| Chapter Twenty-eight AJ never asked me again that day about what had happened with Joey and I. I was relieved because I didn't feel like reliving the details to him. I spent most of the day in my hotel room. The guys were out doing interviews and promoting the new album and they wouldn't be back until late that night. I called Carly and my dad to let them know where I was and then curled up to watch T.V. I dosed off at some point and AJ came in while I was sleeping. I woke up to find his arms around me and pleased with the comfort he brought me I snuggled closer and fell back asleep. A few hours later I heard a cell phone ringing, I thought that mine was turned off so I ignored it. AJ thought that it was his phone ringing so he answered it. He found that it was my phone soon after though and he woke me because he was yelling at the person on the other end. "AJ what's wrong? Who is it?" I asked groggily. He handed me the phone and went into the bathroom, looking very upset. "Hello?" "So having a good time?" Joey asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Joey, what do you want?" I already didn't want to talk to him. "Well, I was calling to talk to you, but I guess you have someone else to talk to now huh?" His voice broke and my heart broke with it. "Joey, you hurt me in a way that no one ever has before. AJ is a good friend to me and I needed a friend. Why do you care anyway? It looked like you had someone to take care of you last night." "Tiff, you know what, forget it. I don't know what I ever saw in you, or why I fell in love with you. Good-bye." With that he hung up and I threw the phone across the room. It hit the wall and shattered. AJ hearing the noise came out of the bathroom. "Hey, sorry about that, what did he say to you?" "It's not important, he was just being a jerk. Are you ok?" He sat next to me and rubbed my back. "Yeah I'm fine, I just don't understand how you can know someone your whole life and then WHAM they turn into a different person overnight." I leaned into his shoulder and wrapped my arms around him. "I'm really sorry though." "You don't have to be sorry, I just wish I wouldn't have answered your phone." He laughed and tilted my chin up with his finger kissing me softly. "Hungry?" He asked, a familiar glint in his eye. "Famished." I laughed falling back onto the bed. He climbed on top of me and kissed me deeply trailing his hands along my body. I fell into the space between bliss and exhaustion a few hours later and we once again fell asleep together. The next day AJ and I holed up together the whole day. We ordered room service and watched a little TV. Although most of the day was spent in bed we did manage to eat and shower. The next week flew by and before I knew it, it was time for me to go back to work. I left the guys in Vegas and flew home. I had a lot to get done before I left and not a lot of time to do it. I talked to Lance and Justin at least once a week if not more, and they tried to act happy for me but I could tell that they were a little disappointed with my actions. My first shoot was in Orlando with Britney Spears. I was really looking forward to it because I had also known her years before. When I arrived at the studio I was shocked to see Justin there. I flew into his arms and couldn't believe how happy I was to see him. "Tiff, you look terrible." He said kissing my cheek. "Oh thanks Just I love a man who isn't afraid to give compliments. What are you doing here anyway?" "Britney and I are dating, didn't you know that?" "No! That's fantastic. Where is she anyway?" I asked scanning the room. "She's in make-up, she should be out in a few. So what's up with you? Still seeing AJ?" "Yeah, everything is good. Just have to get used to working again is all. How are the guys?" "Everyone is good, except Joey, he hasn't been very well at all." "Why, what's wrong with him?" I asked instantly worried. "He misses you sweetie, and by that reaction I would say he isn't the only one." |