Chapter 10
“Hey, calm down.” Micky came over to join Mike in front of the well-built guy. The young chick behind him was trying to pull him back. “Davy isn’t here.”
“I wanna know where that little limey is—unless you want to see my fist close up, are you gonna tell me or what? You don’t look so tough to me,” he shouted, grabbing Micky by his shirt and pulling him closer to him.
“Please, Alan, don’t hurt him—he hasn’t done anything wrong,” the chick pleaded with him. “Let him go. I’m sorry about this.” She looked around at everyone.
“He ain’t here. He’s in England,” Mike said, trying to remove the guy’s hands from Micky.
“Listen to him, Alan. Can we just leave, please?”
“No, Mary we ain’t leaving. They’re his friends so I bet you’re lying and he’s hiding in the back or upstairs.” He pushed past Mike and Micky and went to look behind the bar.
Jacob stopped him getting behind it. “There’s no one allowed back here. Only staff and as you can no doubt see, I’m the only one working here now.”
Alan retreated a little, going back over to Mike and Micky. “All right, he ain’t here, but you can pass a message on from me. I want him to stay away from my wife. Mary, come here.” The chick walked nervously to him. “He’s been seen sneaking around my house while I was away doing basic training, and I want him to stay away. You get that?”
“No worries. We’ll let him know when he gets back,” Micky answered.
“I don’t wanna leave her on her own—we ain’t been married long, got hitched to avoid the draft, but it didn’t work, but I’m home for a while so I’ll be keeping my eye out for him. Tell him I’ve got a shotgun, too, and I’m not afraid to use it.”
He turned around to Mary, who looked a little scared. “Can we just go home, please, Alan? Nothing happened, I promise you. Like I told you, my sister stayed over a few nights and he was with her.”
“Well, Mrs. Harris next door told me she saw him leaving early a few mornings, and she never mentioned anything about Katherine.”
“She wouldn’t have seen Katherine leaving with him, now would she? He left on his own! She’s just a gossip who likes to cause trouble and you know that.” She took his hand and tried to reason with him.
“She saw you outside, though, just after he’d left—that doesn’t look too good, wouldn’t you say? Like you were watching him leave.” He glared angrily at his wife, who looked embarrassed.
“Okay, we’re leaving, but I’m gonna be keeping my eye on you guys and this club, and I know what car you all drive too. If I catch him around my house, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
He grabbed Mary’s hand tightly, turned and went out of the door.
“That was interesting… Davy’s lucky he wasn’t here. One of these days his luck’s gonna run out.” Micky laughed and shook his head.
“You think that’s why he left the country quick? That guy was big,” Jacob said. “I think I’ve seen them at your gigs before—she’s been down at the front of the stage on her own too.”
“Davy’s a pushover for a pretty face too, and he wouldn’t want his own messing with. I’d try and get away as far as possible too,” Micky answered, straightening his shirt that Alan had had a hold of.
“We can have it out with him when he gets back. He hasn’t even rung here yet—has he called the pad, Mick?”
“No, Mike, but I’ve not been there a lot, and I’ve been busy when I am. But I’d think he’d call here first—he knows we’re gonna be here most of the time. You asked Pete?”
“No. I’ll check with him later. I just need to get the band situation sorted out first.”
The chicks from the band were now sitting at a table together, and Pete was on the stage, playing Bach on his keyboard. Mike went over to talk to the group, noticing the banjo playing was watching Pete out of the corner of her eye.
“So, okay, when would you want to do a trial set? We could offer you Monday or Tuesday next week. What’s best for you?” he asked, looking in Ronnie’s bookings diary.
The girls had a short discussion and decided they’d accept Tuesday night.
“We’ll see you then. Is they anything else you need to ask?”
“We haven’t even introduced ourselves,” the guitarist commented. “Sorry about that! I’m Faith; my sister Eliza plays banjo; on bass is Tracy and keyboards is Alison. We call ourselves Fate. We thought using our initials was a cool idea. Also…how about a double date? You, me, my sister and the blond guy from your band?”
“I’m afraid we’ll have to turn your kind offer down. We’re both with someone and we’re very happy with them. There’s only one single member of our band and he’s off in England visiting his family.” Mike looked over at Pete.
“Never mind. You can’t blame a girl for trying, can you? Men don’t always have to be the one doing the flirting and asking someone on a date. But don’t worry, I won’t say anything else. It’s nice to see a guy who isn’t tempted to cheat. Your girlfriend’s a lucky girl.”
“Thanks. You’re welcome. Yeah, I love them too much to think of straying.”
Pete had now come over and sat beside Mike. Eliza leaned into him and whispered in his ear, “Ignore my sister—she just seems to be determined to pair me up with any random guy! She doesn’t seem to understand I’m happy being single.”
“It’s okay. You shouldn’t force things on people. I agree with that. I waited until I found the right person. It took a while, but it was really worth it,” Pete whispered back to her.
She turned and caught the look Mike was giving the two of them. “Oh, you and Mike are together! I understand. No judgment from me. I just hope you’re happy and he treats you right. You can tell from the glances how much he loves you, though.”
“Thanks. I love him too, but I think he gets a little jealous at times. We both have insecurities, but we work through them the best we can.” Pete smiled, looking over at Mike.
“I don’t want to rush into things. My ex wasn’t the best. He put me down and made me feel bad about myself. Faith’s just trying to help, I guess. She means well, but I’m just not ready yet.”
“You don’t need to do what other people want you to do. You’ll know when you’re ready and you meet the right person. Like I said before, it’s worth the wait. Things happen for a reason. I liked Michael when I met him, but I had no idea that he’d ever feel the same way about me.”
Faith and the other two girls got up. “Are you coming with us, Eliza? We’ve got a party to go play at.”
Faith shook Mike’s hand and said goodbye to the guys.
Mike came over to Pete. “Faith asked if you and I wanted to double date her and her sister. I saw you two seemed to be getting on well, but I told her we weren’t interested…unless you are?”
“No, there’s only you for me. You should know that. We were just talking music and she told me Faith keeps trying to set her up with guys, which she doesn’t want. I told her we were a couple, and she was cool about it. You don’t mind me saying anything, do you?”
Mike shook his head and took Pete’s hand. “Of course not. You are aware too that Susan is hung up on you, right?” Mike laughed.
“What! No! I thought she was just being over friendly! Oh my god, I really had no idea. I haven’t led her on. You trust me, don’t you? I’m like her teacher.” Pete looked like a deer caught in the headlights of a car, the shock obvious on his face. “What should I do?”
Micky had joined them by now and was listening to the conversation. “Act like a strict teacher. Be tough on her. No one would like that. I remember the bossy teachers at school. One of them used to throw chalk at me. I did get easily bored though, and I tried to make the lessons fun.”
“I can imagine you were the class clown, Mick. I bet you annoyed all your teachers.” Mike laughed.
“Ha-ha. Anyway, Pete, I told her you were with someone. Of course I didn’t mention Mike, but I don’t think it entirely put her off. She might see you as a challenge. Jacob said she was spoilt and always gets her way.” Micky pulled the two of them over to the bar to talk to Jacob.
“Well you can’t help if chicks fall for you, Pete, but I do trust you. Don’t worry about that for a second,” Mike said, staring straight into Pete’s eyes. Noticing no one was around, he took his hand and pulled him in for a kiss.
“Thank you, Michael.” Pete wrapped his arms around Mike, hugging him tightly.
“I think Susan’s gonna turn into her mother. She’ll use her money to help her get her own way. I think she’ll want a rich guy, not an out-of-work musician. Pete, just show her you aren’t into material things. Be the opposite of her—it might put her off you,” Jacob suggested, looking to see if the others agreed with him.
Gemma came over and asked Micky if they could have a word in private. They went over to a table. “Listen, Micky, I’m really sorry I jumped to conclusions. I just get a bit jealous when I see you with other girls. It’s more them I don’t trust. Do you forgive me?”
“Yeah, it’s okay. Remember my last girlfriend cheated on me—I couldn’t do that to anyone. We were just chatting. I’ll go through everything with you later. I hope you’ll help me with my plans.”
Micky went and grabbed some pens and paper from the office and sat down with Gemma. “I’m gonna hold a teen day tomorrow! Kids can come to listen and play some music. We can use the back room, shut the bar up… Come on, we need to get some flyers done! We’ve got some profit left from the food to get them printed.”
“Okay! I’ll ask Dad if help us. He’s stocking up at the wholesalers today, so I’ll ask him to get us some burgers, potatoes, onions and anything else that kids will like, so we can provide a snacks which will keep them here longer.”
“Brilliant! You’re not just a pretty face! Between us, this should go well. I told the three guys who were in earlier to tell their friends, but I haven’t told Mike yet.” He looked over at Mike and Pete who seemed to be deep in a discussion.
Micky and Gemma went over to them. “We’re heading off out for a while, getting a few things organized for something I’ve got planned. And don’t worry Mike—it’s a good idea which should bring in a crowd. Let me surprise you. Just give us a chance. I won’t let you or the girls down.”
“I’m helping him, Mike, and I won’t let him do anything over the top, I promise. It’s a great idea, so please trust him for once.”
Micky gave Gemma a hug for showing him her support.
“All right then, but if it goes wrong, it’s all on you, and you can explain everything to Ronnie.”
“Thanks, Mike, you won’t regret it! It’s a brilliant idea and it won’t go wrong, I promise you. Come on, Gemma. We’ll be back before it gets busy, so see you two later.” Micky and Gemma were soon leaving.
“I really wonder if I’m gonna live to regret this, Pete? Hopefully Gemma’s influence will calm him down. You think I’m being too paranoid?”
Pete just laughed. “You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t worry about Micky and Davy. I just wonder what kind of time Davy’s having with his family, or has he just run to escape that guy and his wife he’s been messing about with?”
Jacob came over to them. “Sorry to disturb you, Mike, but there’s a guy here wanting to see the manager. Do you wanna deal with him or shall I try and get him to return when Ronnie’s back?”
“I’ll be over to talk to him in a minute. See if he wants a drink? And can you get me a Coke, please? Pete, you go upstairs. Hopefully this won’t take too long.” They both got up and Mike went over to chat to the guy who was now at a table near the bar.
“Hi, I’m Mike Nesmith, the temporary manager. How can I help you?”
The guy held out his hand and Mike shook it. “Well, Mike, I’ve got a proposition for you. I want to meet with the owner if you can arrange that. I’m thinking of investing in a club and I’m very interested in the Dive… Is the female manager going to be around soon?”
“She’s away on a break right now. She should be back in a few days. I can call the owner, but if you want to go over any details with me before I speak to either of them?”
“Well I know there’s a few clubs being judged for a competition on the Strip and let’s just say, I know a few people involved in making the final decision. I can see this place getting more popular, but it needs some help… Nothing wrong with the current manager, but I’m sure things could be improved.”
“Okay, so what do you think this place needs?” Mike asked.
“Let me introduce myself. The name’s Tony Cohen, and I work with a few other partners. We manage bands. I can get some new talent into here for you. I’ve got a group who’s on the verge of recording their first single and album. They need a place to play and I’m sure the crowd here would love them.”
“We already have a house band, and are trialing another group in a few days. I’m in the house band and we’ve got an agreement with Ronnie. What kind of music does this band play?”
“They’re more like the Stones than the Beatles. They write their own music. I’ve got a tape recording here if you want a listen.” He pulled a box out of his briefcase.” You got something I can play it on?”
“I think it’s best you come and let Ronnie hear the tape. I’ll let her know and you can arrange a meeting with her and her father who’s the club’s owner.”
“I can leave her my business card. I think they’ll like what they hear. So you’re in a band too? I’ll come one evening you play and check you out. I’ve moved here recently and I’m only just getting used to the place. I’m from the East Coast.” He put the tape back in his briefcase and gave Mike a card.
“I’ll pass this onto her and get her to call you. Is there anything else you have ideas on?” Mike asked.
“Do you have anything that makes you stand out from the rest of the clubs around here? I saw a western-style bar, but a lot of them all seem very similar.”
“The group we’re trialing next week are a four-piece all-girl band, in a folk style—you don’t see many bands like them. And one of our band’s singers is British. Our style is a bit of a mix, just like where we’re from, LA, Texas, the East Coast and England. We write our own songs and try to be different from everyone else you might have seen lately.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to the manager and arrange to come in. I might surprise you at any time just like the judges.” He picked up his briefcase and stood, extending his hand again. “Goodbye, and thank you for your time.”
Mike was just seeing him out when he felt someone brush by him, and followed the person back into the club. “Hey there, what’s your rush?” he asked the chick who turned around and stared at him.
“Oh, sorry, is Davy Jones here?” she asked him. “You’re one of his band members, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, we’re in a band together. What’s wrong? Your husband’s not here with you again, is he? Don’t you remember earlier we told you Davy’s gone visiting his family?”
The chick looked confused. “Listen, I understand if he’s hiding, but I really need to talk to him urgently. It’s really important, so please get him for me?”
“He really isn’t here. I’m sorry, but he flew out to England a few days ago. He’s in Manchester, and definitely not here. I can give him a message when he calls, but that’s the best I can do.”
“I don’t know what to do. I really need to think about this. I do need to see him. Can you just let him know I was here and it’s very important that he contacts me as soon as he can?” She suddenly turned around and was running to the front door, leaving just as quickly and abruptly as she’d rushed in.
Mike walked over to the bar where Pete and Jacob were chatting. “That was odd—did you just see that Mary chick? It was like she’d forgotten all about being here earlier.”
“What did she want?” Pete asked him.
“Wanting to see Davy. It’s like she thinks he’s hiding away somewhere! She seemed a little confused, too, when I mentioned her husband. I really want to know what Davy’s been up to.”
Pete laughed. “Come on, Mike, you think that we’ll ever be able to keep up with Davy’s love life?”
“No, it’s like he’s on a mission to date every chick in the state,” Micky said, catching their conversation. “It was bound to get him in trouble one day, so he’s run away and left us all to deal with the fallout.”
“The angry husband too. I’m gonna kill him when he gets back. There’ll be nothing left for that Alan guy to get a hold of.” Mike sighed and downed the glass of whiskey that he found in front of him. “I hope he calls us soon…”