"Alright. I trust you."
"I know you do," Beth said, kissing his forehead. "C'mon, play "Heart & Soul" with me. You take the lower, and I'll take the upper." They played, and John watched. Every so often, they would slip up, and who ever made the mistake would improvise until it sounded right. They did this until someone tapped Beth on the shoulder...
She stopped, and turned around. "Hello, I'm George Martin," the man said. "You must be Miss Anderson." "Beth, please," she said. "Paul? You've got some explaining to do." "Ah, yes, well, this is why I asked you two to come down to the studio today. George wanted to hear you sing and play something," he said. Beth shrugged and turned back to the piano.
Time as little as whence I met you
'Twas when I saw the words in your eyes
And I knew that if ev'r you spoke them
Not a sad tear would they ever cry
I won't hurt you
Oh, you know I won't
Just call on my name
And say you'll be mine
Oh, my love, you know I will trust you
I'll not take you for granted tonight
When I ask you to tell me you love me
Please don't say you love me out of spite
I won't hurt you
You know that I won't
Just call on my name
And say you'll be mine
Please don't hurt me
Just say you'll be mine
The song ended with a chorus of applause. "Splendid!" said George. "Now, a question.....would you be willing to record that, and some other songs?" It dawned on Beth that the song she had just sung was her audition. "You need not even ask that one!" Beth cried. "I'd love to!" "Good show!" said George. "Come in on Monday and we'll work out the details. I'll have the boys' manager, Brian Epstein, contact you with information such as your recording contract, and a manager's contract."
"Which brings me to another little surprise...." Paul said. He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and tied it around Beth's head, effectively covering her eyes. "Sorry, luv, but we can't show you where we're going until we get there," he said. John spoke up. "Do you mind if we take her, George?" "I don't see why not," he said. "Have a good time." John and Paul led Beth out the door of the studio and out of the Abbey Road offices. They all piled into Paul's car and sped away to their destination....
* * * * *
"I don't suppose it would do any good to ask where we're going," said Beth. "No, it wouldn't," said John. "Anyroad, we're already here!" He put a pair of earplugs in Beth's hand. "Put these earplugs in," he said. "Earplugs?!" Beth questioned. "Oh well." She put them in and John helped her out. "Hold on," he said, taking her hand.
He led her along. It seemed to Beth that they were walking in circles (which they were, for a while, when John tried to disorient her.) He pulled her earplugs out so that she might hear him. "There's some stairs here," he yelled over the loud noises. "But don't worry, I'll carry you." "What?" Beth asked. She hadn't been able to hear over the loud screeching of wheels and what sounded like.....airplane engines?
"Oh!" she cried as he picked her up. (As you might surmise, it's rather frightening to be picked up when you can't see.) He carried her up the steps and then stood her on her feet. After a moment the noises ceased and she heard a loud *klank*. All was quiet until she was brought back into the world of the seeing. She rubbed the light out of her eyes and heard a "Surprise!" She now saw that John and Paul were joined by George and Ringo and a.....fairy.....looking man.
She saw a banner behind them (on what looked like the cabin of an airplane) that proclaimed, "Congratulations, Beth. Join us for a song or two?" Everyone congratulated her and she positively beamed. "But wait, I'm confused," she said. "Why are we on an airplane?" "This is our private jet," said Ringo casually. "The one we use for touring." "Oh, neat," said Beth. "But...wait...no..."
"Yes!" said the.....fairy.....looking man. "I'm Brian Epstein, the manager for this motley crew. The boys would be delighted if you joined them on tour in two weeks, in the states, as a supporting act." Beth fainted out cold. George caught her and said," I think that's a yes." John swiped some ice cubes from the champagne cooler. He ran one across her arm, and she snapped to. "Works every time," he said, tossing the excess aside.
Beth sat up. She looked to John. "Are you kidding me?" she asked. " 'Cause if you are, I'll-" "No, I'm not kidding," he defended. "Alright then, I'll do it," she said. A cheer went up from the guys. They laughed and passed around drinks.
And this was how the wee hours of the night were spent; drinking, singing,and talking flourished. Beth didn't have too much to drink, though; she knew someone would have to drive them home! Around one o'clock, the party died down. All decided that this would be a good time to go home, so Beth offered to chauffeur. Paul gave her his keys and she managed to find his car. John insisted on sitting up front, so Paul was squished in back with George, Ringo, and Brian. This changed, however, when Ringo decided that it was too crowded, so he squished himself in between John and the passenger door.
So, when seating was finally arranged, Beth drove the guys to their respective houses. She found them with a little help but relative ease. She explained the circumstances to Maureen and Patti, who were aware of where they were and were very agreeable on the matter. She left notes at both John and Brian's houses, explaining where their cars were, in case they forgot! With that, she drove Paul and herself to his house, and helped him inside.
"Hey, luv, you can go home if you want," Paul told her. "Nah," Beth said. "It's easier just to stay here. I'm dead tired!" "That's fine with me, then!" said Paul. He kicked his shoes off and shed his suitjacket. Beth slid off her sandals, and flopped onto the couch. Paul joined her. "Just in case you're wondering, no, it hasn't really hit me yet," Beth sighed. Paul laughed. "I don't think it ever really does. After all the big stuff, all the fans, publicity, you're still you. After you make it big, you'll still be Beth."
"You really think I'll make it big?"
"I'm sure of it."
"Thank you so much for telling Mr. Martin about me. I'd never be headed in this direction without you."
"Sure you would. I just helped you along."
"Nonetheless, thank you," Beth said, kissing his cheek. "You're very welcome," said Paul, returning it wholeheartedly. Beth's sight grew dim. "Mind sleeping on the couch with me?" she asked. "I'm bushed." "Sure," Paul said, laying down beside her. He slipped his arms around her and they were fast asleep.
* * * * *
The sound of silence and the cold around her told Beth that she was alone, and that the air conditioning was on full blast. She stood up and stretched vigorously. She managed to find the thermostat, and switched the A/C off. Next, she went to the kitchen to hunt up some game.
On the kitchen table was a glass vase filled with white roses. A closer look showed a note beside it.
Dear Beth,
I have left these roses for you to brighten your day. I hope you are very happy! I have left to complete some errands, and should be back in a couple hours. Brian has invited us to dinner tonight at five o', so you might want to dress up a bit. He's going to tell you about the tour, and you can ask any questions you'd like. May I also add that both he and John are very grateful for the notes you left them about their cars!
Love you dearly,
Paul
By the way, there's some bagels in the cupboard if you're hungry!
Beth read over the note and smiled. She hunted for the bagels and thought over the things she needed to do...
* * * * *
After Beth took a shower at her flat, she blew her hair dry and pulled it back into a thick braid. She dressed modestly in a Cameron plaid skirt and a white cashmere twin set. She applied some natural make-up, and put on John's leather sandals. She was done, and had plenty of time to spare.
Beth sat down to watch the television, but was soon disappointed. The BBC didn't have much to offer. So, she turned to her record player. She lauged and put on Rubber Soul. She listened to it all the way through, but when she got to "Run For Your Life", she heard something weird. It was almost as if someone were singing it outside her door...
The singing became louder, and she realised it was outside her door. She opened it, and there stood John, belting out the end.
Let this be a sermon, I mean ev'ry word I said
Baby I'm determined, and I'd rather see you dead
You better run for your life if you can little girl
Hide your head in the sand little girl
Catch you with another man, that's the end
Little girl
Na na na
Na na na
Beth clapped. "You do know how to get someone's attention, don't you?" she laughed. It was the only way I could get you to hear me...I tried knocking!" cried John. He motioned to a plethora of shopping bags at his feet. "Mind helping me with these?" he asked. Beth said, "Sure." They brought the bags inside just inside the doorway. When they had finished, Beth shut the door. "Take a seat," she said. John found the couch, and made himself comfortable by taking off his shoes. "Care for something to drink?" Beth asked. "Sure, some Coke, if you have any?" he asked. "My favorite drink," Beth said. She grabbed a couple of bottles from the fridge and popped the caps off. She then brought them into the living room and sat on the couch next to John. She gave him his bottle, and the toasted before downing the first gulp.
"Well," said John, "I didn't know when you'd be over again, so I brought your stuff over here. Besides, I needed to talk to you." "Thank you very much," Beth said. "What do you need to talk to me about?" "It's like this," John said. "You know that I've been having problems with Cyn..."
"Yes."
"I...I've been thinking of divorce. But I'm not sure because of Julian....I don't see him too much as it is, but I don't know what this would do to him..."
"Do you love her?"
"That's just why I want the divorce. I don't love her."
"I can't think of any other way for it to go, then. You shouldn't stay married to her if you don't love her."
"I know what you're saying is right...but I don't think she'll understand."
"Why is that? Is it because you've fallen out of love with her, and you're afraid she'll think there's another woman?"
"That's exactly right."
"Why would she think that, though? I mean, I haven't seen you with any other women, at least not one as a steady companinon, and I..."
"Beth, luv, she might think it's you. We've been around each other a lot this past week, and she's bound to have heard something about you....I don't want you to get stuck in this."
"That's very sweet of you to try to protect me, but if you don't love her..."
"I know. But, if I want a divorce, I'll have to wait until I find something to complain about...that's just the way it works over here. And there's a year's waiting period until it's final."
Beth sighed. "Okay, I see your dilemma. I guess your only option is to wait." "So I want you to be patient with me," John said. "If I start acting like a total ass, I'm either drunk or hung up. I don't want you to think it's anything against you." "Thank you for letting me know," Beth said. "She looked at the clock on the wall. "My goodness, four o'clock!" Beth cried. "I've got to be at Paul's...we have to dine with Brain tonight, to talk about the tour...you know the life..."
"Yeah, I do," John said. "You look very nice. Paul had better compliment you." "Thank you, John. Oh, I'd almost forgotten!" she said. She ran into her room and grabbed a bundle of clothes...Cynthia's. "I figured I'd better give these back to you. I don't want you in any more trouble than you already are," she said. "And I've got your sandals on, too..." Beth reached down to take them off. "Keep them on," John said. "They suit you." Beth gave John a swift peck on the cheek. "Thank you!" she said. "Well, do you want a ride over to Paul's?" John asked her. "Certainly," Beth said. She picked up her stuffed overnight bag and purse, and showed John out. She locked the door behind them.
* * * * *
Beth walked in quietly and spied on Paul. He had his feet propped up on the coffee table, and was lounging on the couch reading "The Daily Mail". When he noticed Beth come in, he smiled and put his paper down. Beth dropped her bags and joined Paul on the couch.
The first thing he noticed was her hair. He touched her braid and smiled. "You look very beautiful, Beth," he said. "Thank you," she blushed. "Did you get a ride over?" Paul asked. "I heard a car outside." "Yeah, John came over to my place to drop some stuff off, and he gave me a ride here," Beth told him. "Did your errands go well?" "Hmm, yes," Paul said, laughing. "I'll have to tell you about it later." He looked at his watch. "But look at the time! Four twenty! We'd better get moving if we want to get to Brian's on time." He stood up, and gave Beth his hand to help her up. She picked up her purse at the entryway, and followed Paul out to the garage.
* * * * *
"So, this is how it will be at the hotels," Brian said. "You'll stay on the main performers' floor. You'll be with the Beatles and one other group on that level. Before we get to the hotel, I'll give you a pass of some sort; it may be some sort of thing you put about your neck, or a special pin. This will allow you to get back to your room, should you leave, and will also let you get around backstage at the concerts.
"As for the concerts themselves, you'll be the last act to perform before the Beatles. You'll need to get the crowd's attention, and get them to listen. You can do this however you want; feel free to use stage antics, but just get htem to listen to your music." "I understand that this is a big risk on your part," said Beth. "Why take it?" "I, George, and the boys have that much faith in you," Brian said. "They're going to love you, and we know that they'll listen."
"Thank you for your vote of confidence," Beth said. "Hmm, another thing about the concerts...what am I going to wear?" "You can incorporate some of your own clothes into it, but one of my assistants will take you out after you're done recording and buy your clothes. Cost isn't a problem, just pick out what you think suits you," Brian said. "Sweet!" Beth exclaimed.
"Now, what about getting to the stadium?" "If you wouldn't mind, you vould ride with us," Paul said. "Your presence would be welcome." "I'd love to, if it's alright!" said Beth. "That's alright with me," Brian said. "Now, one more thing....you were right in worrying a bit about us putting you near the top of the bill, seeing that no one knows you! But as I said we have faith, and we'll have publicity. Tomorrow, I'd like you to come in to the photo studio around four...Paul knows where it is. Bring some clothes along to switch to for different shots. Bert, the photographer, likes to take a variety of shots."
"Excellent!" Beth said. "I'll be there." "Oh, yes, and another thing...for the ads we'll run in the papers, we'll need to have the title of our album. Do you have any ideas?" Brian asked. "I have a decision," Beth said. "It will be called The Dawn of the Sunset." "Very good!" Brian said. "Any further questions?"
"Yes," Beth said. "I hope I'm not to forward on asking, but what about the financial matters? I'd really like to know if I'll be making a living off of this..." "Not a problem!" said Brian. "For every show you do on the tour, you'll get eight hundred American dollars. For every LP sold, you'll get one American dollar, and for every single, fifty American cents. You will receive a cash advance of fourteen thousand British pounds when you start work on your album. The profits of your music publishing through Dick James will get you a 75% profit, 15% will go to me, and 10% will go to Mr. James. My profit would be on the condition that you give consent for me to manage you."
Beth tried not to show her surprise. Wow! That's a lot of money...I should say it would be a career move! "May I see the contracts?" Beth asked. "Surely," Brian said. "Here's the one for management, the one for publishing, the one for the tour, and the recording contract." Beth read over these carefully, and asked questions if she didn't understand. Paul told her what some of the technical terms were, and she considered it all. When she was ready, Paul gave her a pen. She signed them.
"Very well then!" Brian said. "I hope you don't mind, but I've gone to the liberty of scheduling a photo shoot for you, to take care of publicity photos. Are you free tonight?" "Sure," she said. "Where should I go, and when?" "I've contacted a fellow called Robert Freeman," Brian said. "Paul knows him. You think you could take her over there, Paul? It's the place over on..." "Oh, I know it," Paul laughed. "No problem." "Good!" Brian said. "Robert said to come in between six and seven, and to bring a couple changes of clothes with so that he could try some different setups."
"I"ll do that," Beth smiled. "Well, we'd best leave if we want to swing by my apartment...the dinner was wonderful, Brian. I appreciate you inviting me in here." "Yes, it was a great dinner," Paul said. "You're very welcome," Brian said. "I'll see you another time, and I'll get copies of these contracts to you, Beth." They said goodbye, and Paul and Beth left.
* * * * *
When they got home, Paul told Beth to change for bed, and come downstairs when she was done. That's funny. Oh well, might as well go ahead with it. Beth picked up her overnight bag at the bottom of the stairwell and went to her room to change.
She disrobed and put on her silk pajamas.When she went downstairs, she realised that the patio door was open, and it was raining. She went outside onto the deck, and saw that candles were lit everywhere, casting a dim light on the whole porch. Rain was streaming down on the glass awning overhead, and it made a comforting sound. Thunder rumbled low in the distance. She finally noticed Paul, who was reclining on the couch. This was no ordinary couch....it was the sort that you might find at a psychiatrist's office.
Beth joined him, and he sat up beside her. He fumbled around in his pocket for something. "Close your eyes," Paul instructed. Beth obliged him, and he took her left hand. He slipped a ring on her ring finger, and said, "You can open them." Beth opened her eyes, and in the dim light, could see a beautiful marquis-shaped emerald, accompanied on either side by a small diamond. It fit her perfectly.
Beth gasped. "I'm not asking you for marriage, luv," Paul said, "but will you wear my ring, and say you'll be mine?" "Oh, Paul, yes...but you didn't have to do this...I hardly deserve it," Beth said. "But I did, and you do deserve it," said Paul. "And it's just a small sign of my love for you. Not all the diamonds or emeralds in the world could compare." He kissed her hand, and she kissed him. "Thank you," she said. "So, this was your errand?" "Yes, and it was burning a hole in my pocket," Paul admitted. "I was afraid of your answer, and afraid I'd have a coronary trying to ask you!" "No need to worry now," Beth said.
She leaned back to recline on the couch, and Paul followed her lead. "It's so beautiful, and peaceful," Beth said. "I love it when it rains." "I thought you might, and I heard it was going to rain tonight," said Paul, "so I put two and two together." Paul put his arms around her, and clasped his hands around hers. They drifted off to sleep.
* * * * *
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