A Beautiful Instrument

22: Get It Done, But Be Careful

I text Jeremy as I climb into bed.

Leigh: What a mess. I'll be over around 7. We can talk about it then. Thanks for an adventurous night.

Jeremy: Sounds good. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm having trouble sleeping without you here.

My heart flutters as I recall the night's events. I really am falling for him despite the fact that it's premature and dangerous for me to do so given the climate at work. But the heart doesn't operate on logic and reason.

Leigh: Close your eyes and dream of me. I'll be there soon.

The next morning I dress modestly for meeting with Friedrich. I downloaded the song I suggested for my debut and I'm playing it on repeat as I get ready. I uber to Jeremy's and climb the four flights to his apartment. I knock lightly. No one answers. I knock again. I'm just about to pull out my phone to call him when I hear the door from the stairs open and shut behind me.

The sweat glistens on his body. He has ear buds in and looks deep in thought. My mouth falls open as I feel my want for him bloom anew between my legs. He finally looks up, surprised to see me.
"Hey!"

"Hi!" He leans in and kisses me briefly. I notice he's still breathing hard.

"I must have lost track of time." As he unlocks the door, I admire his strong back and the fit of his gym shorts.

"And here I thought that magnificent body of yours just happened naturally." I muse.

He tosses an incredulous look over his shoulder and I giggle. "I didn't sleep well so I figured I'd get my workout finished early."

"I can think of a different type of workout I'd like to do with you." I insinuate.

He pauses, shaking his head with a laugh, then continues with his morning routine. "Coffee?"

"I need to get going so I can run the song a few times before seeing Friedrich." I indicate.

"Run it here. I'm going to shower and I want to talk about Alexis and Manny. And you need this." He puts a mug of coffee in my hands, kisses my temple, and turns the light on in his makeshift practice space as he passes by.

There's something off about his demeanor this morning, restrained and bordering on cold. I chalk it up to him being tired. I sip the coffee and walk down the hallway to the practice room.

I try to put Jeremy from my mind, which is hard as I sit in his practice room with his instrument set for his position. I make a few adjustments, pop my earbuds in, and start practicing.

There's a section I can't seem to get the timing down on and I'm getting frustrated. I stand up and pace the small room, listening to the section again and again, moving the bow in time. Once I think I have it, I take the seat, lift the instrument, and flawlessly hit the tempo.

"Oh yeah!" I toot my own horn.

"Your perfectionist method is endearing, you know that?" Jeremy is standing in the doorway, dressed in a short-sleeved button-down and slacks. His smile is easy again.

I laugh. "I'm pretty sure no one has ever described my methods as endearing. Obsessive, distracting, destructive."

He steps behind me and slides his hand into my shirt, placing it over my heart. "Well, obviously those folks didn't know your heart."

I tilt my head back and meet his lips. He tastes like coffee. "Funny you should mention that. That was from those who supposedly loved me - my mom and Keith."

He looks like he wants to say more on the matter, but changes the subject instead. "That's a bold piece you picked. How's it coming along?"

"You've been listening. What do you think?" I throw the question back.