chapter 3

Within the next hour, Meloney and Louise were getting ready to go with the Monkees to their gig.

"So," Meloney said teasingly, "What do you think of Davy?"

Louise's eyes got wide suddenly, "I think he's alright, why do you ask?"

Meloney smirked, "You like Davy!" she sang, "You have a crush on the short British boy!"

"Oh, like you're one to talk," Louise said rolling her green eyes, "Bye Peter!" she mimicked Meloney's goodbye to Peter.

Meloney crossed her arms over her chest, "Well at least I dont run away from the boys I like!" she said.

Louise scowled, "At least I wasn't obvious about how I feel about him!" she said loudly.

Mel took this as her queue to stop the teasing "Ok, sorry Lou," she said holding up her hands in surrender, "I was only teasing you. You ready to go?"

Louise nodded and smiled as she walked out the door. she led the way to the Monkee's pad and knocked on the door.

When the door opened, Louise froze as she saw who'd answered the door.

"Hello girls!" Davy said cheerily as the two stepped in.

"Hi Davy," Meloney said looking around casually for Peter.

"We'll be ready to go as soon as we get loaded up." Davy called over his shoulder with a playful wink at Louise.

she looked away bashfully as Davy came back with the rest of the group to help load up the monkeemobile. she saw Peter grin at Meloney, who blushed in response. Louise decided to help the boys with their instruments and carried some of Micky's drums. Meloney followed her lead and carried Mike's guitar very carefully to the car.

With the girls help, it only took one trip each to the car and then they were off to the gig.

It was only ten minutes from where they lived, so the awkward car ride was thankfully short lived, but when they got to the restaurant, the parking lot was totally empty.

Louise made a face as they all filed out of the car and started to unload the equipment. Meloney had they same confusion written on her face as she led the way into the equally deserted interior of the restaurant.

As the guys set up their instruments, Meloney voiced her confusion to her chum.

"Um, I thought they said this place was popular."

"Yeah I did too," Louise said looking around casually, "Maybe business picks up later in the evening?"

"It better..." Meloney said trailing off as Mike and a big looking man with a cowboy hat walked up.

"Louise, Meloney," Mike said, "This is Mr. Andrews, he owns the place."

"Hello," Meloney said trying to be sweet.

"We hear you have some job opening?" Louise asked hopefully.

"Yes," Mr. Andrews said with a nod, "I need a couple of waitresses, you two interested?"

"Yes, sir," Meloney said politely, "we need a job to pay our rent."

"Well, I pay $5.00 an hour," Mr. Andrews said. "Job's yours if you want it."

"Really?" Louise asked, surprised it was that easy, "Thanks a bunch!"

Mr. Andrews nodded at their gratitude and walked back toward the bandstand.

Meloney took a tight hold on Louise's elbow and squealed excitedly, "Ohmygosh, Lou we got a job!"

"I know Mel," Louise said prying her fingers from her red elbow, "I was here remember?"

Meloney giggled excitedly as Peter and Davy came up with grins, "So you two got the job?" Davy asked.

Meloney looked at her curly haired friend and spoke up, "Yep, but I have no idea when we start."

"Hey," Peter grinned, "Let's go ask, Mel."

Meloney glanced at Louise who cocked an encouraging eyebrow at her. Meloney bit her lip as Peter took her hand and pulled her to find Mr. Andrews.

"So," Davy said looking Louise up and down once, "Where're you two from exactly?"

"Ohio," Louise said, "But Mel's originally from Georgia. She moved to Ohio when she was 16."

"How come you guys moved to Malibu?" he asked sitting down at a table with her.

Louise shrugged, "We needed something new I suppose."

"I know how you feel," Davy said, "I moved here from Manchester for the same reason."

"Really?" Louise asked, surprised they actually had something in common, "Was it hard for you, ya know leaving your family behind?"

"It was for a bit," Davy shrugged, "But then I met these guys, They're my new family."

Louise smiled as Peter and Meloney came back, "We can start our new job right now!" Mel said grinning madly. Louise noticed Peter holding her hand when Mike called the two boys over to start their gig.