Two Different Roads

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" Mike's got a bird," Davy pronounced, never one to fail to pass on a juicy piece of gossip if he could help it. "I heard Bert complaining to Bob about how he'd hired some chick Nez is shagging and how it's sure to end in disaster."
"He said 'shagging'?" Micky interrupted.
"Cool it Mick. You get the drift."
"If she's working here we'll all get to meet her. I for one am dying to find out exactly what type of girl he could find to put up with his shit."
"I know. I know," Peter suddenly interjected.
"How?" Micky asked.
"Pete is staying with him. Don't you remember?"
"And you never thought to share this important information?"
"Nobody asked me."
"Well I'm asking now. What's she like?"
"Pretty great actually. Nice girl-smart too and a good sense of humor. As for looks...think Ursula Andress crossed with Bridget Bardot only with lots of curly red hair down to her ass. And it's a mighty fine ass too."

"Mike scored a chick like that?"
"Yeah, and if the sounds I hear coming from his room are any indication, she's really into him."
"Who'd have thunk it? Well, if Nesmith can get a girl I guess there's hope for you too Davy."
"Sod off Micky."
"Guys, guys, she's here."
"Peter it's not the bleeding queen," Davy protested. When he got his first look at her he ammended, "I take that back."
"Bob wanted me to introduce myself. I'm his new personal assistant, Ellen. You must be Micky, and you're Davy."
She shook their hands. "THIS troublemaker I know. Morning Peter."
"Morning Gorgeous. Where's Mike?"
"He should be along shortly. I think Mr. Schneider wanted to speak with him for a moment."
"You're English," Davy remarked.
"I am. Born in Liverpool, last lived in London."
"We're practically neighbors. I'm from Manchester."
"I'm certain we'll have a great deal to talk about then."
He thought a moment. "Can I ask a bit of a personal question? How tall are you?"
"Too tall for YOU Shotgun. You'll have to excuse Davy, Darlin. He flirts with just about every decent looking woman he meets."
"No harm done."
"So are we getting to work, or are we all just gonna stand around and annoy the newbie?"
"We weren't annoying her. We were being nice and friendly."
"Yeah, we all want your girl to feel welcome."
"And just where you'd get the idea she's my girl...Davy?"
"I didn't MEAN to overhear. It's just Bert and Bob were talking..."
"It's cool Babe. I'm kind of glad you all know. Then you know she's off limits...Davy."
""Watching the alpha male defend his territory is fascinating, but I'd better go find out what Bob needs me to do, " Ellen said with a wink.
They all laughed. "I think I'm going to like her."

II

Ellen had just left her new boss' office to go to lunch when she was impeded by a long arm. "Headed my way Darlin?"
"Only if you're planning on going to the canteen to have lunch."
"How about we go to my dressing room instead and I'll have YOU?"
"How about no?"
"Come on Babe, I haven't had you all day."
"Did you forget this morning in the shower?"
"That was hours ago."
"My poor love-so deprived. How ever will you manage? Why don't you just have lunch with me? We can talk. You remember how to do that right? Or has that mouth been occupied with too many other things?"
"Funny. I can think of something I'd like to 'occupy' YOUR mouth with."
"Be a good boy NOW and I'll make it worth your while later."
"Damn straight you will Woman."

III
Ellen became aware for the first time of how much things were changing as soon as they filed into the canteen, Mike's hand brushing hers as they walked beside each other but not quite daring to hold it as he clearly wanted to do. All eyes immediately shifted in their direction. The Monkees were already becoming the next big thing, and it seemed everyone in the room recognized her lover as the tv/rock star he was soon to be. Several of the girls working there gave HER curious glances as well, obviously wondering who had warranted the wool-hatted Monkees attention.
Damn, it was turning into John all over again. Soon they would no longer be able to do even simple things like this. She remembered the hordes of screaming fans that had besieged the Beatles everywhere they went with a shudder. She wasn't anxious at all to repeat it.
But surely it would be worth it to see Mike achieve the success he so richly deserved. He'd worked hard to get here. He'd learn the downside of fame soon enough. But then maybe he was already getting a glimmer of it.
He looked around the room warily. "We could just get the food and eat it back in my dressing room."
She considered. "All right, if you'd rather."
"I would."