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Part One
Where are you taking Maggie tonight? Mike asked Micky as he watched him straighten his tie and then slip on his suit jacket.
We are going to Remos for dinner and then I thought we might go catch a late movie. Dont wait up for me, he answered with a smile. He hadnt been able to see her for the last six weeks because The Monkees were lucky enough to have landed a record deal and a small tour. Things were starting to look up for them as a music group and Micky wanted to make sure that this Valentines Day was special for her.
Then he turned to face Mike. Well, do I pass inspection?
Mike stood up from the bed and went to look Micky over, brushing a few stray pieces of lint and hair from his jacket. Looks good to me. Go get em, tiger.
Micky laughed and they both left the bedroom, their boots clanking on the steps as they descended the stairs.
Davy whistled as he saw Micky. Dont you look smashing.
And you smell nice, too, Peter said as he came around the stairs.
Thank you, I think. Micky checked his watch and went to the door, picking up the car keys from the table on his way. Id love to stay and listen to you tell me how good I look, but its time for me to go. Have as much fun as you can without me and Ill see you in the morning. He then disappeared out the door and into the night.
Did you enjoy the meal? Micky asked Maggie as they got into the car after dinner.
Yes, very much.
Micky started the car and they drove in silence to her place. He could sense that something wasnt quite right so he decided to skip the movie and maybe talk to her. He turned to Maggie when he shut off the engine.
Is everything okay?
Maggie looked at him with a faint smile. No, everything isnt okay. There is something I need to talk to you about but I just dont know how to do it.
Now he was nervous. Any conversation that started like that couldnt be good. Well, just come out with it.
Maggie turned away, not able to look at him while she told him what she had on her mind. I cant live like this, Micky.
What are you talking about, Maggie? he said as he gently put his hand on her arm.
I mean I cant just go on with my life as normal while you are touring the country. I cant stand waiting for you to come home; not knowing what is happening while you are gone. She turned to face him, the tears starting to fall from her eyes. I just cant do it.
Micky didnt know what to say. He was stunned by her confession. I had no idea you felt this way. What can I do?
Nothing. You cant stop touring. This is what youve always dreamed of, but Im not cut out to be a rock stars girlfriend. I cant handle it. I think its best if we just part ways right now before we get too involved with each other. It was a lie she had been trying to make herself believe. She was already so in love with him she couldnt do anything without thinking about him.
No, we can work this out. Im sure theres a way, if we just think about it, Micky pleaded.
No, Micky. Ive decided its best this way, Maggie answered, gently patting his hand.
Micky felt like his world was crumbling around him. He loved Maggie and he thought she felt the same way about him. Apparently he had been wrong. If she felt the same way, there was no way she would be making a suggestion like this. Suddenly, he felt angry.
Youve decided? I dont get a say in this? He yanked his arm away from her touch and turned to look out the car window. You know there are two of us in this relationship.
Maggie had expected this. She knew he wouldnt take the news very well. Micky, Im sorry. I just cant do it. You deserve to have a woman in your life that understands what you do for a living; someone who wont mind spending her nights alone. Thats something I cant do. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, reached for the door handle and then softly said she was sorry as she opened the door and stepped out.
Micky watched her as she quickly slipped inside her apartment building and right out of his life. What was he going to do now? He loved Maggie but there was no future for them if she felt that way. He wanted the music more than anything; always had. He started the car and made his way home in a daze.
Mike checked his watch and seeing it was eleven oclock, he decided it was time for bed. Peter had already gone to bed an hour ago and Davy was still out on the town. He turned out the overhead light and went up stairs to the room he shared with Micky. As he passed the bedroom window, he noticed how bright the moon was and stopped to look out at the ocean. He thought he saw someone standing by the waters edge and when he looked closer, noticed it was Micky.
Whats he doing back this early? he thought. And hes alone. That cant be good.
Mike thought that maybe Micky needed to talk so he made his way out to meet him.
Mick, he said softly when he got close to Micky. Are you okay?
No, Micky answered matter-of-factly.
Want to talk about it?
Shes gone. Just like that. Gone. Micky never looked away from the water as he spoke.
What do you mean shes gone? Mike asked.
I mean, Maggie told me she didnt want to see me anymore. She doesnt want to be a rock stars girlfriend. We are no longer together. Just like that.
Mike was silent. He had no idea what to say to his hurting friend and he gently put his hand on Mickys shoulder and stood with him in silence till Micky felt like going in the house.
Part Two
The next few weeks were hard for Micky. He tried to contact Maggie but found out she had left town without a forwarding address. No one knew where she was. So life seemed to go on for him; The Monkees went back on tour, had hit record after hit record, and they each found a special someone to share their life with.
Even Micky found someone but he never really got over Maggie. She was always on his mind; he always wondered where she was and what she was doing, if she was thinking of him like he was thinking of her. After a few years, it took a toll on his relationship with his wife and they
divorced. So he once again found himself alone.
The Monkees were calling it quits after a twenty-year career and they were on the last two weeks of their farewell tour. They had two shows in Kansas City and were just getting in to the hotel.
I am really going to miss this, Davy said as he unlocked the suite door and walked in depositing his bag on the floor.
Im not, Mike said, heading for the mini bar and taking out a beer.
Peter sat down on the couch. I will a little.
Micky was quiet. He didnt know how he felt about it. He didnt have anything to stay home for so why would he miss it? He went into one of the bedrooms and deposited his bags on the bed then came back out.
I think Ill go down to the bar and see what is going on, Micky said as he went to the door. Anyone want to come along?
The others declined in various ways and he left. Sitting at the bar, he played with his beer mug and thought of Maggie. He always thought of her even after that many years. He wondered what she was doing, where she was, if she had a family, if she was happy. Many times over the years he had thought of trying to find her but had no idea where to start.
Penny for your thoughts.
Micky turned to see a woman sitting next to him. She smiled when he turned around and he couldnt help but smile back.
You dont want to hear my thoughts, he replied.
You never know, she said. Some time's it helps to tell a stranger whats on your mind and you look like you have a lot on your mind. She took a sip of her drink and then held out her hand. Im Shelly, by the way.
He took her hand and smiled. Im Micky.
I know who you are. Actually, I work at the radio station that is sponsoring your concert here.
Oh, he said for lack of a better reply.
So, do you want to talk? Shelly asked.
Micky thought about it for a moment. It would feel good to talk about Maggie to an unconnected third party and she seemed pretty grounded. She didnt act like a fan with stars in her eyes. Maybe he could confide in her.
Its about a woman, he started turning back to his drink.
Shelly smiled. It always is.
Micky chuckled. She and I were dating back when the group got our first record contract. We went on tour for six weeks and I wanted to make that Valentines Day special since I had been gone so long. We had a nice meal but I could tell some thing was bothering her. We sat in the car in front of her apartment building and she told me she didnt want to see me anymore. She couldnt handle being a rock stars girlfriend. He took another drink and fingered the napkin under his mug.
Shelly nodded her head. I see. Did you try to get back together?
She left without a trace. No forwarding address, nothing. I thought about looking for her but I had no idea where to start looking. Its a big country, you know. He laughed.
That it is, she replied with a smile. So, youve thought about her ever since?
Micky nodded.
Even though you got married?
Yeah. Thats part of the reason my marriage didnt work out. Janet said she couldnt cope with being number two. I really tried to put Maggie out of my mind but it never worked.
Her name was Maggie? Shelly asked watching him.
Micky smiled and answered thoughtfully, Yeah, Maggie.
Youve been in love with her all these years? Have you ever wondered if she has been in love with you all these years, too?
Micky looked at Shelly. If she was, surely she would have tried to contact me. I would have been easy to find.
Maybe she was scared; scared you wouldnt be happy to hear from her. Maybe she thought you had gone on with your life and there was no longer any room in it for her. After all, she did tell you she didnt want to be a rock stars girlfriend.
Micky gave that some thought. She had a point. Maybe somewhere out there Maggie was thinking of him, too. If only he knew where to look.
I just wish I knew where to look for her. What I wouldnt give to just see her one more time. Even if she didnt want anything to do with me.
Shelly smiled. I have a good feeling about your situation. Maybe fate will step in soon and when you least expect it, shell be there.
Micky looked in Shellys eyes as she spoke. She was not kidding him. She truly meant what she was saying.
Well, its getting late and I need to get home. I have to work tomorrow. She stood up from the barstool she had been sitting on and patted Micky on the arm. Dont worry. Destiny has a way of making things work out.
Micky stood and tossed some money on the bar to pay for their drinks. Hope youre right. Let me walk you out.
They made their way out the door into the hotel lobby.
Im glad I met you, Micky said smiling.
Me, too, Shelly said. I have a feeling Ill see you tomorrow when you come to the radio station.
Thats right. Im looking forward to it. Micky stepped closer and gave Shelly a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Thanks for the company.
Anytime, she answered. Bye, see you tomorrow.
Micky waved and watched her walk out the hotel doors into the night then returned to his room feeling a lot better than when he had left.
The Monkees arrived at the radio station early the next morning to do the publicity for their concert. Micky was in a much better mood than he had been the previous day and when Shelly met them at the door, he gave her a big hug and smile.
Good morning, Micky, she said as she returned his hug. How are you?
Just fine, he replied happily. I think our talk last night helped.
Good.
Let me introduce you to the guys. They walked to the others and he introduced them each to Shelly.
Im Shelly Walters, the program manager here at WKCR. I believe we are ready for you in the control booth. They started walking down a short hallway. You will be talking with our morning DJ, Stan Holden. Hes a great guy and youll have fun with him.
Shelly left them with Stan and went to an office in the back of the building.
Are they here yet? asked the woman seated at a desk.
Yes, they are. Shelly sat down across from the woman. Listen, you have absolutely nothing to be nervous about, Maggie. I guarantee that Micky will want to see you.
Part Three
Maggie sat at her desk quietly listening to her radio and the craziness that was going on with The Monkees. She smiled to herself. They were just like she remembered them. Checking her watch, she noticed it was almost time for them to leave so she got up, checked herself in the mirror and then made her way down the hall. She stopped at the door to the booth as it opened and Peter stepped out. For a moment they stood eye to eye and then Peter's face lit up in a huge smile.
"Maggie," he said, grabbing her into a hug. "How are you?"
"Oh, Peter," she struggled to say as she was squeezed tightly. "I'm fine, just fine."
As Peter let her go, Davy stepped out followed quickly by Mike. They both stood and stared, not quite believing their eyes.
"Maggie?" Davy asked then gave her a hug.
Returning the hug, she felt like she had never been away from them.
"Hi, Davy."
She looked up at Mike and he smiled at her as he took her in his arms, too.
"I know one guy who is going to die when he sees you," he whispered in her ear.
Maggie pulled away from him. "Really? He doesn't hate me for leaving him?"
"Oh, heavens, no. He's never hated you." Mike gave her another reassuring hug and then the door opened one more time.
"Hey, guys. Where's the next stop? I'm..." He stopped in mid sentence when he looked at the woman standing in the midst of his friends. His heart leapt into his throat. "Maggie?" he croaked.
She nodded. "Yeah, it's me, Micky."
He grabbed her and pulled her into a tight hug that rivaled the one she received from Peter. Her eyes were clouded with tears now and she held onto Micky and cried softly.
"I can't believe it's you," he said into her hair.
Mike gestured to the rest of them to leave and they all went to the lobby of the station, leaving Maggie and Micky alone.
Micky pushed her back and took a good look at her. "You look wonderful."
"So do you, Micky. So do you," she answered.
Just then Shelly walked up to them, smiling. "I see you two finally found each other."
Micky looked at her. "You knew about her all the time, didn't you? Last night, when we talked."
Shelly held up her hands. "Guilty."
"What are you talking about?" Maggie asked.
"I was at the hotel bar last night and she came in, sat down next to me and we started talking. All that talk about destiny and fate and you knew all along that she was here." Micky was amazed at Shelly.
"Afraid so. Maggie has worked here with me for ten years. I knew about your history and when our station announced they were sponsoring your show, well, I had to do something. By the way," Shelly said, looking at Maggie. "The boss says to tell you to take the rest of the day off."
Micky laughed. "Great! Come with me. We have a lot to talk about."
Maggie looked from Shelly to Micky. "I can't believe what is happening here. Okay, I'll go with you." She gave Shelly a hug. "Thank you."
Maggie and Micky went for a walk in a nearby park not really knowing what to say to one another. The silence was awkward and they were both uncomfortable. Finally, Micky could stand it no more and broke the silence.
"Maggie," he started. "Why did you leave the way you did? I loved you and I would have done anything to try to work things out."
Maggie took a deep breath. For years she had thought about this meeting and this question was always the one she had imagined him asking. Still, it didn't make it any easier.
"I knew you would but I didn't want you to stop playing your music and I knew that you would if it came to that. I didn't want to be the reason you would look back on your life and wonder what could have been. I didn't want to stand between you and your dream," she explained.
They came to a bridge across a small creek and stopped. Micky watched the ducks floating on the surface of the water as he thought about her answer.
"Okay, you're probably right about that. But why didn't you ever try to contact me later on? I didn't even know where to start looking for you. You left without a word." He looked at her and waited for her reply.
Maggie turned away from him. "I was scared. I didn't know how you would react to me after what I did. So, I just stayed away. It was hard; I loved you too." She turned back to face him. "But I felt it was best that way."
Micky nodded. He couldn't fault her for doing what she thought was right.
"I've kept up with you," she said with a smile. "I did read articles and watch news clips when they had something to do with The Monkees."
"Well, then you know all about me but I don't know anything about you. How have the last twenty years been to you?"
Maggie smiled. "They've been good. Like you, I got married but it ended in a divorce about two years ago. I have three wonderful kids; two boys and a girl."
Micky watched as she told him about her children. She was very proud of them and it showed.
"Well, I guess you know about my marriage and divorce and my daughter. I don't get to see her as much as I'd like but maybe now I will. I'll be able to be home more since I won't be on the road."
Silence fell between them and they gazed at each other. The world went on around them but they didn't seem to notice as the ducks flapped their wings and flew off the water, preschool children ran past them with their mothers not far behind and business people sauntered past as they enjoyed the sunshine on their lunch hour. Micky's mind was racing with thoughts. He wanted to ask her to have dinner with him soon. Really, he just wanted to pick up where they left off all those years ago.
"Maggie," he said, looking at the ground.
"Yes." She answered with such anticipation in her voice that he looked up into her eyes and it gave him the confidence to go on.
"Would you be interested in maybe starting to date again? I know a lot of years have gone by and a lot of things have happened and if you don't want to, that's fine."
Maggie laughed and touched his arm. "Micky, I'd love to. I've thought of that very thing for the last twenty years. I've always felt I left things unfinished although I don't regret what I did, I had to do it. I would love the opportunity to make it up to you."
Micky smiled and took her hand. "It's a date then. No matter how much I still love you, I promise I won't assume that we are going to be together forever. I don't want to push anything. Let's just let destiny take us where it will."
"That sounds wonderful." Maggie smiled and squeezed his hand. "I like destiny. Some time's it takes it a while to lead you where you want to be, but it eventually gets there."
They walked back to the radio station, Maggie with her arm around his waist as he held her close. It was almost as if the years faded away and they had never been apart.
Micky wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I agree. Hopefully it won't take twenty years this time."
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