Chapter 46: Final Details The girls were all waiting with Riley in the conference room at Sony Music.  They had just finished the recording a few days ago, and was finishing working with the choreographer on at least half of the songs, which was all that needed to be done.  They had spent the day at Elizabeth Arden with hair and make-up stylists, freshening up their looks, and adding some new life to their image. Tommy walked in, holding a few magazines in his hands.  “Hello ladies.” “Some light reading Tommy?” Laura asked. “A little, because it’s all about you.”  “Are you serious?” Bianca looked at the articles in awe. Tommy picked up a few clippings.  “Here’s one from Entertainment Weekly.  ‘The music scene has been buzzing with anticipation for a new R & B group called Elegance that has been playing on stations all across the country.  The song ‘The Roof,’ which has been getting critical acclaim, has been playing on Top 40 to hip-hop stations, but one problem… no one knows who they are!  All that we know of this group is that they were signed to Sony Music in either late February or early-March, they are represented by the California and New York-based management team The Firm, and they have been in the studio recording diligently since then.  There has been no talk of the release of a video, no photos, no indication of an identity; all we know is their album will be released in early July.  People have been speculating about whether this is a ploy by Sony to gain publicity, and there isn’t a group at all.  But Tommy Mottola, CEO of Sony Music, says that this group is “very real,” and they will be out very soon.  Hope so ladies, whoever you are, or if you know who you are.’” “Wow, there really has been this much buzz about us?” asked Elizabeth. “Yup,” said Riley.  “Everyone is talking about you.” “So we need to go over a couple of things,” said Tommy.  “You girls already decided the final cut from the album, and the executives agree with it.  They are already starting to make the CD’s at least.  We need to go in for a photo shoot tomorrow just to shoot the album cover.  Now I know you all are nervous about people finding you out, but the photographer is a good friend to Sony, and he knows that if he wants to keep his job, he’ll have a non-talkative staff with him.” Riley passed out itineraries to the girls, explaining their schedules on promotions for the next month following their debut on the Oprah show.  After a few hours of the meeting, they concluded and the girls headed home to get ready for Bianca’s graduation, which was in a few days. ~*~ One week later After Bianca’s graduation, the girls flew out to Nashville for 2 days, where the boys were finishing rehearsals for their “Into the Millennium Tour.”  They looked on to the boys’ dancing, with Riley and Fatima looking on closely.  They finally broke for lunch, where they joined the girls and Riley around the table.  “So ladies, what do you think so far?” Kevin took a bite of his sandwich. Laura gave him the thumbs-up sign.  “Smooth baby, smooth.” Riley walked up to them holding a paper in his hand.  “Well guys, looks like we have a main opening act for ya.” “Well, it’s about damn time,” said Nick. “Who is it?” Howie took a sip of water. “Elegance,” Riley smiled, as the girls all looked at each other wide-eyed. “Elegance?” Alex put down his sandwich.  “But we don’t even know who they are yet!” “People don’t think they even exist,” Brian agreed. “Oh, I can tell you they are very real.  The deal’s been all set.  Besides, you guys said that you loved their sound.” “Yeah, didn’t you say that you wanted to do a duet with the girl singing lead, J?” quirked Howie. Lauralee smirked.  “You did huh?” “Well… yeah,” Alex slightly blushed.  “I like the grit in her voice and her range is through the roof, no pun intended.” “You know, I heard she has an eight-octave range,” Brian added.  “Now that’s talent.”  Lauralee looked down and smiled “You guys will meet them when you start to tour.  They will join you in mid to late-July, after they finish promotion for their album.  That’s when EYC will be leaving anyway, so it fits right in,” Riley said.  “Alright man.  Actually I am getting a little curious about who they are,” Kevin said. “So am I,” Laura put his arm around his shoulder. “Hate to break it to y’all, but you guys have a meeting with the tour coordinators,” Riley checked his watch.  “They’re waiting for you in the next room.” “Oh, all right,” Alex kissed Lauralee’s cheek.  They left the room and closed the door. “Are you kidding me?” Bianca squealed. “That is so cool,” Veronica smiled. “How’d you pull that one off Riles?” asked Lauralee. “Pretty easy in fact.  After you do the promoting, you’ll fly out to meet them in Los Angeles to start until the end of the tour, but you will be breaking from time to time to do publicity and all.  But, if things work out, you might be headlining before the end of it, and you won’t even finish.” “Wow, we’ll actually be spending the whole tour with them.  That’s awesome,” Elizabeth smiled. “But first, you have to get ready for your performance,” Riley broke the celebration.  “You’ll be flying back to New York tomorrow to finish rehearsals and get the ball really moving.  We only have a week and a half left.” “A week and a half,” Lauralee repeated.  “Man, do you guys realized that this’ll be the last time that we can walk down the street and be, like, normal?” “I never thought about that,” Veronica nodded.  “We better start taking great advantage of the little things.” “Remind me when I get home, not to groan when I have to go to the store to buy milk,” Bianca laughed. Chapter 47 Contents Interlude