In My Life I Love You More

Chapter Five

It was ironic, usually, any member of the  Fab Four would have women hanging by a thread waiting to be contacted by one of the famed potential suitors, but here John was, four days after his date (which they mutually agreed went well!) and still no contact from Josephina.

   Maybe it was karma from all the girls he had strung along with promises of love, (including Cynthia) only to drop them after he was finished, leaving behind pain and heartbreak.

  "One more day," he thought to himself, sitting poolside under an umbrella, a glass of some fancy cocktail in his hand, "if I don't hear from her in one more day, I'll personally drive up to that bloody bakery and tell her what a slag she is for wasting my time."

   A few women who had obviously recognized him, giggled as they passed, giving him flirtatious waves that he returned half-heartedly, his mind on the caramel-skinned beauty that had caught his attention and attraction.

"Excuse me, Mr. Lennon," a timid voice spoke above him, and John lifted his gaze to stare unblinkingly at the young waiter, who looked no older than sixteen, "phone call for you again sir." He held a telephone out to John who stared in dislike.

Paul has been calling him all morning about when he was coming home, that they had a song to record in a matter of days, how Brian was now taking his frustration out on him, amongst other crap  that damn too-feminine faced man's mind. It seemed like his purpose was to disrupt John's vacation as much as possible in order to get him back home quicker.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner? Children these days." John grumbled sarcastically, snatching up the telephone and the boy backed away nervously, not at all eager to further antagonize the musician who already seemed to be in a bad mood.  

"I'm getting fucking sick of hearing your voice, Paul. I'm not your damn teacher to be called upon every time you draw a picture during your recess."

"Well with that tone, I'm really glad I'm not Paul, but if I was, you would be in for such an earful." A feminine voice he didn't recognize spoke over the line, amusement laced in her tone.

"Who is this?" John sat up, almost knocking his glass to the ground but he cared little, eyes narrowed as the stranger laughed lightly.

"We haven't formally met. I'm Gabriella, Josie's older sister."

  "You're Gabriella?" He blinked and there was a giggle on the other end, the kind of giggle of a woman who knew something he didn't and he didn't like it at all.

"Don't sound so surprised, I'm sexier in person," She deadpanned before sobering up her tone, "Josie's been sick for days now. She wanted to call you but every time she opened her mouth she sounded like our old Sow Delilah giving birth and she blew chunks everywhere, it was friggin' disgusting." There was the sound of an indigent squeak and the sound of someone getting hit.

"The sow? Chunks?" John questioned bemused and after a moment of silence passed and he grew worried that he had lost the connection, "Hello?"

"Give me the telephone! Hello? John?" Josie's voice, albeit a little raspy spoke over the line, much to John's delight, though he hid it under a mask of cool indifference.

"Hello Josie darling, I'm sorry to hear you've been unwell." He sympathized and he could practically hear the smile in her voice.

"Thanks, I'm feeling much better now. Just a little tickle in my throat," There was some rustling on her end "I really am sorry John." She apologized.

  "Oh baby, don't worry yourself, I wasn't angry, just concerned for you." John lied through his teeth, taking another sip from his drink.

"That's so sweet. To make up for my absence, I'll be showing you the boardwalk tonight. They have free concerts on the beach and the rides are open all night."