It was April, and about the only upside to it was that the weather was getting nicer.  Paul had planned for the McCartney album to be released on April 17 and Paul was getting ready for what was to be the biggest news in band history.

            “So how are you feeling today?” I asked him as he sat quiet in his chair, looking deep in thought.  He looked over at me and smiled, bringing me to sit on his knee.

            “Do you remember when we went to Mexico?” he asked me and I was a bit confused by the change of subject and neglect to my question.  I nodded.

            “Yes, of course I do,”

            “It was when we were first dating, and we seemed to be able to be with each other all the time and there was never any Beatle drama that got in the way,” he said slowly caressing my leg.  I looked sadly at him.

            “I remember it like it was yesterday,” I said, “What made you think of it?”

            “Well, you asked me how I was feeling,” he said looking back up at me, “Right now I feel like shit, but after this, everyday is going to be like then—where we can just be with each other and not have to worry about any of this.  And I’m more excited for that then anything,” he smiled kissing me softly.  I smiled in return as the phone rang.  Paul turned to look at it and just stared.  I stared along with him.  We knew who it was—it was Peter Brown.  Paul had set up the final Press Release that would end up stating his detachment from the Beatles—it was with Peter Brown who would just create just a regular questionnaire with the usual questions journalists would want to know and Paul agreed to answer.  Our day was quite booked with interviews.  First it was the one with Peter Brown, then we had to go over to the Life Magazine Building and do a promo interview for the new album.

            “You should get that,” I said softly and he nodded like he was in a trance.  I got up off his knee and he walked over talking softly into the phone.  I sat on the couch and just watched Mary, Paul eventually walking back over to me and sitting back down.

            “I asked him to come here,” he told me looking over to see my reaction.  I nodded.

            “That’s fine,” I said and he smiled.

            “And I want you to be out here with me,” he said and I took his hand.

            “Of course I will,” I said leaning over to kiss him.

            It wasn’t long and Peter Brown was at our house sitting nicely on a chair facing Paul and I on the couch.  Mary was minding her own business on the floor and things just seemed to be quiet.  Paul cleared his throat.

            “Alright, Peter, let’s start,” he said and Peter nodded and I just sat silent, a part of me still not believing any of this was happening…

PETER: Is this album, McCartney, a rest away from Beatles or start of a solo career?

PAUL: Time will tell.  Being a solo album means “The start of a solo career”…and not being done with The Beatles means it’s a rest.  So it’s both.

PETER: Have you any plans for live appearances?

PAUL: No

PETER: Is your break with The Beatles temporary or permanent, due to personal differences or musical ones?

PAUL: Personal differences, business differences, but most of all because I have a better time with my family. (He looked over and me and kissed me on the cheek as I smiled) Temporary or permanent?  I don’t know.

PETER: One last question,

PAUL: Alright

PETER: Do you foresee a time when Lennon-McCartney becomes an active songwriting partnership again?”

PAUL: No

            That was quite the awkward ending I thought and we just sat in silence as Peter Brown scribbled a few things on his notepad.  Finally he looked up and extending his hand, in which Paul gladly took.

            “Thanks so much for your time Paul,” Peter said and Paul nodded.

            “No problem Peter,” he said with a smile, “Thank you for doing this,” Peter nodded and we walked him to the door saying our farewell.  Paul continued to stand at the door watching Peter walk away, “Now it’s only a matter of time,” he said and I walked closer to him taking his arm and resting my head on him.

            “You’re doing the right thing,” I said looking up at him.  He looked down into my eyes and smiled, though I could see some doubt.

            “Yeah, I know.  It’s just—things are going to be so out of hand for a while,” he said and finally shut the door, “I mean, the lads don’t even know about this.  Can you imagine how bloody pissed they’re going to be?”

            “This is what the lawyer said you had to do though right?” I asked and he nodded while shrugging.

            “Yes and no,” he said, “He never said I had to do it without telling them, but I don’t see how it would’ve worked to tell them,” he sighed, “After all love, I am suing them remember—I’m not about to say ‘Well, it’s been nice working with you lads.  But I’m going to have to announce our break-up so I can sue you all.  Have a nice day’.” He finished and looked over at the end table where his little pack of cigarette lay.  He had been trying to quit, and so far he was doing alright—but with the height of stress he was having it probably wasn’t the best time.

            “Go ahead,” I said and he turned back to me surprised.

            “What?” he asked and I pointed.

            “Go ahead, you could probably use one right about now,” I said and he smiled bringing me to him.

            “No, I’ve got you shniz,” he said and I laughed, “I don’t need no bloody cigarette,” he finished and I saw him glance over at it, “Although…it would taste mighty good….”

            “Paul have one,” I said and he shook his head again.  Annoyed that he wouldn’t, yet continued to complain, I reached over across his lap to grab the pack.  Unfortunately he knew what I was doing and wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me away from it.

            “I said no love, I don’t need it,” he said.

            “Let go,” I laughed.

            “No, not unless you promise you won’t grab it,” he said.

            “Why would you set it right there where you can see it?  It’s only making you want it more,” I said and he shrugged.

            “It’s the way I want to try and quit.  You know if I were to hide them, then I’d just go find it and have a smoke.   And if I were to quit that way, the minute I saw a pack I’d go crazy with wanting it. This way, I have to use all me will power to say no, because I know it would be so easy just to reach out and grab it—but I won’t.  Therefore, in the end, it’ll make it easier to resist—and I won’t need them if I see them in the future,”

            “Hm, interesting,” I said and he smiled.

            “Come ‘ead Liv, we’ve got another interview,” he said and I nodded getting up from the couch.  We dropped Mary off at Aunt Jin and Uncle Harry’s and drove over to the Life Magazine Headquarters.  We walked in and the secretary smiled.

            “Have a seat, he should be out in a minute,” she said and Paul and I smiled.  We sat for only a few minutes before we went into the little room—it was the same guy as last time…I believe his name was Chris.

            “Hello McCartney’s,” he said shaking both our hands and shutting the door behind him.

            “Hello Chris,” Paul smiled.

            “Are you two ready?” he asked and we nodded—although I really had nothing to do with it.

Q: Why did you decide to make a solo album?

PAUL: Because I got a studer four-track recording machine at home, practiced on it, liked the results, and decided to make an album.

Q: Were you influenced by John’s adventures with the Plastic Ono Band?

PAUL: Uh, sort of, but not really.  I just wanted to do something on me own—a lot of it to get me mind off the Beatle business.

Q: Are all songs by Paul McCartney alone?

PAUL: Yes, sir, but you’ve got to give credit to me lovely wife too. She’s helped me quite a bit already.  Haven’t you love? (smiles at me)

ME: Oh I try my best.  I mostly just push him to do what he wants instead of wondering if others will like it.

Q: That’s quite the support you have there Paul.

PAUL:  I know, she gives me everything really. (leans over and kisses me quick)

Q: So, all the songs will be credited to you then?

PAUL: (laughs) It’s a bit daft you know, for them to be Lennon-McCartney—and as me current partner is a McCartney—McCartney it is!

ME: That was a lot of McCartney’s.

PAUL: (laughs)

Q: Did you enjoy working as a solo artist?

PAUL: Very much so.  As I only had me to ask for a decision, and I generally agreed with me self, it’s a bit nice—no fighting whatsoever.  Remember, as I said, Olivia here’s on it too, so it’s really a double act.

Q: Olivia what is your contribution?

ME: Like I said earlier, I mostly just act as another person give opinions…

PAUL: (laughs) Oh don’t be modest love, most of all she harmonizes, but it’s actually so much more than that.  She’s a shoulder to lean on, a second opinion as she stated, and well, she was once part of The Bleeding Hears—one of the most popular girls bands—she knows quite a bit about music.  More than anything though, she believes in me constantly.

Q: Olivia, have you spoken to any of your old band mates?  I’m sure you’ve heard they aren’t together and most of them are married?

ME: Yes, I talk to them as often as I can—and I’m hoping I’ll be able to see them soon.  They’ll always be great friends of mine, and I’m so glad they are all happy.

Q: Where exactly was the album recorded?

PAUL: At home, at EMI, and at Morgan Studios.

Q: What is your home equipment—in some detail?

PAUL: Uh, studer four-track machine.  I only had, however, on mike, and I worked without VU meters or a mixer, which meant that everything had to be listened to first for distortion, etc, and then recorded.  So the answer—Studer, one mike, me wife, and nerve.

(Laughter)

Q: Why did you choose to work in the studios you chose?

PAUL: They were available.  EMI is technically very good and Morgan is cozy.

Q: The album was not known about until it was nearly completed.  Was this deliberate?

PAUL:  Yes, because normally an album is old before it even comes out.  Witness being ‘Let it Be’.

Q: Why?

PAUL:  Well, I’ve always wanted to buy a Beatles album like people do and be as surprised as they must be.  So this was the next best thing.  Liv and I are the only two who will be sick of it by the release date.  But we love it really.

Q: Are you able to describe the texture of feel of the album?

PAUL: Home, family, love.

Q: Speaking of family, how do you like you married life with a new baby?

PAUL: Oh wonderful, just wonderful.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.  I love me life. (I smiled at him)

Q: Olivia, are you still enjoying your life with a Beatle?

ME:  I don’t see him as a Beatle, I just see him as the man I love—I’m enjoying it more than anything.

Q: Do you plan on having more children in the future?

PAUL: (laughs) To be honest, Chris, we’ve actually got another one on the way.

Q: Is that so?  Expecting another baby McCartney?

ME: Yep.

PAUL: I’m bloody excited. (Kisses me)

Q: Congratulations.

PAUL: Thanks you.

ME: Thanks.

Q: Back to the album, (laughs) How long did it take to complete?

PAUL: From just before Christmas?  Is that right?

ME: Yeah, about September-ish.

PAUL:  Yes, before Christmas until now. ‘Junk’ was the first thing I recorded at home.  And that was around Christmas.

Q: Assuming all the songs are new to the public, how new are they to you?

PAUL:  One was from 1959 actually—‘Hot as Sun’.  Two are from India—‘Junk’ and ‘Teddy Boy’ and the rest are recent. ‘Valentine Day’, ‘Momma Miss America’ and ‘Oo You’ were actually ad-libbed on the spot.

Q: Which instruments have you played on the record?

PAUL: Bass, drums, acoustic guitar, lead guitar, piano, organ, mellotron, toy xylophone, bow and arrow.  Olivia also helps out here and there.

Q” Why did you play almost all the instruments yourself?

PAUL: I think I’m pretty good.

ME: You can tell he’s a Beatle.

(laughter)

PAUL: Hey now…(laughs)

Q: Will Olivia be heard on all future records?

PAUL:  Could be, you know possibly.  We love singing together and just doing what we love together.  Plus, we have plenty of opportunity for practice.

Q: Will Paul and Olivia become a John a Yoko?

PAUL: (laughs) Oh no!  They will become a Paul and Olivia. We’re nothing like them.

Q: What has recording alone taught you?

PAUL: That to make you own decisions about what you do is easy, and playing with yourself is very difficult—but satisfying.

Q: Is it true that neither Allen Klein nor ABKCO have been nor will be in any way involved with the production, manufacturing, or promotion of this new album?

PAUL: Not if I can help it.

Q: Did you miss the other Beatles and George Martin?  Was there a moment when you thought, ‘I wish Ringo were here for this break’?

PAUL: (laughs) No!

Q: Assuming this is a very big hit album, will you do another?

PAUL: Even if it isn’t, I will continue to do what I want, when I want.

Q: Are you planning a new album or single with the Beatles?

PAUL: No.

Q: What do you feel about John’s peace efforts—the Plastic Ono Band, giving back his MBE, Yoko’s influence?

PAUL:  I’ll be honest, I love John like a brother and I respect what he does, but it doesn’t really give me any pleasure.

Q: Were any of the songs on the album originally written with The Beatles in mind? 

PAUL: The older ones were ‘Junk’ was intended for ‘Abbey Road’ but something happened.  ‘Teddy Boy’ was for ‘Let It Be’ but again, (laughs) something happened.

Q: Were you pleased with ‘Abbey Road’? Was it musically restricting?

PAUL: It was a good album…number one for a long time.

Q: What is your relationship with Klein?

PAUL: It isn’t.  I am not in contact with him, nor do I wish to be.  He does not represent me in any way.

Q: What is your relationship with Apple?

PAUL: It is the office of a company which I partly own with the other three Beatles.  I don’t go there because I don’t like offices or business, especially when I am on holiday.

Q: Have you any plans to set up an independent production company?

PAUL: Yes, already have.  It’s called McCartney Productions

Q: As a last question, what are you plans now?  A holiday?  A musical?  A movie?  Retirement?

PAUL:  My only plan is to grow up!

            We all laughed and that was the end of that.  We left saying thanks again and went to pick Mary up at Aunt Jin and Uncle Harry’s.

            “Oh she was such a wonderful baby!” Aunt Jin told us as she shut the door behind us. Paul walked over and picked Mary up.

            “You were a good girl I here?” he asked her and she giggled.

            “Come on in you two,” Aunt Jin said.  We slipped our shoes off and took a seat in the living room. Uncle Harry stood up to give us hugs.

            “How are you kids doing today?” he asked and Paul sighed.

            “Just glad today’s over,” he said and his aunt and uncle nodded.  His family was fully aware of what he had to do and knew how hard it was for him.

            “Have you eaten yet?” Aunt Jin asked.

            “No actually we haven’t Jin,” Paul replied setting Mary back down to play on the ground.

            “I’m just about to stick a roast in, if you want to join us,” she offered and Paul looked over at me.

            “We’d love to Jin, thanks,” I said and she smiled disappearing into the kitchen.

            “Today was the day aye?” Uncle Harry asked and Paul nodded.

            “Yeah, and it doesn’t seem to bad, but then I remember the public hasn’t seen it yet—that’s when it’s going to get hectic,”

            “It’ll all be over soon though,” he said and Paul nodded, a smile coming to his face.

            “Hey guess what?” he asked loudly so Aunt Jin could hear.

            “What is it dear?” she yelled from the kitchen.

            “You’re going to get another surprise in about 7 months,” he said and it was silent.  Uncle Harry smiled and soon Jin was in the living room, spatula in hand, a face full of shock and excitement.

            “Olivia are you pregnant again?” she asked and I smiled.

            “Yes,” I said and she came over to hug me, getting sauce on Paul’s shirt from the spatula.  He laughed.

            “Careful with that Jin,” he said and she pulled back.

            “Oh dear boy, I’m so sorry,” she said holding out her hands.

            “What?” he asked.

            “Give it to me, I’ve got to get the stain out,” she said and Paul laughed.

            “You want me to take off me shirt?”

            “It’s only family,” she said, “Hurry before the stain sets in!”

            “Alright, alright,” he said slipping the shirt over his head and handing it to Jin.  Before leaving she bent down hugging me again.

            “Congratulations,” she said.

            “Thanks,” I said laughing in return.  I loved Aunt Jin.

            “Jin!  You’re getting sauce on me skin!” Paul yelled laughing and Aunt Jin flew up flustered.

            “I’m so sorry,” she said as Paul wiped it off with his finger and ate it.  He nodded.

            “Not bad at all Jin,” he smiled and he disappeared into the kitchen.

            “You just put me wife in a frenzy,” Uncle Harry said and we laughed.

            “I’m glad it’s nice outside,” Paul said and we laughed as he sat bare chested on the couch.  We sat around a chatted a bit more as dinner cooked, and Paul’s shirt was done before dinner so he didn’t have to eat like that.  The food was delicious like always, and after a bit more chatting Paul and I headed home.  The next few days were peaceful as there was not a thing in the world Paul or I had to do.  As much as they were nice, they didn’t last long enough—especially when it was announced in every paper around the world, headlines that were hard to miss: “PAUL MCCARTNEY IS QUITTING THE BEATLES”