Love at the Right Tempo

by Michael Mandrake

  “We can pull this off,” Patrick said. “You know I wouldn’t normally do this.”

  “I get it. No one understands helping out a friend better than I do.”

  Patrick patted his shoulder. Vaughan stared at himself in the mirror, decked in all black. Patrick always insisted on the staff dressing to impress, which in his books meant formal attire. With a frown, Vaughan slowly worked on getting his tie done. After three tries, he wanted to burn the damn thing.

  “Hello, handsome.” Kelliani waltzed into the room.

  “Ugh.”

  “Tie troubles?”

  “I just would rather be off tonight,” Vaughan said then sighed and turned to look at her. “And tie troubles.”

  Kelliani smiled and walked over to him. She undid the mess he’d made of his tie and began working on it.

  “Why can’t I just wear a t-shirt? I have plenty of those and no noose to fight with. I’m behind the bar. No one cares what I’m wearing—they just want booze.”

  “Probably because Patrick has seen your t-shirts.”

  “What’s wrong with my shirts?”

  “Well, which one would be appropriate for this occasion?” Kelliani stuck her tongue out the side of her mouth. She did that when she was concentrating heavily. “The one that says Butt Inspector? How about the one that has the silhouettes of men on the front with two of them crossed out and my to-do list at the top?”

  Vaughan groaned. “Point received.”

  “There. I have to change—but are you okay? Aside from this whole having to work on your night off thing?”

  Vaughan nodded and turned to dab on a little aftershave. He wasn’t okay. He never did know how to react around the uber wealthy. A man who could rent out Prince’s for the night had clout, and Vaughan wasn’t ready for all of that.

  “Dude, I’m so excited. Frederick Tremblay is going to be here! Can you believe it?”

  Vaughan turned to eye her. “Is that name supposed to mean something to me?”

  “He’s like—only the greatest violinist of our age.”

  “Um—he’s no David Bowie.”

  Kelliania groaned. “Would it kill you to try classical music just once?”

  “When I want my ears to bleed, I’ll let you know.”

  “Cynic.” She kissed his cheek and patted his chest affectionately. “But I do love you.”

  Vaughan grinned down into her eyes, and she kissed the air toward him then left him alone. The good thing about that was now he was less irritated than he was earlier. Giving himself one final look over, he closed the locker and made an appearance behind the bar. It would be his first night as the night manager, so he rounded up the staff. It was a small one, three for the floor and two behind the bar. Kelliani had her whole staff since the kitchen still had to be running at full capacity.

  “Okay, guys,” Vaughan said. “Our guests will begin arriving in two hours. We need to make sure this place is perfection. Take a few minutes and give it a once over. If anything is out of place that you can’t fix, let me know. Breaks will be on rotating shifts starting after desserts and during the actual music. Any questions?”

  “Do you know if Patrick brought the Hendo?” Scott asked.

  “Yes. There are fourteen crates here. I already put ten bottles in to cool,” Vaughan said. “Each time you remove two bottles, add one bottle back to cool. We want to make sure we have a least five on chill each time.”

  There were a few other questions that he answered before dismissing the staff to get to work. Vaughan did his own once over of the place, checking every chair to ensure they were the perfect white, that every piece of utensil was perfect. As he moved about the tables he realized the air smelled like roses. It was the flower of choice by the design crew that had descended on the place that morning to change everything for the party.

  Once he was satisfied, he headed into the back to see Kelliani and her crew.

  “Don’t worry,” Kelliani said. “We have everything ready back here. One guest is allergic to peanuts, so Chad is handling her food. No one else is touching anything she eats but Audrey. Chad makes it, Audrey serves it. We’re not taking any chances.”

  “Perfect. I managed to talk Patrick into saving us a bottle of Hendo. When this is all over you and I are getting smashed.”

  Kelliani extended a fist. Vaughan touched his to hers and grinned. “Let’s do this,” she said.

  But even as Vaughan exited the kitchen area, he wasn’t sure he had a clue what he was getting himself into. It was much easier when all he had to do was serve booze and smile.

  ****

  “Okay, I’m ready!” Frederick’s best friend and confidante, Deena, walked out of her bedroom dressed impeccably in a black leather mini dress with matching stilettos.

  Since Deena was staying with him, Frederick decided to reserve the penthouse suite at one of the finer hotels in Cardova.

  Frederick eyed her appreciatively and nodded at her attire for the evening. “Rawr. Look at you, tonight. If only I didn’t like boys so much, hmm?”

  Deena glanced upwards then back at him, smacking her lips. “Nah. We’re like brother and sister anyway. It would never work between us.”

  Frederick was surprised at that. “Why not? We’d make beautiful babies,” he joked.

  “That’s if I wanted some,” Deena responded to him, laughing. “Like I said, you and I are better as friends. I’ve seen some of your habits and quirks, and quite frankly, if we were dating I might have to strangle you.”

  “Like what?”

  “Oh, let’s see, your sock collection, your foot fetish. You like eating candy in bed, and speaking of sweets, candy corn is gross as hell!”

  Frederick gasped and clutched his heart. “Blasphemy! Candy corn is one of the greatest things ever created, and so are socks. I’m wearing my pink stripe ones with the bunny ears on the toes. See?” Frederick proudly held up his leg and wiggled his feet at her.

  Deena bowed her head once, smirking. “Cute. A grown man wearing pink socks with bunnies. When will you ever grow up, Freddy?”

  “When I’m old and grey I guess. Even then, I’m not so sure I will.” Frederick pulled on his favorite Doc Marten boots and tied the laces just enough to have the tongues hanging down. He’d had this particular pair since he was nineteen, and though they looked as if they’d been trudged through the mud, he never wanted to part with them. “Anyway, enough about my quirks. Are you ready? We’re supposed to be at Prince’s at around seven-thirty.”

  “Yep. I am. I’m glad I had the presence of mind to bring a sexy outfit with me. I might snag a man for myself tonight.” She smiled, tugging in her dress.

  Frederick stood up from the recliner and adjusted his vest. “Sure you will. Then I’ll be all by my lonesome, at the bar drinking Sprite and lemon,” Frederick droned. “But I know you have a life of your own, so I guess I’ll deal.” Frederick put on the sad face, hoping his friend would take notice.

  Deena looked at him and walked up, rubbing his shoulder. “Oh, you big old baby!” She hugged him tight and kissed his head. “I won’t leave your side unless I see a hottie, all right? Who knows how many available men are here in Cardova? You might see one for yourself.”

  Frederick returned the affectionate gesture and shook his head. “No. I’m not interested in finding anyone. I’m still recovering from Julian and all his games. Not sure when I’ll ever be able to get over all that.”

  “Oh, will you stop? Julian’s an ass. A pompous, narcissistic, jerk, who wouldn’t know a good thing if it kicked him in the head.”

  “He is that, which is why I’ve taken myself off the market for now. Seems like I attract the wrong kinds of people. If they aren’t jerks they’re crazier than me. I can barely deal with myself, less alone someone else with weird quirks and ticks.”

  “Hey … hey, easy on yourself, all right? We’re gonna have fun whether we meet hot men tonight or not.” Deena nudged him, smiling. “You know what’s funny, I’ve never b
een to this place all the times we’ve visited your parents in Reading.”

  Frederick looked at her appreciatively because she’d changed the subject. He would’ve much rather to talk about the town than his propensity to pick Mr. Wrong.

  “I know, right? My dad calls this place the seedier part of Vermont.” Frederick laughed. “Why, I don’t know because Prince’s appears to be a top-notch place. Not a run of the mill, hole in the wall bar.”

  “Your dad thinks anything that doesn’t look like a country club is beneath him. And I was thinking about them, too. It’s really a surprise I get along so well with your ‘rents. Sometimes they could be a little, um …”

  “Uppity.” Frederick finished the thought for her.

  “Yes.” Deena looked sheepish. “They’re cool and all, but they have to realize there’s a whole world out there beyond the glass doors on their mansion. I’m really glad you aren’t like that. And I’ve always wondered why that is. I mean, you look exactly like your mom. The only thing you share with Ulysses is his eyes. Why are you so down to earth, huh?”

  Frederick shoved his hands into his denim pockets and shrugged. “Because I don’t know any other way to be. Even though I was born with a silver spoon, I don’t want to take things for granted. When I started playing music it opened my eyes to a lot of things. I’ve traveled the world, playing shows in remote places for rich people, but I don’t spend a lot of time around them because we have nothing in common. I’d rather be with the normal, everyday folks. People with real stories about life and enjoying it for what it is because there is so much more to it than money.”

  “Yeah, but cash is what makes the world go around.”

  “I disagree. I think love and people do that. Besides money is boring. You spend it on things, you get more of it. I’ve never cared for it. I know it’s necessary to survive, but I don’t want to make it bigger than that. I’d rather concentrate on my music and how I can use it to inspire people and make the world better.”

  “Look at you, getting all philosophical.” Deena grasped his shoulder. “You are inspiring, Freddy. I wish I could find a man like you that isn’t into feet, candy corn, and kiddy socks.”

  Frederick chuckled. “I’m sure he’s out there somewhere, Deena, but just remember everyone’s got their own little quirks.”

  “Oh I know, but some of yours are out there.”

  “Yes, this I know, but I’m proud of them. It’s what makes me. Me.”

  ****

  After an hour or so, Frederick and Deena left the hotel in a limousine sent by the producer to pick them up. Truthfully, Freddy didn’t want to ride in the fancy car. He would’ve rather to take a cab instead just so he could leave when he didn’t feel up to staying anymore. Frederick didn’t like nightclubs or bars all that much.

  “So, I forgot to tell you. My mother did exactly what I told her not to do.”

  “Which is?” Deena reached into the limo’s refrigerator, pulling out drinks.

  “She set me up on a date with some hotshot accountant’s son,” Frederick groaned. “I asked her politely not to do that.”

  “Well, you know your mom doesn’t listen to you. She thinks she can find you Prince Charming faster than you can. When are you supposed to go out with him?” Deena handed him a water.

  “Thank you.” Frederick twisted the cap and tilted it over his mouth to drink.

  “Tomorrow night. I don’t want to go, Deena. I need to find a way to get out of it.”

  “Well, find some guy tonight then make a date with him,” she laughed, drinking her beer.

  Frederick smiled wryly and sighed. “No, I can’t do that. It wouldn’t be nice, right? And I cannot for the life of me understand how you can drink beer.”

  “Dude. This is Heineken. It’s not really cheap, and it tastes good. I want to get a good buzz going before we get there.”

  Frederick shook his head and continued to drink his water. “All right, whatever you say. Anyway, I can’t just drop the date when I said yes, could I?”

  “Well, that was your first mistake, saying yes.”

  “I suppose. I didn’t want to be a jerk, so I agreed only because Mother brought him to me at the ball. She works quickly, that woman. One minute I’m talking to one of Dad’s cohorts from the hospital and the next I’m making plans to go out to Livingston’s in Reading. My father loves that place.”

  “Oh yeah, I remember. The big steak house with the hundred-dollar prime rib.”

  “That would be the one.” Frederick groaned. “I don’t eat a lot, let alone that much meat. Maybe I can fake sick or say you’re sick and I have to take care of you.”

  “Oh, no. Don’t bring me into this. Just tell the man you’re not interested. That’s the problem, Freddy. You’re too nice. You let your mom get away with a lot of shit, and you don’t really stand up for yourself. You told her not to set you up, and she did anyway. If that was me, I would’ve told the man no, straight out and walked off.”

  “I guess.” Frederick looked out the window and finished his water. “I’ll figure out something before tomorrow night. I didn’t want to be mean, that’s all. But maybe you’re right. Maybe that’s what it’s going to take to make my parents and anyone else listen.”

  “Yeah. That a way, babes.” Deena winked at him. “You sure you don’t want a swig?”

  “I’m quite sure.” Fredrick held his hand up. “I don’t like liquor of any kind. You know that.”

  “I know, but maybe a little wine or something might loosen you up a little.”

  “No, thank you. I’d rather eat candy corn,” Frederick joked.

  “Eww!”

  Frederick laughed harder and picked up his violin case when the limo was slowing down. “Well, I suppose we’re here. Ready, miss?”

  “Sure am.” Deena finished her beer and pitched the bottle into a small trash can across from the seat.

  The car came to a complete stop, and Frederick heard the sound of the door opening and closing. Then, the driver opened the door on Deena’s right.

  “We are here at Prince’s, miss and sir.” The driver, a mature man with a slight English accent spoke to them and held out his hand in Deena’s direction.

  “Thank you.” Deena accepted and got out. Then Freddy slid over with his violin case tucked close to his body, getting out of the car.

  “Thank you. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name earlier.”

  The driver appeared to be shocked at Frederick asking for his name. “Um, Dewitt, sir.”

  “Thank you, Dewitt. Your services won’t be needed by us for the rest of the night.” Frederick adjusted the case in his hand and dug out a twenty from his pocket. “Have a good evening.”

  “You too, sir.” Dewitt smiled wide and bowed his head.

  Deena nudged him. “Aw, you are so sweet. By the way, how are we getting back to the hotel?”

  “We might catch a cab back. Unless you find mister hot stuff to take you home. I know I’ll be taking one. Or a hired car if I can get that quicker. Let’s head in so I can find this producer. He’s already texted me to make sure I would still come.” Frederick put out his arm, inviting Deena to take it.

  “Okay. Let’s.” Deena clutched his bicep, and they walked in arm in arm to the entrance. They hopped on the elevator, then got off when it arrived at the appropriate floor. Once they stepped off, a doorman bowed and opened the doors for both of them, ushering them to the check in desk.”

  “Hello, sir. Miss. Are you on the list for tonight’s party? We’re closed to the public.”

  “Actually, I’m the entertainment for the night. Frederick Tremblay and one guest?”

  “Oh, oh.” The lady appeared embarrassed. Her face flushed. “Oh, I am so sorry, Mr. Tremblay. Right this way. I really didn’t recognize you.”

  “It’s quite all right.” Frederick and Deena followed the woman through a white curtain. The club was bathed in low light. White walls with light brown furnishings, with a large bar all the way in
the back. Alongside the bar stood a huge wine rack, filled with different kinds of spirits. Fancy chandeliers hung from the ceiling as well as string lights, and the chairs were covered in fine, brown leather. There weren’t many people in the club, but Frederick believed because it was only seven-fifteen.

  “Whoa, this place is really nice.” Deena beamed, looking around like a tourist.

  Frederick agreed with a nod. “It is. My father might actually like a place like this. It’s huge, leather chairs. Fancy.”

  “It’s the best restaurant in Cardova,” the hostess said to them. “Why don’t the two of you wait at the bar until I find Stuart? He might be upstairs in VIP.”

  “All right.” Frederick answered her, and they followed her lead to the long bar, which had leather covering on the front. He pulled out a chair for Deena then one for himself. “I think I’ll have a soda.”

  “Way to step out, man.” Deena giggled.

  Frederick ignored her comment and put up his free hand. There was a man behind the bar, but he had his back turned and right now, no one else was there working with him. He looked to be busy drying glasses or perhaps washing. Though Frederick didn’t want to disturb him, he really wanted something else to quench his thirst.

  “I’m sorry, excuse me, sir.”

  The man turned around and approached them. “What can I get you?”

  Frederick eyed the mature gentleman in front of him, taking in his features. Dark brown eyes, hair cut low with a beard and well trimmed mustache. His lips were thick. Kissable. Frederick loved a man with distinct features.

  “Oh … um… I’d like a soda. Perhaps a 7-Up or Sprite if you have it.” Frederick continued staring, clutching his violin case tightly in his hands.

  Deena seemed to pick up that he was tongue tied. “And I’ll have a beer. Heineken if you have it?”

  “Heineken for the lady and a—um—soda for the gentleman,” the bartender said. There was a slightly hitch in the way he said soda, almost as if in disbelief. He then focused his attention on Deena. “Would you like the bottle or a glass?”