CHAPTER TEN: Sergeant Pepper
“You know what Nick,” said a cautious Benny, “I think I’ve had about all I can stand here. I’ll take a rain check on that gumbo and I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned and left.
“Don’t forget your pizza,” grumbled Nick, far too late for Benny to hear. He started rambling to compensate for his state of shock. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Benny.” He was staring at the wall. “I never noticed that stain on there. It looks like Jamie. Hey, Benny, you think that stain looks like Jamie? Oh, wait – you didn’t meet her yet – but you will.”
Andie wasn’t sure how to handle this situation. She grabbed Nick’s hand then gave him a warm hug.
“Nick, sweetheart, Benny already left.”
“You see? He’s already trying to get away from her, too.”
“I’m sure it’s not the same woman you think it is. Everything’s going to be okay,” she said, in a soothing voice. Nick backed away a few inches. He had never seen Andie’s face this close. Her dark-blue eyes caught the motions of the lava lamp behind him. The sun was setting as the evening arrived. Her shiny brown hair reflected the warm background of a picture-perfect sunset.
He took a deep breath, and then said, “Please go, now. I really need to be alone.” He pulled away from Andie, turned his back, and walked into the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.
This was not the reaction Andie thought she would get from Nick. Their first affectionate hug was something of a surprise. Against her better judgment, she left the apartment. She knew Nick needed her friendship right now, but wasn’t going to force it on him. She had a case to get ready for the next day and needed to get some rest. She also needed to get mentally ready to meet the guy Debbie was doing to fix her up with. Most important, she really needed to forget how close she just got to Nick.
Nick collapsed on his bed. He was still clutching the fortune cookie slip. A meeting with the Prince of Darkness himself seemed a better option than seeing Jamie again. He reached to his bedside and found a bottle of scotch that had been opened a few weeks previously. He saw a line waving in the middle.
“Half empty or half full?” he muttered to himself. He unscrewed the cap, drank the entire contents of the bottle, and said, “Fully empty”. The effect of the cheap scotch started working. He just wanted to pass out and not deal with the situation. He started mumbling, “Jamie’s coming back - slept with Benny’s girlfriend - Andie’s gonna have a blind date – Carlos Verona gonna kill me – pizza getting cold – Devil’s in my bathroom…”
Nick found himself back at The Sting on graduation night. He was feeling the effects of the alcohol as he and Alvin took their fifth shot of tequila. He didn’t want to enter the real world. Life without Jamie was something he didn’t want to face. He stumbled out of the club and somehow made it to his car. He got in and made the turn on Johnston Street, heading straight to Jamie’s house. He never made it. The car ended up in a ditch two blocks away. He staggered back to the club parking lot and found Mr. Robinson, sitting on an orange horse. He offered Nick a ride. As they galloped down Johnston Street, the pavement split in two and turned into a raging river. The horse, being afraid of water, threw Nick high into the air. He fell on top of his Ford Maverick as the water had raised it from the ditch. He crawled into the open window, amazed of the car’s ability to float. He saw his Frampton Comes Alive eight-track in the deck. He thought it was lost. He turned it on as a huge wave of gushing water lifted the car high into the air. The car started spinning. As the song, Show Me the Way, started playing, Nick looked up in the dark sky and saw Peter Frampton. Peter was riding his Les Paul guitar like a prized Harley. With rockets on both sides, the guitar lit up the spring sky.
“Follow me, old chum. I’ll show you the way,” said Peter Frampton. Nick took the stick shift on his steering column and put it in the suddenly installed sixth gear, turning the car into a silver speedboat. He followed the glowing light of Frampton’s rocket guitar to the north end of town. He knew exactly where he was being led. When he got a few blocks away from Jamie’s house, he saw all the houses under water, except hers. The floating house started glowing as he got within reach. A swirling wind started spinning the boat out of control. The house began rising from the water and hovered over Nick. Show Me the Way segued into the theme from The Exorcist. Horns grew from Frampton’s golden head of hair while the guitar transformed into a blood-red pitchfork. Frampton started laughing with a maniacal gusto as he flew around the house. Nick’s Loyola scholarship paper was in the seat next to him. It started ringing like a telephone. Frampton began circling the house at the speed of light, causing it to lift higher. The paper wouldn’t stop ringing. A deafening explosion ensued as the house burst into millions of pieces. As the smoke cleared, all that was left was the sight of Jamie sitting on Devil Frampton’s pitchfork. Frampton had both arms around her while his hands clutched her beautiful breasts. She smiled at Nick as the paper kept ringing. She raised her hand in a good-bye gesture. A flash of lightning came from her hand. As it struck Nick in the arm, it caused him to pick up the ringing paper.
He cried into the scholarship, “Come back. Don’t leave with Devil Frampton.”
“Are you okay?” said the voice.
“Hell, no, I’m not,” said Nick. “I’m talking into a Loyola scholarship and it’s talking back to me.”
“Nick, it’s me, Andie. I’m calling to see if you’re alright.”
“Why does this paper feel like a phone?” asked the confused Nick.
“It is a phone,” assured Andie. “I’m talking to you on the phone. You are obviously not alright.”
Nick looked around his bedroom. He glanced at his clutched hand and noticed he really was talking into the phone.
“I thought this felt too heavy to be paper.”
“I’m coming over, Nick. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“No, really, I’m okay,” said Nick, as he came to his drunken senses. “I just had a weird dream. You stay home and get ready for your case. Talk to you later.”
He hung up the phone and stumbled out of bed. Craving more alcohol, he felt his way to the kitchen. He tripped over his remote control in the living room, causing the TV to click on. He thought it was just a beer can. As he arrived in the kitchen, he opened the refrigerator. The blinding light made him realize how drunk he was. He opted for one beer instead of the whole six-pack. Not aware he had stepped on the remote, he was confused about his TV being on. He stopped for a few seconds and stared. On the screen was the movie Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, starring – Peter Frampton.
Andie hung up the phone as she sat alone in her apartment. She felt uneasy about the events that occurred at Nick’s place. She picked up some files to look over them, but couldn’t concentrate. Her thoughts were on Nick. She started thinking about the time they first met just over a year before…
Andie had just graduated from SMU in Dallas when she met Nick. He was there on business, scouting a local band. She was at Club Dada in Deep Ellum, an area east of downtown Dallas, with some of her classmates. This wasn’t the type of place she would normally attend, but she was with friends, so it was a nice change. Nick was checking out the band, but wasn’t impressed. The press release he studied was obviously written by a band relative, or so he thought. He went to the bar and ordered a Myers rum and coke. A few seconds later, Andie walked up next to him an ordered the same. Nick turned to her, eyed her up and down, and liked what he saw. He had a fixation for longhaired brunettes. For that matter, the same went for shorthaired brunettes, long and shorthaired blondes, curly and straight-haired redheads. Let’s just say he had a passion for girls with any kind of hair.
“Great drink. Just got one myself,” said an interested Nick.
Andie looked at Nick. She wasn’t about to fall for that pick-up line. Besides, Nick was not the type of man that would interest her. His long, unruly locks characterized the kind of person she would normally stay away from.
“Yes
, it is,” she said, turning away from Nick. A red flag went up. He could tell by the way she said those three words that she wasn’t his type. Andie came across as being on the snobby side.
“Hey, look. I’m not trying to pick you up,” said Nick. “I’m just here on business. I don’t know anybody, and I’m just trying to have a little conversation.” He was trying to save his pride.
Andie felt a little guilty. “I’m sorry. My name is Andrea. I’m here with some friends of mine.” She pointed to the table. “We just graduated from SMU and were out to celebrate.”
“Well, congratulations,” said Nick. “What degree did you get? Wait a second; let me guess. Psychology – no, liberal arts – no, hold on, I got it – biology.”
“Law,” said Andie.
“Oh, great. That’s just what this world needs now. Another freaking lawyer.”
Andie was taken aback. “And I suppose the world needs more of – what is it that you do?”
Nick had to stop and think. His title was so confusing; even he didn’t know what he was supposed to be doing half the time. “I work for Apocalypse Records. I do what I’m doing right now.”
“What, going around trying to pick up law graduates?”
“I told you, I’m not trying to pick you up. I’m scouting this band here.”
Andie turned towards the band, then looked at Nick. “They’re not very good.”
“You’re telling me,” said Nick. “They sent me here ‘cause Dallas is supposed to be a happening market for bands right now. I hope these guys aren’t an indication.”
“Where is Apocalypse Records?” asked Andie.
“We’re in New Lake City. Man, these guys really suck.”
Andie was familiar with New Lake City. She had sent a resume to the law firm of Wainwright & Grimes - one of the most respected firms in the country.
“Why don’t you try some of the other clubs in Deep Ellum,” suggested Andie.
“Not a bad idea,” said Nick. “You want to come along?”
Andie waited a few seconds, and then agreed. They checked out a few clubs – not one had a band that dazzled Nick. After a couple of hours, they went back to Club Dada, but Andie’s friends were gone. Nick offered Andie a ride home in his rental car, which she accepted. This wasn't the best time of night to be looking for a cab. When they got to Andie’s apartment, only out of appreciation of the ride, she invited Nick in for coffee. They talked a couple of more hours, and then Nick left. He didn’t try to make a move on her, which impressed Andie. Before he left, they had exchanged phone numbers. Andie thought it would be nice to know someone in New Lake City, just in case she got the job.
About one month later, Andie did get the job with Wainwright & Grimes. She moved to New Lake City, got in touch with Nick, and a great friendship started. There was never anything more. They would go to concerts, movies, dinner, or sometimes just watch TV together. They hardly ever had any form of physical contact. There was rarely a hug or even a friendly handshake. Not touching each other in any way, shape, or form was an assumed agreement between the two of them…
Now, Andie realized Nick needed help and she was his best friend. Maybe he is having feelings for me, she thought. That would destroy their friendship. She needed their friendship more than a relationship. He was her rock – not a steady foundation, but something she could rely on. There was never a threat of a relationship casualty. She could hang out with Nick and never worry about him not being there for her. He always was. He was also an excuse for her not getting involved with anyone. She convinced herself that Nick needed her. He really didn’t. In fact, Nick didn’t need anybody, at least until now. This wasn’t the time to be taking no for an answer, but she did. Instead of going to Nick’s apartment against his wishes, she called her next best friend, Debbie. Debbie’s phone rang six times, and then the machine answered…
“Hi. You’ve reached Deborah Bailey. If you are with any theatrical organization, please leave a message and I’ll get right back with you. If you are anybody else, have a nice day. Bye.”
“Deb, it’s me. Just wanted to talk. I guess I’ll just see you tomorrow at work. Good night.” Andie had forgotten Debbie was spending the night at Tony’s apartment. She hung up the phone, put her files on the coffee table, and then turned on the TV. She started watching Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Debbie and Tony were lying in bed. She was still a little peeved about Tony’s behavior earlier.
“Is my little linguini still upset?” he asked.
“You know, sweetheart,” she said, “I’m really disappointed in you.”
“I promise I will last longer next time, my love,” said the embarrassed Tony, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
“No, you idiot, not that. I was talking about what you said to Nick.”
“I do not understand your disappointment.”
“Nick is going through a rough time. He needs some help.”
“Is it your obligation to help him?” Tony never quite grasped the meaning of true friendship the same way Debbie embraced it.
“I think it’s both of ours,” said Debbie. “He doesn’t need you teasing him.”
“I am sorry, my pepperoni, but Nicholas is a big boy. I think he is jealous of Andie going out with your new boss.”
“It hasn’t happened yet.”
“Oh, but it will. Nicholas will be losing his best friend to another man. She will not have time for him anymore.”
“She’ll still have time for him. Besides, didn’t you see the way he reacted to the possibility of Andie going out with Harold?”
“Harold,” said Tony. “So, you are already on a first name basis with your new boss?” It was his turn to start showing a little jealously.
“We’ve been over this before, sweetheart. I’m just trying to make Andie happy. She’s a great friend and I want to see her as happy as I am.”
“What about Nicholas?”
“I think both of them are vulnerable right now. If Nick has feelings for Andie, maybe seeing her with Harold might bring him around to get off his ass and do something about it.”
Tony had a mischievous grin. “You said ‘ass.’”
“Yeah, so what?”
“It gets me excited. I’ve never heard you speak in a profane manner.”
Debbie smiled, raised her eyebrows and asked, “So just what are you going to do about it?”
Five minutes later, Tony was fast asleep with a huge smile on his face. Debbie was smiling, herself, but still was restless. She grabbed the TV remote from the nightstand and clicked it on. She started watching Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Benny was sitting on a barstool in his home. He had papers spread all over the bar. The television was tuned to the local news, in hope of getting more information about Zipper Down’s death. He stared at the sprawled out plethora of papers. Contracts, charts, payroll records, and other various aggravations of a record company executive seemed to be snickering at him. Benny’s performance at Apocalypse had dropped a great deal since he started seeing Kat. He knew the arrival of Jamie was as much a threat to him as it was to Nick. Unfortunately, Nick was his biggest problem. Benny had been letting Nick get away with slacking. Nick hadn’t written any songs in months, and missed several recording sessions because of his lack of sobriety. Benny had the responsibility of being Nick’s boss – one that was hard to bear. He knew Nick’s work would be brought up at the meeting with Jamie. He took a gulp of orange juice, and then turned to the TV when he heard news about Zipper Down. The reporter announced it was an apparent choking, but foul play hadn’t been ruled out.
Benny stalled at first, then picked up the phone and called Kat’s apartment. The phone rang a dozen times and the answering machine didn’t pick up. He felt pathetic for even attempting the call. He strolled into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and opened a bottle of sparkling wine. He rarely drank socially and never drank alone. Tonight was the exception. He poured the wine
into his half-empty glass of orange juice forming his favorite drink. He was leading the good, albeit lonely, life thanks to Apocalypse Records. He needed to forget about Kat and get his career back on track. He really missed his Lexus. Benny walked to his imported leather recliner, plopped down, and reached for his remote. No new information about Zipper Down would be heard tonight since the weather segment was now showing. He flipped the channel on his 52”-screen-television. It was connected to a satellite capable of receiving over 300 channels. MTV was playing a Nirvana video for the umpteenth time. VH-1 was showing a Mariah Carey video – again. The Nashville Network was showing a Garth Brooks interview, the same one he’d seen ten times. After sampling all the music channels available, he settled on the station showing Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.