the drummer boy ❦ Roger Taylor

6

Roger sat on the bar stool next to me, drinking a pint. He had had around half, and was clearly not his first. He wasn't drunk, but tipsy. Sober enough to be in control still. I took a seat on the stool I was currently leaning on, happy to see a familiar face.

He looked even better than last week. A light paisley t shirt clad on his torso, the sleeves right around his biceps. His hair was slightly teased and hung loosely around his cheeks.

"You look beautiful." He said, eyes scanning down my body. I didn't feel uncomfortable, though. Actually, I felt the opposite. A man like him, paying attention to me? Things like that don't happen. I felt the blood pool to my cheeks, and I immediately looked down to cover my embarrassment. His fingers reached out and lightly brushed over my hair. "Don't cover yourself."

"Thankyou," I replied quietly, "so do you."

"I always do, Julia." Roger winked. I rolled my eyes playfully, slapping his chest lightly with the back of my hand. The vodka had given me the confidence that I needed. Sober me wouldn't have done that. And he remembered my name!!

"And so modest, too." I winked back. He smirked, enjoying the banter between us. Roger looked back up, into my eyes, but this time with a kind smile.

"How are you after last week?" His voice was soft and quiet, not wanting others to listen. I sighed, eyes glued to my drink.

"I'm ok."

"Don't lie to me."

"No, really. I'm fine."

Just as Roger was about to open his mouth, a curly haired man came from behind him and placed both hands on his shoulders.

"Julia! Hey! You look great." Brian smiled, then focused his attention to his band mate, "Sorry to interrupt, but we go on in two minutes." Roger groaned, but then looked to me and reached his hand out to mine.

"I'll meet you after the show?" He asked, but as if I could say no to those eyes. I nodded, almost frantically but stopping myself of making a fool.

"Good luck, boys." I said, and watched as they walked away. I especially watched Roger, who was still looking at me until he was out of sight. That man.

I asked the barman for another drink, this time a double, and looked for my sister. Squeezing through bodies, I kept apologising, until I finally saw Deborah and Helen sitting at a table. They were giggling about something, with three untouched Jägerbombs in front of them.

"Who's are these?" I asked, sitting on the vacant chair with them.

"Great! Jules! We were waiting for you." Deborah exclaimed, thrusting the shot into my hands. I groaned. I barely enjoyed drinking vodka, let alone Jägermeister and red bull. Combined. Even so, we downed them quickly without vomiting it back up.

"Eugh! Who decided these were a good idea?" I asked, face twisted in disgust. Helen guiltily raised her hand, resulting in us all collapsing with laughter. The venue went quiet, and we noticed it was due to the band setting up to begin. Deborah let out a loud 'woo', the whole bar flipping their heads to look at her. Including Roger, who shook his head, laughing.

-

The show was incredible. Freddie was a natural performer, there was no doubt about that. After an awkward start, he blew the audience away, along with the other two band members. I felt strangely proud of the three men, almost emotional. And that wasn't just down to the three more vodkas that I had during the show.

Even though the set had finished nearly ten minutes ago, we were still dancing away in our seats, humming the tune to the song they had sung. I was pretty drunk to say the least. The place had emptied quite a bit, but I was waiting for Roger.

"Another drink?" Helen asked, motioning a swigging motion. We nodded enthusiastically. I was worried, though. Helen had drank just as much as me, and had to drive. There was no way I was getting in the car with someone that wasted driving. I looked over to Debs, who was swaying to no music. Her eyes closed, a wide smile on her face.

"Enjoy the show?" A voice said from behind me. 

"It was amazing! So, so amazing!" I slurred, now realising how drunk I was. I stood up and gave Roger a hug. Why did I do that? Why would I hug him?!

However, I instantly relaxed when I felt his arms wrap tightly around me, his palms rubbing me lightly. I inhaled his heavenly scent; a strong aftershave, laced with the slightest tinge of smoke and beer. It was what I expected, but so much better.

"I'm really glad." Roger said. Suddenly, a presence was sensed. With a slight cough, I saw Freddie come into the circle. He had a grin on his face, pride evident.

"Hello, darling," Freddie said to me, kissing both of my cheeks lightly, "was I fantastic?"

"You were incredible, Freddie." I smiled. Helen arrived, three drinks balanced in her hands. I took mine gratefully. Everyone began a conversation, talking amongst themselves. Brian had sat down next to Deborah, and they were laughing about something. Even Mary was here. I noticed Roger, holding a confused expression. His eyes flicked from Helen, to my drink, then Deborah. I furrowed my eyebrows, trying to get his attention. Instead, he stepped forward,

"Wanna come for a smoke?" He asked no one in particular, but he was looking at me for the longest. I didn't smoke, but if it meant more time with him, I'd take it.

"I'll come." I said casually, ignoring Deborah's scoffs and taking Rogers extended hand.

-

Unedited