Neighbour

8.

Playing in a professional orchestra was so much better than Eddy imagined. The musicians listened to the conductor, and the music flowed like Eddy had never experienced before. His stand partner and neighbour seemed so relaxed and into it, which helped Eddy calm his nerves and play as well as a first rehearsal with only a short time to practice allowed. 

"Sounds like yesterday's practice paid off for you," his stand partner, Brett, commented as the conductor let them go for their scheduled break. Eddy leaned back in his chair for a moment. His brain felt like mush and they still had the second half of the rehearsal to go. 

"Thank you. It's my first day in a professional orchestra, so I figured I'd at least be decent despite the short notice." 

Brett nodded, his dark hair falling in his eyes as he did, so he pushed it back with his hand. 

"I figured it was when I saw your resume," he said as he undid his bow. Eddy's questioning look made him quickly continue his sentence, though. "Don't worry, you're doing good." 

"Why did you see my resume? I thought it was just the jury who saw it?" Eddy asked, copying him to pack his violin down in his case. He was starving, so getting some lunch was slowly becoming a priority. 

Brett chuckled a bit. 

"Yeah, it was just the jury," he shrugged, closing his case. "I guess it's hard to see the audience from the stage with the lights in your face." 

"You were on the jury? Why?" Eddy inquired, standing up when his stand partner did. He didn't really know where he was going, though. Where would the best place to get lunch be around here? 

"Wanna come with me to my usual lunch spot? I'll explain on the way," Brett offered instead of answering the question, and Eddy was definitely not opposed to that. 

"Yes please, that would be great." 

They walked together out of the building, Brett leading the way as Eddy didn't know any of the local places to grab lunch. A few of the other second violinists gave him a pat on the shoulder and a "well played" as they walked past, but apart from that people seemed to be finding their regular friend groups to get lunch with. 

"You do like bubble tea, right?" Brett asked once they got out into the long hallway, seeming to have all the time in the world despite lunch only being an hour. "I think I've seen you bring up a few cups." 

"I do, I love bubble tea. Are there any good places around to grab some?" Eddy inquired, opening and holding open the large metal door for Brett. He flashed him a polite smile.

"Yeah, I thought we'd go to this place which is kind of a café, but who also sells bubble tea. They have some awesome noodles, if you like that," Brett said with a small shrug, leading the way out to the main entrance of the building. Eddy followed willingly, happy to not have to search for somewhere to eat on his own. 

"Sounds amazing. I'm all for it."