| ***Planet Hollywood: That Night*** TransContinental Records threw LFO a bash in honor of the release of “Summer Girls” on the radio. Z100 had called them and told them it was their most requested song on the station. Similar calls were made from all over the country. Record executives, other artists from the label were there, friends, all the producers and songwriters who worked on the album were in attendance. Joann and Lauren had met Lou Pearlman, their manager, other artists and celebrities, and had said hello to Mark Healy. But to Lauren, it was more than a celebration of her new friends’ success. For her, it was she and Devin’s last night together before he flew back to Orlando tomorrow morning. Lou went up onto the stage and grabbed a microphone. “Hello all, and thanks for coming. ‘Summer Girls’ looks like it will be a number one hit! Radio stations have called all over saying it was their number one played song, and LFO is already becoming sought after for interviews and appearances.” He held up his glass. “So please everyone take a glass of champagne and join me in a toast.” He waited a minute. “And guys, why don’t you join me on stage.” The boys went up on stage. “To LFO, for a successful album, and for the their long stay at the top!” “To LFO!” the crowd said as they held up their glasses, Lauren and Joann’s voices audible over the crowd. The group and Lou toasted and drank. “Now let’s have a celebration and play some music!” Lou exclaimed. The music resumed playing and people resumed dancing. Devin and the guys joined Lauren and Joann on the floor next to the stage. “I would like to have a more private toast,” Joann said. The group all held up their glasses. “You know, I never thought that I would be here, at a glammed out party, with all these famous people. Hell, I never thought I would be at Veruka a couple of weeks ago! But all of your friendships mean so much more to me than all of this. So I want to say that if all of this didn’t happen, I would still be honored to be at your sides. So to friendships of a lifetime!” She held up her glass and the others clinked glasses with her. “Now I’ll definitely drink to that,” said Rich. The party continued full swing. People danced, ate and drank. Devin and the guys mingled with some executives while Lauren and Joann looked on. Lauren understood that it was just part of the job, and was taking no offense. She knew that the career these guys had chosen was not just singing a song here and an interview there. It was a 24-hour a day job and these boys had to be on full alert from now on. A little while later, Lou Pearlman took the stage again. “Can I have your attention again please?” The crowd turned their attention to him. “I know we have been celebrating for these guys, but let’s say we have a performance from them, shall we?” The crowd gave a thunderous applause. “Ladies and Gentlemen, here’s LFO!” The guys took the stage. “Thank you everyone!” exclaimed Rich. “We all appreciate all of the hard work you have put into this album and making our dreams come true. We promise we won’t let you down.” Again, applause emanated from the crowd. Devin took his place at the front of the stage. “This song that we’re going to perform is a very special one to the group. It may not be a single, but for me especially, it has a significant meaning. I’m dedicating this song to someone special in the crowd tonight,” he said as he looked at Lauren standing in the front of the stage, “and the song is called ‘You’re Heart is Safe With Me’.” The crowd applauded. Joann hugged Lauren, then Lauren looked on to the boys as they started to sing. I know you know that love Can make you cry and break your heart And you've been there before; you've been there before And so you're so afraid to let somebody in Baby, won't you try again, try again Cause you're heart is safe with me I'll never hurt you I'll be there through everything I won't make you cry I know this world is cold But in my arms you'll see That you're heart is safe with me That you're heart is safe with me Safe with me What can I do for you to understand You're in good hands I'll never do you wrong, never do you wrong What can I say to make your doubts all disappear? I won't let no tears get near No baby, I'll be here Cause you're heart is safe with me I'll never hurt you I'll be there through everything I won't make you cry I know this world is cold But in my arms you'll see That you're heart is safe with me That you're heart is safe with me Safe with me I will be there for you Be anything you need Love can last forever I'll show you how it feels I'll keep my heart beside you So your heart will see That you're heart is safe with me I'll never hurt you You’re heart is safe with me I’ll never hurt you I'll be there through everything I won't make you cry I know this world is cold But in my arms you'll see That you're heart is safe with me That you're heart is safe with me Safe with me The crowd roared with approval, as Lauren looked on, tears coming down her face. It wasn’t just the performance that moved her. It was that the song felt so close to home. And it felt as if Devin was singing directly to her. Joann let out a whistle with her two fingers. The boys came back down to the floor. Lauren ran up to Devin and quickly embraced him. Brad, Rich and Joann looked on. “Awww,” they all said in a mocking tone. Brad faked a tear coming to his eye and wiping it away. “That is so beautiful.” Joann went along with his sentiment. “I think I’m gonna cry ‘cause Brad’s crying,” she replied in a melodramatic way. “And I’m going to cry because Joann is crying, whose crying because Brad is crying,” said Rich. They all exploded into laughter. Lauren made a face to them. “We’re being dissed, you know.” Devin stuck his nose up in the air dramatically. “And I don’t think we have to take this.” He laughed. “Listen,” he said to Brad, Rich and Joann. “Do you think you guys can handle things for a little while and make some excuses for me?” “Yeah, sure,” said Rich. “Go on, you guys have some privacy.” “Thanks, man,” said Devin. He turned to Lauren and held her hand. “Come on, I want to show you something.” “What?” “I think you can wait. See you guys later.” Part IX Contents Part VII |