Hey kids. This part references Chris clothing/record production company Fuman Skeeto. You can check them out online at www.fumanskeeto.com or in Peoples Best, Worst and Least Dressed List issue. Once again, I want to thank Drew and Dennis and everyone out at chat, especially everyone who read my story like Nick and Billy and Karen and so many others. It means a whole lot, guys. If anyone else would like to share a comment or if they just want to tell me that I rock, you can all reach me at SchuyDncer@aol.com
Im gonna recommend The Gentlemens Club by Lady Poetess out in the Celeb section. Its a little confusing at first, but every chapter stands alone and its ultrawonderful.
Disclaimer: See Chapter one. Or any other story in the archive.
Retreat 6
by Schuyler
Youll be swell
Youll be great
Gonna have the world on a plate
Starting here
Starting now, darling
Everythings coming up roses and daffodils for baby and me.
Two days later, there was a letter size package slipped under the door by the time JC awoke. Inside was a blue envelope, a good luck card from Corbett. Inside, shed written the words to Everythings Coming Up Roses. He smiled and tucked it away before heading to the elevators to meet Johnny.
Chris got off the phone with his production team back at Fuman Skeeto and ran down to the hotels first floor conference room. The only seat left was between Joey and Justin, opposite JC. Chris sat, trembling a little. JC could see it and tried to smile as if it was all no big deal.
Johnny, in town for three days and the beginning of the tour, breezed into the room with his tiny, ever present assistant in tow. Howre things going? He strode to the head of the table.
Badly, JC replied. He cued up his prepared speech in his head. I cant keep going out every night like this, Johnny. Im exhausted and the tours starting.
Oh, were going to tune it down when the tour starts.
But its hurting something else. He hesitated for just a second, looked down at his hands, before continuing. Johnny, Im seeing someone and this behavior is upsetting him.
Everyone in the room looked mildly shocked, except for Chris, who was sweating.
Who is it, JC? Johnny asked.
Its not important, but this is hurting him and our relationship and I cant do that.
Is it someone in the industry? Is it someone in the band? Is it Joey?
JC calmly repeated himself. The clubbing is hurting our relationship and I wont do that.
Just tell me who it is and Ill talk to him.
Hes upset by this, Johnny, and that upsets me too. JC was trying to evade the questions. It wasnt really working.
JC, Lance half-pleaded, just tell us who it is. You can trust us.
Chris slammed his hands on the table and rose to his feet. Its me! he yelled between choked sobs. Im JCs lover! He fell back into his chair. Joey's arms were instantly around him, attempting to comfort and console. JC wanted to rush to him, make everything better. He couldnt stand the sight of tears on Chris face.
Johnny, looking as if hed seen a ghost, fell heavily into the chair beside him. We have to call all this off, he said almost breathlessly.
Johnny, Lance asked, are you okay?
Yeah, everythings okay. Just no more clubbing for JC. Its nice to get the rumors about JC going, but if anyone dug too deep and found a relationship, that would be bad for everyone. He paused to collect himself. Do any of the rest of you have something to share? Joey looked up from Chris to Lance for just a moment. Lance shook his head. No one needed to know about Joey and Kevin. Great. Then you boys get some rest. Big night tonight.
JC always liked to have some time alone before a concert, especially the opening night of a tour. So, while he was soaking in the bath, Chris went next door. He knocked twice. Come in. He pushed his way inside. Joey sat on the bed lacing his sneakers. He smiled broadly. Hey, Chris. You feeling better?
Yeah. Can I, umm, sit down? Chris looked guilty.
Sure, man. Is something wrong?
Chris sat next to a concerned Joey. I just thought that I should apologize. Youre my best friend and Im sorry that you had to find out about me and my relationship with JC that way. He stared directly at the floor, his hands clasped in his lap.
Joey threw an arm around Chris shoulders and held him tight. Its no big deal, Chris. You werent ready to tell me, and I understand. He chuckled. I wasnt exactly forthcoming about my relationship with Kevin. Joey let go and lay back on the bed. But I gotta ask, why didnt you tell me you were into guys?
Chris, comfortable again, fell back beside him. Well, at first I wasnt sure. Then I was sure, but I wasnt sure how youd take it. Then I got involved with JC and I thought it would cause problems in the group. I guess the reasons just piled up.
Chris, you know I would never try to come between you and C, but I gotta say this. Hes a great catch.
You think so? Chris rolled up on one elbow.
Definitely. He is hot!
Dont go there, Joe. I could say some things about your mans ass that I know you dont want to hear.
You better not. Joey countered, reinforcing his threat with a pillow swung at Chris head. JC, in his bath, could hear Chris laughing through the walls.
All of the guys loved performing, but Justin had been a little more energetic. After two weeks on tour, the others wondered where he got the extra juice. As soon as they returned to the hotel, they made plans to hit the hottest club in Concord, New Hampshire, despite Joeys remark that, Saying its the hottest club in Concord isnt really saying much. Justin, still bouncing off the walls, headed for his room. Sorry, guys. You go on without me. Im gonna turn in.
Joey made a face and consulted his watch. What the hell are you talking about? Its only ten fifteen!
Justin performed the worst fake yawn and stretch ever. I know. And I am bushed. Goodnight! He hurried into his room.
Lance held up a hand to Joey. Hes being weird, I know. Ill talk to him in the morning. Lets get going.