Neighbour

6.

"You got this," Eddy whispered to himself in the mirror by the apartment entrance on the way out, a bit earlier than he had to, for his first proper orchestra substitution. He was so nervous, he could feel his hands get clammy and occasionally he got this silly smile from the excitement bubbling in him. He had of course been in youth orchestras, school orchestras and the university orchestra, but this was way different.

The sheet music hadn't been too bad, either. Something a seasoned player would have no issue picking up with minimal or no practice. He wanted to get it perfect, though, because he wanted to make a good impression. At least as close to perfect as one day of practicing in between teaching would allow. Eddy knew as well as anyone that the good and hard working subs were the ones considered first for the actual jobs. The players who showed team spirit and a high skill level were the ones they pushed to audition for the seats. That was Eddy's dream, to get to play with an orchestra every week. He didn't care if it was first or second violin, he just wanted to make music in a professional ensemble. 

He felt his back for his violin case, and his tote for the sheet music. Everything was there. Then he patted his pocket to make sure he had his phone, which he also did, before taking the door handle and opening the door. 

"Shit, sorry!" his neighbour said as the door practically opened in his face, taking a step back. "I'm sorry." 

"Oh no, I'm sorry. That was my fault," Eddy responded quickly, blinking a few times. He hadn't expected to run into anyone, obviously, let alone his neighbour with a violin case strapped to his back. "Are you okay?" 

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry. I gotta run," his neighour said quickly, practically running over to the elevator. Eddy shut his door and locked it, not sure what to make of his behaviour. Maybe he just was in a rush? 

Eddy made it over to the elevator before the familiar ding sounded, and both men stepped into the elevator. He couldn't help but to peek at the smaller from the corner of his eye, though. The man looked a perfect amount of messy, and when he ran his hand through his hair to push it out of his face, Eddy had to make himself look away and remind himself the guy was taken. 

It seemed his neighbour would be driving to wherever he was going, as Eddy was the only one getting out on the ground floor while the smaller violinist continued down with the elevator to the parking facility below the building. Eddy was very okay with that, as the awkward silence in the elevator was suffocating him. He still gave a small wave as he exited though, wanting to be polite to the shaken looking guy. Eddy felt a bit bad. He had probably scared the shit out of him by opening the door in his face, after all.