It was a tense couple of minutes while the Beatles checked their instruments, and got them re-tuned for the perfomance.
"Give me a 'b', guys." Paul said.
"Beeeeeeeee!" The others chimed in.
"HA ha." Paul said. "All right, we're ready to play for you. We hope we pass the audition." He cracked a smile. Brianna found herself smiling back. He did have a nice smile. Nothing compared to Davy though.
"This first tune is something a little newer." Paul continued. They started to play an upbeat tune. "Flew in from Miami Beach, B.O.A.C. Didn't get to bed last night.
On the way the paper bag was on my knee. Man I had a dreadful flight. I'm back in the USSR. You don't know how lucky you are boy. Back in the USSR."
The guys and girls sat there with their mouths practically on the floor.
"Uh oh." Karen said. "They're good. Really good." She said as she observed some people getting up to dance. Some people danced during their set but their set had more of a mellow tempo to it. Brianna suddenly started to regret her idea of not playing their own songs.
"This is unofficially our first Beatles concert." Chea said. "This is neat."
By the middle of the song, the place was full to capacity, which was making the pub manager happy, Karen was sure. Most everyone was dancing. After they did the chorus two more times, John and Ringo finished with a big drumming and guitar flourish. Then they stopped. The audience got up and applauded wildly.
"I think we have a winner." Peter said.
"They got one more song, its not over till the fat lady sings." Mike said.
"Do you see any?" Micky said. "I think we have a chance."
"About a snowballs chance in you know what, that’s
the chance we have." Chea said sadly as the next song started. It was Helter Skelter.
"The white album." Karen mused. "One of the most famous albums besides the Sgt Pepper album."
"Sgt who?" Mike asked her coking an eyebrow.
"Never mind, long story, boring ending." Karen said.
"And I thought I was the music expert." Chea said.
"Blame my mom." Karen laughed.
"I kinda like it," Livvie said. "course in my time it would have never been allowed to see the light of day."
"Really?" Peter said.
"If you think people are mad about censorship now, just about everything in my period was reguarded as the work of the devil. You could not do anything, especially women." Livvie said. "I'm beginning to like it here more already."
The song lasted a few more minutes. After they were done the entire audience, including the guys, got up and gave a standing ovation. The manager of the pub got onstage to announce the winner.
"I think its pretty obvious who the winner is!" He said. "The Beatles!"
Applause erupted once again while the foursome bowed down. The gang went to the stage to congratulate them.
"Good job mates." Davy said.
"Yeah." Brianna agreed.
"Thanks." Paul said.
A man pushed his way past Micky and Chea.
"The nerve of that weirdo." Micky said.
"Hi, My name is Barton Philmore, and I want to be your
agent!" The man said. Just as he said that another man spoke up.
"I want to give these chaps a record contract!" He said.
"Hold it." Paul said. "Take it easy."
"He's right." John said. "Talk to us tomorrow during regular business hours."
"But!" Barton said.
"Tomorrow." All four said.
"Tomorrow you blokes are working for me." The manager said. "And I'll give you 100 pounds." He added. "Do you accept the gig."
"You don't have to ask us twice." Paul said he shook the mans hand. He walked away. The gang went up to him as the crowd around them dispersed.
"Thats wonderful, an offer from an agent and a record company." Mike said. "If we were only so lucky. You guys might be a great success!"
"It's only one night." George said. "Who knows what the future may bring."
"And you guys might make it big too." Paul said.
"Thats a nice thought..." Mike said.
"No, really, you guys got the heart in it to go far." Paul said. "Plus you've got lovely ladies who love you."
"You sure do." Karen said to Mike.
"So we won, big deal." John said. "We personally invite you to the show tomorrow evening." He said. "And bring some friends."
"Thanks." Chea said. "That is really sweet."
"Your welcome, little lady." John said kissing her on the hand. Chea blushed. Micky raised his eyebrows.
"Its just a hand." She whispered. "The rest is all for you."
"I hope so." Micky said.
Later
That night they went to their assigned rooms. Peter and Livvie were exhausted and were already in their room.
"Now what do we do now that we found Livvie?" Micky asked the gang.
"Our tickets say we don't have to go back for three more days." Mike said. "I say we hang around. Attend a Beatles show...have fun."
"Do touristy things." Chea agreed.
"I have a confession." Davy said to them. "I told my folks I was coming over here. I want to take Brianna to me old home and introduce her to them."
Mike looked at Davy. "I had no idea that people were making alternative plans besides finding Livvie."
"What else were we going to do?" Karen asked. "Like you said, we're gonna relax." She explained. "If Davy wants to have Brianna meet his parents, then he should get to do so."
"The only thing is they live quite a distance from here." Davy said. "A little too far to walk."
"Hey." The gang heard. "In need of transportation?" Brianna and Davy turned to see George. "You can borrow me motorcycle." He said tossing Davy the key. "Its right outside. I'll be staying here for a while, and I'm not planning on going anywhere."
"Really?" Davy asked. George nodded. "Thank you."
"Yes." Brianna said.
"Its the least we can do for winning the band contest from under you blokes." He said. "Oh by the way, fill the tank when you return." He said tossing Brianna two pound notes.
"Can we go Mama Kar?" Brianna said. "If we get a good start, we will be there before it gets too dark."
"All right." Karen said. "But wear a helmet."
"Yes ma'am." Brianna said. Davy took Briannas hand and led her downstairs.
"At least someone knows what they are doing." Mike said. "We'll go to bed." He yawned. "What will you guys do?"
"Stay up, watch tv." Micky said looking at Chea who gave a conspirital giggle. "The usual."
"No high jinks." Mike said. "We are here to behave."
"Ah come on." Micky said.
"I mean it." Mike said.
"All right." Micky said with a semi pout on his face. He took Cheas hand and led her to there room. He unlocked it and they went inside. Chea waved.
"Bye bye." She said. Chea then was pulled in abruptly by Micky. The door slammed.
"I get the feeling from those two that I should have demanded twin beds." Mike groaned.
"Not for us I hope." Karen said looking at her.
"We will soon. Who knows, maybe we'll link both houses." Mike said. "We'll just flip a coin on which couple gets which bedroom."
"That could be interesting." Karen said. "Could being the operative word, even different bedrooms would be boring."
"Yeah, but if I'm with you, nowhere we sleep will be boring." Mike said. He kissed her on the lips. She smiled at him. He took her hand and led her into their room, and shut the door.
Chea watched Brianna and Davy with Georges motorcycle from the window. It had a sidecar. It took Brianna a minute to tell Davy you don't drive the cycle from the sidecar. After a minute he climbed out and helped Brianna sit in the spot he just vacated. After a minute, they adjusted their seats and put on the helmets, they drove off. Chea laughed to herself and watched them drive off into the dense fog.
"We got a great room." Micky said. "An old fashioned bathtub, and a nice fridge full of food."
"Careful Mick, in the real world they charge you for that stuff." Chea said sitting on the sill. She got off and walked over to the crouching Monkee. "What have we got?"
"Cheese puffs, corn nuts, seltzer water." He examined a green bottle. "Tanqueray. What is that?"
"Beats me, must be a local drink." Chea said.
"I wonder what it is." Micky said. "Only one way to find out. Get me a glass." He said.
"Coming up." Chea said, grabbing two plastic cups from the bathroom. "Put a little in it. We don't want to waste it if its something we hate."
"Good idea." Micky said. He filled up the glass only half an inch. "Must be a metric glass." He mused looking at the liquid. "Do they still say bottoms up in your day?" He asked her.
"They do, among other things. I say salute!" Chea said swinging her empty cup.
"Too complicated. Down the hatch!" Micky said drinking the liquid in one shot. He slammed the cup on the ground. He sniffed. He stared a minute. He looked at Chea. "I think this is al-key-hol, Chea honey."
"Really?" Chea asked. "Let me see." She said holding her glass out.
"Oh no," Micky said. "I am not getting you drunk. Its not a good thing. trust me."
"Just a sip full." Chea said. "It might be bad. Then we can like dump the rest down the toilet."
"Oh all right." Micky said liking the idea. His head was starting to fill up with clouds. It felt stuffy, sort of. He filled it up a little bit. "Just a taste."
"All right." Chea said. "You're not gonna card me or anything?"
"Card?" Micky asked.
"Ask if I'm of age." Chea said.
"Why would I? I'm not even old enough." Micky said.
"Good point." Chea drank from her cup. She swallowed half the contents of her mouth and spat out the rest.
"This is disgusting." Chea said. "Its vile! It sucks!"
"Want some more?" Micky asked as Chea knew the alcohol was starting to set in. She had only one sip, but she knew automatically she couldn’t handle it.
"Empty the bottle little man!" Chea said. "And get me some cheesy poofs."
