Chapter Eleven
The next day the group did their sound check, a meet and greet, a few interviews, and then finally their show. After the show the guys quickly went back to the hotel. Lauren had decided to spend some time alone in the suite to think. She watched TV and finally at 8 got ready to go out after Lance got back from the show. She was listening to a CD when the guys came in.
"How was the show?" Lauren asked flipping to a different song.
"GREAT!" Justin answered. "They were way supportive"
"Good" Lauren said as she gave each guy a hug, looking to Lance she noticed that he looked really tired.
"We're all gonna go shower. Be right out!" JC said as the five guys hurried out to get their showers. Chris was the first one back out. He flipped on a sports channel and become glued to the TV. Justin was done next and sat next to Lauren. He started to watch the game on TV and like Chris just sat there staring at the game. 'MEN!' Lauren thought. Joey was next out. He went to the kitchenette and grabbed some chips and an apple then sat down to see what was going on in the game. JC finally came out carrying his computer and cell phone. He sat at the kitchen table to get some work done. Lauren looked at her watch 10 O'clock. 'Dang Lance hurry up!' she thought to herself. Just then Lance came into the room. He had showered, dried his hair, and changed clothes. He was wearing Khakis and a dark green sweater. 'Damn, he looks good!' Lauren thought to herself.
"Are we ready to go?" Lance said feeling much better after his shower.
"Yep!" Lauren answered standing up and grabbing her purse. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"You'll find out soon!" he said then looked at Justin who had come to stand beside them.
"I HATE SURPRISES! How many times do I have to say it before ya'll remember it?" Lauren said jokingly.
"Oh well! You'll like this one!" Justin said reassuring both her and Lance "Okay, I get to play daddy now!" Justin said.
"Uh huh! I don't think so. We are both older then you for one thing and number two were just going out as friends." Lauren said.
"Yeah, but I still get to say the patented dad line…Don't stay out late and be careful!" Justin said then looked between them and thought 'They look cute together.'
"Yes dad!" Lance and Lauren said trying to suppress their laughter. They said goodbye to the rest of the group and tuned walking out of the suite. They went to the elevator and hit the down button. Lance looked and Lauren and smiled.
"You look beautiful," he said and Lauren blushed.
"Thank you! You don't look bad yourself!"
"Thanks" Lance said and then looked at Lauren again. She was wearing a white silk tank top, with a green valor shirt open over it, and completed the outfit with black dress pants and a pair of casual dress shoes. She had her hair swept halfback in a ponytail. Lance was glad that they weren't going to a club and that he was going to get to be alone with her. They went out to the waiting limo and the sole bodyguard for the night. Lance helped Lauren into the limo then got in and shut the door after him. The limo pulled away with the two in the back and the bodyguard sitting beside the driver. Lance and Lauren sat in the back and quietly talked about the last week or so and about the concert that night. About twenty minutes later they pulled up to a small semi-deserted restaurant. There were four cars in the parking lot and inside there were a few couples. The driver opened the door and Lance extended his hand to help Lauren out of the limo. He watched as she adjusted the straps of her tank top and fidgeted with her purse. They went in and were immediately seated at a small table for two. Lance pulled out Lauren's chair then sat across from her. The waiter gave them their menus and then left them.
"Well is this a nice surprise?" Lance asked.
"Yes, but I don't know about all you guys and your surprises." Lauren said jokingly.
"Well there's still more to come tonight."
"Great!" Lauren joked. They talked about what they were going to have and then ordered their food. They sat quietly both trying to figure out what was going through their minds. Lance was thinking about how beautiful she was and how much he wanted to lean across the table and take her in his arms for a passionate kiss. He had been so tired after the show and actually fell asleep on the way to the hotel, but once he saw her he was immediately full of energy. It was almost like her was missing a part of him when she did not go to the concert. He had not felt right all night when he sang and performed but then felt fine once she was around again. 'But how could she mean so much to me, I've only known her for a few months. Why does it seem as though every step I take that she knocks me back two? Everytime I enough confidence to say what I feel, she ends up stopping me. Not tonight though. I am going to tell her how I feel, that I want her in my arms and no matter what I will let her know that I have fallen in love with her.' Lance was brought back to reality when their food was brought.
They ate quietly both still thinking. Lauren kept thinking about how much this seemed like a real date. 'But it wasn't because we are just friends,' she tried to convince herself. She looked up at Lance and thought of how handsome he was. 'Man, why do I keep pushing him away, when all I wan is for him to get closer. He's a good guy, southern gentleman, handsome, strong, my best friend likes him that helps, he's a polite…what else do you need?' she asked herself. The rest of their dinner was quiet except for their thoughts and the occasional comment about the food. They left and Lauren was about to walk to the limo when Lance took her arm and said "Not yet. This night isn't over, remember!?"
