My New Life chapter 67
Stories by James
on Nifty
This is the story of the last concert in *Nsync's No Strings Attached Summer Tour. And what happens when they meet one of their fans, late that night in the hotels hot tub. This story pairs Joey with one of their fans.
Is our history written in stone? What would happen if one thing in a person's life could be changed. See what happens when the Backstreet Boys take a ski trip that change their lives, for ever.
My New Life
by James
Disclaimer:
This story is the sole property of its author and may not be copied in whole or in part without the permission of the author. The posting of this story on any web site must be with the author's prior knowledge and permission.
This story deals with the fictional relationship between the members of the musical groups *Nsync, Backstreet Boys (And who ever else shows up in the story.) and a male fan. The sexual orientation of the members of *Nsync or the Backstreet Boys are not known by the author and what is depicted in the story came from the imagination of the author.
If you are not 18 years old or it is illegal in your area to view such material please read something else.
These stories can also be found on my web site
Boy Band Fan Fiction
More stories
This ia a story that spans the generations. Lance finds love and romance with someone he feels he has known all his life.
This is my newest short story I posted just before Christmas. Lance has returned home after not being able to complete his life long dream, going into space. He feels his life has no meaning and he struggles to regain his self worth. He finds what he is looking for in the form of an abused little boy and his friend Ethan
Last Time:
The producer took Marc and Charlotte out to dinner to celebrate the new album. Marc saw Angel to her room then stepped back on the elevator to go up the two floors to his room. When the elevator doors opened he was met by a very large man.
“Hi Frank. What are you doing here?” Marc asked of the security guard that had traveled with the *Nsync tour.
“Doing my job Marc. Backstreet is staying on this floor.”
“Really? Is any of them in?”
“Howie is down the hall. Room 1523.”
“Thanks, I’ll go say hi.”
Marc knocked on the door of room 1523.
“Yes,” the voice from inside answered.
“Room Service.”
The door opened, “I didn’t order any room. . . . service. Marc!”
Kevin and Brian each had hold of their imbibed band mate as the rode the elevator up to their floor.
“Come on A.J., we’re almost there,” Kevin said as the elevator doors opened. As they turned down the hall they saw Howie hugging another man.
“It’s Marc,” Brian said as they neared their friends.
A.J. looked up and tried to focus on the two hugging men down the hall. “Damn, not another fucking faggot,” A.J. slurred.
The door at the end of the hall opened. Lance steeped out to check out the voices in the hall. He saw Howie and Marc in an embrace and Kevin, Brian, and A.J. approaching them. Just then he noticed A.J. pull his arm back.
“Marc! Look out!” Lance shouted.
Marc turned toward Lance’s voice; not aware of the fist flying toward him. The next instant everything went dark.
Chapter 67
“You son of a bitch!” Lance shouted as he stormed down the hall.
Kevin grabbed A.J. by the arm, spinning him around. The anger A.J. saw in Kevin's eyes told him he was about to get his own lights punched out. But instead of hitting him Kevin forcefully shoved him into Nicks hands. “Nick, get him out of here.”
Howie immediately went to help Marc.
Brian rushed to intercept Lance.
“Out of my way Brian. I’m going to kill that mother.”
“Lance calm down!” Brian said as he grabbed a hold of Lance’s shoulders. Brian planted his feet but Lance still managed to push them both forward.
Kevin joined Brian trying to restrain Lance. “LANCE, THAT’S ENOUGH!”
Kevin's shout got Lance’s attention. “He hit Marc.”
A groan from Marc got everyone's attention. Lance broke free of Kevin and Brian and went to Marc.
“Marc. Marc, can you hear me?”
Marc’s eyes slowly opened. When they focused on Lance’s concern face a smile spread across Marc’s face. “Oh, . . . I don’t like this dream.”
“Why?” Lance asked not knowing what Marc was talking about. “Don’t you like what you see?”
“No, what I see, I like. It’s the special effects I could do without,” Marc said as he rubbed the side of his face. “The sparkles floating around you is neat. It’s the pain in my jaw I could do without.”
Lance helped Marc set up.
“What happened?”
“That son of a bitch, A.J. slugged you,” Lance growled.
“Lance!” Marc exclaimed. He was surprised at what he was hearing from his boyfriend.
“Marc, I’m sorry this happened,” Kevin said.
“What exactly did happen?” Marc asked. “I’m still a little fuzzy.”
Kevin sighed, “Nick, Brian and I went to get something to eat. When we got back to the hotel we found A.J. in the bar.”
“Not again,” Howie moaned.
“Marc, you have to believe me when I say normally A.J. is a great guy. But when he drinks he’s a mean drunk. We were escorting him to his room when this all happened.”
“He doesn't know me. We’ve never met. I’d just like to know why he hit me?”
“You may never know,” Nick said as he rejoined the group in the hall.
“Has he passed out?” Brian asked.
Nick nodded, “He passed out before I could get him to the bed.”
Lance helped Marc to his feet. “How about we move this out of the hall,” Marc suggested.
There was a moment of indecision as to where to move to.
“My suite is at the end of the hall,” Marc offered. “We’ll have plenty of room there.”
Marc and Lance turned toward the room walking with their arms around each others waste. Nick was caught off guard with what he just witnessed.
Kevin chuckled at Nicks reaction. Leaning in he whispered, “You remember Howie and Brian talking about their friend Marc?”
Nick nodded.
“I think we forgot to mention Lance is his boyfriend.”
A evil grin spread across Nicks face. ‘Finally they had something on *Nsync’ he thought.
“They also know about Howie and Brian,” Kevin added.
Nicks shoulder slumped at the news.
The door to Marc’s suite was still standing open, as Lance had left it. He motioned for everyone to enter.
As Nick entered he stopped facing Marc, “We haven't met. I’m Nick.”
Marc took Nick's offered hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you Nick.”
“Wow!” Nick exclaimed upon entering the room. “This is sure better then any of us got. Who do you know?”
Marc laughed. “The New York Philharmonic is footing the bill.”
Nick’s right eyebrow arched in surprise. “I thought you were working on Rosie’s show.”
“That and a couple other projects,” Marc said.
“Marc’s appearing with the Philharmonic next week. Conducting his own works,” Lance added proudly.
“Hey Lance, how you doing?” Nick asked acknowledging Lance.
“I’m doing good Nick,” Lance said while looking at Marc.
As everyone took seats Marc offered everyone a drink. Since it was so late everyone opted for soda or bottled water.
Marc went into the small kitchen to get everyones drink with Lance following right behind.
“Need any help?” Lance asked.
“No, I’ve got it.” Marc had just pulled the drinks from the refrigerator when he stopped and looked at Lance.
“What?” Lance asked.
“How long was I out?”
“Less than a minute. Why?”
“Then it’s still Sunday.”
Lance chuckled, “Yes.”
“You weren’t coming until tomorrow,” Marc said as a grin spread across his face. “You came early.”
Lance nodded. “I wanted to surprise you.”
Marc grin changed to puzzlement, then to understanding. “You did surprise me James, when you call out my name I was surprised to see you. And I didn’t see A.J.’s fist coming at me.”
“Oh shit! I’m so sorry. If I hadn’t called out you may have been able to block his punch. Now I feel so bad about it. What can I do to make it up to you?”
Marc pulled Lance into his arms. “I think we can come up with some way to make it up to me. Later, after everyone has left you can start by giving me a bath, then we can see where it goes from there.”
“That a deal,” Lance said as he leaned in pressing his lips to Marc’s.
Howie looked into the kitchen, spotting Marc and Lance embracing. “Ah, guys. Let’s not stay too long. Those two have been apart for a couple weeks now. I’m sure they don’t need us hanging around all night.”
Everyone looked toward the kitchen and grinned. Everyone agreed to keep their visit short.
The water was steamy hot when Lance stepped into the tub. Marc followed right behind sitting between Lance’s outstretched legs. Picking up the sponge squeezing the hot liquid across Marc’s broad shoulders.
“Hmm that feels so good,” Marc purred.
Lance leaned in and lightly kissed the back of Marc’s neck then moved to each shoulder. Slowly he moved his arms around Marc. Dipping the sponge into the water he brought it up squeezing the water out across Marc’s chest.
Marc leaned back against Lance as he maneuvered the sponge across each peck taking time to lightly brush across each nipple causing them to stand erect.
Marc continued to purr with his eyes closed and a smile of contentment.
Letting the sponge float on the water Lance picked up the bar of soap, wetting it, he brought it to Marc’s chest. Using his hands, he lathered Marc’s chest. Bring his mouth next to Marc’s ear he whispered, “The hair on your chest is growing back. . . . It is so soft.” His hands, slick with the soap, caressed the mounds of muscles, running his hands through the growing mat of chest hair. “I’m getting my teddy bear back.”
“Teddy bear!” Marc chuckled.
“I like you hairy.”
“You also said you liked me shaved.”
“When you are the wild long haired drummer, you are hot.”
“And what am I now?”
“Your always hot,” Lance said giving Marc a kiss behind the ear.
“You think I’m hot when I’m hairy, and hot when I’m your wild drummer too?”
“Yes. Also when you’re my big rugged cowboy.”
“Is that all?” Marc laughed.
“So far,” Lance said between nibbles on Marc’s ear. “Oh! I almost forgot. There’s also this guy who hangs out on a beach. And likes to make love in the surf and in a hammock.”
Marc laughed, “I’m not sure he counts.”
“He will count when we can find a deserted beach to see if we can make it real.”
Marc could only chuckle at Lance.
Lance’s hands made their way lower, working over the hills and valleys of Marc’s abs. As he looked over Marc’s shoulder he noticed the water midway down would ripple from time to time. Then like the Lock Ness Monster which would rise from the depths to poke its head out of the water, Marc’s own monster would rise out of the warm water of the tub rising up briefly before sinking back into the depths.
“We have a Nessie sighting,” Lance laughed.
“What?”
“It seems the Lock Ness Monster has invaded our tub,” Lance said as he pointed to Marc’s monster as it broke the surface of the water one more time.
Lance felt Marc’s hands softly stroking his cheek. “Please Boo, you wore me out. I don’t think I can get it up again.”
Marc looked down at his lover as they swayed in the hammock. “I know. We did over do it,”
“I just want to sleep.”
Marc smiled as he wrapped his arms around his lover.
Lance hadn’t open his eyes as he snuggled down into Marc’s warm embrace, absorbing the warm safe feeling he got from his lover. The longer he lay in Marc’s embrace the warmer the feeling became. Lance’s eyes popped open when he felt a surge of energy flow into him.
“Marc?”
“It’ll be all right love.”
“What’s happening? Why are we here?”
“You might say I brought you here to recharge our batteries. I realized as we were drifting off to sleep that there was no way I could get by with only a couple hours of sleep.”
“I’m feeling a lot better,” Lance said as hand drifted to Marc’s ass.
“No James. Your energy level is back up but your body still needs time to recoup.”
“You mean we can’t do it again?”
“It just wouldn’t be as satisfying,” Marc said pulling Lance into a warm snuggle.
Marc awoke with Lance half sprawled on top of him. His legs were wrapped around Marc’s left leg and his arm had a tight grip around Marc’s chest, and Lance’s head was tucked under Marc’s chin. Looking to the night stand Marc could make out it was a little after seven. Reaching up he stroked the back of Lance’s head. Lance moved a little as he made his way lower, stroking the back of his neck then down his spine.
Lance felt the warm hand as it moved down his back stopping just above his crack. The soft kiss on the top of his head made him raise his head a little to squint at Marc’s smiling face.
“Good morning,” Marc said softly.
“Morning,” Lance said as he moved up to meet Marc’s lips.
As Lance pulled back he got a good look at Marc’s face. He was surprised at what he saw, or more like what he didn’t see. Slowly he reached up to touch Marc’s face. “How do you feel?”
“I’m fine.”
“As hard as you were slugged I expected you would have a big bruise.”
“I normally don’t bruise.”
“Yes you do. I’ve seen you. When you ran into that pillar you had a good bruise on your forehead.”
“You’ve got a good memory.”
Lance grinned.
“Do you remember how long I had the bruise?”
Lance thought hard but he couldn’t remember seeing the bruise the next day. “I don’t know.”
“James, how do you feel this morning?”
“I feel great.”
“You realize we only got a couple hours sleep. How could you feel so great?”
“On the beach you gave me a boost. You said I would feel better this morning and I do.”
“The boost, the energy I gave you is why you feel so good. For some reason I have the ability to draw. . . I don’t know what to call it. . . Energy. It allows me to see deep in my self. To the point I know every cell in my body. Dad and Sara are the only ones I’ve ever tried to explain this to. This energy allows me to heal quickly. When we are in that dream world it is stronger and it works faster.”
“Is that what you used on Jon?”
“Yes.”
“Oh! Are you now going to sleep for three days?”
“No. I’m fine. The energy I gave you last night isn’t exactly the same I used on Jon. That energy came from my life force. I hadn’t learnt about the force in the dream world yet.”
“What ever it was I feel real good this morning,” Lance said as he snuggled with Marc.
They snuggled for a few minutes before the alarm went off. “Sorry James, I need to get moving.”
“Can’t you call in sick?” Lance asked.
“No,” Marc laughed as he gave Lance a quick kiss before rolling out of bed.
Lance offered to join Marc in his shower but Marc pointed out he didn’t have that much time. They both knew things would heat up in the shower and Marc would be late. Lance slipped into the shower as Marc shaved.
The phone rang as Marc was slipping on his shoes. “Hello.”
“Morning Marc,” Howie greeted him. “What do you have on tap for today?”
“As soon as Lance gets dressed we’re going to have breakfast then I have to head to the studio for my production meeting. The show is at ten. Then I’ll grab something to eat before heading over to Lincoln Center. I should be back here around six.”
“They set up a buffet for us. Why don’t you two join us?”
Marc hesitated before asking, “Will A.J. be there?”
“No, he’s still sleeping it off. We probably won’t see him till noon.”
“All right, we’ll be there in a bit.”
“Great. It’s in the room across from mine. The door will be open.”
“Who was on the phone?” Lance asked as he pulled his belt tight.
“It was Howie. He invited us to share their breakfast buffet.”
Lance jaw was set as he pondered Marc’s statement. “Will A.J. be there?”
Marc shook his head. “Howie thinks he’s going to be out of it till noon.”
“Well okay,” Lance agreed.
When they arrived for breakfast Marc felt an air of uneasiness hanging over the room. Everyone was friendly but something just didn’t feel right. When they sat down with their plates of food Marc realized what was wrong. “Isn’t Kevin joining us?” Marc asked.
Quick glances passed between the guys of Backstreet.
“Ah, he’s in with A.J.,” Brian finally said.
Marc’s right eyebrow arched, “He’s awake?”
“Yeah, Kevin went to lay down the law,” Nick said between mouths full of food.
Kevin walked into the room with A.J. behind him.
Marc grabbed hold of Lance’s arm. “Calm down!” Marc said in a low voice. He could feel Lance relax.
A.J. nervously scanned the room. When his eyes fell on Lance and Marc his shoulders slumped.
Marc could read the fear in his eyes. Kevin’s talk with him must have included what had happened last night and a stern warning of what would happen if anything else happened.
The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Marc set his plate on the end table. As he got up Lance shot him a dirty look.
As Marc approached, A.J.’s eyes were darting around the room looking for an escape route. Marc was between him and the door into the hall and he would have to try to get pass Lance to get into the bathroom.
A.J. was on the edge of panic when he glanced up at the guy approaching him and noticed his smile.
“We haven’t met. I’m Marc Newman,” Marc said as he held out his hand to A.J..
A.J. flinched as Marc’s arm came forward. Expecting to see a fist, he was relieved to find an open hand. Nervously he looked from the extended hand to the smiling face. He didn’t see any anger in his eyes. Looking closely he couldn’t even see where he had suppose to have slugged him.
“Hi, ah, I’m A.J. Mc Lean. I’m sorry that I hit you,” he said in a way of an apology.
“Hay, don’t worry about it. I understand you weren’t yourself. Besides, you didn’t do much damage. I’m still as good looking as before.”
Looking into Marc’s eyes A.J. saw only a glint of mischief in his eyes. A smile crept across A.J.’s face. “Thank you,” he said softly. “I’m glad you’re all right.”
“Let’s just try not to have it happen again,” Marc said placing a hand on A.J.’s shoulder. “You see that baby faced guy sitting over there?”
A.J. looked over at Lance, as he nodded his head.
“He’s the one you will have to deal with if it happens again. He may look all sweet and innocent. But if you mess with his man he’ll rip your head off and drop kick it into the next county.”
A.J.’s eye got really big, as he gulped.
Lance was shooting daggers at Marc but A.J. didn’t know the difference.
“I understand.”
Giving A.J. a pat on the shoulder Marc returned to his breakfast.
“Baby faced, rip his head off,” Lance whispered.
“The look in your eyes last night told me that’s what you wanted to do.”
“Yeah, that’s what I wanted to do. But why did you call me baby faced?”
“I had to work with what with what I had. What did you want me to say? See that cute guy over there? If you mess with me again he’ll slap you silly?”
Lance thought for a moment. “Ripping his head off, is better.”
Marc’s cell rang. After a quick exchange he got up. “My ride is here. I’ll see you guys later.”
Lance walked with Marc to the elevator. “I’ll meet you after the show.”
“You know you could come with me.”
“Rosie doesn’t need the headache of me showing up. We’re scheduled for Wednesday. I’ll see her then.”
“K, I’ll see you later. Bye.” Marc gave Lance a quick kiss before stepping on the elevator.
Lance was waiting in a cab when Marc finished his morning show. They headed to a deli a couple blocks from Lincoln Center for a quick lunch. They walked the short distance to Marc’s rehearsal.
Lance was thrilled with what he heard. He agreed with Marc the symphony had embraced Marc’s work and it sounded fantastic.
When they returned to the hotel they had to use a back entrance because word had gotten out that the Back Street Boys and *Nsync were staying at the hotel.
Stepping off the elevator their ears were assaulted with loud music and laughter coming from several open doors.
A pillow shot through one of the doors followed by Joey shooting out the door. “Marc!” Joey shouted when he spotted Marc grinning at him.
Justin’s head popped out the door, with the biggest smile on his face. “Bro!” he shouted before running to Marc, giving him a big hug. “God, I missed you.”
“I missed you too, little brother.”
The rest of *Nsync spilled out of the room each taking a few moments greeting their friend.
Howie and the other guys were standing outside their rooms watching the reunion with amused smiles.
That night some of the guys wanted to go clubbing. Joey, Chris, Justin, JC, Nick, Howie, Kevin, and Brian headed out around nine. Marc still had to work the next day so he begged off. Lance stayed with Marc looking forward to some quality time with his man. You could see A.J. wanted to join his friends but he got the evil eye from Kevin; killing any chance of a night out.
“Do you want to go out to eat or eat in?” Marc asked.
“It will be hard getting reservations anywhere. Why don’t we just order in.”
“K, we can order from the hotel or there are several nearby restaurants that deliver.”
Lance picked up the menus from next to the phone studying the options. “What do you think A.J. is going to do tonight,” Lance asked.
“I don’t know. Did you see the look Kevin gave him?”
“Yeah, I’m surprise he didn’t burst into flames from that glare.”
“If the hangover from last night wasn’t bad enough, it seems he’s been grounded.”
“It must be killing him,” Lance said. “Marc, would it be all right if he joined us?”
Marc was intrigued with Lance’s question. “It’s been a while since we had a three way. If you’re willing. Sure.”
Lance threw a pillow at Marc. “Not that! I was talking about him eating with us.”
Marc said, “Sure, why not. Do you want me to call him or do you want to do it?”
“Since he sees me as his biggest threat maybe I should offer the olive branch.”
“It was just after midnight when the group of clubbers returned to the hotel.
“This is a first,” their security guard said as they stepped off the elevator. “You guys sick or something?”
“No,” Kevin said. “We all have to be up early.”
As they walked to their rooms they said their good nights. Nick opened his door and let out a curse.
Heads turned toward Neck.
“What’s wrong?” Kevin asked.
“A.J. is not in the room.”
“I’m going to kill him,” Kevin growled as he went to confirm A.J.’s absents. “He was told not to leave the floor.”
Howie came back from talking to the security man at the elevators. “Frank said A.J. didn’t get by him.”
“Well where is he?” Kevin asked.
“He may have his cell with him,” Joey said.
Kevin pulled his cell out and punched A.J.’s number.
“It’s getting late,” A.J. said as he looked at his watch. “The guys will be returning soon. I should get going. Thank you for inviting me.”
Marc and Lance rose to walk A.J. to the door. “It was our pleasure,” Lance said.
Marc offered his hand to A.J. “I prefer having you as a new friend, to last nights misunderstanding.”
A.J. was smiling when he shook Marc’s hand. The chirp of a cell phone made each of them check their cells.
A.J. let out a long sigh. “It’s Kevin. He’s probably going to yell at me again.”
Marc held out his hand, “Let me answer it.”
Handing the phone to Marc he was interested in what he had in mind.
“Hello, A.J.’s phone,” Marc said with a raspy voice.
Kevin froze when he didn’t hear A.J.’s voice. “Ah, ah, is A.J. there?”
“He’s busy right now. May I take a message?” Marc said as he looked out the peephole into the hall.
“Who is this?” Kevin demanded. “Put A.J. on!”
“You don’t need to know who this is. The only thing you need to know is I got your friend and if you want him back in one piece you will do as I say.”
The color drained from Kevin’s face. Putting his hand over the phone he said, “A.J. had been kidnaped.”
“What?” Chris asked.
“This guy on A.J.’s phone said he has him and if we want him back in one piece we have to do what he says.”
Justin and Joey looked at each other, with a strange feeling of de ja vu.
“If you really got A.J. put him on,” Kevin demanded.
“You are in position to make any demands. I’m not going to put your friend on until you meet my demands.”
A.J. had looked out the peephole and knew his friends were just down the hall. Placing his hand over his mouth he called out, “Help me! Please help me!”
“Shut him up,” Marc snarled.
Lance brought his hand up near A.J.’s face and smacked them together. A.J. let out a muffled, “Oomph.”
“Shit! They’ve hit him.”
“Now listen up. You are not to contact the police or your management. Who is with you?”
Kevin told Marc who was with him.
“Oh, that’s perfect. If you want to see your friend again you and your band mates must moon the guys of *Nsync.”
The stunned expression on Kevin’s face got everyones attention.
“What he say?” Howie asked.
“He wants us to moon *Nsync.”
The guys of *Nsync roared with laughter.
“This is not funny!” Kevin spat.
Chris and Justin staggered down the hall and pounded on Marc’s suite door.
Marc had to hang up because the three of them were laughing so hand. A loud pounding from the other side of the door told they the jig was up.
The door to the suite opened with Marc, Lance and A.J. staggering out into the hall laughing their assess off.
“What the fuck!”
Joey put his arm around Kevin’s shoulder, “Marc pulled the same stunt on us while on tour. Except he had Chris moon a car of girls passing our tour bus.”
The alarm went off way too early. Marc rolled out of Lance’s grasp.
“Tell me it’s not time to get up,” a half asleep Lance asked.
“I’m afraid so. Come on and I’ll let you wash my back.”
Sitting up on one elbow Lance watched Marc’s bare butt heading for the bathroom, “Only your back?”
Marc chuckled, “You will never know if you stay in bed.”
All the guys gathered in Marc’s suite for breakfast. Schedules were compared and it looked like everyone had a full upcoming week. Each of the groups had interviews scheduled for that day. Britney was to arrive later that day. She and the guys of *Nsync had rehearsal scheduled for that night. Wednesday. *Nsync was scheduled to appear on Rosie’s show then back for an other rehearsal. On Thursday morning everything moves to the theater for a run through before that nights awards ceremony.
The Backstreet Boys had appearances scheduled for Wednesday. Since they were not going to perform on the awards show they only had to go by later in the afternoon for their walk through.
It was late Monday night when everyone returned to their hotel. Marc spent some time with Brit and the guys before turning in for the night.
Breakfast had been delivered to Marc’s suite for the groups. He had quickly eaten, and was on his way out as the last of his friends were just fixing their plates.
“Sorry I have to rush out on you guys. Everyone have a good day,” he said to the room. “And I’ll see you guys in a couple hours.”
“Looking forward to working with you again bro,” Justin called out above his bowl of cereal.
Lance walked Marc to the door. “I’ll see you later,” leaning in they kissed. “Love you Boo.”
“Love you James.”
Marc was heading to the waiting limo when he noticed a taxi pull in. The door man opened the door to the taxi and a large man got out. The mans eyes locked on Marc as he was about to get into the limo.
Marc’s heart skipped a beat when recognized the man getting out of the taxi. Giving him a courtesy nod as he climbed into his limo.
As his limo pulled out he reached for his cell.
“Did you forget something?” Lance asked as he answered his cell.
“No,” Marc laughed. “I just wanted to warn everyone, your favorite manager is here.”
“What?!!”
“Lou Pearlman was getting out of his taxi as I was leaving.”
“Oh, shit! Thinks for the heads up.”
“What’s up Scoop?” Chris asked.
“That was Marc. He called to warn us that Lou is here.”
“We’re out of here,” Brian said as he placed his plate of food down.
“I understand,” Lance said. “Please take your breakfast with you.”
Brian and the guys filled their plates before heading for their rooms.
After they had left Joey asked, “Do you think we should do the same?” Everyone agreed it wouldn’t be wise for Lou to see Marc’s suite. Filling their plates they headed to Joey’s room.
Marc arrived for the early production meeting. With two musical guests more time was needed to go over each of their numbers.
Charlotte arrived for her scheduled run through with the band.
Marc had not informed the guys that they wouldn’t be the only musical guest. Charlotte was out of sight, in makeup, when they guys arrived. And Marc’s good mood took two steps back when he saw Lou was with them.
“Hi, guys. Your right on time,” Marc said as they came on stage. “Lou, it’s good to see you.”
Lou seemed to be surprised to see Marc there. “What are you doing here?”
“I work here. I’ve been filling in for the musical director while he is working on a special project.”
“I heard you were here to perform with the New York Symphony.”
“I will be conducting the New York Philharmonic next week. I’ve also been musical director for Charlotte Church’s new album.”
Before Lou could make any more comments Rosie came out to greet everyone. Thankfully Lou was taken to the green room where he could watch the rehearsal and show.
The arraignments for the two songs the guys were going to do were the same as they used the last time they were there so the run through went quickly. As they were finishing up with (God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You, Marc noticed a tuft of blond hair sticking out from behind one of the curtains.
“Good job guys,” Marc said as he crossed the stage. “Before you go to get ready, I’d like to introduce you to the other guest on today’s show.” Reaching behind the curtain he pulled Charlotte into view.
Marc made the introductions all around. Charlotte got a warm hug from each of the guys and when Lance hugged her she whispered something in his ear.
Lance’s grin and blush told Marc, Angel was being naughty.
“Okay, you guys need to get ready,” Marc said. “Charlotte will be the first guest today. You will be brought out in the second segment to do your first number. In the second half of the show Charlotte will do her second number then you all will close out the show with, God Must Have Spent.”
The guys watched the opening of the show from the green room with Lou. Lou was not pleased that his group was not opening the show.
Chris leaned into Joey, “What is Marc wearing?”
Joey shrugged, “I don’t know. It’s looks like some kind of costume. Maybe it’s some kind of theme show.”
“What kind of theme can there be? Charlotte is classical, and we are pop.”
“Who knows,” Joey shrugged. “Here comes Charlotte.”
Charlotte open with 'Papa can you hear me?' from Yentl
God
Oh God
May the light
Illuminate the night
The way your spirit illuminates my soul
Papa, can you hear me?
Papa, can you see me?
Papa, can you find me in the night?
Papa, are you near me?
Papa, can you hear me?
Papa, can you help me not be frightened?
Looking at the skies, I seem to see a million eyes
Which ones are yours?
Where are you now that yesterday has waved goodbye
And closed its doors?
The night is so much darker
The wind is so much colder
The world I see is so much bigger now that I'm alone
Papa, please forgive me
Try to understand me
Papa, don't you know I had no choice?
Can you hear me praying?
Anything I'm saying
Even though the night is filled with voices?
I remember ev'rything you taught me
Ev'ry book I've ever read
Can all the words in all the books
Help me to face what lies ahead?
The trees are so much taller
And I feel so much smaller
The moon is twice as lonely and the stars are half as bright
Papa, how I love you
Papa, how I need you
Papa, how I miss you kissing me goodnight
“Wow! She’s good,” Justin said as Rosie went into commercial after Charlotte’s song.
“Five minutes,” came the announcement from the control booth.
The guys gathered at one end of the green room for their warm-up.
After the commercial Rosie and Charlotte talked about the new album and Marc’s involvement as musical director.
Coming out of the next commercial break the audience erupted in cries and shouts for *Nsync. The energy rose another notch when the music started for. Tearin' Up My Heart,
It's tearin' up my heart when I'm with you
And when we are apart I feel it too
And no matter what I do I feel the pain
With or without you
Hey
Baby, I don't understand
Just why we can't be lovers
Things are getting out of hand
Tryin' to much, but baby we can win
Let it go, if you want me girl let me know
I am down, on my knees
I can't take it anymore
It's tearin' up my heart when I'm with you
And when we are apart I feel it too
And no matter what I do I feel the pain
With or without you
hooooooh, all right
Baby don't misunderstand,
(don't misunderstand)
What I'm trying to tell ya
In the corner of my mind, (corner of my mind)
Baby it feels like we're running out of time
Let it go (go) if you want me girl let me know
I am down on my knees, I can't take it anymore ohhhhh..
It's tearin' up my heart when I'm with you
And when we are apart I feel it too
And no matter what I do I feel the pain
With or without you
Tearin' up my heart and soul, when we're apart I feel it too
And no matter what I do I'll feel the pain with or without you
Tearin' up my heart and soul when we're apart I feel it too
And no matter what I do I'll feel the pain with or without you
Tearin' up my heart and soul, when we're apart I feel it too
And no matter what I do I'll feel the pain with or without you
Tearin' up my heart and soul when we're apart I feel it too
And no matter what I do I'll feel the pain with or without you
And no matter what I do I feel the pain with or with out you
The audience was still screaming when they went into commercial. When they came back Rosie and the guys talked about the new album they where working on and the MTV award show coming up.
The stage was changed when they came back from break. A small gazebo had been set up center stage and Charlotte had made a costume change.
“Now doing a number from her new album,” Rosie announced. “From the Sound of Music, ‘You are Sixteen.’ Charlotte Church and her new partner, Marc Newman.”
[Marc:]
You wait, little girl, on an empty stage
For fate to turn the light on
Your life, little girl, is an empty page
That men will want to write on
[Charlotte:]
To write on
Charlotte looked up at Marc dreamy eyed.
[Marc:]
You are sixteen going on seventeen
Baby, it's time to think
Better beware, be canny and careful
Baby, you're on the brink
Marc and Charlotte danced around the gazebo as they sung.
You are sixteen going on seventeen
Fellows will fall in line
Eager young lads and rogues and cads
Will offer you food and wine
Totally unprepared are you
To face a world of men
Timid and shy and scared are you
Of things beyond your ken
You need someone older an wiser
Telling you what to do
I am seventeen going on eighteen
I'll take care of you
[Charlotte:]
I am sixteen going on seventeen
I know that I'm naive
Fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet
And willingly I believe
I am sixteen going on seventeen
Innocent as a rose
Bachelor dandies, drinkers of brandies
What do I know of those
Totally unprepared am I
To face a world of men
Timid and shy and scared am I
Of things beyond my ken
I need someone older and wiser
Telling me what to do
You are seventeen going on eighteen
I'll depend on you
Charlotte puckers up for a kiss from Marc. But Marc only gives her a kiss on the cheek.
Marc and Charlotte join Rosie and the guys. Marc gets hugs of congratulation from each of the guys. As Marc and Charlotte talk to Rosie about the duets they did for the album Marc kept hearing Chris mumbling behind him. When they broke for commercial Marc turns to Chris.
“Chris, is there something wrong?”
“Yeah, why is it you will do a duet with Charlotte but wont sing with us?”
“Chris, you know how I feel about that.”
“Yeah, I know. But it still seems unfair.”
“*Nsync, please take your places for you next number,” the floor director called out.
Marc and the guys went to get ready for their last number. The stage had five microphones and five stools lined up in a row. Chris was still muttering to himself when he took his place.
Marc leaned in and said something to the band before he picked up a stool and microphone and joined the guys. Taking a position between J.C. and Chris Marc quietly asked, “May I join in on this one?”
“Well it’s about time,” Chris said with a grin.
“Singing (God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time On You,” Rosie announced. “*Nsync and friend, Marc Newman.
Yeah....
Oh yes
Ohhh..yeah..
Can this be true?
Tell me, can this be real?
How can I put into words what I feel?
My life was complete
I thought I was whole
Why do I feel like I'm losing control?
I never thought that love could feel like this
and you've changed my world with just one kiss.
How can it be that right here with me
there's an angel?
It's a miracle...
Your love is like a river
Peaceful and deep
Your soul is like a secret
That I never could keep
When I look into your eyes
I know that it's true
God must have spent...
A little more time
On you...
(A little more time, yes he did baby)
In all of creation
All things great and small
You are the one that surpasses them all
More precious than
Any diamond or pearl
They broke the mold
When you came in this world
And I'm trying hard to figure out
Just how I ever did without
The warmth of your smile
The heart of a child
That's deep inside
Leaves me purified
Your love is like a river
Peaceful and deep (and deep)
Your soul is like a secret
That I never could keep
When I look into your eyes
I know that it's true
God must of spent...
A little more time
On you...
(on you, on you, on you, you....on you, on you, on you, you..) ohhh...
(on you, on you, on you, you....on you, on you, on you, you..) yeah...
Never thought that love could feel like this
and you changed my world with just one kiss.
How can it be that right here with me
There's an angel?
It's a miracle...
Your love is like a river
Peaceful and deep (peaceful and deep)
Your soul is like a secret
That I never could keep
When I look into your eyes
I know that it's true
God must of spent...
A little more time
On you...
(on you, on you, on you, you..)
God must of spent...
A little more time
on you
(on you, on you..you....you..oooh..yeah)
A little more time
on you...ohhh
“Nana, it’s almost time,” the boy shouted.
“Lands sakes, what are you so excited about?”
“Rosie is starting.”
“I know. She is on every afternoon at this time,” the old lady said as she sat down in her chair.
“But *Nsync is going to be on her show today.”
The woman smiled, “So that’s what’s got you so all fired up.” Just then the announcer came on. “Today on the Rosie O’Donnell show we have as our guest, the young girl with the voice of an angel, Charlotte Church. And as our special guest, the pop sensation, *Nsync. Now here’s Rosie!”
“Oh my! That girl sure has a beautiful voice.” The old lady said as she settled down to enjoy the show.
“Who’s that guy that Rosie keeps talking to?”
“That’s the band leader,” the boy said.
“What happened to the John fellow?”
“This guy is filling in for him. I think he knows *Nsync. Rosie and him have been talking about them all week.”
Nana didn’t like changes. Especially when it comes to her TV shows. She liked the bandleader John and wasn’t too sure about this new guy.
Nana began to doze off during *Nsync’s first number. She just couldn’t get into this boy band thing. A mans voice singing brought her back to consciousness. That bandleader fellow was singing with that child with the beautiful voice.
The boy hadn’t moved from in front of the television during the whole show. He really enjoyed *Nsync’s last number even though that bandleader guy was singing with them.
“Aren’t they great, Nana?” The boy asked as he turned to his grandmother. “What’s wrong Nana?” His Nana didn’t look right. “Is there something wrong?”
“Go, go get Mrs. Frost next door.” the old lady softly said.
The boy was now frightened. Something was wrong with his Nana.
“Go boy. Get Mrs. Frost.”
Marc’s mood had improved slightly when he returned to his hotel. Rosie’s audience went wild when Marc sang with *Nsync. After the show rapped, the audience was still vocal, wanting more. Marc and the guys had been fooling around with some songs the night before. Of all the new songs This I Promise You, was the one that sounded the best. Their final arrangement was very close to what Marc had sung to Lance at the sock hop so everything flowed together quickly.
The guys gathered around Marc’s keyboard as he played the opening cords of This I Promise You. The audience loved the new song which made the guys very happy. Unknown to Marc or the guys Rosie’s crew had gotten everything on tape. It wasn’t until they were returning to the green room that all hell broke out. Lou was livid that the guys had done a song that may or may not be on their new album. Lou demanded that the tape of the song be destroyed. Rosie refused Lou’s demand. Lou threatened legal action if the tape was ever shown.
When Marc left with Charlotte to do some interviews the mood between the guys and Lou was not good. He found a note on the table of his suite from Lance. Lou wanted to see their number. They had no idea when they would be back.
With a sigh Marc went to take a shower and a nap.
The bed shifted as someone climbed into bed behind Marc. Warm arms snaked around Marc’s torso as moist lips kissed his shoulder.
Scooting back against the warm body he moaned with pleasure as a hand traveled over his left nipple. “How late is it?”
“It’s almost ten,” Lance said. “Have you eaten?”
“No, I wanted to wait for you. How did your rehearsal go?”
“The worst. Why is it that people who have no talent think they can give advice on how to make it better.”
“Lou was trying to change things?”
“Yeah. Thank god Brit and Wade put their foot down.”
“Wade?”
“Yea, Wade Robson, our choreographer.”
“Oh, I haven’t met him yet.”
“If Justin has his way Wade will be choreographing our next tour.”
“Justin likes him?”
“Yeah, but I think it’s because Wade is younger then him.”
“Oh! Someone near his own age to play with,” Marc said with some understanding.
“Do you want to go out? Or just call room service?” Lance asked.
“I don’t really want to go out. How about we just call down and order something really unhealthy.”
The next day Marc had to attend a meeting with Rosie’s legal department head. It seemed Lou was going to make sure that tape of *Nsync and Marc was not going to be used. He had gotten a court order impounding the video tape. And they were ordered not to discuss the song.
Marc had a feeling that Rosie was up to something when during the monolog she made a comment about yesterdays show.
“Yesterdays show was the best,” Rosie said as she sat behind her desk. “And who would figure what a great voice you had.”
“Thank you,” Marc said.
“You are a real renaissance man. You are a great musician, filling in for John while he is working in Las Vegas. Now we find out you were musical director on Charlotte Church’s new album and sang several duets with her. I’m just amazed as to the depth of your talent. What more, could anyone expect from such a talented individual.”
“Well,” Marc said with a grin.
“There’s more?”
“Next week I will be conducting the New York Philharmonic. I will be conducting two of my own compositions, among others.”
“That’s wonderful. How many performances?”
“Two.”
“Marc Newman will be conducting the New York Philharmonic in two performances next week.”
“For those of you not lucky enough to be in yesterdays audience you can see Marc at Lincoln Center.” Rosie said as she shifted some papers on her desk. “We did have a good audience yesterday. Didn’t we?”
“They were the best,” Marc replied not knowing where Rosie was going to take this.
“They deserved the treat you guys gave them after the show. But we can’t talk about that.”
“No, we really can’t,” Marc agreed.
“It’s too bad. But we shouldn’t say anything.”
“Yeah, it’s too bad. We just can’t say anything.”
A devilish grin spread across Rosie’s face. “We will be back with our first guest right after these messages.”
“What the hell was that about?” Lou bellowed after watching the opening segment of Rosie.
“That was Rosie promoting Marc’s concerts,” Chris said.
“I know that. What was the bit about not being able to say anything.”
“I don’t know,” Joey said. “They didn’t say.”
Lou’s face got redder. The guys had a hard time keeping in their mirth. Thankfully they were called onto stage for their final run through.
Marc was just finishing dressing when Lance rushed in. “I didn’t expect to see you.” Marc said.
“We forgot that we were going to the after awards parties. Lou had us so rattled we forgot our clothes.”
“Oh.”
“I forgot to ask what’s your plans for tonight?”
“Rosie is picking up Angel and I for the awards show. I think we will be going to a couple of the parties. But I think Angel has a curfew.”
“Maybe we will be seeing you later,” Lance said as he gave Marc a quick kiss and dashed out the door.
The awards show was a blast. Britney and *Nsync stole the show with their production number. They had good seats but not close enough to the stage for Marc’s taste. He understood the best seats went to those who were nominated so they could get to the stage quickly if they won. But, he wanted to be closer to his man.
Rosie and Marc saw Charlotte off at her hotel before heading to the after awards parties. In total they managed to hit three parties that night.
“What the hell is he doing here?” Lou grumbled when he saw Marc talking with a record executive.
Joey looked across to where Lou was glaring. “Maybe he is trying to get a recording deal.”
Lou’s blood pressure rose another ten points. And the whole room seemed to rumble.
Lou had been trying to work the room trying to talk to each of the studio executives. He had managed to get the ear of one when Marc walked by. The executive turned and introduced himself to Marc leaving Lou standing open mouthed. It seemed a number of labels wanted a few minutes of Marc’s time.
Lou was deep in discussion with a major distributor. Marc scanned the room spotting Lance and Chris. Catching their eye he nodded toward another room. There they found the rest of their group and the head of Jive Records.
“What’s going on?” Lance asked Marc.
“Just someone I thought you guys might like to talk to. I’ll see you back at the hotel.”
“You leaving?”
“In a bit,” Marc said with a devilish grin. “I’m going to go piss off Lou for a while before we leave.”
Marc was dozing when the door to the suite opening, woke him. It was almost three in the morning when Lance got in. But there were more voices than just Lance. All the guys where out there and from their tone they were in a heated discussion.
Marc moved to the partially open bedroom door to hear what was going on.
“I tell you Lou is screwing us,” Joey shouted.
“Our tour was a success,” J.C. said. “Why aren’t we seeing any money from it?”
“Jive seems to know what we want to do,” Justin added. “Lou is fighting us on every idea we have. I say it’s time to consider their offer.”
Marc quietly closed the bedroom door. He knew they would be at it for a while and he needed to get some sleep.
TBC
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