Honey Pie (Paul McCartney FanFiction)

Chapter Three: "Reservations"

It's the night of the party and I can feel my heart beat out of my chest as Wendy and I walk up the steps to Cynthia's party.
I haven't officially met anyone but John which makes me even more nervous.
Before we knock on her door I turn to Wendy and ask if I look right.

"You look stunning. He's going to do crazy"

"I hope so... Okay, I'm ready"

Once we knock, the most beautiful blonde opens the door, I assume it's Cynthia.
It's confirmed when we are officially introduced.
She offers to take us around and introduce us to everyone.
When I see John, he immediately recognizes me.
She explains that everyone stepped outside for a smoke.
With every person that comes back inside, my heart beats more and more rapidly, anticipating the moment I see him.
First, I get introduced to a handsome guy whose name is George. He's tall, dark-eyed, and seems quiet.
Then I meet Ringo and his girlfriend Maureen, they make a beautiful couple. They seem outgrowing and I could tell they're the life of any party.
Just then, he walks in.

"Valerie, this is Paul"

I stand there like an idiot, stunned.
Cynthia continues.

"... and his girlfriend Jane"

Out of instinct, I pretend we never met.

"Hello, it's nice to meet the both of you"

He extends his hand and I timidly shake it.
I don't know why I pretended we never met or why he went along with it.
Maybe it was Jane, maybe he didn't remember me or maybe the connection we made that night was all made up in my mind.
Either way, I knew I was a coward to not come forward.
For the last couple of days, he was all I thought about and now I didn't even have the nerve to properly say hello.
I try to shake off my nerves by heading to the refreshments and getting something to drink.
Wendy approaches me with shifty eyes and subtly whispers

"So?"

"So what?"

I say in annoyance.
I already know what he's going to ask.

"How did it go with umm... Paul? His name is Paul right?"

"Yes, his name is Paul"

"He's cute isn't he?"

"He's alright if that's your type"

"Oh come on Viv, you were crazy about him yesterday"

"Well, I was wrong. I don't find him that attractive, he isn't my type."

"Whatever you say"

I roll my eyes and she goes back to join the party, being as outgoing as she is, it isn't hard for her to fit right in.
As for me, I feel completely set apart.
I stood in the corner and had another drink when a friend of the boys came up to me.

"I'm not having too much fun either"

"It's not that... I just don't know anyone yet, I guess I'm just a little shy."

"My name is William, I'm 22 years old, I play bass like Paul, I'm just not as good as he is, I like taking walks and I don't enjoy these parties. Now you know me."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Valerie... I didn't know Paul played bass"

"They aren't the Beatles for no reason"

I almost spit my drink out.
That's where I saw Paul before.
I must've recognized him without realizing I did.
Pretending I already knew, I go with the flow of the conversation.

"Right. I must've forgotten."

"Anyway Valerie, tell me more about yourself "

"Well, there isn't much to know. I'm 21 but I will be 22 soon, I'm a secretary, I paint and I just moved here."

"Oh, so you're new here?"

"Yeah, it's only been two months but I haven't had any luck in making friends"

"The problem is you don't go out enough and by the looks of it, you don't mingle."

"I go out"

"work doesn't count"

"Ever since I got out of my relationship,  I just don't know how to put myself out there again"

"Let me take you out"

"I don't know"

"As friends, you need one. Don't you?"

"I suppose I do"

"How about tomorrow night?"

"Okay, that sounds fine. Where should I meet you?"

"I'll pick you up"

"Sounds great"

I gave him my address and felt more confident after speaking to him.
He's a nice guy, but as of right now, I'd like to have him as a friend.
I look up and see Paul glancing over at us but trying hard to not be obvious which in fact, makes it more obvious.
When I look at him, he looks away.
After a while with the help of a few drinks,  I warm up to just about everyone but Paul and Jane who seem more reserved than the rest.
I don't mind it though.
When the night finally comes to an end Wendy and I say our goodbyes and like all friends do, gossip and review our night on the way home.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what Val?"

"That he was a Beatle, that THEY are the Beatles?"

"I didn't know any more than you did!"

"Out of all the guys to meet"

"Speaking of guys, did you see Paul staring at you all night? He had his eyes on you"

"Wendy, don't be silly. He has Jane"

"but wanted you"

"Even if he did, I don't want him"

"You know lying to yourself isn't healthy. I felt the tension all night."

"I'm not interested"

"Whatever you say but you can't deny he's pretty sexy"

I roll my eyes at her, although I know she's right.
A stubbornness in me is trying to reject him before he rejects me.
In some strange way, that's supposed to make sense.