Chapter 19
“Hello, Mike, did my dad explain to you that we wouldn’t be back today?” Ronnie said.
“Yeah, but that’s all he said. We got no explanation, and I haven’t been able to get hold of him since. We’ve been worried,” he exclaimed.
“Dad went into a bit of a panic too and rushed here to see us. Everything’s all right now. Vicky just fainted and we had to get our doctor to come and see her. She’s much better now. It was a mixture of high blood pressure and morning sickness. She’s had some blood tests done and we’re just waiting for the results. She’s got to rest for now, and we’ve got to see the doctor again on Saturday.”
“So that’s when you’ll be back?” Mike asked.
“Yeah, around lunchtime if that’s okay with you. Dad paid for a few more nights here for us. I’m sorry about this and I’m so grateful for everything you’re all doing for us.”
“It’s been tough. I didn’t realize the hours you put in here, and god knows how Vicky copes. Pete and I have barely had any time together.”
Pete walked into the room while he was talking. “Who is it?” he asked, pointing at the phone.
“Ronnie. I’ll tell you everything in a minute. Sorry to interrupt, Ronnie. Pete just got up and is here beside me now. Ronnie says hi, babe. You gonna keep us informed if there’s any changes to your plans?”
“Of course. I’ll call you back later this evening. We’re just about to have a massage, to try to relax. Vicky’s idea. Then go for some lunch—it’s all rabbit food here. I really need a burger.” Ronnie laughed.
“I know what you mean. Health food places are propping up everywhere,” Mike replied, getting a stern look from Pete. “Sorry, but it’s true, babe.”
“Yeah, my first stop when we get out of here is gonna be a diner for some proper food. I feel like I’m losing weight, which in my current condition would be odd.”
“Speaking of food, Micky and Gemma have been doing well serving snacks here in the evening. They’ve been making a profit too.”
“Sounds good! You know in another world, between the four of us, Vicky and Pete and you and me would be better suited. These two are so alike.” Ronnie couldn’t help laughing.
“True but I’m happy with things the way they are. I need to update him, so you go and enjoy the pampering, and we’ll see you in a few days.”
“Thanks again. Bye, Mike,” Ronnie replied and hung up.
Pete sat with Mike on the couch. “So what happened? Is everything okay with her and Vicky?”
“Yeah. Vicky fainted and her doctor did some tests. She needs to go back at the weekend for the results, and they’ll both be back on Saturday.” Mike answered him as much as he could.
“That’s good. At least she got in touch and let us know and things can start getting back to normal. There’s nothing you’re not telling me, though, is there?” Pete glared at Mike.
“No, I promise. Ronnie says they’re staying on at the spa a few extra days so they can rest and relax. The only negative thing she talked about was the food. You’d like it though. It’s all health food.”
“I guess we’ll never be visiting a spa. Shame—it sounds groovy.”
“Only way you’ll get me in one of those places is if we can get Micky or Davy to sneak some decent food in for me daily! I ain’t eating just green food and salad every day,” Mike stated.
“There’s brown rice and much more! It isn’t all green. You should know that by now, Michael.”
“Okay. Well, there’s something else I wanna discuss with you. It’s something that you blurted out while you were asleep last night.” Mike decided to test the water.
“I don’t remember. It was probably just nonsense. Don’t worry. Just ignore and forget about it, unless it was something bad?”
“No, it was….” Mike didn’t get chance to elaborate as they were disturbed by Annie coming into the room with Christine, each of them with one of the twins.
“Hi, Mike, Peter. Thanks so much for helping us out. Where’s best to lay them down? They’re due a nap, so shouldn’t be too much trouble.”
Mike moved over and pointed in between him and Pete. Summer settled straight away but Dylan was enjoying himself with a rattle that seemed too quiet.
“We made a few adjustments to it! He was making far too much noise, but he still likes waving it about. He often has two as well.”
“God, he’s turning into a mini-Micky or Davy, I don’t know if that’s a good a bad thing.” Mike laughed.
Annie checked her watch. “My appointment’s in about half an hour, but I could do with being early. I shouldn’t be too long.” She looked down at the twins. “You two better be good for your uncles.”
“They seem to be okay,” Pete replied as Dylan hit him with his rattle.
“There’s a bag here with spare diapers, bottles and jars of food. I’ll warn you, they’ve started eating solid food, so it isn’t too pleasant when it comes out at the other end… Thanks again, and see you later.”
Mike and Pete stared at each other, then at Dylan and Summer, neither of them sure how to respond to Annie’s fleeting comment. “Don’t worry, it’s okay. I’ll do it, if its necessary,” Pete answered, seeing Mike turning his nose up, just thinking about it.
“Thank you. I knew there was some reason I loved you.” Mike couldn’t resist saying. “You’re better with them than I am.”
“Well maybe you should get some practice in? After all, we’ll have two more babies on their way soon. I’m looking forward to being a dad.” Pete was soon smiling, just thinking about the future.
Mike decided to change the subject and try to get back to what he’d been going to say to him earlier before they’d been interrupted. “Pete, are you happy with our sex life?”
Pete looked surprised at Mike’s unexpected question. “Michael, not in front of the babies, please. They’re at a very impressionable age. We don’t want them picking up any words to try to repeat.” He had Dylan on his knee and covered his ears. “I think he’s already acting more like Micky every day—look at the scrunched-up face he’s pulling.”
Micky walked in just as Pete was mentioning his name. “Oh, my favorite little man’s here. Hello, Dylan. I can say that because Davy’s not around to get jealous. Yeah, what a face he’s pulling, but I think that’s for another reason, Pete.” Micky laughed, wafting his hand.
“Go on, Pete, remember what you said. I think your nephew is filling his diaper by that smell.” Mike picked Summer up before Micky had chance.
“Okay, I know. I’ll go and change him in the bathroom.” He picked up Dylan and the baby bag and left the room as Mike got up and opened a window to let some fresh air in.
He sat down again, still with a quiet Summer in his arms. “Pete’s gonna be so much better than me when the babies are born. I’m nervous about it. I mean, we’ll have to get more involved than we are with the twins—being a dad’s gonna be a hard job.”
“Come on, Mike, you’ve been like a dad to the three of us for the past few years! It’ll be a breeze for you. You’ll be a great father, and they’re gonna be lucky kids to have the both of you guys.”
“Thanks, Mick. Like I said, you’re growing up. The kids are gonna love their Uncle Micky too.”
Pete was back in a few minutes with a much happier and sweeter-smelling Dylan. “I wouldn’t go in the bathroom for a while if I were you. I’ve never seen or smelt anything like that before in my life.”
“Your face is a little green, Pete,” Micky couldn’t resist telling him.
Annie was back over an hour later, and the twins were both having a nap by then, so Mike and Pete took them down to the car and waved Annie off on her way. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. They didn’t see Davy at all, and Gemma came around in the evening and helped Micky prepare and serve food in the club.
The next day was quiet. Mike kept himself as busy as he could. Pete had been in the studio most of the day, doing some session work along with Coco, and this carried over onto Friday morning. They had both been up early and taken advantage of some alone time, soaping each other up in the shower, them continuing the fun in the bedroom, until Pete forced himself to get dressed to leave, giving Mike a long kiss, which Mike was glad he was sitting down for. It was powerful and strong, leaving him breathless but wanting more.
Unfortunately, Pete was soon on his way, leaving Mike alone in the kitchen having a coffee and some toast, when Micky appeared from nowhere. “Morning. You’ve got the same matching grin as Pete had on his face when I passed him…I take it you’ve had a good night and morning.”
“Mm, sure have,” Mike replied, touching his lips, the feel of Pete’s kiss still lingering. “Did Davy turn up any time last night by any chance?”
“No, he strolled in this morning and went straight to bed, saying him and Tracy had been at a party until the early hours, and not to disturb him. So I left him on his own, and thought I’d come see what you were up to.”
“Nothing really planned for today. Are the kids band coming over after school to practice for the competition tomorrow?” Mike asked as he refilled his coffee cup.
“Yeah, I got some news for you if you’re interested… You know this party tonight? A friend of Gemma’s going with her folks and she’s got a spare ticket. We kinda told her about you, so do you want to go? She knows you’re attached, and you’ll be able to keep your eye on Susan and Pete.”
“You think it’s a good idea?” Mike wasn’t sure whether to agree. “What about the club?”
“Jacob and Christine are both working tonight. They can handle everything. You could do with a night away from this place. Should I tell Gemma that you’ll go with Wendy, Mike?”
“Wendy…from the other night? I’m not sure. My suits are back at the pad, and it is a bit short notice.”
“Don’t worry about that. I can go home, pick out something suitable for you to wear. I know you’re worried about Susan, and Pete might be less nervous if you’re there to support him.”
“Oh, okay then. I’ll do it. I’ll mention something to Pete when he gets back,” Mike replied.
“You’ll be sitting with me and Gemma too, and hopefully our table won’t be too far from Susan’s family.” Micky checked the time. “Give me the keys to the Monkeemobile and I’ll set off now.” Micky took the keys Mike passed him from the coffee table. “Won’t be too long.”
***
Micky was back in just over an hour. “I brought two suits, and some shirts so you can have a choice. I called Gemma and Wendy’s wearing a dark blue dress so I picked this gray one, thinking it would go with her outfit,” Micky suggested, putting the clothes on the couch.
“You been reading Davy’s magazines again, picking up fashion tips from him?” Mike asked.
“A little. Gemma gets quite a few too, and I often flick through them when I’m waiting for her to finish getting ready. I don’t understand why chicks and Davy spend so long deciding what to wear—I can be dressed and out the door in less than ten minutes.”
“You got sisters, so you’ll have seen it all before, Mick.”
“Yeah, but they were still a lot younger than me when I was at home, and Coco wasn’t dating at that time. She used to say having a brother like me put her off guys, that I was messy and lazy.”
“Well, you are messy! I’m so glad I don’t share a room with you anymore. Pete’s so much tidier and organized at times. He remembers where he puts things, unlike someone I know.” Mike laughed.
Micky helped Mike get things ready in the bar with no staff due in as the club wasn’t opening until the evening. Davy turned up with Tracy just before the kids arrived, and while Mike was trying to organize a replacement act for the night—the singer booked had to cancel, having come down with laryngitis.
“I can take his place and sing if you want. Tracy and I were gonna spend the night here anyway,” Davy offered. “Tracy could join me on stage too. She’s got a good voice and plays the guitar too.”
“That’d be good. I’d love to duet with you, Davy,” Tracy agreed.
“Thanks, Davy. I’m gonna be out at the mayor’s party with Micky and Pete, so you cool with that? I’ll tell Jacob and Christine you can both have free drinks all night.”
“No problem. Go enjoy yourselves. You owe me though, and I’m sure I’ll think of something you can do to repay me.” Davy laughed. “Come on, Tracy. Let’s sit down and go through a set list.”
When the kids arrived to rehearse, Davy joined in to sing with them. Pete hadn’t arrived from the studio, so Mike and Micky helped them out. Paul apologized for his sister not coming again, but assured them she’d be ready for tomorrow. He’d gone through the songs they’d decided to play with her. It was only a fifteen-minute set so they’d picked a few Beatles and a Mamas and Papas song and were going to end with the mixed classical and rock instrumental Pete had written for them.
Pete got back to the club just in time for them to go through their last number, which they played twice. Pete thought they’d done so well. Micky and Pete promised that they’d be there for support at the concert. Unfortunately, Mike had a meeting and had heard a rumor the judges would be visiting to reveal the result of the club contest.
After the kids had left and Paul’s dad had confirmed a few things with Mike, they all went upstairs to get ready. Mike and Micky were going to meet Gemma and Wendy at the hotel, but Susan’s parents had already prearranged to pick Peter up.
“I’m glad you’re gonna be there tonight, but I doubt I’ll get to see you. I’ll goon be sitting with people I’ve never met before. You look good in the suit though. Very smart.” Pete gave him a quick kiss.
“You look so much better than me and you got a new suit out of this too! That sky blue shade is cool…maybe I can help get you out of it later tonight.” He winked and whispered into Pete’s ear causing him to blush a little.
Pete left about ten minutes before Mike and Micky. Mike saw the town car that picked him up but didn’t get to have a look at Susan. Later, at the hotel, Gemma and Wendy waited outside so they could show the guys to their table, which wasn’t too near the stage were the mayor was going to make a speech and hold an auction after the three-course meal. The girls were both in long dresses and had their hair up.
“You look nice,” Micky said to Gemma as he took her hand.
“Likewise, handsome,” she replied then nudged Wendy to approach Mike, noticing they both looked a little nervous.
“Thanks for coming with us. I didn’t want to be here on my own, and don’t worry, I know about you and Pete, is it? We’ve already seen he’s here at one of the front tables. He looks like he’s scared to be here, with the Richards family too.”
“Let’s go enjoy the girls’ company and good food, Mike,” Micky said, nudging him. Mike was too busy trying to see where Pete was, but eventually noticed him and caught Pete’s eye, which got a smile back from him.
Mike enjoyed the company. Gemma’s parents asked him questions about the band and seemed interested in what he and Micky had to say. Wendy parent’s were barely talking to each, and didn’t get involved in any conversation.
The food and wine were flowing all night. Mike had enjoyed a steak for his main course, and after the dessert which Micky had managed to finish off what Gemma left, as well as his own, a duo started to play until it was time for the mayor to start his speech.
“They were good, but we could do a better job. Least we’d liven up the place and get the crowd up dancing! D’ya think Susan could put a word in to get us the gig for the next party?” Micky said.
The auction that followed was businesses offering special items and packages. Mike watched all the people bid high, and hoped Gemma did her best to make sure Micky didn’t do accidental bidding. They couldn’t afford the prices these rich folk were offering. Each table had a few numbered paddles and at least the ones on theirs wasn’t raised by anyone.
He noticed Mr. Richards was competing with another man for a spa package, and could see his wife encouraging him to go higher. She obviously wanted that at any price. Susan didn’t move from Pete’s side all night, and Mike could tell that he looked uncomfortable.
“Do you want one of us to try and talk to her?” Gemma said. “Me and Wendy could see if she wants to get away from her parents.” Mike shook his head. “No problem. We’re off to the ladies’ room—see you guys soon.” Gemma got up and Wendy followed her.
Micky was talking to a waiter who’d brought over some drinks. “Here Mike, have a beer and chill out a little.” He passed over a bottle to him. “It’s good here—they never asked my age.”
Mike turned around and saw Susan and her parents had disappeared, and Pete was now sitting alone. He was about to get up when the girls returned. “We found Susan and her mother in the restroom,” Gemma announced to Mike.
“I wondered where they’d gone. I was gonna go talk to Pete, before they got back.”
“They won’t be back. They’ve had to leave. I overheard her mother saying her husband was arranging a car to pick them up. Sounds like a family emergency or something. Susan didn’t look too happy,” Gemma replied.
Wendy’s parents informed her they were about to leave. She’d already let Mike know they’d decided not to use a room for the night—she had to be up early for work.
They all said their goodbyes. Gemma’s dad had got their hotel keys and passed one to Gemma before they left the table. “Well, Micky? Are you coming up to the room with me?”
“Yeah, one minute. That okay with you, Mike? What are you gonna do?”
“I’ve only had a few drinks, so I think I might go back to the club. I’ll get there before it closes. You go have a good night—don’t worry about me,” Mike answered, checking the time on his watch.
“Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow,” Micky replied, but Mike noticed he was looking directly at something behind him. Mike suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around. He smiled as he looked up into Pete’s eyes. Pete had a key in his hand.
Pete bent down close to his ear and gave him a wicked grin. “I heard you say you were gonna leave, and I’m hoping I can maybe persuade you to change your mind.”
“Oh, were you, babe? You got something planned?”
“Well, I’ve got the key to one of the best suites in the hotel. It’s got a huge jacuzzi tub big enough for two, king-size double bed, champagne, free minibar and twenty-four-hour room service.”
“You trying to tempt me there, babe?”
“It’s got a big television too… You wanna join me to watch the late horror movie? Cuddle up to me in bed in case I get scared? I might need my big furry teddy bear.”
Mike got up and followed Pete to an elevator. They were soon entering a huge room just as Pete had described, with a TV at the end of the bed. “So, all you wanna do is watch a movie? I’m sure we can think of something better to do.”
Pete took off his suit jacket as Mike removed his. “Okay, what do you suggest, Michael? Bath then bed? We’ve got all night.” He laughed as he kissed him, before dragging him willingly into the bathroom.