Chapter 38: Changes The girls waited in the big waiting room of Sony Music Headquarters in New York City.  Riley had just joined them, and was waiting for Lauralee.  Lauralee finally walked inside, looking slightly tired. “Hey Lau,” Laura stood up and took a look at her.  “Are you OK?” “Yeah, just a little tired.  Ever since I got back from Orlando, I haven’t been feeling right.” “Probably just exhaustion.  You’ll rest and feel better.  So,” Laura looked up at the huge ceiling.  “You ready?” “That’s the thing, what is it for?” Lauralee stifled a yawn.  “We don’t even know what he wants to talk about.” “Looks like we’ll know now,” Riley walked up to them.  “He’s ready for us.” The girls and Riley walked inside to a conference room where Tommy was standing at the head of it.  He shook the girls and Riley’s hands and had them sit down. “So, you’re probably wondering what you are doing here,” Tommy leaned back in his chair. “Kinda,” Bianca leaned forward in her chair. “Well, it’s this,” Tommy leaned forward and folded his hands on the table.  “I hear a lot of tapes and a lot of acts.  Riley and I saw each other at a conference a couple of weeks ago and he gave me this,” he took a blank tape from his pocket and shook the tape at the girls.  “There’s something here.  I can’t explain what it is yet, but I know talent when I hear it.” “What exactly are you saying Tommy?” Lauralee asked. “What I’m saying is that I would like you ladies to record a demo.  If all goes well…” he then gave a broad smile.  “I think a deal could be in the works with Sony Music.” “What?” Veronica and the girls looked dumbfounded.  “Are you saying that you’ll sign us?” “That’s exactly what I’m saying.  You can use our studio to record a demo, and we’ll take it from there.  I’m not promising anything, but you can at least have a demo in your hands.  What do you say?” Lauralee looked at the four smiling girls before her.  “Girls?”  They all nodded.  “Looks like you’ve got a deal,” she got up and shook his hand. “Great!” He took out a book.  “Riley tells me you’re going to Stockholm next week for a week correct?” “Some of us are,” Elizabeth responded.  Bianca had school, so she couldn’t go.  The girls were going to go with the guys as they were going there to record for their new album. “What do you say about that Monday you come back?” Tommy looked up from the book.  The girls nodded and he made a notation on the book.  “Looks like you’re on a roll then,” he stood up and shook their hands.  “I’ll see you a week from Monday and have a good time.  Sweden is beautiful this time of year.” Riley and the girls left and went outside.  “Oh my God!” Bianca squealed.  “A real studio!” “Can you believe this?” Elizabeth hugged Lauralee. “Yeah,” Lauralee yawned again.  “I say we celebrate!” Laura yelled.  “You all game?” “Not me,” Lauralee eyes drooped.  “I think I’m gonna get some shuteye.” “OK, then we won’t go,” Veronica put her hand on Lauralee’s shoulder. “No, you guys go and celebrate, I’ll talk you y’all later,” Lauralee protested. “Want me to come along with ya?” “Nah, I’ll be fine.  Go on guys,” Lauralee waved for them to go out.  She headed home. ~*~ Lauralee walked inside her house and looked around.  Good no one’s home…  She headed up to her room and took out the paper bag from her purse.  Looking around again, she took out the box.  “Find out in 10 minutes or less,” she read aloud in a shaky voice.  She was terrified to even buy the thing in the drug store.  Afraid that someone would see her, or a fan would recognize her, she quickly ran out of that store and ran home after the meeting with Tommy.  She carefully opened the box and took out the contents, and was reading the directions, when Veronica walked in the room. “Hey, I just…” she stopped short and looked at Lauralee on the bed.  “Don’t you knock!”  She quickly shoved the stuff under her pillow.  “What are you doing here?” “I… wanted to make sure you were OK.  You looked awful, so I told the girls to go ahead without me.”  She sat down on the bed.  “What’s going on Lau?” With a heavy sigh, Lauralee took the stuff from under the pillow.  “What do you think.” Veronica looked at the home pregnancy test.  “Oh my.” “Yeah.” “Does Alex know?” “No way, I’m not gonna worry him with this.  I don’t even know if I am or not.” “Are you sure?” “Think about it V.  I’ve been tired for the past week, I’ve been getting sick in the morning…” “Are you late?” “About a week,” Lauralee looked down.  “I don’t understand it!  We’ve been so careful, you know, with protection and all.” “Hey, you don’t even know if you are or not.  You need to take it to find out,” Veronica reassured. “But…” “We’ll handle it from there,” she put her hand on Lauralee’s shoulder.  “But don’t waste time.” With a nod, Lauralee headed for the bathroom. ~*~ Lauralee chewed on her nails and sat with Veronica as they waited.  “V?” “Yeah?” “Do you think I would be a good mother?” “Are you kidding?  You would make a great mom!” “What about Alex?” “No kid would be more fashionable or loved more.” Lauralee laughed and quickly stopped.  “I’m so scared.” Veronica quickly embraced her.  “Listen, you don’t even know yet.  And if it is true, you’ll have me and the girls and your family.  And Alex will be there for you, no matter what you do.” Lauralee checked her watch.  “Looks like it’s ready.”  She got up slowly and turned to Veronica.  “Come with me?” Veronica got up and held her hand as they walked to the bathroom.  Lauralee looked at the test.  The negative sign on the test was clear.  Lauralee closed her eyes and let the tears flow.  Veronica quickly hugged her.  “Oh thank God!” Veronica yelled.  “Thank you Veronica.” “For what?” “For barging in on me.” Veronica winked.  “Anytime.” Chapter 39 Contents Chapter 37