| February 2003: Earls Court, England Lauralee was standing at the bar, nursing a glass of champagne, overlooking the many stars on hand at the after party to the BRIT awards, England’s version of the Grammy’s. She was looking over at her friends dancing to the music supplied by the DJ. She saw Laura, Bianca and Elizabeth coming towards her. “Water, please!” Laura exclaimed, grabbing a napkin and dabbing it on her chest. “Boy, do the Brits know how to throw a party or what!” said Elizabeth. “I’ll say,” responded Bianca as she swigged at the water bottle Lauralee handed to her. Laura finished her water and grabbed Lauralee by the arm. “OK ladies, time to dance again. Let’s go Lau! The floor awaits!” “No, you guys go ahead.” “Party pooper,” Bianca smiled. Lauralee watched some more as she saw a small figure walk up to her, waving her arms to get Lauralee’s attention. “Lauralee! Hey girl!” “Jada!” Lauralee said as she gave her a hug. Everyone knows who Jada Pinkett-Smith is, wife of Will Smith. Her and Lauralee had become friends, after seeing each other at various awards shows and benefits. “How are you? I didn’t know you would be here.” “Will dragged me here after finishing shooting his project in London. Why are you not dancing? And where’s that hot fiancé of yours?” “I’m a wallflower right now… and he’s at home finishing recording.” “Good, because there’s some business I need to discuss with you.” “Jada, I don’t need to be a video girl for Will, if that’s what you’re asking.” Jada swatted Lauralee’s arm playfully. “No, not that. I’m gonna be directing a new movie, and I think you’d be perfect for the lead character.” “Movie? Oh no! I’m a singer, not an actress. The last thing I want to do is become a star of another Crossroads.” “Trust me, it’s not Crossroads. Its called Petals and it’s a great script. You’ll be playing a singer, Tiana Lawrie. It’s a romance-slash-suspense. When I was asked who should play her, I automatically thought of you.” “Jada, I don’t think so. I’m gonna be busy in a few months with recording our next album, as well as planning a wedding. I don’t think I’ll have the time.” “Alright,” Jada sighed. “But don’t say no. I’m gonna have a messenger deliver the script to your hotel. Just read it. If you say no, I’ll stop bothering you. But if you like it,” Jada put her hand on Lauralee’s shoulder, “I think we can work around the schedule.” “Did anyone ever tell you what a pain in the ass you are?” “Hey, did you really think that I would fly out from LA to accompany Will here? Hidden agenda; I knew you would be here and I wanted to ask you in person. I’ll see ya later.” “See ya,” Lauralee gave Jada a hug and watched as she made a beeline for Will. Will made a nod in Lauralee’s direction, and she raised her glass in response. Later that evening… Lauralee went into her hotel room, taking off her gown and putting on her pajamas. She grabbed a bottle of water from the mini bar, and looked at the bridal magazines she brought with her from home. Although Alex and her had been engaged for 5 months, they had not set a date, nor made any plans. Everyone was buzzing about the lack of preparation, but because of both his and her busy schedules, they had not been able to sit down and plan. She figured with the 2-month lull, she would be able to hire a planner and start the process. She begun to leaf through the first magazine, when she heard her cell phone ringing. She grabbed it, looked at the number, and smiled. “Hey baby!” “Hey darlin’ how’re you? I miss you.” “I miss you too.” “Ha ha ha! Really? Ha ha ha! How’re the dainty Brits treating you? Breath’s probably bad! Ha ha ha!” Lauralee furrowed her brow. “Uh, Alex?” “Yeah baby?” “You been drinking?” “Uh… had a little something when I got home,” Alex giggled. “Sounds like more than a little…” “Hey I d-don’t b-bother you when you (hic) drink.” “I’m not saying that…” “Then what are you saying?” Lauralee sighed. “Nothing. Look I’m gonna go to bed. You sleep it off stud.” “Oh I plan to. Nighty night!” “Bye.” Lauralee, shaking her head, got under the covers and looked through her magazines. ~*~ The girls along with their bodyguards went to the lobby and prepared for the flight home to Orlando. Lauralee went to the front desk. “Excuse me, are there any messages?” “Yes ma’am,” the concierge went behind the desk and pulled out a thick envelope. Lauralee too the package and read the envelope: Lauralee Deverson From: Jada Re: Opportunity of a lifetime! Read! “Thank you,” Lauralee said as she put the envelope in her bag. Mario signaled the coast was clear as they headed into their limousine. The crew boarded into their newest indulgence: a private jet. Their manager said it would be a good investment, because while not using it they could charter the plane as well as save money in chartering jets to fly out on tour. Lauralee sat on the couch and fastened her seatbelt. “Welcome back ladies. This is the captain speaking. We will be leaving shortly as we get clearance from the tower. It seems smooth flying, traveling at 30,000 feet with clear skies. We should be arriving at Orlando International Airport at 3PM Eastern Time. Please fasten your seatbelts for takeoff.” Shortly after, the plane began its ascent into the air. After half an hour, the captain turned off the seatbelt sign and the ladies got up and stretched. Bianca and Elizabeth headed to the Playstation 2, while Laura walked to Lauralee, holding her stomach. Lauralee smiled. “Anxious to get to your hubby?” “No I think it was breakfast. I don’t feel so good.” “You sure?” “My stomach is in knots. Uh oh… excuse me,” Laura covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom. Bianca and Elizabeth got up and went to Lauralee. “She OK?” asked Elizabeth. “She said it was bad food,” Lauralee said. “I had the same thing, and I’m fine,” Elizabeth said. “Probably motion sickness,” responded Bianca. Laura came out of the bathroom, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “Ugh, never eating that food again.” “You need anything?” asked Lauralee. “Nah, I think I’m gonna lay down on the couch for a little while.” “Ok, we’ll keep it down for ya.” Bianca and Elizabeth resumed playing, of course with the television muted, while Lauralee went back to her seat. She opened her bag and took out the envelope. Opening it, she saw the thick script with the title “PETALS” written across it. Oh well, its good reading material… She turned to the first page and began to read. ~*~ “Lau? Lauralee?” Bianca gently shook her. “Huh?” “You OK?” “Yeah, just reading.” “Must be good. You haven’t moved in 4 hours.” “Yeah,” Lauralee rubbed her eyes. “You want a snack?” “No I’m fine.” “OK,” Bianca went to the kitchen. Lauralee was nearing the end of the script and she could not put it down. It was everything and more of what she expected. It had everything: romance, suspense, and drama. By far, it wasn’t a Crossroads. She finished the last page and closed the script. If only I had the time… ~*~ Lauralee arrived to her house, hefting her suitcase to the front door and opened it. “Alex? You home?” She went upstairs to the bedroom and opened the door. Alex was sprawled out on the bed, holding a bottle. “Alex?” she whispered and shook him. “Hmm?” Alex woke up and grabbed his head. “Oh God, my friggin’ head!” He tried to sit up, but crashed back on the bed. “Well hello to you too,” Lauralee smiled as she went to the window and opened the blinds. The light made Alex squint and shield his eyes. “Lau, please!” “Sorry, but we gotta air this place out.” “What time is it?” “About 4. What happened to you last night?” “Went to a bar with some friends.” “Who?” “Just some friends.” “Do I know them?” “Friends! God! You have to know my business all the time!” “No I don’t! Jesus, get a grip I was just asking! Some welcome home this is!” “Aw baby,” Alex said as he managed to get up. “I’m sorry. You know I’m not in a good mood when I get up.” He stood up and gave her a hug. “I missed you so much.” “I missed you too, but what was with the phone call the other night?” “Phone call?” “Yeah you called me up after I got back from the BRIT Awards.” “I did? Wow, I must’ve blacked out.” Lauralee shook her head. “Yeah, blacked out. Look, I’m gonna unpack. Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll make you some tea?” “Sounds good,” Alex said as he stretched his arms. He headed into the bathroom as Lauralee began to unpack her things. ~*~ “Hey girl happy 25th birthday!” Laura exclaimed to Lauralee over the phone. “Thanks babe!” “How does it feel to be an old woman?” “Who you callin’ old?” Lauralee laughed. “So, did you look through the patterns for the dresses yet?” “Uh, not yet. I’ve been trying to relax, but it’s been difficult to. All he wants to do is go out every night, then he sleeps until 2 in the afternoon.” “I know, that’s what Kevin said he’s been doing when we were away. He kept showing up late to a session, claiming that he’s been oversleeping.” “Should I be worried about this?” “He’s probably blowing off some steam. The recording has been tough on all of them, you know that.” “Yeah, hey, how are you feeling?” “I don’t know. I think I got some sort of stomach bug when I was in England. I think I’ve been drinking more Pepto Bismol than water.” “Maybe you should go to a doctor. You shouldn’t be sick for this long.” “I know. If I don’t feel better by the end of the week, I’ll go I promise. What time are we meeting at the club for the birthday bash?” “I think we’re all meeting at 9:30.” “OK then, see ya later.” “Bye.” Lauralee hung up the phone and looked at the bar. “I hope he’s blowing off steam.” ~*~ “To Lau, happy quarter of a century!” Nick exclaimed as they toasted in the VIP room of Club Passaro. “Happy birthday!” the rest of them said. All were in attendance: Bianca, Elizabeth, Laura, Celia, Howie, Nick, Kevin, Brian and Alex. “Thanks guys,” Lauralee said as she sipped her champagne. “But it is also the girls 4th anniversary. So to us, and our success.” Lauralee said as she toasted. “4th anniversary?” Celia asked. “Yeah, 4 years ago tonight we got our record deal,” Elizabeth responded. “Cool, a double celebration. Well, hate to break it up but I gotta get to the stage,” Celia said as she kissed Howie on the cheek. Lauralee smiled as the champagne flowed like water. However Alex was drinking Jack Daniels straight from the bottle. “Hey J, we got the whole night,” Brian laughed. Alex took a swig from the bottle. “And I’m celebrating my lady’s 25th birthday. Back off.” “He was just making an observation,” said Kevin. “Whatever.” “OK, guys, I get to dance with the birthday girl first,” Howie smiled, always being the peacemaker. “Let’s go Lau,” he said as he took Lauralee’s hand. ~*~ The night wore on, with Lauralee being surprised with an a cappella version of “Happy Birthday” by the crew as well as the club goers, with a very large birthday cake. Lauralee and her friends dance the night away, but there was one person she hadn’t dance with, and that was Alex. He was busy with his bottle, which was almost done. Finally, Lauralee went up to him. “Hey, will I be able to dance with my prince or what?” “Thought you’d never ask,” Alex slurred as he stumbled up and walked with her to the dance floor. They began to dance, with Alex all over her. People took notice of the couple and began to cheer. However Lauralee grew uncomfortable. He was stumbling, and was starting to grab her hard, trying to kiss her with the alcohol on his breath. Lauralee winced at the pain in her side from his grabbing, spun to get out of his hard grasp, and then he proceeded to fall on the floor. “J you OK?” Brian said as he tried to get him up. Alex was laughing hard, seeing Brian and Kevin trying to get him up. “I’m fine… Just can’t help a good trip every now and then.” Lauralee was about to cry at this point, feeling the pain. “I want to go home.” Laura came up to her, noticing the bruise forming on her side. “Uh, guys, let’s call it a night OK?” “Yeah,” Kevin said, giving a seething stare to Alex. “Now come on!” Alex said, his voice growing in volume. “We’re here to celebrate Marisa’s birthday!” Lauralee gasped at what he said, mentioning his ex-girlfriend’s name. “I’m not Marisa.” “Whatever, I don’t want to go home.” “Fine, then you can get a cab. I’m leaving!” Lauralee stormed out of the club and went into the limo, with Mario in tow. “You OK Lau?” Mario asked as they drove home. “No, I’m not,” Lauralee said as she looked out the window. “And I don’t think I’ll be for a while.” Chapter 3 Contents Chapter 5 |