Secret Love - A Maylor Tale

1968 - The Kids Are Alright...

Song Selections:  The Kids Are Alright and See Me Feel Me/Listening To You by The Who

This chapter takes places a few months after the first.  Brian is getting to know his new bandmate and friend.

"C'mon then..."  Roger said as he excitedly nudged Brian and moved him along in line.  Brian smiled at his friend and bandmate.  Thrilled to have been invited to attend a concert with him.  Inside his inner most heart he fantasized it was kind of like a date.  

After meeting the blond drummer a few months back and putting together their band, Smile, with Tim; Brian had savored every minute he got to spend with Roger.  That initial crush he developed upon their first meeting never waned.  It only grew as he learned more about the younger man.  His self confidence and ease with people.  His natural charm and belief in becoming a rock star.  These were things he admired about Roger.  Things he wished he had more of in himself. 

So when Roger announced he had scored tickets to see The Who in a few weeks he gladly accepted his invitation.  Tim wasn't as big of a fan of the infamous Shepherd's Bush group and it made it easy for Brian to step in and take the second ticket.  

After queueing to get inside the venue, Brian pulled off his coat and laid it over his arm as they ventured to find their seats on the upper level.  Both were grateful the tickets Roger secured included seats.  Most of the tickets were standing and it was a long time to be on your feet.  

"Over here..."  Roger said as he gestured at a specific row.  Brian followed him down the aisle and watched as he noted the seat numbers.  They found their two seats and got settled.  It was good timing as the theater was mostly full and it was clear the show would start soon.

"I wonder whose going to open the show?"  Brian asked his friend as the compere stepped out to announce the first act.  It was The Mindbenders.  They'd had a few hits but weren't as big as they were a few years back.  The two men sat and watched as they performed their well known singles.   It was nothing remarkable.  They announced their final song and Roger grinned as the familiar strains of 'Midnight Hour' were played.  

"I used to sing this in my band back in Truro..."  Roger informed Brian as he leaned in to talk to him.  Brian tried to imagine Roger singing the bluesy number and decided he would request a rendition next time they rehearsed.  He was certain Roger would do it better than this group.  His raspy voice would add an edge to the song this singer lacked.

"You're probably better..."  Brian said to compliment him. Roger gave him a contrary look which made Brian partly blush but enjoyed his reaction.   They both applauded when the song finished and The Mindbenders left the stage.  They both noticed a large white curtain moving as the first acts equipment was hauled off.  

"Want something to drink?"  Roger asked as they waited for the next act.  Brian nodded and began to reach in his pocket for some money.   "I've got it..."  Roger told him as he stood up to go find a concession.  

"But you got the tickets..."  Brian argued but Roger grinned at him.  

"I didn't have to pay for them..."  he revealed as he kicked at Brian's long legs to move past him.  Brian let him go by and watched the blond march down the aisle.  Noting a few other people watching him go by as well.  Brian knew Roger turned heads.  His fluffy blond hair and soft features made him appealing to girls and even other guys couldn't help but look.  Envious of his natural beauty and the attention he received from the women present.  

Roger soon returned carrying two wax paper cups with straws and smiled at the girls who were on the row.  Each one smiling up at him as he shuffled past.  He reached Brian and handed him a drink.  "I got you a coke..."  he advised.  "There's no alcohol tonight..."  he explained.  Brian shifted his legs so Roger could take his seat.