Chapter 14: When I See You Smile Lauralee snuck back into the room, while Alex was taking a shower.  He got out, rubbing his hair with a towel. “Did you get the sodas?” “Huh?” “That’s why you left, right?” “Um…” “Alright, what’s going on?” “Why don’t you get dressed and find out.” Alex looked at her wide-eyed, and scrambled for some clothes to put on. The ride to the elevator was silent, with Alex wanting to ask what was going on, but knew that Lauralee wouldn’t say a word about it.  Lauralee led him to the lounge near the lobby, where Marcus was waiting at the door. “Bro, don’t tell me that you’re a part of this too,” said Alex. “My lips are sealed, man.” “Nah, Marcus wouldn’t spill on me, he’s my boy,” Lauralee chided.  “Is everything ready?” “All set.” “Now close your eyes,” she instructed him.  Alex shut his eyes nice and tight. “OK,” Lauralee led him inside the lounge.  “Open your eyes.” Alex opened his eyes to the empty lounge, where nothing was there except a table in the center of the room, decorated like it was for a fancy dinner, with candles, a plate of miniature pastries, and a bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bottle. “How did you do this?” “Marcus helped me out with the champagne, and I gave the head waiter an extra tip.” “You didn’t have to do this.” “No, I didn’t.  After all, you take me places and gave me this beautiful gift.  No, it’s too much for you.” Lauralee folded her arms across her chest. Alex took her in his arms.  “You are too much.” “No, you are.” They sat down, drank champagne, and fed each other miniature pastries.  Not much talking was involved; they just looked at each other, taking in each moment, this… magical moment. After finishing the pastries, Alex leaned back and patted his stomach.  “That’s it, I’m spent.  How about you?” Her eyes twinkled.  “Not yet… there’s still one more thing.” “Such as?” She pulled out a mini stereo she had borrowed from Howie, placed it on the table, stood up and faced Alex.  “Dance with me?” “I’d love to.”  He took her hand and led her to the floor.  “And what may I ask are we playing?” “A little something I borrowed from Kevin.” The song began to play from Kevin’s old Bad English CD.  Lauralee closed her eyes, as Alex took her in a tight embrace and began to sway to the music.  Sometimes I wonder If I'd ever make it through Through this world Without having  you I just wouldn't have a clue Cause sometimes it seems Like this world's closing in on me And there's no way of breaking free And then I see you reach for me Sometimes I wanna give up Wanna give in I wanna quit the fight And then I see you baby And everything's alright Everything's alright When I see you smile I can face the world Oh you know I can do anything When I see you smile I see a ray of light Oh I see it shining Right through the rain When I see you smile Baby when I see you smile at me Oh yeah Baby there's nothing in this world that could ever do What the touch of your hand can do It's like nothing that I ever knew Hey And when the rain is falling I don't feel it Cause you're here with me now I wanna ask you baby It's all I¹ll ever need All I'll ever need When I see you smile I can face the world Oh you know I can do anything When I see you smile I see a ray of light Oh I see it shining Right through the rain When I see you smile baby Baby when I see you smile at me Sometimes I wanna give up I wanna give in I wanna quit the fight Then one look at you baby And everything's alright Hey everything's alright It's alright When I see you smile I can face the world Oh you know I can do anything When I see you smile I see a ray of light Oh I see it shining Right through the rain Yeah When I see you smile Yeah I can face the world Oh you know I can do anything now When I see you smile Oh yeah Baby when I see you smile Smile at me They stopped swaying to the beat of the song, but they still embraced tightly.  Alex slowly let go of her waist and sighed.  “Our first slow dance.” “Yup.” “That was great.  Thank you, this really was a good time.” “Well, we haven’t had much time together in a while, with my friends here and all the things we did as a group.  I just wanted to be alone with you.” “So did I.” “Hey how was the party?”  Alex and Lauralee turned around to find Veronica, Howie, Laura and Kevin. “Too late,” whispered Lauralee.  “Fine, how was yours?” she spoke aloud to the rest of them. “We all met on the strip and checked out the Roxy,” said Veronica.  “So how did everything go around here?” “Fine,” said Alex.  “It was a big surprise.” “I bet,” said Kevin.  “Anyone want to join us for a night cap?” “I thought you guys had a day full of stuff tomorrow,” said Lauralee. “Such as?” “Uh, the name Fatima comes to mind,” Lauralee gave a smirk. “OK, nightcap, not a good idea.” Howie made a sweep with his arms.  “The last thing I need is for her to run a stick up my ass for being lazy.  I’m turning in.” “We might as well, all of us,” said Kevin. They headed back to their rooms. Chapter 15 Contents Chapter 13