Chapter 8: Plans, Plots, and Schemes 3 days later Laura and Lauralee were at the club with Celia, going over the usual paper work that needed to be tended to.  Celia was right; when they got back the club was still intact and running smoothly as ever.  “Profits are skyrocketing!” Laura smiled as she looked at the paper in front of her. Lauralee nodded in agreement.  “I know.”  She turned to Celia.  “You have done an amazing job.” “Yeah, I’m glad I hired you,” Laura folded her arms across her chest. “Hey!  This is a partnership you know,” Lauralee laughed as she threw a crumpled paper at Laura. Celia laughed.  “Well, I’m glad my bosses like my work.  How was the guys’ tour?” Lauralee sighed.  “Smooth sailing, though I miss Alex like crazy.” Laura sighed as well.  “Me too.  Man, this engagement is not as fun when you can’t enjoy it with your fiancé.  But I’ll see him in a few weeks to get to the married thing.” Celia leaned back in the chair opposite Lauralee.  “I don’t know if I could handle having a boyfriend away all the time.  I’d miss him too much.” Lauralee looked at her.  “So, I guess you’re single?” “Unfortunately,” Celia smiled. “Oh come on!” Laura leaned on Lauralee’s desk.  “You’re a pretty woman; I’d think you’d have guys scaling walls to try to get a date with you.” “Well, I have dated the usual pricks who just try to get in your pants after a few drinks.  And I did go through the fling phase.  But I want a sweet guy, someone who will be there when I need him.  I hate those macho guys, you know, ‘Me Tarzan, you Jane’ types.  I like a guy who will get emotional every once in a while.” Laura scratched her head.  “Hmm… I know the feeling.  Listen, Celia, why don’t you take the night off?” “You serious?” Lauralee smiled.  “Absolutely!  You’ve been so great with the club, and I think we could handle the work for a night.  I don’t want you suffering burnout or anything.” “Thanks!” Celia grabbed her purse.  “Are you sure you can…” “Celia go!” Laura proceeded to push her out of the door and laughed.  She took a seat opposite Lauralee’s desk.  “You know, Celia is a great girl.  She could use a friend to hang out with.” “Define friend,” Lauralee leafed through the pile of papers on the desk. Laura crossed her arms.  “Friend with the word boy in front of it.” “And who did you have in mind?” “Someone we know who is emotional, sweet, caring… Latin,” Laura stressed. Lauralee dropped her papers on the desk.  “Are you nuts?” Laura shrugged her shoulders. “They would be perfect for each other!” “Laura…” “They have common jobs…” “Laura…” “Interests…” “Laura…” “And are both attractive people…” “LAURA!” “What?” “I don’t think it would be right meddling in Howie’s personal life.” “Why not?  You meddled in the rest of ours, and look where it got us.” “Because it hasn’t been enough time.” “Time for what?” Lauralee stared at her hard. “Oh,” Laura took a serious tone.  “I know that it’s been hard on Howie, but it’s been a little over a year since Veronica died.  He needs to move on with life.  I’m not saying to forget about Veronica, I’m saying that he should try to get back on the social wagon again.” “Look, Laura, I know that your heart is in the right place, but we have too many things to do right now.  We got the album, you got the wedding in six weeks, and he’s got the tour to worry about.  I don’t have time to play matchmaker right now.” Laura threw her hands up in defeat.  “OK, fine.” Lauralee was going to say something when the phone rang.  She looked at the Caller ID.  “Oh… Laura I have to take this.” “OK, I’ll leave you be.”  She stood up.  “But if it’s about the bachelorette party, no cowboys or policemen for strippers.” Lauralee shook her head as Laura left.  She picked up the phone.  “Club Passaro.” “Lauralee Deverson please.” “This is she.” “This is Chad Robson from Robson and Young.” “Thank you for getting to me so quickly.” Chad laughed.  “It’s my duty to get to clients fast, part of being a top investigator.” Lauralee laughed.  “That’s why Riley Thomas said you were the best.” “Well, Miss Deverson.  What can I do for you?” “I need some information about someone.” “What kind?” “Anything you can get your hands on.  Financial, personal, job history, that sort of thing.” “Ah, the ol’ Blue Light Special.” “Exactly.” “Well, I just need as much as you have on this person Miss Deverson, and I’ll do the rest.” “He’s a lawyer in New York City, and his name is Jerry Robbins.” ~*~ Laura and Lauralee played managers that night.  Laura was on one of the headsets that all of the staff wore.  It was a great idea by Celia; it allowed all of the staff to get in contact with each other without having to run to a phone if there was a concern.  Plus, Celia’s had a separate connection to the main phone line so she could take important calls.  Laura had taken hers for the evening, as Lauralee was in the back office trying to finish any business behind the scenes.  The plan was in action, thanks to Alex’s “suggestion.”  Hiring a private investigator would be perfect to check up on Jerry’s life, without having to be too intrusive personally.  He knew how to get information without Jerry or anyone else knowing, then Lauralee could make a final decision about him.  However, it wasn’t the right time to tell anyone about this.  She needed to do this on her own. Laura stuck her head inside.  “Everything OK?” Lauralee stood up as she out the stack of papers away.  “Yup, all finished.  I’m all yours.” “Good because I have other business to discuss with you.” “Such as?” “Well, about Howie…” Lauralee rolled her eyes.  “I told you to let that be.” “Look, I’m not saying that they would necessarily hit it off.  But it would be fine to get them in some scenarios that would allow them to get to know each other on a personal level.” Laura put her hand on Lauralee’s shoulder.  “We’ve all been so happy lately.  We’ve learned to get on with our lives and careers, the club’s a success, the album is coming out perfectly, and in a few weeks I’m going to be Mrs. Kevin Richardson.  I just want to make Howie feel the same happiness as I do.” “Laura, your sentiments are commendable, but I don’t know…” “Alright, I’ll just let you think about it.” “Fine,” Lauralee took Laura’s headset.  “I’m gonna play the floor for a while.  There’s some contracts that need your signature.” “Will do,” Laura’s face turned into a mischievous smirk as Lauralee turned away.  She turned back to see Laura smirking even more and rubbing her hands together softly. Lauralee closed the door behind her.  Please don’t let her do anything stupid… Chapter 9 Contents Chapter 7