Chapter 7: TRL
“I can’t believe I’m going to New York with you.” Hayden said sitting down in the plane and buckling her seat belt. “I will be in the MTV studios in a couple of hours…yay…I’m so excited.” Hayden squealed.
Justin laughed at Hayden’s giddiness and sat down next to her. “Haven’t you ever been to New York?”
“umm…no. I’ve always been so caught up in school that taking a vacation was never an option.”
“So you never went on Spring Break?” Justin asked.
“Definitely not.” Hayden said matter-of-factly.
Justin laughed when Hayden turned to look out the window once the plane started to move. He was glad that everything between Hayden and himself was back to normal. The lunch at Rosie’s went smoothly and he enjoyed meeting Tyler. It was clear that Hayden and Tyler were really close. Justin felt a twinge of jealousy at their relationship. Justin was significantly older than his brothers and would never have that confidant type of relationship with them.
“What are you thinking about?” Hayden asked breaking Justin from his thoughts.
“Nothing, why?”
“Well you’ve been starring at the seat in front of you for five minutes and you have this lost puppy dog look on your face. Everything ok?”
Justin laughed at Hayden’s analogy and quickly pushed all his thoughts away. “Yeah…I’m good. Just thinking about some of the stuff I have to do at MTV.”
“Oh yeah, so what’s the plan?”
“Well, once we land we’ll be taken straight to the studios. I have to do an appearance on TRL to let them know when Future Sex/Love Sound will be released and to drop off the video for my next single.”
“What in the hell is Future Sex/Love Sound?”
“Oh that’s right…well since you were avoiding me lately, you don’t know…that is the title for the new album.” Justin said proudly.
“How in the world did you come up with that title…I mean I like it and all, but kind of random, don’t you think?” Hayden asked.
“Yeah, definitely random and different from “Justified” but all the beats to the tracks have a very futuristic sound and most of the songs I’ve wrote and recorded already are about sex and love. Hence the name Future Sex/Love Sound.”
“I like it!” Hayden said giving him a gentle tap on his arm.
Justin felt something surge through his body when Hayden voiced her approval, it was a sense of pride. He wasn’t sure when it happened or how, but he wanted Hayden’s approval. She was quickly becoming someone important in his life, especially when it came to his music. She was so passionate about every facet of this business and he wanted her to believe in what he was doing.
“So where are you at with your project? Justin asked wanting to switch the focus from his music to her project.
“I’ve got everything outlined except for when it comes to you.”
“What do you mean, except me?”
“Well, I’m going to start out talking about the history of the business, the top record labels and artists, and then move into Johnny’s job and everything that entails. But for the part revolving around your career, I’m trying to wait till the end to write it. I really want to soak up every experience with you and we’re just starting the whole promotion thing. I don’t want to jump the gun or anything.”
“I see…well it’s probably a good thing to wait; besides you haven’t even seen the touring process. That’s definitely something I want you to be involved with. It’s my favorite part of the music business.”
“You’re going on tour soon?”
“Yeah, that usually follows the release of a new album. It won’t be for a couple of months though.”
“Oh…well if the tour is in a couple of months, my senior project will be done. I won’t be around…I graduate in December so I’ll be back in Minnesota.”
Justin hadn’t thought about Hayden not being around in a couple of months. He had gotten so used to her being a part of everything that he’d forgotten about her life back in Minnesota. “That’s right…I completely forgot that you have to go back in December.”
The mood on the plane quickly took a solemn turn. Neither Justin nor Hayden thought about where their relationship would go once she returned back to Minnesota. They had become friends so quickly that it would be weird not to have the other around. Justin was really starting to feel like Hayden was a part of his management team and he wanted her to be there to help with his career.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, please buckle your seat belts as we start our approach into JFK.” The captain said, interrupting both Justin and Hayden’s thoughts.
Once the plane landed, Justin and Hayden were rushed off and hopped into a black SUV. The ride over to MTV studios was quiet for the most part; the only noise that could be heard was Johnny answering his cell phone. Hayden was busy looking out the windows at all the skyscrapers. She had never seen anything like New York City before in her life. Minneapolis looked tiny compared to New York.
Justin was too busy thinking about everything from Hayden leaving to the release of his new album to pay any attention to the outside world. He was starting to stress out from all the pressure he was under. He loved his job but he had a lot of things coming up. Now that his new album, Future Sex/Love Sounds, would be released soon there would be hours and hours of promotion and shows to do. This was suppose to be the best part about recording a new album, getting it out to the fans, but he had been out of the game for a couple of years, he wondered if his fans would still care. He always tried to put out a confident aura when it came to his music, but the truth was, he was just as nervous as an artist just starting out.
Hayden had noticed Justin’s mood change and she hated to see him so down. She knew he was stressing out about whether people would still respond to his music the way the used to. He had been putting so much into this album; he just wanted his fans to like it. Trying to calm him down and reassure him it would be ok, Hayden did something she hasn’t done in over two years, she reached for Justin’s hand and intertwined her fingers with his. Justin’s eyes shot up and looked straight at Hayden for an explanation. Hayden leaned in close to him and whispered, “I know you’re freaking out inside, your fans are going to love it and I promise everything will turn out great.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze and smiled at Justin.
Hayden couldn’t believe where the confidence to grab his hand came from, but inside she was glad she could be there for him. In his own way, he was helping her move on in her own life. Hayden hasn’t been close to any man since Josh and this was a huge step for her. The two enjoyed small talk with Johnny the rest of the way to the MTV studios. Justin’s nerves seemed to subside having Hayden by his side.
“Hey Hayden, it’s probably best to let Justin go in first and then you and I will follow.” Johnny said turning to look at the two of them once they arrived at the studios.
“Yeah, that’s fine…” Hayden said letting go of Justin’s hand.
“I’ll meet you inside…Thanks Hayden.” Justin gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before getting out of the SUV. The fans outside erupted into hysteria once Justin came into view. Everyone was yelling for a picture or an autograph and Justin tried his best to accommodate their requests before security rushed him inside.
Hayden and Johnny sat in the SUV for a couple of minutes, giving the crowd time to calm down. Hayden was still reeling from the touch of Justin’s lips on her cheek. She blushed just thinking about what had happened only a few minutes earlier. This trip was definitely turning out to be a huge step forward for Hayden. However, she was quickly shaken from her daze when Johnny opened his door to get out. Security helped Johnny and Hayden get inside and lead them up to Justin’s dressing room.
“Hey Johnny, how are you doing?” Damien Fahey, the host of TRL, said as he approached Johnny and Hayden in the hallway.
“Hey man, it’s been good…just getting ready to gear up for a lot of big things with Justin.” Johnny said shaking Damien’s hand.
“Yeah, definitely…I’ve been hearing good things about the new album. I can’t wait to see the video for the new single. So, who did you bring along with you today?” Damien asked looking in Hayden’s direction.
“Oh sorry, this is Hayden Charles. She’s a student from the University of Minnesota; she’s doing her senior project on the music business. She’ll be working a lot with Justin and I throughout the release of the new album.” Johnny said.
“Pleasure to meet you Ms. Charles.” Damien said while shaking Hayden’s hand.
“Please, call me Hayden. Pleasure is all mine…Thank you for having me here at MTV.”
“Well, if you’ll be hanging around with Justin a lot…I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again soon. Talk to you later guys, I’ve got to go get ready for the show. Nice to see you Johnny and to meet you Hayden.” Damien said before walking down the hall and into the studio.
Justin appeared seconds later at the door reading over the script of the show. He was dressed in a white collard shirt, gray sweater over it, and dress pants. Hayden couldn’t help but think of how good he looked. Where in the world was all of this coming from? She’d spent the last two years avoiding any type of connection with a man and all of a sudden Justin was all she could really think about.
She snapped out of her thoughts when Johnny started walking down the hall and into the studio. Hayden quickly fell into step behind him trying to shake the feelings Justin was bringing up in her. Instead, she tried to focus on the process that goes into preparing for the show. There was of course making sure the guests had copies of the script, hair and makeup were completed, the audience situated around the host, all the videos was ready to play, and last but certainly not least the energy in the room was high. TRL was the place for fans to be heard and making sure the show was prepared to accommodate their voices were top priority.
Hayden stood next to Johnny off to the side watching as Damien was cued to start the show. He went through his usual spiel about welcoming everyone to TRL and that Justin Timberlake was in the building ready to come out and talk about his new album. With that, the crowd erupted into screams at just the thought that Justin would be gracing the stage soon. Hayden had never witnessed anything like this before. Damien introduced the number ten video and while it played the crew raced around the stage preparing to bring Justin out.
“That was the number 10 video and now I want to bring out a good friend of mine, the real reason the studio is filled with screaming girls…Justin Timberlake.”
The studio shook from the screaming and clapping as Justin appeared from the back. He took his time waving and shaking hands with a bunch of the people in the audience on his way up to meet Damien. Hayden couldn’t help the smile that graced her face when she saw Justin appear. He was smiling from ear to ear; just thankful for the welcoming he was receiving.
“Well…judging by that, I’d say people are ready to hear from Justin.” Damien said.
Justin laughed. “Well man, it’s good to be back and seeing all the fans is incredible. I’ve been out of the mix for so long…what a way to return.”
“Let’s talk about that…so why the hiatus?” Damien asked.
“I just needed a little bit of time to take a break, enjoy what I had worked so hard for, and just re-group all together. I’ve been singing and touring since I was fifteen and I just wanted the chance to enjoy some down time.”
“Well...you deserved the break. But now you’re back and I want to talk about your new album because I know you’ve got a lot of exciting things happening for you. But first let’s get to the number 8 and 9 videos. More with Justin Timberlake coming up.”
While the videos played, Justin and Damien made small talk regarding the upcoming album. Hayden watched as Justin continued to beam with pride. She knew he was finally feeling comfortable again.
“That was videos number 8 and 9…today we have Justin Timberlake joining us. So Justin, everyone’s wondering when are we going to hear the new stuff?” Damien asked.
“Actually, I brought with me the video for the new single…it’s called SexyBack. It’s a fun, club song and I’m hoping everyone will like it. As for the new album, it will be released October 23 and it’s called FutureSex/Love Sounds. Then I’m planning a tour shortly after.”
“Awesome man, I’m looking forward to hearing the new album…I’ve heard it’s crazy. Whose been working on it with you?”
“Timbaland has produced almost the entire album. We clicked so well on Justified; I was hoping to work with him again. He’s an amazing producer and all his beats are insane. Nobody does anything like Timbaland.” Justin said.
“Yeah, he’s great. I’m looking forward to everything you’ve got going on. So I saw you come in with your manager Johnny Wright…but you brought someone else along. You know I gotta ask, what’s going on with that man?”
Justin laughed. “Nothing man, she’s a friend of mine…her name’s Hayden and she’s been working for Johnny on a couple of projects. Thus, she’s been working with me on the new album too.” Justin gave her a quick glance and smiled.
“So you’re still single?”
“One hundred percent.” Justin laughed.
“Well you hear that ladies, he’s a single man.” Damien said into the cameras while the studio exploded into screams again. “Justin it’s been great seeing you again. Wish you nothing but success in the coming months. Come back soon, we all love to have you here.” Damien said while shaking Justin’s hand.
“Thanks man, it’s been fun.”
“Well you want to do the honors and introduce your new video?”
“All right, here it is my new single from my upcoming album FutureSex/Love Sounds, SexyBack. ” With that the video came on and Justin said his goodbyes to Damien. On his way over to Hayden and Johnny, Justin signed a few autographs and shook hands with his fans.
“So what’d you think of TRL?” Justin asked Hayden.
“Wow, you were awesome! I can’t believe you never told me SexyBack was the new single. I love that song.” Hayden said while giving him a quick hug.
Justin was shocked that Hayden gave him a hug. She was always friendly but distant nonetheless. Yet today she had no qualms about holding his hand and now hugging him…he wasn’t complaining because the new change in Hayden was something he could definitely get used to.
“I wanted to surprise you! But now that we’re done with this, you want to go get something to eat?”
“Yeah sounds good.” Hayden said.
“Johnny, you coming man?” Justin asked before following Hayden down the hall.
“Nah…I’ve got some stuff to do here regarding Danity Kane, you guys go…I’ll catch up with you later back at the hotel.” Johnny said before disappearing into another room.
Justin and Hayden continued out of the studios back down to the SUV. Once inside the car, Justin and Hayden decided to go back to the hotel and order room service instead of going out somewhere. He was having such a great day being that his single was finally out and his fans were excited to see him. He just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day hanging out with Hayden and relaxing. The ride to the hotel was quick and they decided to hang out in his room. Hayden plopped down onto one of the beds, positioning the pillows behind her back.
“So, how’d you think it went at MTV?” Hayden asked Justin once he sat down on the bed next to her.
“I thought it went great…honestly in the car I was scared out of my mind that people just wouldn’t care about what I was doing anymore. But when you grabbed my hand…it let me know that I wasn’t going through this alone that you were there to cheer me on.”
“I’ll always be there to cheer you on, even when I’m back in Minnesota, you’ll still hear from me.” Hayden laughed at that.
“I hope so…I want you to know how great it’s been having you around. You keep me sane and offer me a piece of normalcy in this crazy lifestyle. You’re so excited to see everything and at the same time you talk to me like I’m just Justin.”
“Well, I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity you’ve given me. You opened up your life to a complete stranger.”
“I’m just glad you turned out to be normal…I mean you could’ve been a psycho or something.” Justin teased.
Hayden lightly punched him on the arm. “That was mean, I’m trying to be nice and you go ahead and make fun of me.”
“That’s because you deserved it.”
“Did not”
“Did too”
“Not”
“Too and that’s final.” Justin said before turning on the TV.
“So what’s going on tomorrow?” Hayden asked breaking Justin away from the TV.
“Actually, I don’t have anything else planned for New York…so Johnny was going to fly us back to California.”
“Oh ok.” Hayden said softly.
“Why do you have something going on?” Justin asked.
“Nah…I was just hoping to go back to Minnesota for awhile. Now that you single’s out I’m sure there’s going to be a ton of promotion to do, so I wanted to head back home for a little bit before that started. I probably won’t get another chance before I graduate and go back for good.” Hayden said.
Justin couldn’t help but feel bummed that Hayden wanted to head home. He understood how important family was but at the same time they were really starting to get along and being away from her well…sucked.
“I understand…I can talk to Johnny about getting you a flight into Minneapolis instead.” Justin tried his best to keep his tone upbeat.
“Thank you, it would mean a lot to head home and see my family.” Hayden said before turning her attention back to the TV. “Wait, why don’t you come back with me? It would give you a chance to get away before the craziness begins and I can show you around Minnesota.”
“I don’t know…I don’t want to impose on you or your family…maybe you should take the time to just see them.” Justin said.
“Are you kidding me, they’d love to meet you and it would really mean a lot to me to have you see where I’m from.” Hayden said grabbing his hand again. “Please?” She gave him the biggest set of puppy dog eyes he’s ever seen before.
“You sure?” Justin asked.
Hayden’s head bobbed up and down happily. “Yeah absolutely.”
“Yeah, definitely I’d like to go. Let me arrange everything with Johnny when he gets in tonight…but I’m sure it won’t be a problem since I didn’t have anything planned in California either.”
“Awesome…I can’t wait to show you what my life is really like. You’ll love Minnesota.” Hayden continued to plan out what they could do once they got to Minnesota. She was so wrapped up in her excitement she had forgotten that their hands were still intertwined. Justin couldn’t help but smile at Hayden’s giddiness and he was looking forward to spending more time getting to know Hayden better. This day was definitely turning out better than Justin ever imagined.
Author's Chapter Notes:
I'm keeping them coming!!!
Story Tags: justin college
