Honey Pie (P.M)

The Brightest Starlet On The Screen

{1968}

Paul watched over the man’s shoulder curiously as he set up the film projector; he had paid MGM to send a copy of their latest movie, Live A Little, Love A Little, for him and some friends to watch. He was a Beatle, after all. There was no way he could go to the movie theatre like everyone else. Though the days of Beatlemania had come and gone, Paul’s face was still as recognisable as ever. And he was still as popular as ever, with a group of devoted fans living just outside his front gate. The man finished setting everything up and turned to face Paul. He smiled and handed Paul a slip of paper. “Here you go, Mr McCartney: your bill.”  Paul nodded. “I’ll send the money ASAP.” He told the man, leading him to the front door as his friends gathered in his living room to watch the movie. “That’s fine, Mr McCartney. Enjoy the movie, sir.” “Thanks. I’m sure I will. Ta-ra!” Paul waved the man off and went back to join his friends.

As the movie started, everyone who had gathered had begun to get restless, including Paul. Although he thought the movie had initially gained so much popularity because of it’s leading male star, Elvis Presley, Paul soon learned the real reason behind the sucess: all everyone could talk about was the gorgeous actress playing Elvis' love interest. He had been told she was extremely beautiful and, like any other young man in his 20’s, Paul was very keen to lay eyes on her. Only a few minutes in, the scene where the beautiful actress entered the plot came and the whole room held their breath. When she eventually appeared, Paul’s eyes widened in shock. Louise’s smiling face looked him in the eyes, their familiar gentleness as lovely as ever. Paul’s memories of Louise came rushing back to him. He hadn’t thought about her in years. Hadn’t they promised to keep in touch last time they had met? “Well shit.” Paul muttered under his breath. He didn't dare tear his eyes from the screen. As he watched their on screen chemistry take over everyone look, touch and kiss them gave one another, Paul felt about 15 again; for the second time in his life, Paul wished he was Elvis Presley.

When the movie credits began to roll, Paul stood up abruptly. “Okay. Everyone, don’t mean to be rude, but get out.” Paul’s friends moaned in objection, but he was adamant that they all leave. Once the last person had left, and Paul was on his own, he rushed to the phone and dialled his father’s number. “Hello?” Michael’s tired voice replied. “Mike! It’s Paul.” “Paul? Why are you calling at 1o’clock in the morning?” His brother asked. Michael was clearly exhausted and possible on his way to bed. “I just watched the new Elvis movie –“ “The one with Louise in it?” Michael asked, cutting his off. “You knew?” Paul yelled. “No need to shout. Yes, we all knew. I would have thought she would have told you first.” Paul shook his head, even though Michael couldn’t see him do so. “No. She didn’t. I kind of… lost touch with her.” “I thought you promised to keep in touch with her?” Michael asked, yawning. “I forgot.” Michael’s end of the line went quiet. “Mike?” Paul asked sheepishly. “You… Forgot?” Michael repeated slowly. “Mmm.” Paul mumbled. “Well it’s no bloody wonder she didn’t let us tell you! She probably didn’t want you to know!” “Hey! Why should I have kept in touch anyway? She left me remember? After making me fall in love with her, she broke my heart!” “But I bet you never asked her why she left!” Michael challenged. Paul went quiet; Michael had him and he knew it. “That’s what I thought. She left Liverpool back then because her grandmother was dying.” “Meredith?” Paul asked, remembering his visit to Louise’s hometown and meeting her grandmother. “Yes. She died in ’62.” Paul sank to the floor, the phone practically glued to his ear. “You need to get over your Beatle sized ego and get in contact with her. I love you, Paul – you’re my brother, after all – but you can be a massive arsehole sometimes!” Paul sighed, wiping away the tears that were slowly rolling down his cheeks. “Look, Paul, I have her new address, phone number and the number of her management. She’s in America right now promoting the movie with Elvis. So I don't know how you'll get to her.” Paul laughed loudly. "I'm a Beatle, Mike. I'll find a way." "Oh yeah... I forgot. Anyway, dickhead the Beatles, write this down." Paul didn't object or defend himself. He listened and quickly wrote down the details that Michael was giving him. “Thanks, Mike.” Paul said sincerely, looking at the slip of paper with Louise’s details on. “Whatever. You’re welcome. Now goodnight.” The phone line went dead.