Chapter 58: The Next Step New York The girls were waiting in Sony’s conference room, as they had a big meeting with Tommy, but as to what they didn’t know.  They were in New York, their hometown, and all had the day off to see family and friends, and to settle business.  Their new video for “These Arms,” was doing really well on MTV and radio was playing the song non-stop. “Hello all,” Tommy entered the room and gave the ladies a hug.  Riley followed after him.  He took a seat in the head conference room.  “I guess you’re wondering why you’re here.” “Pretty much,” Laura said. “Got great news for ya.  Looks like you’re headlining a tour.” “Headlining!  Us!” Bianca screamed. “Yup.  Elegance’s album is still at number one, and fans have been e-mailing the site asking when you are doing a tour.  Demand is high, so we better strike now while the iron is hot,” Riley said as he gave them a packet, containing a tour contract and schedules. “Your last show with Backstreet is in 2 days, Riley said they’ll be off to Europe, and you guys will be here preparing for the tour,” Tommy leaned back in his chair. “2 days?” Lauralee sighed.  “Yup, you’re ready for the big time now.  Backstreet was a step, now you can do it on your own.  I know this is sudden, but I know you girls can do it,” Riley leaned forward.  “All set?” “Yup, I think we’re ready,” Laura took a deep breath. ~*~ The girls’ limousine arrived at the arena.  They told Riley that they wanted to be the ones to tell them the news.  They got out and saw the boys at sound check. “Hey!”  Kevin said into the microphone as he saw the girls walk down the pathway.  “Hey guys take 5,” the band dispersed as they helped the girls onto the stage. “What’s up?” Nick saw the girls’ faces.  “You look like you’ve been hit by a truck.” “We need to talk,” Bianca grabbed his hand as they all sat on the floor. “We just got back from a meeting with Sony,” Laura said. “And what did they have to say?” asked Howie. “I guess… there’s no easy way to say this, but just blurt it out,” Elizabeth stammered. “What’s going on?” Brian asked. “We’re headlining a tour,” Veronica eyes twinkled.  “You’re headlining?  That’s great!” Howie gave Veronica a hug.  “So when does it start?” “2 days…” Lauralee looked at Alex.  “You guys go to Europe and we stay here to prepare for it.” “2 days!” Alex stood up. Lauralee stood up with him.  “Baby, I know this’ll be hard.  We’ve all been together for a while now.  We’ve done it before.  We couldn’t be the opening act forever y’know.” “I know,” Alex looked deep into her eyes.  “I was just shocked is all.  I’m so happy for you, really I am.”  He gave her a hug.  “Congratulations girls.  I can’t wait to be in the audience like you were for us.” “Yeah, maybe we’ll have ‘the contest’ too,” winked Kevin.  The girls blushed at his remark.   “Well, we’ll let you finish up. We gotta call Salvatore to go over the contracts,” Veronica gave Howie a kiss. ~*~ 2 days later The guys joined the girls below the stage.  “You ready?  Last show,” Kevin sighed. “You sure you all want to go up there now?” Laura asked, smoothing her hair out. “We want to give you the proper goodbye,” Nick grabbed a microphone from a stagehand.  “OK, here we go,” Howie said as they climbed the ladder. The crowd roared as all the guys came out.  “Hello New York!” Howie waved to the crowd. “We know that we’re not supposed to go on for a little while, but we wanted to come out here to give a send-off to a very special group of ladies tonight,” said Nick. “Tonight is Elegance’s last show as the opening act for the Into the Millennium Tour,” Kevin said as the crowd expressed disapproval. “Yeah, they’ll be getting ready for their own tour starting in a couple of months.  So, we are sad to see them go, but we know that they have to go out on their own, since they do have the number one album in the country!” Brian put on a goofy face. “But they are excited to do their last show in their hometown, so we want you to give it up for Elegance!” Alex said as they ran off stage. The girls did their first number and after that, Lauralee stepped out in front.  “Hello New York!”  The crowd roared.  “I just wanna say this… there’s no place like home!”  The crowd cheered in pride and approval as they continued their set.  They finished their last song and Veronica stepped on stage.  “Before we leave, we just want to say that we had an absolute blast opening for the BSB, and we are very sad to leave.  We’re going out on our own, and we hope that we will see y’all again real soon!  We…” the girls turned around to find the guys standing off stage with bouquets of roses in their hands.   The people roared as the boys gave them the roses with a kiss on the cheek.  “Surprise!” Alex said into the microphone.  “We just want to add that we’ll miss you guys, and we love you with all of our hearts,” Kevin said as he gave a crying Laura a kiss on the cheek. “Well, gotta go everyone!  We’ll see you again on tour!” Lauralee waved as they gave their bows and walked off the stage. ~*~ The guys had given their bags to the limo driver and turned to the girls.  “Well, guess this is it,” Nick sighed. “Yeah,” Bianca had tears in her eyes. They separated into groups.  “I don’t think I can do this again,” Alex wiped his eyes. “We’ve done it before, besides I’ll see you in a month,” Lauralee caressed his cheek.  “I thought you were the strong one.” “Not this time,” Alex gave her a kiss and practically collapsed into her arms. “I love you,” Lauralee touched his forehead with hers. “I love you too,” Alex whispered.  “And I hope that you think about some things while I’m gone.” “I haven’t forgotten,” Lauralee smiled.  They all exchanged good-byes, and the boys went into the limo.  They opened the window and waved as the limousine disappeared from sight. The girls gave a group hug as Mario, who loomed in the background, stepped in front of them.  “How about a cup of coffee, on me?” “More like a shot man,” Laura laughed. Mario led them to their limo. Chapter 59 Contents Chapter 57