| Chapter 9: Visitors from Home “What flight number is it?” Alex gazed up at the numerous screens. “9761 from Newark.” Laura was staring at the screens also. “There it is! Gate 67,”Alex pointed to one of the screens. “It’s delayed.” “Then let’s get a cup of coffee. Where’s a stand?” “There’s one near the gate.” “How do you know?” Laura gave a puzzling look. “Laura, sometimes you forget. I practically lived in here for 2 years.” “Geez, sorry Mr. ‘I’m a idol.’” Laura folded her arms across her chest. Alex put his hand around her back. “And you know I love reminding you.” Laura gave him a smirk. “And for that you’re paying.” “Ouch baby, that hurts,” Alex laughed. “OK, you win.” They went to the gate, got two cups of coffee, and sat down by the gate. “How was your last day at Stratton?” “Sad,” Laura said. “I really did learn a lot about the industry, the people were cool, and they said if I needed work all I had to do was call. But, there’s one thing great about it.” Alex took a sip from his cup. “What’s that?” “That I get to spend the rest of my vacation with you.” “Now that I like to hear. And that leads me to an important question.” “Yeah?” “You know the album is coming out in a couple of weeks right?” “Mm-hmm.” “The guys and I are going to head out to Los Angeles for 3 days to do some promo work. I wanna know if you’ll come with me.” “Alex, that’s great, but you’re forgetting why we’re here in the first place.” “It’s only for 3 days… a long weekend. They could watch the house while we’re gone. At least think about it before you say no.” “I’ll think about it.” “And I’m gonna spend the next week convincing you to go.” Laura squeezed his thigh. “I’ll love the persuasion.” Alex leaned over to her ear. “You don’t know how badly I want to start persuading you now.” “You don’t know how badly I want to be convinced,” she whispered. Alex gave her earlobe a little nibble. “Watch it, there are people around.” “Let them watch.” “Come on McLean, the last thing I want is my makeup messed up for my friends to see.” “Alright, alright.” He leaned back over to his seat. “You excited?” Laura sighed. “Yeah, I am. Alex, you’ll love these girls. They’re like my sisters. Where we’re together, it’s like someone turned a switch on us, we’re so free… we feel like we can conquer the world.” “Like spring break?” Alex smirked. “Don’t start.” Alex let out a little laugh. “After hearing that story, I know I will like these girls. I can finally put the faces to the other two fugitives of Cancun!” He let out a snort. “Stop it!” She playfully slapped his arm. “Hey, I think their flight is here,” Alex pointed to the plane docking at the gate. Laura stood up in anticipation and went to the entrance of the gate with Alex following. People started coming out of the plane. Laura cranked her neck, trying to look for her friends. Finally, she saw two hands waving frantically from the crowd. “That’s them!” Laura exclaimed. Two girls ran to Laura and enveloped her in a big hug and giggling. “Why Miss Laura, I do declare!” one said in a bad Southern accent. She was about 5’3”, had long, straight brown hair and brown eyes. “My, my its been ages!” the other said in the same bad accent. The other was about 5’4”, curly black hair to her shoulders, and brown eyes. Laura laughed. “Why I believe the last time was at the Twelve Oaks barbecue!” She pulled away from them. “God it’s so good to see you two.” “It’s good to see you too,” the black-haired girl said. “You look so happy!” “I am.” “Well, don’t keep us in suspense!” exclaimed the brown-haired girl. “Where’s the stud?” Alex cleared his throat. “That would be me.” Laura gave an embarrassed laugh. “Guys, this is Alex McLean. Alex this is Veronica,” pointing to the black-haired girl, “and this is Laura,” pointing to the brown-haired girl. “Nice to meet y’all. Laura has told me so much about you.” “Nothing bad I hope,” said Veronica. “Don’t worry, I wont call the cops,” Alex said. “I like him already,” Laura said. “Come on, let’s get our bags. I wanna see this pad of yours.” They all went, got their bags, and left to go to Laura’s condo. As they walked in, Veronica let out a long whistle. “Wow, now I know why I left New York. This is paradise!” “Yeah, where do we sleep?” asked Laura. Laura led them to the two guest bedrooms, where they unpacked their bags. Afterwards they came downstairs, where Alex and Laura were sitting on the couch. They heard a beeping, and Alex pulled a pager from his pocket. “It’s Howie,” said Alex. He motioned for the phone. “Can I?” “Go ahead.” He picked up the cordless phone and dialed a number. “Howie, what’s up?” He walked into the kitchen. Veronica leaned over to Laura and whispered, “He’s definitely a cutie Lau, better hold on to him.” “Yeah, I saw my cousins drooling over their picture in some teen magazine,” agreed Laura, the friend. “Did you tell them about Alex?” Laura asked in a worried tone. “No, of course I didn’t,” she responded. “The last thing I need is my cousins asking me 10,000 questions about them. I don’t know squat. Besides, you know I would never do that to you.” Alex strolled into the room, still on the phone. “Yeah, yeah, she’s here. Hold on a second.” He handed the phone to Laura. “Babe, Howie wants to talk to you.” “OK,” she said as she took the phone. “Hello?” “Hey Lau.” “What’s up Howie?” “Nothing much. How’s your friends?” “Cool, real cool.” “What are you guys doing tonight?” “Ah, I figured, try to score some liquor and chill here.” “How? Do you have a paper that says you’re 21?” “No but there are ways.” “Like?” “Like flirting with the clerk, especially a old man who has a thing for younger chicks!” screamed Veronica, who was listening to Laura’s end of the conversation. “Oh, I see,” Howie laughed into the phone. “She’s got spunk. I like that. But, trying to get booze in Orlando under 21 is like making water into wine, y’know what I’m saying?” “Oh great,” Laura’s face fell. “Well, what if the guys and I bring the booze and we can chill there tonight.” “Hmmm, let me ask the council,” she cupped the end of the phone. “You guys feel like company tonight?” “Who?” asked Veronica. “The Backstreet Boys.” “They’re not gonna, like, come in wearing wet dress shirts and make overbearing gestures are they?” Laura the friend asked. Alex blushed a deep shade of red. “No, but they’ll bring the drinks.” “Ah, what the hell,” said Veronica. “It could be a story for my grandkids: ‘I hung out with teen idols.’” “Howie? We’re in.” “Great! And for that, I’ll buy.” “Ok, see ya in a few hours. Bye.” “Bye.” She hung up the phone. Alex stood up. “Actually, that wasn’t just a pleasure call. I got some business to take care of at Transcon Records. Ladies, I’ll see ya later on. Anything in particular you would like me to tell them what to bring?” All the girls looked at each other. “Jose Cuervo Gold!” “Lime and salt too?” asked Alex. “Yup,” said Veronica. “Alrighty then.” “I’ll walk you out,” said Laura. She grabbed Alex’s hand and led him to his car. Alex put his arms around her waist. “You sure you have to go?” “Yeah, besides, you need to have some down time with your friends. I’ll see ya later.” “OK,” said Laura. “About 9 then?” “I’m looking forward to seeing you drunk.” “And I am too,” she laughed. He went in his car, gave her a kiss from the window, and drove off. Chapter 11 Contents Chapter 9 |