Chapter 11
Mike was woken by the phone ringing loudly at about eight thirty the next morning. He pulled on a T-short and managed to get to it before it stopped. “Morning?” he said, still tired and needing a cup of coffee.
“Hey, Mike it’s me, Davy! Sorry I’ve not called earlier. Things have been busy over here.”
“It’s not quiet over here either! We’ve all been working non-stop with the club and everything else. You got any idea when you’ll be coming back.”
“I’m not sure yet. I want to spend as much time with Dad and my sisters as I can. Lynda’s just had a baby and I’m seeing my other nieces and nephews. It’s been a while since I’ve seen my family, Mike.”
“I know it is. I don’t see mine that often either. But…was your family the only reason you flew back home so quickly?”
“Yes. Why are you asking that? Has anything happened? Mike, you all okay?”
“Yeah, we’re all fine. Like I said, things are busy. It’s tiring, working long hours every day. Pete and I are hoping to have a chance to spend some time together tomorrow. He’s been busier than me and Micky with the school and private lessons in the apartment.”
“I wish I could be there to help you out,” Davy answered.
“We had a few visitors here yesterday…some chick came looking for you with an angry husband too. Is there anything you want to tell me, anything we need to know, Davy?”
“What? I don’t know what you’re on about! Oh, Dad’s shouting me. Sorry, I need to go—we’re off to a football game. I’ll call again when I get chance. Say hello to Pete and Micky for me—bye for now.”
“Davy…what—” Mike didn’t get chance to ask or say anything else as Davy had hung up the phone. Mike didn’t notice Pete coming into the living room until he wrapped his arms around him, pulling him tightly to him.
“Morning, Michael.”
“Morning, babe. You want some breakfast?”
“Yeah, I’ll come and help you make something. I’ve started the coffee brewing for you. Who was on the phone?” Pete asked as he moved closer to kiss Mike.
“Davy. I didn’t get time to question him much about that Mary chick. I think he sensed something—he quickly made an excuse to hang up when I mentioned that she’d been here looking for him with her husband.”
“That doesn’t sound too good. So you think he lied about why he left? But his family paid for his ticket so they must have needed to see him for some reason.” Pete opened the ice box to see what they could use. “There’s some bacon for you and I’ve found some tomatoes and mushrooms. I might just have scrambled eggs and toast. Let me make your breakfast.”
“Thanks. That sounds good. You want a drink of tea?” Mike looked at his watch. “I wonder what time Micky will get here. He’s probably still in bed, though, knowing him.”
Mike made the drinks, got some silverware out and sat at the kitchen table. “What have you got on today, babe?”
“Just a few piano lessons. Susan and another girl, a thirteen-year-old called Anna. Susan’s due at half past nine, then Anne at eleven thirty for an hour, and after that I’m free. You’ll probably be busy then, so no chance to do anything, but there’s always tomorrow, isn’t there?”
“Yeah we don’t open until about six, so I’m sure we’ll find something to do.” Mike smiled at Pete.
“Just having some time to ourselves is enough for me. We can stay in bed longer if you want,” Pete answered with a sneaky wink. “Would you pass me a few plates, please?”
Mike went to the cupboard and found some plates, which he put on the side for Pete to transfer the food onto. “Here you go—your breakfast’s ready.” Pete came over with both of their food, putting Mikes down in front of him.
“Thanks. You sure that’s all you’re having? You gave me quite a lot here.”
“No, I’m fine, Michael. You’ve got a long, busy day ahead of you. I’ll make us some lunch when I’m done. You can come up and have a break, and afterwards I’ll clean up and come and help out.”
“I don’t know how the girls do this day in day out, and it’s only gonna get harder for them as their pregnancies go on. We need to convince them that they’ve gotta get more help.”
“I know. I’m tired with the school, the hotel and these private lessons, so I don’t know how Vicky does it. They need to make time for each other too. I’m sure you’ll agree with that, because we’re not managing that very well, and when we do, we’re too tired to do anything.”
“I sure know that feeling. Least Micky’s got Gemma stopping at the pad with him. We definitely need some us time tomorrow. That’s a fact. Don’t you agree?”
Pete nodded his response. “Yeah. We need to always make sure that we make time for each other, no matter what. Just some me and you time, in the pad or going out somewhere. This experience has taught me that.”
“No taking each other for granted. You know how much you mean, how special you are to me, Pete. That’s something I’ll never doubt,” Mike stated, taking hold of Pete’s hand across the table.
“My feelings about you are the same, Michael. When the girls are back, I want to make the most of every minute we spend together. I know we’ll still want to help Vicky and Ronnie out, and help them when the babies are born, but you’re the most important thing or person in my life.”
They heard people coming up the stairs and soon Micky and Gemma had joined them in the kitchen, both helping themselves to a cup of coffee. “Morning, guys,” Micky said. “Well, I’m all ready for this afternoon. I know there’s gonna be about twenty or more kids turning up.”
“I hope you’re gonna deal with everything. These teen events are your baby,” Mike said, getting up to refill his coffee.
“I will. The guys from the other day are telling all their friends, but I don’t think it’ll get too rowdy or out of hand—the kids just want somewhere to go to have a good time with their friends. I know exactly how they feel. I’d have grooved on this kind of thing at their age.”
Pete stood up. “I’ll leave you all to it. I need to go snd prepare for Susan’s lesson. She’ll be here soon.” He gave Mike a hug and kiss, then left, heading for the living room.
“Micky are you gonna get the food we’ve brought out of the car? I’m sure it will fit on the table and worktops ready for later.” Gemma tried to encourage Micky to get up to help her.
“We’re okay cooking up here, aren’t we, Mike? Some things just need heating in the stove. We shouldn’t stink the place up. Gemma will be doing most of it.”
Gemma turned around and coughed at Micky. “Don’t you mean I’ll be supervising you? It’s all your idea, so you’re gonna be doing the bulk of the work! Just because I’m a female it doesn’t mean I spend all day in the kitchen. I’ve got you an apron too and some of Mom and Dad’s menus.”
“Okay, sorry. Thanks. That was just a figure of speech. I’m grateful for any help you give me.” He looked at Mike and rolled his eyes. Mike just shook his head at him and laughed.
“I’m gonna go and go through some paperwork downstairs, so I’ll leave you two to your work, and, Micky, I think the apron will suit you. I think I can hear someone knocking on the side door.” Mike went and found Susan on the other side of the door.
“Oh, hi, Mike, isn’t it? Is Peter ready for me? I know I’m a little early, but I want to be ready for my exam on Tuesday. Peter’s giving me another lesson on Monday and going with me on Tuesday as well for support. I’m nervous about it and he seems a very calming person.” She smiled at Mike and moved by him to climb the stairs.
Micky brought all the food from the car upstairs. He wanted the evening to go well and knew he couldn’t do it without Gemma’s help, so he decided he’d keep her happy. Soon they were preparing everything for later.
Micky was glad when the phone interrupted them after about thirty minutes. James, one of the pupils from the other night, was on the other end. “Great news! We’ve got about thirty or more teenagers coming—hopefully more if our friends pass on the message.”
“That’s groovy! We’re getting some food ready and there’s plenty of soda and juice behind the bar. You think you and the guys wanna play tonight? Did you persuade your sister to sing?”
“Yeah, she’s coming and mad keen for it. She’s bringing her boyfriend and some other chicks too. Thanks for doing this for us, Micky. Everybody’s so grateful for this, to have somewhere to go out to.”
“No problem, James, see you soon.” Micky hung up and went back to see what Gemma was doing and what she needed him to help with.
“Here, Micky, you can chop the onions. We’re gonna make some burgers. I think they’ll go down well.” She passed him a knife and pointed to the onions.
Micky shouted Susan over when he saw her about to leave after her lesson. She agreed to come that evening and bring along some of her girlfriends. Micky also rang Coco, who also said she’d be there to support and help him.
Soon it was nearly time to get the back room set up as there was only about twenty minutes before the kids would be starting to arrive. Mike and Pete had brought the instruments through and Micky started to assemble his drum kit.
Coco and Christine arrived together. Mike had called and offered her an extra shift to run the back bar, and she’d offered to make some fruit-punch to sell to the kids. Coco was going to help her. She went looking for Micky first, who was now back upstairs finishing off the food preparation.
“Gemma, you’ve certainly got him trained well! You need to share your secret with me—Mom could never get him to do much at home! How’s things, big brother?”
“Hopefully everything will go well. I’m fine but a little nervous. Thanks for coming. You gonna help?” He encouraged her to join him sorting out the bread for the burgers and hot dogs.
“I’m going back down to help Christine. I thought I’d just come up to say hello.”
She passed Mike on his way to the office to grab the phone that was ringing. He picked it up to hear a familiar voice on the other end. “Ronnie.”
“Hi, Mike. I just called to see how everything’s going.”
“You weren’t supposed to be contacting us, remember? This is supposed to be a break for you away from the stress and day-to-day dealings of this place, so I ain’t saying a word.”
“Oh, okay… Well, how are you guys? Are you and Pete managing to get some time together? I know Vicky’s work schedule was pretty busy. Is he coping with it?”
“We’re all fine, yeah. Pete’s busy, but I won’t go into details—you ain’t finding out any work-related stuff for Vicky either! Now, just go and relax and make the most of your time together.”
“All right! You can’t blame a girl for trying. We’ve got a massage in the spa soon. It’s so nice and peaceful. We’re both calming down and having a good time. Hey, you and Pete should come here together if you ever get the chance. My dad’s friend runs it—I could pull some strings.”
“Sounds like you’re having a good time. Is Vicky there with you?” Mike asked. Sounds somewhere me and Pete could enjoy some time away from the others, just the two of us.
“She’s having her hair done. I just had mine cut too.”
“So you thought you’d try and find things out while she’s not around to hear you. I bet she’s no idea you’re calling us,” Mike guessed.
“True! You know me too well. Sorry! Mike, you’re definitely a tough one to get anything out of. Well, I trust you with everything, and we’ll see you all in a few days. Good luck and thanks again. Bye.”
“Bye, Ronnie, and no more trying to call us.” He hung up just as Pete walked into the office.
“It’s starting to smell a little upstairs, with all that cooking. I thought I’d come and see what you’re up to. Who were you talking to?” Pete pulled up a chair and sat beside Mike.
“Ronnie—she was trying to see how were doing, but I never told her anything.”
Pete laughed. “Susan said Vicky called her yesterday and was asking her to ask me how things were going! So they’re both being sneaky,”
Christine popped her head around the office door. “The kids are starting to arrive. Coco’s gone upstairs to let Micky know, to see if he’s ready.”
“Thanks. We’ll be out in a minute. You all set up?” She nodded her reply. “Come on, Pete, we better get out there to support Mick and make sure there’s no problem.”
They met Coco on her way back. “Micky says there’s a fifty cent cover charge for the kids and they get two tickets for soft drinks. He’ll be down in a minute. He wants me to sort the tickets out. Oh, they’re gonna be using the side entrance—he’s putting me a chair and table there now.” She went off to find her brother.
Christine was behind the bar with a bar tender who was protesting about coming in early and that wasn’t here to babysit children, and was complaining he’d be missing out on tips.
“You’ll be back in the main bar when this is done with and it’s a few hours’ extra pay for you.” She was trying her best to convince him to be happy about it.
Mike saw a group of teenage girls come in and head straight for the restroom. They came back out about ten minutes later, changed into mini skirts and dresses all with fresh makeup applied, and one even cheekily winked at him as she walked by to a table.
“I’m not sure about this,” Mike said to Christine and Pete when they were all at the bar.
Quite a few more kids turned up. The boys were in surfer clothes and jeans and tees. The women’s bathroom seemed the busiest place, with most of the girls coming back out transformed and looking older than their teenage years.
Christine laughed. “I bet their parents have brought them, and god knows what they’ve told them to get permission to come! I remember telling my folks so many lies to get out of the house.”
Micky joined them, looking around at the crowd that was in the room. “Cool! The turnout’s better than I thought. It’s gonna be a good night. I’m think I’m gonna do a speech and welcome to the first teen night. I’ve thought of a groovy name for it too.”
He walked over to the stage and picked up a microphone. “Hello, everyone, I’m Micky and I want to say thanks to everyone for coming to the first and opening night of …” He pulled out a poster he’d made. “The Wave Club! I hope it becomes a regular event,. We’ve got James, Jack, Paul and Joanne who are gonna start the evening off with some music.”
James and the rest of his band came on stage and started playing some cover versions. They soon had the other kids up dancing. Susan and the winking chick from earlier approached Mike and Pete.
“Hi, Peter, and Mike, isn’t it? This is my friend, Tracy…she likes you, Mike, if you know what I mean… Do the two of you want to come and join us, and if you can we could go somewhere afterwards if you’re not busy? We’re both eighteen and not kids like these.” She indicated everyone else.
Mike gulped and looked at Pete. “I’m gonna have to politely refuse your offer. I can’t leave—I need to be here for the rest of the night. Sorry about that. And I wouldn’t cheat on my partner either.”
“Me neither, and I’m your teacher, Susan, so it would be wrong,” Pete said, looking straight at Mike.
Susan and Tracy decided to go and get a soda and some food and left the two of them alone.
After the band had finished playing, Micky and another guy took turns to play some records, people were still on the floor dancing. Pete went over to James and the group and gave him a flyer. “I heard about a band competition for young local bands. I was wondering if you’d be interested—we’ll help you out, won’t we?” he said to Mike, who was now near him.
Jack looked at his brother and sister. “I’m up for this if you guys are. Paul, do you agree?” Soon everyone one had decided to go for it and Pete arranged for them to come to the club on Monday after school to start practising.
The food and fruit punch went down well. Micky seemed quite pleased with himself and how the evening was going—there was plenty of dancing, and some of the kids had coupled up and were getting friendly in different parts of the room.
Gradually parents arrived to pick up their children. One mother complained to Micky about only junk food being served, her Bobby only had healthy food and drink. Coco had to stop a fight between two young girls who were fighting over a couple of boys on the dancefloor.
Mike got accosted by a woman who noticed that her two daughters had changed their clothes and one had a hickey on her neck—she demanded to know what kind of club this was, before she dragged her screaming and complaining girls away.
Micky nearly got himself a black eye when he tried to pull two boys apart who were arguing about a chick who’d been flirting with the both of them. She didn’t even seemed bothered, deciding to leave with another boy instead.
Another mother was shouting at her daughter for telling her that she’d been coming to a music class, that she was dressed too slutty and to go and wipe the makeup off her face, and that she was grounded for at least a month.
Soon all the kids had left and after a clean-up, the club was getting back to normal, and a group Ronnie had hired for the night, so the guys could concentrate on running the club, were starting to play for a crowd on the main dance-floor. Coco said goodbye and left after they’d all thanked her for her help. Mike and Pete sat down to have a minute, and Gemma, who’d been having a drink, came to sit with them.
“What do you think? Was the evening a success? I know Micky was hoping everything would go well… The kids looked happy.”
“Apart from a few problems, it wasn’t too bad. I’m not sure if Ronnie will be rushing to hold another teen night, though. Mick will have to try and persuade her. I’m keeping out of it,” Mike said to her.
Suddenly Micky came running into the room in a panic, screaming to the others to come upstairs and help him. He ran back into the kitchen followed by Mike, Pete and Gemma, Mike was the first to notice the smoke and smell coming from inside.
“Oh my god, Micky, what on earth have you done now?” Mike grabbed the fire blanket off the wall. “Pete, Gemma go and get the club evacuated—I better help Micky put out this fire.”