Chapter 11: A Name Change Laura and her friends were sitting in the living room, catching up on all the gossip.  “So, we’re at the club, and this guy just came up and pinched me!” exclaimed Veronica. “Oh no!  What did you do?” asked Laura. “What any self-respecting girl would do,” responded Veronica.  “Threw his drink in his face and told him to go screw himself.  Then he actually said he was a bad boy and needed a good spanking… I told him he need a night in a padded room.” Laura laughed, as a voice rang out, “Maybe we need one too.” They all turned around and saw Alex, Howie, and Kevin standing in the entrance.  Veronica blushed and both Lauras snorted. “Yeah V, maybe you can accommodate them, y’know, get the spatula and go to work,” said Laura the friend. “Wow what a welcome,” said Kevin. “Guys, these are my friends, Laura and Veronica.  Ladies, this is Kevin and Howie,” said Laura.  They all stood up and said hello.  Laura and Veronica looked in awe of Kevin and Howie.  Please don’t let them be starstruck, Laura thought. “Hi guys,” said Laura the friend.  “Excuse me for being forward, but,” looking at Kevin, “the pictures in the magazines don’t do you any justice.” Kevin, looking straight at Laura the friend, said, “Excuse me for being forward, but Laura didn’t say she had a friend who was so striking.” “Striking in a good way, or striking like you can’t look at me.” “I’m looking right?”  A pause of electricity passed between them. Laura cleared her throat.  “So, where’s the drinks?” Howie held up a bag.  “Right here.” “Did you bring…” Veronica started. “Oh,” Howie said.  He went into the bag a pulled a bottle of Jose Cuervo Gold tequila.  “Can’t forget my favorite.” “It’s your favorite?” asked Veronica. “Hey, I’m part Latin, I love it.” “Me too.” “Maybe we can do some body shots together,” Howie said with a wink. Veronica looked up quickly.  “Um, uh…” “I’m kidding,” Howie interjected. Veronica gave him a sincere smile.  Alex gave Laura a poke in her side.  Laura smiled back as if she got the message.  “Where’s Brian and Nick?” she asked. “Oh, uh,” Howie broke a stare with Veronica.  “Well, Nick, for obvious reasons, and Brian was tired.” “Hey, more for us,” Laura said.  “Come on, Lau, let’s get the shots ready.”  They both went into the kitchen.  Veronica and the guys sat down in the living room. “Hey Lau?” yelled Veronica. “Yeah?” both Lauras yelled out. Howie laughed, “How do you tell which Laura is which?” “Which one responds first, that’s how I tell them apart.  You don’t know how weird it is to have both of your best buds named Laura.” “Well, I need some distinction,” said Howie.  Laura and Laura came into the room with shot glasses, pieces of lime and salt shakers. “We need to classify the Laura phenomenon,” said Howie. “How?” said Laura. “Don’t you have nicknames for each other when you’re out or something?” “No, we each just ask ‘what?’ and someone points to one of us,” said Laura the friend.   “I know how,” said Alex.  “How?” said Veronica. “OK, from now on, you,” pointing to Laura the friend, “are Laura.  And you,” pointing to Laura, “are Lauralee.” “How did you get that?” asked Kevin. “That’s her middle name,” said Alex.  “Is that cool with you?” “OK, I guess it is,” said Lauralee.  “Actually that’s my full name.  I just shortened it.” “Why?” asked Kevin. “Because…” continued Laura.  She stood up. “Laura don’t!” Lauralee exclaimed. “Sorry, I have to,” Laura took a deep breath.  “NOBODY DOES IT LIKE LAURALEE!” she belted out.  Lauralee threw a pillow at her, which Laura ducked to get out of the way. “That’s why!” said Lauralee.  She sat on Alex’s lap.  “Aw honey,” said Alex.  “I think it’s cute, in a country sort of way.” “You would,” she responded smugly.  “AJ!” Chapter 12 Contents Chapter 10