the drummer boy ❦ Roger Taylor

37

Throughout my shift, my mind was once again distracted by thoughts of Roger.

Every blonde man that came in made me double take. Every man clad in animal print, or with sunglasses on. It was getting ridiculous.

"You ok, love?" Angie asked as we both washed up some glasses. It was pretty empty, only three pm, so we had barely any customers. Fortunately, it gave me time to think and wallow in my own thoughts.

"Yeah, Ang, I'm alright." I smiled, picking up the next dirty glass. She furrowed her eyebrows.

"You're not alright, babe. Don't kid a kidder. You remind me of my girl, Paula. Similar age to you. I can always tell when something's playing on her mind." She stated, her east London accent thick.

It was weird hearing about Angie having a daughter. You don't imagine your co workers, or boss, having a life other than outside of work. She gave me a knowing look, raising her eyebrows. I paused, then sighed, giving in.

"My boyfriends gone away for a few days. It's a really incredible opportunity, i'm not denying that, it's just...oh, don't worry. It's silly. I sound like a brat." I laughed, grabbing a clean tea towel.

"If something's bothering you, it's not silly at all. C'mon, talk to me." Angie said kindly. She had now put down the glasses, giving me her full attention.

"He's in a band, and they've just been performing in local pubs and at the college student union up until now. They were spotted at their last gig, and they have a show in London tomorrow," Angie whistled, "and i'm so happy for him, so so happy. Thing is, I know how talented they are, and there's no doubt that they'll be snapped up by a big agent and i'll never see him again." My voice went wobbly near the end. Angie tutted, pulling me into her comforting body. She rubbed my back. I automatically felt better.

"It's alright, darling. It's difficult. When my Dean went away to fight back in the war, I thought my life had ended," I sighed, suddenly feeling selfish for worrying about something so minuscule when people went through that, "but it didn't. He came back, love. I promise you, things will work out for you. Do you wanna go round the back for a bit? Clear your head like? I can make you a cuppa?"

"No, no thank you, Angie. I'll stay and keep my mind off of it. Thank you, Ang. It means a lot. You know what, I can speak to you easier than my mum." I frowned.

"It's always easier speaking to someone other than your mother, lovie. Paula speaks to her mates mums more than me. It's just the way it is. Take your break soon." She said, cupping my cheek before walking away, leaving me at the bar.

/

My shift ended at four, and I took a quick walk home. Mary was picking me up to go out in an hour, so I had enough time to have a shower before getting ready round hers. I was in no mood to have a good time; all I wanted to do was sleep and eat food, whilst thinking about Rog, and how much fun he was having.

"Hiya, mum." I said as I walked through the door.

"Julia! You're back!" Mum exclaimed, running into the hallway. She looked like she was going out herself.

"You look nice." I said. She hurriedly swiped some red lipstick on.

"Yeah? Ah, thank you Jules. Richard and I are going out for a meal. You and Debs can sort your own dinner out, yeah?"

Richard. I had barely seen my mum since he had come into our lives. However, I can't say much. I'd rarely slept at home since meeting Roger. If he was making my mum happy, I was happy.

"I'm going out myself, mum."

"Well, Deborah can tag along."

Again, I hadn't seen Deborah in ages, other than passing visits. I did miss spending time with her.