London Harmony: Water Gypsy (10 page)

She cocked an eyebrow suggestively. “Hmmm... 'bound' and determined? That could be fun.”

My jaw dropped and my eyes bugged out as I slapped her shoulder in shock. “PAYA!” She crinkled her nose at me in response. Oh ok, never mind, she can get away with it.

As we wandered back to the table, Teri asked into my ear as she nudged her eyes toward Paya, “How do they stuff so much cute into one package?”

I shrugged. “You don't know the half of it.” Then I added, “But seriously, she's the best friend a girl could ask for.”

Teri nodded then something clouded her eyes as she asked sheepishly, “Did you and her ever...”

I cut her off quickly. “God no. That'd be like you and Jenny umm....” She gave a sour face and then looked relieved. I added, “She's the sister I always needed. It is sort of her mission in life to either take care of me or to embarrass me to death. It is a toss up on which. I love her either way.” This got a cute smile from my obsession.

Every other song had one of our group going up to the stage. Paya was next, and she covered Amber LaLanie's, Green Gremlin. Such a fun and bouncy song, it fit her personality to a T. Where Paya's singing was above average, the fun and enthusiasm and the way she bounced around on stage turned it into something more. An experience for the crowd.

We screamed our heads off for her when she finished. She hopped off the stage, spun around and placed the back of her arm across her brow like a diva and fell backward in a fake swoon, just to be caught by Harry. We all chuckled and then danced to the next two songs. Then Teresa McClellan was called out.

She shot Paya an accusing look. My bestie just shrugged like she didn't know how her name got on the list. She squinted an eye at the far too innocent looking Indian woman and headed to the stage to wait her turn. We ran to the stage when she was up. Paya had picked Snowflakes by Satin Thunder for her.

We acted all silly and swoony.
Is swoony a word? Swoonish?
Anyway, we made fools of ourselves screaming for her.

I'm not sure what I had expected; I mean sure she works at a music school and all, but in administration. I was not expecting the strong, pure note that came from the brown-haired angel. I had stopped bouncing to the inrto music and my eyes flashed over to meet hers. They locked onto mine and she held me captivated.

She sang both parts of the song, the smooth satin tones of Skylar Roth, evoking all of the same emotions as the original. Then she hit the punishing power notes that were the signature thunder of Kimi Solomon. I did note that she took it in a lower register even though she had a soprano voice and the music should easily be in her range.

I forgot to breathe until the need was too great, then I took a breath and blinked for the first time since the song began. She had so much vocal control and she took a page from Paya's book and danced around the stage as she slung the liquid gold of her voice out to the crowd. The only things in my world were her smiling face and her voice, nothing else mattered to me at that moment in time. Well, that and her dishy legs, I mean my god, I'm only human.

I caught the sly smile spreading on her lips when she noticed me glancing at her legs. I felt heat on my cheeks over the embarrassment of being caught. She finished and everyone cheered. I just stood there like a bloody muppet.

She tilted her head and looked down at me as she came down the stairs from the stage. I just smiled and mouthed, “Wow.” She looked down shyly and walked up to us with her hands down by her side. Harry and Paya congratulated her and I just kept smiling. Then she stood in front of me and I just shook my head, a perma-smile on my face. “That was incredible Ter.”

Then she grabbed both of my hands and dragged me into the crowd to start dancing to the next cover. She put her lips near my ear and said hotly, her lips nicking at my earlobe and sending electric spikes down into my core, “I'll expect you to do as well for me.” I swallowed as I heated up inside. Since I couldn't speak at the moment, I just nodded and followed her lead on the dancefloor. She could lead me anywhere.

When my turn came up, I could have done the namesake of the song to Paya. I sang Slapped by Leather and Heels. She enjoyed me having to scream out Meeeeeoowww like a tabby cat, sounding like her bloody nickname for me. I had a blast though, it was a cheeky song, one of Penny Franklin's best.

I strutted the stage as I sang, not needing the prompter. I raised my eyebrows at Teresa and tried to give her a sexy wiggle of my hips that traveled all the way up my body to the hand raised over my head. I probably looked ridiculous doing it, sexy is one thing I'm not. But Ter gave me a shoulder slumping sigh and smile. Then kept her eyes on me as she danced provocatively with my two friends. I almost stumbled and shot her a disbelieving look, God she was dishy. I was rewarded with a nose crinkling smile.

The rest of the night was like that, just pure fun, music, and dancing. Teresa and I snuck out just after midnight, abandoning my friends. I texted a little smiley icon to Paya to let her know I'd find my own way home. Our universal signal. I got a smiley in return.

We just walked to a little park down the road, her hugging my arm. I was in my own personal heaven. We sat at a cast iron and oak bench and looked at the city lights. I gazed at her and she was nothing but smiles.

She kept glancing at my lips and I was heating up. She took a breath then started talking. “On the longer notes you should...”

I couldn't stop myself even though half of me was screaming. “What are you doing you bloody git?” I stopped her from talking with a gentle kiss on the lips. More substantial than the whispering kisses she had gifted me.

We both smiled into the kiss then I pulled back. She blinked and blushed and said quietly, “Oh.” Her breath fogging in the cold, crisp air.

I grinned and said, “I don't want to talk about lessons or breath control, or projection. Tonight was just for having fun, sharing music and fun with others.”

The take control woman was suddenly silent and just nodded and she said almost meekly, “Ok Tabby Cat.” Her using that god forsaken nickname ignited a warmth in my belly, I actually liked her using it. Then she laid her head on my shoulder and sighed., “It's a beautiful night isn't it?”

I would have usually said it was a cold and miserable night but with her beside me on the bench, sharing our body heat I said truthfully, “The best.” Then I was trapped by her emerald pools of light again.

We spoke for an hour or two, about everything and nothing, just sharing private thoughts and memories with each other. I wanted to know everything about her. I did feel like I was holding back on my current living situation, I'd never been embarrassed by it before so I didn't understand my reticence. I also felt there was something she wasn't sharing either. I looked forward to the day we could feel free enough to speak of it.

I felt her shiver against me. Good lord, she was freezing. I must have built up a tolerance to the cold living in my unheated cabin. I sat up and turned toward her and rubbed her arms. “Bloody hell woman. You're freezing.” I checked my mobile, it was almost two AM, and freezing rain started drizzling down. We both looked up to the sky in disappointment.

I said, “You need to get yourself home where it's warm.”

She nodded and cuddled in as we stood to walk her to her car. Once we got back to the club, we walked past the vacant spot where Harry's truck had been parked. There we located her little yellow sedan, she said as she slid into the driver's seat, “Hop in I'll give you a ride home.” I glanced at the nearby Thames, feeling embarrassed for the first time about how I lived.

I shrugged and smiled, “That's ok, I'm close to home.”

She squinted. “You said that the other night kilometers in the other direction.”

I smiled and said, “It's sort of in between and I love walking in the rain.”

She studied me, what did she see, she finally sighed and said, “Alright if you are sure.” She reached up and pushed a wet lock of my coppery hair out of my eyes. Then she got bashful, not making eye contact. “Thank you for such a fun time tonight. I really enjoyed talking to you.”

I blushed and looked down. “Me too. You are an amazing lady.”

She asked, “Can we do this again? Soon?” I nodded, then sparks were suddenly swimming in my vision as she leaned up from her seat to kiss me almost desperately. I returned the kiss, our lips parting slightly for our tongues to trace each others lips. A furnace was ignited inside of me and I was feeling a little damp for other reasons.

I was in a happy fog, she giggled in satisfaction at my dazed condition, then pushed me back with one finger on my chest so she could close her door. She waved cutely and I returned it with a tiny wave, my toes curling. Then she drove off. I watched until she turned down the block.

Then I closed my eyes and slapped my forehead with the heel of my palm and whispered to myself, “Idiot! You didn't get her number again!”

She had said she was going to be at the next rave I sang at a week from tomorrow, I'd ask her for it then. I don't want to look desperate and call her at the Conservatoire. Honestly I'd love to see her every day, I felt like we had a relationship starting, but she was just so confusing with her Jekyll and Hyde behavior.

I raised a hand to touch my lips, reliving that last kiss. I was smiling as I shivered. The rain was biting. I stuffed my hands in my pockets and started walking along the river toward home.

I spent the weekend taking care of Mrs. Thatcher and Terminator, she didn't seem to be getting over the cold and she was running a fever. I was getting worried, but she assured me it was just a little bug. I just sat and read Marjorie's music book between visits to the cabin next door. Sad that I wouldn't be able to learn more from her now that my employment at the school was over.

I had stared at the sheet music time and again. I finally grabbed it and started practicing the impossible lesson. I didn't know why, it wasn't like I'd be able to work on it with Ter anymore. Maybe if we started... ummm dating. I blushed at the thought and curled my toes, reliving the kiss.

On Sunday, Paya invited me over to play some games with her and her roommates. The first thing she said when we all sat down for some Monopoly was, “So dish woman. You avoided me yesterday, is she a good kisser?”

I shook my head in disbelief at the strumpet as the others chuckled. I said in a regal tone, “I was not avoiding you, I told you I was caring for Mrs. Thatcher. She's under the weather.” Then I closed my eyes and curled my toes, stretching out my arms down my side and responded to the question, “And God yes!”

This got me some teasing ooohs from the other girls except Lisa. She scrunched up her face like she had just licked a lemon as she said, “But kissing another girl? Ewww...”

Paya rolled her eyes and grabbed the back of Lisa's head and kissed her. I slapped my hand over my mouth in surprise as the other girls laughed. My bestie said, “There now you've done it too, so don't judge and let her finish telling us the steamy details.” Then turned her attention to me like nothing had happened.

Some little part of me noted that Lisa didn't wipe her mouth nor complain. She sat silently for a moment with a slight blush on her cheeks, then she said to me, “Sorry Tabs.” I grinned internally thinking something along the lines of 'Me thinks she doth protest too much.'

I shrugged as I looked at the eager faces around me. “Not much to tell, we walked to the park and sat on a bench and just talked until the rain started. She went all instructor on me so I had to shut her up with a kiss.”

Emily clasped her hands together and stretched her arms out and asked, “Was it dreamy? I always think the first time I kiss a guy is dreamy.”

Paya gave a wicked grin. “It wasn't their first kiss.” This got more ooohs.

I slapped her shoulder as I rolled the dice. Ooo, Park Place. I paid for the property as I shrugged. “It was the first time I instigated the kiss... and yes, it was soo dreamy!” Bloody hell, I'm such a girl. Then I added, “I can still feel the heat of our goodnight kiss later.”

Pepper asked, “So when's your next date?”

Date? That wasn't a date was it? Well, it did feel like a double date. Maybe it was. I shrugged. “I don't know, like a git I forgot to get her number.”

Paya said as she rolled the dice, “You know where she works woman.”

I shook my head emphatically. “I'm not going to interrupt her at work, I'd look desperate.”

Paya paid the rent to Lisa for Kentucky Avenue as she said offhandedly, “You ARE desperate Tabs. When was your last date? Honestly? I could see the heat between you two, and it was mutual.”

I exhaled noisily dismissing her. “Besides, I'll see her Saturday at Ronnie's rave in Bexley. I'll ask then.”

Emily chuckled. “Playin' it cool.”

I couldn't stop the smile on my face. “No.”

Paya grinned. “She's too shy to play it cool.”

I opened my mouth, but she just held up a finger and cocked an eyebrow. I deflated in admission as my turn came around again. She smiled smugly in triumph. Chinese was delivered and we all sat on the floor around the game board eating. Paya refused my lolly when everyone paid their share. I loved and hated her when she was all mothering, I felt like a charity case around her, but I was smart enough, not to argue.
See? I can learn things, it only takes a couple decades.

When the motor-coach dropped me off home later, I walked Terminator and gave Mrs. Thatcher the now lukewarm coffee that Paya had given me on the way out the door. If anything the sweet old woman was looking paler.

I spent the night practicing and worrying about my neighbor, and dabbling around with Heart of the Persephone until I drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, I grabbed the Times on the way back from Joe's to start my job hunting. I filed online this weekend for the Dole to fill in while I searched. I dropped in on Mrs. Thatcher and Terminator and made some porridge and hot teas for her during power-up. Then I went to my cabin to dry my hair and iron my nicest and most professional blouse. Then glanced at the two cleaning service uniforms in my hamper. I'd have to clean them and get them turned in to the temp agency by closing tomorrow or I'd be charged for them.

I sat to read the music book. I was almost up to the Masters chapters now. This woman was bloody brill.

I realized I had got distracted and frittered the morning away. I was getting ready to go out just after one, dressed for job hunting, paper in hand with a few want ads circled, when my mobile buzzed. I checked the screen and said, “Hiya Paya!” I skipped down the plank to the shore. The ground was getting mushy with the temps above freezing at night as the weather patterns returned to normal. Well, as normal as they get in London.

She asked quickly, “What did you do?”

I stopped walking. “What are you on about now?”

She said, “Teresa just called, she was mad. The agency gave her my number. She wanted to know where you were today. I explained that the temp agency only hired us to them for a month.” She paused. “Then she said not that, you weren't there for your lesson with her. She asked for your number, but I said I'd ask you if it were alright for me to give it to her. She hissed out that she expects you at the same time tomorrow. Then she rang off before I could reply.”

I blinked. She still wanted me to... no, expected me, to meet every day at the Conservatoire? Paya made a tutting sound. “You're lost in your head again Tabs. So what did you do that made the woman so angry?”

I sputtered. “I didn't do a bloody thing!”

She said, “Ok then. She's an odd duck, but she has fire.” Then she added, “You need fire in your life. Even if it is a crazy fire.”

I snorted. “Gee thanks, Paypay. As if I don't have enough crazy in my life with you.”

She said primly, “Thank you.”

I shook my head and grinned. “It wasn't a compliment you silly bird.”

She chuckled., “There's where you are wrong... again, Tabby Cat. Now I'm off to the agency, they have a possible contract for me. Who loves you?”

I grinned and rolled my eyes as I replied, “Paya loves me.”

I could hear the smug grin in her voice. “There's a good girl. Taa.”

I absently said, “Taa,” I rang off putting my phone away. Teri was mad that I didn't show today even though she knew I no longer worked there? It was too confusing for the moment, I looked at the address of a nearby record shop with a help wanted ad and started walking.

An hour later and after answering dozens of trivia questions about bands ranging from Thrash Metal to American Country, I had secured a part-time position starting Tuesday after next. It didn't pay much, but I got a monthly allowance for music from the shop.
Go me!
I gave myself a fist pump in the air, then looked around self-consciously making sure nobody saw.
Oh, shut up, you'd do the same.
Then I headed home.

I spent the rest of the day caring for Mrs. T and Terminator, then practicing the punishing lesson that I still couldn't do half of. How had Marjorie accomplished it? Well, duh Tabs, because she's a professional and you are a bloody tosser.

The next morning, Mrs. T had a cough to go with the fever that still hadn't broke. I chastised her. “Promise me you'll have it looked at if you don't feel better by tonight.” She had just nodded. That's the one thing we don't have to worry about in the UK, no matter your income or station, we aren't burdened with the high cost of health-care that other nations have. We have socialized medicine here. It wouldn't cost her a single quid to get checked out.

I went out to the laundromat with a roll of coins and went to the grocery as my things washed. I got home and huddled near the stove pipe to warm up a bit.

By late morning, I stopped practicing and looked at my mobile. I thought of Teri and made a decision. Even though it angered me that she seemed to be ordering me around, I was still obsessing over the kiss. I could still feel it on my lips when I closed my eyes, and reveled in the fun we had together talking.

I gathered my things into my bag and headed out. If I didn't miss the next coach, I'd get there half through when my tea would have been, had I still worked there. I caught myself going to the side door like a git.
You don't work here anymore Tabitha!
Then circled to the front doors. It felt really odd entering the Conservatoire this way.

I stopped at the door then suddenly looked down at myself, self-conscious of what I was wearing. Just some jeans, an old band t-shirt and my heavy winter coat. I looked at my reflection in the glass of the main door. God lord, I didn't have any makeup on. I quickly tried to fluff up my short hair a bit. I stopped mid fluff.
Bloody hell Tabitha, you've got it bad don't you?
I took a calming breath, steeled my nerves and walked in.

I hugged my arms to my chest as I walked. I turned in the hall and walked up to Teresa's office and tapped on the open door. I popped my head into the empty office, then looked around in the hallway. The door to the storage room was open. No, she wouldn't...

I walked down the hall and peeked in. I saw Teresa standing there with a worried look on her face, checking her watch. She was in an all black business dress with matching hairband with a white vest. She looked up when I lightly tapped the door. I saw a flash of relief and a smile crossed her face, if I hadn't been staring longingly at her lips I would have missed it. The next moment she was in her dragon lady, emotionless state.

She snapped, “If you aren't taking this seriously, I don't know how you think I should waste my time.”

My smile disappeared. Before I could say anything, she motioned to the back of the room and said, “First lesson.” I was confused at her attitude, where had Teresa fun mode gone off to? I just moved to the back and timidly took out the sheet music.

I wanted to say something, but her expectant look and no-nonsense demeanor made me think better of it. So I sang. She closed her eyes and did that slight cocking of her head toward me to listen. The stress seemed to drain from her face as it was replaced by a serene look. I felt privileged for some reason to be the one who put that look on her face.

When I finished, she opened her eyes and didn't comment. Instead she said, “The second lesson.” I only half looked at the sheet music as I shuffled the papers, trying to study her and figure her out. I missed her smile.

I started singing again, determined to please her, I wanted to be the one to put that serene look on her face again. It had to have been the best rendition of the lesson I had performed. I almost chuckled to myself at how just a couple weeks ago I had thought this lesson was so bloody difficult. It came almost easily now.

There it was that look of peace and contentment. I had given her that. I felt warm inside. She almost smiled when I finished. Then she opened her eyes and nodded. “Good, keep working on that one, it is important and helps condition and regulate your breath control for more difficult pieces.”

I blinked, that was damn close to a compliment. Then she said, “Third piece. Think before you sing. Use your upper diaphragm and open your mouth wider for better projection instead of forcing it like you do.” I shook my head, so much for the compliment.

I hesitated. She tilted her head like she was confused. “What?”

I said, “This piece seems to be designed deliberately to punish a singer's voice. Teri, I can't...”

She cut me off. “Miss McClellan! Just sing it.” I squinted and glared at her. How can I despise the woman and want her so bloody much in the same instant? This can't be healthy.

I closed my eyes and shook my head slightly, taking a couple of conditioning breaths then opened my eyes and looked at the music and sang. I tried to do my best, honest. I paid more attention to the upcoming transitions. Used my upper diaphragm and opened my mouth so wide it made my jaw ache. It did aid in my projection a bit and it was true I didn't have to push as much, but I still cocked up half of it.

She shook her head when I finished, “That was abysmal though you are improving. You need to take this more seriously and apply yourself more.”

I closed my eyes, that was it. I had finally snapped, bloody attraction be damned. She treated me like I were her student or something, and wouldn't allow me to call her Teri as she requested. It was as if she were two distinctly opposite people, and this Teresa I did not like. I blurted out, “This? I don't even understand what 'this' is! What are we even doing here? Why are you so bloody militaristic here? Where did the fun, loving woman go who I could speak to without feeling afraid!?”