Chapter 66: The Grammys 2 months later: Los Angeles January signified the start of the awards season, and Elegance was all ready for it.  They had won 2 American Music Awards and 3 Billboard Awards.  But tonight was the big one, the Grammys, and the girls were as nervous as ever.  They were also performing, an honor in which the girls had taken in the highest regards, and had spent the past 2 weeks rehearsing for it, as well as performing the second leg of the tour.  The girls and guys walked the red carpet together, with press taking pictures of them in their peach satin gowns, asking them if they were ready for the competition ahead with Backstreet. “It’s friendly.  I mean, we wish we both could win, but if either of us do, we’ll all be happy,” Kevin responded. They mingled with the artists and took their seat as the awards show had begun, with Rosie O’Donnell hosting.  The first award, Best Group, the girls had lost, but took it all in stride.  “One down, four to go,” Laura whispered to the girls from her seat. The guys had gotten up and performed, as the girls stood up and applauded loudly when they finished.  The next award, Best New Artist, was up, and the girls held hands as Jennifer Lopez and David Dulchovny announced the nominees. David spoke.  “And the nominees for Best New Artist are: Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Eminem, and Elegance.” The crowd applauded as Jennifer Lopez opened the envelope.  “And the Grammy goes to…  Elegance!” The crowd stood up around them as the girls got up in a heap of tears and shock, hugging Riley and Tommy Mottola behind them, and in turn hugging the guys as they went up to the podium.  It was almost like a haze to them as they walked up the stairs, kissed Jennifer and David on the cheek, and handed Lauralee the Grammy. “Whoa!  This thing is heavy!” Lauralee remarked as she gave the award to Laura and wiped away her tears.  “Wow, this is definitely a shock.  We were just glad to be sitting in the seats!  Um, first of all we want to thank God, our families and friends for all of their love and support through this past year.” “Thanks to Tommy Mottola, Sony Music, all of the producers and staff who worked on the album,” Laura said. “Our management The Firm, and Riley Thomas, who is such a wonderful man and friend to us all,” Elizabeth said. “All of our crew, security, designers, all who worked with us on the tour,” said Bianca. “The fans especially,” Veronica pointed to the top of the theatre.  “Thank you all for your love and support.  We love you with all of our hearts.” “Last but definitely not least, we want to thank 5 wonderful men who are sitting there right now,” Lauralee became choked up as she pointed to the guys and looked at Alex, tears glistening in his eyes.  “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.  We have never met more wonderful and loving human beings in our lives and we thank God everyday you’re with us.  This one’s for you Daddy!” The audience applauded as the group was led off stage to the pressroom where they were asked questions by the world press.  They directly went to the dressing room, where they got ready for their performance. “These next five young ladies stunned the world with their fresh new sound, they have won a Grammy tonight for Best New Artist, and not to mention that their boyfriends are 5 cutie-patooties.  Ladies and Gentlemen, here is Elegance!” Rosie turned in their direction. The performance was flawless, beginning with “These Arms,” and breaking into a dance version of “The Roof.”  They had an army of dancers with them this time, and their outfits were especially designed for the occasion: Black lace tops with velvet skirts, which they ripped off into black pants for “The Roof,” their hair done in wild up-do’s.  The crowd gave them a standing ovation as they ended the song and took their bows, the guys hollering and waving their arms in the air. They waited in the side stage as their next award was going to be announced: Best R & B Album.  They were up against heavy competition this time and the girls were sure they weren’t going to win.  The camera focused on them backstage as they were announced as nominees. “And the winner is… Elegance!” The girls were shocked as they walked out on stage to accept the award.  “And to think this night was over!” Laura laughed into the microphone.  “Thank you all so much… we were kinda rushed last time around, so we want to add a little thank you to our parents, who have put up with so much surprises and wonderment over the past year.  We love you all and hope that we have made you all proud.” ~*~ Lauralee walked from the bathroom, wrapping her head with a towel and tying her bathrobe shut.  “Alex?” “Out here,” he called from the terrace. She walked outside to find Alex, sitting at the patio, a cigarette lit in one hand and flicking his lighter in another.  “Hey baby.” Lauralee grabbed a chair and faced him.  “What’s up?” He took a drag off of his cigarette.  “I thought this was the year, y’know?”  He looked up at the sky. Lauralee sighed.  “I know you wanted tonight… I feel real bad.”  She grabbed a cigarette from his pack and lit one up. Alex’s gaze fell at her.  “Why do you feel bad?  I was so happy for you tonight… no one could be more proud of you than I was.” “At least we both lost the same categories,” she took a drag off of the cigarette. Alex gave a little laugh.  “True.  But you winning tonight felt like I won… does that sound strange?” “Not at all.”  “Your family call?” “Non-stop.  Mom was hysterical when I got her voice mail.  I called her when we got to the post-party.  Seems like she threw a Grammy party at the house.  Everyone was there.”  She stubbed out the cigarette.  “You know I’ll never forgive you for getting me into those things.” “You lit it hun, not me,” Alex laughed. “Yeah, but you know I only smoke occasionally.” “Ah yes, the Social Smoker Syndrome: on occasions or stress.” Lauralee unwrapped her head and shook her hair out.  “I just can’t believe we won, not one, but two.  I thought we would never win R & B Album.” “You earned it.  The album is amazing.” “Can’t wait for the next one.  As soon as we finish the European tour next month.” “After our vacation.” “Now that’s one I’m looking forward to.  God, what am I going to do with a whole month of free time?” “Spend endless days in my arms?”  Alex leaned into her, his nose grazing hers. “Heaven,” she gave him a kiss.  “Let’s go to bed.” Chapter 67 Contents Chapter 65