Mr Mouthful

by Ian O Lewis

  “How the hell am I going to fit in with professional musicians? They’ve all got years of experience and I’m just…”

  “A professional musician.” Erik interrupted. “You auditioned the same as they did and were selected because you are talented.”

  “I know, but this is all so new to me. Being a nurse was different, a totally different skill set. Even if I was having an off day, I knew what I had to do. Now I have to be creative on demand, and there are days where finding that spark of whatever it is that inspires you just isn’t there.” I realized I’d stopped pedaling and forced my legs to move again.

  “It’s not that different. You have a job, and some days will not be the best, but it’s like that no matter what job you do. Believe in yourself, and everyone will believe in you too. Oh, and speaking of creativity, I need your help.” Erik stopped pedaling and hopped off the machine. Since I wasn’t into it either I followed suit.

  “What is it?”

  “There’s a girl I’m working with at Armstrong High School named Suzi.” Erik was a social worker for the Richmond Public Schools. “I’m still getting to know her, you know, getting her to open up. She has some family issues, stuff like that. Anyway, it also turns out she’s a talented cellist.”

  “I don’t know any talented cello players.” I said with a straight face and Erik lightly punched me in the shoulder.

  “Shut it. Back to my story. I was doing research online and saw that there is a program with the Symphony. The Richmond Kids Orchestra?”

  “The Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. I don’t know too much about it, except it’s very competitive. Must say, I would’ve loved something like that when I was growing up in Staunton.” I said, knowing what was coming next.

  “I know you’re busy with the coffee shop and your new job, but do you think you could…”

  “I’d love to. I’ll find out what the requirements are. There is an audition so she’ll need to learn… actually, let me hear her play first, then we’ll take it from there.” The other career I always wanted, but had to put on a back burner was being a music teacher. The pay was awful, but memories of my instructor who’d been so kind and patient always made me want to help someone learn.

  “Thanks buddy.” Erik grinned with delight. He was one of my favorite people who didn’t smile often enough.

  “I could meet with her Saturday morning if she’s available. Give her my number and if she wants to meet, I’ll set it up.”

  All I could think about as I jogged the few blocks to the coffee shop was how I would fail miserably. My stomach was in knots and I nearly tripped twice on the way. The sidewalks were ancient, many with exposed tree roots pushing through the concrete and bricks. After catching myself the second time I decided to walk. Couldn’t get paid with broken hands.

  When I opened the door, no one was there, but Sneaky and Luke. It was only 9:30 in the morning.

  “So, has it been dead like this all morning?” I asked as Luke passed me a latte. Sneaky was smirking, which had me worried.

  “No, it was steady until five minutes ago. Either classes at VCU started, or they saw you coming.” Sneaky giggled, then patted the seat beside her. “I need to talk to you about something important. Sit.”

  “Watch out boss.” Luke winked and walked into the kitchen.

  Damn, I thought business had been good. Almost every time I was here, which had been most of the time since the symphony hadn’t started, we’d been steady. Sneaky knew a lot more about the restaurant business than I did.

  “Is something wrong? I thought business was booming?” I asked nervously.

  “Oh no, business is great. We’re over plan for the week already, and if this keeps up, we will definitely have to hire someone to help out. No, this is personal stuff.” Sneaky sipped her coffee, then picked up her phone and started swiping.

  “Thank God, you had me scared for a second.” I glanced at my watch and realized I should have been in the shower five minutes ago. “Sneaky, I have to get ready for work. Will this take long?”

  “No, one more second.” She swiped at her phone once more and handed it to me. “What do you think of him?”

  Hell, she was trying to set me up again. I bit my lip to keep from laughing as I gazed at the picture on the screen. Hmm, for once I actually found the dude attractive. He had shoulder-length, wavy blond hair, blue eyes, and full lips spread into a gentle smile. Oh, and nice dimples too. Usually the men she tried to set me up with were way too good looking, or stuck up suits I’d have nothing in common with. For a goth girl she hung out with a lot of preppy men. I preferred the artsy type.

  “As much as I appreciate it…”

  “His name is Bradley, and he teaches sculpture at VCU. He’s 34, stable, and as far as I know he has a clean criminal record.” She was practically bouncing up and down next to me.

  “So tell me, how do you know he doesn’t have a secret criminal past?” Good God, Sneaky would say anything to set me up.

  “Oh, come on, give him a chance. He’s super sweet, and easy on the eyes too. I think he has a big dick.” She rubbed my shoulder and pursed her lips.

  I spat my coffee out laughing. An image of her spying on the men’s locker room at the Y danced in my head.

  “He sounds enticing, but I have to get ready for work and I’m running late as it is.” I went behind the counter and found a rag to clean up the mess I made. After I rinsed it in the sink, I glanced up to see a frown on Sneaky’s face, and the knot in my stomach grew larger. Damn it, she did go to a lot of trouble, what with spying on him in the locker room and doing criminal background checks.

  “Come upstairs and talk to me while I get ready.” I sighed, then pulled her up from her seat. What the hell, I had nothing to lose. Who knew, maybe one of her matchmaking attempts would work out for a change.

  The auditorium was noisy. Musicians were pulling their instruments from cases and shuffling sheet music, all while talking as loud as they could. From what I could gather, most of them hadn’t seen each other since the former conductor died. I heard the name of the new conductor whispered over and over as I made my way to my seat. Though a piece of paper taped to the metal chair had my name on it, I knew exactly where I’d be; dead last. I was the new guy.

  Next to me was a large woman with bright burgundy hair pulled back in a bun. When I sat, she grabbed my wrist and started taking my pulse.

  “Um, hi? What are you doing?”

  She dropped my hand, took off her glasses and grinned, her green eyes gleaming. “Why hello, sweet pea. My name is Onnie Belle Sanford, and I’m your new bestie.” The woman’s southern accent was thick. “Just checking to make sure you’ll live through this. Your first day and all.” Then she reached under her seat and pulled a small tin out and passed it to me.

  “Go on, open it. I promise they aren’t poisoned or nothin’.”

  I pried the lid off and to my delight, it was filled with butter cookies with pecans on top. The smell was out of this world. Between this woman and the leftover pastries at the coffee shop I would be pushing maximum density before I knew it.

  “Oh my God, thank you!” I pulled one out and bit into it. Damn, it was better than any of the cookies at work. Maybe I could get her to bake some for us? “These are delicious.”

  “All the new cellists get a tin. I’m glad you like them.” She sat back in her chair and glanced around the room. “I was taking your pulse, because we’ve had two cellist die in the last four years. Glad they got a healthy young buck like you for a change.”

  The cookie went down the wrong pipe and I choked. Onnie Belle patted me on the back.

  “Don’t be alarmed, sugar, they were both men of advanced years. Hateful bastards too if you ask me. You, on the other hand, look like an angel.” She cooed then nodded her head toward the front of the stage. The human resources director, Angela, was talking to one of the musicians. She was tall with dark hair pulled back in a severe bun. Angela noticed me and gave a little wav
e.

  “What do you think of her?” Onnie Belle muttered through the side of her mouth.

  “She seems nice so far, very helpful.”

  “Don’t believe a word she says.” She whispered, then smiled in Angela’s direction. I waved back and wondered what Onnie Belle had against the woman.

  “So, um why do you…”

  “Trust me. She will say anything to get her way. You could have an open heart surgery planned and she will guilt you into postponing it so you will perform an extra show. I swear to everything holy that’s what killed Creighton, our former conductor. Ruthless, that’s what she is. You want to know how to tell when she’s lying?” I nodded, biting back a smile.

  “You know how they have all those Facebook quizzes about how to spot a liar? How they cross their legs funny or squirm in their seats? With Angela it’s much easier to figure out. She’ll look you dead in the eye and start moving her lips.”

  “Ha!” I laughed, then offered her a cookie. There was nothing like a crazy southern lady gossiping to brighten your day. After a couple of bites she turned to me again.

  “Have you met Mr. Mouthful yet?” She lifted one painted eyebrow. I had no idea who she was talking about, but he certainly sounded interesting.

  “Who might that be?”

  “You know, our new conductor. That name of his, who the hell can pronounce it?” She giggled. “Kuzzyov? Netzikoff? Jeez, why aren’t conductors ever named Sam, or Mary?”

  I had to admit, she had a point. Still, I couldn’t wait for him to show up for our rehearsal. I was intrigued, not only by his good looks, but by his pedigree. I’d only spent a few minutes stalking him online, but I found out he’d been nominated for a Grammy two years ago. Working with him would be an excellent experience.

  Angela was at the front of the stage motioning for the orchestra to be silent.

  “Welcome back to work. Though it’s sad that Creighton is no longer with us, we must soldier on. Fortunately for us, we have the honor of being led by our new musical director Sergei Mikhailovich Kuznetsov, who thankfully goes by the name Serge.” The orchestra laughed. “He will not work with you this week because he’s busy finalizing our touring schedule for the upcoming season. Our assistant conductor Phillip Capone is conducting rehearsals in his place.”

  The room buzzed for a minute at the news. I wanted to meet Serge, and from the whispers around me so did everyone else. Angela made a few more announcements, turned to leave and then stopped in front of the cellists.

  “Josh, would you stop by my office after rehearsals? We need you to fill out some paperwork.”

  “Have a seat here at Martha’s old desk. Unfortunately for us, she, um, quit yesterday, but you should have some peace and quiet while you fill these out.” Angela handed me a file and then a deep voice thundered from the office in front of us. She gave me a weak smile and scurried down the hall back to human resources.

  Rehearsals had gone well, but I was still a bundle of nerves. I closed my eyes for a moment and breathed deeply to calm down, but that deep voice from before roared again, and this time I heard every word.

  “Why the fuck can’t you do the job I pay you to do? You are MY agent, and I shouldn’t have to micromanage every damn thing!” The man went silent for a couple of moments before resuming his tirade.

  “That is not worth my time or effort and you fucking know it! My cat could make better deals than you could. When you come up with something worth my while call me back.” The sound of a phone slamming down made me jump.

  What a dick.

  I had kept my head down, avoiding looking into the office where the man was, but curiosity was getting to me. The voice was a rich baritone with a slight New York accent, syllables clipped and refined despite the ugly words.

  I glanced up, hoping to get a glimpse of him. The walls were made of glass with metal blinds shut over most of it, except for the area right beside the door. I craned my neck, hoping not to get caught, then I stifled a laugh.

  Of course he was a dick! Anyone who looked like that would think they could get away with stomping all over other people. Then his face appeared briefly behind the glass wall, scowling in my direction. I could see a vein popping out of his muscular neck. He shut the blinds, then I heard what sounded like a metal trash can being kicked across the room.

  His thick, dark brown hair was clipped short on the sides and was long and wavy on top. His nose was perfect, and his full lips were sexy even through his frown. I suspected he had dimples, but since he wasn’t in a smiling mood, I couldn’t be sure.

  Oh my God.

  I yanked my phone out of my pocket and looked through my browser’s history until I found what I was looking for. Shit, it was him alright. My new boss, Mr. Mouthful.

  3

  Josh

  My eyes popped open at the sound of the phone buzzing on the nightstand. Damn, I had hoped to sleep late this morning. Rehearsals over the past week had been both exhausting and exhilarating and I wanted to spend Saturday morning in bed. I yawned, then fumbled for the phone and saw that two text messages had come in.

  Bradley: I can’t wait to see you tonight. Been thinking about you.

  Sneaky had talked me into calling him. We’d met for drinks at Barcode Thursday night after I got off of work. He was a nice guy, charming in fact, so I’d agreed to meet him for dinner tonight at a Vietnamese place in Carytown. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him since we’d just met, but since no warning bells had gone off I had given him a chance. Plus, it would keep Sneaky off my back.

  Josh: I’m looking forward to dinner. I’ll meet you there at eight.

  The next message was from Suzi Benson. She let me know she was running behind and would be a few minutes late. She called Wednesday and asked if I would listen to her play the cello, so we decided on Saturday at 11. We would use Sneaky’s bar next door since it didn’t open until two. The girl was shy on the phone, but by the end of the call I could hear the excitement in her voice. I texted her back.

  Josh: No worries. See you soon.

  The phone said it was just after 10 am, so I swung my feet out of bed and went to the front door and cracked it open. It had become a habit, listening to see if the coffee shop was busy or not. If I heard a low roar, I hurried to get downstairs to help Luke. The sound of a coffee cup crashing to the floor sent me scurrying to the shower as fast as I could. I was rapidly discovering that living over my business might not have been the best idea if I ever wanted a full day off again.

  In my rush I almost tripped as I flew down the stairs, nearly dropping my cello and music stand. I didn’t know why, but I felt almost as nervous at meeting Suzi as I had on my first day at the symphony. I’d never taught music before, and from what Erik told me she had issues with her home life. I wanted to do the best I could for her and not ruin her chances for eventual success. My teen years had been tough, growing up in a small mountain town with a family that was not always supportive of my music. If she was going through even more difficult times than I did, I wanted to do what I could to make her feel better about herself.

  When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I scanned the room for a girl with a cello. I didn’t see her, but was grateful to see a sizable line waiting to be served. Luke was by himself behind the counter. I maneuvered through the small crowd to the other side of the shop and opened the side door which led to Sneaky’s bar. After stashing my cello there I raced behind the counter so I could give Luke a hand. I stationed myself behind the register, then promptly forgot how to run it. Eyes the color of melting chocolate stared directly into mine.

  Mr. Mouthful, I mean Serge, was standing in front of me. He started to speak, then his eyes widened, and he placed a long index finger on his chin.

  I felt my teeth clamp down on my lower lip as I took him in. He was tall, even taller than me, and I tilted my head to meet his gaze. Pale skin and a five o’clock shadow that probably only took a few hours to grow back due to the testosterone that came off of him in
waves. Realizing there was a line of people behind him I moved my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Serge’s full lips curved, not into a smile, but more like the cat who had got the canary smirk. He was a huge package of a man to take in at once, but somehow I got my brain back into gear enough to ask for his order.

  “Wh-what can I get for you?” I croaked, feeling blood rushing up my neck. God, I hoped he didn’t recognize me. The last time I saw him he was cursing and kicking things in his office. His eyes left mine and travelled down to my waist then back up again.

  “Double espresso.” His rich voice sent shivers up and down my spine. Underneath the slight northern accent his vowels were rounded, dripping in sex appeal. Somehow I managed to type in his order, then he pulled out his credit card and swiped it. Yep, it was definitely Mr. Mouthful. His name, Sergei Kusnetzov, flashed across the screen of the register.

  “Um, you pick your order up down there.” I tilted my head to the side.

  “You mean where the sign says ‘Pick Up Your order Here’?” He chuckled, then I felt his fingers brush against mine as he took the receipt from my hand. “Thank you.” Electricity raced from my fingernails up my arm and settled in my chest.

  While I took the next person’s order my eyes kept darting in his direction, following him from the pick up counter to the booth he chose next to the side door. I didn’t notice Sneaky standing next to me until I felt her elbow in my side.

  “That girl Suzi is waiting for you.” She nodded her head toward the front door where a lanky girl leaned against the wall next to it, her eyes glued to the floor. “I’ll take over from here.”

  I sighed with relief, grateful to have the chance to focus on something else besides the regal man seated on the other side of the room. I’d done my best to ignore him, but that was like asking the moon to kindly take the day shift for a change.