| Chapter 16: A Concert for Three “V? Do you have any more bags?” “Yeah right, I must have bought out LA.” “Damn!” Lauralee looked at her 5th suitcase. She put her hands on her hips and silently cursed herself. Her mother told her she should have brought at least 2 extra empty suitcases with her, but of course, she didn’t expect to be in Los Angeles with her friends, where they got addicted to Melrose Avenue. It was their last full day in Florida. Lauralee and her friends were going to go back home tomorrow night. They had all waited until the last minute to pack, which was unlike Lauralee, who packed at least a week before going on a trip. She tried to sit on her clothes into the already overflowing suitcase when the phone rang. Getting up, she answered the cordless phone. “Hello?” “Hey baby, what’s up?” “Ugh, trying to fit about 20 new outfits into my last suitcase,” she put her hand to her forehead. “You want me to bring over a bag or two?” “Or three, or four,” Lauralee giggled. “You women and clothes.” “Wait a minute, who almost maxxed out his credit card on Melrose?” She had a triumphant grin on her face. “Touché,” Alex said. There was a pause on the other end. “I still can’t believe that you’re leaving tomorrow.” “Me either. I’m gonna miss this place.” “I’ll miss the BSP too,” Alex laughed. After their last brush with tequila, Alex had mentioned that the house should be called the Body Shot Palace, BSP for short. It became the token name they all used. “If only those walls could talk…” “I would have to hang my head in shame,” she finished. “So, did you pack the tight little velvet number I bought you?” Lauralee looked at the new dress lying on top of the pile of clothes. “Nope, it’s still here.” “Good you can wear it tonight.” “Alex, come on, won’t you tell me where we’re going?” “Nope, my lips are sealed. Are the others freaking out too?” “Racking their brains. I swear, Laura was calling every hotspot in Orlando seeing of Kevin had made any reservations.” “Aliases are a very good thing.” “OK, I give. So what time are you picking us up tonight?” “About 8. We’re all gonna meet you there, and then…” “So, can’t you at least tell me what Howie and Kevin are gonna do?” Alex let out a guffaw. “Yeah, so you can go and run?” “I won’t.” “I know you too well hun. You’ll be running off to their rooms lickety spilt.” “OK, OK. I can’t wait to see you.” “I just can’t wait to see you in that dress.” “Bye.” “Bye.” Lauralee took the dress from the pile of clothes. It was a plum velvet dress, that had spaghetti straps, and it fell about 3 inches above her knees. Alex had seen it in this funky store on Melrose. He saw it on the rack and just gave it to her. “Here, I’m buying this for you.” “Why? I haven’t even tried it on.” “Don’t even protest. It’ll be perfect. I want this on you the last night we go out.” Lauralee laughed at the memory. She sat on her suitcase and barely closed the latches on it. With a sigh of relief, she checked on Laura and Veronica, hoping they had better luck. ~*~ Lauralee, Veronica, and Laura sat stiffly on the living room couches, praying they wouldn’t wrinkle anything. They had just done each other’s hair and gotten dressed. “You know I hate surprises,” Laura smoothed a wrinkle in her dress. “You think I’m enjoying this?” Veronica sighed. “I have been in suspense for the past week.” “All I know, it must be pretty special, or else it wouldn’t be Mission Impossible.” Lauralee touched her hair to make sure it was in place. They heard the door knock and they all stood up. “I’ll get it,” Lauralee went to the door and opened it. Alex stood at the door, with Howie and Kevin behind him. “Now how did you know that I would be the one to answer the door?” “Fate.” Alex grabbed her and gave her a strong kiss. Kevin cleared his throat. “Excuse me, but can we get in the door so we can ravage our women?” Lauralee laughed as she pulled away from Alex. “Go right on in.” Howie and Kevin squeezed past them as they did the same thing to their girlfriends. “I was right.” Alex had his hands around Lauralee’s waist and stepped back. “What?” “It was perfect.” Lauralee gave him a flirtatious smirk. Alex looked on to the two make-out scenes before him. “You all ready to go?” “Um, yeah.” Howie pulled away from Veronica. “Let’s go.” “Now are you gonna tell us where?” Laura crossed her arms. “All in due time, my dear.” Kevin put his hand on her lips. “I think we should head out or else I’ll see my girl’s head explode.” Howie laughed. “Finally,” said Veronica. She held Howie’s hand as they all filed out of the apartment. ~*~ The car ride was silent, with the guys just exchanging smiles with the girls. They had hired a limousine for the special occasion. They arrived at their first destination as the car stopped. The boys got out and helped the girls out to a brick building with no sign. “So what do you think?” Alex held his arms out. “It’s…” Lauralee scrunched up her face. “A building,” finished Laura. “So, what’s it for?” “Did anyone tell you that it’s what’s inside that counts?” asked Kevin. “Come on, just check it out.” Howie dragged Veronica to the door. Kevin opened the door and let the girls in first. They went in to find… Brian and Nick. “Surprise!” Brian and Nick stood there. “Hi guys!” Lauralee gave each of them a hug. “What are you two doing here?” Laura had just finished hugging Nick. “Come on guys, didn’t you tell them?” Brian had a serious look on his face. “Tell us what?” asked Veronica. “The fellas decided to let us have a turn with you.” Nick surprisingly grabbed Lauralee. Lauralee smacked him on the arm. “You know you wouldn’t have a chance in hell.” “Aw, J, you told me she would like me.” Nick put a fake pout on. “Sorry bro, she’s taken.” “So, what exactly are you doing here?” Veronica gave them a look. “Not for group sex or anything.” “We decided that it would be nice to get a little work in.” Howie told her. “Work?” Lauralee had an exasperated look on her face. “Yeah babe. Come on, just a little rehearsal.” Alex had a pleading look on his face. “Now listen,” Lauralee said as Alex dragged her by the hand. “I didn’t…” She stopped short as the other girls did the same thing. The place seemed to be an old rehearsal studio; the walls were brick. There was a small stage with 5 microphones and stools. There was a small table on the floor, lighted with candles, a white linen tablecloth and a little sign that said RESERVED. “What is all this?” Veronica mouth gaped open. “We figured, you’ve seen us dance,” Howie held a chair out for her. “And now you can see us sing.” “A private concert for three.” Alex held out the chair for Lauralee. “This is so romantic,” Laura sat down as Kevin escorted her. The boys all took a seat at the stools. “So,” Howie started. “How is everyone tonight?” The girls cheered loudly. “Looks like we got a good crowd fellas.” “Yo, D?” Alex turned to him. “Yeah?” “Stop being a cornball and sing.” “Bite me.” Brian grabbed the microphone. “This song is going out to some special people in the crowd tonight. Are there any ladies in the house?” “ME ME!” Lauralee shrieked, getting into the role. “OH MY GOD, BRIAN WINKED AT ME!” Veronica shouted. “I WANT TO THROW KEVIN MY PANTIES!” Laura hooted. Kevin gave Laura a look. “Sorry, it was for the added effect.” Laura shrugged her shoulders. “Alright. I say we do a little number.” Alex turned to the others. “Y’all ready?” They nodded. “Ready? 1,2,3.” Howie snapped his fingers. They all hummed in unison and started a song a cappella. The very first time that I saw your brown eyes Your lips said ‘Hello’ And I said Hi I knew right then you were the one But I was caught up, In physical attraction But to my satisfaction Baby, you were more than just a face And if I ever, ever fall In love again I will be sure that the lady is a friend And if I ever, ever fall In love so true I will be sure that the lady’s just like you If I say that I could be your one and only Promise, promise, promise that you’ll never leave me lonely I just wanna be the one you need Oh baby I just want to be the one to serve you Sometimes I feel as if I don’t deserve you I cherish every moment that we share And if I ever, ever fall In love again I will be sure that the lady is a friend And if I ever, ever fall In love so true I will be sure that the lady’s just like you My friend The very next time she’ll be my friend, someone who can believe in My friend The very next time she’ll be my friend, someone who can believe in My friend The very next time she’ll be my friend And if I ever, ever fall In love again I will be sure that the lady is a friend And if I ever, ever fall In love so true I will be sure that the lady’s just like you The girls cheered loudly as Lauralee let out a whistle with her fingers. “Thank you,” Kevin spoke into the microphone in a baritone voice. They got off the stage. Lauralee quickly embraced Alex. “That was so beautiful,” she whispered into his shoulder. “The night has just begun,” Alex responded. He turned to the others. “We’re gonna split.” “So are we,” Howie helped Veronica out of her chair. “My car is parked outside.” Alex said to Lauralee as they walked into the parking lot and got to Alex’s BMW. Chapter 17 Contents Chapter 15 |