Whatcha reaching for, Freddie?
*To reiterate, so as not to confuse, the names Marvin and Banner are used interchangeably depending upon Freddie's mood. Marvin when he was introspective and selfless and Banner when more demanding and arrogant. The two sides of Freddie Mercury.
Freddie arrived back at the Carlyle with *Marvin in tow. He immediately called a meeting with the band and Miami, sat down and tried to organize his thoughts and strategize a game plan.
John was the first to arrive sporting a new haircut. He came dancing into the room feeling very "in."
"WTF, Deacy, an afro? Are you kidding?" Freddie quipped.
"Not at all, it's just that I'm starting to thin on top and this haircut kind of covers it. Besides, nobody really dotes on me."
"Do you really think so Deacy? Tell that to Japan" Freddie said with a smile as John kind of blushed.
Roger walked in next with Brian arguing about a guitar riff and a drum fill. Freddie tuned out of that having more pressing thoughts on his mind, normally he would have put his two cents in but now...
"Mates, the bars open, help yourself and let's get down to business.
Freddie's POV
I'm sure Miami told you by now that Cynthia is fine and protected. Both Sir Peter and Giuliani want me to continue my lifestyle as in the past before Cynthia. They want Prenter to approach me.
Wait John, let me finish. I know what you're going to say, all of you. But if this is what I have to do to get rid of Prenter, well, I'll do it.
Giuliani said I'll have plenty of security surrounding me, and I have Marvin with me at all times.
Tonight I go to Mineshaft! Keep your fingers crossed that I can lure that rat out of hiding.
It was 9PM when Marvin and I arrived at a nondescript building in the meatpacking district. Walking over cobblestones to get to the iron clad door with a poster adorning it saying "Mineshaft, School for Lower Education."
Entering, we had to get passed the bouncer who made sure you kept to the specific dress code. Denim or leather and boots, and positively no cologne nor little alligator crested tops. As we walked down the stars, the rooms were recreated as jail cells, dungeons, backs of trucks, and a small dance floor with a bar. The music was loud and I was in need of a drink. *Banner declined as he was on "duty" but stayed rather close and was a little "touchy-feely" I didn't mind it as it gave off the proper vibe. I knew what Banner was doing. In a little while whispering was heard saying Freddie Mercury is here. Perfect, let that bastard know I'm around. I'm just an everyday tourist.
It was my first time here and I walked around and saw a small booth with merchandise for sale. I immediately bought a leather biker cap and some tee-shirts saying Mineshaft. Maybe I'll wear one for one of my videos. That'll cause quite a stir. As I held up a shirt I accidentally bumped into a rather large, leather-clad man with the largest mustache I ever saw. He introduced himself as Glenn Hughes, the original leather biker from The Village People.
"Freddie Mercury" he said as he proffered his hand. "Nice to meet you." "Same here, care for a drink?"
They walked towards the bar chatting and giggling like old chums with Marvin trailing.
"First time here Freddie?" Glenn asked
"Yes, I've always wanted to try this club when in NY, but never seemed to have the time. An unforeseen breakup set me free and here I am." Freddie said, hoping people around him heard and would carry tales."
"You know Freddie, we got our idea for our Village People costumes from Mineshaft." Glenn said.
"Well, I have a video in the works that I think I'll wear a Mineshaft tee-shirt. That'll cause quite a stir, don't you think?" Freddie asked.
Glenn excused himself seeing a friend motioning to him from across the room. "Let's get together" he said.
"Great, I'm at the Carlyle" Freddie answered.
I sublty motioned for Banner to follow me as I made my way through crowds of delicious looking men. I mean, it's no secret that I have been with men in the past. So what? I want what I want, after all it's my life and no one else could live it for me. I've had both men and women in the past and I always seemed to gravitate towards men, but Cynthia, I don't know, she changed all that. She is all I could think of, all that I wanted and now with a baby on its way, I'll be a parent. I never imagined myself with a family. Probably too selfish with letting go of my lifestyle. The thought of ever becoming a father to me was as exciting as having a tooth pulled and as remote as becoming knighted by Queen Elizabeth. But Cynthia changed all that and made me want and crave those very things with her. Living a normal life, or as normal as what the majority of society dictates.
I, Freddie Mercury, wishing for the mundane and normality, would seem to be a contradiction of my life, but, by God, I want it, and want it now.
I put on one of the new T-shirts as well as my new leather biker cap and made way to the bar while looking for Marvin. Of course, he appeared at my side, a regular chameleon. He always seemed to know instinctively what I wanted and required. He was New York's Phoebe and I was so grateful for him, Miami was absolutely right, he usually is.
"A double vodka soda" Freddie told the bartender as Banner started to light Freddie's cigarette,
"Here Freddie, have one of mine, they're Silk Cuts, your favorite."
YOU ARE READING
A Piece of My Heart
Historical FictionWhile Cynthia Lewis is hired by Princess Di to orchestrate a charitable function, Freddie Mercury has agreed to perform. Neither one of them believed that they were to meet their match. Both wealthy, successful and highly sexual, their encounter lea...
