Time After Time

Chapter 4: Too Much

A couple hours later, Lauren was having the time of her life at the photo shoot with Paul McCartney. She forgot about anything that worried her, like the fact that Paul mentioned the name Lacey, which was the same name as the girl in her dream.

Surprisingly, things started to turn for the better, despite Lauren feeling completely awkward and intimidated by Paul. They spent the rest of the shoot discussing their favorite songs, artists, Buddy Holly, and movies. After spending some time with him, Lauren felt that Paul was just a regular and cool guy —someone she wished she could spend more time around —if only!

Once things had pretty much wrapped up and the crew began to clean up, Paul emerged from the dressing room, wearing denim jeans and a maroon short-sleeved shirt. Lauren was busy with Melissa, reviewing all the photos from the shoot, deciding which ones they would choose to use for the magazine cover and the article.

"Lauren, dear.." Paul gently touched the bottom of her elbow, "I believe it's time for me to head, now.."

It appeared as if there was a little hesitation in his voice, almost as if he was going to miss her. 'Yeah, sure, Lauren!' she thought to herself as a little smile appeared on her face. This was Paul McCartney she was talking about! Sure, she loved getting to chat with the man and meet him, but he was somebody who was known all over the world and had better things to do rather than talk to a twenty-five-year-old photographer living in New York.

She set her camera down on the table, turning her full attention to him, "Well, thank you so much for coming in and being someone so great to shoot," she blushed, tucking a large piece of her hair behind her ears, "You don't know how much you've helped me out today, so thank you."

Paul smiled but was a little taken aback. Being in her presence was as if he was conversing with Lacey all over again. Not only was she the spitting image of her, but the way she spoke, her personality, even the things she was passionate about. It was very much what it was like to be around her, but that was over fifty years ago, and so long ago today, however, it felt as if it were yesterday.

Lacey and Paul were very close friends - a company that he enjoyed while on the road. She had always vented to him about the troubles and complications between her and John, not as if it were any surprise. Paul understood John was stubborn, but he remembered how much John loved Lacey. Though John had been crushed when Lacey died, it shook his world as well.

He reached his arms out, "Well, the pleasure is all mine," he softly smiled, wrapping both arms around her, "You're an incredibly talented woman."

Lauren couldn't believe it - Paul McCartney was hugging her! It was a moment that she pictured for years but never would have believed would happen. His embrace was very warm and comforting - and he smelled much more exotic than she ever would have imagined; she could recognize the brand of cologne he used - one of her favorites - intermingling with the outlandish aroma of charcoal flames and cinnamon.

In the midst of it all, a familiar feeling overcame her suddenly - feeling as if this was not the first time she had hugged Paul as if they were close friends for a long time but this was ridiculous. There was so much that happened today that she thought perhaps she was just not feeling quite herself. The nightmare she had last night still lingered in the back of her mind and perhaps because of that, everything was being thrown off.

They both exchanged warm smiles with one another as she watched Paul turn around, making his way out the door of the studios and to the elevators. This was a moment that Lauren would remember for the rest of her life - knowing that perhaps in a different life, a different time, maybe.. just maybe - Lauren and Paul McCartney would be great friends.

Brandon and Melissa were watching her and started laughing as she turned back around to both of them.

"Do you and Paul McCartney need more time together?" Brandon raised an eyebrow at her, smiling at her widely, knowing that he would never let her live that moment down.