Chapter 45: Radio Stars Alex was putting the finishing touches on his outfit in his hotel room.  They were heading to MTV studios for a big special for the new album.  Lauralee looked on as he put on his shirt. “What do ya think?” Alex spun around. “I like it,” Lauralee smiled. Alex sat down next to her on the bed.  “It’s so good to see that smile again.” He caressed her cheek. “I missed you too,” Lauralee leaned against his palm.  “You glad we talked?” Alex nodded.  “I was so worried about you Lau.” “Hey you don’t have to worry about me, I’m a New Yorker remember?” “I just don’t want any secrets between us.” Lauralee just nodded.  She still couldn’t tell him, but after hours of conversation the night before, they came to an understanding about their relationship.  It seemed like everything was smoothed out. There was a knock on the door and Marcus poked his head in the door.  “Everyone’s all set.” “OK,” Alex said as they stood up and headed out the door. ~*~ The girls sat in the green room and watched from a monitor as the guys taped their show.  The questioned about girlfriends came up from a fan, and asked them if they were still with the same girls. “Yeah, we’re all with the same people,” said Kevin.  “Does the fact that you’re Backstreet Boys put a strain on your relationships?” Carson Daly asked. “It’s hard sometimes,” Alex answered.  “It’s not like we can see them everyday.  When I met my girlfriend, she was in Florida for the first three months of our relationship, and we were getting ready for the first U.S. album, so I basically saw her everyday.  But after that, y’know, we kept the contact going through the phone, or else I would fly out to be with her.  So you have to be in constant communication.  I can’t ask her to drop everything to be with me.  She has her own life, with her own dreams, and her independence is one of the reasons I love her so much.” The audience applauded to Alex’s response.  The girls all dramatically swooned.  “Aw,” Bianca giggled.  “That was so beautiful.” “Shut up Bi,” Lauralee threw a napkin at her. ~*~ They were all in the van heading back to the hotel, with Riley sitting in the front with Marcus driving, and the rest of them in the back.  Riley kept fiddling with the radio. “Jesus, Riley, pick a station already,” Nick sighed. “Just trying to pick the right one,” Riley answered.  He finally picked WBLS, an R & B station in New York City. “Alright y’all,” the DJ said.  “This song was brought into the station yesterday, and when I heard it, I had to play it.  This is a new group Elegance, and the song is called ‘The Roof’ on WBLS.” Lauralee and turned to the girls wide-eyed as the familiar song began to play.  Riley smiled as Marcus and the guys nodded to the beat of the song.  The girls were in shock, trying to maintain as much composure as they could while hearing it.  When the song finished, Marcus turned down the radio.  “That was phat.” “Yeah I loved that song,” Alex agreed.  “Those girls are real talented.  I like the harmonies.” “Really?”  Lauralee smiled. “You know about them Riles?” Howie asked. “The Firm signed them about three months ago, but I haven’t met them yet.  Their album should be out in a few months.” “Don’t forget to hook us up with one when you get it, sounds like those girls are in for a good career,” Brian said. Riley turned around to face them.  “Oh, I don’t think I’ll have a problem with that.” ~*~ “Well, I think I’m gonna take a shower,” Kevin kissed Laura on the cheek as they got out of the van.  “Yeah, why don’t you girls grab some food from the coffee shop and we’ll meet you back in the room,” Nick said. “OK, we’ll be up in a few minutes,” Bianca responded. “I’m gonna be at a meeting, so I’ll see you guys later on,” Riley said to the boys as they headed up to their rooms. When the boys were out of earshot, Riley turned to the girls.  “Surprise!” The girls could finally let their emotion out.  “Oh my God!” Veronica screamed.  “We’re on the radio!”  Laura hugged the girls. “Good one Riley,” Lauralee smiled.  “Figured you all would like it,” Riley shrugged his shoulders. “Wait a minute, does this mean that it’s all starting?” Bianca asked. “Well, you will get regular airplay probably in the next week, but I know the DJ, so he agreed to give a sample before anyone else.  So, in a way, yeah, it’s starting.” “But, people don’t even know who we are,” Veronica questioned. “That doesn’t matter.  Remember that we want people to be guessing at first.  You all will come out.” “And when will that be?” asked Elizabeth. “You guys know that they’ll be on the Oprah show in mid-June right?” “Yeah.” “We’re trying to work it out that you will be revealed then.  You’ll have a national audience and it fits right into the schedule of the beginning of promotions.” “Damn, it’s happening so fast,” Lauralee sighed. “Well, one thing is for sure,” Laura smiled.  “Who the hell ever said that video killed the radio star?” The girls all laughed as they headed to the coffee shop Interlude Contents Chapter 44