Mark Me

by Shawn Bailey

  * * * *

  “The band is good,” Greer said as he, Jose, and Dimitri walked around Lafreniere Park. They closed the shop an hour early so they could make it over to the park to hear the bands before it got too late.

  Dimitri nodded. Mr. Dubisson had told him about the festival and thought he could check out the competition so he could figure out what type of music he wanted to start practicing. The older man had agreed to give him lessons on Thursday nights and so far he’d taken four classes.

  Greer had jumped at the chance to get the band together again and who knew that Jose used to play the trumpet in a band back in Fort Worth before he migrated to New Orleans?

  “Yes they are and I especially like the fiddling.”

  “I like zydeco,” Jose said, dancing to the music as they strolled.

  Greer stopped abruptly, and Dimitri almost ran into him.

  “What’s up, man?”

  Greer pointed. “Isn’t that your stuff shaking it down with that other violinist from the music school?” Dimitri looked into the direction Greer pointed. He paled. Eli.

  He’d been avoiding him for a month and here he was dancing like a wood nymph in the park in front of hundreds of people. “Yes,” he said. “My ex-stuff.”

  “You never did tell me what happened between the two of you?”

  “His father told me to stay away from him,” Dimitri answered.

  “And you listened?” Jose asked. “Why? He’s over eighteen.”

  “Because apparently I’m not good enough for him.” Greer continued to watch Eli and Randall dance. “He has some mad moves, man. The other princess too. They look good together.”

  “Except Eli doesn’t look much like a princess now. He seems more like the seme,” Jose replied.

  Dimitri ignored Jose’s last statement. “No they do not look good together. Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  “Don’t you want to go over and say hello?” Greer asked.

  “No,” Dimitri said. “It’s over.” He walked toward one of the concession stands in search of beer. Jose and Greer followed him.

  “You think the two of them are dating?” Greer asked Dimitri once they’d gotten their drinks.

  “No,” Dimitri said. “Randall is just a good friend.” Eli ruffled his hand through Randall’s long, black hair and Randall ran behind him. Dimitri smirked. “They’re just two kids.” Another older teen walked up and wrapped his arm around Eli’s neck.

  The two of them wrestled a little and they slapped hands.

  “Oh, oh, who is that?” Jose asked. “He’s fine.” Dimitri kept his gaze trained on the newcomer. He had short, black hair, a muscular build, and he was taller than both Eli and Randall. Eli smiled as the newcomer spoke with him. Dimitri’s heart quivered. He hadn’t seen him smile like that before. “Probably another friend.”

  “They look pretty chummy,” Jose said.

  “Let’s go,” Dimitri said. He couldn’t stand what he saw or himself.

  “They’re coming this way,” Jose said.

  “Damn,” Dimitri said. The look on Eli’s face when he recognized him nearly broke his heart. First shock, then confusion, and then hate.

  “Hey, aren’t you Mr. Dubisson’s friend?” Randall asked Dimitri.

  “The violinist?”

  “Yes,” Dimitri said. “Nice to see you again.”

  “Don’t you remember him, Eli? He came to visit the music school a couple of months ago.”

  “Oh yeah,” Eli finally said, not looking him in the eye. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m fine,” Dimitri said. “Who is your other friend?” The other kid was practically leaning all over Eli. He seemed a little older that Eli and Randall, but younger than him and his friends.

  “This is my cousin, Dexter,” Randall told him.

  Dimitri continued to look the young man over. He found him decent looking, and he had a muscular upper body like he played sports. And if he didn’t get his arm from around Eli’s shoulder he might kill him. “Nice to meet you, Dexter. These are my friends Greer and Jose.”

  Dexter nodded at the other two men. “You guys have some great tats. Who did them?”

  “We did,” Greer answered. “We’re tattoo artists.”

  “Cool,” Dexter said. “I’ve always thought about getting one.” Greer pulled out a business card and handed it to Dexter. “Come on over when you’re ready.”

  “Thanks,” Dexter said.

  “Are you a musician too?” Dimitri asked Dexter.

  Dexter finally removed his arm and extended his hand to Dimitri.

  “No, I’m a student at LSU in Baton Rouge. I’m on the football team.” That would explain the build but not his invasion of Eli’s personal space. Eli couldn’t look him in the face. He just pretended to be bored by casually looking around the park.

  “Dexter is a senior,” Randall announced.

  “Are you kids enjoying the festival?” Dimitri asked.

  “It’s okay,” Dexter said. “I just came out to see the band Brussels.

  The other bands are pretty lame.”

  Jose kept checking the young man out but not saying a word.

  Dimitri smirked. Apparently Dexter had a tin ear. The other bands were great. “You came all the way from Baton Rouge to hear one band?”

  Dexter shook his head. “No, I came home to go to Randall’s recital tomorrow and to hear Eli perform his solo.”

  The recital. He’d forgotten about it. And he’d gotten tickets for him, Greer, and Jose to attend.

  “Are you coming to the recital?” Randall asked Dimitri.

  Dimitri could surely see why Eli could be interested in Randall all of a sudden. The kid had a beautiful face, nice hair, and an enthusiastic personality that Dimitri hadn’t noticed until today.

  “Sorry. I have other plans.”

  Eli finally lifted his eyes and stared into his. “Come on you guys.

  Let’s head over to Bourbon Street to see what’s happening.”

  “Aren’t you a little too young for Bourbon Street?” Greer asked.

  “We’re just dropping Dexter off there,” Randall said. “And then Eli is taking me to the arcade.”

  Dimitri raised an eyebrow. “What arcade?”

  “The one near Canal Street, by the McDonald’s.”

  “Try to stay out of the restroom. I heard it’s not safe,” Dimitri said with a smile.

  Randall smiled at him, but his statement went clear over his head.

  It did get a reaction out of Eli. His cheeks turned red.

  “We won’t be there long enough for that,” Randall continued. “Eli and I are going over to his place to practice.”

  “Oh?” Dimitri asked. “Alone?”

  “Yeah,” Eli said. “I thought I’d give Randall the grand tour. He’s been dying to see it.”

  “Yeah, I heard his place has this awesome garden with a gazebo where we can practice.”

  Dimitri frowned.

  Eli walked off, and the other two followed behind him like two puppies in heat.

  “See you guys,” Randall called to them.

  “That didn’t go so well,” Greer said. “Eli could barely look you in the face.”

  “Forget it,” Dimitri said, continuing to watch Eli’s back. “It’s for the best anyway.” God, his heart was breaking but he had to pretend he wasn’t in pain. Eli had all but hinted that he planned to bed Randall later. And Eli usually did what he set out to do.

  “Best for whom?” Jose asked. “You love the kid and you’re just going to let him walk away.”

  Dimitri nodded. His heart drowned in tears . Let him have his fun. He’ll be mine again someday.

  Chapter Eight

  “Are you nervous?” Randall asked Eli as they stood backstage before the recital began.

  “No,” Eli answered. He’d never suffered from stage fright before.

  Randall didn’t either, but today he seemed very nervous about something.

  “I had
a great time yesterday with you.” Regardless of what he insinuated to Dimitri, he didn’t lay a finger on Randall last night. They just practiced for about two hours after they left the arcade and then Eli took him home without attempting to kiss him. Then he drove back to his apartment, took a shower, and then tossed and turned most of the night. Damn Dimitri. Why did he have to go and accept the check? Was that all he was worth? Hell, if he needed money for something he should have come to him. “We’ll have to hang out again sometime,” Eli said as he straightened his tie.

  “Really?” Randall asked excitedly.

  He looked cute with his new neck-length haircut. Apparently he’d gotten his mother to compromise. He wore his contacts, but for some reason Eli missed the glasses. Randall’s bangs were shorter too which meant they wouldn’t fall in front of his eyes and block his view.

  “Sure. You’re pretty cool to hang out with, and you can dance.” Randall smiled and Eli’s cock moved in his briefs, which wasn’t a good thing because he wore a white tuxedo and the pants were snug.

  Randall looked down at him, crossed his legs, and blushed. “Is it warm in here?” He fanned himself with his hand.

  “A little,” Eli said, apparently feeling the heat radiating from Randall’s body to his. He ran his gaze over Randall and let it descend down between his legs. Randall too sported a gigantic hard-on.

  “I’m so embarrassed,” Randall said shyly.

  “Don’t be,” Eli said. “I’m flattered.”

  “But…”

  Eli stopped him from saying anything. “I know exactly how you feel. We’ll discuss this later, but first we need to compose ourselves for this recital. Try putting your attention on something less confusing.” He practiced his solo in his head and tried to ignore his body’s reaction to Randall. He’d practiced his solo for so many hours this morning that he expected his neighbors to come banging on his door to ask him to stop.

  “I can’t believe this is the last time we’ll be playing together,” Randall said, leaning against a table.

  “It won’t be if you’re accepted to Loyola next year.”

  “I hear the tryouts for the orchestra band are really tough.” Eli smiled at him. “What are you worried about? You’re an excellent violinist. I’m sure you’ll get in on the first audition, and then we’ll take Paris by storm.” They used to talk about going to Paris and performing before royalty when they were kids.

  Randall gazed at him with sparkling eyes.

  Eli sighed. No doubt he could have taken Randall’s cherry last night. He didn’t know when Randall had fallen for him, but he could see the love written all over his face at this very moment.

  “Sounds heavenly,” Randall said with a sigh.

  “Hey, I have an idea. Why don’t we go to the Lakefront after this is over tonight and practice like we used to do before Hurricane Katrina? I’m sure some of the gazebos and shelters must have survived.”

  Randall smiled and nodded. “We’ll perform for the fish and the mosquitoes.”

  “My favorite audience,” Eli said.

  Mr. Dubisson appeared. “Are you guys ready?” Eli and Randall nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  “The place is packed to the rafters, and there’s a couple of talent scouts in the audience, so don’t be nervous.” Eli didn’t care. He planned to finish college first, so the talent scouts would have to wait.

  “Come on,” Mr. Dubisson said, walking off.

  “To Paris,” Randall exclaimed.

  “See you in four years,” Eli said. “We’ll meet in front of the music school no matter what.”

  They hurried to catch up with their teacher.

  * * * *

  So this is what I missed out on. Dimitri looked around the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts Building. The auditorium was packed wall to wall with music lovers and families who’d come to see Mr. Dubisson’s students perform.

  “I’m glad you changed your mind about coming,” Greer said as they walked to their seats. “I don’t think you’d forgive yourself if you’d missed his solo.”

  Dimitri had finally told Greer the whole story and Greer agreed that he had made the right decision.

  “I didn’t do it for him,” he said, sitting down next to Greer. “I couldn’t come up with a good enough excuse to give Mr. Dubisson.”

  “Eli probably won’t know you’re here anyway,” Jose said as he sat down on the other side of Dimitri. “Look at all these people.

  You’d think you’re at an actual performance for a world-class orchestra.” He adjusted his jacket to his hips and sat back in his seat.

  “These are some talented young people,” Dimitri said. “Wait until you hear them. Some of Mr. Dubisson’s students have gone on to play for those world-class orchestras.”“You think Eli has a chance of becoming a professional violinist?” Jose asked.

  “I think so. Wait until you hear him play.” Moments later the lights lowered and the performance began.

  After two hours of classical music, Eli and Randall were introduced and they performed a duet with the rest of the orchestra accompanying them. The song, “Violin Concerto Number 1 in B flat major” was one of his favorites and up until a couple of weeks ago, he envisioned himself playing it with Eli one day. The crowd applauded wildly for them.

  The band next played a Japanese song, “Shinjitsu no Uta.”

  “Strange selection,” Greer said to Dimitri. “Isn’t that one of the theme songs from InuYasha?”

  Dimitri nodded. “It’s called ‘Do As Infinity’.” He chuckled. “I think it’s cute.”

  “You would,” Greer said. “You’re like one of the biggest InuYasha fans in the world.”

  The curtains were drawn and Mr. Dubisson took the stage.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for coming out tonight and supporting these young people.”

  He received another round of applause.

  “It is my honor to introduce a young man who I’ve had the pleasure of instructing since his grandfather brought him to me at the age of five. At first I thought his grandfather was insane when he told me that this young man could actually play a difficult piece until I heard him perform. It shocked me, because I didn’t think a five-year-old could play a violin like a trained adult. So I jumped at the chance to be his teacher. Thirteen years later he’s still surprising me. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce to you the recipient of this year’s Loyola University’s prestigious scholarship in music, Master Eli Coleman.”

  Mr. Dubisson left the stage and the curtain opened. Eli stood center stage dressed in a form-fitting black tuxedo with tails. The rest of his classmates sat in the orchestra pit. Eli placed his chin in the chin rest, raised his bow and began to play, “Danse Russe.” Dimitri sat riveted in his seat as Eli played and made the strings sing harmoniously, filling the air with music. Behind him, on a white backdrop, someone played pictures of Eli performing with an older man, probably his grandfather, and then with another dark-haired child that resembled Randall. In each picture Eli had that same angelic smile that he’d grown to love. At the end of the song the audience rose to their feet and applauded Eli, while Dimitri wiped the tears from his eyes.

  “The little princess is truly talented,” Greer teased, watching him wipe his eyes.

  Dimitri nodded. “He’s going to take the world by storm.” Randall rose from his seat, and then disappeared. He returned a couple of seconds later carrying a huge bouquet of roses. Randall walked up the stage to Eli, dropped to his knee and presented the flowers to Eli.

  Jose elbowed Dimitri, but Dimitri ignored him, not able to take his eyes off the stage or the way the two young men looked at each other.

  Eli accepted the flowers to the applause of the audience. And then he did the most uncharacteristic thing. He helped Randall to his feet and then hugged him tightly. To anyone else it might appear like one band member congratulating another. But to him it looked like two lovers congratulating each other. Dimitri’s heart felt like i
t shattered into millions of pieces. He rose and walked quickly out of the auditorium.

  * * * *

  Eli narrowed in on Dimitri as he walked out of the door. So he did come. Oh well. He and the other students went down to join their families as the other guests went home. His mother and Randall’s made a big fuss over their performances, causing both young men a lot of embarrassment. His father shook his hand and Randall’s and both families posed for photographs. A couple of the talent scouts came over to talk with him and his father. Both father and son listened but didn’t make any commitments. Like Eli, his father knew the importance of a college degree. There were a lot of talented violinists in the world, and Eli knew it wouldn’t be easy for him to come out on the top of the heap without a backup plan. If he didn’t land a job with an orchestra, he planned to teach music to kids like Mr. Dubisson.

  “Are you two coming home?” Mr. Coleman asked Randall and Eli when they finally made it outside.

  “Nope,” Eli said. “We have a little celebrating to do. We’re headed to the lakefront for our last hurrah.” He and Randall said good-bye to their parents and watched them drive away.

  Randall took his hand and dragged him farther into the dark parking lot toward Eli’s car. Then he put his arms around Eli’s neck and kissed him.

  “Wow, what was that for?” Eli asked when the kissed ended. He couldn’t control his heartbeat or the way his body reacted for being pressed so intimately close to Randall’s.

  “It’s just my way of congratulating you for tonight’s performance.

  And I’ve always wanted to know what it felt like to kiss you.” Eli leaned against his car. “So what do you think?” Randall smirked. “I liked it. Your lips are so soft.”

  “Get into the car and let’s go to the lake,” Eli said playfully.

  “You’re growing up much too fast, Master Watkins.” Randall smirked at him.

  The lights to another car came on in the parking lot and drove past them quickly.

  “Hey, isn’t that Dimitri?” Randall asked as the car zoomed out of the lot.

  “Yeah,” Eli said. He thought Dimitri left earlier, but apparently he hadn’t and had witnessed the touching scene between him and Randall.