August 10th 1997
True to his word, just a couple of weeks after my unfair dismissal, Johnny
arranged for me to support N Sync on their US tour. I was a bit dubious at
first, afterall the treatment I had gotten from the Backstreet Boys had made
me a bit weary. But on my first night of opening their show afterwards the
guys had knocked on my dressing room door and welcomed me aboard, each one
of them, Chris, JC, Lance, Joey and Justin had kind and reassuring words,
they told me that Johnny had filled them in on the unpleasantness that I had
experienced at the hands of the BSB, and they assured me that I would
definitely not get that kind of treatment from them. The result was that
they 6 of us had bonded quickly and we were now great friends.
We were in the middle of the US tour but we found ourselves back in the
NSync guys homebase of Florida. Whilst we were there Johnny had called us in
and arranged for a meeting.at the Trans con offices..
"Hows the tour going guys, any problems..?" asked Johnny sitting back in a
plush leather recliner..
"Everything is just perfect Johnny, and the crowd just love Jade, she is the
perfect opener for us..." said JC winking at me..
Johnny beamed happily "I am really pleased, I am so happy things worked out
for you in the end Jade..."
"me too..." I smiled..
"Okay, lets get down to the reason I arranged for this meeting.......The
Harper Charity Concert..."
"wow is it that time again.." asked Chris twirling one of his dreads..
"yes it is, and this year is going to be even more spectacular than last
years, there are some incredible bands performing.." said Johnny...
"Harpers Charity concert..?" I asked feeling a bit in the dark
"Its held every year..." said Lance "its a concert to raise money for the
homeless across America, we all donate our services for free.."
"I see.." I smiled..
"So anyway..." Johnny continued.. "can I put you guys down for the event Its
October 5th..?"
The five N'Sync guys all nodded, pleased to be able to participate..
"what about you Jade..?" asked Johnny..
"me..? " I asked confused
"yeah, will you perform..?" continued Johnny
"You want me to perform..? " I asked shocked, I wasn't sure I was in the
Nsync league
Johnny chuckled..."you seem surprised Jade, care to fill me in..?"
Johnny and the guys all watched amused...
"well..." I began.. " I just figured this sort of charity show was for the
real famous artists and bands, not for the likes of me.."
Johnny and the guys cracked up laughing, I looked at them all wondering what
the joke was.
"Jade..." said Joey.. "what rock have you been hiding under, you are fast
becoming the hottest thing since Mariah Carey, your debut single went
straight the the top of the US charts knocking Whitney Houston off, and your
second single looks set to be a hit as well. of course you are going to be
considered a big thing at the Harpers concert..." Joey threw his hands up in
mock disbelief but he had a big grin on his face..
"well...if you put it like that..." I laughed "then yeah I'll gladly do the
concert.."
"thats our Jadey..." said Justin giving me a playful punch on the shoulder
"Okay guys thats it for now...enjoy the rest of your tour..." said Johnny..
We all started making our way out when Johnny called me back..
"can I talk to you alone for a second please Jade..?"
"Sure Johnny.." I said as I sat back down.
When we were alone, Johnny smiled.. "looks like I will be having to find you
a support act to open up for you come the end of this year.."
"yeah.." I grinned dreamily "I can't believe it is all finally happening, I
have suffered so many set backs in the past 10 years, sometimes I have to
pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming.."
Johnny patted my hand.." well your not dreaming Jade, its all very real.."
"So Johnny...what did you want to see me about..?" I asked
"Backstreet Boys..." said Johnny. making my blood run cold just from hearing
their name..
"oh..?" I muttered wondering what this was about.
"They are going to be at this charity concert, you think you can handle them
being there..?"
"As long as they leave me alone I am sure everything will be fine.." I said
stiffly
"you sure..?" questioned Johnny
"Absolutely.." I said getting up, although as I left the room, I felt a ball
of nerves forming in my stomach.