Chapter 16: Family Reunion Lauralee came with her bodyguard, Mario, to Orlando International Airport.  They waited at the gate, with Mario trying to control some fans as they asked for Lauralee’s autograph.  He dispersed the crowd as Lauralee saw her aunt and cousin running towards them. “Hi!” she hugged her Aunt Charlene. “Hi sweetie!” Aunt Charlene smiled. “Hey Dom!” Lauralee gave Dominic a hug.  “God you’ve gotten so big!” Dominic laughed.  “I’m getting bigger by the second.  Speaking of big,” Dominic looked up at Mario, “Who’s he?” “This is Mario, my bodyguard,” Lauralee introduced them. “Nice to meet you.  Lau, I hate to break it to ya, but there are too many people here.  You go to the car and I’ll go with your family to get their bags,” Mario said. Lauralee sighed.  “Welcome to Florida.” ~*~ The limousine arrived at Lauralee’s house.  “Wow,” Charlene whistled. “You can get lost in there!” Dominic exclaimed. Lauralee laughed.  “It’s comfortable.” They struggled with their bags as they walked inside.  “I could fit my whole house in the hallway!” Charlene laughed. “Mom said you have a pool,” Dominic dropped his bags. “Yup, plus a hot tub and a movie theater,” Lauralee smiled.  “Why don’t I give you the grand tour and you guys can settle in.” A little while later, Lauralee and Charlene sat at the patio while Dominic splashed around in the pool. “You have the most gorgeous house Lau.  I’m really impressed,” Charlene took a sip of her lemonade. “Thank Alex.  I just helped him decorate it.” “I will,” Charlene smiled.  “So, is Laura feeling the pre-wedding jitters?” “Doesn’t everyone?” Charlene laughed again.  “I sure as hell did.  I remember your mother kept having to have a tissue in her hands at all times a week before her wedding because her palms were sweating.” Lauralee smiled.  “I wonder if Daddy was the same way.” “I bet he was.  And who knows, maybe she’ll have the same feeling again.” Lauralee rolled her eyes.  “Whoa, Lau.  OK, what’s up?” Lauralee began to speak when she saw Alex walk into the back.  He greeted Charlene and Dominic. “How was your flight?” Alex asked Charlene. “I think you’re going to spoil my son.  First airplane ride, and its first class.” Dominic wrapped himself in a towel.  “I didn’t mind it.  Except, why do they give you hot towels?  Florida is hot enough!” They all laughed as Charlene raised her eyebrows signaling they needed to talk.  Lauralee turned to Alex.  “Um, honey?  Why don’t you show Dom the theater and all the tapes we got for him.” “Did you get any wrestling tapes?” Dominic eyed Alex. “How about Summerslam?” Alex smiled “Lead me to that theater!” Dominic grabbed his arm and dragged him inside the house. “That kid is going to blast Alex’s ears out with his screaming,” Lauralee laughed. “OK, enough with Dominic.  What’s up with you and Jerry?” “Nothing.” “Stop lying.  You forget, I’ve changed your diapers.” Lauralee groaned.  “OK, I can’t stand the man!” “Why?  He’s nice to your mom, he’s nice to me, and absolutely adores Dominic.” “Yeah, great for you because he’s not dating your mother.” Charlene rubbed her chin.  “Oh, so that’s it.  You don’t want him taking your father’s place.” Lauralee shrugged her shoulders.  “Maybe.” Charlene took her hand.  “Honey, I know for a fact that your mother loves your father very much.  But it was time that she moved on with her life. I haven’t seen your mom this happy in many years.  She let go of the pain, not your dad.” She took a deep breath.  “You remember when Veronica died?  How hard it was for you girls to move on with your careers knowing she would never be there?  But you moved on, because you knew that Veronica wouldn’t want you guys living in the past.  And now, you just finished a new album, you’re going on tour soon and promoting it.” “But that’s not the same.” “The idea is.  And that’s what your mother is doing.  If she continued being the grieving widow, she would self-destruct.” “I wish I could, but… there’s things you don’t know.” “Alright, but,” Charlene patted her hand, “Your mother and Jerry are coming here in a few days to celebrate Laura’s wedding.  Don’t do anything to ruin the occasion.” “I won’t, I promise,” Lauralee smiled.  “You wanna go down to the theater?” Charlene stood up.  “As if I see enough wrestling tapes with my son.” ~*~ Three days later… Lauralee and Charlene flopped on the couch, following Dominic as he was bouncing into the house. “Man, the Rock n’ Rollin’ Coaster was the best!” Lauralee put her hand to her forehead.  “It should after the third time.” Charlene groaned.  “Speaking of which, where’s the Pepto Bismol?” “Aw come on Mom!” Dominic whined.  “Stop acting so old!” “Sorry I don’t have the adrenaline rush anymore honey.” “I’m gonna head in the pool before dinner,” Dominic ran upstairs. Lauralee laughed as she went into the kitchen.  “If I had that kid’s energy, I could do two tours in a row.” “Hey, he’s 11.  Eventually the sleeping teenager syndrome will kick in.” Charlene sat at the island in the kitchen as Lauralee tossed her the Pepto Bismol.  “What time’s your mother’s and grandmother’s flight?” “Mario’s gonna pick them up in about half an hour.  I would go, but with the promotions starting to kick in for the new album, he didn’t think it would be a good idea to go back out in a public place.” “Do you ever get used to it?  Not going out when you want?” “I guess so.  I do miss not going to the mall when I want to, because I have to call security or wear a disguise.  But I love the attention.  I’m glad that people want to come up to me and say hello.” “And it’ll get bigger when Victory comes out,” Charlene smiled.  “Hey, one event at a time.  We got Laura’s wedding in three days.  Then I can worry about Victory.” “True,” Charlene checked her watch.  “I think I’m gonna take a nap before Sandy, Jerry, and Catherine come in.”  She got up and headed upstairs. One event at a time… Lauralee got up and went to the pool.  ~*~   Lauralee saw the limousine roll into the driveway.  She, Dominic and Charlene raced to the front.  Mario got out and opened the back door as Catherine, Sandy, and Jerry came out. Lauralee embraced Catherine and Sandy.  “Welcome!” Everyone shared hugs as Lauralee was left standing with Jerry.  “Hi Lauralee,” Jerry smiled.  “Hi Jerry,” Lauralee put on a false smile. Jerry leaned into Lauralee as he kissed her on the cheek.  “This house is spectacular.” “Thank you.” She turned as Mario and Jerry took all of the bags and stepped inside. “So where do we all stay?” Catherine asked. “Um, you guys have your pick,” Lauralee smiled. She followed them all upstairs as Catherine took one of the bedrooms with the French doors.  Lauralee turned and almost screamed as her mother and Jerry took the bedroom at the far end. Oh great!  Now they’re sleeping together, in my own house! Lauralee blinked back tears as she stood in the hallway.  “Um, I’ll be downstairs as you guys settle in.” “OK, Lau.  We’ll be down in a few minutes,” Sandy called from the room. Lauralee took deep breaths as she poured glasses of lemonade and set them outside as her family came down. “So, three days until the event,” Catherine sighed.  “How’s the bridal shower coming?” “She doesn’t suspect a thing.  Mrs. Tramcoli is bringing Laura at 3 tomorrow.  I told her I wanted to go over last minute details,” Lauralee responded. Jerry laughed.  “I guess I’ll make myself scarce.” “I’m sorry honey, I forgot,” Sandy turned to Lauralee.  “But I’m sure Alex can take you out or something.  Right Lau?” “Oh yeah.  Alex was going to take Dominic out sightseeing.  I’m sure you can go along,” Lauralee falsely smiled again. This is gonna kill me. “Oh boy, will my nieces flip when they find out that I hung out with a Backstreet Boy,” Jerry shook his head. “You didn’t tell them about the wedding right?” Lauralee said shortly. “No, I told them I was going to a conference in Florida.  But they said to take pictures if I did spot any of them.” Yeah right… Lauralee was about to excuse herself when she heard Alex come into the backyard. “Hi everyone!” Alex came inside as he hugged Sandy and Catherine.  Jerry stood up. “Alex, I’d like you to meet Jerry.  Jerry, this is Alex,” Sandy introduced them as Alex and Jerry shook hands. “It’s nice to meet you Jerry,” said Alex. “Likewise.  My nieces are big fans of yours.” “Thank you.  Lauralee’s told me a lot about you.” “Not bad, I hope.” “Oh not at all,” Alex smiled as he glanced at Lauralee.  “She was… insightful.”  Alex clapped his hands together.  “Well, my family’s coming soon for dinner and so is the caterer.  Sorry, Lau and I don’t cook much.”  The family laughed as Jerry put his arm around Sandy.  Lauralee sat stone cold as Alex spoke up.  “Uh, I’m gonna get some more lemonade.  Lau, could you help me?” “Sure,” Lauralee got up and followed Alex into the kitchen. “So how you holdin’ up?” Alex got the pitcher from the refrigerator. She leaned on the kitchen island.  “Honestly, I don’t think I can make it.  Now I’m gonna see him all the time!” “Listen,” Alex turned her around and put his arms around her. “It’s gonna be OK.  Forget about them.  The reason everyone’s here is because of Laura and Kevin.  We’ll settle this whole thing after the wedding is over.  But you’ll just have to deal with it until then.” “I don’t know,” Lauralee turned her head. “Will this help?” Alex turned her chin and kissed her softly. “A little, but I think I need more help than that,” Lauralee kissed him again, her arms encircling his neck.  “I think that’s better.” “I think I’m gonna like this extra help,” Alex grabbed the tray and ran as Lauralee tried to smack his rear end. Chapter 17 Contents Chapter 15