Roxan ~ In My Life with the Beatles

48

Out with the Old - end of 69.

The baby was born on July 1st 1969, Linda held my hand. 

Linda and Paul had their second child (Heather was by all intents and purposes Pauls') on September 13th. 

Both girls. 

Both to be lifelong friends and allies if Linda and I got our way!

As I had gotten bigger the band endeavoured to take on more business so I thought. Although, what was actually happening, was two groups were emerging; a war was on the horizon and I was at a loss to help any of them.

Throughout the years all Beatle related issues were passed or vetoed with four agreeing, or disagreeing, votes. This had worked well but as the boys turned into men and outgrew each other the voting changed to majority rules around the close of 1969.

I was invited into the offices.

To see myself forced out, and the lion brought in to savage the villagers....

As I walked through the Apple offices I could feel the tension winding through the building. Usually friendly faces, were guarded... or missing completely.

The office was quiet and solemn not vivacious and pumping.

I had my favourite flowery maxi dress on, my stomach didn’t take kindly to the tight capris or slacks in my closet just yet. I hoped I didn't look too under dressed or un-business like but, by the way the fashion was, no one would look twice at me anyway.

Linda had the girls at home; A while ago when Lin and I became friendly Paul and I agreed, and told the others, that we would leave work at work.
We would never discuss the Beatles other than what was on the piece of vinyl spinning on the turntable or sitting in the record sleeve on the shelf. 

Outwardly, to be truthful, it didn't look good, I was in one of the band members homes often, so it would seem to outsiders or other band members, who didn't care about our disclaimer, that I was in cahoots with Paul.

"Good Morning Mrs. Lennon please take a seat" A portly short unknown character approached me taking my hand in his sweaty mitt and leading me to a seat opposite John and his friend. Yep she was here, and included. I pulled my hand away from his, I was nobody's property but my own.

Ringo and George stood behind John chatting quietly, not even acknowledging me at all.

That stung.

A lot.

Paul stood by the window with another unknown gentleman chugging on a cigarette looking out across the roof tops of the adjacent buildings.

"Right we have all been introduced, let's get on with it" The Unknown short man said impatiently. I re-canvased his person. He was stocky, short as mentioned, he had a gold filling in a side molar and a couple of gold link chain round his neck. His accent was American maybe New York but very broad. New Jersey? I couldn't be sure. He gave an air of arrogance but maybe it was his accent.

"No sorry, everyone doesn't know everyone here" I spoke up to the entire room. If they thought my having a baby gave me baby brain they had another thing coming. "I do not know two of the people in this room, and a third... I have never been formally introduced to" I spoke neutrally, I wasn't being nasty just plainly noting the truth to the room. I glanced at John, only for him to turn his head and concentrate on a half a smoke wasting away between his fingertips.

"Well you know the man by the window" The unknown American presumed wrongly with a smile.

"No. No, I do not" I retorted.

She giggled, and Richard looked everywhere but at me. George, I couldn't read him, no that's not it, he looks... disgusted in me. What have I done to him!

"Roxan, this is my father-in-law Lee Eastman" Paul spoke clearly so no one missed the message.

"Right Mr Eastman, hello and you are....?" I address the terse unknown man and he glares daggers at me, he is in a hurry but I am not.

"This is Allen Klein Syd, he is the business manager George, Ringo and I would like to take over control of 'Us' incorporated. You can go on a holiday or... be a mummy" John, the condescending bastard, stared at me as he spoke waving his cigarette about, which would burn his fingers if he wasn't careful. And she giggled, while fiddling with his sleeve.

"And Paul?..." I ignored Johns mummy remark. He doesn't have time for me or the baby so I ignore his callous retorts.

"Well I think Mr. Eastman has all the qualifications to better look after all our interests..." Paul always spoke calmly and evenly, although his voice was hoarse; so many words must have been spoken beforehand.

"You mean daddy in law don't you" John stood and walked around the table, leaning over my shoulder but looking up at Paul scowling. John breath laid warmth on my cheek. Was he being overbearing, riling me up or breathing me in, I wasn't sure at all.

The rest of the meeting turned into a shit fight ending in Paul walking out with Mr Eastman, and Geo, Richard and John signing on with Klein.

I was, as expected, told by Klein my services were no longer required then he proceeded to pick me bodily up by the elbow and march me out of the office.

"Get your hand off my elbow, Mr Klein" I spat through gritted teeth as he pulled me up. I was fine to go but I, apparently, wasn't quick enough for him. I suppose he was marking his territory too. But manhandling was always taboo to me and his fingers grasping hard were quickly stirring memories that had laid so long dormant.

"Get your paws off her Allen... Alright Syd?" John commanded. Being nice to me, or for me.

Nodding thanks but not daring to look  at his face I stood, collected myself, then exited without looking back.

I left Apple for the last time.