| Chapter 23: Explosion Alex, Lauralee, and her family all flopped on the couch late that night. The party was in full swing for another hour after Laura and Kevin left. Jerry carried Dominic inside and brought him up to his room as everyone waited in the living room. “Wow what a party,” Catherine sighed. “My feet haven’t moved like that since I was your age, Lau.” Lauralee laughed. “I think it was when P. Diddy took you on the dance floor Gram.” “You sure showed him,” Alex smiled. “He wanted to move, so I moved right along with him,” Catherine yawned. “I think I’m turning in. Gotta pack up for my flight.” Lauralee nodded, as she knew that her family was leaving tomorrow. “G’night Gram.” “I’m gonna head in too. I want to make sure that Dominic doesn’t take up the whole bed,” Charlene laughed. “Good night.” She headed to her room. Alex sighed as he put his arm around Lauralee’s shoulders. Jerry and Sandy looked at each other and gave a smile as if they were hiding something, which she noticed had been going on all day at the wedding. Lauralee eyed them quizzically. “So…” Lauralee started. “So…” Sandy nodded and looked at Jerry. “OK, what’s up? You’ve been giving looks like that all day long,” Lauralee leaned forward. “Like what honey?” “Like you know something that I don’t.” Sandy looked at Jerry. “Should we tell them?” Alex looked at Lauralee. “Tell us what?” He took her hand. Jerry smiled. “We’ve got to tell them sooner or later.” Lauralee gripped Alex’s hand tightly. “What is it?” Jerry smiled broadly. “We wanted to tell you when we got to Florida, but you were so busy with the wedding plans that no one had time, but now that it’s over… Lauralee, I’ve asked your mother if she would consider becoming engaged.” Lauralee’s insides twisted up and gripped Alex’s hand even tighter. Sandy interjected, “Now it’s not a proposal, yet. But we’ve been seriously talking about it.” “Lau, I love your mother very much. I know she’s the one that I’ve been waiting for my whole life. But before we go through with anything, your mother wanted your blessing before we finalize it.” “So what do you say honey? Do you give your blessing?” Sandy smiled again as she held Jerry’s hand. Lauralee felt her face burn up as Alex looked at her with worry. Her nightmare was coming true, as she couldn’t hold anything in anymore. “OVER MY FUCKING DEAD BODY!” Everyone looked in surprise as she stood up angrily, fists clenched. Sandy froze with fear as Alex stood up. “Lau… this isn’t the time.” “When is the time! I’ve been patient for weeks now! I won’t let this happen!” “Lauralee Deverson!” Sandy stood up. “How dare you speak to me or Jerry like this!” “Mom, please don’t do this! Don’t make a huge mistake!” “Lau, I have never butted into your life, so don’t but into mine,” Sandy spoke sternly, tears running down her face. “I have the chance to be happy! Why can’t you be happy for me!” Jerry stood up and hugged Sandy. “I’m taking her upstairs. She’s too upset to talk about this now.” “She’ll be even more upset when she finds out the truth!” “Truth about what?” Jerry let go of Sandy and faced Lauralee. “I love your mother very much and I’m honest with her about everything. What else is there to tell her?” He put his arm around Sandy and started to lead her upstairs. “How about Rebecca Palermo?” “Lau, not now!” Alex hissed as Jerry slowly turned around and looked at Lauralee. “How… how did you know about her?” Jerry said slowly. “Jerry?” Sandy turned around and looked between Lauralee and Jerry. “Who is she talking about?” “Tell her Jerry since you are so honest with her,” Lauralee now crying full tilt. “Tell her about Rebecca Palermo. Tell her how she was working as a receptionist at your first law firm. Tell her how she was your boss’s daughter and you had an affair. Tell her how you got her pregnant!” Jerry’s eyes bulged out of his sockets. Sandy looked at him and back at Lauralee. “Lau, stop lying!” “Lying huh? Ask your future fiancé why he looks like someone punched the friggin’ wind out of him, or, better yet,” Lauralee ran to the drawer of the hall table and pulled out the envelope with Jerry’s profile, opened the file and showed her mother, pressing her finger on the paper. “Right there.” “How did you get this information!” Jerry snarled. “Chad Robson, master detective. I had you checked out,” Lauralee said. “You hired a private investigator?!” Sandy gasped. “You’re damn right I did! So, Jerry,” Lauralee folded her arms and grabbed the folder. “Fess up.” “Lauralee, I don’t know to be angry more with the fact that you blew up at us, or the fact that you deliberately invaded Jerry’s privacy,” Sandy took a deep breath and turned to Jerry. “Call the airport. We’re leaving tonight.” Sandy turned around and ran upstairs. “Mom! Please!” Lauralee called after her and started to run, but Alex grabbed her. “Let me go!” Alex turned her around. “Lau, stop it! She’s too emotional right now. Maybe it’s best that she goes.” Jerry slowly turned around and went upstairs dragging his feet with him. Lauralee collapsed into Alex arms and cried. A half-hour later… Sandy came downstairs, clothes changed and her suitcase in hand. She turned into the living room, where Lauralee and Alex were sitting. “We’re heading home now,” Sandy hiccuped. She wiped her face. “We all need time to cool off.” Lauralee stood up. “Mom, please…” Sandy put a hand up. “Lau, don’t. I just want to say this: you need to accept the fact that I’m a grown woman, who has to move on with her life. Until then, well, I don’t know what to do. Alex,” Sandy gave him a hug. “Thank you for allowing us to stay.” Jerry came down the stairs. “Cab’s waiting.” He shook Alex’s hand. “Thank you.” “Mom…” Lauralee wrapped her arms around herself. “Goodbye Lauralee,” Sandy didn’t even look back as she left the house, with Jerry closing the door behind him. “Mom! Wait!” Lauralee ran to the door and opened it as she saw the cab drive away. Lauralee fell to her knees and sobbed in her hands. She felt Alex’s hands on her shoulders as she stood up. Alex didn’t say anything. He just put his arms around her and held her close. “I blew it, didn’t I? I lost my mother.” Chapter 24 Contents Chapter 22 |