: But didn't you say that that's what you and Nick do? That you work out the bad times and go on?
JC: Well, yeah, but I don't think we've had any bad times quite as bad as you guys had. I mean, no offense, but you two had gotten to a pretty impossible point. Nick and I--well, we had some bad times and split up over them--and that's what we had to do. Since we've been together this time, we haven't had THAT bad of times. I guess we got it out of our systems or were just ready to settle down or whatever. But you guys--I don't know, maybe if you had split up earlier or taken a break from each other . . .
J: Yeah, see? The what ifs! But we had made a commitment and we stuck to it--and probably too long. We all just kept getting more and more miserable. And the pressure from work. And then even our love for each other became more of a burden than a pleasure. It just added more pressure--at the end of the day or the end of a tour or whatever, when we were feeling all the pressure and were tireder than death, we felt like we had to go be nice to each other--to show we loved the other one. It felt like more work. Love shouldn't feel like work, should it? But it did. And we were so insecure, so afraid of letting go of the love, thought we had to have it, so we kept trying. In the end, it was just a pain-- and brought very little pleasure. And then the drinking. But the drinking can't really be blamed. That was just what Brian used to escape. I escaped into the studio. Who's to say one escape was any better than the other? Or any more legitimate? And I just felt like such a fool. After all the shit we'd put everyone through, I felt so embarrassed. I couldn't talk to any of you guys about it. And I couldn't talk to Brian about it. The one person who might have really understood--well, probably not then, because he was in the middle of it too. But . . .
JC: But now he might? Is that what you think? That now he might help you resolve it all in your head?
J: I guess. Or to let me fix it.
JC: Fix it?
J: I don't know. I guess . . . I guess there's like a wish I could go back and do it right. Now that I'm older and wiser--ha, ha--but I do know a lot more. And I understand a lot more. Therapy. CODA. It's all helped.
JC: But you moved on and you applied those lessons, didn't you? I mean you and Jeremy.
J: Who?
JC: Jere--JASON! Jason. You and Jason. [whispering] Damn you Nick. I can't believe I said that.
J: What? Oh, Jason and me? Yeah, maybe. Maybe it just showed me how much I hadn't learned. Or maybe I hadn't learned enough yet then. Or maybe he just wasn't the right man.
JC: Well, you'll meet the right one one of these days. You gotta believe that. You just have to be open to it.
J: Maybe I have met the right one.
JC: [trying to act excited and believable] Have you met someone new? Tell me about him!
J: No. I'm afraid I mean someone old.
JC: Oh. . . . Anyone I know?
J: You already suspect, I think. And I don't think you approve.
JC: Is my approval important?
J: Important? Yeah. Necessary? Nope. Desired? Yeah. At least your best wishes would be nice.
JC: Justin . . . you always have had and always will have my best wishes. I love you man. I'm really lousy about it sometimes, I guess, but I do. And I worry about you. Nick thinks I don't respect you--that I don't trust you to do what's good for you. I'm sorry if that's true. I don't really think it's true. I just want you to be happy. You've spent too much time not happy. And I don't know anyone I'd rather see happy than you.
J: [pause] Josh, in the what ifs category . . . you and me . . . do you think? . . . did you ever imagine? . . . you know?
JC: [long pause]
J: I'm sorry Josh--that was really out of line--I'm really sorry- - and really embarrassed! I can't believe I said that! Sorry!
JC: NO! Don't be sorry. It's just so honest, I guess. . . . Yeah, of course. I mean before I knew you were gay and after. It was just never a possibility. We were never available at the same time. And at some point, I guess I just loved you too much to love you that way! And let's face it, we both seem to go for much different types! I think we both get off on the bad boys--or the difficult boys! That was probably what was wrong with Jeremy--too nice.
J: Jason.
JC: Whatever. Brian, when you guys were first together, was awfully sweet, but he sure wasn't easy. And he could be a bad boy too. And later, the bad boy part became much stronger. And let's not even talk about how Nicky was a bad boy! [laughing]
J: Yeah. I guess you're right. We don't like it easy, huh? Maybe we didn't think we deserved nice and easy. But sometimes I've thought about how nice and easy and wonderful it would have been if I COULD have been happy with nice and easy and wonderful . . . and you. [pause] I hope this won't be like a thing that makes us embarrassed or uncomfortable with each other--that I just said that.
JC: No. I think it might be just the opposite. I wish I was there right now to give you the most incredible hug. Cause somehow I feel more free to do so than I ever have in my life. Cause somehow I feel like I could do it and really let go and show you how much I really love you but without being scared that you'd take it the wrong way. Maybe the wrong way is the right way--you know? But even if it is, we aren't going to do anything about it, so it's still freeing. Am I making any sense?
J: Yes! Absolutely! It's like finally admitting to each other and ourselves that we really love each other but with the total understanding that it will never be sexual--and so it is freeing. We can allow ourselves to hug and touch, knowing it won't go any farther.
JC: Hmmm . . . it's kind of nice. It kind of really makes me feel like I have my Justin back. I mean, that's how we were when we were kids. So free with each other--so open.
J: I missed you Josh.
JC: Me too.
J: [pause] And Josh? I miss Brian. I know how crazy that is. I know how many problems it could cause. It's probably downright stupid! I'll probably live to regret it all. But we did love each other. And we let our life together slip away. But I don't think our love ever slipped away.
JC: Justin? If you want to or have to find out? I'm here for you man! If it is wrong, if it leaves you a mess? I'll be there--I'll help you get over it. Put your life together again. And if it's good? I'll be there to celebrate with you. And no one in the world will be happier for you than me. I want you to be happy.
J: Oh Josh . . . you got me cryin' man! I'm happy at this moment, I know that!
JC: But you aren't a lot of the time, are you?
J: [pause] No. And I'm so ashamed of that! I mean, I've had such a blessed life. My work, my family, my friends, my daughter--but sometimes, I'm still not happy. It feels so selfish. But I guess I'm just one of those guys that needs someone special. I really want to have a home with someone and to grow old with someone.
JC: Then you should have that too--or at least give it a try. [pause] Um, Just, um . . . speaking of your daughter . . . how would she feel about you and Brian, um, well, whatever it is you and Brian may or may not be doing.
J: Yeah, well, I'm not sure. She couldn't believe that he and I talked. Then she actually got pretty angry about it. She was like "have you forgotten how things were?" That really hurt. I think all our craziness really hurt her. I mean, she's turned out remarkably well, but still--what a life, huh? Kind of the best and worst and not a lot in between--most people only have the in between and not the extremes. She's strong though. And I do think she knows that we love her a lot. But she's scared--for all three of us, I think.
JC: Can I make a confession?
J: Huh? Sure!
JC: There were times that I was envious of you having a child. But there have been times I haven't been! I mean, Nick and I discussed it a few times--having a kid--and we still do once in a while--we aren't that old--but for the most part? Maybe I'm just too selfish. But for the most part? I think I'm happy as I am.
J: I'll say this to you and only because I trust you with my life and my soul to understand how I mean it--but there were plenty of times that having a child was one more burden and not one more pleasure. I wish more people realized that before having a child. And we were just too immature and too unprepared to take on a child. It's only that Jackie stepped in that saved the situation from being disastrous. And saving us from having a daughter in some institution someplace--mental or penal! But now, now is the time we get to enjoy it. She's basically on her own. She is loving and successful. Now's the good time--I hope. We'll see.
JC: Thanks for trusting me with that. I appreciate it.
J: Hey man--best buds, right?
JC: Always!
J: [pause] So Josh. You don't think I'm too crazy?
JC: Honestly? I'm a little scared for you. But maybe a little excited too. I think this whole thing with Brian is something you have to explore. Something you have to resolve. And I'll be praying for the best for you. And as I said--I'll be here for you--to cry on or to celebrate with. Non-alcoholic champagne, of course!
J: Of course! . . . Love ya man!
JC: Love ya Just!
J: Hey! Lunch soon?
JC: How about lunch and shopping tomorrow?
J: Sure--that would be great!
JC: Oh, I just remembered . . . it's your anniversary.
J: Yeah. That's why it would be great to be with someone I love. And if I don't think about it, that's okay. And if I do think about it, I'm with someone I can talk to about it. Up to it?
JC: Absolutely!
J: Thanks JC. You're the best!
JC: Well, right after you!
J: Later man!
JC: Bye.
All Grown Up 9--A New Start?
B: [solemnly] Hi.
J: [cheery] Hi Brian. Hope I didn't call too early.
B: [still solemn] No--I've already been on the beach.
J: [cheery] That's great. . . . Um, I just called to wish you a happy anniversary. Um, a, um, happy AA anniversary.
B: [solemn] Thanks.
J: [cheery] I hope the meeting goes well.
B: [solemn] Thanks.
J: [exasperated] Brian, I'm sorry, should I not have called?
B: [pause] Um . . .
J: Well, I guess that's an answer, huh. I'm really sorry.
B: No--no! It's just that I'm really embarrassed and feel like such a jerk.
J: Huh? About what?
B: About asking you to come to my meeting and then telling you not to. I'm so sorry Justin. I didn't mean to play games. I really did think I could have you there. And I wanted you there. I wanted you to be that much a part of my life again.
J: Oh Brian. It's okay. Really. I DO understand. . . . I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you by calling.
B: You didn't! I just feel bad about everything.
J: No, this is your special day, and I wanted to add to it--to give you my best wishes--not to upset you.
B: God Justin. I'm so sorry. I guess I'm just really emotional about today . . . and about talking to you. About maybe having you in my life again. And here I am doing everything wrong. Acting like a real jerk.
J: No you aren't Brian. I surprised you. Maybe we aren't up to surprises from each other yet. But listen, really, truly, I understand how you need to do your AA meeting without me there. I appreciate that you wanted me there, and I actually appreciate that you could be honest with me when you realized that you didn't want me there. You did what was best. Really.
B: Oh Justin, how can you be so understanding?
J: Hey, remember? The new Justin--all grown up! . . . And I think the new Brian is pretty grown up too.
B: I don't feel like it right now. I'm so scared.
J: Scared? Scared of what?
B: Of messing up my one chance.
J: I don't understand Brian.
B: My one chance of maybe making you believe that I've changed enough that I could be in your life in some way again.
J: Brian, you've already made me believe that. I don't know what it means--and all of our friends are going to think we're both crazy--but I already know that I've spent way too much time without you in my life. I don't know what that means--but I at least want to know that we'll talk. That we'll be friends. That we'll both be there to see Doodlebug's premiere.
B: [laughing] You called her Doodlebug.
J: Just for you. I never call her that to her face. That's YOUR special name for her. I have a few of my own.
B: What are they?
J: Huh? My pet names? Oh nothing so special. Just babydoll, sweetie bug, stuff like that.
B: I'm trying to stop saying "little girl"; I think she wants me to realize she's grown up. I've kind of kept her my little girl. It seemed easier I guess--for her to be like a child.
J: Yeah. But she is pretty grown up. But you know she's been acting like a child this past week or so--about you and me talking.
B: Really? Why?
J: I don't really know. She doesn't really know. I know she's scared--but not sure of what. She doesn't have very pleasant memories of us together. I think she also is afraid that things will change so much that she won't know how to fit in. She's afraid that if we are talking again, things will change for her with each of us. Who knows? Maybe they will. But I have to trust that they'll change for the better.
B: But if anything, it should be better--we could all spend time together. Holidays. Her shows. Our shows.
J: I know. Just take any chance to reaassure her, okay?
B: Sure, will do.
J: So are you ready for your meeting?
B: Yeah. I just want to mostly say how thankful I am. The program has changed my life. Given me another chance, you know?
J: I do know.
B: Maybe in more ways than I thought.
J: [audible smile] May be!
B: Sorry.
J: For what?
B: I don't even know anymore.
J: Didn't I get you to promise to stop saying sorry last time we talked?
B: Yeah, sor--oops.
J: [laughing] That's okay. . . . You know, we have to find a way to put it all behind us. . . . If we want anything in front of us.
B: Well, I'll try anything.
J: Here's an idea. Trust me, okay? Hang up.
B: Huh?
J: Trust me! Hang up the phone.
B: Okay. Um, bye, I guess.
J: Don't sound so sad! Just TRUST me!
B: I'll try.
[both phones click off; then Brian's rings]
B: Hello.
J: Hello. Is this Brian Littrell?
B: [giggling] Yes, it is. How may I help you?
J: Hi. My name is Justin Timberlake. You may have heard of me or heard some of my music. I used to be in a group called *N SYNC before starting a solo career as well as getting into producing.
B: Yes, I believe I do know your music.
J: Great! Well, I really enjoy your music, Mr. Littrell--or may I call you Brian?
B: Yes! Please do. And may I call you Justin?
J: Yes please! This is a little embarrassing to just call up like this, but I've been a fan of yours for a long time, following your career during your Backstreet days and then later-- especially your songwriting. I've really enjoyed your music.
B: Why thank you.
J: You're welcome. Anyway, I've admired you for so long, and I just thought that I should finally have the courage to pick up the phone and call you and ask if I could meet you. Perhaps have dinner some evening?
B: That sounds wonderful.
J: Great! I think we have a lot of things in common--especially our interest in music. I'm helping a couple groups get started-- doing some writing, some managing, some producing. They have real talent. Perhaps I could talk you into allowing one of the groups to record one of your ballads. Or perhaps there's even one that I might record myself.
B: Those sound like real possibilities.
J: There's also a rumor that has reached me about you working on a musical. I'd really like to hear about that. Perhaps have an opportunity to hear some of the songs for it.
B: It's true; I am working on a musical. It's not finished yet.
J: Well, I'd like to hear about it. I've considered expanding my production interests into musical theater production. Perhaps your show is something we could work together on.
B: That sounds very exciting.
J: Great. Well, it seems we have a lot to talk about. Are you free one night next week?
B: Yes. Either Tuesday or Wednesday would be good for me. Or I can try to clear another evening.
J: No, no. Wednesday would be fine for me as well. Shall we make it 8 o'clock? Perhaps I could pick you up at your home?
B: That would be great. Either before or after dinner I could play some of the pieces for you.
J: Perfect! Well, then Wednesday it is!
B: Wednesday! I'm very excited.
J: As am I! [pause, then quieter] See? There are lots of things we have in common--lots of things for us to talk about. All from this day forward. As if we were meeting for the first time. All the "I'm sorries" left behind. All the bad memories left behind. Even the good memories put on hold--we start from here--like two people getting to know each other for the first time. No baggage.
B: [very quietly] You are the most special person I have ever met.
J: [pause, then equally quietly] But you forget . . . we haven't met yet.
B: [clearing his throat and stiffling a giggle] Oh right. Well, I certainly look forward to meeting you Wednesday, Mr. Timberlake.
J: Call me Justin!
B: Oh yes, Justin it is then.
J: Great. Well, enjoy your weekend. We'll speak soon. And I look forward to our meeting on Wednesday.
B: As do I!
J: Bye for now!
B: Bye . . .