Us and Them- Rick Wright

Love Lives

I pulled up to Buckingham and parked.

"Alright, good luck tonight, guys!" I said, "Tell Roger I said good luck too."

"W-wait!" Syd said, "You're not going to come to watch us?"

"Um," I said awkwardly, "I mean, I don't have a ticket, and uh-

"Oh, that's no problem!" Syd said, "You don't need a ticket if you're coming with us."

"That's not necessary-

"I insist."

I sighed and looked down. I had no plans, the car I drove wasn't even my car, and I would only be wasting more gas. 

"Alright, I'll come."

Syd's face lit up, and so did Nick and Rick's. 

I didn't know Pink Floyd's music quite well. It was described as more psychedelic and less poppy and rock and roll, like how the Beatles and the Stones played. They were different from the Beatles and the Stones, and I admired that.

Instead of standing in the crowd, I was able to watch backstage. The music was beautiful. I couldn't catch the names of most of the songs, but I liked them all. Syd had an eccentric yet gorgeous voice, and the instruments all complimented it. I couldn't sing or play an instrument to save my life, but I appreciated musicians greatly. 

After the concert, the boys got pulled aside for a few until they were released and able to go back to the dressing room and put their things away. I waited outside so I could take them home and call a cab, but Syd and Roger had other plans. And so did all of their female fans.

"After party at Rey's!!" Roger announced.

"No!" I protested. 

"Rey, pleaseeeee?" Syd said, "We'll clean up afterward and have everyone out of your flat at one!"

"Twelve thirty!" I corrected him, "I have an interview tomorrow, and I don't have time to clean up any messes. And if you drink my alcohol, you're paying me back."

"Deal!" Roger said.

So, we all reached my flat, and I let the boys do their thing while I went upstairs and changed out of my dress. As I was about to remove my makeup, I heard a knock on the door. 

"Come in," I said. The door opened, and there was Rick.

"Hey," I said, "You ok?"

"Yea, um, do you mind if I stay in here for a bit? I'm not really digging the party scene tonight."

"I don't mind at all," I sat on my bed and patted a seat for him, to which he sat down, "You guys did great tonight."

He smiled softly, "Thanks, Rey. Means a lot. Jesus Christ, I always get nervous before we perform."

That was understandable. Performing in front of hundreds or thousands of people was surely nerve-wracking. 

"Especially with Syd."

I turned my head to look at him, "Why?"

Rick sighed, "I know we've only known each other for less than two days, but can I trust you not to tell anyone what I'm about to tell you?"

I stuck my hand out, "You can trust me, Rick."

We shook hands, and Rick began explaining.

"Whenever you've seen Syd, you've seen him as this happy, upbeat guy. But that's not how he is normally. He's- he's been having a serious drug problem."

"Drugs?" I said, confused, "You mean like dope?"

"No, I mean like LSD," he said, "He uses it regularly, and he's becoming so withdrawn from everyone and everything. I see it, Nick sees it, Roger sees it. I don't know-

Rick put his hand over his mouth, and I could see his eyes were watering, "I don't know how much more we can take of this- this bullshit."

I wasn't sure what to do, but I cautiously put my hand on his back and rubbed his back softly.

"I'm so sorry," I said quietly, "I had no idea. I'm sure you three will know what to do. Maybe talk to him, get him to see a physician."

"Syd's a willful person. We can't get him to do shit unless he already wants to do it himself," Rick wiped his eyes with his sleeve and looked at me, "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to get all emotional."

"It's ok," I said empathetically, "It's totally ok, Rick. How about we change the subject? Um, you said you're married, right?"

"Yea," Rick chuckled, "Her name's Juliette, and she's amazing. She gave birth to our boy, James, a month ago."

"Oh, congratulations," I smiled, "I can't imagine having kids right now. I'd have to wait for a little bit."

"I felt that way too, believe me, Rey. And I'm only two years older than you," he said, "Having a child is such a blessing. How about you? I assume you're not seeing anyone right now?"

I shook my head as I pulled out a pack of cigarettes, "No. I haven't had a boyfriend in two years. My last boyfriend was this french actor named Jean-Pierre Leaud, but he cheated on me with one of my mates. So, I cheated on him twice and then dumped him."

I handed Rick a cigarette, which he accepted, "I'm sorry about that, Rey."

"It's alright. French men, and actors at that, are pricks," I said, "Why do you think I go for musicians now?"

"You cheated on him with musicians?"

"Yea, Keith Richards, and Pete Townshend," I said, inhaling and then exhaling.

"Whoa!" Rick said, shocked, "Go you."

We looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"Was your boyfriend at least good in bed?"

"No," I laughed, "Never made me have a single orgasm during the year we were together. What about your wife?"

"There's more to marriage than sex, but I suppose she's ok," he said, "I wouldn't know. She's the only woman I've ever slept with."

My eyes widened, "Shit."

"Yea," he said.

I sighed as I took another hit from my cigarette, "I'd love to get married someday and fall in love with someone who isn't complete shit."

"Were you in love with him?"

I nodded, "Sadly, yes."