| Chapter 29: Dear Elegance, I Have A Problem… Orlando: One week later “And cut! Print! Great work ladies, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Hype Williams said to them as the crew applauded. It was the first day of shooting for their new video “Boyfriend.” The video seemed to be smooth sailing, with a little bit of nervousness from the girls as this was the first video they had shot in over a year and a half. Lil’ Kim was also on had for the shoot, and had devoted her time to the girls as far as promoting the single for the album. They were also enjoying themselves, despite some of the negative press of Lauralee’s family. Lauralee had gotten several calls from press, asking her to comment on the situation, however she politely declined. Charlene and Catherine had called, however still no word from her mother. She had pushed the negativity aside, focusing on the girls and the album. No one or nothing was going to stop her from this. She had worked too hard and too long for this moment. “Well, that was fun,” Laura said as she washed the make-up off of her face. “You guys wanna go out? Kim says there’s a party downtown.” “Could be fun,” Bianca said. “What the hell, we don’t have to be in until the afternoon, and it’s early,” Elizabeth smiled. “Early? It’s 12:30 in the morning!” Lauralee exclaimed. “Come on Lau, it could be fun. You do know what fun means right?” Laura asked. “It’ll be good for you to get out,” Elizabeth reasoned. Lauralee sighed. “Oh alright. Just let me change.” ~*~ Lauralee stumbled into the house at about 6am, feeling the buzz from the many cosmopolitans she drank courtesy of Kim and her entourage. She went into the bedroom, changed into her pajamas and slipped into bed, being careful not to wake Alex up. Angel climbed into the crook of her arm and fell asleep. She stared at the ceiling fan going around, as her thoughts seemed to spin with the fan. She looked over at Alex and dragged her hand over the side of his face. He seemed so peaceful, like nothing could ever bother him. She wished she could be like that. What happened to me? I always was the one every counted on, now I feel like I have to count on everyone else. Why must I do this to myself? She sighed heavily, feeling the bed move as Alex stirred and opened his eyes. “Hey,” he whispered. “Hey. I didn’t wanna wake you.” “You didn’t. I was up when you came in.” He leaned on his side. “Video shoot go OK?” “Yeah, it was alright. OK, I’m lying. It was amazing.” Lauralee smiled. “Now there’s a smile,” Alex caressed her face with his palm. “Feels good to smile.” “Now come here,” Alex opened his arms and Lauralee snuggled to his chest. “Let’s get some sleep.” The next day… “Alright girls, remember the count and don’t fall behind,” said Swoop as he conferred with the girls on the set. “Roll playback! And action!” Hype yelled as they began shooting the big dance scene in the middle of the song. After a few takes of the big dance scene, Hype gave them the break to signal for lunch. The girls all walked off the set, bottles of water in hand and towels around their necks as Mario came up to them. “Celia’s here.” “Celia? Yeah, send her in,” Lauralee said as Celia came in with a stack of papers. “Hey you.” “Hey,” Celia smiled. “I brought some contracts for you to sign.” “Sure,” Laura smiled. “You busy?” “Nope, I’m free.” “Why don’t you hang out with us then. Ever been to a soundstage before?” “No, can’t say that I have.” “Then let me give you the grand tour.” Lauralee and Laura showed her around, introducing her to everyone on the set. “Wow,” Celia said as they all headed to their dressing room. “You know, after knowing you for so long, I forgot what you do for a living.” “You know, I like hearing that. Sometimes I wish everyone could act like that.” Laura said. “So you got some papers for us?” Lauralee asked. “Yup. I got some acts for the Latin showcase, and these are for…” Celia explained the contracts for Laura and Lauralee as they signed them. “So,” Lauralee asked as she signed the last contract. “How are things, you know, besides the club.” “OK,” Celia looked down. “OK?” Laura asked. “Is anything wrong?” “Nope.” “You sure?” “Positive.” Lauralee looked closely at Celia’s eyes, wet with tears. “Celia?” “OK, I’m not alright!” Celia covered her face with her hands and began to sob. Lauralee quickly knelt down to her and hugged her. “What’s wrong?” “You can tell us, we’re your friends as well as co-workers,” Laura said. “I don’t know,” Celia hiccuped. “I mean…” “If you don’t want to talk…” Lauralee started. “No, I want to talk,” Celia took a deep breath. “It’s a man issue.” “Really? Who’s the guy?” Laura asked. “It’s… Howie.” “Howie?” Lauralee looked back and forth between Laura’s surprised face and Celia. “I… I didn’t know you and Howie were an item.” “We’re not… that’s the issue.” “Color me lost,” Laura said. “Why don’t you start at the beginning,” Lauralee said calmly. “Well, we were good friends, you know hanging out and stuff ever since that night of their welcoming home party. I enjoyed it. You know… no pressure. At the wedding, we were dancing and I kissed him. He kissed back, then backed away and ran out of the tent. I haven’t spoken to him since.” “Whoa,” Laura sighed. “But that’s not all. I saw him last week at the Latin festival at the Hard Rock, and he had his hands all over some girl.” “Oh Jesus,” Lauralee sighed. “Now what do I do? I mean, I really like him. I want to date him, but I’m afraid.” “Do you know why he pulled away?” Lauralee asked. “I think it was Veronica,” Celia whispered. “Oh, I’m sorry, I know she was…” “Celia, it’s fine,” Laura said. “You know, Veronica was our best friend, and we loved her very much. Her death, well, it really rocked all of us, especially Howie.” “I know that, from the papers and stuff.” Lauralee put her hand on Celia’s shoulder. “I think that Howie is scared to go into a social life. I mean, you were probably the first person Howie was into since she died.” “So what should I do?” “I say give him time,” Laura said. “He’s probably as upset as you are.” “You think so?” “I know so,” Lauralee smiled and gave her a hug. “Tell you what. We’re going out to dinner tonight with the girls. Why don’t you come with us?” Laura asked “Oh, I don’t think I would be good company.” “We’ll keep your mind off of it. What do you say?” “OK, I’ll go.” “Good,” Laura smiled. “Why don’t you go home, get ready, and I’ll send our driver to pick you up at around 7 OK?” “Alright. I’ll see ya later then,” Celia grabbed her bag and headed out the door. “Elegance to the floor please! Elegance to the floor!” a voice blared from the speaker system. “That’s our cue,” Laura said as she and Lauralee walked out the door. ~*~ “That’s a wrap for today ladies and gentlemen. See ya tomorrow for a 7am call.” Hype called out as they began to leave. “We’ll meet ya at the entrance,” Bianca said as she and Elizabeth walked to their dressing rooms. “Laura?” Lauralee grabbed her as she began to leave. “I think I’m gonna skip on dinner.” “Why Lau?” Lauralee looked at Laura; she looked back for a moment and nodded. “I understand.” Lauralee got dressed and headed out of the soundstage. Chapter 30 Contents Chapter 28 |