Jo was pacing around her apartment in a bundle of nerves, walking back and forth from the couch, then getting up to pace around her kitchen and then back again. She felt like she couldn't possibly sit still. Every five seconds she was glancing at her cell phone sitting on the coffee table, waiting for it to ring, but also dreading it.
"Jo, what's the big deal?" Camille asked from the couch, where she was much more relaxed than her blonde friend. "It's not like this is your first time doing this."
"I know, I know," Jo said, stopping her pacing for a moment and sitting down beside Camille again, "but I've been to two different callbacks, and last time it was just me and one other girl who were still in it. And if they choose me, this could be my big break, my first leading role. I'm so excited but also so nervous I could throw up!"
Camille rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, I know you're not going to throw up. You ate like two bites of your lunch and then just kept picking up and setting down your phone the entire time."
"Well, how do you deal with things like this?" Jo asked, glancing away from her phone to look at Camille.
"OK I know so far I've only had guest star and extra roles so far," Camille admitted, "but I just tell myself it's a numbers game, and the more I hone my skills the better I'll be until I'll eventually be fending off casting directors with a stick."
"I know you're right, but I can't do that right now. I just want my phone to ring, but I also kind of want to throw it out the window so it can't bring me any bad news you know?"
"I understand, but I think I know what will make you feel better."
"What?" Jo asked distractedly as she turned her head to look down at her still, silent phone.
"Talk to Kendall, he always cheers you up."
"No, I can't right now. As much as I want to I don't want to be talking to him when my agent calls."
"Alright, but you have to admit part of you is also really missing him."
"Of course I am. They're all only halfway through their tour, only three weeks left."
"Hey, you don't need to remind me. I have the date circled on my calendar when they'll be back too." Camille reassured her. "But don't you and Kendall talk every night?"
"Yes, we talk or Facetime every morning, and that's been great but it's nothing compared to having him here. He's just the distraction I need right now. We could have a girly romantic picnic or just hang by the pool or anything."
"What am I, chopped liver?" Camille joked.
"Sorry Camille, you've been the greatest since the guys have been touring."
"I know, right back at you Jo." Camille smiled brightly at her. "I'm missing Logan and the rest of them too, but we've still had tons of fun together."
"I agree, even with all the new kids moving in. I-"
Just then Jo's phone started cheerfully ringing on the coffee table.
"Camille! What do I do?" Jo asked in a panic.
"Well, answer it obviously!" Camille grabbed the phone and tossed it into Jo's hands, forcing her to catch it.
Jo fumbled with the phone in her hands for a few seconds then pressed the answer button and held it up to her ear. "Hello?"
"Hey Jo it's Jemma. Her agent spoke on the other end. I'm calling because I have some great news for you. Colossal Studios has decided to cast you as Rachel on New Town High!"
"Really? That's amazing! Thank you so much, Jemma!"
"Oh, don't thank me, you're the one who put in the hard work, and I don't see how anyone could possibly ignore all the innate talent within you. I just know you're going to do amazing."
"Thank you Jemma, I'll do my best to make you proud." She paused and sent a smile and a thumbs up to Camille to communicate the good news, who beamed right back at her.
"Don't you worry about that. Now onto business, can you come to my office immediately so we can go over your contract? And then we'll go to Colossal Studios so you can meet your costars."
"Oh yeah, sure thing." Jo nodded her head in excitement, "do you know who got the other roles?"
"No, I don't." Gemma reported, "But we'll both find out this evening."
"Oh yeah sure thing. I'll see you soon. Goodbye, Jemma."
"Goodbye Jo, and congratulations again."
Jo hung up with a smile on her face and then screamed to Camille while jumping up and down. "I got the part!"
Congratulations Jo! Camille jumped up too and they hugged each other close for a few moments. "That's fantastic! When do you start filming?"
"I have no idea, I have to meet Jemma and then we're going to meet my costars. I'll be back soon and I'll fill you in then."
"Good luck Jo!" Camille waved after they both exited Jo's apartment. Jo headed downstairs to jump in the limo while Camille walked back to her apartment."
After a rather long meeting that was mostly filled with paperwork that Jo had to sign regarding her contract, both she and Jemma got in the limo once more to head to Colossal Studios for the meet and greet with her costars, and once again, her stomach was a knot of nervousness and excitement.
When she first got there she was reacquainted with the casting director, director, and executive producers who all excitedly welcomed her to the show, telling her she was by far their most talented candidate and in addition had great chemistry with their Drake actor in her audition.
Jo though, still didn't know who Drake was going to be, she had had a great time auditioning with all the Drake finalists, but she had no idea who she had more chemistry with compared to the others.
But the mystery didn't last for long. After Jo grabbed some punch from the refreshment table, she felt a tap on her shoulder and she turned around, and quickly recognized who her newest costar was going to be.
"Hey Jo Taylor right? Or should I call you Rachel?" Jett smiled dazzlingly at her.
"Ah, and you're Jett? Or should I call you Drake?" Jo smiled back.
"You can call me whatever you like." Jett smirked playfully at her, "But Jett will do for now."
"Congratulations Jett. I really enjoyed auditioning with you."
"Why thank you, I'm amazing, I know. But look at you." Jett said, and his eyes seemed to scan her up and down for a moment, which made her feel a little weirded out. "I have to admit I was hoping they would pick you."
"Really?"
"Of course, you're not only a great actor, and bonus you're drop-dead gorgeous, just like me." Jett laughed.
"Thank you I'm flattered." Jo said I look forward to working with you Jett."
"Oh trust me, you will." Jett joked, "Hope you don't mind me getting up close and personal." Jett stepped closer and threw his arm around her shoulder. "After all, my agent gave me a rundown basic storyline and we are going to be spending plenty of time together… Apparently, the studio has already trademarked Drachel to be ready for the fans."
Jo quickly, but smoothly stepped out of his embrace. "Oh don't worry I'm sure I'll enjoy this whole experience."
"Is this your first time on a TV show?" Jett asked and grabbed a glass of his own punch.
"Yep, I've only had small parts so far. Mostly a few random commercials or extra roles. But I've been in a lot of music videos.
"Music videos huh? Is it anything I've heard of?"
"Maybe, they're pretty new. Have you heard of Big Time Rush? They just left LA on their first tour. Kendall-"
"Never heard of them." Jett interrupted her and shrugged his shoulders. "Besides music videos are great and all but trust me Jo, TV and movies are the path to superstardom."
"I'll have to take your word for it. Jake from Summer Nights."
"You know it." Jett smiled, "But like I said, we'll be working together a lot the next few months, maybe even years. But what do you say we go grab dinner after this and get to know each other better?"
Jo paused for a moment, as she once again noticed the weird way he was looking at her, but she shook it off. She had nothing planned for tonight anyway. Other than sending Kendall a good night message when she went to bed. She guessed it would be better to get to know her costar, especially because both of what Jett and Jemma had told her, Rachel and Drake's romance was an important part of the show's plot.
"Sure thing." Jo smiled, "should we invite some of the others?"
"How about just you and me tonight? We can always invite the others another time." Jett suggested.
"OK…sure thing," Jo said slowly. "I guess I'll see you tonight but I'm going to keep introducing myself to everyone else."
"Of course, I can't wait for tonight." Jett smiled at her and Jo walked off to join two other girls who were chatting nearby. And upon introducing herself Jo immediately felt more at ease. She had a feeling she'd be making many new friends on this show, in addition to potentially being her big break.
After the meet and greet was over, Jett found her again and offered to give her a ride to the restaurant, which Jo was happy with. Although when he showed off his convertible to her, she felt like he was trying to impress her. She would think he was better just because he had a really cool sports car.
Then when they got to the restaurant, Jo was surprised when they were led by the hostess to a private room in the back, so it was just the two of them sitting at the table with no one else around them.
"What are we doing back here?" Jo asked.
"Well, you'll find out about this once the show premieres but when you're the star, the paparazzi is going to be following you everywhere looking for a juicy photo. If the two of us ate together out in the open, we'd be on the cover of Pop Tiger like that." Jett snapped his fingers and joked, "as Jett and his beautiful new girlfriend."
"Oh yeah, that would be bad." Jo didn't even want to think about Kendall would react to something like that.
"I know right, we don't want some random photographer getting any ideas before we're official or anything."
Jo was confused at the last part of what Jett had said, "What do you mean before we're official?"
"Oh, you know…" Jett sent her a knowing, slightly flirtatious look.
"Um no I don't." Jo laughed a bit awkwardly.
"Don't worry, you'll find out," Jett promised with a sly grin on his face.
Just then their waitress came to take their orders and was quickly off to take them to the kitchen.
"So, I know you've seen some of my TV shows. Mind showing me some of your work?" Jett asked.
"Oh yeah, sure thing." Jo reached down to grab her phone from her purse. "I think I have Big Time Rush's latest video saved on here." Jo searched through her phone for a few moments and then passed it over. "The song is called The City Is Ours and it was so much fun to make."
"Alright, let's see what this new band is made of, and of course how talented you are." Jett smiled at her and pressed play. He set the phone in the middle of the table between them so they could watch it together, and while it played. Jo was taken back to that day, it had been so much fun, and a little crazy since the guys had promised literally everyone a part in the video so they could stay at the Palm Woods. And of course, Kendal had also given her a role without even thinking, even though she hadn't been in danger of leaving like everyone else had been. All the guys were so sweet.
"Wow Jo, I have to say you're the highlight of that video," Jett said, breaking her out of her memories.
"Sorry? What was that?"
"I know obviously it's a music video so you didn't get to speak or do too much acting, but you really looked like you were having fun there."
"Oh yeah, Kendall and the guys are always fun, and shooting that video was especially fun."
"Although the song… not really my thing. And plus I am way better looking than those four. Don't you agree?"
Jo raised her eyebrow at him questioningly. What did that have to do with anything? And definitely not in her opinion. Sure, Jo could admit Jett was handsome, but he had nothing on Kendall, his kind green eyes, his blond bangs, that especially looked good poking out from under his beanie, and his smile, including his adorable dimples… even just thinking about Kendall was making her miss him more.
"Jo? Getting distracted are we?" Jett teased her. "Don't worry I'm used to it."
"Sorry, just thinking about Kendall and the guys being on tour. I'm missing them a lot."
"Oh, are you close with them?" Jett raised an eyebrow in question.
"Yeah, I met them all when I moved into the Palm Woods and they've all become some of my best friends. And of course Kendall-"
"Ah, I get it." Jett interrupted her and nodded his head. "Say, maybe I should move over the Palm Woods, I'll keep you company while your friends are away and plus we can rehearse whenever we want together."
"Um yeah, if you want I guess that'd be good. Although I'll still be counting down the days until Kendall and the others come back."
Jett furrowed his brow. "You keep mentioning Kendall a lot. Which one is he?"
Jo took her phone again and played through a video until it showed a close-up of Kendall. "Here's Kendall." Jo passed her phone over to Jett and he studied it for a moment.
"Well, I'm definitely better looking than that guy." Jett laughed.
"I have to disagree with you there." Jo smiled and laughed along, even though she was a little annoyed by Jett's remark. "Although I'm admittedly biased since Kendall's my boyfriend."
Jett seemed to pause and study her for a moment, and his whole demeanor seemed to change. "Oh, boyfriend?" He asked a bit teasingly, but it also sounded a bit forced.
"Yep. That's why I can't wait for him and the rest of BTR to get back to LA." Jo said.
"Well, I should have known a girl like you was already off the market," Jett said. "How long have you been together?"
"Well officially…" Jo said, thinking back to the school dance, "about two months before he had to leave on tour but honestly, there was something between us ever since we first met, and once Kendall puts his heart into something or someone, he doesn't give up. It didn't take him very long to win me over, but now I can't imagine life here without him. Which is why I want him to come back as soon as possible."
Their waitress soon interrupted once more with their food, breaking up their conversation which was instead focused more on how delicious their meals were as they ate. Although Jo asked Jett plenty of questions and she had a feeling, that if there was one thing Jett loved, it was talking about himself.
"-So that's how I got cast in The Raven Society." Jett was saying as both finished up their meals. "Now I do want to give you some advice for a relative rookie like you."
"Sure thing, what is it?" Jo asked.
"It's important to separate your personal and private life, but that doesn't mean they can't intertwine. So on set obviously everything between us will be totally professional, but that doesn't mean off set we can't be more. Especially if I can join you at the Palm Woods." Jet smiled at her and winked for some reason.
"Um…sure thing Jett. You seem like a cool guy and I'm sure we can be friends, and I'm sure all my friends will like you too. Honestly, you remind me a lot of James already so I'm sure you'll fit right in."
"Right, "friends." Jet said, and held up his hands in air quotes, "for sure once your boyfriend gets back, but you said we have three weeks right?"
"Um, yeah," Jo said slowly.
"Well, as I'm sure you know, you and I are going to be kissing at some point, maybe we should practice while Kendall's away so he doesn't get mad or jump to conclusions or anything."
Jo froze. She had been so excited about getting the part she hadn't even thought about what playing someone's love interest on a show will be. She knew Jett was right that they'd have to kiss at some point, but practicing? Who needed to practice kissing? Her mind flashed back to her and Kendall's first kiss when she thought he was leaving forever, and the handful of kisses they had shared from when he returned to the Palm Woods and then left for the tour, how every single one had filled her up with happiness on the inside, that she knew she'd never get from anyone else.
Or did Jett just want an excuse to kiss her? Well, she would shut down that line of thinking real fast before he got any other ideas. Jo shook her head, "No, I don't think we need to practice our kisses. When those scenes come up we will deal with them in a professional manner just like you said. And Jett don't try to get me to do something behind Kendall's back. I trust him completely even though he's a thousand miles away right now, and I know he trusts me too. I'm not going to be the one to break that trust."
"Do you really trust him? Isn't he a big popstar on tour, singing in front of stadiums full of screaming fan girls, that even though he isn't as good-looking as me, they all still love him."
"Yes, that is true, and it admittedly isn't my favorite part of having a famous boyfriend, but I trust Kendall and I would never stand in the way of his dreams, just like I know he won't stand in the way of mine. My answer isn't going to change Jett. I'm happy to be your friend, but that's it. Let's just keep things professional, OK?"
"Got it loud and clear. Sorry if I came on a little strong. I just want this show to be the best it can be." Jett apologized and acted contrite.
"I understand, but I think we're both talented enough that we'll be able to portray our characters to the best of our ability, without prior rehearsal for that area."
"Sorry again, I don't want us to start off on the wrong foot. Do you mind if we forget this conversation never happened?"
"Sure thing, as long as you still remember some things won't ever happen though," Jo warned him.
"Understood." Jett smiled. "Are you ready to head out?"
"Yeah, I'm ready to head home," Jo said.
After paying their bill, they left the restaurant, still chatting amicably on the ride back to the Palmwoods but by the time they got back, Jo felt ready for a break from Jett, he just loved talking about himself, that much was obvious, but she felt relieved he had stopped asking her about Kendall.
She got back to her apartment and quickly changed into her PJs for the night. And as she got into bed, just like always she spent a long moment staring at the BTR poster she had pinned up on her wall, specifically focusing on Kendall's handsome face, wishing he was back here so she could share the great news.
She glanced at the clock on her nightstand, knowing BTR was most likely still in the middle of performing. As much as she wished they could tell each other good night, it just wasn't realistic as Kendall had told her that just about always they made it back to the hotel or the tour bus after midnight, and he would have felt bad waking her up in the middle of the night just to tell her goodnight.
Which is why they instead always talked about their days in the mornings. Jo couldn't wait to tell him her good news, but the more she thought about it, especially with how Jett was acting tonight, she started wondering if it would be better for everyone if maybe she waited until Kendall came back to tell him in person. She knew that Jett wasn't going to be a problem for her, but he may be for Kendall, she could clearly remember, being a bit embarrassed about how she had reacted to Kendall and Jordin Sparks working together, she didn't want things to happen in reverse again.
Jo laid her head down on her pillow and turned out her lights. She texted Kendall a goodnight message, just because they couldn't talk at night didn't mean they didn't let each other know the other was thinking about them. After she finished she soon drifted off to dreams of Kendall by her side once again.
The next morning Kendall woke up with a tired but happy yawn as he took in his surroundings. He was laying in his bunk on the tour bus, well one of the tour busses, thankfully. The original plan for riding the busses would be James and Carlos riding on one bus, and Kendall and Logan on the other. But after their first few days Kendall had realized that for some reason, Logan became an absolute control freak on the tour bus. And so Kendall had convinced Carlos and James to draw straws every three days for who had to ride with Logan. Of course, they told Logan that they just wanted to take turns riding with each other, and they insisted that Logan could be the one that always stayed in the blue bus.
But no matter, the point being that Kendall had managed to go the past two weeks without riding with Logan, although beyond bus drama everything about their first tour was absolutely amazing. Traveling to a new city just about every night, and everywhere they stopped their adoring fanbase just seemed to grow bigger and bigger. And beyond the concerts themselves, all four of them were having fun seeing all there was to see. It was almost like a big family vacation with all his best friends.
The only thing he was missing of course was Jo. As much as he loved the concerts, it wasn't the same without seeing her dancing and cheering him on from the front row. And of course, he also missed their girly romantic picnics and hanging by the pool and everything else they always did together. He both never wanted the tour to end, but also to end soon so he could see Jo again as soon as possible.
As much he loved all their adoring fans, none of them will ever mean as much to him as Jo does. So while he may have seen plenty of I Love Kendall signs out in the crowds, or from girls walking up to the boys post-concert for photos all he ever gave out were high fives, autographs, and group photos. Freight Train was excellent at his job keeping all the guys safe, but Kendall was pretty sure Jo may have given him some extra instructions when it came to Kendall. Not that he minded in the least.
Kendall grabbed his phone, thanks to the tour schedule what usually happened was Jo would text him goodnight when she went to bed, he would text goodnight back once he was finally back on the bus or at the hotel for the night. And then she would text him good morning whenever she woke up, and he usually woke up a bit later with all his late nights. And she always kept her mornings relatively free so they could talk however long they wanted when they got the chance.
And seeing her good morning text had come in about an hour ago. Kendall quickly dialed her number and waited for her to answer. Another bonus of their 2 bus system, was Logan hated to be woken up by an early morning phone call, but if Kendall was riding with Carlos or James, both of them usually slept like the dead until they had to get up. Today being no exception, with Carlos still snoring away across the aisle from Kendall.
"Good morning." Jo's voice answered happily.
"Good morning to you too," Kendall replied, happiness filling his voice just as much.
"So where were you last night?"
"Des Moines, Iowa," Kendall reported.
"So what's Iowa like?"
"Lots of corn from what I can tell." Kendall laughed, "That's about all I know. It's nowhere near as awesome as Minnesota."
"Well considering you spent last week back home I think you'll be fine."
"Yeah, the concert was just as packed as usual. So it was still really fun."
"And where are you headed now?"
"Chicago. And this officially marks our halfway point."
"I know, I'm counting down the days," Jo promised. "So nothing really special happened?"
"No, other than Carlos acted like he died and gone to heaven with all the giant corndogs he ate at the state fairgrounds. And of course, we signed another pig that went home to a lucky fan."
"I can only imagine." Jo laughed. "Who won the pig?"
"Some farmer. He promised to take really good care of it though. So anything new happen at the Palmwoods?"
He didn't hear anything for a long moment as Jo paused.
Jo quickly thought back to everything that had happened yesterday. She did have really great, and really big news she wanted to tell him. But Jett yesterday made her feel weird. She was still excited to be working with him, and he knew he was a talented actor. And she had been thinking more about it all morning, but she was pretty sure he had been trying to hit on her, even though she had been completely ignoring him. Why would she when she had Kendall? And especially how he talked about practicing their kisses. She knew that would not go over well with Kendall a thousand miles away. She didn't want him to worry or be distracted from his tour for no reason. Jo was confident that even if Jett didn't get the message, she could still take care of herself. And really, until she said Kendall was her boyfriend had he done anything Kendall and all his friends had tried to do when she first moved in? She knew it wasn't going to let it be a problem, so she wouldn't let Kendall think it was a problem. She could wait until he was back to share the news, and she could explain everything.
"Jo?" Kendall asked again. "Something wrong?"
"Oh no Kendall, everything here's great, I just miss you a lot." Jo did her best to force happiness in her voice.
"I miss you too but it's only three more weeks. Any new roles or anything?"
"No, not yet." Jo hated lying to him, but she told herself it was better like this, like a surprise party when he'll be back. "Well, I did get another call back but I don't know anything yet. But fingers crossed this could be the one."
"Then I'll cross my fingers too. I just know you'll find your big break, Jo, just like we are right now."
"I know that too Kendall and I couldn't be prouder of you," Jo said honestly. "Camille and I have been watching all the news clips and concert videos we can find on YouTube and you guys are always amazing. And I can see you have a very dedicated fanbase already."
"Yep that we do, but I know exactly where my number one fan in the entire world is, and I can't wait to get back to her."
"I can't wait for you to get back here either," Jo replied.
"And once I'm back we'll spend so much time together you'll be sick of me," Kendall promised.
"I think that'll be impossible, but I'd like to see you try." Jo smiled as she replied.
"Is that a challenge? Cause I'll do it."
"That is one challenge you're guaranteed to lose, I will never be sick of you Kendall." Jo laughed. "So what are you doing today?"
"I don't know, I'm sure we'll see some of the sights around Chicago, do a local interview or something, and then concert again. Same as usual. You have anything planned for today?"
Jo actually did, they were going to do the first read-through of the pilot script today, but she didn't want to tell Kendall that. "Oh just reading some more scripts and probably hanging with Camille, the usual."
"Alright. I better let you get to work, and I'm going to go shower and get ready for today. I'll text you later. And talk to you tomorrow."
"I can't wait," Jo replied. "Goodbye, Kendall."
"Goodbye, Jo."
Kendall hung up first and Jo sighed to herself, while she was confident nothing was going to happen with Jett, she felt a little guilty for not telling Kendall, but she knew she was right that telling him now would only make him stressed out over something that will never ever happen. Just like she went crazy and stressed herself out over Jordin Sparks. Everything is going to be fine. She couldn't wait for these last three weeks to be up though until she can see Kendall's handsome face in front of her again.