| Chapter 82: Life… One Hell of A Ride Lauralee stood facing that same terrace, overlooking that same beach, those same waves. This time it was their turn. After the Grammy Awards, the world was buzzing with the return of Elegance. They did the Oprah Winfrey show, focusing on bereavement of loved ones. Now they were back in the studio, much to Riley and Tommy’s delight. Tommy said they could take as much time as they needed, record wherever they wanted to. They chose the Bahamas, remembering what a relaxing atmosphere it was for the guys and figured they needed as little stress as possible. It was still shaky ground they were treading on, but knew as long as they had each other that they were going to be fine. They had just finished recording for the day and Lauralee was on the terrace, missing Alex so much she could barely breathe. He was on tour for most of the year and she was going to see him in a few weeks, but she needed him now more than ever. She ordered a bottle of wine from the grocer’s, hoping to take away some of the aching by—to put it bluntly—getting tipsy. She heard a knock at the door. “Yeah?” she yelled from the terrace. “Grocery delivery ma’am.” “One second,” Lauralee walked to the door and opened it. “Oh my God!” “What? You did order wine right?” Alex smiled as he held the bottle out to her. He dropped his bags and embraced her. “What the hell are you doing here?” “Rearranged the schedule a little so we could have some time to spend with you gorgeous ladies in paradise.” “I’m so glad you’re here. I really needed you.” Alex slipped his arms around her waist. “So did I.” He kissed her forehead gently. “So how are things going here?” “Slow but steady. It’s hard y’know? But getting back to our lives again makes us so happy for the first time in a while.” “Makes me happy too.” Alex grabbed her hand and led her to the terrace, grabbing the bottle of wine and two glasses. He poured the wine and handed one glass to Lauralee. “To life. It’s one hell of a ride.” “Damn straight,” Lauralee took a sip from the glass. “Laura’s planning the wedding OK?” “Now that she’s put the stress on a wedding coordinator. She must get at least 10 calls a day from the man. Now my duties as maid of honor is hearing her rant and rave on the phone.” Alex let out a laugh. “Same thing with Kevin. Now all I hear is reassurance from his end of the line, suggesting ‘Well honey, we can always go to Vegas.’ Then I hear her screaming ‘After all the planning I’ve done!’ Not to mention choice four letter words in every combination possible.” Lauralee laughed and took another sip from her glass. “I love you.” “Honey, those are the three greatest words you can say to me.” Alex put his arms around her and Lauralee snuggled to his chest. She loved that feeling; the strength of his arms, the scent of his cologne, the way her head fit into the crook of his neck. Her lover, her companion, her best friend; this is where she always wanted to be. She owed so much to him: her strength and her ability to let someone in once again. Her future for the others she didn’t know about. Bianca and Nick are young; they may have other loves ahead of them, or they may beat the odds. Brian and Elizabeth; they were destined for a lifetime of happiness together. Kevin and Laura; they were taking a new direction. And Howie, it would take time for him to heal, but knew he was going to find the love he’s been waiting for. Would he have married Veronica? Probably. Would they have been happy forever? Perhaps. Life is like a black highway at night; you never know where it’s going to turn. Although her road has had many turns, she was clear on two things. Alex was going to be along for the ride; her father and Veronica would lead the way. |
| The End! |