CHAPTER THREE

~Julia~

I sat behind my desk and stared at the mounds of paper work that had to be done. I hate Fridays just about as much as I hate Mondays. I sighed as I attacked the piles of papers on our clients. I glanced at the picture of my father and I that was on my desk and was instantly thrown into the memory of when he gave up his partnership that he shared with my mother to me.

~Flashback~

I climbed out of the limo and looked at my father’s house. It was brightly lit with beautiful flowers all over the place. It looked like I was walking to a fairytale ball. I walked up the stairs and into the living room hearing my heels clicking on the tiled floor. I sighed as I continued back out to the backyard, which was also brightly lit and had dozens of gorgeous flowers everywhere. That’s when I saw him. My father was talking to some employees. I walked up to him to be greeted by a warm smile and a big hug.

“JULES! You made it!”

“Daddy, I wouldn’t miss your party for anything in the world.” I said as I kissed his cheek.

“Dinner is ready to be served Mr. Martin.” An elderly maid said and I smiled watching her smile light up when she saw me. “Why hello Julianne. I am happy to see you again.”

“Hello Anna. It’s been a couple of years. College does that.” I said with a giggle as my father escorted me to the dining room.

The room was festive. It was filled with balloons and flowers, streamers and banners. Daddy was always like that. Employees from Martin Inc. were all ready gathering around the gigantic table that my father had most likely bought for this party.

I was sitting across from my mother and my father sat at the head of the table to my left. After the main course was served my father stood to make an announcement that would forever change my life and his. Though no one would have suspected that, we just thought it was an ordinary toast.

“Attention all associates. I have a very important announcement to make. As you all know for the past thirty years my partner and wife, Barbara, has helped me run Martin Inc.  It was always my dream to help youngsters achieve theirs either through dance, music, or film, but my health is failing me and it’s time for me to move on which means to pass my part of the company on.”

Everyone was listening. His words seemed to flow through one ear and out the other. Daddy’s company was his pride and joy. I know his health was getting worse but he just couldn’t give up his dream. That wasn’t like him.

“My dream will still live on.” It was like he was reading my mind. “I would like to introduce my wife’s new partner. This person is over qualified but knows the business probably better then me. Julianne, I am passing my partnership and my half of the business to you. I know you will keep my dream alive.”

Tears fell from my eyes as I rose to stand next to my father. “Daddy I am deeply honored. Yes, I will accept the business and I promise to keep your dream alive.” I hugged him and kissed his cheek while the employee’s clapped in approval.

A couple of years later, Daddy passed away.

Ms. Martin, line three is for you.”

Jennifer’s voice brought me out of my thoughts. I buzzed out to her.  “Who is it?”

“Fatima Robinson.” Was the reply I received.

“Thanks Jennifer.” I answered as I picked up the phone. Out of habit I reached out and grabbed my planner opening it for today. “Hello Fatima. Pause Yes I can meet you there with Chrissy. Pause Eleven o’clock is fine. Pause Okay. Thank-you. Bye.” I hung up the phone. ”Nine o’clock” I thought as I picked up the phone and dialed Chrissy’s number knowing she was probably still in bed. After a few rings a sleepy Chrissy answered.

“Hello.”

“Chrissy its Jules.”

“Jules, it’s nine in the morning. What’s up? You never call this early.”

“Chrissy you have a job!”

“What was your first clue Jules?” I heard the annoyance as it soon turned into sarcasm. “It’s called Disney.”

“Chrissy! Listen to me! You got the job!”

There was silence on the other end and then the screaming started. “JULES ARE YOU KIDDING? YOU HAVE TO BE! MY ALL TIME FAVORITE GROUP WANTS ME AS A BACK UP DANCER? OMG!”

“Chrissy calm down. Actually they want you as a lead.”  More screams came over the phone as I pulled it away from my ear. “Be at Orange County Studios at Eleven.” I said when she calmed down.

“Bye Jules.” She said as she hung up the phone.

I hung up my phone and smiled. I picked up the picture of my father and I. “As I promised Daddy, one more person has gotten a chance.” I placed the photo back and continued working until I had to leave and meet Chrissy at Orange County Studios.

~Chrissy~

I jumped out of bed and ran down the hall of my apartment to Madison’s room. I threw open his bedroom door and jumped on him.

“Madman wake up!”

“Chrissy get off!” he said as he pushed me off of him and onto the bed. “Go away.” He rolled over away from me.

“Madison.” I said as I rolled him back over then sat on my legs. “I got it! I got the job!”

He shot up into a sitting position almost knocking me over. “You got it!?

“Yes! The Backstreet Boys want ME as a lead Madison! A LEAD!”

He pulled me into a giant hug. “Congratulations sis!”

“I have to be there at eleven to sign my contract! Madison it’s happening!”

“Yes. Yes it is.” He said while hugging me.

~Brian~

“They what!?”

“Baby please. It’s just for this leg. Just show you still have the moves and they’ll put you back as a lead.”

“You are supposed to make sure I don’t have to defend my spot!”

“Baby. It’s an earned spot. You are always supposed to defend it. That’s what being a lead dancer is all about.”

“Brian get the hell out of here! I’ll talk to you later!”

“Stephanie!” I caught my jacket just as she threw it at me. “Fine. I’ll see you later.” I walked out the door at about the time Howie pulled up to get me. I got in the car and we left. I just stared out the window. I hate it when we fight and we constantly do it.

“Rok what’s wrong?”

“She’s extremely mad at you guys for giving her spot to Chrissy. She said it’s my job to make sure she keeps her lead position.”

“Brian, it’s not. You know we all are right. Chrissy is too good to be a back up. She deserves a lead and Stephanie is using you to keep hers.”

I shot Howie a dirty look. “She is not using me. She just hasn’t practiced in a while and she’s right, I should have said something in her defense.”

“Whatever man.”

We rode the rest of the way to Orange County Studios in silence. Deep down I knew Howie was right but I couldn’t help but hope we were both completely wrong.

~Chrissy~

I pulled into Orange County Studios at a quarter til eleven. I entered the lobby and sat down. I was dressed in a pair of khaki pants with a baby blue baby-tee on. I hope it wasn’t too casual. My long hair was down and of course my sunglasses were on top of my head holding my hair out of my face. I was hoping to catch Nick because I wanted to invite him to my sister and brother-n-law’s party tomorrow. He was the first person to reach out to me and it meant a lot to me.

“Hey sexy.”

I looked up to see Nick standing in front of me. “Why thank you Nick.”

“Why are you here so early?”

“Because I was waiting for my new best friend. Have you seen him?”

“Ummmm…. No. What’s this person’s name? I’ll issue a search party for ya.”

I got laughing. “Actually it’s Nickolas.”

“Really? Well ya know that’s my name.” He said while he took a seat next to me.

“Well I guess that means I’m waiting for you.”

He laughed, “Well thank you Chrissy. Here I am. So whatcha want with me?”

“Well, tomorrow my sis is having a party and I was wondering if you would like to go.”

“Awesome. Yeah I’ll go.”

“Cool! It’s a pool party. I can give you directions there later.”

“Hey look! Nick found her!”

I looked up to see Kevin and AJ walking towards Nick and me.

“Hey guys.” I said when they reached us.

“Hello Chrissy.” AJ said.

“Is Fatima here yet?” Kevin asked after he waved to me.

“She’s in the conference room getting the paper work ready.” Nick replied.

“Fatima’s ready.” Howie said as he walked up. “Brian is in there all ready.”

We all headed into the conference room. Kevin and AJ walked directly behind Howie while Nick and I took up the rear.

~Kevin~

When we reached the conference room I noticed Brian sitting in the corner by himself with his head in his hands. I walked over to him to see if I could help.

“Hey cuz!”

“Hey Kev.” He sounded really depressed. I figured I wouldn’t pry. I knew he would tell me when he felt ready to.

“They are ready to start, we are only waiting for Julia.”

“Thanks. I’ll stay here until then.”

“Okay.” I turned and joined Chrissy, Nick, and AJ at the front of the room. Howie was talking to Fatima about an idea he came up with. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Chrissy walk over to Brian who was now leaning against the wall. She hugged him, and they both started laughing as she dragged him over to us.

“Hey looky who I found!” she exclaimed to the group when they reached us. “He was trying to disappear but I stopped him.”

We all laughed at how silly she was being.

“Did not!” Brian shot back while Chrissy stuck her tongue out at him.

“Did too!”

I stifled a laugh. They were acting like they were brother and sister. He reached over and tickled her. “Did not!”

“AHHH! Not fair!” she said as she tried to get away but Nick blocked her in. “Definitely not fair!”

Fatima came to her rescue. “Hey guys. Let’s get started. Julia is here now.”

The signing didn’t take long. It was about twelve-thirty when Chrissy finished with the paperwork she had to sign. We all decided to go to lunch when it was all finished.

~AJ~

“Where shall we go for lunch?” I asked when we reached the lobby. We all placed our light jackets on in hopes to stay warm in the crisp November air.

“I’m just hungry. The first place I see I’m stopping, with or without you guys.”

“Dang Chrissy. I guess food comes before friends huh?” Nick said teasing her.

“Yep. Well… I passed a McDonald’s about a half a mile from here as I came here. I could go for a Big Mac.” Chrissy said.

“Let’s go!” I said. The others just gave her a look saying ‘Why’d you have to say McDonald’s.’

“Who’s riding with who?” Kevin asked.

“Who drove what?” Nick asked in return.

I continued to head to my Expedition letting them choose. “Hey let’s all ride with AJ! He has a big enough ride!” I heard Chrissy say knowing she was but a few feet behind me.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Howie’s right. AJ, you’re driving.” Kevin said.

I sighed and unlocked my door. Chrissy slid something into my pocket before she ran and climbed into the passenger seat. I didn’t think anything of it. By the time we got back to Orange County Studios it was near two. We all said our goodbyes and I left.

When I got home I reached into my pocket and felt what Chrissy slid into it. I pulled it out. I unfolded the piece of paper and read what it said.

AJ

Here is a twenty for the gas you used. Thanks for being a sport and driving to lunch. See ya Monday for rehearsal.

Chrissy

Sure enough there was a twenty-dollar bill in the letter. I looked at it and sighed. “This girl is full of surprises.” I thought as I placed it back into the letter. I went into my little office and put the letter in my lock box knowing that I would never spend the money.

~Saturday~

~Chrissy~

I logged on the computer in hopes that Rissa would be on. I had to let her know I couldn’t make the concert with her. Sure enough she was on.

HOWIEsGRL: Boo!

AJsLADY: Hey girlie! What’s up?

HOWIEsGRL: Nothing much. How about you?

AJsLADY: Nothing here either. I got some bad news though.

HOWIEsGRL: Really. What?

AJsLADY: I can’t make the BSB concert with you. I’ll be in Tampa at the same time but Friday night I have an important commitment that I have to be at for work.

 I sure hoped she believed me.

HOWIEsGRL: That means I am going by myself.

AJsLADY: I’m sry! I am sure Madison will go if you ask.

AJsLADY: I’ll still meet you at the hotel and we will still go to Bush Gardens.

HOWIEsGRL: That’s cool. So we’re still staying at the same hotel?

AJsLADY: Heck yeah! I upped the check in day for me so I’ll be there.

HOWIEsGRL: Okay. Sounds good to me.

AJsLADY: I’ll call you later. I have to go to Kay’s for a party. I love ya and miss ya. BFF

HOWIEsGRL: love ya and miss ya too. BFF

AJsLADY: Bye

HOWIEsGRL: Bye

I logged off and got dressed in my neon yellow bikini. I threw on a pair of black jean shorts and a white tank. I slipped on some white tennis shoes. I grabbed my keys and purse and headed to my sisters house. Madison was already there and I was happy that I could blare my BSB without objection all the way across town.