Lennon counted on Shotton to be a real friend , who was not only around because Lennon was famous or rich . Shotton and Lennon 's wife Cynthia got along well , and Shotton sometimes took Cynthia out for the evening , when Lennon needed to work on music . Shotton regularly visited Lennon 's house ( Kenwood ) on weekends to keep Lennon company , leaving his wife and young son at home , or to escort Cynthia Lennon for a night out when her husband was busy with band matters or songwriting .