| Chapter 5: Meet the Parent’s Boyfriend “You got everything?” Lauralee asked Alex as he brought his suitcase down from the bedroom. “Yup,” Alex dropped the bag and put his arms around Lauralee. “Gonna miss me?” “Don’t I always?” Lauralee’s lower lip quivered. “God, I hate it when we say goodbye.” “I’ll see you in a few weeks. It’ll be alright,” Alex gave Lauralee a soft kiss. “Say hello to your Mom and grandmother for me. And let me know how this guy Jerry is.” “Oh, I’m sure it’ll be just peachy,” Lauralee rolled her eyes. “Hey, give him a chance. I’m sure he’s a nice guy if your mother likes him so much.” “I’ll try. Um, also do me a favor.” “Anything.” “Keep an eye on Howie. He hasn’t been the same lately. I’m getting a little worried about him, for instance, how he left last night.” “I’ll do that,” Alex held Lauralee close. “I gotta get going.” He pulled Lauralee in for a soft kiss. “I love you.” “I love you too.” She opened the door as the limousine driver took Alex’s bags and put them in the car. Alex walked out of the door, walked backwards, and blew a kiss to Lauralee as he got into the car. Lauralee blew a kiss back as the limousine drove away. She sighed as she looked at Angel sitting near her feet. “Think everything’s gonna be OK girl?” she asked Angel. Angel barked and wagged her tail. “Me too baby, me too,” she picked up Angel and walked back into the house. ~*~ The limousine pulled in front of her house in New York as she saw her mother waiting on the porch. Lauralee waited as the driver opened the door for her and ran out of the car. Her mother ran out to meet her and embraced her quickly. “What a hello!” Lauralee laughed as her mother still embraced her. “Can’t help it,” Sandy pulled away and cupped her hands around Lauralee’s face. “You’re my baby. You can never have enough hugs from your children.” Lauralee laughed as the driver put her bags down and they walked inside. “So, how are things going?” Lauralee asked Sandy as she sat on the couch. “I’ve never been better,” Sandy smiled. Lauralee cocked her head to the side. She looked at her mother differently than before. She seemed to be glowing inside and out. “How’s the new club?” “It’s going absolutely fantastic. The new manager is great, handling things like a pro. It’s nice to actually enjoy what we’ve created. Been packed ever since it opened.” “I’m so proud of you and Laura. Jerry was very impressed with you new business when I told him.” Lauralee shifted in her seat. “Speaking of which, um, where is he?” “He’ll be coming for dinner. He’s really excited to meet you. I’ve told him all about you.” “Why don’t you tell me a little more about him?” Lauralee leaned forward in her seat. “OK, well, you already know what he does. He’s been a lawyer for fifteen years now. He started his own practice about five years ago and has been very successful.” “Mom, I don’t need to know his employment status. I want to know personal details. Like has he been married? Kids? That sort of thing.” “He was married for ten years, but he divorced. He doesn’t have any children. Apparently he wanted them, but his ex-wife didn’t.” Lauralee nodded slightly. “But he’s good to you right?” “Of course he is. Lau, he’s the most caring man I have ever met. He’s gentle, has a good sense of humor and romantic. I feel like a teenager when I’m with him. I haven’t felt that way in a long time.” Lauralee wanted to drop the subject as the telephone rang. Sandy picked it up. “Hello? Hi Catherine… Yup, she just arrived… hold on a second,” Sandy gave the phone to Lauralee. “Hi Grandma!” “Hi honey!” Catherine laughed into the phone. “How was the flight?” “It was nice. How are you doing?” “I’m great. Just got back from Atlantic City with the girls.” “Did you clean house?” Lauralee laughed. “I did OK.” “You coming over tonight?” “I’ll be over for dessert later on so you can have some alone time with your mother and Jerry.” “Oh OK.” “Look I better get going. I’ll see you later on OK?” “Can’t wait. Bye.” “Bye.” ~*~ Lauralee wrung her hands in anticipation as she waited in her bedroom for Jerry’s arrival. She kept looking at her picture of her and her father. Ever since her mother mentioned Jerry, she had been thinking about her dad nonstop. She heard a car pull up outside of the house and a door close. The she heard the doorbell ring, the door opening, and laughter coming from the living room. “Lauralee! Jerry’s here!” Lauralee rolled her eyes, sighed, and went downstairs. She walked slowly to the living room, where she saw her mother and him. He was the same age as her mother, with dark hair turning gray on the sides, tall, a mustache covering his round face, wearing a black polo shirt with khaki pants. “Lauralee,” Her mother came up next to her. “This is Jerry Robbins. Jerry, this is my daughter, Lauralee.” Jerry had a warm smile as he shook Lauralee’s hand. “It’s such a pleasure meeting you finally, Lauralee. Your mother talks about you all the time. I feel like I know you already.” The whole world feels like they know me… “Well thanks. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you too.” “Why don’t we go on the porch and have something to drink while dinner is finishing.” Sandy clapped her hands together as they went to the porch. “So Jerry,” Lauralee leaned forward. “I hear you are a lawyer. What kind of cases do you handle?” “Basically everything, from corporations to families. I like working in small cases better; the corporate cases just bring in the dough,” Jerry smiled. “Oh I see.” “Your mother has been telling me about your club in Orlando. It seems like it’s doing well.” “I’m managing. The crowds have been getting bigger and bigger. The only problem is the Blue laws, so we have to close at 2 in the morning. The clubs here stay open later.” “I looked into the club business when your mother mentioned it to me. It seems Orlando has a high demand for nightlife.” Lauralee nodded. Oh so now he’s checking up on my business… Lauralee seemed like she was having a conversation with her attorney rather than her mother’s boyfriend, as Sandy came in with a pitcher of iced tea. “So how are you two getting along?” Sandy handed Jerry a glass as she sat down next to him. “We were talking about Orlando nightlife,” Jerry smiled as he put his arm around Sandy. Lauralee felt her chest tighten up. Sandy smiled as she patted Jerry’s hand. “Hey no business talk. This is a family dinner, which is ready, so why don’t we go into the dining room.” Lauralee winced as she said “family dinner.” They went into the dining room and sat to eat. “How’s Laura’s wedding coming along Lau?” Sandy asked. “About 80% done. She’s in LA now going over plans with the wedding planner as we speak.” “Is it going to be a big wedding?” asked Jerry. “Pretty much. Laura and Kevin both have big families, and they are inviting people from the industry. I don’t think Orlando will have a bigger event than that wedding.” Jerry smiled again. “All I know is that my 14-year-old niece was crushed when she found out Kevin was engaged. My sister told me she cried all day in her room. She’s also a big fan of you too. When I told her I was dating your mother, she…” “Wait a minute,” Lauralee interrupted. “You told her the person you were dating was my mother?” “Um, yes,” Jerry exchanged glances with Sandy. “I took your mother to my sister’s birthday party last week. My nieces were asking Sandy questions all night.” Lauralee turned to Sandy. “And you felt comfortable with this?” “Well,” Sandy turned to Lauralee. “It was OK. Jerry’s nieces were adorable, and they were asking me all questions about you, the group, and the boys…” “You didn’t get too detailed with your answers did you? Because you know how I like to keep my private life, and I don’t think the guys would appreciate it if you were talking about them.” “Lauralee, your mother was very gracious about…” Jerry intruded. “I wasn’t talking to you, Jerry.” “Lauralee Deverson!” Sandy threw her napkin down. “Apologize to him right now!” Lauralee exchanged a stern glance with her mother, when the door opened. “Hello! Any of my grandchildren here?” Catherine bustled into the room. “Grandma!” Lauralee got up out of her chair, ran to her grandmother, and embraced her. “Hey you!” Catherine hugged Lauralee tightly. “You look wonderful!” “And you look ten years younger,” Lauralee laughed. “I try to look my best,” Catherine touched her hair. She turned to Jerry and Sandy. “Hello Sandy, Jerry,” Catherine gave each of them a hug. “Hi Catherine,” Sandy still gave Lauralee a stern look as she hugged Catherine. She broke her embrace and crossed her arms. “Lauralee, I’m waiting.” Lauralee fought the chance to roll her eyes as she looked at Jerry. “Look, I’m sorry if I blew up. But I don’t want the world knowing about my life. It’s hard enough when people try to look at my every move, but I just don’t want people harping my family and friends for answers.” “Apology accepted,” Jerry nodded. “Lauralee, when your mother told me who her daughter was, I was first shocked. But let me assure you that I would never put your mother in any kind of situation where she would be uncomfortable, OK?” Lauralee nodded. “Well, let’s all eat dessert,” Sandy smiled. Chapter 6 Contents Chapter 4 |