Be my Starr (Ringo Starr)

Chapter 23 part 2: Open eyes

Susan's body shivered as Mr Anderson questioned her about what was going on with the Beatles. He asked every question under the sun and wanted to know everything. Susan tried to keep most of what she knew a secret and only told him things she thought were useless like where they had dinner. She didn't think it mattered since there were many hotels close to the restaurant.

"What time are they are going to be on the set?" He asked her.

"I don't know." Susan lied, knowing exactly when they were going to be there. "They didn't tell me."

"What about Epstein? Has he mentioned anything about future shows?" Susan quickly thought of an answer.

"Not that I know of. He's quite a busy guy." Susan pointed out. "To be honest, I haven't seen much of him at all."

"Well then, what about the boys? What songs are they playing on the show?" Susan paused. She couldn't think of an answer straight away. She knew they were performing their hit "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "I Saw Her Standing There" which was her personal favourite but she didn't know whether to tell Anderson or not.

"Um... All My Loving I think." She finally said, quietly smacking herself in the face. Nice one Susan. Why couldn't you have said something like Please Please me.

"And?" Anderson knew she knew more. He wasn't stupid, he had been in the journalist industry for more than 10 years.

"Well..." Susan sighed. "It's hard to think with jet lag." She said, desperate to get off the phone.

She could hear Anderson sigh on the other end. "I know when you're lying to me, Susan." He said, his tone almost sounding sinister. "You're not there to enjoy yourself remember. You're working for me." He reminded. "Or do you want to be known as a thieving snake?"

Susan took a deep breath. "No sir."

"Good. I'll call tomorrow after the show. Remember Susan. I can ruin your life." He said darkly and ended the call.

"Who was it?" Barbara asked as Susan turned to them, her face a little pale.

"Just-"

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door thankfully cutting her off. The door opened and a sympathetic George slowly walked in.

"You alright?" He asked Susan but judging by her facial expression already knew it wasn't going to be good. "Ringo's gone with Maureen, to talk it out an all."

"How did she know where to find him?" Susan queried.

"She must have called Eppy or something." He shrugged. "To be fair, he didn't know about you and Rings until now." George couldn't help but glance over at Barbara who quickly looked away. It was difficult coping in the same room with her after everything. He genuinely liked her which only made it harder because she wasn't who she said she was.

"This is a disaster." Susan sighed, hanging her head in her hands. She felt so bad for the girl. After all, it was technically her who was in the wrong. "I feel ill."

"It's not your fault." Barbara defended.

"But he's HER boyfriend." She exasperated. "And here I am ruining their relationship."

"Susan, it was already ruined a long time ago," George said. "And really, you're the one who opened the lad's eyes to finally realise that."

Susan took a moment to collect her bearings. "What's going to happen now?"

"Any second now, Ringo's gunna tell her the truth." Susan looked up at him, her blood rushing through her body at an impossible rate.

"Everything?" She worried.

"Just how he feels. He knew he wanted to end it when they went on that break." George took a breath. "You lot should come over, have a drink maybe. It might calm you down." He gave Susan a warm smile before closing the door behind him as he left.

The room was silent for a moment. Neither of the girls knew what to say.

"We should go for a drink." Barbara finally said.

"Really?" Linda gave her a disapproving look.

"The mans right." She looked at Susan. "You need cheering up."

"I'm fine," Susan answered rather unconvincingly. Once again, unable to hide her true feelings.

"Come on, what else is there to do?" Barbara grinned at Linda. "We'll have a game of shots."

"Is that really all you can think of?" Linda shot her a look.

"What else are we gunna do? Cry together in bed?" She teased. "I don't think so." Barbara started walking towards the door.

"You don't have to," Linda said to Susan who was still trying to pull herself together.

"No, I don't mind." She sniffled. "Have you got a tissue?" Linda nodded and rummaged through her bag, handing Susan some tissues. "Thanks." She said whilst blowing her nose.

"Let's go." Barbara huffed impatiently and opened the door.

"We're coming." Linda snapped back and waited until Susan was walking to follow shortly behind closing the door behind her.