The Nearest To My Heart -John Lennon Fan Fiction - Paul McCartney Fan Fiction - Beatles Fan Fiction

Chapter Eleven - The Comfort Of Anonymity

"Who is your favorite Beatle?"

 It was a question that Charlie had grown accustomed to hearing. The Debutantes connection to The Beatles had garnered the girl group a great deal of attention. It was good for their popularity in Europe, but she resented the interest in the group based solely on their association with The Beatles (or so she thought) and not their music.

"The one that sings and plays an instrument," Charlie answered dryly.

"They all do." The teenager giggled, sliding her copy of The Debutantes 'Welcome To The Ball' LP in front of Charlie to sign. 

Charlie never replied to that question in a serious manner. She felt that it would be revealing a part of herself that she didn't feel comfortable sharing. Being in an industry in which one had an image to sell while trying to maintain some semblance of privacy had been manageable for her. She was finding that the publicity of being connected to The Beatles had made that difficult.

Charlie had grown increasingly bored and less responsive with the questions about The Beatles. The meet and greet Howard had scheduled for The Debutantes at Dobell's to sign copies of their album at the record shop was an event that was supposed to be centered around The Debutantes.

(----)

John finished off his bottle of Coke and placed it on the end table next to the sofa. He took a drag off of his cigarette. The Beatles were taking a break from recording a series of open-ended answers for use by US disc jockeys to play, giving the listeners of the various radio programs the impression that the lads were actually talking to the jockeys. The novelty of it had worn off rather quickly for John, and he was chafing at the bit to get out of there and see Charlie.

"Just a few more," Paul stated good-naturedly, joining his mate on the sofa, knowing that John was fed up. "Have you got somewhere else to be?" He took a long sip from his bottle of pop.

"I've made plans with Tilly." He smirked, taking a great deal of pleasure in telling Paul.

He smiled, appearing casual, and took another sip from the bottle. John was the reason why Charlie had given him the brush off. "Taking her anywhere special?"

"It's not where we go that's important. It's where we end up." He winked, standing up from the sofa, and made his way over to George and Ringo.

Paul held onto his facade of affability, finding it more important to appear easy going than acknowledging the jealousy he felt.

(----)

"Who is your favorite Beatle?"

It was a question that Paul was keen to hear the answer to, but Charlie had avoided answering the question leaving him disappointed.

Paul was wearing a houndstooth fedora pulled down low, and a fake mustache. He blended in, perusing the selection of records that Dobell's had in stock. He walked over to the display of The Debutantes LP and picked up an album. A couple of young women walked by him. He hid his face behind the record. When it was clear, he walked over to the table and placed the album in front of Charlie.

"How about an autograph for your number one fan?" Paul smiled, briefly lifting the fedora from his head.

Charlie laughed. "What's with the get-up?"

Paul grinned, running a finger over the fake mustache. "It usually prevents me from getting recognized."

"Is George with you?" Annette asked, looking over Paul's shoulder.