Chapter 9: Business and Pleasure 2 days later: Atlanta, Georgia Howie sat in his hotel room, aimlessly flipping through the channels on the television.  He made calls to his family, checked how his club was doing, and looked through the Pay-Per-View movies playing that night.  He heard a knock at the door.  Sighing, he went to the door and answered it. “Sup man?” Alex asked. “Come in,” Howie let him in. Alex sat on the couch and picked up the Pay-Per-View pamphlet.  “Checking out the Spice Channel, huh D?” Howie laughed.  “Not exactly.  So what’s up?” “The guys want to go down to the lounge to plan Kev’s bachelor party.  Laura’s flying in so we won’t have him in our way.” “What decisions do we have to exactly make?” “Food, beverages, and what type of stripper we need for the occasion,” Alex rubbed his hands together. “Hey wait a minute,” Howie smiled.  “What about all of the grief you gave Lau about her hiring a stripper?” “She’s gonna hire one no matter what I say.  It’s all in good fun.  So you in?  About 9 or so.” “I guess so.” “Alright, see you down there.” Alex left as Howie continued to flip through the channels. ~*~ “OK, we got the food spread down,” Brian said as he took a swig from his beer.  “Now on to matters of entertainment.  J what you got?” Alex folded his hands on the table.  “Well, we have to think of what would be… appealing to Kevin.” “How about a farmer’s daughter?” Nick hooted. The rest of the guys laughed as Howie took another swig from his beer. “Howie, you have any suggestions?” Alex asked. “Nah, not really my department,” Howie shook his head. “Yeah, D would probably blush and cover his eyes,” Nick laughed again. “Whatever man,” Howie finished his beer.  “Look I’m gonna head upstairs.” “Well, well, well.  You naughty boys, you.” The guys turned around to Laura standing there.  “Planning a little party are we?” “No, we’re just sitting here,” Brian stammered. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him.  He needs to be as surprised as I will be.  But let me make one rule clear.”  Laura leaned on the table with her knuckles.  “Lookie no touchie.  Or else, the BSB will be spending the rest of my wedding day on stretchers, got it?” “On that note,” Alex got up.  “I’m heading to bed.” “Us too,” Nick said.  “I gotta call Bianca.” Howie started to get up but Laura stopped him.  “Howie, can I talk to you for a second?” “Sure,” Howie stayed as the guys left.  “So what’s up?” “Nothing.  I just wanted to catch up with you since I haven’t had time to talk to you in a few weeks.  How’s everything going?” “Just fine.” “And how’s the social life coming along?” “Uh,” Howie rubbed his neck.  “I guess it’s…” “Non-existent?” Laura asked. “It’s that, I’m not really comfortable dating again is all.” “Have you tried?” Laura asked. “People have tried to set me up with people, but all I hear is how they want to take V’s place.” Laura took Howie’s hand.  “I know that no one can take Veronica’s place, in any of our hearts, especially yours.  And those girls are morons.  But, do you think that it’s time to start getting back into the scene again?” Howie stood up.  “I really should go to my room.  Those beers are going to my head.  Good night.” He left Laura sitting at the lounge as he went into the elevator.  ~*~ The guys had about a 3-day break.  Kevin stayed with Laura to do wedding planning, Brian stayed to visit some friends, Nick was meeting his little brother Aaron at his concert, and Alex was going to fly home with Howie for a few days. Howie was at Tabu going over some papers, when the phone rang. “Tabu.” “Hello, this is Celia Graveri from Club Passaro.” Howie sat up straight.  “Celia?” “Yeah, is this Howie?” “Uh, yeah it is,” Howie squeaked.  He cleared his throat.  “What can I do for you?” “Well, it seems that I walked in to find a liquor shipment, but it was for your club instead of this one.” “Oh.” “Is it OK if I bring the truck over and deliver it? I’m the only one here today, and I’m sure you need it.” “Uh… no problem.” “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” “OK, see you then.” “Bye.” Howie waited at the main floor for Celia arrived.  He found himself surprised as he checked himself out in the mirror on the walls.  A white van pulls up to the main entrance, as Celia gets out. “Hi Howie,” Celia smiled. “Hey.  Uh, thanks for bringing it over.” Celia smiled again.  “No problem.” That smile… how haunting she’s like Veronica, Howie thought as he came around the back with Celia to open the van.  “Wow,” Howie looked at the numerous boxes.  “You loaded this all yourself?” “Yeah I’m used to it,” Celia grabbed a box from the van.  “Where do you want this?” Howie grabbed a box.  “I’ll just put it on the main floor.  My staff will put it away.” They slowly brought the boxes in, with Howie trying to avoid looking at Celia.  It was like looking at Veronica.  Howie walked outside to get the largest box, and Celia tried to pick it up herself.  She almost dropped it, but Howie ran to her and caught it. “Thanks,” Celia panted.  “I thought I could get it myself.” Howie grabbed one end of the box.  “Looks like we’ll both need to hoist it over.”  Now he was forced to look at her as they brought it in.  Celia caught his eye a couple of times, and he just tried to concentrate on the weight of the box.  They brought the box in and set it on the floor. Celia stretched her back out.  “I’m really sorry about the confusion.” “It’s no big deal.  I do appreciate you bringing it by.” “No problem,” Celia wiped her sweaty brow. “Would you like a drink?  It must be a hundred degrees outside,” Howie said, surprised by the words that came out of his mouth. “I’d like that, thanks,” Celia smiled. Celia sat at the bar as Howie went around the back and poured two sodas.  Celia gulped half of the soda down in one swig.  “Ah, that’s refreshing.” “We carry the best soda in Orlando,” Howie smiled. Celia laughed.  “I’ll have to agree with you on that one.” Celia took another sip from her drink.  “This club is really nice.” “Thanks.  I’ve always wanted to open a club since I first started out with Backstreet Boys, but I didn’t have the capital or the time.  Then I just said what the hell.” “I think you made a good choice.  My friends come here a lot, and they say it’s the best club that plays Latin music.” “I try to keep to my roots, although my father thinks we should have a Irish night.” Celia laughed.  “I don’t think that would bode well with customers, but I’m going to organize a showcase of Latin bands for Club Passaro.” Howie took a sip of his soda.  “If you need some contacts, I have a ton of numbers.” “I’ll take you up on that offer.”  Celia looked at her watch.  “Oh I better go.  I gotta get ready for the opening.  Thanks for the soda.” “No problem.”  Howie walked her to the door.  “And thanks again.” “You’re welcome,” Celia walked around and got into the van.  Howie watched as she pulled away.  He walked inside to his office and sat at his desk.  He went into his front drawer and pulled out the picture of Veronica.  He grazed his finger along her face.  “I’ll never love anyone but you, honey.”  He hugged the picture as the tears fell from his eyes. Chapter 10 Contents Chapter 8