Chapter Thirty-four, Miss You
Posted by DiF on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Title: Midnight Shift: Chapter Thirty-four, Miss You
Rating: PG-13 [language, drinking]
Summary: Summer expands her world because of Cameron. Jimmy and Robert work out some issues...
Leaving the movie theater, bag half-full of popcorn in her hand, Summer stopped just outside the door. Her blue eyes looked around at the crowd, waiting for Cameron to exit. His hand touched her elbow, drawing her eyes from the New York crowds to him. She quickly smiled, though her eyes did not quite reflect it.
“You didn’t like the movie?” he asked, guiding her to head down the street towards a late night eatery before heading back to the hotel.
“It’s like TV right?”
Cameron paused, holding her elbow to keep her from crossing the street before the cars stopped, “What do you mean by that?”
“Well… Jimmy and I watched something on TV about Jack the Ripper… and he said it wasn’t true. So… that wasn’t true?”
“No,” he said cautiously, leading her across the street. “Tommy is not real. It’s a story, an opera that Pete Townshend made up.”
Summer remained silent as they weaved down the crowded sidewalks and stopped in front of a diner, “Cameron?”
“Yeah?” he glanced over his shoulder at her.
“Who is Pete Townshend?”
He blinked and turned fully towards her, saying nothing.
“Really, who is Pete Townshend?”
“You really were sheltered, weren’t you?” he remarked, smiling slightly. “Do you have a turntable back at the hotel?”
She shook her head.
“Well then tomorrow, we’ll go get one. And pick up a few essential albums. You’re going to learn about rock and roll,” Cameron declared, grinning. “But for now, let’s grab a bite and then go walk the dog.”
Summer nodded, not caring that he slipped the bag of popcorn from her fingers and tossed it in the nearest trash bin. His fingers closed around hers and he led her into the diner. They were seated in a booth by the window a few minutes later, laminated menus pressed into their hands. Glancing over it, she tried to find a word she understood. Previously when out, Jimmy or Robert would order for her or in the rare case, there had been pictures on the menu to go by. That was how she chose the sandwich she ate the first night she met Robert, by a picture on the menu. This menu had no pictures and few of the words were ones she knew by sight. She chewed on her bottom lip, trying to figure out how to choose something.
“Summer? Is there something wrong?” Cameron spoke up, drawing her confused eyes from the sea of unfamiliar letters.
“No, not at all.”
“Do you not see anything you like? We can go somewhere else.”
“No, no. Here is fine,” she quickly answered and glanced around. “Here is just fine.”
“Are you sure? You don’t look–”
“Whaddya have?” a waitress asked, barely stopping at their booth.
Waiting for Cameron to place his order first, Summer glanced around, trying to decide what she wanted from what others nearby were eating. When the girl popped her gum to get Summer’s attention, she quickly pointed out a plate buzzing by on the arm of another server. Rolling her eyes, the waitress took their menus and headed to place their order.
“She’s kinda rude,” Cameron commented with a smirk.
“Yeah,” Summer stated, not really looking at him.
“Summer, is there something wrong?”
Her eyes snapped to his, “No, no. Not at all. I’m glad we’re out. I really am.”
“You miss him, don’t you?”
For a moment, she had no clue what he was talking about. Her own thoughts were focused on her failure to read a simple menu. But with his soft question, her entire focus shifted. Her bottom lip trembled and she looked down at the tabletop. Cameron reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
“I don’t know what I would do without you, Cameron,” she stated softly.
“Well I’m around now, so you don’t have to worry about it. And Jimmy will be back soon,” he smiled. “So after we walk Queenie tonight, what do you want to do?”
“Talk to Jimmy.”
“Well… we’ll figure something out so you can talk to him. I’m sure of it.”
“Thanks, Cameron. You’re a good friend.”
Smiling again when they left the diner an hour later, Summer followed Cameron as he navigated the busy streets with ease. She knew the theater had been close to the hotel, but she still had no idea where they were. That is until they turned a corner and she suddenly saw the façade of the hotel across the street. She giggled and darted across the street with the young man, ducking into the hotel easily. They hurried up to the penthouse suite, Summer digging the key out of her purse.
As the door to the suite opened, Queenie yipped and bolted towards the two as the phone rang. Cameron waved her off as he clicked the leash on the dog’s collar, pointing at the phone. Nodding she hurried over to it while the door closed behind the boy and dog. Snatching it up, she muttered a breathy greeting.
“Princess, where have you been?”
“Cameron and I went to see Tommy. It was really weird and colorful and not at all like the things we watched on the TV. It’s not real, is it, Jimmy?”
He chuckled, “No, princess, it’s not. It’s just a figment of Townshend’s crazy mind.”
“You know Pete Townshend?”
“Of course I do. I have worked with him before.”
“And he’s crazy?”
“Of course,” Jimmy replied. “Where else were you besides the movie? I’ve called a number of times to no answer.”
“Oh before the movie we went to the zoo again. I really like the zoo. And then afterwards we went and had dinner,” she explained. “Jimmy?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“I miss you.”
There was a long pause before he sighed, “I miss you, too.”
“When will you be back, Jimmy?”
“May 26th. We’ve had to add a couple of shows due to ticket sales.”
“But Jimmy, that’s forever away,” she whined. “That’s like… a long time.”
“Eleven days too long,” he stated. “But even a single day without you is too long.”
She sighed, “I really miss you. I miss sleeping in your arms and waking to your kisses. I miss baths and playing music. I miss everything, Jimmy.”
“I’ll be back before you know it, Summer. And I’ll have your guitar as I located it today, as well as other things that have reminded me of you while here. Just hold on a little longer, my sweet.”
“Jimmy…”
“How is Queenie? I bet she’s doubled in size already.”
Tears began to roll down her cheeks, “I really miss you. Cameron… Cameron keeps me from thinking about you… but… he’s no substitute for you.”
Jimmy remained silent for a long moment, “Summer, are you crying?”
She inhaled sharply before responding, “Y-yes.”
“Princess, I want you to go take a bath and pretend that I’m there with you. I want you to relax and not worry. We will be together soon. I will speak with Peter on the morrow and ask him if we can get you here in London before I can get back to you. How does that sound?”
“I’d… I’d like that.”
“Go take a bath, Summer. Make a cup of tea. And I shall ring you in the morning with good news, okay?”
“Thank you, Jimmy.”
“It’s my pleasure, princess. Sleep well, my sweet.”
“Good night, Jimmy.”
By the time Cameron returned to the suite with her puppy, Summer had curled up in the large bed, one of Jimmy’s shirts wrapped about her slight curves. His eyes flicked to her pillow, instantly noticing the pillowcase darkened by her tears. With a sigh, Cameron headed to the couch, not liking the fact Summer cried in his absence, or really at all. However, there was nothing he could do about it himself, so he sat on the floor in front of the coffee table where his typewriter was set and stared at the blank paper inserted. He should at least attempt to write something, but instead his eyes kept drifting through the open door to the girl in the middle of the large bed. He sighed and got back to his feet. He had to do something.
“Summer?” he spoke softly.
She did not stir.
“Summer, I know you’re asleep, but… I just want you to know that you’re not alone. I promise you that,” he muttered before turning to head back to the couch.
Seated across the table from Robert in a dimly lit pub, Jimmy sipped his drink. He listened carefully to Robert’s rant about Peter. While he was not entirely all that interested in whether or not Robert remained married to Maureen, it was certainly better than the alternative of returning to his home to fight with Charlotte. Part of him was glad the band manager was attempting to keep Robert married; it made his own relationship with Summer a bit easier. However, Jimmy also believed that he did not need to keep Robert out of the picture in order to keep Summer. The young blond would remain his regardless.
Motioning the barmaid for another drink, Jimmy attempted to at least look interested in Robert’s plight. He had to keep up appearances with the band. Actually, he wanted to keep the band together. A woman should not be the cause for a band to break up. Perhaps it was a good idea Summer was not in London. It allowed Jimmy to focus completely on the band, not be bothered with figuring out how to navigate band relationships with her on his arm. But he did miss her. He really missed her.
“Jimmy?” Robert snapped to draw the guitarist’s attention. “You’re not paying attention.”
He shifted in the booth and reached for the full drink glass, “Pardon me. What were you saying?”
“I think Peter is the reason Summer isn’t here.”
Jimmy slowly swallowed a mouthful of Jack Daniels, “Do you now?”
“Of course I do. Why else would she not be here?”
“Perhaps because her passport was not approved.”
“Because he made certain of that.”
Jimmy smirked, “Peter does not have power over the American government.”
Robert finished his beer, “Then why would something that was going through smoothly suddenly hit a snag the day you were to bring her here?”
“Because things happen like that with the government all the time,” he responded coolly. “Peter is not keeping Summer out of England any more than Bonzo is giving up drinking.”
The drummer set down his sixth empty beer stein, “You didn’t make up the story about the passport, did you, Pagey?”
“Why would I do that, Bonzo?” he asked. “I want her here too.”
“Want who here?” an icy voice interrupted.
Jimmy sipped his drink, refusing to turn around. Both Bonzo and Robert quickly excused themselves, intersecting John Paul before he returned to the table. Slowly heels clicked on the wooden floor as the speaker moved to take Robert’s vacant seat. Drink glass empty, the guitarist set it down and stared across the table, emotionlessly.
“Who do you want here, James?” she asked.
He blinked, but did not respond to Charlotte’s question, “Where is Scarlet?”
“With your mother. Were you intending to come home tonight or find some hussy to–”
“I will return to my home when I feel like it, Charlotte. It is neither your concern nor business.”
“It bloody well is my concern! You have a daughter to–”
“You will not tell me what I am to do or not to do with my daughter. Scarlet knows that I care for her. I do not have to fit any skewed ideal you have in your mind, Charlotte,” he declared. “I take care of my daughter and I take care of you. I fulfill my responsibilities. I will not have you telling me what I should do with my free time.”
She stared across the table at him for a long few minutes, silently. Without blinking, she got to her feet and picked up the nearest glass full of beer. Stepping to his side, Charlotte emptied the entire glass over Jimmy’s head and stalked out of the pub. Not showing a glimpse of emotion, he wiped the streams of sticky beer from his eyes and motioned to the bartender for another drink. He would not let her win.
“I suppose this means you’re staying in the hotel tonight?” Robert asked, trying to bite back his smirk.
Jimmy shrugged, “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”
“Was that about… Summer?”
“None of your business.”
The blond singer sat back down, “Things are simpler in America.”
“We going back?” Bonzo plopped back down, filling the empty beer glass from the near-empty pitcher.
“I am,” Jimmy stated, accepting a third drink from the barmaid. “As soon as our last show is over, I’m getting on a plane and returning to New York.”
Robert sighed, “To Summer.”
Jimmy said nothing, but everyone knew it was true. No one was about to point out that Jimmy was… under Summer’s control, something they thought he would never want. While the entire band was fond of the girl, only Robert understood it. She was unexplainably captivating. And it was killing him that Jimmy was the one she currently fancied.
Staring down into a new pint of beer pressed into his hands, Robert silently vowed that he would be on that plane to New York as well, no matter what.
Plopping down on the couch as Cameron happily typed away on his typewriter, Summer glanced over his shoulder. Her blue eyes glanced at the paper, focusing on the typed words. She struggled to pick out words that she recognized. Nothing looked remotely familiar. It made her feel so… inferior. She… could not…
“Summer?” Cameron turned and glanced up at her. “You okay?”
“What are you writing?”
“My article on Richie Blackmore.”
“Who is that?”
“Really?”
She stared at him without blinking.
“Deep Purple’s guitarist.”
She remained silent.
He leaned back, pressing the back of his head against the couch cushion, “We sorely need to go to the record store.”
“…okay.”
“Summer, if you’re living in this world, don’t you think you should know more about it?”
“Wouldn’t Robert or Jimmy have told me if that was true?”
“Do you really want your world view to be completely dictated by others?”
“What does that mean?”
“Summer… you’ve never really thought for yourself, have you?”
Her eyes narrowed, “How dare you.”
“I don’t mean it… as an insult, Summer. But you said you lived in a cult until you ran away to Led Zeppelin. And now you… live and breathe whatever they tell you. Don’t you want to… find yourself?”
She blinked, “I… don’t really know what you mean.”
“What are your dreams and aspirations?”
“I…I don’t have any.”
He pushed up and sat on the sofa next to her, “There’s nothing you want to do?”
“I want to be with Jimmy.”
“Besides being with Jimmy. Don’t you… want to teach your son or daughter to be whatever they can and want to be, regardless of the people around them?”
“I… I don’t know.”
Cameron paused, “What do you like most of all?”
“Music. I like music,” she replied. “And Jimmy says I play well. And he likes my voice.”
He smiled, “See? That’s something right there. Let’s go down to the record store and expand your musical horizons so that you can develop… your own voice.”
Her hand slipped in his as he stood up, allowing the young journalist to pull her up as well, “I’ve pretty much only heard my dad’s music, Led Zeppelin, and Joni played for me too.”
“I’m sure we can find something you’ll love,” he smiled. “It will be fun.”
“What about that Pete Townshend guy?”
Cameron smirked, “We’ll get one of his too.”
Three hours later, they returned to the penthouse suite, laden with a stack of vinyls, a portable record player, and a variety of snacks that appealed to Summer for whatever reason when they stopped at a convenience store. Cameron immediately focused his intentions on getting the record player settled, while Summer sat on the sofa with her dog, munching on cheese popcorn.
Flipping through the dozen records, Cameron selected one with careful consideration and turned the machine on. Adjusting the speed and placing the needle down, he flipped off lights and joined Summer on the couch. Leaning over, he stole a handful of popcorn and whispered instructions to close her eyes and just let the music speak to her. She relaxed on the couch next to him and did as he said, letting the music take over all of her senses.
Two hours later, he turned the lights back on after turning the record off, “So what did you think?”
“That was nothing like the movie last night,” she declared. “And you’ve met the guy who wrote it all?”
“Yeah,” he nodded. “Did you like it?”
“I… think so. I’m not sure.”
Cameron smiled, “That’s good though. I don’t want you to automatically like it because I do. Do you want to listen to another one or should we take a break first?”
Queenie barked.
“I think we better take a break first and take her on a walk,” Summer declared. “Also, I want another hot dog.”
After walking the dog, eating hot dogs, and listening to two more albums, Summer slipped into the bed while Cameron attempted to finish his article, the door closed between them. With her hands tucked under the pillow, she thought about the day’s activities and what she had learned. Cameron had been right; she needed to have her own interests. She thought his brief introduction to other music was a good starting point. Perhaps tomorrow, she could talk him into taking her to other places in the city. Maybe she could even get him to teach her how to ride a bicycle.
With that thought on her mind, she began to drift to sleep, but was promptly woken by the phone ringing. Stretching for it, Summer picked up the phone and softly greeted Jimmy. Speaking just as low, he confessed how much he missed her and promised to see if he could get her to London before he returned, as he could not wait to see her again. Smiling, Summer listened to his soft, accented voice, turning over on her back. He asked about her day, falling very silent at the mention of Cameron.
“Where is he now?” he asked once she finished telling about her day.
“In the living room working or sleeping. I don’t know. The door is shut.”
“Is it locked?”
“Why would I lock the door, Jimmy? Cameron isn’t going to hurt me.”
“I don’t like you spending all this time with him.”
“But why? Would you rather me be all alone and crying?”
Jimmy paused, “Well no, I would not. But can you not go see your father instead?”
“I guess we could go visit him, but I’m not going to stay with him, Jimmy. Cameron and I are just fine here.”
“I don’t like that.”
“Jimmy…”
“I can’t help it, Summer. I don’t know what it is. Cameron is a perfectly decent boy. I just…”
“I miss you too,” she stated. “I miss you so much. I see your face everywhere. I need to be with you again.”
He sighed, “Soon, princess. Soon.”
“Jimmy? Will you tell me a bedtime story? I miss your stories.”
“Hmmmm. Have I told you about Sleeping Beauty?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Well once upon a time…”
Gazing at his reflection, Jimmy smoothed his hair down before taking a step back. He smoothed down his shirt and buttoned the last button. Turning slightly in front of the mirror, he nodded at his reflection, pleased with what he saw. His long fingers flicked off the light switch before he turned towards the door. Silently he headed down to the hotel lobby, pausing at the front desk to check on his requested car. Nodding his thanks, he headed out of the hotel and slipped directly into the town car.
His eyes watched the people and streets of London go by, but he was not thinking about it at all. Instead, his thoughts were focused on the young woman on the other side of the ocean. He could not understand for a moment why she enchanted him so much. Though she had been Robert’s girl, he had been instantly drawn to her. It had taken weeks of effort to get her in his arms, but it was certainly worth it.
The previous night, Robert had planted the thought that Peter had kept Summer away from London. While Jimmy did not believe that the manager had that kind of power, it was enough of a seed of doubt to require his visiting Peter’s office. If he had a hand in Summer being in New York, Jimmy was not certain what he was going to do. Peter had guided the band to what they were and clearly his work made them the biggest band in the world. However, Jimmy believed they could do without him if need be.
“Here we be, Mr. Page,” the driver announced as he pulled into a parking space.
Waiting for the driver to open the door for him, Jimmy nodded slightly and headed up to the office building.. The receptionist greeted him happily, but he paid her little attention. Instead, he strolled directly into Peter’s office. The manager glanced up from his phone call and quickly ended it.
“Jimmy,” he smiled and got to his feet, “what can I do for you?”
“Answer me this: are you the reason Summer is not here in London?” he asked darkly.
Peter smirked, “Do I look like the US government?”
“Answer the question.”
“She is a distraction to this band.. She causes more issues than not,” he declared.
His eyes narrowed, “You forced me to leave her behind because you think she is a distraction? Who are you to decide such things?”
“Robert has left his wife because of her. You have forgone your own responsibilities. She is a distraction.”
“Are you out of your bloody mind? Summer has been exactly what this band has needed. She has brought us closer together. Hell, she tames Bonzo,” he argued. “She is a positive force for this band. If nothing else, she will be this band’s salvation.”
Peter laughed, “That’s bullshit, Page. She will break this band apart.”
“She is not fucking Yoko Ono.”
He snorted, “Really? Then explain how much she has not become a bone of contention between you and Percy.”
“Robert and I are fine.”
“Then why did you stay on the other side of stage through rehearsal yesterday?”
“Robert and I are fine,” he repeated.
“Prove it.”
Jimmy rolled his eyes, “I do not have to prove anything to anyone, least of all you. You have twenty-four hours to get Summer here to London or you won’t like the consequences.”
“Are you threatening me?”
Not speaking a word, Jimmy turned around and exited the office. Peter got up from his desk and followed the guitarist out. However, Jimmy was twice as fast and left the entire building before the manager even stepped into the lobby. Slipping back into the car, he directed the driver to return to the hotel. He certainly was not about to go home and fight with Charlotte more. Instead, he fully planned to speak with Robert and come to terms about Summer and how they were going to deal with Peter, together.
With little pause, he headed to the singer’s room and knocked on the door. His eyebrow arched as Robert answered the door shirtless. Glancing beyond the singer, Jimmy was a bit surprised to find the room empty. For whatever reason, he expected there to be a girl sprawled across the bed or perhaps even Robert’s wife lounging around.
“Jimmy,” Robert stated.
“We need to talk,” he declared, stepping into the room without being invited.
“All right,” he said cautiously, closing the door.
“I know that you’ve separated from Maureen, I presume for Summer,” he stated, moving to the mini bar. “I am not saying that you should go back to your wife, as that is none of my business. However…”
“You want me to keep away from Summer.”
He glanced over his shoulder, “Well, yes, but that is not what this is about. You were right.”
“About?”
“Grant kept Summer from coming to London with me.”
“Oh,” he leaned against the wall. “So… what are we going to do?”
“I gave him twenty-four hours to get her here.”
“And then what?”
Jimmy paused, “We fire him.”
Rating: PG-13 [language, drinking]
Summary: Summer expands her world because of Cameron. Jimmy and Robert work out some issues...
Leaving the movie theater, bag half-full of popcorn in her hand, Summer stopped just outside the door. Her blue eyes looked around at the crowd, waiting for Cameron to exit. His hand touched her elbow, drawing her eyes from the New York crowds to him. She quickly smiled, though her eyes did not quite reflect it.
“You didn’t like the movie?” he asked, guiding her to head down the street towards a late night eatery before heading back to the hotel.
“It’s like TV right?”
Cameron paused, holding her elbow to keep her from crossing the street before the cars stopped, “What do you mean by that?”
“Well… Jimmy and I watched something on TV about Jack the Ripper… and he said it wasn’t true. So… that wasn’t true?”
“No,” he said cautiously, leading her across the street. “Tommy is not real. It’s a story, an opera that Pete Townshend made up.”
Summer remained silent as they weaved down the crowded sidewalks and stopped in front of a diner, “Cameron?”
“Yeah?” he glanced over his shoulder at her.
“Who is Pete Townshend?”
He blinked and turned fully towards her, saying nothing.
“Really, who is Pete Townshend?”
“You really were sheltered, weren’t you?” he remarked, smiling slightly. “Do you have a turntable back at the hotel?”
She shook her head.
“Well then tomorrow, we’ll go get one. And pick up a few essential albums. You’re going to learn about rock and roll,” Cameron declared, grinning. “But for now, let’s grab a bite and then go walk the dog.”
Summer nodded, not caring that he slipped the bag of popcorn from her fingers and tossed it in the nearest trash bin. His fingers closed around hers and he led her into the diner. They were seated in a booth by the window a few minutes later, laminated menus pressed into their hands. Glancing over it, she tried to find a word she understood. Previously when out, Jimmy or Robert would order for her or in the rare case, there had been pictures on the menu to go by. That was how she chose the sandwich she ate the first night she met Robert, by a picture on the menu. This menu had no pictures and few of the words were ones she knew by sight. She chewed on her bottom lip, trying to figure out how to choose something.
“Summer? Is there something wrong?” Cameron spoke up, drawing her confused eyes from the sea of unfamiliar letters.
“No, not at all.”
“Do you not see anything you like? We can go somewhere else.”
“No, no. Here is fine,” she quickly answered and glanced around. “Here is just fine.”
“Are you sure? You don’t look–”
“Whaddya have?” a waitress asked, barely stopping at their booth.
Waiting for Cameron to place his order first, Summer glanced around, trying to decide what she wanted from what others nearby were eating. When the girl popped her gum to get Summer’s attention, she quickly pointed out a plate buzzing by on the arm of another server. Rolling her eyes, the waitress took their menus and headed to place their order.
“She’s kinda rude,” Cameron commented with a smirk.
“Yeah,” Summer stated, not really looking at him.
“Summer, is there something wrong?”
Her eyes snapped to his, “No, no. Not at all. I’m glad we’re out. I really am.”
“You miss him, don’t you?”
For a moment, she had no clue what he was talking about. Her own thoughts were focused on her failure to read a simple menu. But with his soft question, her entire focus shifted. Her bottom lip trembled and she looked down at the tabletop. Cameron reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
“I don’t know what I would do without you, Cameron,” she stated softly.
“Well I’m around now, so you don’t have to worry about it. And Jimmy will be back soon,” he smiled. “So after we walk Queenie tonight, what do you want to do?”
“Talk to Jimmy.”
“Well… we’ll figure something out so you can talk to him. I’m sure of it.”
“Thanks, Cameron. You’re a good friend.”
Smiling again when they left the diner an hour later, Summer followed Cameron as he navigated the busy streets with ease. She knew the theater had been close to the hotel, but she still had no idea where they were. That is until they turned a corner and she suddenly saw the façade of the hotel across the street. She giggled and darted across the street with the young man, ducking into the hotel easily. They hurried up to the penthouse suite, Summer digging the key out of her purse.
As the door to the suite opened, Queenie yipped and bolted towards the two as the phone rang. Cameron waved her off as he clicked the leash on the dog’s collar, pointing at the phone. Nodding she hurried over to it while the door closed behind the boy and dog. Snatching it up, she muttered a breathy greeting.
“Princess, where have you been?”
“Cameron and I went to see Tommy. It was really weird and colorful and not at all like the things we watched on the TV. It’s not real, is it, Jimmy?”
He chuckled, “No, princess, it’s not. It’s just a figment of Townshend’s crazy mind.”
“You know Pete Townshend?”
“Of course I do. I have worked with him before.”
“And he’s crazy?”
“Of course,” Jimmy replied. “Where else were you besides the movie? I’ve called a number of times to no answer.”
“Oh before the movie we went to the zoo again. I really like the zoo. And then afterwards we went and had dinner,” she explained. “Jimmy?”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“I miss you.”
There was a long pause before he sighed, “I miss you, too.”
“When will you be back, Jimmy?”
“May 26th. We’ve had to add a couple of shows due to ticket sales.”
“But Jimmy, that’s forever away,” she whined. “That’s like… a long time.”
“Eleven days too long,” he stated. “But even a single day without you is too long.”
She sighed, “I really miss you. I miss sleeping in your arms and waking to your kisses. I miss baths and playing music. I miss everything, Jimmy.”
“I’ll be back before you know it, Summer. And I’ll have your guitar as I located it today, as well as other things that have reminded me of you while here. Just hold on a little longer, my sweet.”
“Jimmy…”
“How is Queenie? I bet she’s doubled in size already.”
Tears began to roll down her cheeks, “I really miss you. Cameron… Cameron keeps me from thinking about you… but… he’s no substitute for you.”
Jimmy remained silent for a long moment, “Summer, are you crying?”
She inhaled sharply before responding, “Y-yes.”
“Princess, I want you to go take a bath and pretend that I’m there with you. I want you to relax and not worry. We will be together soon. I will speak with Peter on the morrow and ask him if we can get you here in London before I can get back to you. How does that sound?”
“I’d… I’d like that.”
“Go take a bath, Summer. Make a cup of tea. And I shall ring you in the morning with good news, okay?”
“Thank you, Jimmy.”
“It’s my pleasure, princess. Sleep well, my sweet.”
“Good night, Jimmy.”
By the time Cameron returned to the suite with her puppy, Summer had curled up in the large bed, one of Jimmy’s shirts wrapped about her slight curves. His eyes flicked to her pillow, instantly noticing the pillowcase darkened by her tears. With a sigh, Cameron headed to the couch, not liking the fact Summer cried in his absence, or really at all. However, there was nothing he could do about it himself, so he sat on the floor in front of the coffee table where his typewriter was set and stared at the blank paper inserted. He should at least attempt to write something, but instead his eyes kept drifting through the open door to the girl in the middle of the large bed. He sighed and got back to his feet. He had to do something.
“Summer?” he spoke softly.
She did not stir.
“Summer, I know you’re asleep, but… I just want you to know that you’re not alone. I promise you that,” he muttered before turning to head back to the couch.
Seated across the table from Robert in a dimly lit pub, Jimmy sipped his drink. He listened carefully to Robert’s rant about Peter. While he was not entirely all that interested in whether or not Robert remained married to Maureen, it was certainly better than the alternative of returning to his home to fight with Charlotte. Part of him was glad the band manager was attempting to keep Robert married; it made his own relationship with Summer a bit easier. However, Jimmy also believed that he did not need to keep Robert out of the picture in order to keep Summer. The young blond would remain his regardless.
Motioning the barmaid for another drink, Jimmy attempted to at least look interested in Robert’s plight. He had to keep up appearances with the band. Actually, he wanted to keep the band together. A woman should not be the cause for a band to break up. Perhaps it was a good idea Summer was not in London. It allowed Jimmy to focus completely on the band, not be bothered with figuring out how to navigate band relationships with her on his arm. But he did miss her. He really missed her.
“Jimmy?” Robert snapped to draw the guitarist’s attention. “You’re not paying attention.”
He shifted in the booth and reached for the full drink glass, “Pardon me. What were you saying?”
“I think Peter is the reason Summer isn’t here.”
Jimmy slowly swallowed a mouthful of Jack Daniels, “Do you now?”
“Of course I do. Why else would she not be here?”
“Perhaps because her passport was not approved.”
“Because he made certain of that.”
Jimmy smirked, “Peter does not have power over the American government.”
Robert finished his beer, “Then why would something that was going through smoothly suddenly hit a snag the day you were to bring her here?”
“Because things happen like that with the government all the time,” he responded coolly. “Peter is not keeping Summer out of England any more than Bonzo is giving up drinking.”
The drummer set down his sixth empty beer stein, “You didn’t make up the story about the passport, did you, Pagey?”
“Why would I do that, Bonzo?” he asked. “I want her here too.”
“Want who here?” an icy voice interrupted.
Jimmy sipped his drink, refusing to turn around. Both Bonzo and Robert quickly excused themselves, intersecting John Paul before he returned to the table. Slowly heels clicked on the wooden floor as the speaker moved to take Robert’s vacant seat. Drink glass empty, the guitarist set it down and stared across the table, emotionlessly.
“Who do you want here, James?” she asked.
He blinked, but did not respond to Charlotte’s question, “Where is Scarlet?”
“With your mother. Were you intending to come home tonight or find some hussy to–”
“I will return to my home when I feel like it, Charlotte. It is neither your concern nor business.”
“It bloody well is my concern! You have a daughter to–”
“You will not tell me what I am to do or not to do with my daughter. Scarlet knows that I care for her. I do not have to fit any skewed ideal you have in your mind, Charlotte,” he declared. “I take care of my daughter and I take care of you. I fulfill my responsibilities. I will not have you telling me what I should do with my free time.”
She stared across the table at him for a long few minutes, silently. Without blinking, she got to her feet and picked up the nearest glass full of beer. Stepping to his side, Charlotte emptied the entire glass over Jimmy’s head and stalked out of the pub. Not showing a glimpse of emotion, he wiped the streams of sticky beer from his eyes and motioned to the bartender for another drink. He would not let her win.
“I suppose this means you’re staying in the hotel tonight?” Robert asked, trying to bite back his smirk.
Jimmy shrugged, “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”
“Was that about… Summer?”
“None of your business.”
The blond singer sat back down, “Things are simpler in America.”
“We going back?” Bonzo plopped back down, filling the empty beer glass from the near-empty pitcher.
“I am,” Jimmy stated, accepting a third drink from the barmaid. “As soon as our last show is over, I’m getting on a plane and returning to New York.”
Robert sighed, “To Summer.”
Jimmy said nothing, but everyone knew it was true. No one was about to point out that Jimmy was… under Summer’s control, something they thought he would never want. While the entire band was fond of the girl, only Robert understood it. She was unexplainably captivating. And it was killing him that Jimmy was the one she currently fancied.
Staring down into a new pint of beer pressed into his hands, Robert silently vowed that he would be on that plane to New York as well, no matter what.
Plopping down on the couch as Cameron happily typed away on his typewriter, Summer glanced over his shoulder. Her blue eyes glanced at the paper, focusing on the typed words. She struggled to pick out words that she recognized. Nothing looked remotely familiar. It made her feel so… inferior. She… could not…
“Summer?” Cameron turned and glanced up at her. “You okay?”
“What are you writing?”
“My article on Richie Blackmore.”
“Who is that?”
“Really?”
She stared at him without blinking.
“Deep Purple’s guitarist.”
She remained silent.
He leaned back, pressing the back of his head against the couch cushion, “We sorely need to go to the record store.”
“…okay.”
“Summer, if you’re living in this world, don’t you think you should know more about it?”
“Wouldn’t Robert or Jimmy have told me if that was true?”
“Do you really want your world view to be completely dictated by others?”
“What does that mean?”
“Summer… you’ve never really thought for yourself, have you?”
Her eyes narrowed, “How dare you.”
“I don’t mean it… as an insult, Summer. But you said you lived in a cult until you ran away to Led Zeppelin. And now you… live and breathe whatever they tell you. Don’t you want to… find yourself?”
She blinked, “I… don’t really know what you mean.”
“What are your dreams and aspirations?”
“I…I don’t have any.”
He pushed up and sat on the sofa next to her, “There’s nothing you want to do?”
“I want to be with Jimmy.”
“Besides being with Jimmy. Don’t you… want to teach your son or daughter to be whatever they can and want to be, regardless of the people around them?”
“I… I don’t know.”
Cameron paused, “What do you like most of all?”
“Music. I like music,” she replied. “And Jimmy says I play well. And he likes my voice.”
He smiled, “See? That’s something right there. Let’s go down to the record store and expand your musical horizons so that you can develop… your own voice.”
Her hand slipped in his as he stood up, allowing the young journalist to pull her up as well, “I’ve pretty much only heard my dad’s music, Led Zeppelin, and Joni played for me too.”
“I’m sure we can find something you’ll love,” he smiled. “It will be fun.”
“What about that Pete Townshend guy?”
Cameron smirked, “We’ll get one of his too.”
Three hours later, they returned to the penthouse suite, laden with a stack of vinyls, a portable record player, and a variety of snacks that appealed to Summer for whatever reason when they stopped at a convenience store. Cameron immediately focused his intentions on getting the record player settled, while Summer sat on the sofa with her dog, munching on cheese popcorn.
Flipping through the dozen records, Cameron selected one with careful consideration and turned the machine on. Adjusting the speed and placing the needle down, he flipped off lights and joined Summer on the couch. Leaning over, he stole a handful of popcorn and whispered instructions to close her eyes and just let the music speak to her. She relaxed on the couch next to him and did as he said, letting the music take over all of her senses.
Two hours later, he turned the lights back on after turning the record off, “So what did you think?”
“That was nothing like the movie last night,” she declared. “And you’ve met the guy who wrote it all?”
“Yeah,” he nodded. “Did you like it?”
“I… think so. I’m not sure.”
Cameron smiled, “That’s good though. I don’t want you to automatically like it because I do. Do you want to listen to another one or should we take a break first?”
Queenie barked.
“I think we better take a break first and take her on a walk,” Summer declared. “Also, I want another hot dog.”
After walking the dog, eating hot dogs, and listening to two more albums, Summer slipped into the bed while Cameron attempted to finish his article, the door closed between them. With her hands tucked under the pillow, she thought about the day’s activities and what she had learned. Cameron had been right; she needed to have her own interests. She thought his brief introduction to other music was a good starting point. Perhaps tomorrow, she could talk him into taking her to other places in the city. Maybe she could even get him to teach her how to ride a bicycle.
With that thought on her mind, she began to drift to sleep, but was promptly woken by the phone ringing. Stretching for it, Summer picked up the phone and softly greeted Jimmy. Speaking just as low, he confessed how much he missed her and promised to see if he could get her to London before he returned, as he could not wait to see her again. Smiling, Summer listened to his soft, accented voice, turning over on her back. He asked about her day, falling very silent at the mention of Cameron.
“Where is he now?” he asked once she finished telling about her day.
“In the living room working or sleeping. I don’t know. The door is shut.”
“Is it locked?”
“Why would I lock the door, Jimmy? Cameron isn’t going to hurt me.”
“I don’t like you spending all this time with him.”
“But why? Would you rather me be all alone and crying?”
Jimmy paused, “Well no, I would not. But can you not go see your father instead?”
“I guess we could go visit him, but I’m not going to stay with him, Jimmy. Cameron and I are just fine here.”
“I don’t like that.”
“Jimmy…”
“I can’t help it, Summer. I don’t know what it is. Cameron is a perfectly decent boy. I just…”
“I miss you too,” she stated. “I miss you so much. I see your face everywhere. I need to be with you again.”
He sighed, “Soon, princess. Soon.”
“Jimmy? Will you tell me a bedtime story? I miss your stories.”
“Hmmmm. Have I told you about Sleeping Beauty?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Well once upon a time…”
Gazing at his reflection, Jimmy smoothed his hair down before taking a step back. He smoothed down his shirt and buttoned the last button. Turning slightly in front of the mirror, he nodded at his reflection, pleased with what he saw. His long fingers flicked off the light switch before he turned towards the door. Silently he headed down to the hotel lobby, pausing at the front desk to check on his requested car. Nodding his thanks, he headed out of the hotel and slipped directly into the town car.
His eyes watched the people and streets of London go by, but he was not thinking about it at all. Instead, his thoughts were focused on the young woman on the other side of the ocean. He could not understand for a moment why she enchanted him so much. Though she had been Robert’s girl, he had been instantly drawn to her. It had taken weeks of effort to get her in his arms, but it was certainly worth it.
The previous night, Robert had planted the thought that Peter had kept Summer away from London. While Jimmy did not believe that the manager had that kind of power, it was enough of a seed of doubt to require his visiting Peter’s office. If he had a hand in Summer being in New York, Jimmy was not certain what he was going to do. Peter had guided the band to what they were and clearly his work made them the biggest band in the world. However, Jimmy believed they could do without him if need be.
“Here we be, Mr. Page,” the driver announced as he pulled into a parking space.
Waiting for the driver to open the door for him, Jimmy nodded slightly and headed up to the office building.. The receptionist greeted him happily, but he paid her little attention. Instead, he strolled directly into Peter’s office. The manager glanced up from his phone call and quickly ended it.
“Jimmy,” he smiled and got to his feet, “what can I do for you?”
“Answer me this: are you the reason Summer is not here in London?” he asked darkly.
Peter smirked, “Do I look like the US government?”
“Answer the question.”
“She is a distraction to this band.. She causes more issues than not,” he declared.
His eyes narrowed, “You forced me to leave her behind because you think she is a distraction? Who are you to decide such things?”
“Robert has left his wife because of her. You have forgone your own responsibilities. She is a distraction.”
“Are you out of your bloody mind? Summer has been exactly what this band has needed. She has brought us closer together. Hell, she tames Bonzo,” he argued. “She is a positive force for this band. If nothing else, she will be this band’s salvation.”
Peter laughed, “That’s bullshit, Page. She will break this band apart.”
“She is not fucking Yoko Ono.”
He snorted, “Really? Then explain how much she has not become a bone of contention between you and Percy.”
“Robert and I are fine.”
“Then why did you stay on the other side of stage through rehearsal yesterday?”
“Robert and I are fine,” he repeated.
“Prove it.”
Jimmy rolled his eyes, “I do not have to prove anything to anyone, least of all you. You have twenty-four hours to get Summer here to London or you won’t like the consequences.”
“Are you threatening me?”
Not speaking a word, Jimmy turned around and exited the office. Peter got up from his desk and followed the guitarist out. However, Jimmy was twice as fast and left the entire building before the manager even stepped into the lobby. Slipping back into the car, he directed the driver to return to the hotel. He certainly was not about to go home and fight with Charlotte more. Instead, he fully planned to speak with Robert and come to terms about Summer and how they were going to deal with Peter, together.
With little pause, he headed to the singer’s room and knocked on the door. His eyebrow arched as Robert answered the door shirtless. Glancing beyond the singer, Jimmy was a bit surprised to find the room empty. For whatever reason, he expected there to be a girl sprawled across the bed or perhaps even Robert’s wife lounging around.
“Jimmy,” Robert stated.
“We need to talk,” he declared, stepping into the room without being invited.
“All right,” he said cautiously, closing the door.
“I know that you’ve separated from Maureen, I presume for Summer,” he stated, moving to the mini bar. “I am not saying that you should go back to your wife, as that is none of my business. However…”
“You want me to keep away from Summer.”
He glanced over his shoulder, “Well, yes, but that is not what this is about. You were right.”
“About?”
“Grant kept Summer from coming to London with me.”
“Oh,” he leaned against the wall. “So… what are we going to do?”
“I gave him twenty-four hours to get her here.”
“And then what?”
Jimmy paused, “We fire him.”
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