I walked into work on Monday, ready for another busy week. I was actually looking forward to focusing my attention elsewhere and not dwelling over the drunken kiss JC had given me, like I had all weekend. He probably didn’t remember it and even if he did, he was too busy enjoying someone else’s company apparently. All I really wanted was our friendship to still be intact, even if I had shed tears and felt a hole in my heart over the whole situation. I knew it was silly of me though to think that I could actually be the one for him, so I was just going to try my best to put feelings aside.

I hadn’t heard from JC since and I just hoped it wouldn’t be awkward when he did contact me. Sometimes he could be hard to read and sometimes oblivious to the reality of what was really going on. I told myself that I was going to have to hold it together when I heard from him next.

On the other hand, I had heard from Matthew on Saturday night, asking me if we could grab coffee soon. I told him that Monday worked, so I was scheduled to meet him at Starbucks tonight. I wondered how this second date would turn out, but I was trying to be optimistic. I didn’t want to rule anything out just yet between him and I.

I stepped into my office with some orange juice and a muffin and took a seat at my desk, ready to begin my day and work week for that matter. I knew I had to get my mind off of men, two in particular, and focus on what had to be done. I turned my computer on and then signed onto my email once it was fully loaded. I nibbled at my muffin as I read over some emails regarding fittings and events that needed my attention. I also washed down the muffin with the orange juice, feeling a little more awake and alert.

“Good morning, Everly.” I heard from the doorway and looked up to see Nathaniel.

I set my juice down and smiled. “Morning, Nathaniel.”

“So, I didn’t hear anything over the weekend. How did your date with Matthew go?” I could see that he was bursting at the seams for information.

“It went well. He surprised me with a performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the studio beforehand. We had a nice dinner and took a little stroll.” He smiled.

“Yeah, that’s all nice and dandy, but did he kiss you?” I chuckled then, loving how he wanted no nonsense and just wanted the dirt.

“Uh…well….yes.” I nodded my head. “He did kiss me. It was short and sweet, but not bad at all.”

“You go girl!” Nathaniel grinned widely and fist pumped into the air.

I shook my head. “I do what I can. In fact, we’re meeting at Starbucks tonight for our second date.”

“You lucky duck. I hope things keep going in the right direction.”

“Thanks. I’m just going to go with the flow and see what happens.” Nathaniel nodded his head.

“That’s all you can do, honey. I wouldn’t do anything too drastic just yet. You don’t want to lose your chance with Matthew Morrison because you jumped the gun.”

I chuckled. “Says the man who wanted to sleep with Pierre for some clothes.”

“We haven’t slept together yet and we haven’t even scheduled another date yet. So don’t be making me into a manwhore just yet.”

“Okay..okay.” I tore another piece off of my muffin and popped it into my mouth.

Nathaniel took a seat at my desk then and I looked at him curiously. I sensed he had more to talk about and waited for him to speak.

“Lucy told me that you spoke with Randy Jackson on Friday. What was that about?” It dawned on me then that I hadn’t told my friend about the prospective position.

“Oh…well the thing is that they’re going to hire a new wardrobe stylist for ABDC this season and JC had mentioned my name. So Randy came over here to meet me and take a look at a my resume.”

I watched at Nathaniel’s jaw dropped and his eyes went wide. He didn’t say anything for a moment and then squealed.

“Oh my god, Everly! That’s so amazing. You’re such a lucky bia these days.” I shook my head.

“I don’t have the job yet. I’m still waiting to hear back.” I watched him roll his eyes.

“Puh-lease. They’d be idiots not to hire you. I feel like your life has done a 180 in a very short amount of time.”

“Thanks and you’re right. A lot has happened recently between getting back into the dating game and possibly scoring a career changing position.” He nodded his head.

“Mmhmm and I’d like for some of your luck to rub off on me.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“It’s not like I really did anything. JC made it all possible.” Once the words left my mouth, I realized they were true. Without JC, I wouldn’t have had either opportunity.

Nathaniel grinned. “Oh yeah, that is pretty much true. Maybe you need to set up a time for me to see him again so he can give me good luck too.”

I laughed. “Mmhmm.”

“That man is delicious. I wish I could get him to come out of the closet.” A twinkle lit up in Nathaniel’s eyes.

I laughed again. “Don’t think that’s happening. I’m like 95% sure he’s seeing someone. He had a late night female visitor on Friday.”

“Ohhhh…and how do you know? Do tell.” I silently cursed to myself then, realizing I shouldn’t have said anything.

“Well….I saw JC after my date with Matt. He texted me by mistake and I went over to his house thinking he needed me. Turns out he meant to text the mystery girl who came to visit him right as I was leaving his place.”

Nathaniel rubbed his hands together and listened attentively, looking enthralled over this ‘juicy gossip’ I was sharing. He had a tendency to be interested in other people’s lives, especially celebrities’ love lives.

“I can’t believe he texted you by mistake. Was he drunk?” I gasped a little, impressed at my friend’s ability to guess.

“Tipsy from some red wine.” I heard laughter escape Nathaniel’s lips then.

“Classic. So what happened while you hung out at his place?” I didn’t want to divulge the kiss, but I knew if I could confide in anyone about it, he was the one I could tell.

“JC was in his own little happy place and asked me to cuddle with him in is bed. Somehow things got a little strange and he kissed me.”

Nathaniel gasped then. “No way!”

“Yes way.” I said softly.

“You lucky bia! You got kisses from Matthew Morrison and JC Chasez in the same day.”

“Well yeah, but…its not like it meant anything to JC. He probably doesn’t even remember it.”

“Did he initiate it?” I nodded my head.

“So he wanted to kiss you.”

“Not necessarily. He just wanted to taste my cherry lip gloss, plus he was tipsy.” Nathaniel’s face dropped.

“Oh…then maybe it didn’t mean anything. He probably wouldn’t set you up with Matt, if he was interested in you himself.”

“I know and like I said he’s got to be seeing someone else. It was just a fluke of a kiss.”

“Well….were his lips soft and luscious? Perfect against yours?” I sighed, knowing very well that it had been an amazing to feel JC’s lips upon my own.

“Yes. I think he has the best set of lips I’ve ever kissed.” Nathaniel sported a dreamy look on his face then.

“Mmmm…I can only imagine.” I chuckled.

“You’re something else.” He then grinned at me.

“You know it. So….you keep me updated on the boy front. I’m pretty intrigued by your whole Matt and JC love triangle.”

“It’s not really a love triangle.”

“But it could turn into one.” Nathaniel winked and then he stood up, pushing the chair in.

I shook my head. “Getting back to work?”

“Yeah. I have Kristen Stewart arriving at any moment for a dress. I have to figure out how she’s going to get me hooked up with Robert Pattinson.”

“Yeah…yeah.” I chuckled and then waved him out of my office.


When lunchtime rolled around, I was happy to take a breather. I had fit two clients into outfits, as well as put together a look for a client coming in after lunch. I hadn’t received any phone calls or texts yet and I didn’t mind not having the distractions. It was nice to not be bothered or stuck on the phone, while trying to finish tasks. I was curious though if Randy Jackson had made up his mind yet and was hopeful I’d receive a call soon.

I ate at my desk, having another homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwich, along with Sun-Chips. I munched away on my food as I decided to play around on Youtube and find some entertaining videos. I could always use a laugh during my lunch break.

It was after I watched a couple comedic videos, that I heard my phone alert me of a text message. I reached for it and flipped it open. I spied JC’s name and opened the message.

Hey Everly. Randy’s announcing the new stylist today. Let me know if you hear anything.

I was happy to find out that the deicision would be made and I wouldn’t be worrying about it for much longer. I also sensed JC’s support still and I knew even if we were ‘just friends’ that I couldn’t hold anything against him. I decided to text him back.

Hi JC. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything.

I set my phone down and a moment later, another text was received.

Did I kiss you on Friday night?

I froze, almost wanting to lie to him, but I had to be honest. His memory needed to be refreshed with the truth.

Yes, you did. You had a lot of wine though.

Another moment passed and another response came.

Okay. Sorry. I vaguely recalled it happening, but wasn’t sure. I didn’t mean for it to happen. Sorry, if I made you uncomfortable.

With him apologizing about the kiss, I knew I’d been right all along. He had had a tipsy moment of want and neediness, that was just that. Nothing more.

Don’t worry about it. Things happen.

Even though it had been a big deal to me, I found myself just wanting to sugar coat it for him. I cared about him enough to not make him worry or put guilt on himself.

Thanks for being understanding. I hear you and Matt have a date tonight. Hope it goes well, honey.

All I could do was send a one word reply.

Thanks.

I really was looking forward to my date with Matt, but at the same time this texting session with JC was getting to me a little.

Welcome. Have fun and call me when you hear from Randy.

I nodded my head at nobody and assured him I would.

Don’t worry, Chasez. You’ll hear from me.

He then sent me a smiley face.

:)

I couldn’t help, but to smile then and let out a soft sigh. He could be cute without trying to be. I honestly adored him, even if what I wanted and what he wanted were two different things.

I’ll ttyl. Have a good day, JC.

He responded seconds later.

You too, honey. Later gator.

I put my phone away then and finished off the rest of my lunch. If only life were as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then we’d all have our soul mates without any fuss.


It was almost the end of the work day, when I found myself putting away clothes and hanging them back up neatly on hangers. I had finished my afternoon appointments and was ready to get home to change for my date with Matthew. I just had a few more things to hang up when my phone began to ring. I reached for it and saw an unfamiliar number on my caller id. Yet, I answered it anyways.

“Hello?” I answered and then heard the deep rumble of Randy Jackson’s voice on the other line.

“Everly, darling. It’s Randy. I’m calling you because we made a decision on the stylist position.”

“Hi, Mr. Jackson. I’m happy to hear from you.”

“Well I’m happy you picked up. ‘Cause guess what?” My heart raced a little then, realizing that this was the moment he’d announce whether I got the position or not.

“What?”

“You got the job, girl!” He screamed into the phone, sounding thrilled with the decision.

I couldn’t believe it and I almost dropped my phone, but just managed to hold onto it. I wasn’t sure that I’d get the job and I wasn’t sure about working with JC after all that had unfolded, but ultimately I had wanted it and now I could prove myself as a stylist. Now I had the platform that I needed and deep down I still wanted to see JC each week.

“Wow..thank you. Thank you so much. I’m honored to become apart of the ABDC crew now.”

Randy laughed. “You’re gonna kill it, girl. Out of everyone, I just got the best vibe from you and your resume, along with JC’s recommendation sent you over the top.”

I smiled, glad that someone saw something in me and that I being given the opportunity.

“That means a lot. Thank you, once again.” I heard noise in the background then, as if Randy was surrounded by other people.

“I’ve got to get going, Everly, but I’ll email you a bunch of stuff that you need, along with a schedule. We’ll be seeing each other real soon.”

“Alright, sounds great. Have a wonderful day.”

“You too.” I heard Randy say and then the line went dead.

I closed my phone and then let the news truly sink in. I was now the wardrobe stylist for ABDC. I never saw it coming, but was happy it was happening. Stylists dreamt of new avenues to show off their eye for fashion and now I had something special right in front of me.

I smiled, hanging up the last garment and then storing the rack of clothes away. I felt like I was walking on clouds and hoped nothing would ruin the rest of my day.


After I got home, I changed into a simple sweater and jeans for my date. I also applied more cherry lip gloss to my lips. I couldn’t rule out the possibility of sharing another kiss with Matthew, if things at Starbucks went as well as they did at Ketchup.

I felt almost confused, as I looked at myself in the mirror. I was trying to impress Matthew and he had impressed me. I felt a good vibe from him and I knew a connection was forming between us. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure if I could give my heart completely to him, with feelings for JC still strong in my heart. Yet, I knew I couldn’t make JC love me, if he didn’t want to. I knew I couldn’t snap my fingers and make it a perfect world. I had to get over any hopes that I had and I had to put my past behind me as well. I felt like my own worst enemy. I just needed to let life take its course and grab whatever happiness I could find.

I decided to call JC, seeing as I’d promised him I would. I waited for his smooth voice to pick up on the other line and smiled a little when it did.

“Hey, Ev. You got good news?” He asked with his voice laced with hope.

“In fact, I do. Randy called me just before I left work and he offered me the position.”

“That’s awesome! I’m so happy for you.” I smiled then, glad that JC was so thrilled for me.

“Thanks. I can’t wait. It’s going to be fun.” He laughed.

“You bet it will be. It’s always a blast backstage. Plus I know you’ll keep us all looking good.”

“I’ll try my best.”

“You don’t even have to try. You just will, honey.” I always felt good with the confidence that JC had in me and he inspired me to try harder and do my best. I just couldn’t imagine my life without him.

“Just thanks once again. Without you, I wouldn’t be coming apart of the ABDC family.”

“You earned it.” He assured me. “Never mind me.”

I looked at the clock in my bedroom then and realized I needed to leave shortly for Starbucks. Matt would be meeting me there soon.

“Well never mind you then.” He chuckled.

“Good. So….I was thinking I might come into Divine Threads this week to find another suit.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah…I’ve got another industry party to attend.”

“Well, I’ve always got time for you. Just come in, when you want.” He laughed.

“I knew you always had time for me. I’ll have to stop calling Lucy to book a time and just show up.”

“Whatever, Chasez.” I sighed. “I’ve actually got to go now.”

“Matt time, huh?”

“Yeah..”

“Okay, then I’ll let you go. I’ve got stuff to do too. Have a good night.”

“You too.” I said and then hung up.

I headed out of my apartment a moment later then, feeling happy and looking forward to seeing Mr. Morrison. A new position and a possible new love. Nathaniel was right about things looking up in my life. I just hoped that it wouldn’t all come crashing down on me and end up being too good to be true. I wasn’t sure what was to come and still had a fragile heart. Then there was the possibility of seeing JC again in the flesh this week and my heart skipped a beat. Damn him. My heart was messed up and my head knew better, but my heart wouldn’t have any of it…just yet.