Chapter 17
Mike was waiting for Pete when he got back later. It was now nearly five o’clock and the staff were starting to arrive. Micky was in the living room with him. This evening was also the first night of Fate, the girl group, performing. They were going to be there at about six to set up and do a sound check, and Mike was hoping they’d go down well with the crowd, but at the moment his thoughts were all over the place. How am I gonna tell Pete? He’s gonna panic too much.
Micky seemed to to be able to sense his thoughts. “You wanna talk about anything? I can tell you’re worried about something.”
“Pete’s due back any time, and I need to work out the best way to tell him what’s happened. How do you think I should break the news, and as carefully as possible—you know what he can be like at times.”
Micky didn’t get chance to answer before the door opened and Pete stormed in. He didn’t seem to be in a good mood. “What news do you have to break to me? Go on, tell me now if it’s something that I need to know!”
“There’s also something else I need to tell you… We’re gonna be staying on here for a bit longer. Ronnie’s dad called and said they wouldn’t be back tomorrow.” Mike tried to gauge Pete’s reaction.
Pete threw his bag down on the floor and sat beside Mike on the couch. “Can you leave us alone please, Micky? I think we’ve got something we need to discuss.” Mike could feel the tense atmosphere. He knew Pete wasn’t happy, but wasn’t sure what to do.
Micky got up. “I’ll be down in the bar if you need me.” He shut the door behind him.
“All right.” Mike decided to get straight to the truth. “I need to tell you that we’re gonna be staying on here for a bit longer. Ronnie’s dad called and said they wouldn’t be back tomorrow.” He tried to gauge Pete’s reaction.
“Do you know when they’ll be back?” Pete stopped for a minute and look worried. “Is everything okay with them? Is one of them ill? Did he say why?”
“He said nothing apart from them not coming back. I called back straight away and he’d already left and his partner said he’d gone to see Ronnie.”
“So, you didn’t know I’d handle this. Mike, I’m not some fragile little flower. I can handle bad news you know. You need to stop treating me like a kid or a chick. Are you scared I’ll relapse, go run off and get drunk or something? Panic about things?”
“I’m sorry. I guess I was worried about you. I should stop treating you like that. We’re both tired and worked up. Things haven’t been going too well, have they. It’s been hard.”
“I know we’re both exhausted and it’s putting a strain on our relationship, but we need to be honest. You don’t need to hide your feelings from me.” Pete stared at him.
“Okay, I just didn’t want to stress you out. You’re doing a lot more than me—I’m getting stressed out just running the club, but you’ve been teaching, working at the school and hotel, the session work and supporting me as well. I didn’t want to add any more pressure on you.”
“Like I said, I can deal with things. You’ve been toughening me up, remember? Just tell me the truth. Remember what we promised, okay, Michael?”
Mike nodded a yes.
“Do you think we should maybe call the hospital or even the doctor? I doubt they’d tell us anything—we don’t even know where they’re staying.” Pete sat up. “Could anything be wrong with either of their pregnancies?”
“I think we just need to wait and hope he calls us back. Try not to worry. Hopefully they’ll both be all right. They’re both pretty tough.”
Mike pulled Pete close to his chest and started to stroke his fingers through his hair, to help relax himself as much as Pete. “All right, babe, let’s start all over again. How’s your day been?”
Pete rested his head on Mike’s shoulder and sighed. “I’m glad today’s over. It’s been a long day and I’m tired. Things didn’t go well at the school today—I don’t think Mrs. Young likes me that much. At least I only have to work with her one more day. I don’t know how Vicky puts up with her.”
“How did Susan’s exam go?” Mike asked him.
“She only just passed it. She doesn’t seem too bothered either. She just wanted to chat about Friday to me, about her new dress, and what she wants me to wear. I’ve got to go and see about a new suit tomorrow—least I don’t have to pay for it.” Pete lay down, putting his head in Mike’s lap.
“Well, Micky and Davy went to City Hall and Davy did his magic to get them in to see the mayor. He’s willing to approve the license, but only if Susan’s happy about how things go on Friday.”
“So it’s all up to me then. I’ll try my best, but I’m nervous,” Pete said, looking up at Mike.
“We can always get Davy to help you out, and Micky will be there too.”
“How’s your day been? You gonna get chance to finish early? I think Jacob’s in tonight, so ask him to lock up? I’ve missed you. It’s been a while since we made love.” Pete tried to convince Mike. “I’m sure they could manage without you for some of the night.”
“I need to be there in case the judge turns up, and it’s Fate’s first gig, so I wanna see how they do, see if people like their music. They’re quite different to the acts that normally play here.”
“I thought they were good at their audition. Folk bands are getting more popular, and they are different, with not having a drummer and Eliza on the banjo—she’s really good.”
“Are you gonna come down and listen to the band with me?” Mike asked him.
“I might just make a cup of tea and read for a while. I’ll come down and join you soon.” He smiled at Mike. “I promise, and I’m okay. I just need to have a bit of quiet time. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Of course not. I got some of your favorite chocolate for you. It’s in the bedside drawer—I didn’t want the others to find it and eat it,” Mike said as he got up to leave the room. “I’ll go fetch it in for you.” He was back in a few minutes and passed the bar to Pete.
“Thanks. Come here.” He stood and gave Mike a kiss, and hugged him. “Thanks for that. I’ll save you some. I’ll get dressed up and be down in about an hour or sooner maybe.” Pete headed off to the kitchen and Mike went down to the club.
Mike found Micky chatting to Alison the keyboard player from Fate, talking about Micky and Davy’s visit to City Hall to sort out the permit. Davy was sitting nearby with a blonde chick.
“Hey, Mike, this is Lisa. We met her this morning—she’s the mayor’s secretary. She came to watch the band and to see me as well, of course.” Mike noticed she seemed older than Davy. Her hair was in a beehive and she was quite made up with large false eyelashes that she battered at him, giving him a wink when Davy wasn’t looking her way, holding her hand out to him
“Nice to meet you, Mike, isn’t it?” she said with a smile.
“Likewise. Yeah, I’m Mike,” he replied politely, then turning his attention to Micky. “No Gemma tonight?”
“No, she couldn’t make it. She’s babysitting for her cousin—she offered as it’s her anniversary and doesn’t get the chance to go out that often. I offered to help, but she said to stay here and help you.”
Lisa went off to the bathroom with Alison, and Davy looked around. “Hey, Mick, you got any idea if any of those birds are single?” He winked just as Mike was approaching them.
“I can’t believe you, Davy! Didn’t you learn anything from what happened yesterday?”
“Ah, come on, Mike, you’d have been up for it too! Four birds, for us four guys! You and Micky are turning into boring old men since you’ve coupled up. I’m enjoying being young free and single, making the most of my charms while I’ve still got them.” Davy laughed at them.
“So you’re sharing out the little that you’ve got,” Micky answered back quickly. “I think Alison’s engaged—she wears a ring on her finger. I think the other three are single. Do you have any idea, Mike?”
“Faith asked if me and Pete wanted to go on a double date with her and Eliza, but I politely turned her down. They’re sisters, by the way, so don’t try and flirt with both of them.”
“Okay, yeah, sisters…not a good idea. Least they’re not twins. The other one’s the bassist. She’s not a bad looker. You arranged another gig for them? I can’t get to know her with Lisa around.” Davy thought a little and asked Mike.
“She’s called Tracy, and I was waiting to see if the crowd like them, and what Ronnie thinks before anything else is arranged,” Mike replied.
“I should be able to try and get her number, unless…”
“No. Before you ask, none of us are gonna be helping you out. Your dating has been causing enough problems lately. I don’t want to get involved,” Mike interrupted Davy before he said anything.
“All right. Cover for me while Lisa’s in the bathroom. I’ve just seen Tracy at the bar with one of the others—I can get her number and get Lisa a drink at the same time.” He winked at them, got up and walked over to the two chicks.
“Hi, I’m Davy. The guys have told me all about your band. I’m looking forward to hearing you play. It’s so refreshing to see girls who do more than just sing. I mainly sing and play percussion in our group, but Pete’s teaching me the guitar and bass. That’s what you play, right? Maybe you could help me out? Pete’s busy with giving kids lessons, so he’s too busy to show me.”
Tracy smiled at him. “If you want, I’ll spend some time with you. I’m not as good as Pete, though. I play guitar as well. This is Faith, our singer and guitarist. Listen, I’ll give you my number and I’m sure we can arrange a time to meet up.” She gave Faith a look as if to say, don’t bother he’s all mine.
“Thanks! That’ll be great.” He took the piece of paper Tracy has scribbled on.
Faith grabbed her by the arm. “Come on, we’re due to start in a minute. I’m sorry to drag you away.”
Davy smiled at them both. “I’m gonna go and sit with my friends. I’ll call you tomorrow to sort something out.” Davy went back to the table just as Lisa was sitting back down.
“Are we going get something to eat later, or do you want to go to the movies?” she asked Davy as she checked the time on her watch.
“Let’s watch this new band first. How about the drive-in? It’s quite warm for November, or you could put the top down, and call at a diner on the way home? I’ve got the pad to myself tonight, haven’t I?” He glared at Micky to agree with him.
“Yeah, I might go to Gemma’s, or could I sleep here tonight, Mike?”
“If you stay here tonight, you can take the couch. We’re not using the girls’ bedroom.” Mike said the last part in a whisper in Micky’s ear. Mike suddenly felt a pair of hands cover his eyes. “Pete, s’that you, babe?” Mike asked, turning around, his smile matching Pete’s.
“Yeah, I’m feeling more relaxed now. You want a beer? I’m gonna get a coke.”
Mike nodded to him. “Yeah, thanks.” He watched Pete walk over to Jacob who was working the bar, and he was soon back, passing Mike his drink, stroking his hand as no one else was looking. He sat down beside him, sneakily putting his hand on Mike’s knee under the table and giving it a gentle squeeze. Mike put his hand over Pete’s just as he started to move it up his thigh. “There’s plenty of for that later, babe.” He winked at him.
“I talked to Jacob. He says he’ll close up and do the office work too, so…” He checked no one else was listening. “We can sneak off and have an early night. You up for that? Some me and you time.”
“Always, babe. Sounds good. We need it too. I can’t wait,” he whispered into Pete’s ear, which had Pete smiling back at him with a wicked look in his eyes.
The band was part way into their second song by now.
“They’re good aren’t they.” Pete said to him when they’d finished that number, he looked around the room to see if people were enjoying them. He nudged.Mike, I hope Ronnie decides to give them a regular slot, people need to listen to this type of music more.” He stood up and started to clap loudly.
They played for about another forty minutes, mixing some original songs with recent cover versions of recent songs. Eliza took up another guitar when the banjo wasn’t needed. She came over to Pete and Mike when they had a break.
“Hey, Pete, I asked the girls and they think it’s a good idea… You wanna come up and join us on stage? I wanna have a go at a banjo duel! I saw a really good one on the Andy Griffith show, and I’ve never met anyone who was up for it. The banjo isn’t the most popular of instruments.”
“Go on, go for it. S’cool with me,” Mike said, noticing Pete’s wide beam. “I’d love to hear you. We don’t have that many songs for you to play on. He’ll do it, Eliza.” He wasn’t giving Pete a chance to say no.
“I’m tired, but yeah, let me go get my banjo from upstairs. Won’t be a minute.”
“Thanks for that. It’ll make him so happy. It’s his favorite instrument,” Mike said to Eliza.
“I wanna hear him play too,” she replied. Pete was soon back and tuning his banjo. Mike could see how much he was looking forward to playing. He knew music was Pete’s first true love, something they both shared.
About twenty minutes later, Pete and Eliza were both onstage and started with Pick a Bale of Cotton and they went into the duel. Mike went up closer to watch, enthralled by how animated Pete was. Joy shone from his eyes, and it was infectious. The crowd were quietly listening—they’d probably not seen anything like it before.
Mike was loving seeing Pete in his element. He felt proud, and was even tearing up a little. Micky came over to him. “Groovy, isn’t it? They play off each other perfectly. I can see you’re happy.”
Pete was soon starting up, singing Cripple Creek, Eliza letting him go solo. Then she joined him on some Pete Seeger songs, starting into Turn, Turn, Turn and If I Had a Hammer.
“Yeah, he’s doing so well. I think he needed this. We ought to do some solo slots. I reckon Davy would like that. You could try something different too.”
Soon they’d finished and the rest of the band joined Eliza onstage, starting on their second set, and Pete came to sit beside Mike back at a table. Mike had got them a few more drinks.
“Hey, look over at the tables to the left of the bar—isn’t that Paul’s dad?” Pete said, nudging Mike.
Mike took a quick glance. “Yeah, that’s him with the other couple of guys. They don’t look like our usual crowd we have in here, don’t you think?”
“No, but folk music attracts all ages. You can’t judge people on their ages or how they look or dress. I mean, would you think I had classical albums?” Pete asked Mike.
Mike looked Pete up and down and smiled at him. “No, I guess not, but nothing you do has ever surprised me. It’s one of the reasons I love you—you’re one of a kind.”
Jacob passed by, wiping down some tables and clearing glasses. Mike called him over. “You got any idea what those guys are in for?” He moved his head indicating at the table with the older group of men with Pauls dad.”
“No idea, but I’ve seen them all in here a few times over the past few weeks, but not all together at the same time before. Looks like they’re having a meeting about something. Want me to see if I can find anything out?”
“No, it’s okay. Micky, you go over there and act like a bar waiter…see if you can see what’s going on.”
“What you thinking, something bad? Could it be another complaint from City Hall? I’m sure we got that all sorted out today, but I’ll go see what I can find out?” Micky stood and Jacob got him an empty tray from the bar.
Davy came over to Mike and Pete. He wasn’t looking happy.
“What’s up with you? Why the miserable face?” Mike asked.
“Lisa took off. She heard I’d been flirting with another bird. She soon found another guy and took off with him, but things aren’t too bad. Least I’ve got a back up plan, and Tracy knows nothing, so we’re off somewhere when they’ve finished playing.”
“I have no idea how you get away with it. You always fall on your feet.” Mike shook his head.
“Where’s Micky? I need to tell him something. He isn’t gonna be happy about it, so you need to be there when I tell him.”
Micky came back. “I got them a round of drinks. They’re all looking at some paperwork. It had some scores on it… I’m wondering if they could be anything to do with the club contest,” he said to Mike.
“Maybe, but just sit down a minute. Davy’s got something he wants to tell you, don’t you?” He glared directly at Davy. “Go on, tell him.”
“Someone told me they saw Gemma in a bar with a lot of young birds and guys. Looks like you can’t trust her. Why don’t you flirt with Faith? I think she likes you. If Gemma’s doing it, why don’t you? It looks like she lied to you about what she’s doing, so come on, I’m sure the girls will be up for a double date.”
Micky seem to be tempted for a brief moment. Mike watched him thinking it over and was worried that Davy would encourage him further, but Micky paused for a moment. “No, Davy, no it’s okay. There has to be an explanation. She wouldn’t do that to me. Look what I thought the last time and it turned out to be nothing. I trust her.”
“All right then. It’s your decision, but I know I wouldn’t let a bird mess me about! You should be more like me—you don’t need to settle down yet. You’re far too young, so have some fun.”
Davy went off to talk to Tracy as she came off stage after they’d finished their gig. Micky looked at Pete and Mike. “You don’t think he’s right, do you? Could she be cheating on me? After the last time, she could think she can get away with it.”
Mike and Pete stared at each other, not knowing what to say.