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It was just one of those online contest. At least that is what I
thought, until that fateful day in July.

My phone rings. "Hello?"
The man on the other end asks, "May I please speak with
Shoran Gardner?"
"This is Sharane Gardner."
"I am so sorry, I knew I wasn't going to pronounce it
correctly. My name is Brett and I am with *Monkee Productions*. I'm
calling to let you know that you are our grand prizewinner."
Shocked I responded, "Winner?"
"Yes, your entry was picked at random," Brett explains "You
did enter the 'Meet the Monkees' Contest back in April, right?"
"Yes, yes I did. But as always I didn't think I had a
chance."
Laughing, Brett replied, "Well, it appears that your luck is
better than you thought."

He goes on about the details. They are going to fly a guest and I
from Bradley to LAX on Friday Aug 24th. The concert is on Saturday,
the 25th and then fly home on the 26th.

After I got off the phone, I called Andrew, Michael, and Sarah.
Although they wanted to go, they were unavailable. I couldn't find
anyone who could go with me. I decided to call Brett and tell him my
dilemma. He understands completely and tells me that he will talk to
his supervisor then call me back. Personally, I think that he kept
me waiting, just to annoy me. Nevertheless, he called back to tell me
that it would be fine, and that they decided to make sure I was well
taken care of. Just how well you askI was being transported to
Bradley by limo.

As the day approached everyone sees my excitement, my customers are
all interested. Moreover, they can't wait until I come back. Mom and
dad see me off and wished me luck. This is definitely not something I
would usually do. Go off to a strange city all by myself. Little did
I know this would be the first of many new and exciting experiences.
When I get off the plane, there is a man holding a sign with my name
on it.

"Hello Miss Gardner. My name is Paul, I will be your chauffeur for
the weekend," he says as I approached.
"Chauffeur?"
"Yes, Brett thought it would be a good idea if I showed you around.
He also thought that having the same person driving all weekend would
make you more comfortable. Being that you are alone, no offence,
ma'am."
"None taken, it is sweet that I am being so well taken care of.
Please if you are stuck with me for the whole weekend, call me
Sharane."

During the ride to the hotel, he pointed out different areas of
interest. In between, we find out interesting facts about each
other. Come to find out he has a girlfriend, Laura, and if everything
works out they will be married next year.

As we arrive in front of a stunning building, Paul announces, "Here
we are, the Renaissance Beverly Hills Hotel."
"You're kidding right?"
"No this is where I was told to take you."
Under my breath, I respond with a 'certainly not a HoJo's.'
Smiling, he explains, "That is correct. Brett said that the Boys
wanted the winner to be in style."
"I am speechless."

While Paul checks me in, Zach a bellboy took my bag and then showed
us to the room.
Once we arrive there, Paul tips Zach, who then leaves.

"Paul, I am sorry, I guess I am overwhelmed. Let me repay you."
"There is need to, Brett is taking care of everything."
"This is getting to be too much."
"Well, honestly, this is not the normal way. But some exceptions"
"Let me guess, its cuz I am alone."
"Right."
"I guess I shouldn't be too bothered, 'tis not like they want my
first born child."
Paul responded through laughter, "You have dinner reservations for
8pm in the hotel dining room. I believe that one of the Monkees will
be in attendance."
"Thank you, Paul, for everything."

After he leaves, I call mom to let her know that I have
arrived safely. I tell her about Paul and that I am going to be
meeting at least one of the Monkees tonight at dinner. She is happy
to hear that I am getting along well. We say our good-byes and I get
ready for dinner.

8pm

I am in the elevator, ready to go to the dining room. Having not
brought many clothes with me I had to make do, wearing my black
pants, top and shoes, adding the leopard print sheer top. I arrive at
the Tiara Restaurant, where I meet Pierre.

"AhMiz Tierney. Your tableis ready. Your guestsare alreadyseated.
This way."
"Thank you." As Pierre leads the way, I think of how much he sounds
like William Shatner.
When we arrive at the table he announces, "Gentlementhis is your
guest of honorMiz Gardner."

I am stymied as I look around the table and watch the men rise out
of their seats. Not one like Paul said, but all three were standing
there looking at me. Pierre seats me next to Micky and Peter across
from Davy.

In unison they say, "Hello."
"Greetings and salutations."
Peter starts off with, "Congratulations, it is so nice to meet you."
Pierre "Miz Gardnerwould you like anythingfrom the bar?"
"No thank you, tea will be fine."
"Not to be rude, but are you old enough to drink?" Peter, shyly
inquires.
"Yes Mr. Tork, I am 26, do you want to see my I.D.?"
"No, that is unnecessary, so are the formalities. Please call me
Peter. It's just that you appear so young."
"I'm sure that you probably expected someone older to win. However,
before you judge me, take into consideration that I've used the last
15 years to follow your careers. And I feel that I actually have some
knowledge, unlike some I saw at the last concert I attended."
Umm, was all he could say.
Laughing, Micky says, "She's got you there, Peter."
"Actually, I shouldn't be so defensive. Nerves do that to me."
Trying to save the conversation, Davy reminisces, "15 years, that
would be 1986. Our first reunion."
"Yes, MTV ran a Monkee-marathon. One of the local stations ran your
show at 5pm. My father took my brother and I to see you in concert in
Worchester, on a school night. I was eleven, in the sixth grade and
totally in love with you."
"Really?" Micky asks, somewhat in a state of shock.
"Micky, you seem to be a man of few words, not at all how I pictured
you. I must say that you all appear to be like a deer caught in the
headlights."
Winking Micky says, "Well, I guess that we are also nervous. I hope
that you won't hold that against us."

Soon the waiter brought our orders. I had a wonderful grilled chicken
breast on a bed of seared baby greens, surrounded by shoestring
potatoes. It was interesting to find out that Peter, is a vegetarian.
He ordered the Composed Salad Paloise, which is a delicious looking
mix of artichoke hearts, celery root, and Boston lettuce covered with
Dijon vinaigrette. Meanwhile, Micky feasted on Chicken Parmesan and
Davy, Chicken Frances. We ran through a myriad of topics, mostly
about them. Micky can't help but talk about Ami, his oldest daughter.
Actually, they all had a fine time telling me about their children,
combined there is a total of 10 girls and one lone boy. I guess I
should also mention, that they are all currently single.

As dinner winded down, Peter asked, "How would you like to help us?"
"With what?"
"You defiantly look like the devious type. I really don't
think you will be spending much time in your seat, tomorrow."
"Excuse me?"
"AhBackstagePlotting and planing." Micky ponders out loud.
"Yes, I am seeing the same thing." Davy starts to say
something but sees my confusion and says, "Let me explain some. You
see when we perform here, we like to tease the audience and
ultimately pull some radical stunts."
Peter adds in, "We were going to get you onstage anyway. This
will just make it more fun."
"So let me get this straight, you're going to bring me
onstage and then torture the audience?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right." Micky smiles.
"To do the unthinkable, and quote Captain Kirk, 'sounds like
fun.'"
Davy mockingly proclaims "Oh no! We've been invaded by a
Trekkie"
"Don't worry, darling, I'll make it good for you. It won't
hurt a bit."

As our conversation continued, we plotted and planned the pranks.
After dinner, Davy walked me upstairs.

"Thank you for walking me up."
"Any gentleman would."
"Well I haven't been around many of them. But thank you, again, for a
wonderful evening."
"It was our pleasure. Good night and we will see you
tomorrow at rehearsal."
"Good night, Davy."

After I enter the room, I am overcome with emotion. I start crying
and laughing at the same time.