Chapter 4: A Night to Remember 8pm, Laura’s doorbell rang.  Laura took a deep breath and opened the door.  There stood Alex, wearing black pants, a black tank top with an opened, oversized gray button-down shirt. “Hi,” he said smiling. “Hi,” Laura responded.  “Come in.” Alex walked in and looked the place around.  “Nice place you have.” “Thanks, but its not mine.  It’s my parent’s friends’ place.  I’m just house-sitting for the summer.” “That’s right, you told me before,” Alex said.  He took his hand from behind his back and had a red rose.  “For you.” “Thanks,” Laura said.  She placed it on the table.  “You ready?” “Yeah, let’s go,” he offered Laura his arm and she accepted.  He led her to his car, a silver BMW.  He opened the door, helped her in, and then got in himself.  He put the key into the ignition, but before he started the car, he turned to her and said, “I just want to say something.” “And that is?” He took a deep breath.  “You look… unbelievable tonight.” Laura, wearing black bellbottoms and a white tank top-- met his eyes and said, “Thanks, you’re not looking so bad yourself.” ~*~ The lights became apparent from Downtown Disney like a sea of glitter.  They walked into the booth, got 2 tickets and walked across the bridge to Pleasure Island.  Laura looked in awe: clubs lined up to the hilt, with a stage at the far end, music was blasting from the streets, and people were grinning from ear to ear. “Which place first?” he asked. “Lead the way.” Alex and Laura’s first stop was the comedy club “Comedy Warehouse,” where the act was hysterical.  “Where next?” Laura asked, still out of breath from the act. “Like hip-hop?” “Love it.” “Follow me then.”  He took her hand and led her to the BET Soundstage Club.  The music was mainly R & B and hip-hop, with the bass intensified.  “Is it too loud?” he asked. “No way!  I’m a city girl remember?  Let’s move!”  She grabbed him and led him to the dance floor.  Within a second, Laura was impressed with his dancing.  He moved so perfectly, it was fluid-like.  Laura felt totally self-conscious next to him. “You’re too stiff,” Alex said in her ear.  He grabbed her close to him.  “Just follow me.” “OK,” Laura said. Forever, she thought.  They then moved in sync, and people were taking notice. After what seemed like hours, they decided to take a walk.  They sat at the fountain in the center, Laura’s head reeling with excitement.  Then they had a long conversation: about Laura’s trip to Florida, New York City, why she was here, college life.  Alex told her stories of Orlando, traveling around Europe, being recognized by complete strangers.  Deep in their conversation, Alex felt a tap on his shoulder.  They turned around to see two teenage girls. “Excuse me, are you AJ from the Backstreet Boys?” one girl asked with an accent. “Yes, I am,” he replied. AJ? Laura thought. “My name is Helga and this is Romi.  We are from Germany.  Can we have an autograph?”  She procured two napkins and a pen. “No problem,” Alex said.  He signed the two napkins. “Can we have a picture also?” asked Romi. Laura interjected, “Why don’t I take it so that you all can be in it?” “Danka!” Helga said as she handed Laura the camera.  Laura snapped a shot. “Danka AJ!” said Romi. “Anytime,” Alex answered.  They walked away.  “I knew that was going to happen.  I’m sorry.” “Hey, it’s OK… one question though,” she asked. “Shoot.” “Who’s AJ?” “Oh I forgot,” Alex laughed.  “AJ: Alexander James McLean.  To the world its AJ, to friends and family, it's Alex.” Laura laughed.  “Is that so funny?  Don’t you have a middle name?” he said in jest. “Yeah.” “Well, spill it.” “Nah.” “Now that’s not fair,” Alex retorted.  “Come on, I told you my secret, not you tell me yours.” “No.” “Please?” “You really want to know?” “I really wanna know.” “OK, OK.”  Laura threw her hands up in defeat. Alex rubbed his hands together and let out an evil laugh.  “Alright, tell me.” “Lee,” she said with a deep breath.  “Laura Lee Deverson.  It was my mom’s middle name.” Laura looked down, and then realized Alex was looking at her tenaciously.  The moment was charged when a voice boomed through the speakers.  “Ladies and gentlemen.  Pleasure Island is now closing.  Please make your way to the nearest exit.  Thank you and have a pleasurable evening.” Laura stood up.  “We should get going.” Alex stood up to follow.  Laura turned and Alex touched her arm.  “Wait.”  Laura turned to face him and stood so close to him she could fell his breath on her face.  “You know what would make this a pleasurable evening?” “What, Alexander James?” “May I, Laura Lee?”  Alex whispered.  His hand caressed her cheek as he drew her in for a kiss so soft and deep it took her breath away.  For the first time, Laura felt a moment of perfection: the atmosphere, the moment, and especially the man.  He let go of her lips as he kept her in s strong embrace.  “That made it a pleasurable evening.” “I should say so,” Laura said, breathing the words.  He put his arm around her waist as they walked out of Pleasure Island: together, united, one being. Later, as they got to Laura’s door, Alex, enclosed Laura’s hands in his.  “So…” “So…” “I just want to say I had a fantastic time.  Best time in a long time.” “Me too.” “Listen, I’m going to the beach tomorrow with my friends: the others in the group.  Wanna go?” he asked. “Sure,” she said. “I’ll pick you up about noon?” “Fine.” He turned around.  “Oh, and one more thing.”  He turned to her.  “So I can dream tonight.”  He gave her another soft kiss.  “Good night.” “Good night Alex.” He went to the car and drove away.  Laura opened the door, walked in, and flung herself on the couch.  “I can dream forever!” she exclaimed.  She went upstairs to start. Chapter 5 Contents Chapter 3