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Chapter 1
Kevin walked down the street and looked up at the neon sign that said "Shooters". They had a difficult day filled with meetings, and he had to have some time to himself to think. He entered "Shooters" and grabbed a table at the back of the bar. He considered getting a stiff drink, but knew that was not the answer. When the waitress came to take his order, he just ordered a beer.
A few minutes later as he took a sip from his cold beer, the first few notes of a song caught his ear. He would recognize the song from anywhere, considering he wrote it. He looked up towards the stage and realized that someone was singing it live. At first he felt anger boil within, until he heard the young woman sing the first few notes. He continued to sit there and listen to her, until he thought he recognized the young woman. He got up from his chair and walked to the side of the stage. It couldn't be her, he thought to himself. The last time he had heard from her, she was moving to New York City to start her career in Computers.
He let her finish the song, and then walked up to the bar and asked the bartender where the owner of the club was. He picked up a phone and told someone on the other end, that there was a gentleman at the bar that wanted to talk to her.
A few minutes later Kevin's thoughts, were interrupted by a woman with short red hair. "My name is Gloria LeBlanc. How can I help you?"
"It's a pleasure to meet you Gloria. My name is Kevin Richardson, and I would like to meet the young woman that was just singing." Kevin said, hoping that he wouldn't have to explain any further. He knew now that if it was indeed Laura, she would recognize him right away.
"She is just changing right now Kevin. She should be out in a few minutes if you would like to speak to her." Gloria said, knowing she had recognized the tall, dark and handsome man from somewhere. But she couldn't figure out from where.
"Thank-you Gloria. I will do just that." Kevin said as he went back to his table.
Laura changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and exited the backstage area. When she emerged, several people approached her and asked her for her autograph. She was a little uncomfortable with the attention, but obliged.
She noticed that Gloria was busy speaking with some customers, so she took a seat on an empty bar stool, off at one side of the bar. She became a little startled when she heard a familiar voice say, "Would you like to join me?" She froze for a second before she turned around to see who the voice belonged to. She just sat there for several seconds. She could not believe that Kevin was sitting in front of her. It had been years since they had seen each other.
Kevin was certain now that it was Laura. "So it is you Laura. Long time no see!" Kevin said, hoping to break the silence.
Laura realized that Kevin spoke and replied, "Yeah it is me. What are you doing here?"
"I live here in Orlando Laura." Kevin said with a confused tone.
"Yeah I know you live in Orlando. But Gloria never mentioned that you came into her club." Laura said.
"Gloria never mentioned it, because this is the first time I have been here." Kevin said. "Why don't you come and sit down with me at the table?" Kevin questioned.
"Oh yeah." Laura said as she reached for her water and sat across from Kevin at the table. After a few moments of awkward silence, Laura said, "So how have you been Kevin?"
"I am doing very well Laura. The group is doing great." Kevin stated.
"Yes I am a huge fan." Laura said looking down at her glass.
"Laura, where did you get that song you just sang?" Kevin asked.
"I got a hold of your new album a little early and a friend helped me figure out the music." Laura said, wondering if Kevin could tell how nervous she was.
"You do know who wrote that song don't you?" Kevin asked blankly.
"Of course I know who wrote the song," Laura said, pausing for a second before she continued, "That is why I like it."
"Well I must say, you did a beautiful job of singing it. I never knew you had it in you." Kevin said.
"I have always enjoyed singing, but it isn’t something I want to do full-time. I was just doing a favor for Gloria tonight because the group she had booked, backed out." Laura said, looking up at Kevin. She looked deep into his mesmerizing green eyes, and couldn’t look away.
"The last time I heard anything, you were in New York starting your career." Kevin said, hoping she would offer some information.
"Yes that is correct. I actually just moved here a few weeks ago." Laura said.
"What made you move to Orlando?" Kevin asked.
"I got offered a great position with the company I work for. Plus I was kind of getting tired of New York. I am not that much of a city girl." Laura said.
"Are you still working in the computer field?" Kevin asked.
"Yes, I just accepted a Systems Administrator position here in Orlando. Have to go where the opportunities are." Laura said, wondering if Kevin would catch on to the double meaning.
"Yes I know that all to well." Kevin said, looking down at his hands. There was a long silence before Kevin said, "I had better get going. We have an early rehearsal tomorrow morning. Do you mind if I ask where I can get in touch with you?"
"Kevin do you really think it is a good idea if we keep in touch." Laura asked.
"Is there anything wrong with wanting to catch up with an old friend." Kevin asked as he raised an eyebrow.
"Kevin we both know that we were more than friends." Laura responded.
Kevin finished off his beer, and said, "Maybe you are right Laura. Maybe we are better off just saying goodbye."
Laura stood up and said, "It was good seeing you again Kevin. I have no regrets about what happened. I know this is what you wanted, and I am very happy that you have succeeded. But our lives are totally different now Kevin."
"I suppose your right. Great seeing you again and I am glad you are doing so well." Kevin said. He put his coat on and said "Good-bye" as he walked away.
