If I Fell

~29~

Premiere Movie Night

A week later and the Beatles were to assemble at Paul's to go, en-masse, to the theatre.

Paul insisted on catering for those Beatles, family and friends gathering prior but when the lady came down with the flu at the last minute I stepped in. Sorting a pretty display of appetisers and canapes, vegetable chips, petit fours and lollies, for the sweet- toothed George mainly, although, to my surprise, I had to refill the bowls a few times, Maureen was peckish and the lollies and small cakes beckoned.

"Hello Abigail" Jane dropped a glass gently in the sink and made me jump, I hadn't heard her at all. I hip bumped her hi as my hands were sudsy wet.

"You made it! Paul said you might get stuck on set"

Paul and I had sat the last few nights chatting and discussing all things long distance- music, family and even the 'knife salesmen' debacle. It came about after his weeklong succession of quickish half hour international calls to Jane in the United States. The film producers didn't want her coming back to London even though it had been scheduled for months.

"Well I made it but there is a big 'not so nice' catch..... I'm back on the plane at 1am" Jane grimaced then shook her head and I think my mouth hung open in stunned silence, this was Pauls time, Jane took it as my 'wow back to the states crazy' face "I know right! It's so crazy!! I love it!!!" She was grinning from ear to ear and I felt a big dark stab of pain for Paul... couldn't he have just one night.

As I continued to wash the dirtied plates and utensils from baking, I watched the movements of the guests as they flittered about house in the kitchen windows' reflection. I could see Brian had arrived, looking especially spiffy in a tuxedo, hair brill-creamed lightly in place and his trademark lopsided grin tacked on sincerely, Pattie dragged him through to say hello.

"Abigail!" Brian caught my attention, his usually friendly voice was terse and impatient.

I have often here him raising his voice towards the boys if they become too out of control in EMI hallways.

Shaking my hands to rid them of the excess soap suds I slid the towel over them, dropping it to the bench beside me before turning to greet him, his jaw was ever so slightly clenched "I'm a little bemused as to why you are washing up in your.... giraffe print pyjamas...." Brian paused and his eyes caught mine after I glanced down and back up at him.

I frowned, I guess they sort of looked like pj's. "It's a peasant lace trimmed-" I watched Brian start to zoom out "..Never mind" They weren't pyjamas, it was a loose-fitting shirt, with a giraffe on it and some soft Indian I Dream of Jeannie type silk harem pants.

".....So you're not dressed ready to go out"

I opened and closed my mouth like a fish gulping for air, do they gulp for air? Gulp for water? Anyway.... moving along.

I stood silently as Pattie, in her beautiful aqua gown sidled up beside me and looked at Brian like he had two heads "Brian don't you dare tell me this girl is supposed to be going tonight!"

"Well that was the plan, my plus one actually" He returned to his default face, that of appearing calm and happy, but his foot had other ideas and started tapping at the storm I was creating.

"You didn't tell me!!" I shrieked rather loudly and it made Paul hurriedly rush from the now, near packed, living room to see what was going on.

"You saw your own name on the cards you wrote did you not?" Brian puzzled.

"No, I went home after I.... After I...." I sighed heavily "After I was ill" My smile was thin after my excuse exited my mouth. another lie but I had no other choice to use illness as an excuse, what with everyone in the house "No harm done, you can go on your own Brian"