It was June 1975, and the Monkees still lived at 1334 Beechwood Drive in Malibu Beach.  Only this time, they owned the pad.  In 1970 they bought it off of Mr. Babbit after they made good money from their 1968 and 1969 tours and their three records.  They had two more successful tours and records in 1970 and 1971, but after that they faded.  Now they are living off of their savings from the concerts and records, and enjoying life by doing odd jobs and other things until they get the urge to try their luck again with a new record and maybe a comeback if the people will enjoy to see them back.

 

The guys are still single and loving it.  They date quite frequently, but there are no serious girlfriends right now.  They are just enjoying their lives right now not being recognized right away and being able to live comfortably.

 

One night, Davy and Micky went to Diamond D's Disco on the Sunset Strip.  It was a place that they frequent on Friday and Saturday nights.  There was a waitress there that Micky was eyeing for a couple weeks now.  She was a cute blonde haired girl in her mid 20s named Rhonda.  She wore bell bottom pants, a red t shirt and platform shoes.  Her blonde hair was to the middle of her back and she was rather tall and slender.

 

Micky was mesmerized by the way she looked and the way she walked around, delivering food and drinks, and chatting with the people at the tables.  Micky was hoping that tonight she would actually come over to their table.  Davy was too busy checking out all the girls on the dance floor boogie-ing the night away to even notice. 

 

"I'm going out on the dance floor, Mick.  You comin'?"

 

"No, man.  You go ahead.  I'm hoping Rhonda comes over here tonight."

 

"Come on, Mick!  She hasn't even noticed you and it's been weeks since we started coming here.  You should come out on the dance floor and meet some other ladies."

 

"Davy, I would rather not.  Just go ahead, man."

 

Davy shook his head in disbelief, but went ahead to the dance floor as the DJ started playing "Get Down Tonight" by KC and the Sunshine Band.  He met up with a red headed girl who was dancing by herself and they began to dance together.

 

Meanwhile, Micky was sitting by himself, waiting to order a drink from Rhonda, as he was hoping.  Just then, guess who shows up?

 

"May I take your order, cutie?" a sexy voice purred.  It was Rhonda!

 

"Yes, I'd like a Fosters please.  Make that two, if you can make the time to sit with me?"

 

"I can't, sweetie until I'm off work.  Can you wait about 30 minutes, and we'll have that drink?"

 

Micky was in no hurry, he wanted so much to talk to her and maybe ask her out. "Sure Rhonda, I can wait."

 

"Great honey.  I'll be here in 30."  Rhonda was wondering how he knew her name when she has never seen him before.  Then she looked at her shirt and remembered she had actually put her name tag on that evening!

 

Of course, Micky knew her name by asking around.  He tried to get at the tables she waited on every Friday, but she always seemed to have different tables.  On Saturday's she wasn't there, as he was beginning to find out by going there for a while.

 

Davy came back over to the table for a few minutes to take a break from dancing, and to buy him and his new friend, Dottie, a drink.  They each had a Long Island Iced Tea, and couldn't take their eyes off of each other.  Micky just rolled his eyes, knowing Davy was at it again!

 

Davy took his eyes off of Dottie just long enough to say, "Hey Micky, aren't you going to go out on the dance floor?"

 

"Nope, Dave, I'm waiting for Rhonda.  She's going to be joining me in 30 minutes for a drink."

 

"For real?  I think she just said that and she won't even show up.  There are lots of ladies out there for the picking!  Look who I picked, she's a keeper!"

 

Dottie giggled, and she took his hand and dragged him back out on the dance floor when "Brick House" by The Commodores came on.

 

"I love this song, Davy!  Come on, lets boogie!" Dottie shouted above the noise.

 

"See ya later, Mick!  Just go out and dance, forget about Rhonda."

 

"Yeah, sure Davy." Micky knew she would show up, he wasn't going to listen to Davy any longer.

 

Twenty-five minutes later, Rhonda showed up like she had promised.  Micky was elated that she had kept her promise, so that they could finally get to know each other, and he was hoping he could ask her out on a date and she would accept.

 

"Hey Rhonda!" Micky chirped.

 

"Hey honey!  I'm here like I said I would be. Here's your Fosters like you had requested, and I am going to have one myself."

 

"Wonderful!  I have been waiting for this moment for a couple weeks now.  I am glad that you and I are finally getting the chance to talk and get to know each other." Micky replied, hoping that he doesn't sound too forward.

 

"Oh really?  I am sorry that I didn't notice you earlier!  I get so busy working at the tables I have each night, all the faces start to look the same to me.  But I don't remember even having you at one of my tables until tonight."

 

"You haven't.  Each Friday when my friend and I come here, I have tried to get at one of the tables that you are working, and it didn't work until this evening."

 

"Aw, hon, I'm sorry!  Well, at least now we are here talking!  As you probably have noticed then, I love to gab!  Where are my manners?  I should've asked you at the beginning! What's your name sweetie?"  Rhonda felt really bad that she hadn't even noticed him beforehand, he's a real cutie.

 

"It's Micky.  Micky Dolenz." Micky was happy that this was seeming to go well.

 

"Let me do the formalities too, even though you know my first name.  I'm Rhonda, Rhonda Sallinger."

 

She extended her hand, and they shook hands.  They went on for another three hours, talking about many different things.  It turns out that Rhonda has a lot of different interests, and is a very intelligent woman.  She chose to be a waitress, because she enjoys talking to people and loves to hang out at the disco.  The two of them were enjoying each others company, and since it was nearing the last dance, Micky figured he would take the chance.

 

"Would you like to dance, Rhonda?" Micky extended his hand out to her.

 

The song was "If You Leave Me Now" by Chicago, and she accepted.

 

"I love to dance!  Especially slow dance.  It's so nice to be able to do this, I don't get to do that often, since I work."

 

They went out onto the dance floor and they danced slowly to the song.  Davy had already been long gone.  He left with Dottie, and Micky figured he wouldn't be back at the pad until the wee hours of the morning.

 

After the dance was over, Micky walked Rhonda out to the parking lot where her car was.

 

"Thanks for taking the time to get to know me.  I really enjoyed myself!"

 

"Me too hon.  Thanks for the dance, that was great."

 

"Um, Rhonda?  I was wondering... would you like to go out dancing with me tomorrow night?  That is, if you're not working."

 

"Sure!  I'd love to!  I am off on Saturday nights, so that would be great!" Rhonda replied, much to the delight of Micky.

 

"That's great!  I'll pick you up at 8:00 then?"

 

"Yeah, that's great!  I live 3 blocks from here on Redondo Beach Blvd, at the Pine Grove Apartments.  See you then!"

 

Both Rhonda and Micky were happy about this, they both took a liking to each other and were looking forward to their actual first date.  Micky kissed Rhonda on the cheek, he didn't want to be too forward, and he said good night.

 

Chapter Two

 

When Micky got home, Mike was still up, working on lyrics to a song he had been toying with for the past couple of days.  He is calling it "Rio", and would like to try and release it, along with some other songs he has been writing for the past three years.

 

"Hey shotgun!  Where's Davy?" He questioned, eyes barely off the notebook he was writing on.

 

"Oh, he went off with some chick named Dottie that he met at Diamond D's.  He won't probably be back until sunrise, knowing him." Micky replied.

 

"Figures.  He's always out until sunrise on Friday and Saturday's with someone new!  When will he ever learn?  Oh well...  Anyhow, how was your evening?  Meet up with that waitress yet?"  Mike was like Davy, he thought that Micky should try and meet someone new, since Rhonda hadn't even noticed him.

 

"As a matter of fact, Mike, Rhonda and I have a date tomorrow night."

 

Mike looked up from his notebook for the first time since Micky came in the door.  He looked in shock, wide eyed at Micky and stated, "You're kidding!  She actually came over to you??"

 

"Yes, she actually waited at the table tonight, and I asked her if she wanted a drink.  She did after she got off work, and we slow danced together.  Then out in the parking lot, I asked her if she wanted to go dancing at Diamond D's tomorrow night, and she gratefully accepted.  It's her night off, too!"  Micky was grinning from ear to ear.

 

"Well, I think I better apologize then, shotgun!" Mike hesitantly said, since he doesn't like to admit when he is wrong that much. "She actually did accept a date from you then!  I figured she would never notice you and that you should just go ahead and find someone else.  I'll admit, Mick, I was... wr... wr... wr..."

 

Micky laughed, knowing that Mike could hardly ever say he is wrong about something. "Spit it out, man!  You were what???"

 

Mike glared at him, but knew that he was joking. "Okay, man, cut that out!  I was wrong, okay?  I hope that you and Rhonda have a good time tomorrow night.  I'm heading to bed, see ya in the morning."

 

"Good night, Mike."

 

The next day was the day of the date with Rhonda.  Micky was so excited about this, he couldn't wait for 8:00 to get here.  He took all afternoon going through his disorganized closet, looking for his best dancing duds.  When he couldn't find them, he finally settled on his favorite royal blue dress shirt, and black flares with a pair of black dress shoes.  He put on his favorite cologne, and was ready by 7:30.

 

When he got downstairs, Peter and Mike were there, sitting on the couch watching a bit of TV before they headed out to dinner.  They both looked up at Micky, and whistled as he went to the refrigerator to grab a quick swig of soda before he went out the door.

 

"Don't you look handsome!  Dressed to impress, huh Mick?" Peter stated.

 

"Yes, I am!  I couldn't find my best dancing duds, but I think this will do.  I hope anyhow."

 

"Since when are you so concerned about the way you look?" Mike asked.

 

"Since now.  I want to make sure I look good for Rhonda.  I don't want to look like a slob, you know."

 

"Didn't stop you any other time!" Mike joked, which earned him a glare from Micky, and a pillow to the face when he walked by and chucked one at him from the love seat.

 

"Very funny, Nesmith.  I'll be on my way, don't wait up for me!"

 

They said bye, and Micky was headed out the door into the warm Southern California night.  He got into his convertible and put in an 8-track into the player as he cruised over to Rhonda's apartment on Redondo Beach Blvd.  It was a far out new 8 track by the Bee Gees.  Micky really dug the one song "Jive Talkin'", so he was singing along and tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

 

When he arrived at her apartment, he was so nervous.  He had to take a couple minutes to calm down before he could go to the door and pick her up.  Once he calmed down a bit, he slowly but anxiously walked to the door, and rang the bell.

 

She opened the door. "Micky, hon!  How are ya?" She gave him a big hug, as she closed the door from behind her, then took his arm.

 

"I'm fine, Rhonda." Micky replied, still reeling from the hug that she gave him.  She had on the most beautiful red dress that accentuated her hourglass figure nicely.  She was wearing a light perfume, one that Micky really liked.  It was such a pleasant smell.

 

They went out to the convertible, and drove to Diamond D's.  They had a great time, dancing almost non-stop, and stopping for a little while to have dinner, and conversation.  They realized that they had even more in common, and really enjoyed each others company.  Micky knew that this was looking to be more than just one date, and he was so elated at this.  Rhoda was excited too, but a bit frightened all the same.  She had been hurt before, and didn't want it to happen again.  Micky seems so nice though, so kind hearted, so fun to be with, she mused.  I'm going to keep on giving this a chance, this could just work out this time, she thought.

 

They stayed at the club until 1AM, then decided to call it a night.  Micky took her back to her apartment, and he kissed her goodnight gently on the lips.  Both of them saw fireworks, and Micky was hoping that it wasn't too soon to be kissing her.

 

"Micky, thank you for this memorable evening, sweetie. Let's do this again, I would really enjoy that."

 

Micky wanted to jump and do a happy dance upon hearing this.  He also figured she felt the same way he did about the kiss, since she didn't object. "Yes, I would love that!  How about next Saturday?"

 

"That sounds great, Micky.  I'll see you then!"

 

Micky drove home, his thoughts filled with nothing but sweet, wonderful Rhonda.

 

Chapter Three - six months later

 

Micky and Rhonda had been dating exclusively for six months, spending much of their time dancing, hanging out at the Pad or at her place, and going for nature treks at the National Parks and wildlife areas in California.  They loved taking pictures of all the wildlife and natural wonders.

 

They had fallen madly in love with each other, and Micky had been contemplating popping the question.  He wasn't sure how he should go about doing this.  He had a couple ideas floating in his head, both of which he thought would be so romantic.  The first idea was proposing to her in Yosemite on top of Half Dome, their favorite place to go and have picnics and take photos, for the view is spectacular!

 

The other idea he had was shooing all the guys out for the evening, and proposing to her out on the balcony after a candlelit dinner.  He really wasn't sure which one to go with, and which one would floor her more.  After much thought, he came to the decision of proposing on Half Dome, it sounded so romantic, so refreshing.  He called Rhonda and asked if she wanted to go to Yosemite for the day and take the climb up to Half Dome, and then stay at a Bed and Breakfast that they saw on the outskirts of the park.

 

"Oh Micky, that sounds like a wonderful time!  But do you think that we should be staying overnight somewhere together? I mean, I know that we have been exclusive for six months now, and the way things are going, it looks like we will be together for a long time after that, but to stay together for the night?"

 

Rhonda was hesitant about that, she wasn't sure if she could commit herself to Micky in that way, she was happy with the way things were. Micky also doesn't know about her past with Brad, the man who she found in their bed with her best friend two days before their wedding.  This was four years earlier, but it was still fresh in her mind, and she wants to be careful how far her and Micky go, even though she knows in her heart that he wouldn't do that to her.  It was her mind that needed the convincing.

 

"We can get separate rooms, are you okay about that?  I just thought that instead of taking the 3 hour trek back in the evening after a long day of hiking, we could stay somewhere." Micky asked.

 

"Okay, hon.  I can go for that.  What time are you picking me up?"  Rhonda felt relieved when she knew they were going to stay in separate rooms.

 

"I'll be at your place at 6:00 AM tomorrow.  Be ready for a day you'll never forget, babe!"

 

"Ooh, I am looking forward to this!  See ya in the morning, sweetie!  Love you!" Rhonda chirped.

 

As she hung up the phone, she started thinking of what Micky said, and wondered what he had in store for her tomorrow.  She was very curious and excited to find out.  She went to bed early so that she would be well rested and ready for the big day.

 

Micky arrived at her place at 6:00 AM sharp, which is a bit odd for him, since he is usually a little late.  He was wearing his hiking duds and her favorite cologne, Polo by Ralph Lauren.  Usually he doesn't wear the cologne when they are out on hiking trips, but since this is such a special day, he wants to make this memorable for her.  He rang her doorbell, and she came to the door, wearing her khaki colored hiking outfit and brown hiking boots.  She looked so beautiful, she could wear a potato sack and she would look ravishing, Micky thought to himself.

 

"Hey babe!" Rhonda said, then embraced Micky and gave him a long, passionate kiss. "What's this?! You're wearing Polo on a hiking trip?!  Okay, sweetie, what's going on?"  The smell was making her melt, she can't resist him when he is wearing Polo.

 

"What, nothing hon!  Just wanted to splash some on, since I know I'm so irresistable when I wear it!  You can follow the scent while we're hiking!" Micky was hoping she would buy that for now.  He didn't want to reveal anything until the time came.

 

Rhonda looked at him suspiciously, but figured she would buy into it for now. "Okay, love!  How do you know you won't be following me up to Half Dome, hmm?" 

 

They laughed as they got into Micky's Jeep (ed note: yep, he has a Jeep too.) and rode up to Yosemite National Park.

 

They had a great time hiking up to the peak of Half Dome.  They both made it up there at the same time, but at points, Rhonda was beating Micky by a mile and laughing about it!  He would then get some extra energy and bypass her.  Then he would fan the smell of his cologne toward her and tell her to follow the scent.  At the top, they had a picnic, and Micky was waiting for just the right moment to do this.  He bought her a beautiful 3 diamond engagement ring, totalling 1/2 carat.  The diamonds were embedded in gold hearts, he knew she would adore the ring.  He was just hoping she would say yes.  He knew for certain that she was the one he wanted to spend forever with.

 

As they were finishing their sandwiches, Rhonda went to stand up to clear the area, when Micky got down on his knee and asked the million dollar question:

 

"Rhonda Sallinger, will you marry me?"

 

Rhonda was flabbergasted.  So that's what he was up to?!  She was all ready to say "Yes" right away, when her brain interfered with the feeling in her heart. "What are you doing, Rhon?" the voice from her brain told her.  "Remember Brad?  He said he would love you forever, and two days before the wedding he cheated on you with your friend!"  Rhonda couldn't help but remember that, and it still gave her great pain.  She didn't know what to say.  She wanted to say "Yes" because she loved Micky so much and she just knew that they would get married and he would be with her until the end, but her brain was sending those pain filled memories of four years earlier.

 

"Rhonda?  Honey?  Are you okay?"  Micky was concerned.  He was afraid that the answer was not going to be yes, like he had envisioned.

 

"Um, no, nothing's wrong... Actually, yes, there is. I don't know what to say, Micky.  My heart is saying yes, but something happened in my life that is still very painful to me, and I am not sure if I can say yes yet."

 

Micky was concerned. "Tell me about it.  Maybe it will help you to get the feelings out and you will be able to follow your heart."

 

Rhonda wanted to tell him, but she wanted to wait until they got to the B and B, so she could tell him in her room.  Another couple had just gotten to the top of Half Dome, so she didn't want anyone else to hear.

 

"Let's go over to the B and B and I will tell you everything there."

 

They arrived at the B and B, and each got their own rooms.  After getting settled, Micky went over to Rhonda's room, and she told him everything about what happened with Brad.  As she let it all go, she started to cry uncontrollably.

 

Micky took her in his arms and softly whispered, "It's okay, Rhonda.  You're with me now.  I would never do that to you.  I love you too much to even think about another woman.  You're the only lady I want in my life.  Go on and get it out of your system, I'm here for you."

 

Rhonda looked up at him with much love and respect. "Oh Micky, you're the best friend and love a girl could ever have.  I know that you wouldn't cheat on me, you don't seem that type at all, and I know that if we do get married, it will be forever.  Why does my brain not want to see this?" she started to cry again.

 

"I don't know, Rhon, probably because Brad hurt you so bad, and it was only two days before you got married.  I want you to know I won't do that to you-marrying you is something I want to do.  I want to spend my life with you, I want us to have a family, I want us to have a home and a life together.  You're my best friend and my soul mate."

 

"Oh Micky!  You're the best!"

 

Micky wiped her tears, and as they did, they started to kiss passionately.  With the combination of him comforting her, and the Polo cologne that he was wearing, which she couldn't resist, they ended up making love that evening.

 

Chapter Four

 

When Micky awoke the next morning, he found a note on her pillow.

 

"Micky hon-

 

I love you with all my heart, but I have to go.  I can't decide whether or not to marry you.  I feel it is best if we stay apart, I am very confused.  I know that what happened last night was from a combination of things, but still, you... I'm sorry, I just don't know how to feel right now.

 

I hope you can understand.  Don't try to find me, okay?

 

Rhonda"

 

Micky was shocked.  He thought that things had been straightened out.  She obviously needed more time to sort things through, and them having a night of passion didn't help things any.  He was so ashamed about that, but he knew that it just happened that way.  He buried his head in his hands and started to sob uncontrollably.  He lost the love of his life because of something that should be so beautiful when shared between two people that loved each other like they do.  He knew that Rhonda was thinking that he comforted her so he could have sex with her, and that was far from the truth.

 

He got dressed, paid for the rooms, and asked the owner if he knew where Rhonda was headed.

 

"I am not sure, sir.  All I know is that she called a taxi.  She seemed very distressed.  Is everything okay?" The kindly older gentleman asked Micky.

 

"No, but I am going to get her back!  I love her and I don't want to lose her forever!"  He raced as fast as he could back down to L.A. so he could find her.

 

Back in L.A. Rhonda packed all the things up in her apartment.  She didn't want to leave, but she had to get away.  Her heart was still telling her that Micky loved her more than anything and that what happened was just something that happened, not because Micky comforted her so he could take advantage of her.  But she didnt know what to do, what if he still was like Brad and she got hurt again?

 

She went to live with Brandie, her best friend for awhile, so she could sort things out.  When she got to her place, she swore Brandie to secrecy.

 

"Brandie, if you happen to see Micky around, don't, and I repeat, DON'T, tell him where I am."

 

"Rhon, why are you doing this to yourself, hon?  You know that he loves you so much and he would never hurt you.  But since you are my best friend, I will make sure I don't tell him if I see him."

 

"Thanks, doll!  I'll seek him out when I'm ready, Brandie, honest.  I'm just not ready yet."

 

"Rhon, you know I've always been honest with you, so I'm not going to stop now.  When ARE you going to be ready?  It's been four years since Brad did this to you, you need to move on, and tell that brain of yours that Micky loves you and wants to marry you and no one else but you."

 

Rhonda thought about this, and realized she was right.  Nonetheless, she wanted to stay for a little while to sort everything out in her mind before she decided to let Micky back in her life.

 

Chapter Five

 

Micky was a miserable wreck.  He couldn't eat or sleep, he moped around day after day for two weeks, until Mike finally couldn't take it anymore and stepped in.

 

"Shotgun, are you going to just mope around feelin sorry for yourself, or are you going to pick yourself up and find her?"

 

"But Mike, she doesn't want me to find her!" Micky whined.

 

"Mick, I bet you dollars to doughnuts that she wants you to find her.  Women have this thing about saying one thing but meaning the exact opposite.  Go out and find her and get her back into your life."

 

"But Mike..."

 

"But nothin!  I command you to go out and find Rhonda now!" 

 

Micky knew from all the years of them living in the same quarters that when Mike commanded, he meant business. "Alright, Mike.  I will go out and look for her.  It's time for me to do something about this and convince that pretty brain of hers that I am not Brad!"

 

Micky went to all the hangouts that Rhonda and him went to, and asked around.  Nobody seemed to know where she was, and many of them asked him first how Rhonda has been doing, since they hadn't seen her for awhile.  He also checked Diamond D's and asked if she had been to work.  Gus, the manager and owner, told him that Rhonda quit her job two weeks ago and she didn't leave him any indication as to where she was going.

 

When he noticed that Rhonda's apartment was pretty much emptied except for her furniture, it ocurred to him that she was at Brandie's apartment staying.  He found Brandie at her workplace, and confronted her.  Brandie didn't know what to do, she wanted to tell Micky where she was so that they could get back together, but then she kept a promise to Rhonda NOT to tell.

 

"Brandie, where's Rhonda?  I have a very good feeling she's hiding out at your place."

 

"Um, I haven't seen her Micky.  I have to go now." Brandie was a horrible liar, and she knew that Micky could see right through it.

 

As she tried to leave, Micky grabbed her arm. "Brandie, I know she's there.  C'mon, I am sure you need to keep a promise to her not to tell, but you know very well that I love her and want her back."

 

"Micky, I can't.  I promised her.  Oh man, you know I can't keep secrets like this very well!  I want you two back together, I know that you wouldn't ever hurt her like Brad did.  She knows this too, she's being too stubborn.  I don't want our friendship to sour though if she knows I told you."

 

"I'll think of a way that won't get you into trouble." Micky said.

 

"Okay, she's there now.  I am doing this for her own good anyhow, so actually if she is mad at me, than so be it.  She'll thank me in the long run!"

 

"I know she will!  Thanks Brandie, I owe ya!"

 

Micky dashed out the door and into his convertible.  He went over to the modest apartment that Brandie had, and found Rhonda's car there.  As he got out of the car, he noticed her peeking out the window. 

 

He rang the doorbell, but she didn't answer.  Micky called, "I know you're there, Rhon.  Open up, I want to talk to you."

 

There was a silence for about five minutes, then a tear tinged voice called back. "Why should I talk to you?  Did Brandie tell you I was here?"

 

"Yes, she did, but I coaxed it out of her.  I figured you were here anyhow.  Now, please let me in so we can talk about this."

 

Another five minute silence, then the door slowly cracked open.  Micky opened the door and walked in.  Rhonda was sitting on the sectional couch, her hair out of place and eyes all red from crying on her bed.

 

"Rhonda, I want to apologize for what happened a couple weeks ago.  I wasn't taking advantage of you, I want you to know that.  It happened because of the situation at hand.  It was such a passionate evening, but I never realized that I had hurt you, and I am so sorry for that.  I want you in my life forever, and I still want you to marry me.  I am not like Brad, I'm Micky, and you are the only one I want in my life."

 

Rhonda was listening and her heart was totally convinced.  Her brain, however, was still sending her messages. 'Don't believe him, he is just saying that.' and 'He will end up turning on you as soon as he has you in his grasps.'  She was sick of hearing all the messages coming from her brain and finally made up her mind.  Her heart said 'shutup, Brain!  I know that he loves me and only me, so you will have to change your thinking!'

 

She spoke up.  "Micky, I have done some serious thinking these past couple weeks, the bulk of it being just now after hearing you speak.  Yes, I want you and I back together, and yes, I want to marry you."

 

Micky was overjoyed upon hearing Rhonda say these words. "You really mean it?!"

 

"Yes, I mean it, hon.  I have missed you more than anything, and my heart has been telling me all along that you are not at all like Brad and that I have been silly.  I finally told my brain to shutup and to change the thinking.  I know that sounds cooky, but that's what I had to do."

 

She got up from the couch and they embraced.  Micky helped her pack up her belongings and move back to her apartment. 

 

"Rhonda, make sure you don't blame Brandie for this.  She really didn't want to tell me, but she also wanted to see us both back together." Micky pleaded.

 

Rhonda smiled. "Oh I guess so.  But just wait until I see her, I'm going to tell her a thing or two about keeping a secret!"

 

They both laughed.  Rhonda was glad that her friend broke down and told her where she was.  If not, she would've been the most miserable woman in the whole world, and she knew Micky would have been the most miserable man.

 

Chapter Six

 

Micky and Rhonda were inseperable, spending just about every waking moment with each other.  She got her job back at Diamond D's, and convinced Micky that he should go back to work too.  He had been tossing the idea of being a DJ at the club, but wasn't sure if he wanted to or not.  He was enjoying his three plus years of freedom that the Monkee years allowed him to have, but he was getting bored.

 

Rhonda talked to Gus, and he said it was fine with him if Micky wanted to DJ on Friday nights, since Freddie Fever recently took another job at one of the Top 40 stations in L.A. as morning DJ.  Micky decided to take it, so while she was working tables on Fridays, he was spinning tunes with the nick Mondo Mick (ed note: if that sounds lame-o, let me know, and I will try to come up with something else, lol).

 

Meanwhile, they had set their wedding date for June 1976, and they were looking at modest homes in between L.A. and Yosemite.  They both didn't mind doing a commute to work, they wanted to live closer to their favorite place to go on off time, the land was so majestic out there.

 

As for Mike, Davy, and Peter, they were going in different directions in their lives as well.  Davy had been exclusively dating Dottie for the past eight months, and they were ready to get married and move out to Pennsylvania, where she was originally from.  He wanted to have a farm anyhow and start breeding and racing horses, and he knew he could better do that in the rolling countryside of Pennsylvania.

 

Mike was not currently seeing anyone, but he had finally taken the songs he had been writing for the past four years to a publisher in Nashville, and they have decided to publish them for other groups to use.  He then recorded the songs himself in their studio in the Pad, and sent it along to Nashville.  They granted him a contract to record two albums, so he was headed out there to try his luck at a solo career.

 

Peter was fed up with his life in L.A. so he was moving up to San Francisco to try the club scene up there with his type of music - a mix of folk, blues, and rock. 

 

Since none of them would be living at the Pad, they made the decision to put it up for sale.  It was a hard thing to do, since they spent many years there, and shared a lot of joys and heartaches.  Alas, they knew it was what they had to do, they couldn't stay the same way forever.  They all vowed to get together as regularly as possible, and maybe the idea of a reunion tour in the near future wouldn't be so bad.

 

In May 1976, the Pad was sold to four boys in their early 20s who were trying to get a foot in the door in the acting world.  How ironic, they thought.  They wished them all prosperity, and then the four older boys went their separate ways - for now.

 

The End