Chapter 43: The Roof The girls arrived at Electric Lady Studios early that morning.  Bianca was going to join them later that afternoon after her classes, as well as Riley.  Lauralee arrived last, joining the girls, Tommy Mottola, and Frank Jackson, a record producer they met the week before, who was producing some of their album. “Hey Lau!” Laura waved.  “You ready?” “Yeah, I couldn’t sleep last night.” “I don’t think any of us could,” Veronica smiled. “Well, ladies, I guess you’re ready,” Frank said.  “You guys been going over the song I gave you yesterday?” “It’s really good,” Lauralee said.  “I was playing the song out on my keyboard last night.” “So, let’s get started then,” Tommy smiled.  “I’ll just sit here and take it all in.” Frank and the girl rehearsed the song, working out the parts.  After a few hours, Bianca and Riley joined them; Riley had picked her up after her last class.  They briefed Bianca and Riley on their progress. “So think you got it down?” Frank asked the girls.   “Think so,” Lauralee read over the lyrics. “Alright then, let’s head into the booth,” Frank opened the door.  “We’ll record the background voices today and tomorrow, then we’ll do the leads after.” The girls headed into the studio and through several runs, they spent hours recording the first half of the song. They went into the evening, when Frank finally stopped the tape.  “OK ladies, looks like you got the first half done.  We’ll continue tomorrow morning, same time.” The girl walked out of the booth.  “Throats OK?” Tommy asked. “Little raw, but we’ll be all right,” Elizabeth rubbed her neck. “Drink some warm tea with lemon, and rest up,” Tommy said.  “I won’t be here tomorrow, but Frank will take care of you.”   “OK, bye,” the girls headed home. ~*~ Two days later The girls finished in the booth and Frank played around the board as the girls looked on. “Finished!” Frank leaned back in his chair.  “You girls wanna hear it?” “No, we wanna wait for the album to come out,” Laura mused.  “Play the damn thing!” “OK, OK!” Frank pressed a button and the song began to play.  When the song finished the girls all squealed. “Is that really us?” Bianca asked. “Oh my God it sounds so good,” Elizabeth smiled. “You guys are real professionals now.  ‘The Roof’ is gonna be a hit,” Frank stopped the song.  “See you all tomorrow.” ~*~ “So, the job is good?” Alex asked Lauralee over the phone. “Tiring but really interesting,” she was sipping her tea with lemon. “Why didn’t you call the first day?  I was home.” “I was real tired so I headed right to bed,” Lauralee responded, a little of a defensiveness in her tone. “Oh… are you OK Lau?” Alex paused. “Yeah why?” “Just seems that you’re being hesitant.” “I’m not.” “But…” “Alex, I’m fine.” “OK, sorry.  Didn’t mean to jump down your neck.” “It’s OK,” Lauralee felt her chest tighten.  “Listen, I’m gonna go.  I have an early day tomorrow.” “OK baby.  I love you.” The words felt like a knife in her chest.  “I love you too.  Bye.” “Bye.” Lauralee flopped on her bed.  It’s only been three days, and I already feel like shit. She cried herself to sleep. Chapter 44 Contents Chapter 42