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Part one
A hotel room in Dallas, TX
I am so tired of being told what to do, how to do it, and when to do it, Micky said, frustrated, to Davy. When did that happen? When did this become someone elses show? We are The Monkees. Not Doug and Pam.
But they are our tour managers. They know what they are doing, Davy replied. He didnt like the situation either, but that was the way things were.
Since when do they get to call all the shots without even asking our opinions?
Mick, just calm down. Weve got two weeks before we have to be in Vegas. Lets enjoy the break and not worry about the show, Davy said, trying to calm his friend.
Oh, I intend to enjoy it, Micky said as he reached for the doorknob. Ill see you in Vegas.
Wait a minute. What are you going to do for two weeks? Davy asked as Micky walked across the hall to his room.
Dont worry. Ill be at The Mirage in Las Vegas when Im supposed to be. See you then, he answered and then disappeared into his room.
Davy stood in the doorway, watching the closed door. 'What has gotten into him?' He shook his head and retreated to his room.
Micky watched the Oklahoma countryside through his sunglasses as he drove down the rural highway. He had packed his bags and rented a car after he decided to drive to Las Vegas to clear his head. Things had been bothering him for some time now and he just couldnt take it anymore. Maybe a good, leisurely drive in the country would help. He was taking a path through the southern part of the state, but was beginning to regret his decision since he hadnt seen a town of any size since leaving Texas
three hours ago. He hadnt met any traffic either, except for a tractor, a truck hauling cattle and some kids riding horses. 'Wish I had time to ride. I used to enjoy it.'
After a few more miles the car began to sputter and cough then finally died. He steered it off the road and coasted to a stop. 'Great, just great. I thought they were supposed to keep these cars in good repair so this sort of thing doesnt happen.'
Micky popped the hood open and got out of the car. The sun was so hot he could feel the heat rising off the gravel on the ground. 'Man, it must be a hundred and fifty degrees out here.' He looked over the engine but couldnt determine what was wrong. Irritated, he went back to the drivers side and picked up the cell phone from the passengers seat where he had tossed it earlier.
He punched the button but the phone refused to cooperate. 'No signal. Oh thats just wonderful.' He tossed it back in the car, shut the door and leaned back against the side of the car. He looked up the road; no cars. He looked the opposite direction; no cars. 'This just doesnt seem to be my day. Im going to die out here from heat before the next farmer moseys along.'
Just then, the sun glinting off something in the distance caught his eye. 'Is that what I think it is?' As it got closer, he could tell it 'was' what he though it was. A truck was headed his direction. 'What luck. This day is starting to look better.'
The truck came to a stop behind his car and the drivers side door opened. When the driver stepped out, Micky couldnt believe his eyes. A tall, slim, redheaded woman shut the door and started toward him. She was wearing tight jeans, boots, sunglasses and a tank top that showed off her muscular arms. She looked like she could take him down with one punch.
Micky stood up away from the car. 'Oh, yeah. This day is definitely looking better.'
Hi, there. You havin' trouble? she asked with a thick southern Oklahoma accent.
Hi. Yeah, my car just decided to quit and so did my cell phone, he answered with a smile.
Well, theres a dead spot right in here; nobodys phone works. 'Hes a very nice looking man.'
She looked him over from his friendly smile, down his t-shirt, his nice fitting jeans to his Dr. Martens. 'Very nice.'
By the way, my names Melissa, but you can call me Mel, she said, extending her hand to him.
Micky shook her hand. My names Micky, but you can call me whatever you want.
Mel laughed and said, Well, whatever you want, Ill give you a ride into town so you can get some help.
Okay, Micky laughed. 'Nice sense of humor.'
He picked up his cell phone and locked the car then got into Mels truck. Micky looked around the cab. He had never seen such a sight. There was a layer of dust thick enough he could have written his name in it. In the floorboard was a tool box he had to maneuver his feet around and the dash was cluttered with papers and other things; he wasnt quite sure exactly what they were. 'Probably things you use on a ranch.' In the seat beside him was a worn pair of leather gloves, a bottle of soda, and a pair of pliers.
So, what brings you to this part of the country?
Mels question brought him back to the situation at hand. Uh, well, I was in Dallas on business and I have two weeks before I have to be in Vegas so I decided to take a nice drive in the country. 'That sounded good enough.'
They came to a small town and Mel pulled up to a small service station. We can get John to pick up your car and take a look at it.
They both got out of the truck and Mel introduced him to John, the owner of the station. They said their goodbyes and Mel drove off.
Micky left with John to get the car and an hour and a half later was sitting at the counter at the Wild Horse Diner. 'This day just couldnt get any worse. I should have stayed in Dallas with Davy.'
He looked around the room at the other customers. They were mostly men, farmers and ranchers he assumed by the way they were dressed. They all had jeans on, some with worn work boots, some with cowboy boots. Most all of them had either cowboy hats or ball caps advertising feed, seed or farm equipment. 'Glad I didnt put shorts on this morning. I would have stuck out like a sore thumb for sure.'
Hey, there. Can I get you somethin' to drink? the bubbly blonde behind the counter asked, handing him a menu.
Yes, please. Ill have a beer, he replied and looked over the menu.
The blonde returned with his drink and a very friendly smile. 'This town is full of beautiful women.'
Heres your beer. What else can I get for you?
Ill take a barbeque beef sandwich and fries, he answered.
Comin right up. She took the menu and took his order to the kitchen.
Hey, there, what ever you want, a familiar female voice said from beside him.
Micky turned to see Mel. Hi, he laughed.
Micky, isnt it?
Yeah, he answered.
Okay, because that other name is just too long, she laughed. So did John get your car fixed?
Micky took a drink then looked at Mel. Afraid not. It needs a part that he cant get until Monday. Looks like Ill be staying here for the weekend. Can you tell me a good place to stay?
Well, Micky. There are no hotels here in town, but there is an empty guesthouse at the ranch I live on with my grandparents. Im sure they wouldnt mind you staying for a while, as long as you help out around the ranch. Mel smiled.
'Stay with this gorgeous woman for the weekend. This day is turning out better that I ever could have imagined.' That sounds good. A weekend in the country.
Part Two
Mel introduced Micky to her family. They had the evening meal and good conversation then retired for the night.
The next morning Micky stepped out of the guesthouse to see Mel riding a horse across the barnyard to the barn. He followed and found her in the barn removing the saddle and combing the black horse.
Good morning, he said from the doorway.
Morning. How did you sleep?
Better than I have in a long time. Its so nice and quiet here, he answered.
She smiled and sat the comb down on a shelf.
Lets see what we can do about breakfast.
They had a big country breakfast and Micky helped Mels grandmother with the dishes then helped her grandfather feed the cattle. That afternoon, he found a book about Native Americans in Oklahoma and sat in the office reading while Mel caught up on her bookwork.
When she had closed the ranch management program on her computer, Mel turned to Micky.
Micky, she said.
He was so engrossed in the book he didnt hear her.
She smiled and chuckled. Micky, she said a bit louder.
Huh? He looked up from the book. What?
Good book?
Yeah, he laughed. Sorry. I didnt hear you, I guess.
I was just wondering if you would like to go out on the town tonight?
'Out on the town? That sounds like fun.' Sure. Id love to.
Great. Wear jeans. No need to dress up. Ill see if Gramps has a shirt you can wear. Mel quickly left the room and Micky went to the guesthouse to get ready.
When it was time to go, Micky was waiting in the living room of the main house with Mels grandparents wearing the crisp, black shirt he borrowed.
Mel came in the room wearing blue jeans, boots and a denim western shirt with flowers embroidered on the yoke.
Ready? she asked.
Yeah, Micky replied. 'She looks better every time I see her.'
They went back to The Wild Horse Diner for a bite to eat and then Mel took him to a nightclub on the outskirts of town. She pulled the truck into the full parking lot of The Prairie Rose, the most popular nightclub in the area.
Are you ready for this? Mel asked as she turned to look at Micky.
Am 'I' ready for this? You are the one that is going to have to teach me how to do those dances, he chuckled.
No problem. Lets go. She opened her door and jumped out. She met Micky in front of the truck and they went to the door. When they stepped inside they were met with loud country music and thick smoke. Mel took Mickys hand and led him through the maze of bodies to the bar.
Hey, Mel. What can I get you? the bartender asked.
Two beers, she answered, keeping hold of Mickys hand.
They took their drinks to a table and sat down.
Why dont you watch some of the people dancing for a while and then well give it a try, okay? Mel said loudly.
Micky nodded and took a drink.
When they finished their drinks, Mel grabbed his hand and pulled him out on the dance floor. She showed him how to Two Step and how to do a few line dances. They were having a fun time, dancing and laughing and then the band began to play Lonestars Amazed.
Micky slid his arm around her waist and took her other hand in his and held it close to his chest. He leaned close to her ear and said, Now this kind of dance I already know. 'This feels so wonderful. I could stay here forever. No one knows who I am. Maybe I should stay longer than just the weekend.'
Yes, you do know how to dance, Mel agreed. 'Man, does he ever know how to dance. I could stay in his arms forever. I dont know why he showed up here but Im glad he did.'
They held each other close and moved as one with the music. When the song was over, Mel pulled away and looked in his eyes.
Lets go, she said quietly.
Okay, Micky agreed, taking her hand and leading her to the truck.
Mel drove back to the ranch and they sat on the porch of the guesthouse, holding hands.
Im enjoying my stay here, Micky finally said.
Me, too. Why were you on the road out here in the middle of nowhere?
I was fed up with my job. I decided to drive instead of fly to my next stop. Just to clear my head, Micky explained. 'Hopefully that will be enough of an explanation.'
Are you married? She had been wondering for a while now.
Micky looked at her. No, Im not married. I was twice.
What happened?
Well, the first time, I was too caught up in my own life and what was going on around me to give her the attention she deserved. So she left. The second time, we just couldnt get along with each other, he explained.
I see. 'Now do I ask my other question?' Do you have a girlfriend?
No, I dont, he smiled. Do you have a boyfriend?
No, although I did have a serious relationship once, Mel said as she played with the grass around the porch steps.
What happened? Micky asked, squeezing her hand.
Oh, a nice looking stranger came to town and we started dating. It got serious and then I found out he had been lying to me. He had a wife in Dallas and he never intended to stay here, with me. Mel shifted a bit and turned away from Micky. You know, love em and leave em. That sort of thing.
Im sorry.
Oh, its okay now. It just makes it hard to trust people, you know. She looked at Micky and smiled. But I trust you.
You do? Why? You dont even know me. Micky was surprised.
I dont really know. Just something about you, she answered.
Part Three
When Mickys rental car was repaired, he decided not to continue with his trip. He paid a young man to return the car to Dallas and was, for the foreseeable future, going to stay with Mel. He had been ignoring the messages from Davy that kept appearing on his cell phone. He knew eventually he would have to face up to what he was doing to The Monkees, but for now he didnt want to think about that life. He was happy being a ranch hand and being with Mel. He helped with anything and everything he could and Mels family was growing very fond of him. Mel was also growing fond of Micky and they were becoming closer every day.
After almost a week of being at the ranch, Micky was helping Mel practice barrel racing by timing her. She was to go to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on the same day The Monkees concert was scheduled.
What was the time on that one? Mel asked as she led her horse up next to Micky.
16.40. Youve got to cut about fifteen seconds off that to win, he answered.
I know. Im trying, Mel said, flipping the brim of the hat on Mickys head. You look pretty good in cowboy duds.
Thanks. He had bought some jeans, boots and shirts in town and borrowed a hat to fit in better with the people around the area.
They both looked up at the sound of a car driving up the long driveway. They watched as the car got closer and stopped. When the driver stepped out, Micky suddenly felt sick. 'Oh, no. Why is this happening?'
Mel and Micky walked to the car.
Well, there you are. You know weve been looking for you for a week. It was Davy.
Mel looked at Micky with a puzzled look. You two know each other?
'Just stay calm. Everything will be fine.' Yeah. Mel, this is my friend David. David, this is Mel.
Nice to meet you, Mel said as she extended her hand.
Davy shook her hand. You, too.
Ill take the horse to the barn and let you two talk. Mel led the horse to the barn and took the saddle and bridle off and put them away. She couldnt help but smile. She was so happy with Micky there. 'I think Im in love.'
Davy and Micky watched her go and Davy turned to Micky.
I see why youve been ignoring my messages. She doesnt know who you are, does she? Davy asked.
If she does, shes not telling me. Micky smiled at Davy. Im enjoying myself. Lets go inside.
Micky showed Davy to the guesthouse and got them each a drink.
So, how did you find me? Micky asked as he sat down at the kitchen table.
By the rental car. I just happened to find the kid you paid to return it. Doug and Pam have been going crazy. They were afraid we were going to have to cancel the Vegas show.
Micky just sat quietly, playing with his drink. 'How can I tell him I dont want to go back.' He stood and went to the sink, turning away from Davy. Davy, Im not sure I want to go back.
Mel finished with the horse and made her way back to the guesthouse, still smiling about her feelings for Micky. She reached out to open the back door when she heard Davy speak.
You have to come back. Pam wants you to. You made a commitment.
I know. I just dont want to, Micky answered.
Mels head started spinning. 'Pam. Come back. Commitment. How could this happen twice? Both times in my life Ive been in love and they were both married.'
She tried to control her emotions and opened the door. She marched up to Micky and stood face to face with him.
Pack your things and get out. I cant believe I fell for this a second time. She turned on her heal and started for the door.
Wait, a stunned Micky said, reaching for her arm to stop her. Whats wrong?
When she turned around, she had fire in her eyes. Her rage took over and she cocked back her fisted right hand and, with all her strength, threw a punch Mickys direction. Mels fist connected with Mickys jaw and sent him flying over a kitchen chair and landing him on the floor on his butt.
I dont ever want to see you again. Get your things and get out. With that, she was gone.
Davy came around the table and helped Micky up.
Man, what was that all about?
I have no idea, Micky said, rubbing his sore jaw. Shes got one heck of a right hook.
Part Four
Hello, Mel. Its Micky, Micky said into the airport payphone only to be answered by a click just like every other time hed called the last two days. He replaced the receiver and picked up his bag, making his way back to Davy, Pam and Doug.
No luck? Davy asked.
No luck, Micky confirmed.
Im sorry, Mick, Pam said.
Its time to board the plane, Doug announced, patting Micky on the shoulder.
The small group settled on the plane and were on their way to Las Vegas.
Micky knew Mel was to be in Vegas for the rodeo so he decided to see her in person. He went to the rodeo arena and made his way through the maze of contestants and horses. He found Mel and her grandpa checking the saddle on her horse.
Mel.
She whirled around at the sound of his voice.
What are you doing here? I told you I never wanted to see you again, she reminded him.
But, I dont understand what happened.
Just go, Mel said with a wave of her hand and turned back to her horse.
Go on and leave her alone. Just respect her wishes, Howard said and turned away putting an end to the conversation.
'What did I do?' Micky turned and walked away, knowing there was no more he could do there.
Mel turned to watch his retreating figure. 'Why did he have to show up here? I have to get him off my mind.'
What were you doing before she came in the house and slugged you? Doug asked, still amused with the thought of a woman punching Micky.
I dont know, Micky said as he moved to the window, looking at the busy city below. She was practicing for her event in the rodeo when Davy drove up. She took the horse to the barn and Davy and I went in the house. We talked and then she came in and, well you know what happened then. He was still a little embarrassed about being beat up by a girl.
What did you talk about? Pam asked.
We talked about me coming back because you wanted me to and I had made a commitment. 'Oh, man. That sounds like something totally different than what it actually is.' She thinks you and I are...Oh, man. He put his head in his hands. How am I going to straighten this out? She wont even talk to me.
Davy spoke up. I have an idea. We send her tickets and then Ill talk to her before the concert and straighten it all out.
It just might work. Im willing to try anything. I dont want to never see her again. 'Im in love with her.'
Mel sat in the dark in her hotel room, sulking. 'I should be happy. I just placed first in my event at the National Finals Rodeo, for crying out loud. But instead, here I sit in the dark feeling sorry for myself. Why did 'he' have to show up in my life. I was doing just fine without him. I didnt need another man to come along and stab me in the heart. Every time I fall in love, I get burned. Fall in love? Are you crazy? You know nothing about the man except his name. Oh, just forget about him.'
There was a knock at the door and Mel went to answer it.
Hello, she said to the young man on the other side.
Are you Melissa Harding? he asked, checking the clipboard he was holding.
Yes.
I have a ticket for you. He handed her a plain white envelope. Ill pick you up in the limo at seven.
Ticket? Limo? I think there has been a mistake, she protested.
No, no mistake, he smiled, then went to his car across the parking lot.
Mel stepped back into her room and opened the envelope. 'The Monkees? Why would I get a ticket to see The Monkees? Oh, well. Its free and I could use a night out to forget about my troubles.'
Part Five
A few minutes before show time, Mel arrived in the limo. An usher showed her to her seat up front.
Are you Melissa Harding? the usher asked.
Yes, I am, Mel answered, confused.
Could you come with me. Someone would like to speak with you.
Mel followed the young lady back behind the stage, down a hall to a room with a gold star and a plaque with The Monkees printed on it. They entered the room and the usher motioned to the couch.
You can sit here and some one will be with you shortly.
Mel watched the girl leave the room, shutting the door behind her. She looked around the room wondering why on earth she was there.
The door opened and Davy walked in.
Hello, luv, he smiled, sitting in the chair across from her. Im sure youre wondering why you are here.
The thought had crossed my mind, she said a bit sarcastically. Seeing Davy brought back every emotion that she had been trying desperately to put behind her.
I need to talk to you about something, Davy said. I think there has been a terrible misunderstanding and I would like to try and clear it up. He told her who he and Micky were, who Pam was and why they were all there.
When Davy was finished with his explanation, she was stunned to say the least. She returned to her seat in a daze and stared at the stage. 'The man I have spent the last few days with is an actor, singer, director and musician. I cant believe I didnt know who he was.' She had seen The Monkees before but until Davy told her who he was, she hadnt put it all together.
Micky watched from a safe distance for Mel to leave the dressing room and then hurried to Davy.
Well, how did she take it? he asked as he came in the door.
Everything should be fine now, Davy smiled.
'What a relief.'
The music started and the announcer introduced The Monkees. Mike, Peter, Davy and Micky came onstage, the crowd cheering wildly. Micky took the microphone from the stand at the front of the stage and looked down at Mel and smiled. When she smiled back, it gave him the encouragement he needed to go on with the show.
Welcome everyone. I want to start this concert off a little different than we normally do, Micky said, making his way to the edge of the stage and stepping down onto the floor. I have a very special song for a very special lady.
Mike started the opening notes to Sometime In The Morning. Micky sang the song standing just in front of the stage, watching her reaction.
Mel tried to keep her composure, but was failing miserably. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she listened to the words he was singing only to her.
When the song was over, Micky placed the microphone on the stage and as the crowd went wild Mel rose from the table. They met within a few feet and Micky hugged her waist as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Why didnt you tell me who you were? she asked.
I didnt want you to know. At the time, I didnt want to be me, he answered. Neither of them seemed to notice the crowd.
Where do we go from here?
I dont know but Im willing to find out, Micky said, then kissed her lips. The crowd cheered and clapped even louder.
They pulled back from each other, laughing. They were so happy to finally be together and have the silly misunderstanding out of their way.
On stage, Mike, Peter and Davy watched the couple down front with smiles on their faces, then looked at each other. Davy gave them a thumbs up. He knew this was going to make Micky a very happy man.
Micky finally gave Mel another kiss and ran back on stage to give the best concert he had ever given.
The end.
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