Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1999 03:12:52 EST
From: Storywrightr@aol.com
Subject: All Grown Up--Parts 7-9

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction. It contains
characters who share names, descriptions, etc., with real-life
people (specifically members of the groups *N SYNC and Backstreet
Boys); however, this is all fantasy and in no way is to insinuate
anything about those people.

Thanks to the you guys who have written me notes. It means a lot
to me--and I really appreciate the feedback. Please keep it up!

Special thanks to Eriker, Tonny, Rick, and Ryan! Bill--get well!

All comments are welcome--positive or negative! E-mail me at
storywrightr@aol.com. Thanks.



All Grown Up 7--Who's the Grown Up?


A: Hi Daddy.

J: Finally! I've been trying you all evening! What kind of hours
are they making you work on that movie? Do I need to call the
director?

A: Daddy! You wouldn't! Would you? Don't! Please!

J: Well, I won't now, but they better not be too hard on you.

A: I'm okay. I wasn't working. Keri kind of made me go to dinner
with her after we finished. She could tell I was kind of down.
She's really a great lady, you know?

J: That's how I remember her--haven't seen her in a very long
time. . . . And you turned your phone off?

A: She turned hers off when we left the set--said she just wanted
us to have some time to talk. So I did the same. Sorry.

J: No, that's all right. And I'm glad you two spent some time
together. I was just worried about you. That last phone message
from you was pretty down.

A: I know. I'm sorry. Thanks for the message back. It helped me
feel a lot better.

J: Good. I don't want you upset.

A: Daddy? Could you hold on just a minute?

J: Sure.

[Click to second phone line]

A: Hi Papa! How are you?

B: I'm fine--how are YOU?

A: I'm okay. Just got in from dinner.

B: Oh. Must have been special to turn off your phone.

A: It was nice. It was with Keri Russell--you know? The one
playing my mother in the movie.

B: Oh, so some bonding to make the movie more real?

A: [laughing] Yeah I guess. She thought I looked kind of down and
invited me for dinner. She made a point of turning off her phone
so I did too.

B: Your Dad had left a message earlier that he was worried about
you. I was just checking on you.

A: [small laugh] You two. He's on hold on the other line right
now.

B: Oh! Well don't keep him holding! Go talk to him! We can talk
later--or whenever you want. I just wanted to check on you.

A: That's so sweet Papa. Thanks.

B: You're feeling better?

A: Yeah, I am.

B: You know I love you, right?

A: Yeah Papa. Thanks.

B: Okay, if you're all right . . . take care Doodlebug.

A: I will Papa. Thanks. I love you too.

B: Night

A: Night

[click back to first line]

A: Sorry about that Dad.

J: No problem. You need me to hang up?

A: No--but it was Pop, so I wanted to just say hi.

J: Oh--you should have talked to him! I can call later. Is he
still on?

A: [laughing] No, he's gone.

J: Why are you laughing?

A: Cause he insisted I come right back to you. You two trying to
make sure you don't interfere with me and the other one. It's
cute. And sweet.

J: Well, we both love you and we just want you to be happy. And
not to interfere with your relationship with the other one, I
guess. I hope we never have made you feel like you had to choose.

A: No--not at all. Like I said the other day, you've never said
anything negative about Pop in front of me. There must have been
times that you had to hold your tongue.

J: Probably. I can't remember them at the moment. Things between
Brian and me were more about disappointment than about anger. The
anger we usually directed at ourselves--him at him and me at me.

A: So have you guys talked again?

J: No, just phone messages back and forth today.

A: And you aren't going to his meeting?

J: No, he asked me not to.

A: I don't get it.

J: I think he realized that his AA anniversary is a pretty big
thing on its own and that he should just concentrate on that.

A: Are you sorry? I mean, did you get mad at him or anything?

J: No--not at all. I understand. He even said that the meeting
was just sort of an excuse to call me anyway. That's okay. I'm
glad he called.

A: You are, aren't you? I'm still trying to get used to this
idea--you two talking to each other.

J: Does it worry you still? You're afraid we won't get along? Or
that one of us will get hurt?

A: I don't know. It's just strange. And since I'm not there . . .

J: Oh. . . . Are you afraid it's BECAUSE you aren't here? Or that
since you aren't here you won't know what's going on?

A: I really don't know Daddy. I'm really trying to be open to
this whole thing. And yeah, I guess being away I'm a little
afraid that things are going to change so much that I won't know
what's going on when I get back.

J: Oh babydoll, you know none of this will change how we feel
about you.

A: It won't?

J: What? Why do you say that?

A: I don't know. Maybe you won't need me so much if you have Pop
in your life again.

J: How silly is that? How Brian and I feel about each other
won't affect how we feel about you. If we start spending time
together--as friends or whatever--it would be nice for all of us
to be able to do things together. Wouldn't it be fun if we all
three could be in New York at the same time? Like when you finish
filming? Play tourists and go to the Empire State Building or
whatever?

A: I guess. But it would also be strange.

J: You never seemed to feel threatened by Jason.

A: No. I don't know. I guess I never felt like he had your heart
that much.

J: Really? Hmmm . . . wish I had realized that!

A: Did you really love him?

J: I thought so then. Not sure what I think now.

A: Hmmm . . .

J: Well, it's really late sweetie bug; I should let you go to
sleep, huh? Just wanted to make sure you're okay. I hated hearing
how you sounded on that message.

A: Sorry Dad. I'm okay now. I was just scared I had messed things
up. I don't want to come between you guys.

J: You didn't Baby. We're taking all this slowly. Don't worry,
okay?

A: Okay Dad. Thanks. I love you.

J: Night baby.

A: Night Dad.




All Grown Up 8--Best Friends


J: Josh! Finally we get to talk!

JC: Mornin' Just! I was so afraid I'd get that damn voice mail
again. Glad to get the real thing!

J: Me too. So how are you, bud?

JC: Doin' fine. What about you?

J: The same. How's that man of yours? You keeping him happy?

JC: I hope so; he's keeping me happy!

J: I'm glad. You guys are good for each other, aren't you?

JC: Yeah I guess we are. Can't believe it's been almost fifteen
years! THIS time, that is! [laughing]

J: Well, this time's the one that counts! That IS a long time.
It must be wonderful.

JC: [pause] Yeah, it is--and it can be a lot of work sometimes
too. But I guess we know that we love each other and so we get
through the other parts. I mean we argue--we sure don't agree on
everything! But it's okay. We can get mad but we don't let it
destroy us.

J: I'm glad you have such a good thing.

JC: [pause] What's up Just? You sound kind of sad or something.

J: I guess I am. I mean, it's all so stupid--I have everything I
could want . . . but sometimes I'm sad. And I guess a little
lonely.

JC: I'm sorry Just. I've been bad about staying in touch. I
should have called.

J: No JC--don't be like that. I didn't mean it that way. I could
have called you too. It's just easier sometimes not to, I guess.
And I don't want to disturb you and Nick.

JC: You never disturb us. And we enjoy seeing you. We should have
you over for dinner more. Make a regular thing out of it.

J: That's nice of you, but . . . I don't know.

JC: What?

J: Well, to tell you the truth, I'd enjoy seeing you guys
sometimes, but I'd rather it be just you and me, you know?

JC: Oh. . . . You don't like Nick.

J: What? No, that's not what I mean. I like Nick. He's a great
guy. And he's your partner. And he makes you happy. And I respect
him. . . . But he's not my old friend. I'd like to spend time
just with you sometimes.

JC: Well that's cool! No problem. Nick and I don't do everything
together!

J: That's a lesson I wish I had learned.

JC: What?

J: Nothing. . . . I just really respect your relationship.

JC: [laughing] You do?

J: [seriously] Yeah, I do. Why are you laughing? You guys have
found a way to love each other without smothering the other one--
you're together, but you're still individuals. You have things
you do together and you have your lives separately. You seem to
really take joy in each other's success but also to be there when
the other one needs help or support. You've made a great life and
home together. So yeah, I respect your relationship--I even envy
it, I guess.

JC: Wow--that was beautiful. I mean, I guess I knew that that's
what Nick and I had, but I'm in the middle of it, you know? So I
don't really stand back and evaluate it. But I do enjoy it. And
I'm really thankful for it. I do love him Just--even with all the
stuff we went through during those early years. I guess it was
worth it--or maybe it's why we made it. We got through the bad
times and survived--and what do they say? What doesn't kill you
makes you stronger?

J: You're a lucky man. And Nick too. I'm so happy for you Josh!

JC: Thanks Justin. . . . You know I've spent enough time in my
life being envious of you!

J: What? Why? What did I ever have that you wanted?

JC: You were the most popular member of *N SYNC!

J: [laughing] Oh yeah. Right! But not the one with the best
voice!

JC: Who says?

J: I do. You have a wonderful gift Josh. And your writing--you
can say so much. I mean, I do okay, but you can really express
yourself. You and Brian--you both can say so much in a song; it's
just wonderful. You can express your feelings and touch so many
people. Have you ever thought about the fact that when people are
at their most emotional--either really happy or really sad or
really sexy or really close or whatever, they may be listening to
words and music that YOU wrote! I mean you have been part of
their lives! Without ever knowing or even meeting them! That's
pretty amazing!

JC: Oh great--scare me! [laughing] No, just kidding. But I can't
think about all that. I mean it's really gratifying, but I just
have to write what I feel. And I guess I'm lucky enough that
other people feel the same thing. . . . [quietly] But you
mentioned Brian. That was something I was envious of you about.

J: [pause] I don't know what to say.

JC: Sorry, I guess I shouldn't have brought that up.

J: No, it's okay. I mean it was so many years ago. Why shouldn't
we be able to talk about it? I guess I still find it embarrassing
after all these years.

JC: Embarrassing?

J: Yeah. I mean, what a bunch of craziness. And we took all you
guys along for the ride. I just look at it as youth and
immaturity. Those are the excuses I'm happiest with anyway!

JC: We were all young then. We all were kind of crazy. I mean we
were just kids, basically, but we had millions of people watching
our every move and stuff. And then to realize some of us were gay
and having to keep it secret. What a mess. What a mess it all
was. I guess we should be happy we survived as well as we did!

J: I agree. . . . But I still feel like I need to apologize. I
don't know.

JC: I don't know that you need to apologize anymore than any of
the rest of us. It's probably best just left in the past, isn't
it?

J: I guess. I've just been thinking of those times the last week
or so.

JC: [innocently] Oh? Why's that?

J: Well, don't get crazy or don't think I'm crazy, but I talked
to Brian last week.

JC: Oh?

J: Yeah. Well, actually he called me. It was such a surprise--
almost a shock. But what was really weird--and I didn't tell him
this--was that I'd been thinking about him so much. Probably
because of our anniversary.

JC: That's this week, huh?

J: Yeah. And it's twenty. Twenty years. God I feel old!
[laughing]

JC: Yeah--can't believe that I can remember something from twenty
years ago--I don't feel old enough to remember twenty years ago!

J: Exactly! . . . But anyway, Brian called. And we talked for a
while.

JC: Why did he call? About it being twenty years?

J: I think so. It's also his AA anniversary. But I think he'd
been thinking like me. I mean, you can't really help it, can you?
All the what ifs and stuff. What if we'd made it. What if we'd
stuck together.

JC: You don't question that, do you? I mean, staying together? It
was impossible--how could you possibly have stuck together?

J: But didn't you say that that's what you and Nick do? That you
work out the bad times and go on?

JC: Well, yeah, but I don't think we've had any bad times quite
as bad as you guys had. I mean, no offense, but you two had
gotten to a pretty impossible point. Nick and I--well, we had
some bad times and split up over them--and that's what we had to
do. Since we've been together this time, we haven't had THAT bad
of times. I guess we got it out of our systems or were just ready
to settle down or whatever. But you guys--I don't know, maybe if
you had split up earlier or taken a break from each other . . .

J: Yeah, see? The what ifs! But we had made a commitment and we
stuck to it--and probably too long. We all just kept getting more
and more miserable. And the pressure from work. And then even our
love for each other became more of a burden than a pleasure. It
just added more pressure--at the end of the day or the end of a
tour or whatever, when we were feeling all the pressure and were
tireder than death, we felt like we had to go be nice to each
other--to show we loved the other one. It felt like more work.
Love shouldn't feel like work, should it? But it did. And we were
so insecure, so afraid of letting go of the love, thought we had
to have it, so we kept trying. In the end, it was just a pain--
and brought very little pleasure. And then the drinking. But the
drinking can't really be blamed. That was just what Brian used to
escape. I escaped into the studio. Who's to say one escape was
any better than the other? Or any more legitimate? And I just
felt like such a fool. After all the shit we'd put everyone
through, I felt so embarrassed. I couldn't talk to any of you
guys about it. And I couldn't talk to Brian about it. The one
person who might have really understood--well, probably not then,
because he was in the middle of it too. But . . .

JC: But now he might? Is that what you think? That now he might
help you resolve it all in your head?

J: I guess. Or to let me fix it.

JC: Fix it?

J: I don't know. I guess . . . I guess there's like a wish I
could go back and do it right. Now that I'm older and wiser--ha,
ha--but I do know a lot more. And I understand a lot more.
Therapy. CODA. It's all helped.

JC: But you moved on and you applied those lessons, didn't you? I
mean you and Jeremy.

J: Who?

JC: Jere--JASON! Jason. You and Jason. [whispering] Damn you
Nick. I can't believe I said that.

J: What? Oh, Jason and me? Yeah, maybe. Maybe it just showed me
how much I hadn't learned. Or maybe I hadn't learned enough yet
then. Or maybe he just wasn't the right man.

JC: Well, you'll meet the right one one of these days. You gotta
believe that. You just have to be open to it.

J: Maybe I have met the right one.

JC: [trying to act excited and believable] Have you met someone
new? Tell me about him!

J: No. I'm afraid I mean someone old.

JC: Oh. . . . Anyone I know?

J: You already suspect, I think. And I don't think you approve.

JC: Is my approval important?

J: Important? Yeah. Necessary? Nope. Desired? Yeah. At least your
best wishes would be nice.

JC: Justin . . . you always have had and always will have my best
wishes. I love you man. I'm really lousy about it sometimes, I
guess, but I do. And I worry about you. Nick thinks I don't
respect you--that I don't trust you to do what's good for you.
I'm sorry if that's true. I don't really think it's true. I just
want you to be happy. You've spent too much time not happy. And
I don't know anyone I'd rather see happy than you.

J: [pause] Josh, in the what ifs category . . . you and me . . .
do you think? . . . did you ever imagine? . . . you know?

JC: [long pause]

J: I'm sorry Josh--that was really out of line--I'm really sorry-
-
and really embarrassed! I can't believe I said that! Sorry!

JC: NO! Don't be sorry. It's just so honest, I guess. . . . Yeah,
of course. I mean before I knew you were gay and after. It was
just never a possibility. We were never available at the same
time. And at some point, I guess I just loved you too much to
love you that way! And let's face it, we both seem to go for much
different types! I think we both get off on the bad boys--or the
difficult boys! That was probably what was wrong with Jeremy--too
nice.

J: Jason.

JC: Whatever. Brian, when you guys were first together, was
awfully sweet, but he sure wasn't easy. And he could be a bad boy
too. And later, the bad boy part became much stronger. And let's
not even talk about how Nicky was a bad boy! [laughing]

J: Yeah. I guess you're right. We don't like it easy, huh? Maybe
we didn't think we deserved nice and easy. But sometimes I've
thought about how nice and easy and wonderful it would have been
if I COULD have been happy with nice and easy and wonderful . . .
and you. [pause] I hope this won't be like a thing that makes us
embarrassed or uncomfortable with each other--that I just said
that.

JC: No. I think it might be just the opposite. I wish I was there
right now to give you the most incredible hug. Cause somehow I
feel more free to do so than I ever have in my life. Cause
somehow I feel like I could do it and really let go and show you
how much I really love you but without being scared that you'd
take it the wrong way. Maybe the wrong way is the right way--you
know? But even if it is, we aren't going to do anything about it,
so it's still freeing. Am I making any sense?

J: Yes! Absolutely! It's like finally admitting to each other and
ourselves that we really love each other but with the total
understanding that it will never be sexual--and so it is freeing.
We can allow ourselves to hug and touch, knowing it won't go any
farther.

JC: Hmmm . . . it's kind of nice. It kind of really makes me feel
like I have my Justin back. I mean, that's how we were when we
were kids. So free with each other--so open.

J: I missed you Josh.

JC: Me too.

J: [pause] And Josh? I miss Brian. I know how crazy that is. I
know how many problems it could cause. It's probably downright
stupid! I'll probably live to regret it all. But we did love each
other. And we let our life together slip away. But I don't think
our love ever slipped away.

JC: Justin? If you want to or have to find out? I'm here for you
man! If it is wrong, if it leaves you a mess? I'll be there--I'll
help you get over it. Put your life together again. And if it's
good? I'll be there to celebrate with you. And no one in the
world will be happier for you than me. I want you to be happy.

J: Oh Josh . . . you got me cryin' man! I'm happy at this moment,
I know that!

JC: But you aren't a lot of the time, are you?

J: [pause] No. And I'm so ashamed of that! I mean, I've had such
a blessed life. My work, my family, my friends, my daughter--but
sometimes, I'm still not happy. It feels so selfish. But I guess
I'm just one of those guys that needs someone special. I really
want to have a home with someone and to grow old with someone.

JC: Then you should have that too--or at least give it a try.
[pause] Um, Just, um . . . speaking of your daughter . . . how
would she feel about you and Brian, um, well, whatever it is you
and Brian may or may not be doing.

J: Yeah, well, I'm not sure. She couldn't believe that he and I
talked. Then she actually got pretty angry about it. She was like
"have you forgotten how things were?" That really hurt. I think
all our craziness really hurt her. I mean, she's turned out
remarkably well, but still--what a life, huh? Kind of the best
and worst and not a lot in between--most people only have the in
between and not the extremes. She's strong though. And I do think
she knows that we love her a lot. But she's scared--for all three
of us, I think.

JC: Can I make a confession?

J: Huh? Sure!

JC: There were times that I was envious of you having a child.
But there have been times I haven't been! I mean, Nick and I
discussed it a few times--having a kid--and we still do once
in a while--we aren't that old--but for the most part? Maybe
I'm just too selfish. But for the most part? I think I'm happy
as I am.

J: I'll say this to you and only because I trust you with my life
and my soul to understand how I mean it--but there were plenty of
times that having a child was one more burden and not one more
pleasure. I wish more people realized that before having a child.
And we were just too immature and too unprepared to take on a
child. It's only that Jackie stepped in that saved the situation
from being disastrous. And saving us from having a daughter in
some institution someplace--mental or penal! But now, now is the
time we get to enjoy it. She's basically on her own. She is
loving and successful. Now's the good time--I hope. We'll see.

JC: Thanks for trusting me with that. I appreciate it.

J: Hey man--best buds, right?

JC: Always!

J: [pause] So Josh. You don't think I'm too crazy?

JC: Honestly? I'm a little scared for you. But maybe a little
excited too. I think this whole thing with Brian is something you
have to explore. Something you have to resolve. And I'll be
praying for the best for you. And as I said--I'll be here for
you--to cry on or to celebrate with. Non-alcoholic champagne, of
course!

J: Of course! . . . Love ya man!

JC: Love ya Just!

J: Hey! Lunch soon?

JC: How about lunch and shopping tomorrow?

J: Sure--that would be great!

JC: Oh, I just remembered . . . it's your anniversary.

J: Yeah. That's why it would be great to be with someone I love.
And if I don't think about it, that's okay. And if I do think
about it, I'm with someone I can talk to about it. Up to it?

JC: Absolutely!

J: Thanks JC. You're the best!

JC: Well, right after you!

J: Later man!

JC: Bye.




All Grown Up 9--A New Start?


B: [solemnly] Hi.

J: [cheery] Hi Brian. Hope I didn't call too early.

B: [still solemn] No--I've already been on the beach.

J: [cheery] That's great. . . . Um, I just called to wish you a
happy anniversary. Um, a, um, happy AA anniversary.

B: [solemn] Thanks.

J: [cheery] I hope the meeting goes well.

B: [solemn] Thanks.

J: [exasperated] Brian, I'm sorry, should I not have called?

B: [pause] Um . . .

J: Well, I guess that's an answer, huh. I'm really sorry.

B: No--no! It's just that I'm really embarrassed and feel like
such a jerk.

J: Huh? About what?

B: About asking you to come to my meeting and then telling you
not to. I'm so sorry Justin. I didn't mean to play games. I
really did think I could have you there. And I wanted you there.
I wanted you to be that much a part of my life again.

J: Oh Brian. It's okay. Really. I DO understand. . . . I'm sorry
I didn't mean to upset you by calling.

B: You didn't! I just feel bad about everything.

J: No, this is your special day, and I wanted to add to it--to
give you my best wishes--not to upset you.

B: God Justin. I'm so sorry. I guess I'm just really emotional
about today . . . and about talking to you. About maybe having
you in my life again. And here I am doing everything wrong.
Acting like a real jerk.

J: No you aren't Brian. I surprised you. Maybe we aren't up to
surprises from each other yet. But listen, really, truly, I
understand how you need to do your AA meeting without me there.
I appreciate that you wanted me there, and I actually appreciate
that you could be honest with me when you realized that you
didn't want me there. You did what was best. Really.

B: Oh Justin, how can you be so understanding?

J: Hey, remember? The new Justin--all grown up! . . . And I think
the new Brian is pretty grown up too.

B: I don't feel like it right now. I'm so scared.

J: Scared? Scared of what?

B: Of messing up my one chance.

J: I don't understand Brian.

B: My one chance of maybe making you believe that I've changed
enough that I could be in your life in some way again.

J: Brian, you've already made me believe that. I don't know what
it means--and all of our friends are going to think we're both
crazy--but I already know that I've spent way too much time
without you in my life. I don't know what that means--but I at
least want to know that we'll talk. That we'll be friends. That
we'll both be there to see Doodlebug's premiere.

B: [laughing] You called her Doodlebug.

J: Just for you. I never call her that to her face. That's YOUR
special name for her. I have a few of my own.

B: What are they?

J: Huh? My pet names? Oh nothing so special. Just babydoll,
sweetie bug, stuff like that.

B: I'm trying to stop saying "little girl"; I think she wants me
to realize she's grown up. I've kind of kept her my little girl.
It seemed easier I guess--for her to be like a child.

J: Yeah. But she is pretty grown up. But you know she's been
acting like a child this past week or so--about you and me
talking.

B: Really? Why?

J: I don't really know. She doesn't really know. I know she's
scared--but not sure of what. She doesn't have very pleasant
memories of us together. I think she also is afraid that things
will change so much that she won't know how to fit in. She's
afraid that if we are talking again, things will change for her
with each of us. Who knows? Maybe they will. But I have to trust
that they'll change for the better.

B: But if anything, it should be better--we could all spend time
together. Holidays. Her shows. Our shows.

J: I know. Just take any chance to reaassure her, okay?

B: Sure, will do.

J: So are you ready for your meeting?

B: Yeah. I just want to mostly say how thankful I am. The program
has changed my life. Given me another chance, you know?

J: I do know.

B: Maybe in more ways than I thought.

J: [audible smile] May be!

B: Sorry.

J: For what?

B: I don't even know anymore.

J: Didn't I get you to promise to stop saying sorry last time we
talked?

B: Yeah, sor--oops.

J: [laughing] That's okay. . . . You know, we have to find a way
to put it all behind us. . . . If we want anything in front of
us.

B: Well, I'll try anything.

J: Here's an idea. Trust me, okay? Hang up.

B: Huh?

J: Trust me! Hang up the phone.

B: Okay. Um, bye, I guess.

J: Don't sound so sad! Just TRUST me!

B: I'll try.

[both phones click off; then Brian's rings]

B: Hello.

J: Hello. Is this Brian Littrell?

B: [giggling] Yes, it is. How may I help you?

J: Hi. My name is Justin Timberlake. You may have heard of me or
heard some of my music. I used to be in a group called *N SYNC
before starting a solo career as well as getting into producing.

B: Yes, I believe I do know your music.

J: Great! Well, I really enjoy your music, Mr. Littrell--or may I
call you Brian?

B: Yes! Please do. And may I call you Justin?

J: Yes please! This is a little embarrassing to just call up like
this, but I've been a fan of yours for a long time, following
your career during your Backstreet days and then later--
especially your songwriting. I've really enjoyed your music.

B: Why thank you.

J: You're welcome. Anyway, I've admired you for so long, and I
just thought that I should finally have the courage to pick up
the phone and call you and ask if I could meet you. Perhaps
have dinner some evening?

B: That sounds wonderful.

J: Great! I think we have a lot of things in common--especially
our interest in music. I'm helping a couple groups get started--
doing some writing, some managing, some producing. They have real
talent. Perhaps I could talk you into allowing one of the groups
to record one of your ballads. Or perhaps there's even one that I
might record myself.

B: Those sound like real possibilities.

J: There's also a rumor that has reached me about you working on
a musical. I'd really like to hear about that. Perhaps have an
opportunity to hear some of the songs for it.

B: It's true; I am working on a musical. It's not finished yet.

J: Well, I'd like to hear about it. I've considered expanding my
production interests into musical theater production. Perhaps
your show is something we could work together on.

B: That sounds very exciting.

J: Great. Well, it seems we have a lot to talk about. Are you
free one night next week?

B: Yes. Either Tuesday or Wednesday would be good for me. Or I
can try to clear another evening.

J: No, no. Wednesday would be fine for me as well. Shall we make
it 8 o'clock? Perhaps I could pick you up at your home?

B: That would be great. Either before or after dinner I could
play some of the pieces for you.

J: Perfect! Well, then Wednesday it is!

B: Wednesday! I'm very excited.

J: As am I! [pause, then quieter] See? There are lots of things
we have in common--lots of things for us to talk about. All from
this day forward. As if we were meeting for the first time. All
the "I'm sorries" left behind. All the bad memories left behind.
Even the good memories put on hold--we start from here--like two
people getting to know each other for the first time. No baggage.

B: [very quietly] You are the most special person I have ever
met.

J: [pause, then equally quietly] But you forget . . . we haven't
met yet.

B: [clearing his throat and stiffling a giggle] Oh right. Well,
I certainly look forward to meeting you Wednesday, Mr. Timberlake.

J: Call me Justin!

B: Oh yes, Justin it is then.

J: Great. Well, enjoy your weekend. We'll speak soon. And I look
forward to our meeting on Wednesday.

B: As do I!

J: Bye for now!

B: Bye . . .