An Unsung Melody

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Ashley: My new life goal is to see an *Nsync Reunion.

Britney: You're a nut and that's why I love you. Also probably why you'll succeed at convincing them to make a comeback.

Britney: Have you seen any of them recently?

Ashley: Just Lance, until Justin showed up at my recording session today. You?

Britney: I don't see much of anyone these days.

Ashley: Come see me in Florida.

Britney: I can't. People think a Vegas Residency is a sweet deal, but it's more of a prison sentence.

***

Lynn settled into the seat beside Justin, taking the time to fasten her seat belt securely before turning her attention to her son. "Justin, please be careful with that girl's heart."

Justin, exasperated, rolled his eyes at his mother's comment. "Just friends, mama," he replied defensively. "You know she's like a sister to me."

"Mm-hm," Lynn said with a knowing shake of her head. "You keep telling yourself that; but you've never had a sister and it shows."

Trying to recall the last update he'd received about Ashley's love life, Justin added, "She's got a boyfriend in London or something."

"Mm-hm," Lynn said again and she leaned over, putting a hand behind Justin's head and pulling her to him so she could kiss the top of it. "So tell me, are any of my other boys coming to dinner tonight?"

"We're going to stop and pick up Chris and Joey," Justin confirmed with a nod as Ashley opened the back door and slid into the seat, humming a song that Justin immediately identified as his mysterious melody. "It gets stuck in your head, doesn't it? Maybe you can help me find the words to it."

"Oh I'm not a songwriter, J." Ashley said instantly and her words made him wish he had followed through on his desire to punch Lance earlier that day. What was up with Lance telling her she couldn't do things? Why was Ashley letting him have that control over her?

When they pulled to a stop at Joey's house, Ashley looked up in surprise and a hint of concern, "Are the others coming too?"

"Just Joey and Chris, the others were busy," or uninvited, Justin finished the thought in his head, thinking of Lance.

"Shorty!" Joey exclaimed as he dove into the backseat. Ashley nearly slammed into his hug as she tried to maneuver herself out of Chris's way on the opposite side. Justin laughed as Ashley was ping-ponged back and forth between the two guys while all three tried to find and settle into their spots in the backseat.

"Happy Birthday, Miss Lynn!" the two boys chorused like teenagers again and Lynn blew kisses at each one, thanking them. She'd known them all since they'd been relative babies.

Chris greeted Ashley with a side hug, "I didn't know you were in town."

Joey tugged at the UNC t-shirt Ashley was wearing, "Did you let Justin dress you?"

Justin saw Ashley throw him a mischievous grin in the rearview mirror before she answered Joey, "Yes, I did-after he tore my sweater off me earlier."

"Justin Randle Timberlake!" Lynn said, unamused with Justin's antics, she swatted Justin, who attempted to evade the hit while still driving.

"She was wearing my sweater and I wanted it back!" Justin tried to defend himself, "it's a good thing I have you two women around or I'd forget my full name." he grumbled