It had taken a lot of hard work, but the dream of three women turned into a reality just one year later.
Only one Monkee agreed to show for it, Micky Dolenz. The other three had politely refused, but the girls could read the reasons between the lines: they didn't want to have to work with each other again. There were too many hard feelings and bitter memories.
Rhino Records had replied to Jan's letter stating that if she could get a hundred signatures on a petition, then they would support the Monkees 40th anniversary convention. Between the three women, they were able to collect those hundred signatures and then some. Rhino was more than pleased to be a part of their endeavor.
It was now three days before the convention, and the three girls hurried about the city getting things prepared.
Sara was off running errands while Jan and Ginny inspected the hall for the fifth time that day while waiting for their guest of honor to arrive.
"I don't mind telling you that I'm really nervous about this." Ginny confessed. "I don't know what could go wrong, but if something did go wrong, I'd be devastated."
"I know what you mean," Jan replied, as she refolded some convention t-shirts that were sitting out on a table.
"Jan," Ginny laughed, "I think that is the hundredth time you've folded that shirt. Are you ok?"
"Huh? Oh yeah," Jan said as she laid the shirt down, "I'm really nervous about meeting Micky Dolenz. I've never met a Monkee before. I've always thought if the opportunity had ever arose, I would act completely normal. After all, they are just human beings with careers, like other people. They are just more well known."
"Yeah, very well known. Don't worry, I'm nervous too. I don't know whether to call him Micky or Mr. Dolenz," Ginny said with a nervous laugh.
"Oh can I have your autograph? I just love your music. I'm your biggest fan," Jan said, imitating a star struck kid.
With that, both women let out a giggle. That's when they knew, it didn't matter if the convention went perfectly or if they got a little nervous. All that would matter is Monkee fans far and wide would get the chance to come together and be a big, happy family for one day. Many of the fans were probably online buddies or pen-pals. Some would be getting together with friends they hadn't seen in years. It was the one day they could be as silly or as crazy as they wanted to be and to talk about the Monkees as much as they wanted without reservation.
"Girls! Girls!" Sara yelled as she came running across the hall, her hair and clothes disheveled.
"Whoa, girl, what happened to you?" Jan asked.
"Micky..." Sara gasped as she tried catching her breath. "On his way here...Saw the bus!"
"How far away is he?" Ginny asked.
"I ran three blocks. He's probably pulling into the parking lot as we speak." Sara said.
"Are the front doors unlocked so he can get in?" Jan asked.
"Yeah! I left them unlocked." Sara replied.
"Everyone, act casual." Ginny said.
Ginny crossed her arms and leaned against what would serve as the buffet table. Jan sat at one of the tables nearby, and made it look as if she were working on a list. Sara quickly tucked her hair back into her ponytail, and sat in the chair directly across from Jan.
"Start laughing like someone just told a joke." Sara whispered.
As soon as the front door opened, the trio laughed over nothing, pretending not to notice the man walking toward them.
"Excuse me."
The three girls ceased their laughing, and pasted smiles on their faces.
"I'm here for the Monkees Convention."
Each girl was waiting for the other to speak first. The silence reined so long, that finally the man said,
"I'm Micky Dolenz!"
"Of...of course you are!" Sara finally said, then felt stupid for it.
Jan sighed, stood and held out her hand.
"Mr. Dolenz, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Micky will do." he smiled.
"All right, Micky. I'm Jan, and this is Ginny and Sara."
"Nice to meet you, Micky." Ginny smiled as she shook his hand.
"Hi!" Sara smiled a goofy smile as she stared her idol in the eyes.
"How was your trip?" Jan asked Micky as she started leading him toward the stage.
As they walked away, Ginny slapped Sara on the back.
Sara blinked a few times as if coming out of a daze, then looked at Ginny.
"What did you do that for?"
"To snap you out of it." Ginny replied. "Come on. We have work to do."
Sara frowned at Ginny, then picked up her speed to catch up to Micky and Jan.
"It was really nice of you to come to our convention." Sara said as she moved in between Jan and Micky. "Tell me, what songs do you plan on doing?"
Jan stood back in surprise as Sara led Micky away. Ginny walked up beside her.
"It looks like Sara has everything under control." Jan chuckled.
"Trust me. She won't let him out of her sight." Ginny grinned.
"Well, I have to call the caterer to make a few changes on the menu." Jan said. "You want to call the hotel and double check the reservations?"
"Quadruple check, you mean?" Ginny asked. "Sure!"