Chapter 9
Just over an hour later and the club had four teenagers waiting downstairs, Susan, waiting for her mom to collect her, and three guys who’d just been dropped off by their moms for their lesson which wasn’t supposed to start for about three quarters of an hour.
“It’s like this a lot with their parents. Some mothers treat it like a creche, leaving the kids here to wait. Vicky’ too soft to say no. Those three…well, the two blonds are brothers and the other one, always arrive together. Their moms drop them off, give them money for sodas, then go off shopping together. Vicky seems to teach quite a few rich kids from that private school she works at.”
“I remember her saying Susan was a spoilt rich kid,” Mike replied.
“Wait to you see her mother! She married to a much older guy—you’d think he was Susan’s grandfather! They’re both used to getting their own way.”
Susan kept checking her watch and came over and asked for a soda from Jacob. “She’s late again?” he said to her.
“Yeah probably giving Dad’s card a hammering. She’s having a dinner party tomorrow night and says she needed a new outfit, and dad won’t say no to her.” She smiled back at him.
“Women and shopping…tell me about it. I hate going shopping with my sister—takes her ages to decide what to buy. I’m just glad she’s made some new friends who now go with her.”
“Hey, Jacob, can I ask you a question?” Susan asked.
Mike walked over to them with a drink for himself and Jacob and sat down with them. Susan just smiled at him.
“Yeah, go ahead?” Jacob invited.
“I’m going somewhere with a guy on Tuesday. It’s not a date…but I wanna ask him out afterward. How do I get him interested in me? I’ve tried dressing like this”—she indicated her makeup and mini-dress—“but he doesn’t seem to notice me at all, and I really like him. He’s not like the guys I usually date.”
“Might be best to leave things how they are, if he doesn’t seem interested.” He stared at Mike. “What do you think? Do you agree with me?”
“Yeah. Who’s the guy you’re interested in?” Mike wondered if she’d tell them.
“Peter, but your other friend said he was with someone. Do you know the girl? Shame he’s not available, but relationships don’t always last, do they?”
“I know his partner well and it’s serious. They’re kind of engaged.” Mike looked down at the ring on his finger. “They’ll have been together a year next February,” he said happily.
“Okay—” She didn’t get chance to say much as a woman came up behind her. “Sorry I’m late, Susan. I couldn’t decide what to buy, so I bought three new outfits.” She looked over at Jacob and gave him five dollars. “This should cover her drinks and you can keep the change. Thanks as usual.”
“No problem, Mrs. Richards,” he replied.
“We need to get your father to get you a car, then I don’t need to drive you everywhere.”
“Mom, do you think he would? How about he picks me up after my lesson tomorrow and we go and look for one? Did you buy me anything?”
“You don’t need to go looking—your father’s friend can sort you something out. And yes, I bought you a new dress for your exam and booked you a hair appointment too. You need to make a good impression. Come on, let’s go. Goodbye, Jacob.”
Susan got up and left with her mom.
“See what I mean? The chick always get what she wants. One good thing—I always get a good tip from the mother. I sometimes get ten bucks.” Jacob laughed.
A group of guys came in and came over to Mike, one of them saying they’d come here to audition. Mike told them to set up on the stage and he went to find Micky. “You gonna come and listen to these groups with me, help me decide who to pick?”
“Sure” Micky picked up his notebook and followed Mike to a table. He looked over at the three teenagers waiting. “You lot bored? Do you like music?”
“Yeah, of course! Who doesn’t? We’re here for piano lessons, and learning the guitar soon—we’re even thinking of starting up a band with our friend, who’s a drummer.”
“Would you come to a club that has music and evenings just for kids your age?”
“Of course, man, that’d be so cool!” one of the other boys said. “Can we watch the band now or do we need to wait elsewhere?”
Mike came over. “You can stay there. Just be quiet. Come on, Micky, what on earth are you on about? Why you asking them what you just did?”
“It’s just something Susan said to me. Teenagers get bored. I know from growing up in LA. All the clubs cater for other eighteens or over twenty-ones, depending if they have a liquor license.”
“Yeah I know. It was like that back home in Texas. So what you suggesting? Look, keep it to yourself for now—we need to concentrate on finding a band for Ronnie.”
The band had only been playing for around ten minutes when Pete’s pupil came down and told the others to go on up to see him. Mike let the group do another number and told them that was enough and they’d get back to them.
When the next band was setting up, Mike got him and Micky a drink. “Didn’t think too much to them. The singer’s pitch wasn’t too good.”
“Well not everyone can sing like Micky Dolenz. Don’t deny it. I sing the most in the band. You write more songs that suit my voice. We’re so much better than them. Let’s see what these next guys are like. How many more after this group?”
“Only two more, and we got just over an hour in between these and the next band. One of them’s a group of four chicks. They sound quite good, I’ve heard.”
“So they could attract a different kind of crowd. I mean, we get the chicks in. Just thought, would Davy work his way through them? Shame he’s not here to see them. It’s odd without the little guy around. I hope things aren’t too bad at home for him.”
“Well he hasn’t called and there’s the saying no news is good news, so hopefully that’s true and he’s enjoying his time with his family,” Mike said.
“Davy could also try and chat Susan up, take her mind and eyes off Peter. I know shes not blonde, but I doubt that would bother Davy—she’s got everything else he likes, and in all the right places.”
“Mick, please stop going on about Susan. I don’t wanna be picturing her and Pete together. We’re gonna have to have a chat later. I bet he doesn’t even realize she’s got a major crush on him—you know what he’s like. He’s no idea how good-looking he is.”
Micky laughed. “You getting a little jealous, Mike, worried someone’s gonna try and steal Pete away from you? Come on, man, you need to stop thinking like that. Pete loves you, and no one else.”
Mike didn’t have time to answer Micky as the band were now starting on their first song. After listening to a few more numbers, Mike and Micky decided that the band was a little too country for the kind of crowd that frequented the club, but Mike gave them the number of the western bar farther down the Strip, suggesting they try there.
“Well, we’ve got a break now, so I might get an early lunch. You hungry, Mick?” He gave Micky some money. “Go grab some food from the diner, and get something for Pete too. His lesson shouldn’t be much longer. I’m gonna go see how he’s doing.”
Mike went upstairs and opened the living room door. “How’s things going? Mick’s gone to get some lunch—you got much longer of this lesson left?” He saw the young guys looked a little bored.
Pete went over to Mike. “No, we’re more or less finished now, but the kids aren’t getting into it. They hate the classical pieces and don’t want to play things like that. Kids want different things these days, but the exam board expects everyone to play standard pieces, the same stuff I was learning when I was younger, so I understand what they mean.”
“Yeah, aren’t you in a rock band? You don’t play this kind of rubbish. Hey, we all play guitars too—maybe we could have some of the lesson learning them?” the oldest of the boys came over and said.
Mike looked at the three boys and then at Pete. “Come on down. Our kit’s down there, and you got an acoustic here, right, Pete? Go grab it—the kids could jam with us. You up for that?” Mike said to the kid.
“Definitely,” he answered, looking at his brother and friend. “That would be groovy! Thanks a lot.”
The three pupils followed Mike downstairs while Pete got his acoustic and joined them in the club. Micky was already sitting with the youngest of them, showing him some drumbeats.
“Never played a twelve string before,” one of them said to Mike. “I’m James, that’s my brother Jack trying the drums, and he’s Paul.”
Pete passed over the acoustic to him. “Here, try this. Do you wanna have a go on the bass?” he said to Paul, who nodded enthusiastically. Pete proceeded to show him a few chords and he slowly started to pick it up.
“Hey, I like this! Can you teach some bass in the next lesson, if Mrs. Young lets you?” Paul asked him
“I can ask her, but you know what she’s like. She prefers the acoustic guitar. I don’t want to push things too far, and I’m not gonna be there much longer. I can sort you some sheet music out so you can learn at home, though? I’ll bring it on Monday.”
Micky had brought some flyers back from the diner, and now went over and grabbed one. “Hey, look. There’s a music contest for kids! Why don’t you form a band! Can any of you sing? You’ve already got a guitarist, and it looks like the bass and drums shouldn’t be a problem for you.”
“We’d need a singer. How about your sister? She’s in the choir at school,” one of the brothers said to Paul.
One of them took the flyer from Micky.
“I’ll help you if that’s what you want to do. How about after school? I’ve only got one lesson on Monday, if you all want to come back here and bring your singer,” Peter suggested to them.
“You mean it? You’d all help us out.” Micky and Mike nodded in unison. “That’s groovy! Are you two up for it?” he asked the other two boys, whose wide smiles gave away their answer.
The kids played for a while. Mike joined in with his twelve string and Pete took to the organ, Micky picking up the tambourine and maracas. They played a few Beatles covers.
After they’d finished, Micky got them all together. “How about we arrange an evening here just for teenagers? There’s the back room, where you kids could play. This was the idea I had, Mike, what I’ve been making notes on. I heard Susan saying there’s nothing or nowhere for them to go to enjoy live music. Pete, Mike, what do you think? Can I try it out, maybe tomorrow night before the regulars come in?”
“All right… I don’t know if I’ll regret this but yeah you can try it. Maybe just a few hours like five until seven? That’s fair enough, but you plan everything though, and the bars closed—only sodas to be served.”
“Thanks, Mike! I got an idea for another night as well, but that can wait for now. I think it’s good though. It should go down well, get people in, make the place busy.” Micky went off to get his notebook to start planning again.
They had to stop playing as the next band had arrived for their audition. Mike went over to talk to them and tell them were they could set up. Jacob brought drinks over for the three boys. “Here you go. Your moms left some money with me. They’ll probably be here soon.”
Micky followed Jacob over to the bar. “This regular? You say their moms just leave them here?”
“Yep, they get used to it, and Ronnie doesn’t mind.”
Micky went back over to the kids. “You can watch some of this audition too. Do you do much else apart from music?”
“We have quite a few after-school activities. Baseball, football, language lessons… Music is the best, though. I think our moms want us out of the way at times. We’re cousins. It’s cool hanging around here with you guys. You really thinking of having an evening for teens?”
“Yeah, you guys can help me with some ideas if you want. It’s best to ask what you want.” Micky took out his notebook and had a good chat with the three boys, all of them making suggestions until their moms turned up to pick them up. The boys looked like they’d rather have stayed longer but they managed to convince their moms to bring them back the next day.
After they’d left, Micky joined Mike and Pete listening to the band who were quite into their third song. Mike asked them to play a few different styles or even try some cover versions. The band didn’t seem too keen on that, but Mike explained he needed to see everything they could do.
Soon the other group turned up—four young girls who came and sat at a table to wait. Jacob came over to see if they wanted to order any drinks. They politely declined and watched the band who were still playing on the stage. They set up when the other group packed up. They didn’t have a drummer, just guitar, bass, keyboard and one girl uncased a banjo. Mike noticed Pete’s happy reaction to that.
They started on their first song. The keyboard player sang first, and each girl sang a number as they went through a set. Their style was varied, some folk songs, country and even a little popular music.
“They’re good,” Micky shouted to Mike.
“Best so far,” Mike agreed. “What you think, Pete?” Mike already sensed Pete would agree with him—he couldn’t take his eyes off the chick playing the banjo. “Babe?”
“They’re really good. I think Ronnie would like them. Their sound is tight. That’s the first chick I’ve seen playing the banjo and she’s really good.” Pete went back to watching them. The girls played a Stones song next, then moved onto a Beatles number.
“I reckon these are the best. I’d choose these over the rest we’ve seen. They look pretty good too, get more guys into the club,” Micky said to Mike, still busy writing in his notebook.
Their set soon finished and Mike went over to talk to them. He explained he would talk things over with the manager when she returned from a break, and said they were the best they’d seen and if Ronnie agreed, they would get two nights a week regular slots.
The guitarist, who seemed to be in charge, shook Mike’s hand and thanked him. Pete sat with the banjo player, discussing instruments. and he started to play her banjo. The singer looked over too and smiled.
“They seem to be getting on. She’s single, too, and so am I, if you’re interested.” She winked, still holding onto his hand. “Or is it okay if I ask you on a date? I recognize the Texan accent. I’m from Oklahoma.”
Micky was talking to the keyboard player. “You sound good without a drummer. That’s what I play. Us three are in a band called the Monkees. We play here three nights a week.”
“Yeah, I know. I’ve seen you play. Our group gives me a break from my boring job at City Hall. It’s tedious, but my dad got it me. He works for the mayor.”
“Do you know anything about club licences and permits? I’m trying to organize some evenings for teenagers, somewhere they can come to have fun, play music… Some kids Pete’s been teaching started playing like a proper group today, and I wanna help others like them.”
“I can get you some information. I’ll ask my dad, see what he can do. I’d have loved something like that. It sounds so cool.” She wrote down her phone number and gave it to him. “Call me. I’m thinking of coming tomorrow night—you gonna be playing?”
“No not tomorrow. It’s a bit hard as one of the band’s away at the moment, and we’re helping run the club for the manager and I’ve got a surprise planed for tomorrow night. Be good to see you here.”
Micky didn’t notice that Gemma had arrived and was at the bar getting a drink. She was also watching the two of them. “How long’s Micky been with her?” she asked Jacob.
“They’ve only just finished playing so only about five minutes, I’d say. Go over and let him know you’re here.” He passed her a glass of Coke. “You want anything else?”
“No, thanks. He hasn’t even noticed I’m here. He’s too interested in her! I’ve a good mind to go and pour this over his head or just leave.” She stood, still contemplating what to do next. Mike saw her and used it to get away from the guitarist. He stood. “Excuse me. I just need to go over and talk to Gemma, Micky’s girlfriend.”
He met her halfway as she was sneaking up behind Micky. She was just about to tip her drink over him, so her grabbed her hand. “Hey, Mick, have you seen who’s here?”
Micky turned, stood and gave Gemma a hug, then pulled out a chair at his side. “Sit down. We’re just talking about permits, for an idea I’ve got for the club. We won’t be long and then I’m all yours.” He leaned over and kissed her on her cheek.
Mike looked down and smiled at her. He decided to leave them alone and go see what Pete was chatting to the other chick about. Mike sat on a chair beside him. He didn’t get much chance to talk to him when he heard the front entrance door slam open and a well-built guy followed by a screaming chick stormed in.
Mike stood up and got in the guy’s way, stopping him in his tracks. “Hi, how can we help you? I’m Mike, the temporary manager.
“Yeah, I know you and your band. I can see two of the others here with you, but where’s the short British Romeo? I wanna see him now! Get him for me—my fist and him have got things to deal with!”