| Chapter 31: Completing the Puzzle Lauralee and the girls were on the airplane heading to New York City to promote the album. “Boyfriend” was playing on the radio nonstop. The single was released this week and the critics were giving it rave reviews. Press was saying that “Victory” was the most anticipated album of the year. With all of the positive press going on, it also seemed that the negative press about Lauralee’s family had died out. Stories were less prevalent in the papers; however, it was still as fresh in her mind from weeks ago. She was going to go and talk to her mother, but the thought of how the problems leaked out to the public plagued and prevented her from doing so. Did he tell the press as a matter of revenge? From what she knew of Jerry, it was clearly possible, hell, it was imminent. Lauralee was removed from her thoughts as Laura sat down next to her. “Hey, brought you some champagne.” She gave Lauralee the glass. “Thanks,” Lauralee sipped the champagne and looked around the plane. “Man, it was nice of Tommy to send us the plane.” “It’s even nicer to be working,” Laura said. Riley took a seat next to them. “Pilot said we’ll be landing in a few minutes. Also I checked security and they’ll be at the gate waiting.” “Thanks Riles,” Lauralee smiled. “How are you doing?” Riley asked. “Great, couldn’t be better,” Lauralee downed her champagne. “OK,” Riley sighed. “Y’all better fasten your seatbelts.” ~*~ “Alright ladies, listen up,” Riley announced in the limousine as they were heading to the hotel. “We head to the hotel, you have about an hour to freshen up, then we head to MTV studios for TRL and the video premiere, then a taping of BET Top 10 and a night interview on WBLS.” “Anywhere that says the word ‘dinner’ Riley?” quirked Bianca. Riley looked at his clipboard. “Uh… yes and I have 6 hours of sleep penciled in as well,” he said sarcastically. Bianca stuck her tongue at him as they laughed and arrived at the hotel. Lauralee arrived at her room, took a bath and got dressed as her stylist came in and touched her up for her interviews. Her mission was to focus on work and nothing else. She arrived downstairs with the girls as they took the limo to Times Square and MTV Studios. Thousands of people were lined up outside, banging on the limo windows as they headed to the garage. “Can you believe this friggin’ madness?” Elizabeth asked as they stepped out of the limo. “At least they didn’t forget about us,” answered Laura. Lauralee stepped out of the limo last. She could still hear the fans’ screams from outside as well as the vibrations on the concrete floor. Mario escorted them to the green room as Carson Daly came in and said hello. “Last time I deal with this was when Backstreet was here,” Carson shook his head. They waited as Carson started TRL. “It’s madness here in Times Square as we welcome the return of Elegance as they brought the premiere of their new video ‘Boyfriend.’ We’ll be talking with the ladies today about their new album ‘Victory,’ their trip in making the album as well as the top 10 videos of the day.” Lauralee took a peek outside of the window. People were outside with signs of love and affection, screaming at the top of their lungs. She felt so proud at that moment, knowing all of those people were out there for her and the girls. This was their moment, and knowing that all of those people cared for her put all of her problems aside. The stagehand led them out to the hall where they were going to make their entrance. They heard Carson introduce them. “OK, I’m not gonna keep everyone in suspense. My guests today broke into the scene with their first self-titled album and songs like ‘The Roof,’ and ‘These Arms.’ Now they’re back after tragedy and triumph with their new album ‘Victory.’ Ladies and gentlemen, Laura, Bianca, Elizabeth and Lauralee, the women of the hour, Elegance!” The girls arrived in the smokescreen as people were crying and screaming, trying to touch the girls as they made their way to the front with Carson. The screams didn’t die down for a few minutes. “I’m just going to say this. I have never seen a response from this since the Backstreet Boys,” Carson smiled. “Hey at least people didn’t forget about us,” Laura smiled. “This is amazing!” “Absolutely, we just want to thank everyone for coming out today, in here and outside,” Elizabeth waved to the people. “You ladies have gone through a lot in the past 2 years. I guess the first question is why did you wait so long to make a new album?” “I guess I’ll answer that,” Lauralee said. “There were a lot of things, mainly because of what we went through with Veronica. We kind of wanted to get our heads back together. After we made the tribute album to her, we needed a break from all of the attention we were getting. Plus, we didn’t want to disrespect anyone by just putting an album out. Losing someone puts your life in perspective, and the music reflects that.” “Plus, you guys also had some good changes right?” “Yeah, Laura’s a married woman now!” Bianca yelled as she held out Laura’s left hand. The fans screamed in delight. “How is that going?” Carson asked. “Married life is sweet. By the way, hi honey!” Laura waved to the camera. “Plus Lauralee and I opened a nightclub in Orlando called Club Passaro in honor of Veronica.” “Also let’s give a big up to my girl and club manager Celia!” Lauralee waved to the camera as well. “Let’s start off with the number 10 video. We’ll be back with more of Elegance on TRL,” Carson said. 2 weeks later… Lauralee practically dragged herself into her house, dragging her suitcase behind her and stopping in the hallway to greet Angel. “Hey baby girl,” Lauralee smiled in between Angel licking her face. “Missed me huh?” Angel barked in response. “Where’s Daddy?” “Coming,” Alex ran into the living room and swept Lauralee in a hug. “How was your trip?” “Long,” Lauralee sighed. “I just can’t believe we were gone for so long. And that I have to go back out in 3 days.” “Welcome back to the biz. Hey, at least we’ll all be out there with you guys,” Alex smiled. Since the boys had finished their tour, they were going to spend their time with the girls as they finished up promoting “Victory” and be there for the release party which was going to be the day after they go to New York. “Thank God for some familiarity,” Lauralee snuggled up to his chest, breathing him in. “I missed you so much.” “Me too,” Alex held her close. “Wanna make up for it?” “Absolutely,” Lauralee kissed him deeply as they headed to their bedroom. ~*~ 3 days later… New York City Lauralee waited in their hotel room for Lauralee’s grandmother and aunt to come over while Alex was with his bodyguard Marcus shopping. She hadn’t seen them since Laura and Kevin’s wedding and was too busy the last time she was there to see them. They heard a knock at the door as Mario opened it and let Charlene and Catherine in. Lauralee hugged them hard. “It is so good to see you.” “You too,” Charlene smiled. “Dominic says he misses you but he was with his father. He’ll be at the party tomorrow night.” “Good,” Lauralee said as they sat down on the couches in the living room. “So, how’s everything?” “Great,” Catherine smiled. “And how’s the promotion going?” “Tiring but it feels good to be back working again. How’s … Mom?” Lauralee said very uncomfortably as she shifted in her seat. Charlene and Catherine exchanged glances. “Uh, fine,” Catherine folded her hands together. “Is that all? Fine? OK, what’s go…” Lauralee was interrupted by Alex walking in the room. “Hey everyone,” Alex put down his bags and gave Charlene and Catherine a hug. He looked at Lauralee glaring at Charlene and Catherine. “Uh, so, what’s up?” “I was just going to ask them,” Lauralee folded her arms. “Catherine?” Charlene turned to Catherine. “Grandma, tell me what’s going on?” Lauralee said frantically. “Well, it’s, oh God this is hard,” Catherine said nervously. “Dammit will you just tell me what the hell is going on!” After a pause, Charlene spoke up. “She’s getting married tomorrow.” “WHAT!” Lauralee stood up “At City Hall,” Catherine stood up and went to Lauralee. “She wanted to tell you but…” “But she didn’t! She’s going to ruin her life!” “Lau…” Alex started but Lauralee continued. “Do you know what else the son of a bitch did? He tried to get back at me by telling the press about our fight. He tried to ruin me when all of this is happening with the album.” “Lauralee Deverson stop this right now!” Catherine yelled. “Now I may be old but I know people. Jerry wouldn’t do that to you. He loves your mother too much. Besides, she knows about the press and Jerry has been consoling her. She’s just as upset as you are.” “Yeah, and marrying him is a sure way to get over it.” “Honey, look,” Charlene said. “She wants to talk to you. She knew we were going to see you tonight and she wants to get together.” “Lau,” Alex said. “The least you could do is talk to them. You gotta end this anger sometime.” “What do you say honey?” Charlene asked. “One condition. Alex, you come with me,” Lauralee sighed. Alex gave her a hug. “Anything for you babe.” ~*~ Lauralee and Alex arrived at her mother’s house around 7 that evening. They walked to the door and Alex was about to ring the doorbell when Lauralee stopped him. “I don’t think I can do this,” she started to walk away when Alex grabbed her around her waist and turned her around. “You can. If it gets too bad, we’ll leave, I promise. And I’ll be there the whole time.” Lauralee gave him a hug. “I don’t deserve you.” “Yeah you do. Come on,” Alex walked to the door again and rang the doorbell as he still held onto Lauralee. Lauralee was shaking as the door opened and Sandy appeared in the doorway. “Hi.” “Hi Mom,” Lauralee said with a rise in her voice. “Hi Sandy,” Alex said as he gave her a hug. “Hey Alex,” Sandy responded. Lauralee looked down. “Um, why don’t you two come in?” Alex grabbed Lauralee’s hand as they went into the living room. Jerry was sitting on the couch and stood up when Lauralee and Alex entered the room. “Hi Lauralee, Alex.” Alex reached out and shook Jerry’s hand. “Good to see you Jerry.” “Well, why don’t you guys have a seat,” Sandy said as Lauralee and Alex took a seat on the couch facing them. “So…” Lauralee started. “You said you wanted to talk.” “Uh, yes,” Jerry leaned forward in his seat. “There’s some things that need to be clarified, and we feel we should before…” “Before you get… married tomorrow,” Lauralee finished. “Grandma told me today.” “I see,” Sandy took a deep breath. “Jerry?” “OK, well, here goes. I think I should explain what happened about 10 years ago. You see, I was working at my first firm for about 3 years when they took a new partner, Robert Palermo. He had his daughter, Rebecca, work as the firm’s receptionist. At the time, I was having problems in my marriage. I wanted to have a family, my ex-wife didn’t. Rebecca was younger, but she was a good friend to me and was always there when I had problems. Eventually, her and I… well… we had an affair.” “I was being stupid, extremely stupid. Probably the only reason that I did it was because I had found out that my ex was also having an affair with a man who was very young as well. She had been seeing him for about a year when I began my own affair. One day, Rebecca came in very upset. She found out that she was pregnant and the baby was in fact mine.” “I didn’t know what to do. I was torn between my wife, who I was absolutely in love with, or the chance to have a family with Rebecca, who I was also in love with. I agonized and agonized over it. No one knew about my relationship with her, and Rebecca said she could handle it on her own. She didn’t want me to give up everything I had worked so hard for.” Jerry gave a broken sigh. “Rebecca did tell her family, but she didn’t reveal who the father was. Her family supported her throughout her pregnancy, but I was still torn. I finally decided to end my marriage. However, something happened.” Jerry bowed his head down and Sandy held his hand. “Rebecca went into premature labor. She was only seven months pregnant. There were complications and she lost a lot of blood. Her and the baby died.” “When I found out, I raced to the hospital but it was too late. Her last words revealed that I was the father. I was going to marry her when my divorce came through. I decided to quit the firm and start my own practice. I never heard from the Palermo’s again. I thought I had lost my whole life, and compensated by drowning myself in work. I worked for Sony Music and other entertainment forms to better myself, and then I went into family law. But then I met Sandy and my whole life had changed.” Sandy held Jerry’s hand tighter. “Jerry had told me about this a few weeks ago because I wanted to know what had happened. When he told me, I was angry. But I do love him very much and I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I figured that we should tell you as well.” Lauralee shook her head in amazement. She was trying to take this all in, which was a lot. “I just…” Alex patted her hand. “The thing is, why didn’t you say anything about this before?” “Because I didn’t want my life out in the open. I was going to tell Sandy eventually.” “But you decided to wait,” Lauralee added. “You lied instead of telling the truth.” “I wanted to tell you when you confronted me about it, but I was too upset.” “And then you told the press about it,” Lauralee sneered. “You told the whole world that my mother and I weren’t speaking! How could you do that! You took my problems and splashed them all over the papers!” Lauralee stood up. “You know what, I don’t have to listen to this anymore. I’m very sorry about your child, but you betrayed me, both of you. One you lied to me and two, you attacked me publicly.” She started for the door, but Sandy blocked her way. “Lau please! Jerry wouldn’t do that!” “There you go Mom! Defending Saint Jerry! He’s lied to you the whole time, but you have blinders on. I can’t and won’t accept this! He’ll probably get some more dirt on me to use for his own game!” “Lauralee!” Jerry exclaimed. Lauralee turned around slowly and looked darkly at him. “Yes?” “I didn’t say anything to the press. You have my word.” Lauralee walked up to him. “Word? Word! Ha! Your words mean absolutely nothing to me!” “My secretary told the press. She knew who your mother is and had been listening on my phone conversations with your mother. She overheard the fight and called the press. I assure you that she was fired the moment I found out.” Lauralee looked into his eyes as if for a second he was telling the truth. However in the heat of the moment she blew up again. “Jerry, I don’t give a damn about the bullshit you’ve been slinging around. I’m saying this. Get married tomorrow and the only time you’ll be seeing me is on television. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for my album release tomorrow. Alex, we’re leaving!” She pushed through her mother and ran out of the house. Chapter 32 Contents Chapter 30 |