Real Life or Fantasy? - 'Bohemian Rhapsody', Roger Taylor

Celebrations

"I have an announcement." Freddie had gathered the band together for an urgent, important meeting.

The others exchanged a wary glance, noting his serious expression.

"Everything all right, Fred?" Mallory asked.

He eyed them before continuing. "I've had a call." The others waited expectantly for him to continue. He made sure he had their full attention before he did so. "One of the men from EMI Records saw us recording, and gave our demo to John Reid-" He paused, his lips suddenly breaking out into a giant grin. "-He looks after Elton John."

John gasped, Brian joining in with an, "Oh my God-"

"Elton John?!"

Freddie could hardly contain his excitement now. "Yes. Mr. Reid wants to meet us, and possibly even manage us."

"Shut up!"

"You're joking!"

Mal gave a shriek and Roger gave a shocked curse followed by a cheer.

Unable to contain it any longer, Freddie gave a shout of glee and a victorious jump, promptly enveloping the band in a giant group hug. "Long live Queen!"

"Long live Queen!" the others cheered.

Freddie released them. "This calls for celebration!"

"Drinks!"

"Drinks for everyone!"

The group found their way to the nearest pub, chatting excitedly about their meeting with Reid as they walked. Once they arrived, they found a booth and right away ordered some celebratory drinks that didn't last long.

"Everything's happening so quickly, I can't believe it!" cried Mal. "I mean, just last week we were playing at universities and in pubs, and now we have a potential manager?! It's bloody brilliant!"

"I propose a toast-" Freddie rose to his feet at the head of the table, glass in hand. "-To us, Queen. May we only get bigger and better from here! The future is looking bright, my darlings! To us!"

"To us!" They all lifted their glasses to share in Freddie's toast.

"Another round, anyone?" John asked, noticing everyone's already empty or nearly empty glasses. "I'll go fetch a couple more jugs. Brian, will you come help me choose?"

"Yeah." The two headed back up to the counter.

"Anyone hungry?" Freddie jumped in quickly. "I'll go get some menus." He winked at Mal while Roger, who was sitting next to her, was downing the last of his beer, before dashing off, leaving the two alone together at the table.

Mal rolled her eyes at Freddie's obvious set-up, but also silently thanked him.

It had become clear that she and Rog were now stuck in the middle stage between friends and something more, but neither knew how to address it, so they stayed in the middle. At least it was clear to Mal, she wasn't sure if Roger sensed it too, but he had been more flirty with her lately. But then again, Roger was always flirty with everyone. There was really only one way to find out: bring it up.

"Hey, Rog?"

"Hmm?"

Here goes. "I've been thinking..."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah, about what Freddie's mum said. When she thought that, you know, we were together together."

He cracked a grin. "I have too."

She raised her eyebrows. "You have?"

"Yeah. I just about said yes when she asked."