Chapter 68: Back in the Studio 3 weeks later: Parc Studios, Orlando “Welcome back,” Riley gave them all a hug.  “Thanks, nice to be back to square one,” Laura smiled. “Yeah, but this time, we can take our time,” Lauralee said as she walked to the board.  “All the time you need, with added breaks,” Riley smiled.  “This album will kick the other in the ass, I’m sure of it.” “I just can’t believe Puff Daddy is going to produce a song for us,” Lauralee shook her head. “A genius in my book,” Elizabeth agreed.  “You girls all gonna be down here soon?” asked Riley. “Eventually,” Elizabeth sighed.  “Bianca and I called an agent this morning, so we’ll be looking.” “So the whole family will be back together,” Bianca smiled.  “New York is nice, but the winters I can live without.” “Alright, let’s get down to business,” Riley sat down in the chair.  They all went over schedules, contracts, and upcoming songs they were to record.  They had a lot of new ideas; ones that they hoped would make the final cut.  The girls were excited, finally hoping to take their sounds to the next level.  They all had done some writing, and Lauralee was finally going to produce some songs herself.  They were deeply engrossed in lyrics for one of Elizabeth’s songs, when Riley got a call on his cell phone.  “Hello?  Yes this is Riley Thomas… oh yes, nice to hear from you… uh huh… really… well, I’ll be sure to give the news… they’ll get back to you… thank you again… bye.” “What news?” Laura looked as Riley shut his cell phone off. “Now that was an interesting phone call. It was the head of Virgin Records.” “Virgin Records?  What did they want?” Elizabeth asked. “Seems that Janet Jackson was asking if you ladies would like to do a collaboration with her on a song.” “Are you serious?” Veronica squealed.  “She’s my idol!” “Yup, she’s a big fan, and has a song that she think you ladies would be perfect for.  It’s going to be a single from her newest movie.  What do you say?” “Like we’re going to turn down on of the biggest singers on the planet.  Of course we would!” Laura smiled. “Good, they’re gonna fax me the information within the hour.  All I know is that you’ll fly to LA to record in a few days.  It’s going to be fast… the single will be out within the next month or so, and you’ll do the video in a couple of weeks.” ~*~ 1 month later   Lauralee sat at the piano in her house, jotting down notes on her music sheet at about 3 in the morning.  She lightly touched the keys, tapping the pencil against her head. “Lau?” Alex went downstairs, holding Angel against his chest. “Did I wake you?” “Nah, actually it was her clawing my arm,” Alex scooted Angel up against him.  “I think she wanted to go out.”  Angel was let down and streaked towards the doggie door in the kitchen.  Alex took a seat next to her on the piano bench.  “Whatcha doing?” “Had an idea, so I wanted to get it down before it escaped my head.” “I hate that,” Alex stroked the keys of the piano.  “It always seems to happen when we record.” “I am just so excited to be back recording.  I loved working with Janet, she was so professional, plus the video kicks ass.  And now I got so many new songs in my head, my head actually hurts from it.” “Watch it babe, or else your head will explode.” “True,” Lauralee looked up at the sky.  “It feels good to actually enjoy being in the studio.” “You didn’t the first time?” “Nah, we were rushed.  Plus, we had to think up stories to tell y’all when we got home.” “You don’t have to do that anymore,” Alex grabbed her hand.  “Yeah,” Lauralee put her pencil down.  “Wanna hear it?” “Love to.” Lauralee looked at the piano and played a song called “Did I Dream You.” She played the last note, and looked at Alex.  “What’d you think?” “Amazing,” Alex smiled. “You were the inspiration.” “I’m honored.  Deeply honored,” Alex kissed her hand.  “Ready to hit the sack?” “Yup,” Lauralee grabbed his hand as they went upstairs. Chapter 69 Contents Chapter 67