This story in no way intends to imply that the members of NYSNC are actually gay. If you are offended then leave now please, if you're not then read on. This story is under copyright please seek the authors permission before posting this elsewhere. Thank you.
Here it is Part 2 of NSYNC & Delwyn originally it was spelled wrong title wise when it was posted for Part 1. But hopefully there will be no confusion from here on out. I have teamed up with BlakeNick on this story and we will soon be throwing some new twists into the whole story arena. If you like this story, drop us a line at writergray@aol.com. We would be happy to hear from you. Also, if you are curious Part3 is nearly finished as well.
NSYNC & Delwyn -Part2 By Grayson Scott Vellar & BlakeNick
As quick as it had begun so, it ended. The guys were so happy to finally be at the arena for practice even though they all hated to work out as hard as they would have to today. A woman in her early twenties approached them quickly as they entered the backstage area. She decidedly pointed out the fact that I was not supposed to be here and found herself bombarded with questioning glances and J.C. stepping up to her and pulling her off to the side.
I was taken to the side by Justin who just stood quietly as I watched the two talking in the distance the other guys made their way to the main stage all accept Lance. He stood motionless as he watched J.C. making magic as the woman giggled and laughed. He was getting impatient as he turned and looked at me. His eyes pleaded for me to come to his side for support. But, my mind told me if I did, he would certainly hate me for it later. The yearnful look spoke a thousand words as Justin reacted quickly.
"Lance! Could you come here I have a question for you." Justin shouted as he placed his hand on my shoulder. "Look Delwyn none of us got it cleared for you to be here. As much as, we are in control of our lives it is still up to the big people to tell us whether we can or can not have you here. We want you here, he wants you here, but they may not want you here."
"Justin I know what you are talking about but if you will just give me a minute. I can handle this," I said, as I walked up to the woman very quickly not missing a step along the way. Lance turned and followed me to her as J.C. frowned at our arrival.
"Mary Anne, I would like to introduce you to my friend Lance. He was waiting for me to give the introductions. But some how I managed to forget about it and end up in the corner talking more business with Justin. Were should I sit to watch them practice?" I said as JC's frown turned to a look of total confusion.
"Delwyn you know you are never to be back here. Look it is your fathers rules not mine. If he." She stopped as she peered over my shoulder. I could here his footsteps growing closer. My heart nearly skipped a beat, as I knew I had been caught. I was beginning to wonder if being here was a good idea after all. But, I had to be here for Lance I hoped and preyed that this would go well.
"Good morning Son!" My Dad's voice Boomed in my ears and throughout the back stage area. He stood now less than 5 feet from me as my back still turned to him. Lance had a look of shock on his face as he could see my half grin. I turned to face him as he just smiled at me as if nothing was wrong I was now confused with no idea as to what to do.
Good morning Dad." I paused long enough to face him. "I was just re-introducing myself to Mary Anne here and she told me I could not be here with my friends. My friends who have helped me with my driving condition. My friends that I have a close personal relationship with." At this point Lance turned directly to me and grinned. He found out he was safe as JC just slowly back away from the conversation Leaving Mary Anne to fend for herself. My father noticed this and took immediate action. "JC, Mary Anne here has not smiled around me for so long. It seems you have done the one thing all of us have tried to make her do. I think maybe you two should sit and talk for another minute or so before I let these boys go about their business as well." With that, said JC took Mary Anne by the hand and drug her to the shadows where Justin still stood.
"Dad I would like you to meet Lance of the group NSYNC." I said as Lance held out his hand hesitantly.
"Son you seem like you are nervous or something. Relax son I don't bit. Besides usually it's me who should be nervous not the star of the show. I can see why Delwyn likes you though." With this my father had confused me completely what was he getting at I was afraid to ask but Lance asked instead.
"I am just confused Sir. Delwyn never told us his father worked for the Arena here and." Lance was cut off.
"Son, I own this arena here and you guys are welcome here any time you feel like being here. We have one hell of a line forming to get in here already. You would think that they would just wait until a hour before the show to get in but no they want to be here bright and early."
I stood silent as Lance looked over at my grinning face. I was blushing and I knew it. My father again took the lead in conversation. I had every reason to blush even more now.
"Del I am so happy you overcame your obstacles. I can see why you would get in your car in the middle of the night to meet up with these guys they are fine young men. And I hope I see more of them while they are here. You know if I didn't know any better by the way you two are looking at one another I would say you two have something special between you." With that Lance, blushed crimson red and my father had his answer. I was now white as a ghost.
"Ok, Dad you caught us but why do you have to embarrass us here and now. Dad, you can't tell anyone. It could ruin his career and I would have to take action on that." I said as I faced off with my father. "Delwyn I would never hurt either one of you now you two be good to one another and I will forget about my rules for this one." He said as he reached out and hugged Lance. "You remember he is my son and anyone who is in his life is in mine too. You are welcome in my home anytime as well as in our lives. I have to get going but I look forwards to see the two of you tonight after the show. You got that?" he asked as we just grinned and shook our head yes.
Mary Anne was in shock as she walked back up to us. JC had no expression on his face as Lance placed his arm around my waist. I was taken back by the expression on Justin face He was completely happy and almost bouncing around. I could see the questions forming already in Mary Anne's head as she took her first breath.
"Your father gave you permission to be here and he has no problem with you being." She paused. "Gay." I answered.
"And I will just have to get used to all this and it is fine. No one will know as long as I can strike a deal with JC here. " She said as she put her arm around his shoulder.
"Ok, how can I resist what is you wish." JC asked just as Chris came back down to meet us.
"My wish is that you get your ass up here so we can get this over with." Chris shouted. "Hey I guess we better get up there. Mary Anne it was a pleasure but I really have to get out there and we will talk after the show. Ok?" JC began to walk before she could answer; I was grinning but sent Lance up the ramp motioning him to go.
"Mary Anne? We should talk." I moved over in front of her. " Maybe we should just go find some seats and clear the air. I know we have never really gotten along but it is time we did. Especially if my father is going to make an ass out of you in front of the guys and scare the hell out of me all in one move." We made our way around back of the stage and found an empty couch to recline on while the guys ran through their routine. Occasionally Lance would pop his head back to see what we were up to and just go back to work as I waved at him.
"Maybe we should have found a safer place to talk you know he is going to keep doing that?" She said.
"I know but I have to get used to it, in some way it is cute in another it could get us in trouble. Maybe if anyone asks we could say he was checking up on us so to speak." I grinned as she just smacked me in the arm.
"That's not funny! People will think I am sleeping my way to the top of the ladder." I laughed even harder.
"Well, I will just tell them you needed fashion tips for your date with JC," I quipped back at her as she began to laugh herself. At this point, my father returned to the back stage area only to find us sitting and laughing until we were sick.
"Your mother called ahead and I have your clothes in my office if you don't mind I would like to talk to you alone son." Mary Anne glanced over at the curtain as Lance stuck his head through again. My father took note of the situation and asked him to join us as we walked off stage and headed up stairs to the executive suites. I can't say that I was not worried but to my knowledge, I had never been requested to the office before sure I had been up here but had never been the victim of my fathers questioning eyes before.
As we entered the office I felt a hand grab mine and squeeze gently. Lance could tell I was uneasy as we sat down on the leather couch. My father took a seat in front of us on his coffee table. I could tell by the look on his face he was searching for the right things to say. My clothes lay on the table next to him as he just sat silent looking from them to me then to a small pile of papers next to them.
"Delwyn, you know under normal circumstances I would never pry into your personal business. But, ever since your accident, you have not been acting like yourself. Lance, I know you have a lot to do with his changing and making himself happy again. But, I really need to tell you two some things that are not going to make either one of you very happy with me. I have been keeping a log of your entire online chatting son and have been reading about you two for quite some time now. I never meant to harm either one of you and I only wanted to clear the air about all this before you found out some other way." I felt Lance tense next to me as I shifted in my seat.
"Dad, I'm sure you meant well. But, what does all this mean now. You can't take it back now it is done. I am sure you had a good reason for doing this but I really am not interested in hearing why. I only hope you can trust me now that you know I am not going to get myself into trouble. I mean look who I have here with me because of that chatting. He is one hell of a person and he has the strength of a thousand hearts behind him. I think I am falling in Love with him." I was shocked at my own admittance and revelation as Lance just began to tear up and sigh.
"Son, I know that is why I feel so bad about all this. If I had not kept, the records I would have never know unless by seeing you two together. By the way, you do realize I never come down here when there is a concert of this sort. I only came here because I wanted to see you two together and be sure at what I felt was real. I can see it is and I wanted you know that we support you in your new relationship. I only hope that you two can make it work." He said, as he handed me the pile of papers. I was in shock, as I looked at them it had nothing to do with the chat documentation.
"Dad, what is this. It looks like a contract of some sort?" I said as Lance leaned over my shoulder. He was grinning as he began to realize what it was only to my dismay, as I had no idea.
"Delwyn, it looks like my contract actually." Lance said as he pulled the stack from my hands.
"Ok, what gives here?" Just as I said it my mother came walking into the room.
"I'm a corporate lawyer and I have friends in high places. Your father is in the business can't we give you a taste of what it is all about, at some point in our lives. Of course, you won't really have to work, you will really only be under contract for show. Unless, you actually feel like fulfilling the contract, this would mean a career. But, then again, we could rewrite at that point so you would actually get a bigger salary. But, then again." She was rambling on and on and on. And she knew it as she suddenly stopped and looked directly at Lance. " My God I had no idea you were so handsome." Lance blushed as she starred at him.
"Ok, so what your telling me is I am going on tour with these guys as some sort of hired hand right?" I asked as my dad looked at me with caution in his eyes. "No as a friend to the group and as a sort of on the road accounting consultant. In fact, Lances asking you about accounting gave me the idea when I read back over your conversations."
"As a matter fact Dad where are you keeping the Chat logs. And now I know why I kept getting logged off the server. Man I thought my computer was screwed up," I said as Lance began to laugh at the facts.
"I'm sorry bout all that really Del but, it was necessary. I hope you can forgive us," My mom said.
"You knew about all this?" I was infuriated.
"Delwyn calm down," Lance said, as he looked at me and all the anger melted away.
"Look are you going to take the contract or not," My Dad zoned in on me quickly.
"Yes of course I am. The only reason I wanted to know about the sessions is I wanted to know what to expect in the future when it all comes out unless you have destroyed the copies," I said, as Lance visibly winced and sat back on the couch.
"Delwyn I have destroyed the copies and I am glad to see you are protecting Lance here," My Dad said, as he placed his hand on Lance's knee. "Lance as I said, I am sorry about all this. If I had not been so concerned about my son, I would have never done all this. But, I am supportive of you two and I will be here for either of you whenever you need me," he patted Lance and then stood from his seat. "Ok Del, sign the contract and you two can get out of here. Oh and you need to change your clothes right." I just shook my head yes at him. "Then we will leave you be, you can use my private bathroom there. Lance you may want to get back out there the concert will be starting soon," They both exited the office as Lance just stared at me and smiled as he sighed and stood up.
"Lance look we have to talk about all this. Do you want me to come with you," I paused to see him suddenly frown and sit back down.
"Delwyn if you don't want to come with me then don't sign them," He whispered to me.
"Lance, no that is not what I mean. Do you want me to come with you after you leave here? Am I wanted to be there right?"
"Of course you are Del," he paused. "I want you with me more than anything in this world. Delwyn will you come with us?" He asked while leaning forwards to look me directly in the eyes and drive his point home to me. There was a knocking at the door.
"Come in!" I yelled as Lance quickly stood up and walked over to lean on my Dad's desk.
"Delwyn is Lance in here we need him to get over to Wardrobe and get dressed." JC said, as he popped his head inside the office.
"Yeah, I'm over here," Lance said, as he made his way across the room to me. He kissed me quickly as he went to leave. Sliding past JC he made his way down the stairs as JC continued to look back and fourth between the two of us.
"Delwyn what's going on or should I just assume things aren't going as well as they should be," JC asked as I just held up the contract.
"What's that?" he asked.
"Contract." I mumbled as he came in and sat down next to me. As he took the contract he sighed heavily and just looked it over as I sat quietly. His eyes now drifting away from the contract made me break my silence.
"Delwyn do you love him as much as you say you do?"
"Yes, without hesitation. I would do anything for him," I paused to think of my next words as he set the contract on the table in front of me.
"Then what's the problem Delwyn? If you love him don't you want to be with him."
"I don't have a problem. I am just going to be leaving a lot behind. But I will be with Lance and that is what makes me happy." With that said I reached over and picked up a pen to sign the contract with.
"JC will you let me tell him tonight at the surprise dinner." I looked at him as he grinned.
"Yes I will. But, Delwyn it will be eating at him all night. That may not be a good idea. He has to do the show. I think maybe that you should at least let him know that you will talk to him about it later tonight. Clear his head up on this for me will you?" JC said as he sat forwards with me on the couch. I began to sign the contract as Lance rushed back into the room.
"Look Delwyn if you love me come with me I will make you see it will work. You just have to give me a chance," Lance said as I finished dating my signature.
"You don't need a chance here," I said, as I handed him the contract signed. His face lit up as he saw my signature at the bottom of the page. His eyes welled up with tears as he looked at me trying to find the right words.
"I guess that mean no waiting to tell him tonight," JC said as he stood up to leave.
"I have to go get ready so you guys take your time. Lance I will see you shortly. Delwyn don't forget that you have to get your passes and everything set up for tonight. You guys be good and no fooling around before the show. We have a lot of work to do and you only have forty minutes or so," With that said JC left the room leaving Lance and I alone. As quickly as he came into the room and JC left, so were his arms immediately wrapped around me.
"I love you Delwyn," he was crying and this only led me to do the same thing as I pulled back from him to look into his eyes. I kissed him as I fumbled to pick up my clothes from the table.
"I have to change and then get back with Mary Anne to get my passes," he looked at me with smile as he fumbled in his shirt pocket.
"Here are your passes I already took care of it. As for you changing well that means you have to get out of your other clothes," his smile grew as he reached for my chest. His hands took my shirt in as he swiftly began to pull it loose from my waist. His hand's shook as he unbuttoned it quickly and pulled it wide open.
"You are so cute when you are nervous Lance. But if you keep that up you won't be able to be onstage tonight," I said as I pulled him to me hugging his shaking body.
"It's just that you are so." he said, and then kissed my shoulder blade cutting himself off.
"Guy's you only have thirty minutes right now get a move on it!" Chris shouted to the door just across the room. We quickly pulled apart and I grabbed the clothes my mother had sent for me. Lance sat back down on the couch as I headed into the Bathroom to change.
My royal blue dress shirt was hanging on a hook on the door. I had asked for this specifically because I loved the way that I looked in it with my black jeans. My personal physique is not bad for a person who rarely gets out much. 32" waist with broad shoulder chiseled facial feature 6' tall. Man over all I would have to say I would date me. Clothes were always an important factor to me because I made then look good. There I stood finishing getting ready as I took note of the white muscle shirt under the dress shirt. It looked good but was it too much. Now where was that belt at. I searched for few minutes as I heard a slight knock on the door.
"Delwyn, I have something of yours," he said as I opened the door looking at him holding my black belt in his hands. "You look really good. I know what I am going to be looking at during the show tonight."
I blushed slightly as he complimented me and I took the belt. "Just don't make it too obvious. We don't want to be getting caught already."
As we exited the room, I grabbed his hand quickly giving it a squeeze before letting it fall. I walked with Lance to my father's side. My mother was off in the corner adjusting Justin's shirt for him. That was just like my mother I thought as I handed my dad the contract.
"Ok, guys you are on in just a few minutes. The opening band will be exiting soon and then Del we have something for you to do," he said, as he pulled me to the side and handed me a set of cards. "You mind announcing them? I know your nervous but it will be fine."
"Are you sure Dad? I don't want to do anything to make anyone mad," I said, completely concerned.
"Just read the card and you will be fine," he said, as I quickly read over the card.
"Hello my name is Delwyn you may remember me form last year. It was awesome seeing all of you out there then but wow this is even better. I have the distinct pleasure of introducing my friends NSYNC. So give it up for Justin, Chris, Joey, Lance, and JC," I said it and the crowd went nuts. " Also, I would like to thank you for coming so get ready here they come NSYNC!" I exited the stage and was usher down a corridor and lead to my seat as the lights went out I could see the guys running onstage.
Lance leaned over the audience while he sang I was in awe, he looked down at me and grinned as I leaned back in my chair starring him in the eyes the whole time. My heart pounded, as I knew this was my guy. I had loved him since the night we met. As soon as I began to watch it ended it seems all things good are short and to the point.
As the concert ended, I headed to the side entrance to the back stage area. Several pass holders made their way there at the same time. I was watching the zoo of teenage girls walking two by two as they were ushered back I waited knowing it was going to be mad house in there. I was also taken the idea that they would need their space right now so walking up to them was going to be a bad thing. The guard at the gate eyed me as being trouble and just stared at me while I let others pass me by. Now it being fifteen minutes since they began to enter and I was still standing there. I handed the guard my pass and he eyed it with a definite look of examination.
"You really think I am going to let you in with this?" He laughed as he said it.
"I suggest you do or there will be hell to pay," I stated flatly looking him in the eyes.
"Oh, you do; do you," He questioned me as he took a step forwards.
"Yes, I do and you had better believe me when I say you are making one hell of a mistake. I work with the group. I have a contract to prove it! So, just step aside," with that, said he still stood in my path. "Look I am not joking let me through!"
Just as I was getting ready to push through a set of arms grabbed me from behind. "Son, you had better just exit the arena with everyone else. The guys do not wish to be disturbed." It was another one of the guards.
"I have a pass and I work with the group!"
"What the hell is going on here," Joey shouted from behind the first guard. "Delwyn are you alright," They released me as soon as I was acknowledged.
"Joey it seems these men wish to lose their jobs. They are telling me I have no right to come back stage. Truth is since my family owns this little piece of heaven I have more right then they do to be here!" I shouted as Chris now walked up to join Joey.
"Is there a problem gentlemen. Has my son done something wrong?" I heard my dad asking form behind me.
"No, Mr. Catz it seems Lyle here has made a mistake," The guard who had been holding me said as he stepped aside.
"The boy is attempting to get backstage and I thought he was just trying to get back there for the wrong reasons. I looked at him and could tell." he stopped as my father got in his face.
"Thought what! Your not paid to think. As a matter of fact you're fired get the hell out of my arena," my dad shouted.
"But Mr. Catz with the way he is dressed and the fact that he is the only male in this audience it does seem suspicious at best," my father was furious as he turned to face this second guard.
"You mean to tell me even though he made the opening announcements and also works for them you are going to stop him anyhow. What a load of crap! You are just trying to give him hell because he is my son. Trying to make yourselves look good to move up the ladder so to speak, isn't that right? Well, gentlemen you are now both looking for a new ladder to climb get out of this arena before I have you physically removed."
"Fortunately for the safety of NSYNC you have no say over my career sir I do not work for you I work for the management co." Lyle said as I slipped past him to stand next to the guys.
"Not anymore you don't," Chris said as he patted Lyle on the back.
"What you have no right!" Lyle shouted as my father's security team showed up and hauled him out of the stadium.
"You forget who pays the bills buddy! We decide who we, work with!" Justin shouted as we all just turned around to drag him backstage. The commotion had drawn enough attention to let the remaining audience know what was going on.
"Thanks guys," I said as I noticed that Justin was now bouncing around as much as he was before the concert. "Where's Lance at?" I asked as JC pointed to a large group of girls. I sighed heavily not knowing weather to be jealous or not. Then again, inside I was gloating because I would have him tonight while they only got him in their dreams.
As I approached, the group of girls Lance grinned. The rest of the guys followed me over and we all made our way to stand next to Lance. Of course, as I was standing there he reached behind himself while still looking at the crowd he was grabbing at my belt buckle. I almostt lost it. He was flirting in front of his fans. I stumbled forwards almost knocking him into a girl who was just staring at him as if she was going to rip his clothes. I was loosing it quickly as I blushed. Suddenly one of the girls pointed at me.
"That's him!" The crowd shifted very quickly now encircling Lance and I. "You're helping them write the music aren't you?" I could feel my face suddenly turning red as I had been recognized. The girl continued to get closer as she worked her way forwards. Lance tried to turn around to face me as the rest of the guys were pushed to the side. Several Security guards stepped forwards and tried to clear a path to the two of us. "You played here last year I saw you!" She shouted again. "So, are you joining them," I was completely embarrassed as one of the guards grabbed her and held her back from us. The guys began to laugh at me as Lance grabbed my arm and we were all escorted out to the Limousine.
We had less than an hour to the dinner being planned for Justin. He had no idea, as it was a surprise set for 6:30 in the evening. We all made our way out to the Limo parked by the back door. Several hundred fans were held back by chain link fences and guards as we made our way out of the gates towards what the guys thought was the Hotel again.
"Delwyn what was she yelling all that for?" I just looked at Lance and mouthed the word latter as he sat there confused. I did not want to get into the whole story it was too much for me after my whole evening had gone so badly. "Yeah Delwyn what was that about. Sure, it was funny as all hell but what was it?" JC asked as he leaned back and stared at me.
"A long story." I said as he just frowned at me and went back to read notes for the evening.
"Tell us Delwyn we keep no secrets here." Justin said as he leaned forwards.
"Alright! I performed there at the opening last year are you happy. They loved me and I lost my nerve. I could not go on with it. I took it to lightly." I said as they all looked at me in silence.
"Look guys I don't have all the strength you guys have. I am good but I have fears that none of you have to face. You have family supporting you and you have each other. I was alone out there; singing and playing it was me. It scared me so bad I never wanted to go back out there." I said as Lance grabbed me and held while I began to cry.
"It's ok Delwyn no one is going to make you. We are here for you now." He said as the others just watched us for a few moments. I felt my heart breaking as I realized I had just hurt them in so many ways that no one could have ever have done to them.
"Yeah Delwyn we are here and you never have to hide a thing form us." Justin said as he hugged Lance and me at the same time. JC grinned at me as I sat up struggling to breathe.
"You know Delwyn if you ever feel like just you know showing us what they saw that night. Your more than welcome too." I grinned at him and agreed by shaking my head. I really wouldn't mind letting them hear me but it was going to be hard when I did. Suddenly I was getting tired again as I sat up straight in the seat.
"Ok, I have to get some sleep soon. Man you guys do this all the time?" I was tired, you could have hit me over the head, and I probably would not feel it. Mostly I was trying to relieve the pressure building up.
"Yes, but before we go back to the Hotel we have something to do," JC stated as everyone just looked at him confused. I had seen the schedule with his note written in on the bottom to me at breakfast. It had been a long ride already and I knew we were no longer heading to the Hotel as I felt the freeway passing below us.
"Ok, but it had better be good it is early and I am already tired how bout you guys?" I asked.
"Look Delwyn that guy had no right to treat you like that. I am sure when I say this I say it for everyone. I'm sorry." Joey said, as he stared at me looking for my reaction.
" Man you guys do like to get things cleared up fast don't you. Hey, it really was none of your faults. I could never blame any of you for what people are going to say or do. I am sure there will be plenty of things that are going to upset me along the way. I will grow a second skin to it I am sure. But, thank you for sticking up for me." He grinned as I sat back and leaned against Lances shoulder.
"Man your dad was vicious out there we could use him on the tour," Chris said as JC just punched him in the shoulder. "Hey what was that for," Chris shouted.
"That was for making it sound like Del's father should be here and he should not be," JC said as he continued to look at his notes for the day. "I didn't say that," Chris said back "No, but it was implied buddy," JC Responded.
"Hey dad quite beating up on my brother Chris," I said, as everyone just burst into laughter.
"That security guard was a ass. Man I wanted a piece of him so bad." Justin said as the guys began to laugh.
"Curly the day you can take that guard is the day we sign you up for WWF." Chris threw in as I began to laugh until my sides hurt.
"What Security guard," Lance asked.
"The one your man here tried to take out and got us all involved while you were schmoozing with the girlies." Joey laughed out as I shot him a failed look of hate.
"I was just trying to get your ass a date Joey." I quipped back.
"Yeah well. Yeah!" He shouted, as we all began to laugh hard now.
"I can see now why Lance likes you so much. You're going to fit in really well around us," JC said with a mock look of concern on his face.
"Hey guys why is my mom here?" Justin asked as he stared out the window into the parking lot of the restaurant.
"This is what we had to do before we went to the Hotel." JC said, without looking away from his notes. I began to laugh as Lance figured out why I had told my mother what time I needed the clothes by.
"You knew about this all day didn't you?" Lance said as he began to tickle my sides. Soon enough Justin was joining in on the fun and the others just laughed at us as the door to the Limo was opened exposing our free for all to Lynn. She stood laughing herself for a few moments until she cleared her throat. She thought a `new face' as she helped the defender out of the car first.
"Hello," She said as I looked at her and realized I should say something but was still out of breath. "My name is." I cut her off.
"Lynn, your Justin's mother right," I said extending my hand.
"Yes I am and you are?"
"Delwyn Catz, pleased to meet you," I said extending my hand even further for her to shake as she just stood there looking at me very disapproving. She apparently had a problem with me but I had no idea just what it was. Just then Lance stepped out of the Limo and stood next to me. She now glared at me as if I was the intruder.
"Guys I am going to go back to the Hotel. Why don't you all get out and go inside with Lynn here," I was uncomfortable as it was and I was not going to make it a bad night for Justin. The truth was he had not seen his mother in quite some time. They had managed to miss his Birthday all together and she had flown out to them to get it taken care of. She loved her son with all her heart. I thought to myself that this was a very uncomfortable position to be in as Lance gripped my hand and pulled me to the side away from the door.
"You're not leaving me here with them are you," Lance said as he notions to Randall, Lisa, Paul and Jonathan standing in front of the restaurant.
"Lance it is not you. I think Lynn does not want me here; that's all. I don't want to ruin this for any of you but if I have to leave to do it I will," I said as I hugged him he began to sigh into my shoulder.
"Then I am going with you. I won't stay where your not wanted. This is not for the group this is for fun." Lance said as Justin turned and saw what was going on.
"Neither of you are going anywhere. Delwyn remember we all stick together and we take care of our own. Brothers do that kind of thing." Lynn began to laugh as Justin and Chris locked arms and bowed to her.
"Sorry guys it has been a hard day. Pleased to meet you Delwyn I am sure you are fine if they are taking you in so quickly." She said, and I took it as she meant well. But, it still came to my ears as I am warning you guys you should be careful picking up strangers.
Lance and I made our way to the front of the group standing on one side of Lynn while Justin and Chris remained with their arms locked together. As we walked along I heard Justin and Chris making comments to Lynn she was not laughing.
"Like all little boys and girl. You two should never talk to strangers and never walk across a street without a buddy." Justin said in a motherly tone.
Suddenly, Lynn stopped and just stood there. As Justin and Chris still continued. JC walked up to Lynn and stood facing her as he motioned us to continue.
"Look Lynn if you knew the circumstances you would not be mad at them for being so silly about all this. I hope you know we are very careful who we let into our lives and he is a good guy. Just give him a chance." JC said, almost pleading as Lynn made up her mind to believe him.
"Now, how do I give him a chance," Lynn said, pointing at Justin. She was smiling as she said it but it was still confusing to JC as to why she would say such a thing. "JC it was a joke. I thought I had a bad day. You look like you have been put through a lot yourself." She said as they began to walk towards all of us waiting for them at the entrance.
"We have and so has Delwyn. When we get inside ask him about his experience with the show." JC said as he adjusted his shirt.
"What do you mean JC. Did things not go well? I thought you said things were fine with him?" She mockingly asked knowing all things did not go as well as we all would have liked them to go.
"Lynn just ask him, I'm sure he would rather tell you and then the guys can tell you what happened. It was actually funny over all. But, I'm sure from his point of view it was bad." JC said, as they met us at the door.
"Ok, so has everyone met Delwyn," Lynn asked as Randall, Paul and Jonathan all looked at her with a questioning gaze. "Don't you all give me that what is wrong with you look. I am fine." I felt completely out of place right then as she walked over to me and wrapped her arm around my shoulder.
"So, JC tells me you have a story about tonight?" She was trying to be nice and I could tell as she asked me the question. Justin had an annoyed look on his face as I just waved it all away and he smiled. I could handle all this I was just too tired to care any longer. As we entered the restaurant, I heard my name being called form behind us.
"Delwyn wait for us!" My mother called to me as she and my father came walking up at a brisk pace.
"Lynn I invited Delwyn's parents to join us tonight I hope you don't mind?' JC asked, as she turned from friendly to pensive.
"No problem JC really."
My parents were dressed for success so to speak as they stopped in front of Lynn and me. My mother and Lynn did not speak a word at first as they just stared at one another sizing each other up. My father took note of the situation and reached his right hand towards Paul. They shook hands and gave their mutual pleasantries as my Mother finally spoke to Lynn.
"You must be Mrs. Timberlake. I have heard a lot about you," She extended her hand out as Lynn reached for it she smiled and I could see this was going to be an eventful evening. Lance stood close by watching us as I grinned at him he showed no signs of happiness. I quickly pulled clear of Lynn and went to his side.
"Lance are you alright," I asked.
"Delwyn I have no idea what to think of all this Lynn and I are like family and here she is treating you as if your under a microscope I have never seen her like this before," He whispered as Lynn continued to talk to my mother.
"Randall, Paul this is Delwyn's Mother Michelle Catz," she introduced her to the two men as Lisa walked back up.
"Hi, I'm Lisa Randall's wife," She said as she shook Michelle's hand.
"Hello it is nice to meet all of you," my mother said to all of them. "Shall we see about getting ourselves situated."
"Unfortunately, there is a wait. They are still setting up for our arrival," Randall stated as my mother paused then walked over to the Host of the restaurant.
"Ok, everyone if you will follow me we will be seated out in the Presidential room." My mother said, as she walked back to the group. Everyone just looked at her inquisitively.
"Look at that, just because she owns the place she thinks she can pulls strings." I was grinning as Lynn and Justin turned to me with shook written all over their faces. As we entered the room the candles were still being lit and the tables were being set.
Of all the room to pick, she loved this one the most it was also the largest private room she had here. It was able to house over 300 people at once but tonight it would house only ourselves and the occasional waiter or server checking to see if we were fine. My mother of course took the head of the table along side Lynn. They looked like this was going to work out after all. All the guys and myself took various seats around the edges of the U shaped table that had been set up for us. My father kept looking at Lance and I as diner progressed. More and more time would pass as we ate and Lance would venture to rest his hand on my leg or I would return the favor to him Lynn was also watching all of this carefully as she finally found out why it was so important.
"Man Mr. Catz I have never seen anyone as mad as you were when that guy held Delwyn up. I thought you were going to blow your top," Joey said as we all stopped immediately. No one had mentioned it as of yet and none of had planned for it to be mentioned.
"Lyle had no right to treat any of you like that Joey I was just protecting all of you, it is what I felt was right." My father said as my mother took note that she had not heard the story.
"Daniel what are you all talking about? What happened," she asked as she sipped her water.
"Oh nothing to worry about now. It just so happens Delwyn got a little trouble about his backstage access by one of the guards. He said that Delwyn was suspicious and had no business being backstage. He was spouting off like a spoiled child. Anyway I fired him and then he informed me he did not work for me so Chris fired him instead," he said as all eyes were turned on Chris.
"Well, all Lyle said was he thought Delwyn looked suspicious because of the way he was dressed. And we do not need people like that around us. Besides they had grabbed him from behind and he was getting in Del's face. He said something about Delwyn attempting to get backstage and thinking he was just trying to get to us for the wrong reasons. That he looked at him and could tell." Chris scoffed out the last words, as he was annoyed all over again.
I suddenly was very uneasy about sitting here as I could feel Lynn's gaze on me. She stood up from her seat and walked over to stand behind Lance and I. Lance did not move his hand as she placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Delwyn I am sorry about how I acted earlier. I had no idea you had been through so much tonight," She stopped as I turned and looked at the honesty on her face. " And I am fine with you two being together as I am sure the rest of my family is." She finished as she headed back to her seat. I could see the confusion on their faces. I had to do something Lance tried to lift my hand and his up but I would not let him.
"I have a better idea," I said, seeing the baby grand piano across the room. "But only if you will come with me. With that, I stood up with his hand in mine and half drug him to the seat with me.
"I know for you I can do anything," With that said I began to play Heaven in your eyes as well as I had ever played it. Of course, when it is all you have practiced for months on end just so one day you can do exactly this. Wishing hoping and praying to get the chance to sing it to the man of your dreams; it is an awesome experience when our dreams come true. My voice was clear as I sang the lines my mother began to cry as Lance watched my every move.
Lynn held Paul's hand on the table as my mother leaned against my dad's shoulder the guys sat with their mouths half hanging open as I finished I turned to see if anyone else was in the room. I leaned over, kissed Lance, and gently whipped the tears from his cheeks. No one said a word as I began to play my own song next. Don't close you eyes began to flow through my finger. I had not finished the lyrics to the song as of yet but the music was very evident. As I finished the song everyone began to clap, Lance leaned against my shoulder as the door suddenly flew open to the room: no one entered.
A crash of dishes was all we heard as the door slammed shut again. There was shouting just on the other side of the door. I could not make out the words because of all the screaming coming from the other patrons in the restaurant. There was pounding as a fight ensued, more screaming, and gunshots. We began to run to the back of the room. There was no way out Jonathan begun to cry loudly. The lights went out in the room as Justin held him tight. The Baby grand was crashed into, as the lid slammed shut. Lynn and I side by side began to search for an exit door.
"This way!" My mother screamed, light from an adjoining room flowed over my eyes as I saw Justin, Jonathan, Paul, My mother, and several other figures escape.
There he was the shadow in my nightmarish decent. He was standing between me and the door I had no idea who it was. He turned and fired.
I felt a hand grasp my shoulder as the lights flashed on and went out again.
(To be continued)
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