Author's Note:
Hey everyone, this is my first submission to the Nifty Archive. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I am writing it. I'm trying to get as much realism as is possible in a story of this type, so the characters will need to get to know each other before there is any sex. It's also not exactly a 'two guys fall in love, and live happily ever after' story, there are going to be a few bumps in the road. Oh yeah, one more thing - just because I said 'thanks for the feedback' doesn't mean I've had enough and never want any more! Without it I don't know if anyone's reading or if there are any particularly good bits or bad bits which I can then develop on in further chapters. So please...
If you have any comments, questions or criticisms e-mail me: mystories@btinternet.com
Disclaimer:
This story is a work of fiction. I don't know or own any of the celebrities mentioned in it. I also don't know anything about the personalities or sexual orientations of any of the members of *NSYNC, and the purpose of this story is not to imply anything about them. Secondly, this story contains adult themes and content as well as gay relationships. If you're too young to, or don't want to, read what's contained within, then leave now. Everyone else, enjoy...
Under Management by Tris
Chapter 3
That evening I was sitting on my couch with a glass of red wine in one hand and my cell in the other. My brother was on the line. "You need to get a Merc, just like Timberlake's. Then again if you're their manager shouldn't you have nicer wheels them?"
"I'm really not that fussed, Jess, I only want an improvement on a Ford sedan. By the way, his name's Justin, and he's alright, you don't need to be all macho and slate him 'cos he's in a boy-band." I corrected him.
"Says he who, until very recently, had a master plan to take over the world with a rock band. You said , and I quote 'Whenever one of those pussy bands releases a single, I'm gonna find out, and them I'm gonna get one of my bands to release on the same week - we'll beat them to the top spot - they'll always be second best.' If that isn't being all macho and slating them just 'cos their boy-bands then what the hell is?" He argued.
"So maybe I was a little judgmental, but now that I know them, I like them. As people anyway." It was always much easier to concede defeat with my brother than to continue an argument. He was a good person to have on your side, but piss him off and it could take months to rebuild what you once had.
"You're only being nice about them because you are associated with them. From now on, you make of them, you make fun of you!" He laughed. "Anyway, since you were so rude about them before you met them; I think I am entitled to be as well."
"Then maybe we should organize a little get-together or even a play-date for you and 'Timberlake' as you so affectionately call him." I teased before laughing along with him. Our joking was interrupted by the ringing of the apartment phone. I said my goodbyes and hung up my cell. I tried to think who would be ringing me at this hour, other than my brother and I had just been talking to him, I gave up on my thoughts and answered the telephone in my usual manner. "Hello, Alex Michaels."
"Hello Alexander, its nice to hear your voice." I stiffened.
"Its nice to hear you too Father. How are you?" I responded coldly.
"I'm well, thank you. I already know of your exploits, I have heard you have found yourself suitable employment; your mother said you were happy about it. It doesn't surprise me you're working in the music business Alexander..." I shivered once more at my full name, my dad is the only person who has ever called me by it.
"Please, let's not go down that road father. It pays extremely well and although its hard work, I'm enjoying myself." I tried, as I had many times before, to explain the situation rationally to him.
"I'm glad you're happy" he sneered. "I suppose I'm keeping you up. I wouldn't want to do that, what with you being so busy and all." I could virtually hear him smirking.
"Goodnight father." I breathed a sigh of relief as I put the phone down.
I didn't manage to get to sleep very quickly that night; my eyelids only drooped closed as the first light of dawn shone through the crack in my curtains.
"Wake up you lazy bum! Its past lunch time for God's sake!" someone screamed at me. There were only three people who could possibly be in my bedroom, as there were only three people with keys to my apartment - my mother, my brother and Susie. The voice was too high pitched for a boy, or man should I say, and I'll be damned if it was my mother blaspheming like that. I smiled at the realization that my best friend was standing above me. I pulled the covers higher, up to my nose; only to have them yanked off me fractions of a second later. I groaned and opened my eyes slightly.
"My, haven't you grown since the last time I saw you in all your glory!" she giggled. At that my eyes shot open, I bolted upright in bed and surveyed my state of undress. I flipped myself over onto my stomach and groped around on the floor for my boxers; once I had found them I quickly pulled them on and turned to face my friend.
"Why don't you leave me alone you sick, perverted woman, and get me some coffee" I snarled.
"You weren't saying that the last time I was sitting on your bed, presenting myself to you" she grinned.
"The last time was when I was 16! And if I remember correctly..." I began to laugh "...I was about to fuck you!" I scrunched up my nose at the thought.
"Ah, those were the days... I remember the first time we did it, you couldn't work out which way to put the condom on!" she teased.
"Hey! I wasn't that bad. It wasn't my fault I was an upper class, naive, British boy... besides I never heard you complaining." I defended myself.
"Well you were cute, you still are..." she flirted.
"Why don't you get some breakfast..." I changed the subject, looking at the clock beside my bed, "...or lunch or whatever. I'll take a quick shower and be out in minute. There should be enough in the kitchen to put something together." I walked towards the bathroom leaving Susie sitting on the bed.
We were at the table in the kitchen eating some chicken salad that Susie had thrown together. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, she asked the inevitable question, "Why were you sleeping so late? I know you're not a morning person but putting waking up off until the afternoon isn't very productive. Especially when you say you have so much work."
"I didn't get to sleep very quickly last night... um... My dad called me." I almost whispered the last part.
"Oh, I'm sorry Sweetie. She stood from her chair, walked over to me, and squeezed my shoulder."
"Thanks, but I'm fine now. Honestly." I gave her a half-hearted smile that even a stranger could tell was fake, let alone my best friend. Thankfully, she decided to change the subject rather than pursue that line of questioning.
"So when do I get to meet the boys? I'm looking forward to getting up close and personal with Justin... He's so fine!" she practically began to drool.
"Sorry Darlin', I can officially confirm that he is taken by a certain blonde, chart topping singer" I grinned.
"Ugh! Spoil all my fun why don't you?" She noticed the time, "Speaking of fun being spoiled, its time for me to get back to the office." She kissed me on my forehead; I followed her from the kitchen and picked up my keys from the table next to the door. "Where are you going?" she gave me a questioning look.
"I need to grab some work from the compound..."
"You mean you have a job?" she feigned shock. I pushed her out of the door, slamming it behind us.
I was working at my desk, in my office, not my makeshift dining room/office in my apartment, I was in my very classy office in the Jive compound, with leather upholstery might I add. As I feverishly scribbled into a notebook, I glanced at my computer monitor, where the new e-mail icon had recently popped up. Luckily, one of the post-it notes there caught my eye,
'You said you would phone *NSYNC' 'You do wanna go out tonight, don't ya?'
I don't know why I tried to include some comedy in notes, as it always fell flat on its face. Anyone who came into my office, and made an effort to decipher my handwriting would doubtlessly think I was mad. I tore that particular note off, and checked the time. It was still only 4 o'clock, they would be in the studio until 6 tonight. I looked at the list of speed-dial numbers on the top of my phone. I had made a point of adding all of the guy's numbers to it. I tried Josh's cell first. It rang, and rang, and rang and then the his voicemail message began to play. I hung up. I tried Justin's phone next, but had the same problem. It was then that I realized that they must all be in the recording booth, if they weren't one of the others would have answered. It took me a few seconds to realize I could just leave a message for them at the studio.
I clicked through the address book on my computer, finding the studio's number relatively quickly. A receptionist answered on the fourth ring.
"Hello, Orlando Recording Studios. How may I help you?" she enquired politely.
"Hi, this is Alex Michaels, I'm *NSYNC's manger..." I began, before being cut off.
"I'm sorry Sir, but I can't give them a..." I was getting fed up with the people in that place.
"Would you just check the security list for me? I'm Alex Michaels, they're in 2A, and I believe the current security password is..." I flipped through some notes on my desk. "Chocolate fudge." I stated. It was up to the guys to think up the passwords, Johnny had mentioned that they often used the names of foods; they found them funny I guess.
"Excuse me a minute Sir, I'll check the list."
"Thank you!" I breathed a sigh a relief. I heard a few keystrokes and mouse clicks in the background and the woman got back to me very quickly.
"I'm terribly sorry for the trouble we caused you Sir. You must understand how careful we have to be. Now, what can I do for you?" At least she was apologetic.
"Could you transfer me to the production booth, in 2A, please?" I asked, not even sure if that was possible.
"Of course Sir, please hold." As soon as she had said that I was confronted with some classic hold music, Greensleaves.
"Studio 2A, Todd speaking." A deep male voice answered.
"Hi, this is Alex Michaels, *NSYNC's manager. Could I leave a message for them?" I asked.
"Well, would you like to speak to them? They're in between run-throughs at this moment." This guy was much more obliging than the receptionist. I thought about that and his question for a short time. I came to two conclusions, I had passed the security test, so now that they knew I was in some way related to a paying customer, they were being nicer. I explained my second thought to the guy on the phone.
"Um... Its Ok, I don't wanna break their rhythm and its not all that important..."
"I can patch you through to their headsets if you want - they're only teasing Joey anyway." I was surprised that they could even do that. It appeared that all my problems had been solved.
"Yeah, I'd appreciate that..."
"Hang on a tick..." he instructed. For a brief second I thought the line went dead, and then I heard the unmistakable sound of Justin's giggle. I was unsure of how to continue, but I did so anyway.
"Um... Guys, can hear me?" I started.
"Aghhh!" Justin screeched, I had to pull the phone away from my ear. "Shit Alex, you scared me half to death." He laughed, along with the others when they understood the situation.
"Hi, I just wanted to confirm tonight with you. I've made reservations at this little secluded restaurant, and then organized transport to a club in town." I told them my plans.
"Do you want us to meet you there?" questioned Lance, ever the practical one.
"It might be better if no-one drives. I don't really want an '*NSYNCer Caught Drink Driving' headline on my first week on the job. How about you all gather in one place and I'll send someone to pick you up."
"Joey's house!" The other four exclaimed.
"At Eight!" I added. "Sorry, but I've gotta go now, paperwork and all that. Could you tell Todd I'm done."
"Sure thing." JC confirmed. The line went dead, I was surprised at the speed of his reaction but thought nothing of it. I pulled out another notepad, and resumed my scribbling, placing the phone on the hook in the process.
The Maitre D' walked slowly over to the table I was sitting at, with my five guests in tow. The restaurant I had chosen was a small, rustic affair on the edge of town. I had taken a seat at the head of the table nearly 10 minutes ago, when I sat down I ordered two bottles of wine, one red, one white, and a large carafe of still water. My orders were now placed at the centre of the table in front of me. I stood as the guys neared, and was met with, mostly warm, greetings. Lance and Joey sat to my left, Justin and JC to my right, and Chris took the chair directly opposite me, at the other end of the rectangular table.
A waiter asked if anyone would like anything else to drink, the guys ordered two beers and two soft drinks, Lance seemed content to drink the wine. We were handed menus and after a few minutes of small talk, which was briefly interrupted by the same waiter to take our orders, we broke up into small groups to talk. Joey and Chris were having a rather animated discussion at the other end of the table, I could hear snippets of Justin and JC's conversation, about Britney evidently. Then there was Lance and I, when we were left to our own devices we were consumed by an awkward silence, but soon after we found a common ground. It appeared that we were getting along quite well.
"...We were at this record release party, I forget whose album it was, I haven't heard of them since; Josh was downing his beer and chatting up some girl at the bar. There I was in the middle of the dance floor with my butt being squeezed to death to my date, one of my prospective clients." He continued.
"For FreeLance?" I asked. He nodded in the affirmative. "I'll bet she wasn't very prospective after the articles in the tabloids the next day." I laughed.
"Damn right!" He agreed and laughed with me. "The band, that I can't remember the name of, was playing but Sheri and I were attracting more attention... it was at that point I tried to push her away. She must have been really mixed up, I think she took it as a good sign, she then shoved her tongue down my throat. I stood back and turned to walk away, she followed me and all the while there were hundreds of camera flashes directed at us. She was lucky she was a she... I would've hit her otherwise!" He exclaimed.
"I say she's lucky you didn't bite her tongue clean off, imagine those headlines!" I giggled.
"Yeah! 'Lance Tyson - Eats Tongues Not Ears!'" He laughed.
Our laughter was interrupted by the arrival of our meals, we all tucked in. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Justin had finished his Coke, he was reaching for the white wine. I turned towards him and, with a straight face, raised an eyebrow. I presume this was the reaction that the rest of the group was expecting as well, as their conversations stopped and they all faced the two of us. Justin stared me in the eye, as if daring me to say something. I couldn't resist it.
"ID?" I questioned.
"Well... Um... Usually... I mean... The guys, they sort of..." As he attempted to stutter out his response it was my smile that betrayed me.
"Y... You know Alex... The guys, and... um... our other managers...", the corners of my mouth crept upwards, "...well, they let me drink... Not that much... Y'know, not enough to make me puke or anything..." I was now grinning, as were the others. Justin paused, glanced at each of the guys, then at me and finally understood the situation. "You bastard!" he shouted at me, causing the entire restaurant to look in our direction. The tension had also caused him to forget that he was still holding the bottle of wine; he dropped it onto the table, spilling it. I grabbed the bottle and turned it back upright. I then smiled and shrugged my shoulders at all the people who were looking at us.
"You're 21 now stupid! You don't have to lie any more!" I laughed.
The commotion also attracted the attention of the waiter, who came over to our table only to see Justin attempting to mop up the mess with a serviette.
"Could you pour for my friend, please? He's terribly clumsy." I smiled sweetly, causing several giggles from around the table. The waiter did as I asked and then assisted Justin.
The rest of the meal progressed smoothly. It ended in the inevitable argument over the bill - although I noticed Chris had no objections to my paying. I pacified the rest of them by telling them that they could pay for my drinks for the remainder of the night. We left restaurant in high spirits, *NSYNC gave a few signatures on the way out and joined me in the awaiting black people carrier. The only noticeable rift in our group was between Chris and I.
The car slowed to a stop, we could feel the vibrations of the heavy bass of the music even inside the vehicle. Joey looked out the window at the club and then at the line outside it.
"This place looks rockin'." He said, "Hey Alex, you get to experience one of the perks of working with such superstars."
"Uh huh, superstars!" I chuckled sarcastically. "Someone forgot to take their reality check pills this morning." I commented, to which I received no response. Joey and Chris were already stepping down onto the sidewalk. JC slid over to the door and jumped out, Lance followed him closely, muttering something along the lines of 'Well, I thought it was funny.' Justin and I were last, on getting out I told the driver not to wait for us, and that we would take cabs home. He nodded and drove off quickly once I had slammed the door shut behind Justin and myself.
I surveyed the scene in front of me. Justin stood next to me, presumably doing the same as I was, the other four were casually walking past the line of 200 or more people waiting for admission to the club. They were receiving several groans of annoyance and angry glares, however, the majority of the people queuing seemed genuinely happy that they would be dancing in presence of fame.
I placed the palm of my hand on Justin's back and urged him forward, he complied. We skipped the queue, just as the other guys had, and walked directly towards the bouncer on the door, who was taking great pride in opening his velvet rope for a bunch of young girls. As we approached him he checked the clipboard he was holding and smiled.
"Ah, Mr. Timberlake... a pleasure" he shook Justin's hand, "And Mr. Michaels" he simply nodded in my direction, "I realize this is unusual, but we're having a clamp down, so could I see some ID, please?" I reached into pocket for my wallet, un- phased, until I yelped in pain, as Justin stamped down hard on my foot.
"What the fuck did you do that for Justin?" I shouted at him.
"I'm sorry Alex, it was accident, c'mon you better sit down for a bit" he lied, pulling me towards the steps outside a nearby fire exit.
"No, its alright, let's just get in there..."
"No! I insist!" he dragged me away from the bouncer, who looked perplexed by Justin's actions. I was pushed down onto the step, and soon joined by Justin. "Honestly Alex, you're kind of slow." He offended me.
"You trod on my fucking foot! What the hells wrong with you?" I asked through gritted teeth.
"I was trying to cause a distraction. Alex, he asked for ID! I don't have any! I'm never asked for ID - I'm famous!" He explained.
"Oh..." I grinned in understanding. "In that case you're gonna be one lonely pop star tonight." I stood, noting the shocked expression on his face. I turned towards the club entrance, but instead of moving towards it, I spun back to face the steps where Justin was sitting. "On second thoughts..." he exhaled loudly, and stood to join me.
"You had me going for a second there." He said, as his breathing returned to normal.
"If I can get us onto the guest list of this place, then don't you think I'd be able to actually get us in there too?" I removed my cell phone from my pocket, and dialed a series of numbers.
"Hi. Jean Paul?"
"Yes, who is this?" he inquired in his French accent.
"It's Alex. We're... uh... having some problems getting in." I explained to my friend.
"D' Accord. I'll be down to greet you now, mon ami." He slipped into his native tongue.
"I'll see you soon, thanks Jean. Bye." And all I could hear was the dial tone.
I replaced my cell phone and nodded at Justin. I walked over to the bouncer, and just as he was about to speak, I saw my friend Jean Paul coming out of the club. The big guy on the door turned to see his boss standing behind him; he nodded and said something, which I couldn't hear. I moved towards the two of them, turning back towards Justin, indicating to follow me. The Frenchman smiled warmly and extended his hand, which I readily accepted.
"It's good to see you again, my friend." He greeted me.
"You too Jean Paul. It's been a long time." I replied. "This is Justin, I'm now managing him and his band mates." I introduced them. Justin responded with a 'Hi', and my foreign friend, and club owner permitted us to enter his domain.
"Now I would be honored if you and Justin would join me in the VIP lounge. Oh, and before you say anything, I know of your other friends. They are waiting for you inside." He smiled and raised his arm, indicating for us to go ahead, I did so and Justin followed eagerly. As I had visited the club on several occasions I knew my way and walked quickly through the crowds of sweaty bodies on the dance floor. I reached a set of double doors, and looked back to see Justin, but no Jean Paul. Justin must have realized my concern as he pointed over to the bar, where the club owner was involved in a heated conversation with a barman. I shrugged, as talking or even shouting over the music would have been impossible, and proceeded to open the doors. Justin followed and closed the door behind us, suddenly the thumping beat of dance music stopped and we were shrouded in silence. Justin looked puzzled and turned back to the doors, giving them a close inspection.
"They're heavily soundproofed." I explained as I climbed the staircase in front of us.
"Oh" he said simply, and bounded up the stairs two at a time to catch up with me.
Two hours later, Justin, Joey and I were sitting on the barstools in the executive lounge. I was explaining how I had come to know the owner of such a prestigious club to them. "He had a really good upbringing in France, his family lives in a villa in the mountains near Marseille. His father was the local doctor and Jean was expected to carry on the tradition. However, when it came to the crunch of having to cut people open and all that gruesome stuff he couldn't do it, he dropped out after the first year of university." I poked my tongue out and scrunched up my nose at the thought of the scalpels and blood. Justin giggled at my expression and downed another shot. "So, his family didn't like it but were still supportive and gave him all the money he needed to travel the world, and that's what he did."
"Where do you come in?" Joey asked.
"I'm getting to that. He reached the U.S., well, here to be specific and fell in love with the town. He phoned his parents, told them to ship all of his stuff over here and that was that. Until, he realized that someday he would run out of money so he in enrolled in a business management course." I explained.
"You mean the same one you did? So that you could manage bands?" he caught on.
"Yeah, we sort of helped each other out. He assisted me with all the maths and economics sections, which I wasn't very good at. I taught him, or at least improved upon, his English skills." I finished the story. Joey smiled at the explanation, but soon his expression turned into a frown as Justin downed another one.
"Barkeep!" Justin shouted, "Get me another few of these!" he held up his shot glass.
"Uh... Justin, I don't think that's..." I began, but stopped when Joey whispered into my ear.
"Leave him Alex, he needs to learn for himself." I looked back at Joey, and after a moment's contemplation I found that I agreed with him. I waved for the barman to get Justin his Tequila.
A short time later we were rejoined by Lance, Chris and JC, who were sweaty from dancing. JC spoke first. "Hey guys, its getting late, we ought to be getting moving."
"Nope. I ain't going nowhere! I've gotta finish all my..." he surveyed the bar in front of him, seeing six full shots he slurred the end of his sentence "...all my drinks." The three band members, who had recently joined us, seemed shocked at his condition. Joey stood and pulled them aside to explain the situation. When they returned it was Chris who explained their plans, albeit in his concise, cold manner.
"We're going. Lance is staying to look after Justin, 'cos he's drunk the least. You can join us or not. We don't care." JC elbowed him.
"I'm staying too. I don't care how drunk he gets but the second he gets photographed like this it becomes my problem. I don't feel like dealing with bad PR right now." I stated. The members of *NSYNC who were leaving said their goodbyes and made their exit, leaving Lance and I, and one very drunk Timberlake.
"I ... I think I'm done now guys." Justin croaked from his position above the toilet bowl. I walked over, and knelt next to him.
"Are you sure?" I checked. He nodded, before turning green and emptying the remainder of his stomach's contents down the pan. Once he had finished, I wiped his mouth with a towel, while Lance helped him to his feet.
"Ok, now I'm done." He repeated, and between the two of us we dragged him out of his bathroom and into the bedroom. We eased him onto the bed, and I motioned towards him.
"You know him, you can strip him. I'll go get him a bucket or something." I told Lance.
I returned to find him pulling the covers up to Justin's neck. I placed the bucket that I was carrying next to the bed. I also put down a glass of water and two aspirins on his side table. Justin mumbled his thanks and was soon fast asleep. Lance waved for me to follow him out, and I did so. We closed Justin's front door behind us, and Lance phoned for a cab on his cell, as both of us still had too much alcohol in us to drive ourselves. We sat on the curb in front of Justin's house, I thought over our situation, the cab would be here soon and it was a forty minute ride to Lance's place, but only five to mine. I checked my watch, '3.15' it was too late to let him go right to the other side of town.
"Lance..."
"Alex..." we both started at once, but it was me that continued.
"Lance, its quarter past three, you won't get home until four, at the earliest. Why don't you come back to my apartment? The guest room is all made up and its only five minutes down the road." I asked him.
"Thanks Alex, I was gonna ask you what we were going to do... I really appreciate it." He smiled warmly at me.
At that moment the cab pulled up alongside us, we got in and gave the driver my address. We sat in virtual silence; Lance was looking out the window and appeared deep in thought, I did not feel the need to interrupt him. We were at my apartment building very quickly; Lance paid the cab driver before I could. I let us into the building and we rode the elevator up to my apartment, which occupied the entire third floor. After opening the door, I placed my keys, wallet and cell phone on the table next to the door. Lance followed me in and flopped down onto the sofa. I smiled at him, he returned it and asked,
"So, where do I sleep?"
"The guestroom's just over there" I pointed "Do want to go straight to bed, or do you fancy a nightcap?" I pulled a bottle of Jack Daniels from the drinks cabinet and waved it him.
"I suppose I could manage one." He grinned. I poured the drinks and take them over to Lance, I handed him his, and then sat next to him on the sofa. We sat in silence for a few minutes before I decided to strike up a conversation.
"I can understand why Chris doesn't like me, although it annoys me like hell. What I can't understand is why the other four of you accepted me so quickly. Ok, so JC is a nice guy and gave me a break, but it was like talking to totally different people the day after we met." I furrowed my brow in thought.
"Uh... well... I hate to steal JC's thunder, but it might be something to do with me." He appeared embarrassed. "I know the paper work wasn't very up to date, I know I, or we, couldn't manage to do it alone. We needed a manager, I sort of helped JC to convince Justin and Joey. And as for Chris, he's..."
"... only being protective of the four of you. He's the oldest he feels obliged to, and in actual fact he probably doesn't hate me as much as he appears to." I finished for him.
"Um... yeah," curiosity thick in voice.
"I am... was... a psychiatrist remember? I spent years learning how to analyse people and Chris is easy. Then again, so are Justin and Joey - they both suffer from severe big kid syndrome. JC is sincere, a good friend to have, but keeps himself to himself, simply because that's the way he likes it." I ran through the personalities of *NSYNC, as if I had known them for years. Lance seemed amused.
"Oh, so we're that easy to read are we? I think you're generalising slightly, but you are pretty close to the mark on all accounts." He chuckled.
"You're wrong there Lance. You aren't all that easy to read. The other four are, the record company has loads on them, and they make their opinions known. They know all there is to know about them. They have relatively nothing on you. I have relatively nothing on you." I said seriously, yet his bemused expression did not change.
"Really? Want to get to know the real Lance Bass do you?" He grinned.
"You pipe up whenever you need to say something, you speak when spoken to, but you don't.... won't get into arguments. You prefer to simply sit back in your chair and let the rest of the guys fight it out over the top of you. You zone out occasionally and appear to be deep in thought, although as far as I know you don't have anything that major to think about. Most of the time, you just watch the world go by." I paused as the realization hit me. "You're trying to see where you fit in. You have all this...." I waved my arms "...but you still have to do something else in life, and you don't know what it is..." I trailed off. Lance's smile had long since faded into an emotionless face - impossible to read.
I sat next to him on the couch, finishing my drink. He said nothing, and it soon became apparent that he wasn't planning on saying anything any time soon. I stood, not wanting to push him, and walked towards my bedroom door.
"I'm going to bed now Lance, I'll see you in the morning. Good night." I stepped through the door and closed it behind it me. I stripped my clothes off and stepped into the en suite bathroom, remembering to lock the other door in there, which lead into the guest room. I brushed my teeth, and unlocked both doors before climbing into bed. As I was laying there in the silence, I was finally able to finish my earlier line of thinking... 'Maybe you don't know what it is Lance, or maybe you do... and you're keeping it to yourself.'
End Chapter 3