Rock 'N' Roll Singer

𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘

     25 November 1978
Bonham Lane twinkled under a starry Australian night. I was surprised that anyone could even see the stars with the light pollution from marquees, shop window displays, and any assortment of blinding lights that could be found on the street. I could've seen it all for myself if I hadn't been cramped in a phone booth.

I dialed the number I had memorised and waited to hear Bon's voice on the other end. It was a shame he couldn't get in to the club due to his age.

"You get there alright?" He asked, like he waited for me to call.

"Yeah," I looked over at the line of people waiting to get in. "I'm a bit nervous. What if—"

"Uh-uh, don't say what I think you're gonna say. You'll be marvelous."

"Awww, thanks." I twirled the phone cord around my finger.

"Oh, and you left your notebook here... Marie?" He asked after a short pause. "Marie, are you there?"

Right before my eyes, I saw myself putting the notebook down at Bon's place but never going back to get it.

"Yeah, I'm here. I just feel a bit foolish at having left it there is all."

"Why? I didn't read it. Not much anyway."

"I could murder you." I ran a hand over my face, sticky with sweat.

"Ha ha! I'm just picturing the look on your face now, but I'll let you go. Break a leg, love. See you at eight."

I couldn't worry about a simple notebook now. I had something else on my mind. Taking a deep breath, I marched toward the entrance and cranes my neck to look at the bouncer.

"What?"

Can I help you? must have been too formal.

I cleared my throat. "I'm with the band."

"The groupies usually hang out somewhere around there."

"No, I'm with the band." I allowed myself to flash a smug, little grin. "I'm the singer."

"Yeah, and I'm Mick Jagger. Get in line, missy. You can't just waltz in here."

"But I am the singer. I'm in the Dumbskulls.
A friend of mine got me this gig." I was getting a bit hot-headed and tried to push my way in.

"Who? And why didn't they tell you to change your name?" He asked, his voice walking a line between doubtful and curious.

"Bon Scott from AC/DC." I moved in every possible direction I could, but he'd find a way to block my path.

He held out a muscly, hairy arm to keep me at bay, snickering as I flailed my arms uncontrollably in an effort to do something. What that something was, I didn't know.

"Didn't think girls did rock music, but maybe you rubbed him the right way."

"Listen, I don't have time for your sexist rubbish right now. I have to get in there. My career depends on it."

This seemed to pique his interest.

"Oh, I could let you in, babe." His words oozed with lechery.

I pushed his grabby hands away from me and gave him a cold, icy stare and a growl instead. Like I'd ever be caught dead with a man old enough to be my father. Some girls waiting in line had my back and stayed with me while I waited for my band to show up.

After a few moments, I heard a familiar voice.

"Marie!" I turned to see Jack waving to me. A cooling wave of relief washed over me as he and the rest of the band came into view.