You've Got To Hide Your Love Away

Down in The City-Just Hoople and Me..Part 2

November 16th - Worcester Hotel

Freddie's POV

"Jesus Rog!  Cat drag you in?"  I asked him.  He looked like shit!  It didn't matter how well he was dressed or how great his hair looked.  He looked terrible.  Roger sat staring into his cup of tea and ignored me.  I asked Brian.  I figured he would know what was wrong.

"Brian?  Why is Rog dying in his tea cup over here?"   Brian glanced at Roger and shrugged at me.

"I don't know.  He was like this when I found him this morning."  Brian picked at his hot cereal and looked at Roger again.  I could see he was concerned about him.  So sweet.  "I think he may have partied too much in Mott's room last night."  This was all Brian could come up with.  I would agree that he looked hung over.  There was more going on though and I couldn't put my finger on it.  I almost thought he looked a bit troubled.  Well, he has going to have to perk up!  We have an interview to do...

"Good afternoon guys!  This is Rosemary Horide.  She is with Disc magazine and is ready for your interview."  Peter pounced into our communal room with the reporter in tow.  I was thrilled it was a woman.  Something different.  Maybe she wouldn't be as intolerable as most of the male reporters we have encountered.  I stood up and walked around the table to greet her.

"I'm Freddie.  May I call you Rosemary?" I asked her and shook her hand.   She had a pleasant face and I liked the mirth in her eyes.  I instantly felt I would like her.  She didn't have the arrogant demeanor of most reporters. 

"Rosie would be grand, actually. Hello Freddie.  It's lovely to finally meet you.  I saw you all in London earlier this year and can I just say...I'm a fan!"   she told me and my heart filled with joy at her words.  A 'fan?' Well this is new!

"Rosie...how kind of you.  This is Brian May, our guitarist.  Over there is our bassist John Deacon and that is Roger Taylor, our drummer.  Please forgive him this morning.  He's a bit under the weather.."  I introduced us all and gestured for her to join us at the table.

45 minutes later

"Rog...what is going on?" I had to know. I could tell something was bothering him. He had picked up his spirits for the interview but I saw him watch Brian with an odd look. I wondered if they had fought. Roger motioned for me to follow him as he headed outdoors for a smoke. We sat at a patio table and I watched him light up and sigh heavily.

"I think I fucked up!" He told me. I was curious what he meant and feared it had something to do with Brian. Had they fought? I didn't seem to recall Brian being upset or moody this morning. He actually seemed quite animated and talkative with the reporter. Unusual!

"Roger...what did you do?"

I sat quietly and listened as he confessed to me about his seemingly innocent tete a tete with this 'Kim' person. When he mentioned the drugs I thought about the party and knew which roadie had been supplying this to partygoers. I had declined last night but had been tempted by it. I had to admit that Roger's description of the drug's effects had me intrigued. Sounded like a blast! I think I might give in next time.

"We have rules. We both agreed." Roger explained to me.  "I wanted these rules and I fucking broke them! I cheated!" Roger was tired and upset and I thought he might start crying. I didn't need a scene as we were getting ready to board the bus. I decided to give him an out. Make him feel better.

"Roger! I think it's safe to say you didn't cheat! You didn't know what coke would do to you. You aren't responsible for what happened! Give yourself a break here. Just let it go and chalk it up to experience." I offered him. His weary look softened and he gave me a hopeful smile.