Chapter 8
Mike had kept the walkie talkie by his side throughout the rehearsal just in case Pete needed him. Micky oddly had enough energy to set up his kit and play for over an hour. It was as if he hadn’t been as ill as he claimed, or, as Mike had thought, putting it all on so he could be lazy.
Davy did really well on the bass. Mike was quite impressed. He thought they’d be good enough to cope with their sets tomorrow night, but he hoped Pete would be better soon.
“You played good there, Davy,” Mike commented as they packed away the instruments into the Monkeemobile for the short journey back to the pad.
“I think you didn’t pay that much attention, Mike. I think your mind’s elsewhere.” Micky laughed, putting his bass drum into the trunk. “Pete never needed you—he’s probably fallen asleep.”
Mike tested the walkie talkie to see if it was still on. “Yeah I guess so. Well, I put a stop to him scratching—I made his hands immobile.”
“You didn’t tie them to the bed post, did you, like you both have done to each other before?”
“No way, Mick. Get your mind outta the gutter, boy. I couldn’t do that and leave him at home on his own. That’d be so stupid and irresponsible.”
On returning to the pad, Davy let the others know he was gonna be out again for the night, but he helped them get Micky’s kit in, and promised to be back not long after lunchtime tomorrow.”
Before they went back in, Micky pulled Mike aside. “Sorry if I’ve been a pain over the past few days. I’ve got a few things on my mind. At the gig on Sunday night, this guy was getting a little flirty with Gemma and she seemed to like him, and I’ve not heard from her since. She wasn’t at the gig the other night, and she never misses a gig.”
“So you’re feeling sorry for yourself. Give her a call. Anything could have happened—you won’t know until you talk to her, will you?” Mike just shook his head, pushing Micky in through the front door. “Micky, don’t be so paranoid. This chick seems to really dig you.”
“Okay. I’ll call and ask her if she wants to do anything tomorrow…go out somewhere, and if she wants to come to the weekend gigs. Thanks, Mike.”
“No problem. I’m gonna go and see how Pete is. Hope he’s not be too bored on his own, and he’s not managed to get those socks off his hands.” Mike walked into their room and Pete was asleep, the sheets in a mess and an opened book by his side. He woke up when he heard Mike getting changed.
“Hey, everything go okay? You think Davy will manage the gigs?”
“Yeah, I think he’ll be fine. How you doing? You didn’t get them off.” Mike laughed, looking at Pete’s hands.
“No, I couldn’t manage. You taped them on too well. It’s hard to turn pages with these on though, but I haven’t been too itchy yet, so do I get whatever treat you had planned for me?”
“I guess so, babe. I won’t be a minute, just need to go and get a few things.” Mike went out to the kitchen and got the calamine lotion and something out of the freezer.
“Here, I got you some ice cream,” he said, returning and handing Pete a bowl. “They give it to people when there’re ill and it might cool you down a little. Let me take these socks off your hands first—you won’t be able to do much with them still on.”
Pete took the ice cream off him, but looked a little disappointed. “Thanks, Michael.”
“Well, the next thing’s a treat for both of us, so hurry up and eat that.” Mike gave him a big grin and picked up a bottle from his nightstand. “Just let me know when you’re ready, babe. I need you to lie down and relax.”
Pete gave Mike the empty bowl back. “What’s that you’ve got?” Mike sat down on the bed when Pete was settled. He’d brought some cotton wool with him and poured the lotion onto it. He started to dab it gently onto Pete’s chest first, moving to his shoulders and arms.
“This should help cool you down a little. Turn over—I need to do your back.”
“It’s not working on you though…kinda having the opposite effect on you—I can see the tent pole in your pants, so is this for your benefit?” Pete smiled while turning around.
“Well, I haven’t been able to get my hands on you in a few days, so it shouldn’t surprise you at all. Come on, I need to do your back now, and check you for any other spots. Any hidden under those boxers? I need a closer inspection.”
“Michael, please. I really am too tired for that, but if you need any help with your problem, that shouldn’t be too hard for me…oops, wrong kind of hard.” Pete put his face into his pillow to muffle his giggling.
“Hey, any more talk like that and I’ll be slapping this ass. Yeah, the spots are getting a bit lower. There’s some on your thighs too, but I don’t mind applying this lotion to you. It’s an easy job, and I always do a job well and to my best ability, as you should know by now.”
“Ooh I do, and that’s nice. You’re being so gentle, I could almost fall asleep, but I’ll help you out first.”
“I aim to please, even though this doesn’t smell too good, but there, I’ve finished. Is it helping you at all? Listen, if you want, I can go and sleep in the spare room tonight. You did a fair bit of moving around last night. It’ll make things easier for you.”
“No, don’t. I want you beside me. It’s good to know you’re there. The sound of your breathing calms me. I like to watch you sleep too. Sorry if that sounds a little odd, but you look perfect.”
“Well, I’m the same with you. I watch you sleep as well. Part of me still can’t believe I get to share so much with you, that I’m so lucky to have you as my partner.” Mike leaned down and kissed Pete who sat up to meet him halfway. “Love you.”
“Me too always and forever, Michael. You want some help with that?” Pete reached to unzip Mike’s pants and sneak a hand inside his boxers, taking Mike’s cock in his grasp.
“If you insist. I don’t mind at all. God, I’ve missed this.” He soon started moaning and thrusting into Pete’s fist. “Ah so good, babe. You want me to—”
“No, it’s okay.” Pete smiled at Mike and lay back a little. “Come a bit closer to me. I’m too tired to move too much. Sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize for anything,” Mike said as he lay beside Pete, facing him.
Pete just smiled at him, his hand still but around Mike’s dick, letting Mike do all the work. He didn’t mind—it would still bring what he needed, and he knew Pete was tired…but hell, I didn’t expect him to fall asleep just before I came!
He eased himself from Pete’s hand and finished jerking himself off. Cleaning himself up with a Kleenex and making himself presentable, he popped his head around the door to see what Micky was up to. “Listen, Mick, Pete’s asleep, so can you keep the TV noise down a little? I think I’m gonna join him—see you in the morning.”
***
Mike woke early the next morning, finding Pete draped over him. They’d both had a better night’s sleep. Pete being settled had meant he could relax more, and the early night had helped. Pete felt hot to the touch but luckily no more spots had appeared.
Mike lay on his back, looking up at the ceiling, thinking about the rest of the day. Maybe after lunch they’d rehearse a bit more, well if Davy can be bothered coming home early. He needs practise, more than any of us. I’ll ask Pete if he can lie on the couch, watch and help Davy out. Fingers crossed he’s feeling better today. I’ll make him some soup for lunch, make him eat something other than toast, but first I need a coffee.
Mike got his coffee, brought the mail in, sat down at the kitchen table and started to check through the local papers. He always kept an eye out for any chance of any work opportunities for the band. He noticed Amy mentioned—the tour she was on was playing a club in Hollywood tonight. He was happy for her, and it didn’t bother him that he turned it down. His place was with the guys.
Davy came in through the front door very quietly. “Morning, Mike. Just you up, I guess? I thought I’d better be here early. I imagine you want you to go through tonight’s set and that you definitely need me on the bass.” He went over to the kitchen to make himself some tea.
“Yeah, this afternoon, so make sure you’re gonna be around.”
“Well I’ll drink this, get changed and go down to the beach. Might see if Micky’s interested in going. He could do with some fun—he’s getting way too serious with that girlfriend of his.”
“I think he’s calling Gemma up today, so don’t go giving him any grief. He needs to sort some things out with her. I think they’ll be okay—she’s not the type to mess him around.”
Rehearsal went well and Pete lay on the couch and helped Davy out as much as he could. Mike was quite impressed with how well he played. After that, they packed the instruments up in the trunk of the Monkeemobile and had some dinner. Mike made Pete sone scrambled egg on toast as he didn’t feel he could manage the food the others ate.
“You gonna be okay on your own tonight?” Mike asked as he brought Pete a cup of tea.
“I’m fine. I’ve got plenty of books to read. I can see if there’s anything on the TV, but I’ll probably just end up falling asleep. You could get me another blanket though, please.”
Mike came back from the closet with a blanket, stopping in the bedroom and bringing Pete his pillow and music notation notebook, and placing his acoustic guitar by his side. “Anything you think you need? I’ll bring you another jug of water and a clean glass. A thermos of tea, too, so you don’t need to make a drink yourself.”
“Michael, I’m okay, you don’t need to fuss so much.”
“Well, I’m gonna get a quick shower and get changed. I’ll call you when we get to the club, and in our break, then ring to let you know when we’re on our way back,” Mike said before he went to get his band uniform from their room and go to the bathroom.
“You’ve got him well trained—what’s your secret, Pete? How do you do it?” Micky asked.
“He brings out the softer side of Mike. You only have to look at him a certain way and he’ll do anything for you, Pete, you lucky sod. We need to watch and learn the look.” Davy laughed and winked at Micky as he went to the kitchen to throw his soda bottle in the trash.
“I don’t have any secret ways, and I’d do anything for Mike, too. It’s what you do when you really love someone—when you find the right person, you’ll know what I mean,” Pete said.
Micky answered the phone as it rang. “Oh, hi, Gemma…okay, no problem…that’s good. See you soon.”
Mike came out of the bathroom as Micky was finishing off on the phone. “I guess that was Gemma? You two got things sorted and she’s coming tonight?”
“Yeah, everything seems okay, and she says she’ll be there. She wasn’t in when I called earlier.”
“Pete, you know the number of the club—if you need me or anything, call, or even call Vicky. Promise me any problems, you’ll get in touch.”
“Yes, I promise, Michael, but I’ll be fine, I’m sure. You don’t need to worry. Just go and enjoy yourself.”
About an hour later, they were ready for their first set. It seemed odd with just the three of them, but everything started well and Micky saw Gemma arriving just as they started. They both waved at each other and she sat at a table with another girl.
Part way through their set, a couple of young guys joined Gemma and her friend at their table. Micky could only see the back of their heads, but he thought one of them was the guy from the other night. He spent most of his time watching them.
Davy did really well, and got plenty of attention from the chicks on the dancefloor as usual. After they’d finished the first set, a chick started to talk to him about how well he’d played bass and it suited him. She seemed impressed and he spent all his break with her.
“I bet he’ll be going home with her tonight,” Micky said to Mike before he headed off to the table Gemma was at. He found an empty seat beside her and gave her a kiss on her cheek. “Hi, did you enjoy our set?” he asked her.
“You were brilliant as always. Micky, these are my friends, Wendy, Tim, and Jack. Guys, this is Micky.”
The three of them greeted Micky, but the guys weren’t too interested in him.
“Hi—do you want me to get you a drink?” Micky asked Gemma as a bar waitress came over to their table, and he ordered them both a Coke.
“Have you any plans for tomorrow? There’s a good movie on at the theater downtown I wouldn’t mind seeing… You want me to pick you up and we can go? I’m sure Mike will lend me the car. We can have some lunch too if you want. My treat.”
“Thanks for the offer, Micky, but I’m busy all morning—got some plans with my parents. We could go out in the evening before your gig? Should have time to see the movie, if you want?” Micky saw her glancing between the others who were with them. One of the guys just shrugged to the other, who then stared at Wendy.
Mike had gone upstairs as Ronnie had told him he could call Pete from their flat so he could have some privacy to talk. Vicky was busy cooking in the kitchen and offered Mike a cup of coffee. He went into their lounge to call the pad.
Pete answered the phone after a few rings. Mike knew it might take him a little longer to get to it. “Hey, babe, how are you?”
“Not too bad. I’ve been reading. There was nothing on TV. How’s everything going there?”
“Better than I thought. Micky’s a bit on edge, and Davy’s lapping up the attention the chicks are giving him as usual, but it’s not the same without you. We need you back with us as soon as possible…I hope you’ll be okay for Wednesday’s gig. You want anything bringing home?”
“Nothing, Michael. I might finish off my tea and try and get some sleep. You don’t need to worry about me, or call before you set off back home. I’m really fine.”
“All right, I’ll let you rest. See you soon. Love you, Pete.” Mike hung up and went to the kitchen to let Vicky know he’d finished on the phone.
“Hey, Mike, I’ve made some fresh vegetable soup—you wanna take some back with you for Pete? I’ll put some in a thermos for you.” He nodded and said thanks. “Come get it before you leave.
Their next set went well and Micky was still watching the interaction of Gemma and her friends. One of the guys kept looking around at them and then was speaking to Gemma. She looked to be not too happy with him. Micky had no idea why, but was determined to find out.
As they were packing up their instruments, Gemma came and said bye to Micky and she left with her friends. “Hey, Davy, you up for helping me out with something?”
“When? I’m heading off out tonight…that bird from earlier, she invited me back to hers.”
“No, tomorrow. I can pick you up early. I wanna go to Gemma’s and find out what she’s up to. That guy’s been hanging around her the past few times I’ve seen her, and she claims to be busy tomorrow morning, so I want to follow her. I’ll ask Annie if I can borrow her car.”
“So you’re spying on her? You think she’s cheating on you, Mick?”
Mike was nearby listening to both of them. “So you’re gonna follow her and play detective.”
“Yeah why not? I want to know what’s going on, and I bet we see her with him.” Micky was worried and hoping he would be proved wrong. He really wanted to trust Gemma but wasn’t sure he could…