Mike parked the GTO in front of the pad, and grabbed the bag of groceries from the passenger seat. He was so excited to tell the guys about the gig, and he felt a small flame of hope flare up inside him for the first time in weeks. When he burst through the door, he saw Micky sound asleep on the couch, Peter at the table drawing something, and Davy was nowhere to be seen. "You guys won't believe it!" Mike exclaimed, causing Micky to startle awake and fall off of the couch onto the floor. Peter laughed as he went to help his friend up. "What is it Mike?" Peter asked, pulling Micky to his feet. "Whatever it is had better be good" Micky teased and Mike laughed. "I got us a gig!" He squealed. "Oh Mike that's terrific!" Peter said and he ran up to Mike and pulled him into a hug. "Take it easy Pete" Mike said gently prying Peter off of him. "That's great Mike, when and where?" Micky asked. "When and where what?" Davy asked coming through the balcony doors. He was dressed in his swimwear, and he shook some sand out of his hair. "Mike got us a gig" Micky answered and Davy smiled "oh that's groovy mate" he said stepping inside. "We play this Thursday at 7 at The Hangout" Mike said, barely containing his excitement. Peter's eyes grew wide and Micky and Davy exchanged excited smiles. "That's like the hippest place in town Mike, how'd you score it?" Micky asked. Mike quickly told his friends about his run in with Mr. Mattson, and they were all in stitches. "I can't believe it, he won't even talk to a girl, but he'll serenade an old man in public" Davy jested poking Mike in the shoulder. Mike chuckled at the joke, but a vision of the beautiful girl flooded his mind. Why had he run from her, why didn't he go and say hello? Just because she was looking at Davy that night didn't mean he couldn't introduce himself. "Mike, you still with us?" Micky asked nudging his shoulder. "Oh, oh yeah, just thinking" Mike answered dimly. "That's our Mike, always thinking" Micky teased and Mike gave a soft smile. "Well it's getting late, I think I'll head up to bed" Mike said abruptly and bounded up the stairs. "Wonder what got in to him?" Davy asked
Once secured in his and Micky's room, Mike let out a huge sigh. The image of the girl still fresh in his mind. He tried to shake it away, but he couldn't. He was never good at talking to girls. He never knew what to say, and he knew most girls weren't interested in talking to him anyway. He wasn't charming, or handsome, or funny. He considered himself to be somewhat intelligent, at least in a musical sense. But other than that, he thought of himself as unworthy of any sort of affection and attention. He couldn't understand what his hang up was today. He knew these kinds of things never bothered him. He hadn't thought about a relationship in a long time, not since he was a young boy in school. But working on the new song, and then seeing that girl at the store, it suddenly occurred to him just how lonely he was. Sure he had the guys and their music, but he suddenly felt as though he wanted something more. He plopped down on the bed and pulled his hat down so that it covered his eyes. He once again found himself thinking about the girl. Long hair, soft skin, plump lips, and legs for days. Mike groaned. What was it about this girl he didn't even know that plagued him? Was he simply that lonely, or was he really that attracted to her, or maybe both? He didn't know, but he knew he didn't want to think about it anymore. The gig was in three days. They had a lot of work to do to be ready, and he needed to focus. He jumped out of bed and quickly changed into his pajamas before crawling back into bed. He knew Micky wouldn't be up for awhile. In fact, on most nights Mick didn't come to bed until 2 in the morning, hence why he always slept so late. Mike couldn't understand how Micky functioned like that and still had boundless energy. As he started to drift to sleep, he saw another vision of blue eyes and freckles. He decided to let the vision lull him to sleep instead of trying to fight it. He needed to be fresh in the morning, and if her pretty face brought him sweet dreams and a good nights rest, then so be it.
"Davy, don't forget your tambourine" Mike shouted back into the pad as he finished loading his guitar into the Monkeemobile. "Got it!" Davy shouted back. Thursday had finally arrived, and the band was on their way to The Hangout. Mike had pushed them hard in rehearsals. He knew he was being tough on them, but he had to be, tonight had to go well. They practiced for countless hours, and Mike made them prefect every single detail. He was grateful none of the guys seemed angry about how hard he was working them. Occasionally, Micky or Davy would start to complain, but Peter would give them a reassuring smile, and they would stop. Peter was always so sensitive and peaceful. He brought a harmony to the group that Mike appreciated more than Peter would ever know. Though the blonde was slow and dim witted at times, he was an essential part of what made the band run so smoothly. "Ok Mike, I think that's everything" Peter said loading his bass. "Alright fellas, lets roll" Mike said, as he slid into the driver's seat.
"Wow would you look at how hopping this joint is!" Micky exclaimed as the band walked into the club. "It's packed tonight, this is great!" Davy chimed. Mike smiled and was thrilled to see so many people, but he knew that put even more pressure on himself and his friends. He noticed Mr. Mattson talking to the barkeep, and waved in his direction. Mr. Mattson strolled over to the boys, giving a frown to the tall Texan. "Well, you must be the rest of the Monkees" he said giving each one of the boys a once over. "Well we certainly aren't Tigers" Peter quipped and Mike put his head in his hand. "Just get set up, and for your sake, don't blow it" Mr. Mattson said before going about his business. "Blow what?" Peter asked quietly and Mike shook his head. "Charming fellow" Davy observed sarcastically before heading toward the stage. Once they were all set up, Mike checked his watch. Three minutes to spare. "Ok guys, come here let me talk to you for a sec" he told them and ushered them off to the side of the stage. "Listen, I know I've pretty tough this week, but we all know this is a big chance for us. Playing here regularly could really get us the kind of exposure we've been working for" He said and his friends nodded in agreement. "So let's just forget about all of the stress this week, and just do what we do. Play great music." He finished and they all smiled at him. "You got it Mike" Peter replied and Mike gave him a pat on the shoulder.
Mike cleared his throat and went to his mic as the rest of them got into position.
"Hel, Hello everyone" he stumbled. "We're The Monkees and we're going to play some tunes for you" He said and the crowd gave them a cheer. Mike smiled and began the opening chords of Last Train to Clarksville. As Micky started singing, Mike looked around the crowded dance room trying to judge how people were reacting. The kids were digging the sound, and everyone was up on their feet dancing. He saw Mr. Mattson and locked eyes with him. The stern man still had his arms crossed, but he gave Mike an approving nod before walking into a room Mike assumed to be his office. Mike couldn't contain his happiness. Mr. Mattson approved, the guys were in the clear. As Mike continued playing the riffs on his guitar, he continued looking around the room, and his heart nearly stopped. There, in the back corner by the bar, stood the girl from the grocery. Mike had finally managed to stop thinking about her during rehearsals and put all his focus on the music. But seeing her again, he couldn't take his eyes away. And this time he noticed, she wasn't looking at Davy. Her eyes were looking at him. No it can't be, he thought. He angled his body to see Micky singing and pounding away at the drums directly behind him. She's looking at Micky, he reasoned. But as he looked back at where she stood, their eyes met, and she wasn't looking away. Mike felt an odd senesation at the pit of his stomach. He couldn't believe she was looking at him. No, stop it Mike, she's not watching you she's watching the band, everyone is watching the band, he told himself. Still, he couldn't look away from her. The song came to a close and Mike knew it was his turn at the mic. How was he supposed to sing his new song when she was standing there starring. He shook his head and started to play You Just May Be the One. As he sang the beginning lyrics, he felt his heart race. It felt like he was singing it right to her, and everyone else had faded away. Once the song finally ended, Mike shook himself. He knew he needed to get a grip. He trained his eyes on the back wall for the rest of their set. Not once more did he look at her, or even in that direction. No, he had to focus.
"Well we certainly have had a groovy time tonight, and we hoped you enjoyed our sound" Mike said after Micky had finished singing Mary, Mary. The crowd cheered wildly and Mike felt his heart swell with pride. They had been a hit. The boys started to pack up when Mike noticed Mr. Mattson making his way towards them and Mike held his breath. "Well boys, I underestimated you" he said showing a hint of a smile. "You were terrific, best band I've had play here in a long time" he continued and Mike nearly burst. "Oh thank you Mr. Mattson, we're real glad you liked it!" He practically squealed in delight. "Now calm down there son" Mr Mattson said sternly. "I want you boys to come back on Monday. As long as you keep giving performances like that, I'll have you come once or twice a week" he said and the boys could hardly believe it. He was offering them steady work and pay. "You get $50 tonight and Monday, after that, I'll bump it to $100, so long as you keep delivering" Mike felt lightheaded. The rent was solved, they were going to be ok. "Be here Monday, same time, and after the show, we can sign an official contract" he said sternly. He shook Mike's hand and walked back to his office. "I can't believe it!" Peter cried. "It's sensational" Davy chimed "It's like Christmas" Micky added. Mike simply stood there in shook. They actually pulled it off. "Mike come on man, let's get the instruments put away so we can have some fun!" Davy cheered and Micky began taking his drums apart. Mike still hadn't moved. He was frozen in place. "Michael?" Peter said touching his shoulder "Uh huh" he mumbled, finally coming back to reality and looking at his friend. "You did it Mike" Peter told him and gave him the widest smile. "We did it Shotgun" Mike answered and smiled back.
Once the boys had the instruments packed away, they found a table off to the side and sat down. "I mean what a night fellas" Davy said sipping his coke. "Mike works us to the bone all week, we play the best gig we've ever had, and now we'll be regularly employed musicians!" He cheered raising his glass in toast. Micky clinked his own glass to Davy's and laughed. "To Papa Nez!" Micky declared standing on his chair, drawing looks from other guests. "Hey cool it Mick, don't get us fired before we even start" Mike chuckled as Micky plopped back in his seat. "Excuse me?" Mike heard a soft, sweet voice from behind him and turned in his chair. He found himself starring into a pair of stunning blue eyes and he nearly fell out of his seat. "Hi, I'm sorry to bother you, I just wanted to say you guys are really great, I loved your show" she said. Mike could hear his heart pounding wildly in his chest. She was there in front of him. She liked their show. He wanted to say something, anything, but nothing came out. "Well thank you love" Davy said, his voice oozing with charm. Well crap, Mike thought. Davy beat him to the punch. "I'm Davy Jones" He said standing and coming around the table offering his hand. She took it and gave him a small smile and he got stars in his eyes. Mike wanted to run away right then. He knew she wasn't looking at him. "It's nice to meet you Mr. Jones" she offered. Mike saw Davy's face fall a little. She called him Mr. Jones, not Davy. She wasn't flirting back at all, she was being polite. "And who are your friends?" She asked the puzzled Brit. "Oh uh this is Micky Dolenz," Micky stood shaking her hand and she once again offered a kind smile. "And Peter Tork" Peter gave her a huge grin and took her hand. "And Mike Nesmith". When Davy said his name Mike knew he had to look at her. Up until that point, he had kept his eyes on the floor. "Hello Mike" she said reaching a hand toward him when he didn't immediately offer his own. He took her small hand in his and savored the touch of her soft skin. "Hi, uh, nice to uh, nice to meet you" He stammered and she grinned. "Well anyway I'm sorry to bother you, but I just had to tell you how much I enjoyed your songs" she said to them. "No bother at all, why don't you sit down and hang out for a spell?" Micky offered pulling a chair up between him and Mike. "I'd like that, thank you" she said taking the seat. Mike couldn't get control of his emotions. She was sitting too close, and she smelled like roses. "So, what's your name love?" Davy asked, clearly still trying to win her over. "Addison. Addison Hayes, but most people call me Addy" she said. Addy, Mike mused. Simple and pretty. A perfect fit for the beauty next to him. "Beautiful" Davy said. Addy gave him a soft smile, but she still made no effort to flirt back. Mike didn't think Davy was taking the hint. "Well, it's nice to meet you Addy" Peter said. "So, what's a nice girl like you doing out by herself?" Micky asked and Mike wanted to roll his eyes. Now Micky was flirting, Mike couldn't catch a break. "Well actually, I um knew you guys were playing tonight. I've heard you play before and couldn't wait to hear you again." She answered. Mike smiled a little at this. She really was a fan of their music. "Oh, how'd you know we were playing?" Peter asked curious. She blushed a little and averted her eyes. "Well, I may have overheard someone singing in the grocery store" she answered and Mike turned beat red. She heard the entire thing. He had never felt more embarrassed in his life. The other three boys started laughing and Mike readjusted his hat not sure of what to say. "Well, uh you see, I uh..." he fumbled around searching for something to make this less awful. She looked up at him and smiled. "Your negotiating skills are very impressive Mike" she said and he felt a tingle down his spine at the sound of his name leaving her lips. "Yeah that's our Mike, always taking one for the team" Micky chimed in. "Well, you're a very good friend" she said, never once looking away from Mike. He blushed and found himself starring at the floor again.
Peter had been observing their interaction. While Davy and Micky were too busy trying to woo the poor girl, Peter couldn't help but notice how she was interacting with Mike. She kept gazing at him, and whenever he looked at her she blushed. And much to Peter's surprise, Mike was acting even worse. He had never seen his friend so red and quiet. He hadn't stop blushing since she came over, and he had hardly spoken two words. He didn't want to leave poor Addy alone with Micky and Davy, but he knew he had to talk to Mike before he had a train wreck. "Uh Mike I think I left my wallet in the car, will you come with me?" Peter asked as Micky finished telling Addy a joke and she tried to laugh. "Peter you can go to the car by yourself can't you?" Mike asked confused. Peter rolled his eyes. "I don't remember where we parked" he offered. "Well it's not like that car is hard to miss" Mike countered and Peter stamped his foot. "Mike I'm scared of the dark" he tried again and this finally got Mike up. "Oh merciful Heavens Pete, we've talked about this, the dark can't hurt you" he said as they stood up. "Excuse us for a moment" Peter told Addy and she nodded as she watched Mike head toward the exit. "Take your time Pete" Micky quipped and Peter have him a look.
Once they were outside, Peter grabbed Mike's arm. "Peter what's going on? What's this all about needing your wallet?" Mike asked. "Mike, what are you doing?" Peter asked and Mike starred in confusion. Peter rolled his eyes again. Sometimes for being the smart one, Mike was plain clueless. "Addy likes you!" Peter burst and Mike's jaw dropped. "What, Addy, nah, that's, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard" Mike said taking off his hat and playing with the bob on top. "Mike, she keeps looking at you, she hasn't flirted with Davy, and you haven't stopped blushing since she came up to us" Peter explained and Mike turned red again. He couldn't believe Peter had noticed his blushing. Peter may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he was by far more observant than the others gave him credit for. "I don't know what, what uh, what you're talking, talking about" Mike said not looking away from the hat in his hand. "Mike" Peter said and Mike looked back at the blonde. "It's ok to be nervous, but trust me, she likes you" Peter reassured and Mike shook his head. "No way man, I remember her from the last gig. She looked at Davy the whole night, and tonight she was looking at Micky. She just can't decide which one she wants that's all" he said glumly. "You mean Davy who stands right beside you and Micky who's right behind you when we play?" Peter asked and Mike nodded. "Mike, she was looking at you, you just don't want to believe it." Peter said. Mike just shook his head once more. "Look I appreciate you trying to help me out Pete, I really do, but I'm just not good with the ladies like Micky and Davy" he said and kicked the dirt with his boot. "Mike, neither am I, but I know when a woman is interested, and trust me, Addy is interested in you". Mike considered what his friend had told him. Could she be into him? Mike wouldn't allow himself to believe it. Still, she hadn't made much of an effort to flirt with the other two band members, and they gave her plenty of opportunities. "Look, lets just get back inside before Davy and Micky end up in a dual" Mike finally said and Peter laughed. "Ok fine, but I know I'm right Mike" Peter said before heading back inside.
"Micky for the last time, I am NOT that short!" Davy whined as Peter and Mike took their seats. "All I'm saying Addy, is Davy here holds a record in Manchester for being the shortest long haired weirdo" Micky snickered and Addy shifted in her seat not sure if she should laugh or spare Davy's feelings. "Oh will you two cut it out" Mike said coming to her rescue. She gave him a smile that seemed to say thank you, and he gave a small smile back. He tried to be cool, and not think too much about what Peter had told him outside. Just then Unchained Melody sounded from the jukebox. "Oh I love this song!" Addy said looking toward the dance floor. Peter saw both Micky and Davy ready to jump at the opportunity, and he knew if he didn't act fast, Mike would never get a chance to dance with her. "Wow what a coincidence so does Mike!" Peter chimed and Mike shot him a look with wide eyes. "Really?" Addy asked and Mike could only nod. "Well, would you want to come dance with me?" She asked standing in front of him. Once again, Mike was at a lose for words. He simply took her hand and she led them out on the dance floor. Peter smiled as he watched the pair, and then laughed when he saw the dejected looks of his other friends. "Say Peter what gives? I was going to ask her to dance" Davy pouted. "No I was gonna ask her!" Micky fired back. "Will you two knock it off" Peter laughed and gestured back to Mike and Addy. It finally dawned on the two other band mates just what was happening. "Well don't I feel like a bozo" Micky said "Same here mate" Davy agreed and Peter grinned.
Once the two made their way onto the floor, Mike began to panic. He wasn't much of a dancer, and he was already nervous. He was going to kill Peter for this. "I, uh, it's um been a while since I've danced" he said bashfully and she smiled and he felt his knees shake. "That's ok, I'll help you" she said. She took his right hand and placed it low on her hip and Mike pulled her a little closer as he tried to steady his breathing. She placed her hand on his shoulder and as she took hold of his other hand, she pressed herself against him. As they started swaying to the music, Mike began to relax. He kept getting whiffs of the scent of her hair, his hand had managed to make its way to the small of her back, and he realized how much he liked holding her. He couldn't speak. All he could do was look into her beautiful eyes. She never looked away from him, and he realized just how close they had become. She gave him a small smile before resting her head on his chest as they continued dancing. He stopped breathing all together. Her hair tickled his chin, and he could feel her heartbeat against his chest. All too soon, the song was over. She pulled away from him slowly, and he longed to pull her right back into his arms. "Thank you for the dance Mike" she said softly. "You're welcome" he replied. She suddenly checked her watch and he saw her face fall. "I'm really sorry, but I have to get home. I told my father I'd back by 11, and it's 11 now" she said quickly. "Oh sure" he said dropping her hand he hadn't realized he had still been holding. "Listen, I had a really great time tonight, and I loved meeting all of you" she said and he smiled. "Yeah it was great meeting you too" he said. She looked as if she was waiting for him to say more. Should I ask her out, does she want me to ask her out, he thought in a frenzy. He saw her smile fade and he kicked himself for not saying anything. She turned towards the exit, but then quickly came back to Mike. "Listen, my father is having a party at the country club on Saturday, and I'd love it if you and your friends came" she said quickly and Mike was taken aback. "Oh, well yeah sure that sounds fun" he said. She gave him a bright smile. "Great, the party's at 6, so I'll see you then" she said. Mike saw her fidget for a moment and he thought she was going to say something else. But to his surprise, she leaned up and kissed his cheek. He saw her blush a deep red "Well, goodnight Mike" she said quickly before practically running out the door. Mike stood shellshocked. He didn't know what to make of the situation. He touched his fingers to his still burning cheek. Why had she done that? Did she really like him, or was she just being nice? It was too hard for Mike to accept that someone might actually have feelings for him. He just couldn't see himself as a catch. Still, he couldn't stop the butterflies he felt in his stomach. Dancing with Addy had been surreal, and the light kiss on his cheek left him wanting more.
He finally made his way back to his table of friends, and judging by the mischievous looks they all had on their face, he knew they saw the whole thing. "I don't want to hear a word about it" he said as he sat down, each one of his friends ready to pounce. "Oh come on Mike, that's the most action you've had in your life" Davy teased. "Yeah, and what a chick too" Micky said with dreamy eyes. "So, what did she say Mike?" Peter asked throwing a look at the two clowns across the table. "She uh, invited us to a party her father's having at the country club on Saturday" Mike said and saw the look of delight in their eyes. "Oh, a girl born of class" Davy said. "We shall bask in her emabarrasment of riches" Micky said in a dramatic voice and Mike hit him on the arm. "Don't do that" Mike said and Micky laughed. Mike knew they were the last people who belonged in a country club, but deep down, he was more excited than he had been in a long, long time.