Page 11 of Ms Perfectly Fine
“Hmm. Add more eyes and teeth and have fewer suckers on the tentacles,” Elijah advised as they studied the designs on the counter.
Francis jotted the notes on the paper. Thankfully, they were getting to the final touches on the game they had been working on for the last two years. However, being in the home stretch brought new excitement and anxiety.
While they discussed the details of the final boss the player would face, Elijah added his own mugs and utensils to Autumn’s packed kitchen. When he opened the cupboards, there were a lot of ingredients, giving him the impression she liked to cook. He didn’t have much skill in the kitchen, unless you counted microwaving meals.
“Don’t put that there,” he barked as Francis went to put his coffee cup on top of the piano.
Francis started, but thankfully he didn’t spill on the hardwood floors. “Jesus, Eli, you made me jump!”
“If you’d put that down, I don’t think we would have survived until tomorrow.”
“It’s just a piano.”
“No, it’s like her child or something. The movers put my plants on it, and I thought she was going to throw me out of my own house!”
“You just met her, and she already has you wrapped around her finger,” Francis said smugly, putting the mug on the glass table.
Elijah shook his head, though he was worried his friend might have a point. He barely knew her, and yet he couldn’t wait for her to get home—even if it was just to fight with her again.If that’s not toxic, I don’t know what is,he thought, vowing to make a conscious effort to be on his best behaviour when she returned.
“I’m just saying, if you touch or mark the piano, I don’t want to find out what she would do to my computer,” he said darkly.
Francis is right, I should have been there. I don’t want a repeat of what happened this morning with the alarm code to occur again. I’ll have to convince Autumn that we can live amicably, or both our lives will be thrown into chaos.He couldn’t remember the last time something or someone had managed to displace work from his mind this thoroughly. Autumn’s effect on him unsettled him more than he cared to admit.
Chapter Four
Autumn
AFTER REHEARSALS, EVERYONE went out for dinner, but Autumn stayed to avoid going home, not wanting to face her intruder. She craned her neck, trying to work out the cracks after a long day of sitting. Checking her phone, she noticed a text from Tim.It’s not like him to text instead of call.The only time he doesn’t call is when he’s busy with work.She didn’t understand why he couldn’t take the time to discuss something that had altered her daily life.She checked her watch and realised it was too late now.Tim never did like confrontation; he much preferred to sweep things under the carpet. When he cared about something, he would move mountains to help, but when he made his mind up, he became an immovable mountain himself. If he’d agreed to let Elijah stay, she worried he wouldn’t rescind the offer.
She hesitated before opening the text, afraid that it would be bad news. She got up from her stool to pace, then clicked on the notification.
Tim: Sorry for the late notice and the shock this morning. Mr Wells was supposed to arrive next Friday, but according to my assistant, this Friday is next Friday. I have let the front of the house for a short period. I apologise for the inconvenience. I have already returned half the rent to your account as you now rent only one floor. There will be communal use of facilities. I hope you can embrace this short-term situation. It might be good for you to have some company. If you have any issues with the new tenant, please contact my assistant.
Autumn stared at the screen, not sure how to respond. Bewilderment turned to anger as she read it again.Good for me to have some company? Am I a stray dog?! If I wanted company, I would get a pet!She dialled his number but it rang out, telling her he was avoiding her call. She took a breath, trying not to let the situation overwhelm her.She didn’t know why he was acting so strangely or why he suddenly thought she needed company.There’s clearly to be no discussion on the issue.Having no say in the matter caused her to sweat a little, but Tim had always looked out for her in the past; there had to be some explanation. He’s done so much for me over the years; maybe I can give him some grace,she thought, trying to calm down.Clearly, he wants Elijah to stay. What if I challenge him and I’m the one who ends up having to leave?She didn’t want to even consider it.
Giving up, she started to play, immersing herself in the music to wash away her stress. She loved being alone in the theatre. It was as though all those who had come before her were speaking to her, guiding her silently through the notes. There was no other place in the world she would rather be.
Her parents couldn’t understand; they thought the pressure was too much for her body. After the accident, they’d never wanted to see her on stage again. Understandable, considering they had witnessed one collapse on top of her, not knowing whether she was even alive under the wreckage. However, the only thing that had got her through learning to walk again was getting back on stage. Regaining sensation in her feet after weeks of physio meant feeling pedals beneath them again. It had been who she was for as long as she could remember, and she felt nothing without it. She’d survived. She wasn’t going to waste the second chance.
“I thought you would still be here. The concert is in four weeks; you don’t have to worry so much. Keep your focus, and get some rest. Staying after practice every day isn’t necessary,” Conductor Sasaki said, interrupting her. Autumn stopped playing as he approached. He was getting greyer by the day—he was older than her father.
“What areyoustill doing here? You work just as late as I do.” She smiled, closing the lid on the keys. He was a strict conductor, like many others, but he knew her limits. He’d ensured her return to the stage once she’d recovered went smoothly. Losing her now would put the show at risk since many came to their shows to see her play.
“Trying to find sponsors for the showcase. Funding is lower than I would like for the season,” Sasaki admitted, sounding tired.Just because you love what you do doesn’t mean it doesn’t take its toll.She didn’t like to see him worry.
“If you want, I can play some extra shows. And I’ve had offers to put in some guest appearances with other orchestras out of the city. I could try and raise some awareness for our next performance,” she offered.
He shook his head. “No, if you work any harder, you’ll be putting the rest of us to shame,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“And if the theatre closes, then we’ll be out of work,” she retorted.
He laughed, a rattle caused by more years of smoking than she had been alive echoing from his chest. It worried her more than she would admit. He was her biggest champion, and the mere thought of losing him made her panic.
“Let me worry about the showcase and the theatre; you focus on your work. I know you are struggling to connect with the Winter Movements. You need to figure out what is troubling you.” Sasaki always saw through her doubts.
There was nothing for her to say; she felt that she’d been chasing the music of late, when usually it came to her. “I’ll figure it out. I think I’m just overthinking.”
He merely raised his dark brows. “Are you sure you are ready for the solo? It’s not too late to back out.”
