Freddy stood up and made his way to the bar.
‘I dunno.’ Todd lit up a cigarette. ‘I always said I wasn’t sure about Freddy. Maybe we should be looking for another manager. He keeps saying he’ll get us a deal, but most of the big boys have turned us down.’
‘Give your man a break, Todd,’ said Con. ‘He’s doing his best. Besides, maybe it’s us, our music. Maybe we’re not after being as great as we think we are.’
‘Bollocks, Con! We may have been a bit rough around the edges a few weeks ago, but now we’re shit-hot!’
‘And who has helped us tighten up? Why, your man Freddy, that’s who,’ murmured Con.
‘Boys, boys, come on now. There’s no point in fighting amongst yourselves,’ said Lulu.
‘Yeah, peace, man. It’s all cool. Anyone want a drag?’ Ian smiled beatifically and waved his joint in the air.
‘No thanks. Where’s Derek?’ asked Todd.
‘Last time I saw him he was heading for the bogs. Right miserable so-and-so he’s been tonight,’ said Ian.
It was true. Derek had been nothing short of morose all evening.
‘Woman trouble, no doubt,’ said Todd as Freddy arrived back with a tray of drinks. ‘He’s always been a bit...sensitive in that department. Anyway.’
‘Cheers,’ said Freddy brightly, raising his glass to his lips. No one else responded. ‘Come on, lads. No one said the path to fame and fortune was going to be easy. I told you it might take some time.’
‘Freddy’s right,’ said Lulu. ‘You’ve got to keep believing in yourselves. Otherwise, why should anyone else?’
Derek slunk back to the table. He had large grey rings under his eyes, which themselves were bloodshot and angry. When he sat down, the mood at the table, already low, plummeted through the floor. Lulu made a face at Todd, and gestured to Derek with her eyes. Todd nodded.
‘Come on, Derek, let’s go and get some fresh air.’
Derek failed to respond. Todd put an arm around him and practically had to lift him from the bar stool.
Outside, Todd lit up a cigarette. ‘So,’ he muttered, taking a puff, ‘what’s up with you?’
Derek didn’t respond.
‘It’s not to do with that Peggy, is it?’
Derek’s pale cheeks filled with colour.
‘It is, isn’t it? Did she tell you where to get off?’
Derek remained silent.
‘Honestly, Derek, you’re an idiot! You’ve had a thing about her since you were thirteen. Haven’t you got the message yet? I mean, she’s an attractive girl, sure, but nothing spectacular. Believe me, there are plenty more where she came from.’
‘What would you know about her? She’s the most beautiful, kind, gentle girl in the world. There’ll never be another like her, never!’ Todd had always thought his cousin a sweet little fellow, but tonight, Derek was manic. ‘We had our problems in the past, but she came to see the band play. Why would she do that unless she loved me?’ Derek hit the brick wall of the pub with an open palm. ‘She took the necklace I bought her. She wouldn’t have done that unless she wanted me. It just doesn’t make sense!’
‘Perhaps she was being polite?’ Todd offered.
‘Shut up, Todd. I know her!’ Derek looked up at his cousin’s bemused face, teeth gritted.
‘Okay, okay, I’m sorry. Calm down.’ Todd took a large drag on his cigarette. ‘Even if she is some sort of goddess, Derek, surely she can’t be worth this awful state you’re in?’
‘I wouldn’t expect you to understand. Just leave it, will you?’
‘All right, I’m sorry.’
They stood silently for a while, taking in the night air.
