Chapter 61: She Hung Her Hat They arrived at Alex’s house after a late night atTabu, Howie's new club, to celebrate the tour.  Lauralee and Alex walked in the house, and went into the living room.  Lauralee smiled to herself as she walked inside. “Must feel good to start your tour,” Alex noticed her face. “Oh yeah, to see all of that work come together.  It was… magical,” Lauralee sat on the couch as Alex got two glasses of wine and gave one to her. “So, planning the Johnny No-Name thing again?” she took a sip of wine. “Yup, as soon as the tour ends.  The next leg starts next week.” Lauralee took a deep breath, trying to find the words to tell him.  She glanced at the coffee table, reached over and grabbed his keys.  She began to play with the house key. “Um, babe, what are you doing?” Alex leaned next to her. “Fiddling is all.  You know a good locksmith?” “Um, I guess I could find one.  Why?” “You need to get another key made.” “For what?” “Because people who live in a house need a key don’t they?” “But I have one already.” “Let me put it this way, I need one.” Alex’s quizzical look slowly turned into a smile as he got the idea.  “You do?” “Yup.” Alex grabbed her into a hug.  “Babe, you don’t know how happy that makes me.” “I gave it a lot of thought.  Actually it was my mom that convinced me. She told me that she was going to be fine, I was an adult, and I have to live my own life.  My life is here, my home is with you.” “I’ll head out to the best locksmith in Orlando tomorrow, get the best key available,” Alex laughed.  “I’m gonna move in after the tour is over.  Mom said she was going to pack some of my things away while I was gone.” “Good, besides, I got you some reading material while you were on tour, hoping you were going to say yes.”  Alex grabbed some books on the coffee table.  “I told you, you could decorate the house with me, so I went to the interior decorator and got some books from her with samples and stuff.” “Oh great, more stuff to decide over,” Lauralee laughed as she leafed through the books.  “At least I have something to take up the time on the road.”  She looked around the house.  “I already have some ideas.” “Such as?” “I think I’ll save it for when I come back home.” “Home,” Alex put his arms around her shoulders.  “I’m going to miss you.” “But you can come out now that most of the tour is done.” “I’ll fly out every chance I get,” Alex rested his head on top of hers and paused for a moment.  “I do have some juicy gossip from the Backstreet camp.” Lauralee rose up and faced him.  “Do tell.” “Seems that a certain Kentucky gentleman with thick eyebrows is starting to think very seriously about a relationship he has with an outspoken New York gal.” “Serious as in the next level or do I have to put away breakable items on the bus?” “As in he’s just bought a new house and saying how lonely it is.” “He’s asking her to live with him?” “Think so,” Alex smiled.  “You think she’ll say yes?” “Knowing Laura, she won’t even give him a chance to finish the question.  It’ll be so nice to have her here.” “It’ll be cool,” Alex yawned.  “Ready for bed?” “Think so,” Lauralee’s eyes drooped.  They walked upstairs to their bedroom. ~*~ Lauralee awoke with her alarm clock buzzing.  She reached over, turned off the alarm and rubbed her eyes.  She looked at Alex lying on his stomach, his head turned towards her, looking so peaceful that she had a good mind just to stay in bed all day long.  She quietly arose, and headed to the shower.  She got dressed, packed her overnight bag and sat on the bed.  She gave Alex a kiss on the cheek without waking him as she left the house. She walked into the arena, where the girls were walking around the stage.  “Hey y’all.” “Hey,” Veronica gave her a hug.  Lauralee noticed Laura, who looked like she was in outer space.  “What’s with her?” “Laura has news,” Veronica nodded her head in Laura’s direction as Laura noticed Lauralee and ran towards her. “Lau my friend!” she grabbed Lauralee in a hug.  “I have the best news!” “What is it?” Lauralee pretended to act oblivious. “Kevin asked me to move in with him, and I said yes!” “Laura, that’s so great!” Lauralee gave her a hug.  “Now I won’t be alone here.” “Say what?” Elizabeth asked. “I’m moving to Florida once the tour ends,” Lauralee smiled. “You go girl!” Bianca smiled. “So you said yes,” Laura looked at her.  “I’m so happy for you.” “Looks like we hung our hats Laura.” “Yeah looks like,” Laura grabbed her microphone as they started sound check. ~*~ The guys followed the girls to their tour bus.  “So, we’ll see you guys in a couple of weeks right?” Elizabeth rested her head on Brian’s shoulder. “Yup, we’ll all see you in LA,” Brian put his arms around her.  Alex and Lauralee walked to the side of the bus.  “It still amazes me,” Alex put his arms around Lauralee’s waist.  “First you’re here as an intern, then you’re doing a nationwide tour.” “I still have to pinch myself every once in a while.” She pulled him into a kiss.  “I’ll look through those books while I’m gone.” “Keep me updated,” Alex buried his head into Lauralee’s shoulder.  “You’ve made me so happy babe.” “And we’ll keep getting happier,” Lauralee fell into his arms as the bus driver beeped the horn.  “I’ll see you later.” Alex held her hand as she walked onto the bus.  She let go when she reached the top step, went to the window with the girls, and they all waved as the bus pulled away. Chapter 62 Contents Chapter 60