Part 100 (2/2)

someone right now. So do I. What's so wrong about that?”

”Brian,” he said simply.

”What does he have to do with this? That was over long ago.”

He got up slowly. ”I won't insult you by calling you a liar, or by

calling you a fool. I will say that I care about you, and P.M. And

Bri. And I care about the band, what we are, what we've done, what we

still can do.”

”I'm hardly a Yoko Ono,” she said stiffly. ”I won't come between your

precious band. Have I ever? Could I ever?”

”You never have. Maybe you've never known how easily you could.

Brian's never loved anyone like he loved you, Bev. Believe me, I know.”

”Don't say that to me.”

He started to speak again, but they both heard the door open, and the

rush of footsteps down the hallway. ”Bev! Bev!” P.M. turned into the

room, his coat wet from the rain and flapping open. ”Johnno, thank G.o.d.

I just heard about Stevie on the radio. What the h.e.l.l's going on?”

”Have a seat, son.” Johnno settled back on the sofa himself. ”And I'll

tell you.”

HE LOVED HER SO SWEETLY. He touched her so gently. The candles

flickered, flames dancing with the dark as Bev stroked a hand down

P.M.”s back. His whispers were soft, the words lovely. It was easy, so

easy to give herself to him, to let the strength of his feelings carry

her along.

She would never have to ask herself if he needed her, if she would be,

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