In My Life

Chapter 10:

As John and Olivia walked home that evening, Olivia couldn't help but notice a change in John's attitude. He seemed quieter than usual, his mind clearly elsewhere. While he exchanged a few words with her, he wasn't his typical, boisterous, and talkative self - the version of him she was used to, especially after a few drinks.

Olivia cleared her throat, glancing over at John as he gazed up at the night sky, exhaling a cloud of smoke from his cigarette. He seemed lost in thought, the stars reflecting in his eyes. She waited a moment, hoping he might speak up on his own. When he didn't, she rolled her eyes.

"Okay, it's time to let it out now," she prompted, trying to encourage him.

He slowly turned his head towards, a smile playing on his lips. "Ya mean, right here?" he teased, trying to keep things lighthearted.

John could tell that Olivia was trying to pry into his thoughts, and part of him wanted to keep those thoughts to himself for now. The truth was, he felt a bit conflicted about the whole situation. He genuinely wanted Paul to join the band - Paul's talent was undeniable, and John knew it could help their music get to another level. But he couldn't ignore the apprehension about how the others might feel about bringing someone like Paul into their tight-knit group. Someone who not only had raw talent but also a deeper understanding of music.

Olivia nodded, "Well, yes. I've been waitin' this entire time.." Her words trailed off as she noticed John chuckling and making a show of unzipping his pants.

"Oh, for Christ's sake now. I didn't mean that!" she exclaimed, rolling her eyes but unable to hold back a laugh of her own.

He quickly zipped up his pants, laughing bubbling up as he caught the slight smile on her lips. "Oh, that's not what you wanted?" he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

She shook her head, trying to maintain a stern expression but failing. "You know exactly what I meant," she replied, chuckling despite herself.

John shrugged playfully, still grinning. "Can't blame a bloke for tryin' to lighten the mood," he said, the laughter in his voice easing the tension that had been hanging between them.

"You've been thinkin' 'bout that McCartney fellow, haven't ya?" Olivia cut straight to the chase, determined to get to the heart of the matter. She waited patiently for an answer, knowing John's stubborn streak all too well. When he didn't respond, she simply sighed and looked up at the stars.

"Well, for what it's worth, I think he's good," she added, her voice soft and thoughtful.

He stopped in his tracks, letting the cigarette slip from his fingers to the ground. "Ya think so?" he asked, filled with curiosity and a hint of vulnerability.

"I do.." she said, her voice gentle but insistent. She could see the tension building behind his eyes, the way his thoughts seemed to weigh heavily on him. "Ya don't have to be so damn stubborn and keep things from me," she continued, her voice softening as she reached out to him.

Noticing the frustrated look on her face, he couldn't help but chuckle. "Ah, ya know I'm always stubborn," he said with a shake of his head, letting out a sigh that seemed to carry the stress from his thoughts. "I don't know what to do, ya know. He's good; he's fuckin' gear. We could use him, and if I wanna get somewhere, I need the best. But.."

"But.." she repeated, stepping a little closer towards him, "But what?"

John shrugged, "I feel that he'll bring some attitude to the group, ya know?"

She couldn't help the small smile that formed on her face. "Ya mean more attitude than you?" Olivia teased, hoping to lighten the mood a bit. She waited for his reaction, but John remained unamused, his expression serious.