Thanks for the dope night.

You’re my favorite member of *NSYNC.

Xoxo Ximenia

PS- Call me anytime- 310-555-2858

JC ran his finger along the hotel stationary and couldn’t help but grin. He brought the small paper up to his nose and smelled the faintest trace of Patchouli and Vanilla hints from her perfume. She was... Brazilian? Columbian? He hadn’t the faintest idea, he just knew that she was exotic and fine as hell, just what the doctor ordered after a long flight from Orlando to New York City. Was he going to see her again? Maybe. Maybe not. He reached for his wallet on the nightstand next to the king-sized bed and folded the paper in a neat crease, slipping it inside his wallet. 

With a big sigh, he reached up, feeling his shoulders and neck pop and crack. The sigh turned into a contented moan as he looked over at the clock. It was shortly after noon. The blackout curtains of his hotel room contained most of the daylight attempting to creep into the room, but the tiniest peek of sunlight found its way along the floor. He knew it was late and he needed to get something to eat and get on with his day. It was fall and he was in New York City. There was plenty to be done before the band had an engagement later in the day. 

He stood up, shuffling his feet as he made his way to the curtains. A gentle pull spilled sunlight into the room, making him rub his eyes to adjust to the light. The night before was a blur, knocking back some drinks in the hotel bar after saying goodnight to the other members of his band, his brothers. His black haired lady of the night was there with friends. Before he knew it, they were dancing in the back corner of the swanky bar and she came upstairs with him. Before the sun rose, she was gone, just a lipstick-kissed note left behind . Just the way he liked it. 

An hour later, after a long shower and slowly meandering around the room to get ready, JC found himself sitting in a small cafe just down the street from the Waldorf Astoria. The cafe wasn’t crowded, it was something local and eclectic, just his kind of place. It was filled with locals, he assumed, who were minding their own business the way many New Yorkers did. The barista was wearing a black dress with a spider bun in her hair. JC grinned. It was Halloween after all, he thought, as he brought his chai latte up to his lips. He loved Halloween. Women wore next to nothing, liquor flowed, life was good. 

His coffee-induced daydreams were interrupted by a buzz of his phone. He glanced down and smirked, seeing Justin’s name cross the screen. 

Justin: How was Brazil last night?

JC laughed, shaking his head. He began to type. 

JC: Caliente. I’ll be ready to meet you at 8? You still wearing your SWAT costume?

Justin: That’s Spanish, not Portuguese bro. And yes. ready to assume the position, David Hasselhoff. 

JC let out another short laugh. He had stopped with Justin at a costume shop in Las Vegas a few weeks prior while the band was in the city for a quick radio date. They had both thought it would be brilliant to dress the other for Halloween. JC had selected a SWAT costume for Justin, metal handcuffs and all. Justin had chosen a Baywatch costume for him, complete with little red shorts and a white muscle tank. He knew they’d both look completely ridiculous, but they were going to a fashion show at a warehouse in Soho, complete with models and women who probably just wouldn’t care how they were dressed. 

He finished his Chai and cleaned up his space, leaving his cups and dish from his sandwich near the garbage. He left the barista a casual wave, lifted the hood of his grey hoodie over his head and walked down the street. The cool fall air felt refreshing, and the light breeze blew against his face. Around him, people mulled about, going about their business. A few couples walked hand in hand, one stood stopped in front of a Duane Reade. He could see the woman with folded arms while who he assumed was her boyfriend was yelling. It was definitely tense. He shook his head.  Add that to the list of reasons I’m happy I’m single, he thought.

***

Black lights glowed in the foyer of the converted warehouse in Soho, with the twinkle of orange and white lights along the perimeter of the room. A fog machine left a spooky, smoky atmosphere rising from the floor and the slightest hint of what sounded like an old, almost creepy classical music filled the room. The atmosphere was on point for Halloween, and JC played with the whistle hanging from the black cord as he surveyed the crowd. As he and Justin had suspected, the room was filled with the usual suspects of a New York City fashion show-- the elites, the beautiful people and the fashion snobs. As minimally dressed women brushed past the band, JC grinned at a few of the women who batted their eyelashes at them. 

“Please don't tell me you’re leaving here with someone tonight,” Justin laughed, shaking his head. 

“Anything is possible,” JC scoffed, pushing Justin’s shoulder lightly, “There are plenty of choices here.”

Joey came to a stop next to Justin and JC, dressed as a vampire; not the Dracula type, but the Twilight, sparkly vampire type, complete with a leather jacket and blue contact lenses, he made sure to let everyone know. 

“Choices, yes,”  Joey grinned, putting his arms around both his friends. “You do know that we were called here by the record label tonight because we are scouting out some new talent for our new music video,” he licked his lips as he looked around, “ The record label surveyed our fans on MySpace of who they’d like to see star in the new video. Three of the top candidates are walking in the show tonight. And, might I add, tonight is a lingerie show.” His grin grew larger, and he let out a sigh. “Our job is so hard.” 

Justin looked at Joey and at JC. “Oh well that makes tonight more interesting,” he chuckled, “Right. The top 3. Of course you would know this Joe...”

JC couldn’t help but laugh. He had been so busy working on new tunes for the album that was in its infancy that he hadn’t been checking out the social media buzz. Naturally, anything involving female models was Joey’s niche. He trusted the casting agencies to hire the best looking models as they always did.

“Yup!” Joey declared proudly. “Third place right now is Michaela Moriah. Black hair. Smoking hot body. I think she’s from Hawaii. Second is Brandy Winters, she’s got red hair. Legs for days. Mmm. And right now in first place is the blonde bombshell Samantha Bentley. Who, by the way is the first plus-sized model in a mainstream fashion show as a headliner. And when she wins, she’s mine.” 

JC rolled his eyes. “Well the label better ask us before they put Little Miss Debbie Cakes in our music video.”

Joey scoffed. “Well for your information, she’s fucking gorgeous. And I will gladly have her in our video.”

Justin’s laugh got really low. “I guess we’ll all be the judge of that tonight,” he licked his lips and high fived Joey, then JC. "Inside we go, gentlemen.”

***

A low rumble of the bass filled the room as the music began. The lights went pitch black as the back wall, filled with stacked TV screens field with static and began a slow montage of black and white pictures and videos. Faces of women filled the screens then disappeared. The bass grew louder and it seemed the floor even shook with the sound and as it reached an apex, a female voice growled out, “Don’t call me babygirl.” 

JC smirked, looking at Justin. Several years earlier, Justin’s then-girlfriend Ashley Taylor had broken up with him in a final blowout, leaving him with that line before slamming the door on their 2-year relationship. He knew Justin was a little wigged out. Regardless, they shared a grin as the first models began to walk. A sea of long legs, fine European lace and beautiful women filled his senses. *NSYNC’s front row seat along the catwalk certainly had its perks.

The music of “Candyman” from Christina Aguilera filled the speakers as the models filed backstage again. As Christina’s voice hit, with a confident strut, a tall, curvy blonde figure stepped out onto the catwalk wearing a red bustier with clips attached to fishnets. A little triangular hat adorned her curled hair like a GI as she strutted down the catwalk. JC’s breath caught in his throat. His mind was on fire. This wasn’t what he had expected in the slightest. Each step she took, her body made just the right sway and tight wiggle. As she came to a stop at the end of the catwalk, she looked down into the crowd and winked and made a little salute.

Joey let out a yell. “YAAAAS BABY!”he called out, hitting JC’s arm. “That’s my GIRL.”

JC mumbled to himself and sank back into his chair. “In your dreams, Joe.”

“They ‘bout to be a reality,” he grinned in a sing-song voice.

The fashion show continued on. Angels in wings flaunted it down the catwalk, lace bras, bridal lingerie, it was all covered. Women of different shapes and sizes walked the same catwalk, each with a finesse that was unparalleled. The women in this show were all equally gorgeous, but each time Samantha took the stage, the crowd went wild. She owned it and brought her own sex appeal to each piece she wore. JC had to admit, he was figuring out why the fans would want her in their video. She was fine as hell and she was out there breaking the mold. 

JC’s thoughts were interrupted by another low rumble of bass. “I came to cause trouble,” the female voice rang out, “I came to break the mold.” He grinned as Sam came out, dressed fully in a white strappy bra and panty set with long, flowy wings. He knew the designer had to have been throwing a big “fuck you” to Victoria’s Secret for their lack of inclusivity. The voice continued as Sam made her way to the end of the catwalk. “I came to redefine the industry. I came... to be me.”

Sam paused at the end of the catwalk and turned around with a great big grin. Appearing on the stage in a counterpart to Samantha’s white costume was the designer. JC blinked and let out a big, shit eating grin. Well, fuck. The designer was none other than Ashley Taylor. The Ashley Taylor that broke Justin’s heart just a few short years ago. He looked over at his best friend who had turned whiter than the lingerie on the gorgeous model just a few feet away from them. JC smacked him on the back a few times and turned his attention to the beautiful women on the catwalk. Ashley strut her way to the end, holding up Samantha’s hand. Ashley’s petite figure with long flowing chestnut brown hair adorned in black lace was a stark contrast to Samantha’s blonde hair, long legs and prominent curves all dressed in white. The women turned to the crowd in each direction, waving and soaking in the adoration of the crowd.

Their hands went up in the air as Ashley called out, “Thank you all for coming to my first show! We are here to break the mold and make sure that every fashion show from here on out includes all women! We are all beautiful!”

The lights went black again as the women made their way backstage. JC’s eyes fell on his best friend as the house lights slowly came on to normal. 

“Justin are you okay?” he said, putting his hand on his shoulder.

“Fuck,” Justin said, shaking his head. “I think this is a sign...”

Joey grinned, interrupting their conversation. “Chris and I think we need to head to that after party. If Ashley knows Samantha... that’s our in. We need to book her!”

JC let his gaze rest on Justin. “As much as I don’t want to leave before this party begins... if you want to go back to the...”

Justin couldn’t help but laugh softly. “No. We are going. We wouldn’t have been put in the same place if it wasn’t meant for us to see each other again.”

JC grinned. “Good. Because I need to see that model.”

“Miss Debbie Cakes?” Justin replied, standing up and adjusting his SWAT vest.

JC played with his whistle nervously. “I didn’t mean that!” 

The guys walked to the staircase which led to the next level of the warehouse, decorated for a swanky after party. 

“I’ll remember that,” Justin smirked, grabbing two flutes of champagne from the waiter’s tray.

JC grabbed one and sipped, letting his eyes survey the room. It began to fill up with the same upper echelon crowd that had gathered for the fashion show earlier.

He heard a round of applause as the main doors opened and in walked Ashley and Samantha, arm and arm, still in their black and white angel costumes. A low, sensual beat filled the room as he began to hear the words to the song. 

I am not in love

But I’m open to persuasion

East or west, where’s the best

For romancing 

He looked back up at the doorway and paused. Ashley’s eyes locked with Justin’s and he knew shit was about to go down. He stepped back to let the moment happen, smiling for his best friend. When your lifetime love leaves you and comes back... well that sort of shit happened in movies and on TV. Maybe his best friend would have the same luck.

He leaned against the bar, sipping his champagne watching the two magnetic bodies drawn to each other. He let his eyes wander over to the white-winged counterpart to Ashley and noticed her making her way in his direction. He knocked back the rest of the champagne and walked over to her, meeting her in the middle of the room. 

“Is this as intense for you as it is for me?” he asked, with a little impish grin.

“You noticed too?” she laughed softly, sizing up this lifeguard standing in front of her. His white muscle tank clung to his body, allowing his toned arms to be fully on display, His red shorts were short to reveal his very muscular legs, and were tight and left very little to the imagination. He was a boyband member... of course he was going to show off. 

“I guess we’re both players in this movie now,” he began, “by association and all.”

“Oh, the friends that try and help the lovebirds but cause some kind of conflict at the top of the first hour? Or the ones that help patch it all up at the end?” she replied. 

She was good. Too good, he thought.

“I’m confident we’ll be walking down the aisle together someday,” he added with a smirk. “I’m Josh. JC. Whatever.” 

She smiled, nodding her head. “Hi Josh, JC, Whatever. I’m Samantha. Everyone calls me Sam.”

“Nice to meet you Samantha,” He was unable to wipe the smile off of his face, “You were, wow.”

She pushed a loose blonde curl behind her ear and looked down with a little smile. “Thanks I...” Before she could finish her thought, a rush of black feathers and angst came between them.

“SAMANTHA!” Ashley called out, grabbing her arm and pulling her away.

“Nice talking to you,” JC said out to no one in particular. “Kayyy... Call me...”

Justin stomped over to him. “Women.” 

JC looked over. “And?”

“It’s still there. It’s not over. There’s no way we were put together again for no reason.” Justin’s voice was soft, barely audible over the ambient sounds of the room-- music, conversation, glasses clinking. 

“It’s not over,” JC repeated, his eyes continuing to  follow Samantha across the room. She was engaged in a deep conversation with Ashley. 

Justin’s eyes followed JC’s and he grinned. “Can you get close up to blondie for me and get some dirt for me about Ashley? C’mon. We haven’t done this shit in years.”

“Dude.” JC looked at Justin. “We’re not 19 anymore bro. You can fight your own battles.” He hit his arm lightly and grabbed the gin and tonic waiting on the bar for him. He took a long sip. 

“C’mon C. You get to talk to the hot girl, I get to see the love of my life. Doesn’t this sound like a win-win situation?”

“Justin. No.” JC rolled his eyes. “You get the love of your life back by being honest. If I want to talk to the pretty girl, I’ll talk to Samantha on my own.”

Justin looked at him with a smirk. “You just called her pretty girl instead of hot. This is a step in the strange direction.”

JC hit his arm again. “Shut the fuck up, Timberlake! If I want to talk to Samantha I will.” 

Ashley and Samantha made their way back to the talking pair, and Justin smiled again, letting his toothy grin take over his whole face. Ashley and Justin always found a way to be in their own world.

“Samantha,” JC smiled. “Nice to see you again.” 

Sam nodded, grabbing another flute of champagne. “You too JC.”

JC tried hard to not let his eyes wander over too much of her angel costume. He was intrigued by it all but was trying to be a gentleman. “So I was wondering... are you interested in dancing?”

She laughed softly. “I am interested in dancing. I enjoy dancing. Is this like a middle school type ask... you know, check yes or no if you want to dance with me?”

JC couldn’t help but laugh. He was amazed at how easy their banter was. “Sure. Yes. On a scale of one to ten, how do you feel about dancing with me?”

She grinned. “Maybe a five right now. Let’s see how the night progresses.” She leaned in and placed a kiss on JC’s cheek and walked away, leaving him to bring his hand up to his cheek where her lips had just rested.

 He grinned softly. “Damn.”

The party went on and people mulled around. JC kept his eyes peeled around the party, always watching Samantha out of the corner of one eye. She had made her way over to the bar, talking to the bartender. He smirked, watching man after man make his way to her. She had a way of engaging them in a conversation for a moment, and politely dismissing them. He wasn’t sure what she said, but it was pretty incredible to watch. He wasn’t used to women operating in this way, but he sure as hell was intrigued. 

He made his way over to the bar and offered up a cute grin. “Samantha,” he said, resting a hand up against the shimmery wings. He knew dozens of sets of eyes were on him now and he gave no fucks about it.

“JC,” she replied with a smile, taking another sip of her drink. 

“How do you feel about shots?” he smirked, leaning against the bar.

“You up for one?” she asked, a sparkle forming in her blue eyes.

“Pick your poison, pretty lady,” he held his gaze steady with hers. 

“Tequila?” 

“Let’s do it.” He turned to the bartender and called him over. “Two top shelf tequila shots please.”

The bartender brought over two shot glasses of tequila and limes. 

“Ah, here we go,” JC said, handing one glass to Samantha. “You need a chaser?”

“Let’s take it straight up,” she laughed softly, leaving her margarita on the bar and taking the glass from him. 

“My kinda girl,” he grinned, holding his glass up against hers. “To new friends.” 

Their glasses clinked together as they both knocked back the shot. His lips puckered together and he glanced at her to see her making the same face as they both took a suck of the lime. 

“Shit, that burns,” she laughed, shaking her head as she slammed the glass down on the bar. “Hey JC?”

“Hmmm?” he looked at her with a grin. 

“I think you got to that ten.” 

“Yeah? You wanna end your night with a dance?” He held his arm out to her as he led her to the center of the floor. A handful of people were dancing, the atmosphere was light and sensual. 

“Yeah. Let’s do this.” As the music switched to Lose My Breath by Destiny’s Child, Sam grinned. JC put his arms up in the air and shook his hips. He watched Sam carefully make sure her wings were placed behind her before he watched the music take over her body. Her hips began to sway to the beat, and he couldn’t help but stare. He was captivated. A low grunt took over when her hips made their first pass up against his. The magnetism that took over shocked even him, as his lips found their way to the side of her ear.

“Your hips, girl,” he moaned softly into the whisper as their bodies rocked together. 

“My hips? Yours,” she whispered, feeling the heat radiating from his body. There was no denying he was an amazing dancer, completely in command of those hips.

His arm snaked around her waist beneath the shimmery wings as he pulled her closer. Their bodies continued to move and he let his head dip down into the crook of her neck. 

“Mama,” he whispered, “yessss.” He felt her suck in a breath and that made him let out a low noise. 

The house lights came on and he let out a soft groan against her cheek. “Ugh.”

She laughed softly, looking up at him. She needed to take a step back from him. She wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol in her veins or JC’s proximity, but she was suddenly feeling hot all over her body. “Ugh.”

He chuckled, looking down at her face. “Hey Samantha?”

She looked up at him, returning his soft smile. “Yeah?”

“How do you feel about breakfast?”

She grinned. “I love breakfast. Do you want to go out for breakfast and then I’ll take a cab home or...?”

He played with the feathers of her wings. “Well, you’re dressed like this. And I’m looking like a fool. There’s no way I’d let you be alone on a night like tonight... it’s Halloween. ”

She laughed softly. “Well then, my loft is always open. Even for 2 AM breakfast.” 

“Then let’s get some fucking breakfast,” he stated, matter-of-factly. His voice had taken on a low, guttural quality. 

“Let’s get some fucking breakfast,” she repeated with a smile.