All In Good Time - A Time Travel Beatles Fanfiction

Track 18 - I Knew We Were Falling in Love

Paul was a new man after his nap. On the short walk to Brian's office, he called out to friends, yodeled for no reason, barked at dogs, whistled "Star Dust," and generally drew attention to himself.

The telephone was ringing when they entered Brian's second floor office. Brian's secretary, Freda Kelly, seemed startled to see Paul stride in with Lainey by the hand, but after a quick introduction, her face was wreathed in smiles as she settled the two of them in front of her desk with steaming mugs of tea.

Pretty dark-haired Freda was full of questions about life in London and how the tour was going. Paul dutifully signed his name to stacks of photographs and letters and regaled her with tales of the road. Freda had her own stories of obsessed fans and strange requests that came pouring into the office via sacks of mail and constant phone calls.

They were frequently interrupted by the telephone, which seemed to ring nonstop. Freda manned the office and patiently fielded the calls by herself, saying things like: "None of the Beatles are married as far as I know, luv" and "the boys try to read as much of the post as they can and they love getting letters" and repeatedly giving out the address of the fan club.

"Just a wee lock of hair?" Freda pleaded as Paul rose to leave.

"Absolutely not," Paul said, with an air that made Lainey think they'd had this conversation before.

"You can't imagine how many requests I get for your hair."

"I'd be right bald by now, Freda. Give them your hair then. Just say it's some of ours."

"Don't think I haven't considered it."

Outside on the street, Paul was soon accosted by two high schoolers who wanted his autograph.

"We saw you play the Empire!" one girl said, nearly shouting. "Cor, you were brilliant!"

Her friend nodded in silent agreement.

"Ta," Paul said, signing the backs of store receipts the fans offered.

The first girl's stare never wavered from Paul's face, while her friend seemed to be torn between watching Paul and taking in every detail of Lainey's appearance.

"See you around, luvs," Paul said, handing back the receipts.

The girls stood there staring at him, not wanting to leave. Paul turned to Lainey. "Are you hungry?"

She nodded. "Starving."

"There's a proper pub down the road. Shouldn't take long."

"Sounds lovely."

The two fans watched this exchange as if it were a movie. Finally they took the hint and stepped back. "You were brilliant," the one girl said one last time, over her shoulder, with conviction. "Brilliant."

"Ta," Paul said.

"Bye," Lainey said.

A few blocks away Paul led Lainey into a cozy little pub tucked away on a side street. Every head turned as they entered. Eyes fastening on Paul, lighting up with recognition, then assessing Lainey from head to toe. She blinked, adjusting to the darkness, while Paul raised a hand in greeting to a group of men his age at the bar.

They were welcomed by a waitress who smiled warmly at Paul. She was a pretty girl, too much makeup and a generous bosom. She seated them in a quiet alcove in the back of the pub, mostly hidden from the others. "What can I do ye, luv?" she asked, and Lainey couldn't help noticing how she pulled her shoulders back and thrust her breasts in their direction.