Chapter 7: A Reminder “What do you think of this?” “Nah, too baggy.” “This?” “I don’t like orange.” “You’re no help Alex!” Alex was sitting on Laura’s bed, examining her wardrobe.  Alex had invited her to a big opening of a club in Orlando that night and several celebrities were going to be there for mingling and their own promoting of their works.  “I never said I was the clothing god of the world Lau, you have to pick what you want to wear.” “And you’re putting down my every suggestion.” Alex sighed.  “Sorry for being honest.” “Well, Mr. McLean, if you are putting everything down, you pick out something.”  She made a dramatic sweep with her hands. “I insist.” “Fine then,” he said.  He went to her closet and fished around.  Within a minute he came out.  “This.”  He pulled out a black tank dress, with a diagonal skirt.  “What do you think?” “Accessories?” “Oh yeah,” Alex said.  He took out a pair of black sandals that was to lace up her legs.  “Is that OK with you?” Laura tilted her head to one side and rubbed her chin.  “Eureka!  You are a clothing god!” “Now I want my fee,” said Alex. “And what’s that?” He pulled her close abruptly.  “You,” he whispered.  He leaned in for a soft kiss. When the kiss ended, Laura placed her arms around his neck.  “Now that’s a fee I’ll pay.” “Hell, I’ll take it for free anytime.”  Alex pulled her into a kiss again.  “I really have to get going and get ready.” “Sure, what time will you be here?” “About 9.  We’re all gonna go to Lou’s house before we take a car to the club.” Laura walked him down to the door.  She grabbed his face and kissed him again.  “So I can get through the next few hours.” Alex smirked and left.  As Laura closed the door, the telephone rang.  She plopped onto the couch, reached over and answered the phone. “Hello?” “Hey!” “Veronica!  I was gonna call you before!” “I’m psychic, what can I say?” Laura laughed.  It was good to hear one of her best friend’s voices again.  “So what’s going on?” “I should say ‘What’s going on with you?’  You seem chipper.” “Well, I’m going to a club tonight.” “With who?” “I can’t say.” “Wait a minute, hold on!  You can’t just leave me hanging like that!  You have to spill!” “Says who?” “It’s in the Best Friend Handbook, Rule #156: You can’t hold back information concerning the opposite sex.  Now tell!” “OK, you twisted my arm.”  She began to tell Veronica the whole story of Alex. When she finally finished, Laura said, “So that leads me up to tonight.” “Whoa, looks like you’ve had a productive summer.” “That I have.  And his friends are so nice, V.  I can’t wait for you guys to meet them in 2 weeks.” “Neither can I.” “So, what else is new?” “Nothing, I wanted to call you to see if you were OK, Lau.” “Why wouldn’t I be?” “Oh boy,” Veronica sighed.  She paused for a moment.  “I didn’t want to remind you.” “Of what?” “Have you checked today’s date?” “Hadn’t crossed my mind.” “It’s July 14.” Laura almost dropped the phone.  “Oh my God.  I can’t believe I forgot.” “Laura, it’s OK.  I shouldn’t have called.  I wanted to make sure you were handling things, and you have been, until I just made it worse.” “No, no.  It’s fine.” Laura blinked back tears.  “I’m actually glad you reminded me.  I need to make some phone calls now.” “OK, but if you need to talk, you know I’m here.” “I always know, thanks for checking up on me.” “Anytime.” “Bye.” “Bye.” She hung up and quickly grabbed the phone again and dialed a number. “Hello?” “Mom?” Chapter 8 Contents Chapter 6