Laura's Secrets

by Shannon Greenland

  Will invited everyone into his dressing room for a visit, then took the family around and introduced them to the rest of the band. The fans began to trickle in to the lounge area, and Will suggested they end their evening. Laura agreed. What went on backstage after a show was no place for a child.

  Watching them navigate the crowded hallways, making their way to the exit, Will saw Chi Chi reach up and grab Laura's hand. She looked down at the tiny girl, smiled, and said something. Chi Chi giggled, then looked over her shoulder at Will. He sent her a two-finger wave, which made a grin light up her face. Cute little thing. She'd be a knockout some day.

  What would it be like to have a child of my own?

  Six

  * * * *

  Pacing the room was doing Laura no good. Having lost interest in the television, it now provided background noise. Her guitar lay in the corner, placed there with frustration a few minutes after she'd picked it up. The Dallas scene outside her hotel window bored her, people and cars coming and going.

  She straightened the clothes on top of the dresser to keep her hands busy and glanced at the clock. Maybe she'd misunderstood the time of Bizzy's arrival.

  The phone rang. Laura leapt across the bed to answer it. “Yes?"

  "Miss Genny, you have a visitor in the lobby."

  "I'll be right down."

  Laura hung up, quickly straightened the covers she'd just wrinkled, then shot out the door. She waved to the bodyguards on post and jogged down the stairwell to the first floor. And there, leaning against the counter, stood Bizzy, her childhood friend. As usual she'd struck up a conversation with a complete stranger, and they were laughing and talking as if long lost buddies. Laura had always envied that part of Bizzy, that magnetic, bubbly, outgoing side of her that drew people in.

  Laura started toward the counter. Bizzy turned from the stranger and caught sight of her, let out an ear-piercing squeal, and took off across the lobby. Everyone got quiet when the commotion started. Laura hunched her shoulders, mouthed, “Sorry,” to the onlookers, and accepted her friend's larger-than-life embrace.

  Bizzy gripped Laura's shoulders and held her at arm's length, surveying her face, hair, and clothes. “You look fantastic!"

  "You're supposed to say that. You're my best friend."

  Bizzy waved her hands in the air as if swatting at annoying gnats. “Yeah, we're best friends, but I still wouldn't have a problem telling you that you look like crap. I'm serious, Laura, you look happy."

  She was happy. For the first time in her life she felt as if her future had hope. Yes, Aunt Jane was still out there somewhere, but Laura had actually gone days, days, without looking over her shoulder, expecting her past to catch up with her.

  Shoving her hands into the back pockets of her jeans, Laura nodded toward Bizzy's suitcases. “Let's get your bags and go upstairs."

  The two women each grabbed a suitcase and headed toward the elevator. Bizzy talked non-stop about her trip from Mississippi. As usual, she spared no details in her descriptions. She told Laura all about the nice old man she'd met in the airport, the little kid who sat behind her and kicked her seat, the young woman who shared her row on the plane and had bad breath, the taxi driver that reminded her of their high school's custodian, the boy who worked the luncheon counter making extra money to send his sister to college, the toilet in the airport that electronically flushed on its own, and the lipstick Bizzy had forgot to pack. Laura listened to every detail, content to let her friend ramble on and on.

  They exited the elevator and rounded the corner of Tourist's private floor. Bizzy came to a sudden stop. Laura looked up to see Will standing at the end of the hallway, leaning against her door, watching her.

  "Oh, Judas Priest, is that Will Burns?” Bizzy whispered.

  Laura nodded.

  "Do you know him?"

  She started walking again. “Of course I know him. Have you forgotten what my job is?"

  "Yes, I know what your job is,” Bizzy replied sarcastically. “I didn't expect to see him standing right here in the hallway, though."

  Laura stopped and turned to Bizzy. “I don't think I've ever heard you try to speak quietly before. This whispering of yours is amusing me."

  Bizzy saucily propped her hand on her hip. “What're you saying, that I'm a loud mouth or something?"

  Laura almost smiled. “Not at all."

  Bizzy shoved her shoulder. “Okay, Miss little head sound whatever, lead the way.” She stepped aside, and with a dramatic swoop of her hand, signaled Laura to continue walking.

  Will watched the two women approach him, amused at their sisterly bantering. It was good to see Laura happy and in such a carefree mood. If anyone deserved it, she did.

  "Will, this is my friend, Bizzy."

  He extended his hand. “Pleased to meet you."

  Bizzy laughed and pumped his hand. “Wow, I'm star struck. I can't believe I'm actually meeting Will Burns."

  With her playful grin, sunken dimples, and springy black curls, she resembled a baby doll he'd given his sister decades ago. “Well, it's nice to finally meet you. Laura has spoken a lot about you."

  Bizzy waved her hands in the air. “Oh, all good I'm sure."

  "My friend, the self conscious hermit."

  Bizzy giggled and bumped her hip against Laura's. “Oh, grumpy butt, now what fun would it be if I were a hermit? Now,” she rubbed her belly and looked around, “where's the nearest restaurant? I'm starving."

  Laura shook her head. “She's always starving. I'd swear she has a hollow leg."

  Will tucked some hair behind Laura's ear. He'd been doing that a lot over the last few weeks, casual affectionate touches. To his delight, she'd become relaxed and used to them. “Actually, that's why I'm standing beside your room. I came to see if you wanted to get something to eat, but since Bizzy's here, I'll let you two catch up."

  "I think it'd be fun if we all went to dinner together.” Laura looked at Bizzy. “What do you think?"

  Bizzy's confused gaze moved slowly from Laura to Will, then back to Laura.

  "Bizzy?” Laura ventured.

  "What?"

  "Do you want to?"

  "Want to what?"

  "Do you want to go to dinner with Will?"

  "Um, sure. Let me throw my bags in your room."

  She followed Laura into their hotel room and dropped her luggage on the extra bed. Will dashed into the bathroom and grabbed some tissue for his runny nose. When he emerged, Bizzy was staring at him.

  "The desk clerk recommended a good pizza place two blocks down. Sound good?” He looked at Laura, who nodded, then turned to Bizzy, whose face had transformed into a suspicious narrowing of the eyes.

  Will smiled at her what-are-your-intentions-with-my-best-friend look and opened the door. “Ladies, shall we go?"

  "Hey, don't forget your disguise.” Laura tossed him his hat and glasses.

  He put them on, held the door open for Bizzy, then Laura, tugging flirtatiously on her hair as she passed by.

  * * * *

  The walk to the pizza parlor went much quieter than expected. Bizzy's usual hyper-self had disappeared. A subdued, courteous, little lady replaced it. Will tried engaging her in conversation numerous times, but after her monotone yes/no answers, he finally gave up. For the first time ever, Laura carried the conversation. Two of the most important people in her life weren't getting along, and not only was it stressful, but irritating as hell.

  They arrived at the restaurant. Laura knew she had to do something or the friction would go on through dinner. “Will, do you mind getting us a table? We'll be right in."

  He nodded and headed inside. Laura turned to Bizzy. “What's wrong with you?"

  "Nothing."

  "Good grief, I know something's wrong with you. You barely spoke a word the whole way here."

  Bizzy silently studied Laura's face. “Well, first of all I'm shocked you and Will Burns are so casual together. I've never seen you this comfortable around anybody else bu
t me. He tucked some hair behind your ear, went into your bathroom and blew his nose, invited you to dinner like it was some normal everyday thing. And your peephole doesn't have black tape. You didn't flinch when he touched you or even bat an eye when he entered your hotel room."

  "I'm confused. Doesn't that make you happy for me?"

  "Of course, I'm happy for you. It's just,” Bizzy threw her hands in the air, “unexpected. Are you two dating or something?"

  "We're not dating. But I can tell you that I'm very attracted to him."

  "Who wouldn't be? The man's gorgeous."

  Laura's face grew warm. “We're friends. He's been really nice to me."

  "He's a big time rock star. I don't want you to get hurt."

  "He's not like that. Wait until you get to know him."

  Bizzy pondered Laura's eyes, then glanced over her shoulder at the pizza place behind them. Looping her arm through Laura's, she spun them both around. “Come on. I've got a handsome rock star to get to know."

  Will inconspicuously watched them through the window. He couldn't hear them, but did his best at reading their body language. Bizzy struck him as the type to stomp back to the hotel in a rage of temper. But when they turned and walked toward the door, arm-and-arm, smiles on their faces, he released a slow breath.

  The women approached his booth. Laura excused herself to the restroom. Bizzy sat down across from him and buried her nose in the menu. He signaled the waitress.

  "Can I get y'all something to drink?” the waitress drawled.

  Both Will and Bizzy pointed to Laura's spot in the booth. “She'll have a Jack and Coke,” they said in unison, then looked at each other with puzzled smiles.

  Laura slid into the booth next to Bizzy. “What're you two smiling about?"

  "Oh, nothing.” Bizzy looked up at the waitress. “I'll have whatever beer you've got on tap."

  "Me, too, please.” Will turned his menu around and pointed to a selection. “Does this sound good to you two?"

  Both women leaned forward to read the items that came on the House Special. Laura's V-neck, cotton shirt gave him an unexpected peep of her bra and breasts. He told himself to look away, but didn't.

  Bizzy plopped back in the booth. “That sounds yummy. What do you think?"

  "Anything would do at this point. I'm starving. Hey, I saw a jukebox by the bathrooms. Any requests?” Laura stood and fished three quarters from her front pocket.

  "We're in Texas. Give me something country western,” Bizzy twanged in her best attempt at a hick accent.

  "As long as it's not that stupid Tourist group, then I'm game,” Laura teased.

  Will growled and playfully pushed Laura away. When she made it to the jukebox, he turned his attention back to Bizzy, who was tapping her finger on the table, studying him. He gave her an inquiring cock of the brow.

  She took a deep breath. “Laura's like a sister to me. I love her. I've known her my whole life. I don't know how much you know about her, but I'd hate to see her unhappy ever again. Please don't screw around with her. She's not somebody to have a fling with."

  Will folded his hands on top the table and looked into Bizzy's sincere face. “I know a little about Laura's childhood. I know it's not been easy for her. I can only imagine what kind of image you have of a rock star. Please understand I would never intentionally hurt her. She's a very special friend."

  "Is that all your intentions are? To have a friend?"

  Shifting in his seat, he looked across the restaurant to where Laura still stood at the jukebox, then back at Bizzy. “Right now we're friends. If it went somewhere else, I wouldn't be unhappy."

  Bizzy peered deep into his eyes as if looking for hidden secrets, then she pointed her finger at him. “You injure her emotionally or physically, and I swear I'll make you regret your whole life."

  Will nodded. “Fair enough."

  She spread her arms along the length of the booth and fixed him with a sweet, mischievous smile. “Now, tell me about yourself."

  Will began telling her about his childhood. He spoke of growing up in Michigan and fighting the horrible winter snowstorms. He told her about his younger sister, Veronica, who lived in Florida and had recently married. He described his Native American grandmother, who died a few years ago, who he still desperately missed. He talked a little about his profession and how he had come to play for Tourist eleven years ago. He told her about his love of sports, the enjoyment he got out of running. He described some of his experiences while on tour in Asia, Australia, and Europe. And sometime during the middle of his spiel, Laura came back to join them.

  The waitress set the extra large pizza on their table. Bizzy stuck her nose at the rim and inhaled. “That smells delicious.” She grabbed the first slice and took an oversized bite. “So what's it like to be famous?” she asked around a full mouth.

  Will slid a piece off the silver platter. “It's interesting. I never dreamed I'd play in such a famous group. It just kind of happened. All I knew was that I loved playing the guitar. I figured if I made some money at what I loved then I'd be a happy man. I never imagined I'd be leading the life I am."

  He took a bite, then glanced at Laura, who was quietly chewing her pizza, listening to the two of them carry the conversation. “Being so well known has its ups and downs. Privacy, of course, is what I have sacrificed the most. Any time I want to go out, I have to hide under a hat and glasses."

  Bizzy licked some sauce from her thumb. “What happens when you don't wear your disguise?"

  Wanting to bring Laura into the conversation, Will prompted, “Tell her about that time we went running in Central Park."

  Laura took a sip of her Jack and Coke. “When we were in New York, Will and I went running one morning. He thought no one would be out to recognize him at such an early hour. And no one did, until we returned to the streets from the park. It was crazy, really. One person saw him and told another, who told another, and another, and another. Before we knew it a mob of people were running after us. We dodged in and out of streets, trying to make it back to the hotel. We did, luckily, but I think those people would have run us over. Not that they intended us harm, they were just excited to see someone famous."

  Bizzy narrowed her eyes at Laura. “Sounds to me like you enjoyed the thrill of the chase."

  Laura shrugged a shoulder and smiled a little. “It was adventurous."

  Will chuckled. “So, what about you, Bizzy? What kind of life have you had?"

  Bizzy wiped her mouth and leaned back. She patted her stomach, looking very much like a satisfied feline. “Oh, it's awfully hum-drum, but I'll bore you anyway. Laura and I grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi. We met in kindergarten.” Bizzy looked over at Laura. “Ya know, I still remember the first day we met. Do you?"

  Hoping to learn more about Laura's childhood, Will quickly encouraged, “Tell me about it."

  Bizzy smiled. “Well, I'd been in kindergarten for half the year, miserable because I hadn't made any friends. I remember one morning Mrs. Knoble, our teacher, made an announcement that a new girl had moved to Tupelo and would be joining our class. Well I'm thinking, thank God! Because I had yet to make friends, and let's face it, I'm the kind of person that thrives on being social."

  She waved her hand in the air. “Anyway, so I'm sitting there like a little angel coloring or something, and our classroom door opens. All I remember thinking when I saw Laura is that she looked prissy and rich. Her aunt had dressed her in some hideous pink and white lacy thing, and her hair had these long ringlets. Ya know, like Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie."

  Will smiled at the picture of Laura in a prissy little dress with long ringlets. Certainly not the image she maintained now. He glanced over at her, but she wasn't smiling or laughing at the memory. She'd gone very still.

  "The day wore on,” Bizzy continued, “and I kept my distance, scoping her out and trying to figure out her story. By the end of the afternoon, I'd pretty much written her off as a snob because she stayed
to herself and didn't say a word to anyone."

  Will's heart ached at the sad little picture Bizzy painted of Laura's first kindergarten day.

  "Then she walked right up to me and said, ‘My name's Laura Franks. Will you be my best friend?’”

  "What did you say?” Will asked.

  Bizzy reached over and grabbed Laura's hand. “I took her hand and told her to come meet my old best friend, Frog, which was a stuffed animal in my backpack. I told her I'd rather have a real best friend anyway.” Bizzy waved her hand in the air. “And the rest, they say, is history."

  "That's a sweet story, ladies.” Will grabbed his beer and lifted it to his lips. He paused, lowered it back to the table. “Wait a minute. Did you say Franks?” He looked across the table at Laura. “I thought your last name was Genny."

  Bizzy's smile faded. “Shoot."

  Seven

  * * * *

  "Here's your ticket. Y'all can pay here when ya ready.” The waitress slid the bill to the middle of the table and meandered off toward other customers.

  Will and Laura reached for it at the same time.

  "I've got it,” Will said.

  "No, please. Let me."

  Grabbing the bill, he removed his wallet from his back pocket. “I said it's on me."

  "Don't be ridiculous. Tell me what our part is. I'm treating Bizzy."

  Will glared at Laura. “I said it's on me."

  He counted out the money, set it on the end of the table, then folded his arms across his chest and studied Laura's bent head. She'd focused her attention on her lap, looking very much like a child who'd gotten into trouble. He was the reason why.

  Will shifted his gaze to Bizzy, who shot daggers back at him. Frustrated, he grumbled, “Lift your head and look at me. I'm not your Aunt Jane, and you're not in trouble."

  Bizzy straightened. “Hey, why don't you ease up?"

  Will rolled his eyes to Bizzy. “Listen, why don't you—"

  Laura stood, reached into her front pocket, and pulled out her hotel card key. “Bizzy, I'll meet you in our room. I want to talk to Will."