Chapter 18

That Saturday morning was like no other that Willow had known. She woke up with the realisation that today she would become a partner to Garry, for life. It wasn’t something that had been front of mind in the busy world that had been the last few weeks.

After relieving herself, she sat at the bedroom window and looked out over the garden and into the fields beyond. She thought about things and saw that her immediate future was like the garden, full of beautiful things, and beyond that was an open book of experiences. Before going down for breakfast, she finished packing the case which would be going in the wedding car to Bourton. Then she put a robe on and went downstairs.

Vivienne and her parents were already in the kitchen and there were good morning hugs all round.

“Ready for the big day, love?”

“I think so, Mum. This morning, I realised that it really is the start of a new life as a wife. The words to ‘Her Day’ were running through my mind. For some reason, I’ve been caught up in other things and have had almost nothing to do with today. I don’t know what we’re eating at the club, I’ve had nothing to do with the cake, if there’s even one. All I know is that I’ve got a dress to wear and friends beside me.”

“It’s a good job you have a lot of friends, love, as well as an organising mother. I’ve been talking to Malcolm this week, and he’s organised a very traditional wedding cake. The only thing that I don’t know is who will providing entertainment. Malcolm did say that he has a piece of music that he’ll play for the first dance, but, beyond that, he’s keeping his cards close to his chest.”

“I do know about the band, Mum. I’m not saying anything now, as it will be a surprise performance of about an hour. After that, we’re off to Bourton for a week. We’ll be back here for me to go to school. Did you listen to the jingle, Dad?”

“I did, love, both of them. I love them both, but I fear that the campaign office will want to use the one with Mac singing. They’ll think that it has more leverage.”

“That’s what Mac said. Using me would be a bit like reverse nepotism. If you do use it, it gives your team some time to get footage to use with it.”

“We can also use stills from those sessions on the printed handouts. I suppose that you girls will be spending the morning in a salon?”

Wendy laughed.

“Will we ever. We’ll be early lunching in the city, so you’ll have to make yourself a sandwich. We’ll be back about twelve-thirty, so that we can get our daughter and her bridesmaids dressed in time for the limo ride to Stoneleigh. There will be two cars, one for you and her, with the other for me and the merry maids.”

They all went to shower and dress for the first half of the day. Ashley hugged his wife and the girls before they went out to the limo that had arrived. That morning, they met with Zara at the salon and were pampered and preened. They all had a light lunch and then the limo brought all four back to Rising Lane.

They had their dresses to put on, and Laura arrived to do their make-up. A little after two they were ready to go, with two stretch limos in the driveway. Willow was led out to one, with her father, he resplendent in a new suit, and she in the long, white dress and jewels. The other three got into the second car and they were off to Stoneleigh, Laura closing the gates as she left to follow.

At the church, they parked by the side entrance that leads to the room below the organ loft. Willow was guided in to join the Reverend and the Bishop. Her mother gave her a gentle hug and went through to the body of the church. The organ was playing some very nice Bach.

“Who’s playing?”

The Bishop smiled.

“Our cathedral organist, Chris. You don’t think we could keep him off that seat for this momentous occasion, do you?”

At three, the organ fell silent, the Dean opened the door, and the Bishop and Reverend Russell led them out, with Willow on the arm of her father and the other two behind. They made the slow walk to the main altar with the full church standing. Willow could see a host of friends as she passed, even Maisie and Gina had come. There were a lot of wet eyes with the standing ladies, her mother being the chief weeper.

As they got to the altar, she saw Garry, in a new suit, with Mac standing next to him. Her father passed her hand to Garry and then went to join his wife. The service was longer than she thought it would be, but the Bishop was an old hand at making it all seem magical. There was a sermon about love and partnership, a couple of hymns, and then they were into the detail. The exchange of vows, the blessing of the two rings, with a sermon on what they signified, and then they were announced as man and wife, kissing before being led back to the room for the official signing. They were then led back through the church and into the open air, where they were showered with rice and spent over an hour with photographers.

There was one that her parents had booked, who did the usual group photos. There was one from the teen magazine who tried to assemble all the stars that were there, and there was one with Bruce, who took candid snaps and piggy-backed the other two, letting them round up the groups for him. There was even a cameraman from the local TV station. Willow tried to talk to the others as she was posed, but it was mainly just a few words. When she was beside Gina, she whispered.

“Who’s the hunk?”

“That’s Guiseppe, my boyfriend, he’s magnificent!”

“Tall and slim, with a ponytail, I guess he plays in an orchestra, probably double bass.”

“Spot on, friend. Those strong fingers send me mad, and his plucking is masterful.”

Over the course of the photo session, Willow saw that all the Rocks and their wives were there, all the Senior Orchestra, Nancy, Bryan and Edward with their partners, Hugh and his wife, the Vines, the Chris and Marie, Clive and Jill, Racheal with her parents, the Head, her husband, and several of the teachers with their partners. It was going to be a big reception.

When they were allowed to move on, they went straight to the club. The reception was going to start when they got there, allowing for a lot of talking and laughter. When she walked in, Malcolm gave her a hug.

“The stage is set, Willow, and the cameras that I installed in February are ready to record the activities, as well as whatever you have planned on stage.”

He went behind the bar and pressed a couple of buttons, with easy music coming over the speakers. Garry and Willow were able to go around the room, thanking everyone for coming, and catching up on the news. Maisie and Gina, with their men, were sitting with Ashley and Wendy; there was a table for Garry and Willow, with Zara, Vivienne and Mac, with his wife. Most of the other tables were the villagers, the orchestra, the school group, other attendees and the church group. The other Rocks were at another table with their wives and Rufus, who hugged Willow and told her that Peter was not her, or Vivienne’s, manager any longer.

There was a lot of talk until the food came out. Malcolm had really turned it on, with an array of meats, salads, hot veg, and carafes of wine for those who wanted it, with beer and spirits over the bar. The cake was cut, and Willow had to giggle to see the couple on the top tier, standing in front of amps and a keyboard. After a break to pass the cake around, Ashley came to the front and gave a speech about his wonderful, talented, and beautiful daughter, and her wonderful, equally talented and handsome husband. Then Mac stood to talk about the groom, saying that he hadn’t known him long, but had gained a great deal of respect for him and his calm attitude, a total opposite to the rest of the band.

“Now, I’ve seen a lot of you looking at the stage and wondering who will be playing. There is a complete band here, tonight, and they will set up while our host organises the wedding dance. Then, the new Toxic Rocks will show you a little of what they are touring America with, as the band’s present to you.”

The Rocks went on the stage as a waltz came over the speakers. Willow and Garry danced together and, as the tune finished, caused a hum of talk as they went up to take their places. Mac went to the microphone.

“Over the last week, we’ve been in Willows’ studio, recording. We ended up with the latest Toxic Rocks album, plus some others. Here is what we’re taking to the USA.”

For the next hour and a half, they worked through most of the new album, along with some of Willow’s old songs in a new, Toxic, way. There was space enough for dancing, and there was plenty who took up the challenge. The novelty of being in a small room with such an iconic band was intoxicating to many of the audience. The band’s wives were agog with how different they now sounded, and, as one, decided that this was one tour where they were not staying at home.

Willow’s new manager had a big smile as he heard the new band in full voice for the first time. He had his reservations, but had gone along with Mac, who was now proving to have been right. It was going to be a new look, a new sound, and a whole new market to tap, as well as being something novel for the old fans. He started making notes about venues in America, as well as thinking about where Vivienne would be best served. He did know of an upcoming film shoot that she would be good in. He would organise a screen test next week.

When the band finished, there were cheers and applause. Garry and Willow collected their things and did the usual leaving ceremony, with Gina catching the bouquet. They were in the back of the limo, embracing, as they left Stoneleigh and were taken south to Bourton. There, the driver took their cases out of the back, was given a very good tip, and drove away, leaving them at the front door. Garry opened the door, put the cases inside, and then carried Willow across the threshold for a second time, kicking the door shut as he carried her towards the bedroom.

………………………………………………………………..

In the club, Ashley and Wendy were helping a bemused Malcolm tidy up. He kept on muttering.

“We had the Toxic Rocks here, in Studio Two, and they cost us nothing. Pinch me Ashley, I must be dreaming.”

“No dream, my friend. Willow will be touring America with them this summer. It’s brought her back to the hard rock that was so popular with that Berlin show. She’s going to be more than famous by the time she gets back. Now, that recording. Can you make me a copy on DVD, I have something in mind for that.”

………………………………………………….

At home, in Coventry, Bruce Miller was sitting in an easy chair with a notebook in front of him, trying to write an article without giving too much away. He started writing.

‘I’ve written, in the past, about various bands and singers. One has been prominent over the last couple of years. Yesterday, Willow Rose became Mrs. Willow Randall, marrying Garry Randall, the previous bass player of G-Force and now the bass in Toxic Rocks, with a hugely successful tour under his belt. That band played in the Stoneleigh Community Club last night to just over two hundred of us, all amazed at what we were seeing and hearing. I’ve written about the new Coventry Sound, which became the new British sound. Last night, I heard something that can only be described as world-beating.’

…………………………………………………………..

On Sunday, the world turned, with the majority happy the sun had risen once more. Willow and Garry were snuggled together in bed. Ashley and Wendy woke to a quiet house but were going to be busy with a barbeque lunch for volunteers and donors. Across Coventry, orchestra members, teachers and many others woke up, many wondering if the previous evening had been all a dream.

Mac was laying on his back, his wife resting her head on his shoulders. He kissed her forehead.

“What did you think of the set, darling.”

“Mac, my love. That was the first salvo of a new band that will give you old codgers a new career. I was ready for you to retire and rest, but no, you have to go and find a new sound. It’s going to give you a few more years, and that girl will be the driving force, if you let her.”

……………………………………………………………..

When Garry and Willow were fully conscious, they just lay in the knowledge that this was now their future. Garry was just thinking, then he spoke.

“Darling, we have a slight problem.”

“What’s that, my love?”

“I was taken to the wedding with Mac, and we were brought here by limo. That means that my car is still in the car park of the Britannia.”

“We’ll just have to go and get it, won’t we. But not this day! Today, I want to laze around with my talented and handsome husband, or so my Dad thinks.”

“I like your family. It is something that I missed after mine split up. So, next week we go back to Rising Lane to live until the end of the term. By that time, we should have been furnishing our home in Marlow. If we have everything there, we can move in during the last week, and then it’s just a short ride to the airport on the Saturday. We can set up a security service and gardening while we’re away.”

“We could do what we’ve got at Rising Lane. The cameras there are monitored, and you can access them through your phone.”

“We do have the money to make it as secure as Fort Knox. Did you bring your laptop with you?”

“In my bag, by the front door.”

“I’ll email the limo service to pick us up mid-morning tomorrow. I also want to send an email to Mac for his kindness. Mine is in my car. I didn’t know much about the bucks’ night, only that those guys can drink, when they put their mind to it.”

For the rest of the day, they lazed, comfortable with each other. Willow raided the fridge and was able to produce a reasonable lunch. In the afternoon, they powered up her laptop and he sent the emails. She had several in the inbox. One from Gina thanked her for inviting them, and that she had a wonderful time, with her Italian Plucker proposing at around three in the morning.

“Italian Plucker!”

“Yes, darling, he plays the double bass, and she told me that his plucking is wonderful.”

She answered that one, as well as the good wishes from many in the orchestra. There was an email from Peter, telling her that she now had a new manager, who had ideas for her future. He thanked her for her output over the last few years and said that she was certainly formidable. He wished her well, after she had gained her degree, and looked forward to hearing her on the radio in a few years.

They forwarded that on to Rufus, her new manager. Later on, that day, he replied, to tell her that he paid half a million to take them over as his clients, and that had included any residual costs that Peter had, as well as all the old stock of Summer Rose and VivWillow merchandise. He promised an itemised stocktake soon.

“Old Rufus is a genuine gentleman. His statements are down to the last penny, not those rounded down ones that Peter issued. Still, you did well in the time he was looking after you.”

“I really can’t complain. I know he made a small fortune from us, but that’s behind us now.”

“I wonder what he’ll say when we hit the charts with the new album. I was talking to a reporter, last year, in Edinburgh. He was interviewing me as being the new kid on the old block, and how well I had fitted in. He told me to watch out for when the wives joined the band on tour. He said that the only times they had done so, in the past, was when there was a major announcement. He thought that the next time they went on tour would be the one where the band announced their retirement.”

“What has this to do with us?”

“Last night, I heard one of them speaking about the hotels in America. That can only mean that they’re planning on joining us. For us, that’s good news, because it means that the band is looking for another few years with the new sound. That gives us some stability.”

“So, you joined them last year with the knowledge that it could be a short touch of fame?”

“Certainly. That touch is something that leaves a mark. I could go anywhere with just that one tour and an album on my resume. If the others retire in a few more years, there will be dozens trying to snap us up. If we stay below the radar and write a load of new material, for us, we could put together a supergroup and have a whole new career.”

“You think long-term, my love. I’ll worry about the end of high school and the charity shows. There’s something that Rufus can do. I was quoted some numbers that were all right for a single show, but don’t stack up with twenty, or more, shows. It was twenty grand a show for each of us girls, plus ten for each of the stars, and fifty for the thirty-odd in the orchestra. I think everyone needs equal billing. If it means I drop back to ten a show, so be it.”

“I’ll ring him.”

She followed him to his small office and sat while he looked up the mobile number. When he got through, there was some chat, and then Garry spoke about the payments for the charity shows, and their idea that the orchestra, and the Rocks, should be classed as individuals, not a single entity. He quoted the numbers that Willow had told him, thanked him for listening, and hung up.

“He’ll talk to the various organisers and see what he can do. The smallest ground is the first venue, at about twelve thousand including using the pitch. If the tickets are a hundred and fifty, that’s one point eight a show. With Liverpool, it’s over ten million a show. I reckon that Rufus may try to get us twenty thousand each, off the top of the total gross. With the lift in entrance prices, this has the chance of doubling the take from last time.”

By Monday, the sex had slowed down, with Willow needing to lube. They agreed to have a short break. The limo arrived at ten-thirty and took them to Coventry, where Garry reclaimed his car. They wandered the furniture stores, looking at lounge set-ups and bedroom suites.

On Tuesday, they both packed small cases and drove into Wales to see where Garry had spent his young days, and to put flowers on his mother’s grave. His hometown was Llandovery, and his mother was buried at the Llandingat Anglican Church. It took a while to find the site, just a mound with a small stainless-steel sign. They left the flowers they had brought and went to find the local monumental mason. By the time they left, Garry had ordered, and paid for, a proper gravesite and headstone.

Beyond that, he didn’t want to stay around. They drove down to Cardiff and spent two nights in a good hotel, wandering the city and trying new places to eat. Garry was unusually quiet.

They had parked the car on Clarence Embankment and walked through on the Cardiff Bay Trail and into Hamadryad Park. They were sitting on a bench overlooking the River Taff and the apartments and the Rowing Centre on the other bank. Willow was thinking about Garry and his younger days.

“Garry, darling. When we were Llandovery, you looked as if there were demons around you. Were you living there when your brother died, because it didn’t look like a place that a passable tranny would get into trouble.”

“No. We had moved to Birmingham by then. That was where my father had a new job. My mother didn’t like it. She wasn’t happy outside Wales. I think that it may have been the start of the split. Dad was just a postman, but the round was mainly rural, so he had a small van instead of a cycle. He was happier and didn’t notice the changes going on.”

“What happened to him.”

“Don’t know. All I know is that we had the funeral service for my brother. Mum and I were crying our eyes out, and he was just stone. When we got home, he had a pee and went back out to the car and drove off. It was only when Mum went to bed that she found that all his clothes had gone. He must have packed and loaded the car before we went to the funeral.”

“Where’s your brother buried?”

“He was cremated. I’ve never gone back. Mum took me to her sister, in Coventry, and went home to Wales, to die, not long after, by her own hand. I was only told that after she had been buried. This was the first time I’d visited her grave.”

“Where was the service for James, love?”

“Yardley.”

“Tomorrow, my darling, we’re going there and will find where his urn is. Then, maybe, you can truly move on with me by your side. We can be our own family, without demons.”

He held her close.

“Thank you, my love. I had held this in for so long, I hadn’t realised how it had affected me until we saw the mound of earth that was my mother. My aunt died while I was touring with the Rocks, and I arranged things by phone. Perhaps we can put flowers on her grave as well.”

That night, they were back in Bourton. The house had been an enigma for Willow, from the first time she had been there. Now she knew why it had been bought. It was isolated, and ideal for a loner, which Garry had been becoming. Now, she could pull him back to the light.

The next day, they packed the car and drove to the Yardley Cemetery, looking at the records and finding where James Randall’s remains were, in a rose garden with a simple, engraved sign over the spot. They laid the small bunch of flowers and Willow went to sit on a bench to leave Garry to tell his brother all the things that had happened, since, and to tell him, finally, that he loved him, as James or Jamie.

After that, they laid another bunch of flowers on the grave of his aunt, and he introduced his wife to her. Then they went back to Rising Lane, phoning the design office to tell her parents that they were back, and that it was dinner at the Punchbowl tonight.

Marianne Gregory © 2025