Chapter 11: Bright Ideas “A toaster?” “Nah, too conventional.” “How about an entertainment system?” “Are you serious?” “What about a china set?” “Yeah, I’m sure that’s what they need.” Bianca, Elizabeth, and Lauralee were at her house, discussing the pre-wedding events that were going to take place.  They were going to have a bachelorette party and a bridal shower.  They planning of the parties were done, but they had to think of one thing that was stumping them: a wedding present for Laura and Kevin.  “Come on!  We have to think of something!” Bianca was scribbling on her legal pad. “I know, but what can you buy for a couple that has almost everything?  Plus you know that there are gonna be a lot of people at the wedding,” Elizabeth said. “We could donate to Kevin’s charity,” Bianca suggested. “Yeah, but I think we could do something a little more original,” Lauralee added.  “Kev and Laura are our best friends.  I want to give them something that they will always remember.” “True,” Elizabeth stood up.  “Don’t worry, we’ll think of something.  We have time.” “Yeah, but only a few weeks, with album preparations to boot,” Bianca sighed. Elizabeth patted Bianca’s shoulder.  “We’ll find something, don’t worry.  OK, I’m gonna go.  I’ll see you later.  Bianca, want a ride?” “Yeah,” Bianca grabbed her bag.  “I’ll see you later Lau.” “OK, bye,” Lauralee watched them as they left.  She was completely on edge, waiting by the phone to try and figure out exactly why Jerry had lied, and about something so serious.  She wanted to tell her Alex and her family what she had found out, but she wasn’t until she had enough proof. ~*~ Howie lay in his bunk of his tour bus, the movements of the bus making him drowsy.  He had so much on his mind ever since Celia had come into the club.  Her face had come into his dreams, followed by memories of Veronica.  He knew that Laura was just trying to be nice to him that night in Atlanta, but it was easier said than done.  His family, the guys, everyone else had urged him to try and date again, but it was just too painful.  He wondered about the guys.  Alex, Brian and Nick were all happy with their love lives, especially Kevin, who was taking the ultimate plunge in a few weeks.  They had moved one since Veronica’s death but why couldn’t he? Easy, because they didn’t love Veronica like you do, like you always will, he thought.  He was about to drift off to sleep when his cell phone rang. “Hello?” “Hey D.” “Hey Lau, what’s up?” “Nothing much, just checking up is all.  How’s the tour going?” “Same ol’ same ol’.” “I just wanted to apologize for the mistaken shipment.  Celia told me they mixed it up.” “No problem.  I would’ve sent someone over, but Celia brought it on her own.” “Yeah, she’s a great manager, with the personality to match.” “Yeah… guess so.  So, how’s everything going with you?” There was a long pause on the other end.  “Lau?” “I don’t know.  OK, I guess.” “You guess?  Come one Lau.  I’ve known you too long.  What’s wrong?” “It’s this Jerry guy my mother is seeing.  She just announced that she’s in love with the man.” “Whoa.” “Yeah, whoa.  I’m just feeling wrong about this.  I think he’s not good enough for her.” “Did you try to get to know him?” “Yeah, the time that I was last in New York.  But every time that I try, I put my father in my mind and it doesn’t feel right.  Y’know what I’m saying?” “I guess.” “I don’t want to burden you with this.” “Hey it’s OK.  It makes me feel important that I could help by letting you get it all out.” “Thanks.  Did you guys try to figure out a wedding present for Laura and Kevin?  We’re all out of ideas.” “So are we.  Do you know Nick actually suggested a toaster?” Lauralee laughed.  “That’s what Bianca suggested too!  Looks like we’re all stumped.  But I’m sure we’ll figure it out.” “Hope so.” “Well, look, I’m gonna go because we’re going to a photo shoot.  I’ll see you in a few weeks OK?” “OK Lau.  Talk to you later.” “Bye.” Howie hung up the phone.  Hearing Lauralee’s other end of the situation confirmed his feelings.  He was going to try and put Celia Graveri out of his mind for good. ~*~ Lauralee had just entered the club after going through a vigorous photo shoot for the album cover.  Her and Laura were going to meet at the club after a shower and a changing. She walked into the office where Celia and Laura were having a conversation. “And aren’t his eyes so sweet?” “He does have nice eyes,” Celia smiled. “With the sweet personality to match,” Laura smiled.  She turned to Lauralee.  “Hey Lau.” Lauralee closed the door behind her.  “Hey.  What’s up?” “Oh, we were just talking about Howie,” Laura beamed. “Howie?” “Yeah, Celia said how sweet she thought he was, as well as how attractive.” “I think he’s cute,” Celia cocked her head to the side.  “And he’s really nice.” “I agree.  Don’t you agree with her Lau?” Laura smiled again Lauralee shifted in her position uncomfortably.  “Yeah.” “I was just telling her about how I think her and Howie should get to know each other better.” “Oh really,” Lauralee folded her arms.   “I would like to get to know him better, but you think that he would like to get to know me?” Celia asked. “I think he would.  The guys are coming back next week.  I think I can try to arrange something,” Laura winked. “Well, I’m gonna head out to the floor.  I’ll see you guys later,” Celia smiled as she let herself out. Lauralee glared at Laura as she swooned.  “I can see it now: Mrs. Celia Dorough.  Maybe I’ll be named after their firstborn.  Laura Dorough has a nice ring to it.” Lauralee just took a seat at her desk.  Laura stopped talking as she looked at her.  “What?” “I can’t believe you!” “Can’t believe me?” “You are putting false hopes in her, without even asking Howie about it!” “I’m not putting false hopes in her.  I think that Howie likes her.” “They’ve met a total of two times, and the first time, Howie stayed for a total of five seconds.” “But…” “But nothing.  Did you even think that maybe Howie doesn’t like her in that way? Getting Celia’s hopes up and then having them crash down on her isn’t the way to go.” “Look, I’m gonna just try this.  If anything Howie and Celia could be friends.  But I’m not going to completely dash everyone’s hopes here.” “Who else?  The only person’s hopes I see are Celia’s.” “The guys, Bianca’s, and Elizabeth’s.  We all want to see Howie happy again.  He hasn’t been truly happy since V died.  And I think it’s time to let the grief go.” Lauralee slammed her hands on the desk and stood up.  “It’s not like V died naturally.  She was killed!  Killed!  It shocked the whole world, most of all Howie.  He was going to spend the rest of his life with her!” “But don’t you want Howie to be happy?” Lauralee put her hand on Laura’s shoulder.  “Of course I do.  But I think that Howie needs to find love on his own.  If he likes Celia, fine, I will give them my complete blessing.  But if he’s not ready, I don’t think you should push him.” “Alright, alright,” Laura threw her hands up in the air.  “I will try not to meddle in Howie or Celia’s personal lives.  But I still want their firstborn.” Lauralee laughed.  “Deal.  Now can we please continue with the paperwork?” Chapter 12 Contents Chapter 10