Joey's on Leno…some thoughts as the gang watches Joey's first appearance on the Tonight Show…these characters are the property of Bright Kauffman and Crane..Joey characters are the property of Bright San Productions…
The day had ended and night had fallen. But it wasn't just any night, it was the night that Joey had made it. The phone call came unexpectedly as Monica, Rachel , and Phoebe were told that Joey was appearing on the Tonight Show.
This meant Joey had made it. Ever since he moved to California, all his friends kept their fingers crossed and hoped for the best. First Nurses was a bust, then there was the dry spell. His role in Deep Powder seemed to be opening up all sorts of doors for him. The gang couldn't be happier.
"Mike, guess what?" Phoebe exclaimed when her piano playing husband got home from work at his bar.
"Are you pregnant Pheebs?" he smiled looking down at her stomach and patting it lovingly.
"I wish," sighed Phoebe. "No Joey called today from LA and he is going to be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
Mike had tried to be excited about this. Since he had met up with Phoebe , he had adopted almost a whole new set of friends. Friends that had twenty year histories, friends who were former roommates, and friends who were former lovers with kids. It had been overwhelming to say the least. But Phoebe's friends welcomed him with open arms.
In the short time that Mike had been with the group, there had babies born, a friend going to Paris only to return, and Joey moving to LA. When Rachel returned, Phoebe had to sit down and tell Mike the long story of "the lobsters." He had been in love before and could definitely understand why Phoebe had to leave so quickly to help her dear friend reach the airport in time.
Joey was different. Mike knew there was always a deep friendship, almost a love between Phoebe and Joey. She thought of him not only like a brother, but always had a far off look in her eye as she talked about him. Mike wasn't really jealous of Joey, but considering this group's history. , he was a little nervous. After all Monica and Chandler started out as best friends and so did Ross and Rachel.
"That's great Pheebs. What night will he be on?"
"Thursday night, right after "ER." Phoebe said excitedly.
"Oh yeah with that hot Abby and that guy you like so much." Mike said.
"You mean Luka, I love his accent it s so sexy." Phoebe squealed."But not as sexy as you Mike Hannigan."
Meanwhile in an apartment not far from the Hannigans. A young couple was putting their daughter to bed.
"Good night Em, sleep tight, Princess." Rachel Green said as she put the pink blanket over the sleeping toddler. Tightly clutched in her hands was a penguin wearing sunglasses. Next to it sat a stuffed pink dinosaur.
"Daddy loves his little Emma." smiled Ross as he leaned down to kiss her tiny head.
Rachel held her back as it began to ache. She smiled as she looked at the tiny bed. In the corner stood an empty crib being prepared for the next occupant.
"Oww, that hurt." Rachel complained as she walked slowly away from the bedroom.
"Are you alright , sweetie?" Ross said as he hurried to her side, concerned.
"Yeah, it's just RJ letting me know that he's awake." she said as her fiance walked her to the couch.
Setting her down, Ross took a cushion and put her feet up. He rubbed her swollen ankles.
"Better?" he said tenderly.
"Thanks honey. Hey now I can tell you the news. Joey called today and he is going to be on the Tonight Show. He'll be on this Thursday with Maroon 5." Rachel said excitedly.
"Thursday huh, boy that night used to be so good ." Ross said.
"I know since that one show went off it hasn't been the same." Rachel said. "I cried when it ended, but at least the one couple ended up back together after all those years." Rachel sighed.
"Yeah I mean he cheated on her, married another woman said her name at the altar, got drunk and married in Vegas, then they had a kid together while they dated other people. He just needed to admit that he loved her." Ross said.
"Sound familiar Dr. Geller?" laughed Rachel.
"I think it's great Joey deserves this. We'll have to let Emma stay up and watch her Uncle Joey." Ross said.
"I wonder if he'll mention his gal pal Rachel Green." smiled Rachel.
Ross looked at her when she said this.
"I mean his gal pal Rachel Green soon to be Geller." she corrected herself.
A late phone call had come to the Bing household as Chandler picked up the phone..
"Hello, hey Joe, yeah Mon told me that you had something to tell us. Is this your first People's Choice nomination ? Oh tell me who are you going to wear on the Red Carpet.? Tell me all about when you meet Joan and Melissa."
"Bing you are so cut off from the Style network. " Monica yelled.
"No Chandler , I am going to be on the Tonight Show. My agent Bobbie set it up after an act cancelled. I can't believe it , I used to dream of being on the Tonight Show and interviewed by Johnny Carson." Joey exclaimed.
"Uh Joe, Johnny Carson just died." Chandler reminded him.
"I know but it's the Tonight Show. This means I 've made it." said Joey with tears in his eyes. "And it's all because of you man. You believed in me. You guys all believed in me." he sighed.
"So what night will it be on?" asked Chandler.
"Thursday." Joey said.
"Great that's the same night as "Will and Grace." Make sure to say hi to all your nieces and nephews." Chandler reminded him.
"Let's see that would be Ben, Emma, Jack , Erica and little RJ." Joey counted them.
Joey hung up the phone . His mom and dad and seven sisters would be watching. Gina , Michael , and Alex would too. He was kind of sad that Nonnie wouldn't but maybe she could see from heaven.
What really made him smile was the group of friends he considered his family were going to see him on one of the biggest nights of his life. That made him feel good.
Thursday night comes…first the Hannigans watch the show..
This story is in also in loving memory of the man who made the Tonight show what it is today..Johnny Carson..a true television legend.