| Chapter Thirty-one The party was just getting started when we walked in. I spotted Justin and Lance immediately, smiling at me michevously. I waved and AJ led me to our table, which was on the opposite side of the room from the guys. I sat for a while talking to AJ and Howie, Nick arrived shortly after with an attractive brunette on his arm, followed by Kevin and Brian with their wives. The moment Joey walked in the door I could feel his presence, I turned to find him looking at me. Justin had been right, he looked terrible. He gave me a slight smile and made his way to the table he was sharing with the other guys. "Hey Tiff, are you in there?" AJ asked pulling my chin so that I was looking at him. He was smiling widely. "Carson just asked you if you want to dance." I looked up to see Carson Daly standing over AJ's shoulder. I nodded and he led me to the dance floor. "Boy you and Joey could light a fire in here." He said laughing softly as we danced. "What do you mean?" I asked blushing. "I saw the way you two were looking at each other. I have never felt so much love pass between two people with just a look." He looked at me intently. "Joey and I have been over for a long time now Carson. What you saw was 15 years worth of friendship down the drain." We continued to dance quietly and when the song was over I was swept into JC's arms. "Hey you, I didn't even see you come in." I smiled up at him. "I came in with Joey Tiff, you were looking right at us....well right at him anyway." He smiled softly."So are you having fun?" "Yeah this is great." I said halfheartedly. "That was convincing." He laughed. "Don't worry, I'm sure the night will get better." He nodded over my shoulder and I was turned into AJ's arms. "Having a good time?" He asked. "Yeah, you?" "Well it would be better if you were happy." "What do you mean? I'm happy." "Tiffany come on, it's AJ you are talking to. I saw the way you looked at Joey, I can't believe the love in your eyes. You are obviously still in love with him." I looked into his eyes and he didn't look mad. "We had fun, and I would love to continue to have fun with you but I can't give you what you want, or need." I nodded my eyes filling with tears. "We did have fun didn't we?" I asked, the tears spilling over. "Hey hey, don't cry." He whispered wiping the tears away softly. "I'm sorry." I replied, trying to laugh. We retreated to our table and sat with the others. Justin came to me not long after I had sat down and pulled me out of my chair looking angry. We went to the dance floor and he pulled me close. "Did AJ make you cry?" "No, he just made me see the truth." I replied. "I love Joey so much Justin." "I know you do sweetheart, and he loves you." I laid my head on his shoulder and continued to dance. I spent the rest of the evening dancing with the people I knew, and some that I didn't. It turned out to be a great night. Towards the end of the night I started to get tired and was ready to go. I couldn't find AJ anywhere so I sat and waited at our now empty table. The lights went very low and AJ walked out onto the stage set up at the front of the hall. "This has been a fantastic night for all of us. We just wanted to say thank you to MTV for making it possible." Everyone cheered. "There are a couple of live songs that we are going to perform for all of you if you don't mind." Cheers again. "I would first like to ask Tiffany to come out onto the dance floor." I blushed furiously and stayed in my seat. "Tiffany come out here, please." I finally got up and walked to the floor. "Now we need a dance partner for her...hmmmmmmmmm. Anyone have any idea who could dance with her?" Suddenly there were cheers all around and I turned to see Joey walking onto the dance floor. He smiled at me for the first time in months and I thought I was going to pass out. |