Chapter 12
Mike woke up and headed to the kitchen to brew the coffee. Despite all the windows being open, he could still smell the remnants of the fire Micky had accidentally caused last night. Mike was the one who’d rescued the burning pan of fried onions from the stove, thrown it into the sink and tried to calm down a screaming and panic-stricken Micky.
Luckily, there was no damage anywhere, just the lingering smell of smoke which at least should be gone by the time Ronnie and Vicky got back home. The clubgoers hadn’t been too happy about having to evacuate the building they’d just took their drinks outside with them and waited, Mike hoped this wouldn’t cause too much trouble, but at least it had only been for about ten minutes and then everything had been to normal. Well as normal as they can be, Mike thought, still nursing a slight headache.
He had a quick shower while the coffee was brewing and when he’d finished, Pete had already poured him a cup and made himself some tea. “Morning. You okay? Last night didn’t end well.”
“Much better now, babe. We need to get Micky to buy a new fire blanket, and I think it best not to say anything to the girls. He feels bad enough as it is, and Gemma and Coco have promised to keep him out of the kitchen tonight.”
“Apart from that, the kids seemed to have a good evening. Lots went away happy and hoping this would continue, and he did make a profit.” Pete found some aspirin and got Mike some water.
“Thanks, I need these. So glad it’s Sunday—no work until about six tonight. So, what do you think we should do? What are you up for?”
“I’m not sure. We could get some lunch and go somewhere…”
Suddenly there was a faint knock at the door and a white handkerchief was waved around it. This was followed by Micky’s head peeping around it. “Hi, can I come in?” he asked nervously.
“Yeah, get that ass of yours in here. You didn’t cause too much damage, but you owe the girls a new frying pan and fire blanket. You better replace them before they’re due back,” Mike said to him.
“I’ve got help with me again, and I won’t do any cooking today. I promise to stay out of the kitchen.”
“Hi, guys.” Annie and Gemma appeared behind him with bags of food in their arms. “I offered to come and help. I’ve left the twins at home with Christine, and I’ve already done quite a bit of preparation at home in advance. Christine told me what happened last night.” Annie said.
“That’s good to hear. Me and Pete are gonna be off out soon—Mick, you can do some clearing up and tidying downstairs. Get everything ready for whatever you’ve got planned for this evening.”
“No problem, Mike. Annie’s made Swedish meatballs for tonight and there’s enough for us all for dinner too, so don’t eat too much while you’re out, otherwise I’ll have to eat your share because they smell amazing.”
“Annie, is that Gran’s recipe? I haven’t had them in years. You’ve got to try them, Mike. I know you’ll love them.” Pete started looking through the bags that had been put on the table.
“Peter, stop rummaging! I’ve made a meat-free alternative for you, don’t worry, but you’ll have to wait until later to try them. You two go out and enjoy yourself. Me and Gemma have got everything planned. Micky remember to bring the rest of the things up.”
Micky nodded and headed back downstairs. “You need to let me into your secret of how you get him to do what you ask first time,” Mike asked the girls. “Either of you want a coffee?”
“Yes, please.” Annie answered and Gemma nodded. “Any of you had any breakfast? I’ve brought some eggs, sausages, mushrooms, bacon and pancake mix.”
“Sounds great,” Micky said as he came back in putting some boxes to one side. “Everything’s out of the car now.
“You don’t need to always cook for us, Annie—we can manage to feed ourselves,” Mike told her.
“I like cooking, Mike, so it’s no problem at all. You guys have been busy all week. Christine says you’re doing well though.”
“No, Mike, don’t argue with the girls—you’ll never win in a row with a female.” Micky laughed, thinking of growing up with three sisters and his mom. “It’s best to let them have their way.”
“Okay, Annie, Gemma. Thanks for the kind offer,” Mike replied, moving over to let Annie start.
She looked to see what was in the ice box. “Ooh, tomatoes…you want an omelet, Peter? Gemma, will you check if there’s any bread to toast, please?”
Soon the guys were sitting at the kitchen table, eating up large plates of food. “’S’great this—thanks to the cooks.” Micky said before filling his face with a forkful of bacon and pouring some syrup over his pancakes. Gemma and Annie joined them with their smaller portions.
“Glad you appreciate it, Micky. I’ve brought some things to fill the freezer so the girls have got things in for when they get back. I got busy doing a lot of baking yesterday afternoon.”
“She’s filled ours too, for when you both get home. I’ll do the dishes.” Micky collected the used plates and went off to the sink.
“You can do this more often back at the pad. Davy too when he gets back. I hope you’ve been cleaning up while we’re not there as well, and not expecting Gemma to do everything.”
“No, Mike, I’m doing my bit. Our bedroom’s tidier than ever, and I even cleaned the bath out after I used it,” Micky added as he was filling the sink with water.
“You should stay over at the pad more often, Gemma, you seem to be a good influence on Micky. Pity we can’t find anyone to encourage Davy to do more chores around the place,” Mike said, looking over at Gemma.
“I’m gonna go and get my jacket—you want to get off soon? Can we stop at the music store? There’s a new record I’d like to get,” Pete asked Mike as he was leaving the kitchen.
“Don’t worry, I won’t cause any more accidents. I’m being supervised by these two. Mike, you and Pete go off and do something—get away for this place for a bit. You could always go to the pad and have some alone time,” Micky said with a cheeky wink. “Go on, go, unless you wanna help me get ready for tonight? Fingers crossed it should be another good night.”
“All right, just behave! Girls, please keep any eye on him. See you later,” Mike replied.
Soon they were both in the music store, scouring through the racks of records. Pete had two put to one side already. Mike noticed one was a UK import, a Beatles album, but couldn’t find anything that interested him so went to look at the instruments that they stocked. They’d got a few new guitars in since he’d last been there.
He picked up some guitar strings, something he and Pete always needed. He even decided to get Micky a new set of drumsticks. He paid for them and waited for Pete, and saw there was a new notice board up by the counter so decided to see if there was anything of interest on it.
He saw some of Micky’s flyers. One was for the variety night that was planned for this evening. Mike was hoping this would go well and without any of yesterday’s late incidents. He wrote down some details of possible gig opportunities. He saw Vicky’s ad about her piano lessons.
Pete came up beside him when he’d finished and checked out his records.
“You ought to think about offering lessons, the organ, piano, guitar, bass and banjo maybe. It’s something you do well—look how good you are teaching Davy the bass, and you enjoy it too,” Mike suggested.
“I’ll think about it, but I wouldn’t want to steal any of Vicky’s pupils. She’ll need to keep earning as she gets further on in her pregnancy—she won’t be able to work at the hotel and school for much longer.”
“Okay, I won’t push it, but just think about it. The cash would always be useful.” Mike knew best to leave it for now. Pete would think about it when he was ready.
Soon they’d left the music store and were in the Monkeemobile “So where d’you wanna go next?” Mike asked Pete.
“There’s a craft and farmers’ market on today. It’s just about a ten-minute drive away from here. Could we maybe go and have a look around that? Do you mind, Mike?” Pete gave Mike his biggest dimpled smile, knowing full well Mike wouldn’t say no to him.
“Okay, babe. I read about it on the store’s notice board too.” Mike started up the car and they set off.
Soon they were walking together up the aisles of various stalls, as close as they could get. Mike saw a couple of chicks in front of them holding hands. Why is it so easy and acceptable for them to be able to do that? They look just like two friends, and no one seems bothered at all, but Pete and me… I so wanna take hold of his hand and show to the world, hey I’m here with the guy I love, my partner, but no, that will never be accepted in public. Well, hopefully one day
He followed Pete to a jewellery store, where Pete was soon looking through the various trinkets and items available. He picked up a peace symbol on a cord which he bought, putting it over his neck.
A young girl was looking at a brooch and trying to see in the vendor would sell it her for less than he had it priced. She was only fifty cents short, but the guy wouldn’t budge. Mike watched as Pete gave her the money to make up the amount.
Pete came back over to Mike. “Pete, how’d you know the kid wasn’t lying? She could have been pushing her luck with that guy—you’re far too trusting of people.”
“Michael, I think she was being honest. You need to believe not everyone lies.”
Mike just shook his head, deciding not to say anything else, but he watched the girl and her friend move to another vendor where her friend did exactly the same, and an elderly man nearby gave her a dollar to buy what she wanted. Pete hadn’t noticed this—he was too busy looking at some second-hand books at another stall.
Pete rejoined him after purchasing some books. “Is there anywhere you want to look? I want to get some?”
“No, I’m happy to go anywhere you want. I’m just enjoying being able to have a break from the club and spend some time with you. Let’s go find your fruit.” Mike pointed over at a woman who had a fresh produce stall.
“Look at this—it’s so much better than what you get at the grocery store. It’s a lot fresher. Let’s get enough to leave for the girls when they get back.” Pete said picking out bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, peaches, and a pineapple. “I’ll make up a nice fruit salad for me and you.”
“Okay, babe. Hey, look at this stall—do you need any incense?” Mike asked Pete, trying to get them away from a woman who was glaring at them and talking to another about dirty long-haired hippies.
“Oh yeah.” He picked up his purchase and was with Mike in a few minutes, asking Mike if he had any preferences about fragrances. Pete choose a few packs and got some cigarette papers as well. “We can leave now if you want. I’m sensing you’re feeling uncomfortable here.”
“Thanks, Pete.” Soon they were back in the Monkeemobile. “Shall we go get a drink, find a little diner nearby here?”
They found a small place just down the block and sat at an empty booth. Mike ordered some Cokes and took a deep breath. “I was feeling okay there, babe. It’s just I worry about you.”
Pete stared straight at him with a surprised look.
“People seem to take advantage of you. The chick at the jewellery stand for instance—her friend did the exact thing to another guy afterward! I know you like to see the good in everything, but not everyone out there is like you. You’re one of a kind, my unique, perfect Peter, and I love you for that reason.”
“I love you too, and I’m sensing there’s a but,” Pete replied, looking puzzled.
“Sorry, but you need to stop giving in to people, letting them have their way. Micky and Davy do it with you too—we need to toughen you up, even a little.”
A waitress came over with their drinks and menus, and Mike let her know they wouldn’t be needing them, that they were just having drinks.
“I can’t be like you, though. It’s just not me,” Pete said to Mike.
“I don’t expect you to. You just need to learn to say no to people at least. Annie does it too. The thing is, weaknesses can be noticed and used against you—you both like to please other people more than yourselves.” Mike took a long gulp of his soda.
“I understand what you mean. I’ll try in future, I promise. I do find it hard to say no. I guess it’s how I was brought up—none of us could say no to Dad. He was tough on us, expected too much, and I felt that I always had to please him.”
“He’s not here, though. You need to live your own life and I’m gonna make sure that you do.”
“Okay. I’ll do that for you Michael.” Pete squeezed his knee under the table.
“No, Pete, not for me. You need to be doing this for yourself.” Mike sighed. “Listen to me. You’re the most important person in my life and I love you for who you are, but I know you can do this.”
Pete was nervously twisting and staring at the ring on his hand. “I’ll try my best, for both of us. I love you too. I know I can be a little soppy at times as Davy calls it.”
Mike laughed, thinking of Davy’s English expressions. “Yeah, he can be confusing at times.”
“And you need to stop thinking that people are always out for themselves, and learn to trust more. And talk about your feelings more. Be honest about what’s on your mind and your feelings. Remember what nearly happened with Amy? I thought you wanted to get back with her. We can both help each other change for the better. Do you agree with me?”
Mike thought for a while how his stubbornness to not tell Amy and him and Pete being together could have made matters worse. I never want to go through anything like that again.
“All right, we both have our faults and our different ways of seeing the world, so we’ll have to start meeting in the middle. They say opposites attract, and we couldn’t be any different from each other in so many ways, but we work well together though.”
Pete nodded. “We do. What do you want to do next? You think we should get back and help get everything ready for this evening? I hope everything goes right for Micky.”
Mike finished off his drink and called the waitress over for the check. “Yeah, good idea. At least Annie and Gemma are there, keeping an eye on him and making sure he stays away from the stove and any accidents.”
They were soon back in the car. Mike decided to call at a club to see about an ad that he’d seen on the music store noticeboard. He said he shouldn’t be long, so Pete waited in the car for him.
Mike came out of the club in a good mood. He was happy, having got them an audition and when they got to The Dive, he was surprised to see Micky had worked really hard and it looked clean and ready for people to start arriving. Micky had set up the stage for people to perform.
He sneaked up behind Micky, who was at a table, making him jump. “Hey, Mick, you’ve done a good job! The place looks great. Are the girls still busy cooking upstairs?”
“Thanks. I’m not just a pretty face you know. Yeah, they’re refusing to let me in the kitchen with them, both of them insisting I stay down here, but it smells good.”
They all worked together and got everything else ready for the evening. Coco turned up to help as she’d promised Micky last night, and they all went upstairs to have an early dinner.
“This is so good,” Micky said, after finishing off the last mouthful of his mashed potatoes and meatballs. “Is there anymore left? I could eat more of this.” Annie took his empty plate, refilled it, and put it down in front of him.
“Anyone else want anymore?” she asked the others. “Before Micky finishes off the leftovers?”
“I can’t help having a healthy appetite. I’m still growing. You’ve made some of these to offer people tonight, haven’t you?” Micky asked Annie.
“Yes, so you can also take home anything you don’t sell. There’s fries to cook, burgers, hot dogs and I even made a vegetarian version—did you enjoy the cheese, potato and onion balls, Peter?”
“Yeah, I put one on Mike’s plate for him to try too.” Peter smiled at Mike.
Mike stood to clear the used plates and load up the dishwasher. Micky was the only one left eating. “The dinner was great, thank you, girls,” he said.
“Well I’m glad you all enjoyed it. I’m gonna head off home soon. Christine might be getting tired having the twins all day. Dylan is getting to be a bit of a handful. He’s even trying to crawl. Summer seems to prefer sleeping, and she’s quieter.” She started to pack up her purse.
“Mike and I will come over and have them for a day, if you two want to have a break.” Mike sat beside Pete. “We’re gonna need some practice. We could even have them overnight too.”
“Thanks for the offer. We might take you up on that. You all right with that, Mike?” Mike stared at Pete and nodded to Annie. “Bye, guys, see you soon.”
Later on, Jacob had set up the bar in the club downstairs and opened up. People were starting to arrive. He popped into the office to see Mike. “Seems to be quite an older crowd turning up tonight. Let’s hope Micky’s variety plan goes down well. A few have already asked about performing.”
“I know. He’s put a lot of effort into this. I reckon he’ll be up onstage himself as well, singing or doing a comedy turn. Push the food if you can too. There’s some menus behind here for you.”
Micky came out and stood behind the microphone. “Hi, everyone, welcome to The Dive’s first variety night, where the acts are you! It’s open mic night, so if anyone wants to sing, come and see either me, Mike over there by the bar, or Pete who’s here and able to accompany you on the keyboards or guitar.” He pointed over to them.
Micky started the night off with a mixture of his Jimmy Cagney impressions and a few jokes to try and encourage the crowd to offer to come up. Gemma came up to Pete. “I’m gonna sing and support Micky, and surprise him too.” She sat at the bar with Mike until Micky announced that they had their first singer.
Gemma went and stood beside Micky, holding her hand out for the microphone. “It’s me! I’m gonna sing and maybe we could do a duet together later!”
Pete started strumming These Boots Are Made for walkin’ on his guitar. Gemma started singing along, and Micky stared straight at her in shock, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing, he’d never heard her sing before, he and Mike looked at the reactions of members of the audience, unsure of what any of them were going to do. He hoped she wouldn’t scare the crowd away.
All he saw was a lot of surprised faces