𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 | roger taylor

XLI

February 24, 1978

Audrey isn't a natural at making friends her age, and it's something she's perfectly okay with. She prefers to play on her own, no matter how often she's encouraged to share her toys in nursery school. However, she finds John's small son, Robert, interesting the second he appears from behind Veronica's skirt. Not yet three, the boy is even shyer than Audrey, with a head full of dark hair and dimples.

I watch Audrey weakly wave at him, then pretend to be engrossed in her toys, all the while keeping a close eye on the child. She doesn't shy away when he moves closer, and even hands him a few of her toys. I raise my eyebrows, impressed.

"She's never this good with others," I tell Veronica, where we sit on the sofa, mugs of tea in our hands. "I'm surprised she hasn't ripped her stuff away from him yet."

The woman chuckles. "Mine's the opposite. Horribly shy, but he loves playing with other kids when he's... comfortable."

"They're getting there, you think?"

Although playing separately, they exchange a few words now and then. I smile to myself. Roger's going to be pleased when I tell him this- the notes from her nursery school teacher bother him more than they do me. She needs to learn to get along with other kids, Thea, I honestly don't know why you're not more concerned. If she doesn't have the right start it could affect her for the rest of her life... That's usually when I tune out. He's dramatic when it comes to Audrey, and seems to know a lot more about child development than I'd deemed him to. I always assure him she's right on track- nothing to be worried about, at least.

And clearly, she's doing great as of now. Roger will be thrilled to hear she's behaving normally, to his standard.

The "playdate" goes smoothly. Veronica and I chat about the upcoming album and tour, our current jobs, and of course, our children. Robert and Audrey have taken a liking to each other over the course of a few hours, finding a burst of energy after lunch and chasing each other around the house in a made up game neither of us can understand.

"We're planning to meet John at the studio, you should come," Veronica offers, shrugging as she puts on her son's shoes and coat. "Roger would love to see you guys."

At the mention of his name, my daughter jumps in place. "Yes!"

"I don't know..."

"They should be getting done soon," she tells me, lifting Robert into her arms. "We can ride together."

"Please, mama." Audrey wraps her arms around my legs, looking at me with pleading, blue eyes. I finally cave, and we're off several minutes later, the sky darkening as it creeps towards dinnertime.

The studio they record at is much nicer than the one I remember years ago. I feel out of place stepping inside, while Veronica breezes happily through the doors and down a carpeted hallway. I follow her with my daughter's hand in mine, and she soon leads us into a large, square room.

Their instruments are stashed in a corner, a display of sofas and chairs at one end. The space leads into a different room, where I can spot the recording room itself, and the expensive equipment that goes with it. It's untouched, however, and the boys are merely milling about, looking sullen.

John's face brightens when he sees his family, and Freddie and Brian wave, happy for some company besides one another. Roger is stretched out across one of the sofas, a woman underneath one of his arms. Alex looks different today, more casual. She's in jeans and a little top, looking even prettier in this setting.

Audrey and I step further into the studio, and Roger gets to his feet, grinning. "Hey," he says, looking somewhat... relieved to see us. Must've been a rough day, I presume. Roger pulls my daughter into his arms, kissing her side of her head. She clings to him, diving into the details of her day.