Peter and Jane, Fall 1966 (LoJ universe)
All through the summer I had been so good about staying out of the public eye. My film with Michael Caine had gone smashingly well, and I had gone to the premier in March in London solo, but not noticeably so. In June with Brian away on tour, I had spent several quiet months in San Francisco, vacationing as one does and directing a small play for a school, under the name of Mrs. Ashcroft. With a little make up and different clothes, and perhaps a slight change in accent, it was easy to pretend not to be the same girl from the blockbuster of the year. Best of all, I got to see the boys in Candlestick Park, and have a very sweet reunion with Brian.
But that damn Peter Brown...
It was a bad idea. I knew it from the start. I had been so careful to avoid him, to make excuses when the invitations arose. But there was simply no avoiding Peter any more. The man was persistent! Phone calls, messages though Brian, even personal appearances at our home on Chapel Street. (In the latter situation I had taken to locking myself in the bedroom, pretending to be asleep, when he used his key.)
My fiancé, his best friend, had admitted that we were in a relationship. Brian had even gone as far as telling him that we were engaged. But what he had failed to mention was that I was five months pregnant, and it was showing. Very obviously, especially since I was rather slender to begin with.
At last, I had accepted Peter's invitation. Brian had been surprised and amused this morning when I announced my intentions, and he had kissed me good luck before he went off to do whatever he does at NEMS when the boys are on vacation themselves.
I had Brian's driver bring me to Peter's restaurant of choice for lunch. I wore a black angora mini-dress, waist-less and somewhat stretchy to begin with, which fortunately allowed for my added inches. In flat buckled shoes and crocheted nylons, white to match my beret, I felt less uncomfortable with my luncheon date.