Chapter 30: Let’s Get on with The Show 1 month later “You got everything?” Sandy asked Lauralee. “Yup, everything’s all packed.” “Déjà vu.  This reminds me of last year.” “Yeah I know the feeling,” Lauralee zipped up her suitcase.  Lauralee just finished her classes, and was going to go on tour with Alex and the guys around the United States.  She saw the chance to go, not only to be with her boyfriend for 4 months, but also to really see how he works.  It was a side of him she really didn’t get a chance to see, and now she was going to.  Laura and Veronica were going to join her and Bianca was coming out for a few weeks once her school let out.  Laura’s mother beeped her horn.  “That’s them!”  Sandy helped Laura put her suitcases in the car.  “We’re gonna fly out to Fort Lauderdale, and go from there.  You have the itinerary.”  She gave Sandy a hug.  “I love you.” “I love you too.  Say hello to everyone for me.” Sandy waved to Lauralee from the porch as she left ~*~ The car picked them up at Fort Lauderdale Airport and took them directly to the arena.  They got out of the car, where they would put their bags in the buses later.  Marcus was waiting at the entrance for them and opened the door to the car. Lauralee got out first and enveloped him in a hug.  “It is so good to see you!” “You too!” “Still no break up huh?” Lauralee shook her head and smiled.  “You’ll never change!” “I’ll stop when there’s a ring on that finger,” he hugged Laura and Veronica hello.  They all started to walk inside when Marcus stopped them.  “Hold it.  You’ll need these,” he procured 3 passes from his pocket.  “All access.  You’ll need these for the rest of the tour.  Wear them when we go to a new place, or else they won’t let you in.” The girls put them on.  Marcus led them inside, waving to people and led them to the guys’ dressing room.  “They’ll be out in a second.  Make yourselves comfortable.”  He closed the door behind him. “Have you ever see so many flowers?” Veronica smelled a bouquet of roses. “Or stuffed animals,” Laura picked up a purple teddy bear. “Alex told me they give those to the local children hospitals,” Lauralee informed them. The door opened up and Alex, Kevin, and Howie went inside and scooped the girls up. “I was counting down the minutes until you got here,” Alex pulled a strand of hair from Lauralee’s face. “We all were,” Kevin still had his arms around Laura. “Yeah, come on, we’ll show you around and introduce you,” Howie took Veronica’s hand and led the group to outside the arena. After making their way through tunnels and rooms, introducing them to their makeup artist, crewmembers, personnel, and wardrobe stylists.  They finally made their way to the stage.  Lauralee looked out and the thousands of seats in awe.  “We’ve played bigger,” Alex stood next to her. “I always thought a thousand was big!” “Who knew right?” “I can’t believe you play to this every night.  It must be such a high.” “Yeah,” Alex sat down on the end of the stage.  Lauralee joined him.  Alex stared into the crowd, being strangely quiet.  “Babe?” Lauralee asked him. “Hmm?” “Is… there something wrong?” “No, uh, nothing’s wrong.” “You can’t fool me McLean.” “It’s just… we’re having some problems right now.” “There’s nothing wrong with anyone is there?” “No, no nothing personal… but business-wise.  Lou’s starting to give us shit.  He’s starting to take a little too much control of things.” “Oh.” “He even didn’t want you guys to come along, saying y’all would be a distraction.” “Baby, if you want us to leave...” “No way!  You realize the fight we all had with him over that!” He put his arm around Lauralee’s shoulder.  “You’re staying.” “Yes sir,” Lauralee pulled him in for a kiss.  “Don’t you guys have sound check now?” “What sound check?” Alex pulled her in for another kiss.  “This sound check…” They turned around to see Lou standing there.  “Hi Lauralee.” “Hello,” this time she could tell his tone was not as pleasant as before.  “Come on AJ, it’s time to go back to work,” He motioned for the others to come back on stage. Alex sighed as he got up and then helped Lauralee up and found the guys with Laura and Veronica.  “Look, why don’t we go and unpack on the buses.  You have work to do,” Lauralee gave Alex a peck on the lips.  “We’ll be back in an hour.” “Yeah… see ya,” Laura said as she and Veronica left the stage. “What’s his problem?” Veronica motioned back towards the arena. “I don’t think we’re as welcome with Lou as we used to be.” ~*~ Laura, Veronica, and Lauralee were bouncing in their seats, anxiously overlooking the New York City skyline. “Home again!” Veronica looked out at the window. “Look guys, after 2 months they are already sick of us,” Kevin put on a puppy-dog face.  “Oh, you big ol’ baby,” Laura kissed his lips. “Yeah, I’m excited to be back.  Can’t wait to see Mom.” Laura leaned against Alex’s chest on the couch in the bus.  Alex kissed her temple and wrapped his arms around her. The bus dropped Lauralee and Alex off at her house, where Sandy was waiting for them.  Sandy enveloped her in a bear hug, crying her eyes out.  She gave Alex a hug also. “Oh honey, I’ve missed you so much,” Sandy sat down on the couch next to Lauralee. “I’ve missed you too.” “When are you going back?” “In a couple of days.  We’re gonna take Bianca with us and she’ll be flying out of Tucson in 2 weeks,” Alex responded “I wish I could stay for an extra couple of days, but I’ve got to leave tonight for this business trip.” “Don’t worry Mom.  We’ll see each other in a few weeks.” They were sitting down telling stories about the tour when the phone rang.  “Hello?” “Lau!” “Liz!  How are you?” “Good!  How’s life on the road?” “Exciting, new, cramped.  What are you up to?” “Your Mom told me you were coming home for a few days, so thought I would drop you a line.” Alex walked in the room and mouthed, ”Who is it?” Lauralee pointed to the phone, “Liz” she mouthed back. Alex winked at her.  He quickly scribbled on a piece of paper “BRIAN, SHOW TONIGHT?” “Lau you still there?” “Yeah… I’m here.  Listen Elizabeth, you want to go to the Backstreet Boys’ concert tonight?” “Tonight?  Um, sure, why not?” “Good, we’ll leave you a VIP Pass at the ticket window.  Continental Airlines Arena, come about 6:30, OK?” “OK, great, talk to you later.” “Bye.” Lauralee hung up the phone.  “I see those wheels turning in your head McLean.” “What?  I can’t give some of my friends an occasional hookup?” “Oh yeah, like you’re Dr. Love.” “I don’t hear any complaints,” Alex crossed his arms. “Let me put it this way,” Lauralee rested her hands on his chest.  “I’ll never need a second opinion.” Chapter 31 Contents Chapter 29