Time After Time

Chapter 22: Maybe I Know

20 August 1964

Silence. Dawn was approaching and while everyone slept, it was the only time they would experience complete and total silence. After landing at the Las Vegas airport a little after one in the morning, they all were exhausted and it was only at this time they could escape the screams from their fans.

As the sun slowly rose and the fiery tangerine light met the surface, the thin sunkissed glow escaped through the small crack in the drapes. It was just ten minutes after six in the morning as John lay in his hotel bed wide awake, staring at the ceiling as his thoughts bothered him.

He had a tough time sleeping last night now realizing it has been Lauren this entire time since he's returned. Many things stirred in his mind, remembering she was probably still fast asleep in the conjoined room next to his. Things were different on this tour - the heat, the mania from the fans, their performances, and sleeping alone was a first. During past tours, Lacey would continuously sneak into John's room during the night, offering him someone to wake up next to. This time was different and it bothered him; not because he didn't have someone with him in his bed but that the girl his heart belonged to and the girl from his dreams was just on the other side of the wall, completely clueless he knew her little secret.

After lingering in bed for another half hour, he decided it was best to get up and head to the main room to see what was for breakfast and if anyone else was up for the day.

When he strolled in, to his surprise, found Paul awake. Paul sat back on the sofa, his hair still a mess, having a cigarette with Neil by his side.

"What're ya doin' up?" John preceded to the empty chair next to him, eyeing the carton of cigarettes on the table in front of him.

"Couldn't sleep. I'm fuckin' knackered," the palm of his hand pressed against his forehead, "What about you, then?"

John plopped his already lit cigarette in his mouth, quickly inhaling then slowly exhaling the smoke in the air, "Same. Me mind tossed all night."

"So, she's got your mind racin', then?" Neil sniggered, raising his eyebrows.

The smug grin on his face said it all. They all knew. It was evident to everyone except the girl that left John sleepless, "And ya put her in the room next to mine, ya bastard."

"I could have put her in with you, but, I don't fuckin' know what's goin' on between you two," Neil exhaled a deep breath, shaking his head.

"I thought ya sacked her," Paul's lips pursed together, his eyes still glazed over, trying to keep himself from falling asleep.

John snorted, "I did, but I assumed she'd stay her distance or ignore me, ya know, as she did last time," he paused while his lips curled to a smile, thinking of Lauren, "But she's different."

"I think we all can agree something is different with Lace," Paul chuckled, sitting up, "Isn't she usually up at this hour? What is that thin' she always boastin' 'bout?"

Neil laughed, standing to his feet, "Early bird gets the worm," he put his hands in his pockets, "Well, lads, I'm off to get some brekkie for you all. Any requests?"

"Nah, just the usual, thanks," John nodded, waving his cigarette to Neil, and watched him leave.

The silence hung in the air for a minute or two while his thoughts stayed on Lauren. He smiled and sniggered to himself at Paul's last comment about her sleeping habits. Lauren was not the morning person Lacey was and cherished her sleep any moment she could. If only she knew just how many times John tried to get her out of bed or even how convincing it was to lay with her in bed past noon.