Personal Preference (George Harrison)

Chapter Thirty: Eight Days a Week

Author's Note
Hey guys! It's been a while, but I've changed my major and I've decided that finishing this book is my number one goal for this year. I hope I haven't lost your interest, but if I have I hope I gain it back. Thank you for all of your support. This chapter is mostly shit, but nonetheless I hope you enjoy it.

After the incident in the hallway at my parents' home, instead of having dinner and seeing Stella and Frank off at the airport, we all left. I hitched a ride on the Beatles private jet and mulled over thoughts of Brian. Deep down, I knew that I had to be completely honest with him. But, I never expected to cheat on him with George, just like Bob had cheated on me with Sara. However, here I was.

Arriving at Heathrow, it finally set in that I would have to break some serious news in the minutes to come. Sure, I had broken up with people before, but I had never told anyone that I had cheated on them... because in truth I never had cheated on anybody, especially someone that I thought I cared about. Walking through the terminal, I searched the crowds of people for the familiar face that I had arranged to pick me up. Shortly before I made it to the front entrance, I laid eyes on Brian. He grinned when he finally noticed me and I couldn't help but have second thoughts about telling him. George looked back just as he approached Pattie, sending a questioning glance in my direction. I sent him a reassuring smile and turning towards Brian, finally made my way closer to him. Brian pulled me into a warm embrace and placed a soft kiss on the top of my head as we hugged.

Brian carried my bag and rolled my suitcase through the airport for me, and with him being this new gentlemanly person of himself shocks me and makes telling him about George tens time worse than it already was. Brian goes ahead to his car as I step to the side to the payphone to phone my parents and after them, Cynthia. Quickly telling my parents that I safely made it to London, I dial the number for the Lennon household and wait for Cynthia to pick up. We have a rushed conversation as she is busy preparing a brunch for John and she invites Brian and I to join them. I accept only because I know that picking up Lucifer and eating brunch will only delay the news I have to break to Brian.

Driving out to Kenwood Brian and I spoke of Stella's wedding and the events surrounding my time back in New York, however I managed to avoid all talks of George and I and the sleepover we had at his hotel. Arriving at Kenwood, I can't help but jump out and rush up the walk to the front door, Brian following after me at a slower pace. I knock on the door and moments later John swings the door open to us, rolling his eyes after seeing its me. "Didn't I just run away from you?" He asks, jokingly.

"I'd move, John, Jo here doesn't seem to be in the best of moods," Brian says as he maneuvers past John and into the house.

John gives me a questioning look and I shake my head before can he can say anything. In the dining room, Cynthia is laying out all of the dishes she has prepared for the meal. Everything looks delicious, but I can't help but eye the champagne sitting in the ice bucket near the head of the table. Julian waddles around the table stopping to make curious sounds as he discovers something new.

Brian sits down at the dining table and I discreetly motion for John to follow me into the kitchen. I have to discuss my plans, even though none exist. I can hear small talk between Cynthia and Brian, and I hear John excuse himself. He enters the kitchen through the door that connects to the hallway and gives me the same questioning look from before. "You can tell me what's wrong now," he begins.

I nod, "I think you know what's going on." I answer, trying my best to prolong what is about to be spoken of.

"Joey, you know there is absolutely nothing wrong with breaking things off with Brian," John continues in a hushed tone.

"I realize that now, I think it's pretty clear how I feel at this moment," I reply, trying to focus my attention at the scene beyond the kitchen window. "I'm in love with George," I blurt, suddenly without caution and without restraint.

John facepalms and out of the corner of my eye I see Brian standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "I'd just come to say that dinner is ready but I think I'll excuse myself." Brian mutters and turns to head back into the dining room, slamming the door to the kitchen as he leaves. I can't help but run after him, I know that him hearing what I've just confessed to John isn't what I had planned on happening, but I realize that him hearing the confession happened for a reason.

I enter the dining room to find Brian has left and filed out into the hallway that leads to the foyer of their home. Cynthia gives me a sad smile and points me in the right direction. I don't take the time to hesitate and I rush to catch up with him. I manage to stop him in the foyer just before he can reach the front door. "Brian wait!" I shout just as he reaches out to grab the doorknob.

Brian turns to look at me but the look on his face makes me feel damn sure that he wants absolutely nothing to do with me. "Johanna please don't prolong what I'm about to do," He mutters, giving me one of the saddest looks I've ever seen to date.

"Brian, I'm sorry," I begin. "I never meant to cause you pain, I love you, I really do and seeing you like this doesn't make the decision I have to make any easier."

Brian shakes his head, "I'll make your decision for you, but I'll give you some advice first; just remember the grass isn't always greener on the other side."

He turns to leave, but I stop him again. "I never meant to hurt you, please know that," I continue.

Brian reaches out to grab my hand and brings it up to his lips placing one kiss to it, "Johanna, always remember what I've told you, I only wish you well,"

I nod, the tears trying to escape my eyes. I manage to stay strong though and I watch as he leaves, getting into his car and speeding off.

Back at dinner I have no restraint, I pour glass after glass of champagne barely touching the food I've got on my plate. I can tell that John has picked up on my drunken state, but he makes no move to stop what I'm doing. I've finally began to pick at the food on my plate when Cynthia gets up and begins to clear the dishes from the table. John gives me a look and finally speaks up, "Johanna." He starts. "I think it's time you retire the glass and find a ride home," he adds.

I obey sitting the half empty glass on the table and manage to stand up from my chair without a stumble. I walk towards the kitchen but I stop myself when I feel as if I'm going to pass out. I sit down again, taking a moment to look at John, who looks somberly in my direction. He gets up moving in the same direction I had before, he stops at the kitchen door though. "Who do you want me to call?" He asks.

"George."