Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 00:45:12 EDT
From: Dale E Wright <bwicub@hotmail.com>
Subject: "The Lottery Winner" Chapter 19

Hi everyone...

Wow...people are actually reading my stuff.  Thanks for the positive
responses. --  I'm even a nominee for
some slash-fiction awards!  Vote for me please!!!!
(http://jump.to/nsync_stories or
http://www.geocities.com/sasha02.geo/award.html)   I'm nominated in the
`Best Joey story' and `Best Slash Fiction'.

This story has now officially taken on a life of it's own.  I didn't expect
it to go this long or be this developed.  But so many people have written
me that I have to see what happens next!

As always, Gabriella and Mike and Charlie are my main cheerleaders.  I'm a
bit nervous--so if people could please e-mail me at bwicub@hotmail.com--I'd
really appreciate it. I love e-mail!!

DISCLAIMER: This is a fictional story that came right out of my own mind. I
have no knowledge if any member of N Sync are gay or whatever. That being
said, please enjoy the story and remember-- write me!!! (Especially write
me if you're a member of the group! GRIN)


--The Lottery Winner Ch 19--


"Sorry for keeping you waiting mom.  We were delayed with traffic."

"Oh, it's nothing dear.  So what's the big emergency that we had to meet
tonight?  It's not that I don't love you, I just have a lot to get done
this week."

Joey smiled at me and extended his hand to his mom.

"Not now mom, let's eat first.  I'm starved!"

The waiter came around and took our orders.  I sat there and listened when
Joey and his mom banter for awhile.  He kept dragging me into the
conversation.  I could tell he was very nervous.  The conversation flowed
pretty well over dinner, Joey kept excusing himself to go to the bathroom.
He was probably trying to keep himself from losing it.  During one of his
trips to the bathroom, I tried engaging Phyllis in conversation, and she
was polite but distant.  Once the meal ended, and we were relaxing over a
light desert I could tell that Joey had finally worked up the nerve.

"Mom, there's something I want to talk to you about."

"I knew it.  Okay Joey.  Talk.  Should Dale be here?"

Joey just looked at me and smiled.  "Yeah mom, he should be here."  Her
eyebrows shot up when Joey reached over and gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
Taking a deep breath, he finally blurted it out.

"Mom, I'm gay."

Her eyes narrowed, and she just looked at the two of us.  She looked down,
took a couple of deep breaths, and then looked back up.

"Did he do this?"

It took Joey a second to register what she was asking.  "I've always been
gay mom, but I do love Dale."

She got up and grabbed her purse.  "Goodbye Joe."  She walked out of the
restaurant without a backward glance.  We looked at each other, and ran
after her.  She had just given the valet her ticket to get her car when we
got outside.

"Mom?"

"Not now Joey.  I need time.  Go on the road."  She got in her car and left
the parking lot.  Joey and I just stood there, watching her drive away.  I
looked at him.  Shit, have to get him out of here before he falls apart.  I
gave the valet our ticket and told him to hurry.  As soon as the Acura was
pulled around, I opened the passenger door and told Joey to sit.  He just
smiled gamely at me and nodded.  I tipped the guy a twenty and we pulled
away.  It took Joey a second, then he lost his shit.  He scrunched down in
the seat, hot tears streaming down his face.  The sobs that racked his body
were bad.  I pulled the Acura over and ran around to his door.  I opened it
and took him in my arms.  His arms wrapped around me and he held on to me
like a drowning man with a life preserver.

"Oh my god Dale.  She walked away."

I just held him close, taking a brief instant to close the door so the
light went off.  Fortunately there isn't a whole lot of traffic on this
road, but we still have to be careful.

Joey was just starting to calm down a little and his breathing was getting
back to normal, when a car pulled up behind us.  Joey stiffened as their
headlights swept over us.  I looked back, and saw a police car.

Great...just great.

"Is everything okay sir?"

"Yes Officer.  My friend received some very bad news tonight, and I thought
it was best to not drive while he was upset.  He's calmed down now so we're
going to get going again."

He looked like he didn't really believe the story.  "Have either of you had
anything to drink tonight?"

"No alcohol sir, just soda."

"Can I see your license sir?"  I just rolled my eyes and handed it to him.
"Maryland huh?  You just visiting or are you planning on moving in?"

"I'm going to be moving here sir.  I'll be going to transfer my license
over this coming week."

Handing my license back to me, he told me to make sure that I was the one
driving.  He got back in his car and pulled out.  I noticed Joey looking at
me out of the corner of my eye.  I turned back to him.  He still had tears
streaming down his cheeks, but he had a small half-smile also.

"What Joey?"

"You're moving here Dale?"

Oh God.  "Well I want to be with you Joey.  Somehow you don't strike me as
a Baltimorean.  One of us has to move.  I'll do it.  I've been thinking of
relocating anyway.  Why not to Orlando?  I mean, it's a fun town, lots to
see and do.  And I do already know a few people down here."  I smiled at
him.  He ran his fingers along my face and cheek.

"Let's go home baby.  Please."

We got back in the car and were nearly home when Joey's cell phone started
ringing.  He threw it in the center divider between the seats.  It stopped
ringing after four rings, then started ringing again.

"You going to answer that hon?"

He just looked out the window.  "Nope.  Don't want to talk to anyone right
now."  I just sighed and reached for the phone.

"Joey's phone."

Dead silence on the other end.  Finally, a voice spoke.  "Um, is Joey
there?"

"He's a little busy right now, can I tell him who's calling please?"

"This is his brother Steve."

"Oh hey Steve, it's Dale.  Hang on."  I just looked at Joey in the
windshield reflection.  "Do you want to talk to your brother?  If not, I'll
tell him to try later."  Joey just held his hand out for the phone.  I
smiled at him and blew him a kiss.  "Love you babe."

"Hey Steve, what's up?  Yeah I told mom.  Not good.  Oh you know?  Just
perfect.  What did she say?"  Joey got a surprised look on his face and sat
up a bit straighter in the seat.  "Really?  HHmm.  Okay.  Thanks for
letting me know bro.  Talk at ya later."  He hung up the phone and just
looked at me, not saying a word.

"Lord Joey, what happened now?"

"Mom needs time.  She called and talked to Steve.  He told her that he'd
already known.  She told him to call me.  She still loves me, just needs
time to adjust.  God Dale, what if she doesn't accept me?"

I reached over and took his hand in mine.  "She will hon.  You're her son.
Family is everything.  Don't worry."  We didn't say anything further as we
finished the drive home.  Pulling in, I saw a light on.

"Joey, did you leave a light on?"

We parked and headed in.  The door was still locked.  We went in, and were
greeted to the sight of JC sitting at the kitchen table.  Joey tensed up,
and glared at him.  I wasn't exactly tickled to see him, but I wanted to
give him a chance to say something.  JC stood up, and hurriedly took a
drink of something in a tall glass.  He set the glass down.

"Hi guys.  I hope you don't mind, but I let myself in."

Joey threw his keys on the counter.  "Fine, you're here.  What do you
want?"

I looked from Joey to JC.  "You two have to talk.  I'm going to bed.  See
you shortly babe."  I gave Joey a hug and a kiss.  JC tried saying
something to me, but I cut him off.  "We'll talk tomorrow.  I'm going to
bed.  Now you two need to talk about stuff.  Make sure you send my man to
me before too long though.  I need something nice to curl up with when I'm
sleeping."

I went upstairs, and heard them heading in to the living room.  I took a
quick shower and got into bed.  I curled up with "Interview With A
Vampire", which I haven't read in years.  I was just getting into it when
the door opened and my man came in.

"Hey Dale, figured you'd be asleep."  He took his shirt off and bent over
to remove his pants and shoes.  I pulled out of bed and grabbed him.
Pulling him back onto the bed, I threw myself on top of him.  I just stared
into his eyes.  He grinned at me and stuck his tongue out.  Leaning down, I
started out gently kissing his lips, and my kisses started getting more
intense.  He french-kissed me, and ran his hand down my flank.  I broke the
kiss, and pushed him slightly away.  He looked offended.

"Go shower handsome.  I'll still be here."  I went back to my book.  He
just sniffed at me, and went to shower.  He was back in minutes, and
getting into bed.  He started nibbling on the side of my neck, and
massaging my chest and back with his hands.  I felt his hard cock on my
ass, he groaned when I pushed back into him.  We laid there spooning, and
just started talking.  It was nice.  We talked about everything.  His fears
about the situation with his mom, the guys.  Finally we touched on our
relationship.  He said he had something he wanted to do tomorrow, but he
wouldn't tell me what it was.
  He pulled me around so I was face to face with him.  He had tears on his
cheeks, which I used my fingers to brush away.  I took his hand in mine and
kissed it.  I then kissed him lightly on the lips.

I told him to turn around.  He did, and I pulled him back to me.  He was
using my shoulder and arm as a pillow.  "Go to sleep my handsome man."  I
ran my fingers through his hair.  "Dream nothing but pleasant dreams, and
know that I'm here as long as you need me to be."  He made a contented
sound and settled back onto me.  Within minutes he was snoring lightly.  I
turned the light off.

RINGRINGRING...RINGRINGRING...RINGRINGRING...RINGRINGRING

God I hate it when people call early in the morning.  The phone was on
Joey's side of the bed, so I couldn't reach it.  I nudged him softly.

"Phone's ringing babe.  You wanna get it?"

"mmmkay." He reached for the phone.  "Hello?  MOM!!!"  He sat bolt upright
in bed.  He scrambled back into me, grabbing my hand.  "What's wrong mom?"
His jaw dropped, and I saw tears again.  Damn, if she hurts him I don't
want to have to go ballistic on her.  "Okay, I understand totally.  Love
you."  He hung up the phone, and just stared at it.

"Joey?  What happened?"

"She loves me.  Steve told her that I needed to hear it.  She apologized
for leaving last night."  He pulled me into a hug, and just held me.  I
stroked his hair, and just held him.  We fell back asleep in each other's
arms.

RINGRINGRING...RINGRINGRING...RINGRINGRING...RINGRINGRING

Goddammit!!

Joey could probably sleep through a nuclear blast.  I gently shook him
again.  "Babe.  Phone again."  He groaned and reached for it.

"Hello?"  He rubbed his eyes.  "Hey Josh, what's up?  Really?  Okay.  See
you in about an hour."  He hung the phone up and snuggled back into my
arms.  Since no explanation was evident, I had to ask.

"Okay.  So what happened with Josh last night?  You didn't come up here
covered in blood, so you obviously didn't kill him."  He just flashed that
incredible smile of his.

"Oh, we're fine now.  We had a nice talk.  He is planning on apologizing to
you today, after we get done with what we're going to be doing."

I ran my finger down his chest, playing with the trail of hair that ran
down to his crotch.  I nuzzled his ear, and began lightly stroking him to
hardness underneath the sheet.  "Oh, come on Joey, you know you want to
tell me."  He groaned and in seconds I had his body twitching with need and
anticipation.  Just as he was getting ready I heard the bedroom door open.
What the hell?  I looked over, and saw Lance standing there with a grin on
his face.

"Don't you dare Joey!"

Joey's head snapped around to stare at him.  "James do you mind.  We're a
little...busy here!"  He turned back to me and began nuzzling my neck.  I
grinned and pushed him away.

"Nuh uh...not with an audience."

Joey just smacked my ass and got out of bed.  He padded over to the
bathroom so he could shower.  I watched him go, and once the door was
closed went back to paying attention to James.

"So why are you here?  And without even knocking!  You interrupted my
interrogation of my man."  I gave him a mock growl.  He just laughed and
rolled his eyes at me.

"Oh please!  Trust me, you'll thank me later.  Now, you're coming with me
today.  Both of you are actually."

I got up and was heading over to the bathroom to join Joey when it hit me
what he said.  "Where are we going?"

"We all are heading over to Johnny's office this morning before heading
back out."

"Oh.  We'll be downstairs in a few minutes."  I went in and closed the door
to the bathroom.  I heard Joey humming softly as I finished stripping and
opened the door.  He didn't say anything as I got in and wrapped my arms
around him.  I kissed the side of his neck.

"Hey sexy man.  Come here often?"

We spent the next twenty minutes engaging in heavy petting in the spray of
the warm water.  Finally we got out when Lance began beating on the door
and bellowing that we had to hurry up.  We hurriedly dressed and ran
downstairs (for some reason Joey kept rushing me).

We got in Lance's car and he headed out, driving like a maniac the whole
time!  I clutched Joey's hand in the back seat as Lance weaved in and out
of traffic.

"For God's sake Lance, I feel like I'm in a high speed chase!  Slow down."

He smiled back at me.  "Can't Dale, we have to be at this meeting on time,
there's too much to get accomplished before we head back out."  Joey smiled
and leaned his head onto my shoulder.  We cuddled up with each other for
the rest of the trip.  About ten minutes later we pulled up in front of
Johnny Wright's office.  Lance bustled us out of the car and into the
elevator.  God, I feel like a freshman during college orientation!

We walked past the receptionist, who didn't even look up at us.  Lance
practically pushed us through Johnny's door and closed it behind us.  Joey
and I stood there, holding hands, while Johnny sat behind his desk glaring
at us.  He sat there for a minute.  Two minutes.  Finally, he got up, and
headed around the desk.  He stood in front of me and extended his hand.
Bewildered, I shook it.

"Dale, I want to apologize for rattling your cage.  I wanted to make sure
you could stick to your convictions and your feelings for this guy."  He
squeezed Joey's shoulder.  Joey for his part was just looking at Johnny
like he'd grown a third eye.  I looked at Joey, and finally back at Johnny.

"Did it ever occur to you that you could just ask me?"

"Nope, too easy!  Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.  Wanted to take this
opportunity to clear the slate so we can start fresh.  So, I understand
that you'll be sticking to Orlando when Joey goes back on the road with the
guys."

"Um.  Yeah.  Why?"

"Well Dale, if you want.  I can have my assistant draw up a list of fun
things to do here.  I've been keeping an eye on these guys for awhile now,
so I now what your generation likes!"

"That'd be great Johnny.  Thanks."

Joey finally chimed in.  "Johnny, hate to run.  But the guys and I have
some stuff to get done before we head out."  He didn't even wait for Johnny
to say anything, just grabbed my hand and pulled me out the door.

"Um, bye Johnny!"  As we hit the elevator, Joey was almost bouncing.
Something was up.

"Joey, what are you not telling me?  Where are we going?"

"Dale, trust me."  Once the elevator doors were closed he pulled me to him
and passionately kissed me.  The elevator doors opened and we were greeted
to the sight of Lance, Chris and Josh standing there.  Joey walked over to
Josh, and they started walking away.

"Joey?  Where are you..."

Chris grabbed my arm and began pulling me out the door.  "Come on Dale,
you're coming with Lance and I for a few.  We need your help."

I let myself get led out to Lance's car.  I spent the next two hours
following these two around while they got stuff ready to go back on the
road.  I finally got introduced to Busta.  He really is a cute dog.  Chris
got a little jealous that Busta didn't bite me or anything.  What can I
say??? I have a nice personality!

After we ate lunch at Lance's house, they tried taking me someplace else
when the phone started ringing.

"Hello?  Ready?  Okay.  There in ten."  He hung up and looked at Chris.
"All set."  Chris smiled and went to rinse his dishes.  "Come on Dale, we
have to meet the guys at Joey's before we head out."

//Um.  Okay.  I'm now totally confused.  I HATE being kept in the dark!//

We began talking about music on the way over.  Chris got me to harmonize
with him on "Music Of My Heart".  Lance chimed in while driving, and I have
to admit...we sounded pretty good!  We pulled up, and saw Josh's car in the
driveway.

We stormed into the house.  Josh and Justin were in the kitchen refreshing
drinks.  Joey was over at the stereo fiddling with something.  After the
obligatory "HI's" were exchanged, we all headed in to where Joey was.  Soft
jazz began coming out of the speakers.  Joey danced over to me and kissed
me gently.  We stood there for a second hugging each other, then Josh
cleared his throat.  Joey broke the hug and stepped slightly away from us.

"Dale.  I can honestly say that the past few weeks have been unforgettable.
We've gone through a lot, and you scared the shit out of me a few times.  I
can't imagine how I lived before you came into my life and I know more than
anything that I don't want to live without you."  He looked at the four men
around me, and continued.  "Friends count for a lot.  If I met someone and
they didn't all approve then there'd be an issue.  Fortunately for all
assembled, you're not only liked by these clowns but you've become part of
our extended family.  You don't just get me you get these guys."  Laughs
sounded from everyone.  Joey turned somber.  "You met us, and you didn't
put us on pedestals.  You look at me and you don't see `Joey from
N'Sync'...you see the real me.  I think that's why I fell in love with you.
Plus, you were so cute when you were ripping into the guys in the
elevator."  I smiled at that.  "I don't want to ever be without you in my
life.  We all go through life searching for the person who makes us feel
whole inside.  For me Dale you ARE that person."

"Dale, I think what I'm trying to say is this."  I gasped as he sank to one
knee.  He pulled a ring box out of his shirt pocket and opened it.

"Dale, will you marry me?"

I will never forget the sounds the guys made or the look in Joey's face
when I gave my answer.

"No."