Page 9 of Muted

Frowning at the mess they’ve made, I add to the pile of shit they’re dealing with. “Not to lay more shit at your feet, but we need to talk about Thad.”

Cliff looks over at me, still leaning back in the chair. You’d think he’d feel a sense of urgency to get through this mess, the lazy piece of shit. “What’s the problem with Thad?” Cliff isn’t going to be happy because he’s the one who hired him. Every time I’ve brought to their attention that Thad needs to go, Cliff acts like I’ve personally insulted him.

Gritting my teeth, I make sure my voice doesn’t come across as scathing. “He’s a no show…again. He’s always late, and that’sifhe shows up at all. And honestly, he’s a terrible pianist. We need someone new.”

Cliff scoffs, then waves me off. “He’s not terrible. He’s been playing since he was a kid.”

“Just because mommy and daddy paid for weekly lessons doesn’t mean they didn’t waste their money,” I snap out. Thad Toussaint should be playing an organ at some run-down church where the average age of the congregation gets an early bird discount.

Theo snorts a laugh as he bends over to tear apart another box. I’ve chatted with the guy from time to time, but I don’t really know him well. When his eyes lift to mine briefly, I know immediately that he agrees with me. Although he has no say in the matter, I feel better knowing I’ve got someone on my side.

Chester stands up straight to stretch his back and looks at me, considering what I’m begging for. Because I am. I’m desperate to find someone else, or I’m walking. I don’t say that out loud because I know he can read it all over my face. Wiping his hand over his beard and scratching at his cheek, he nods once. “We’ll start looking for someone else. For now, though, Thad is who we’ve got. Can you practice without him? I’ll call and tell him he needs to get his ass in here.”

I look over my shoulder toward the door that leads back out to the bar area, the bookkeeper’s amber eyes flashing through my head. “You know she plays piano?”

“Who?” Cliff asks at the same time both Chester and Theo say, “Yes.”

Cliff twists his head to glare back at Chester. “Who the hell are you guys talking about? The new chick?”

Christ, Cliff is a dick.

Chester’s exasperated look says exactly what just ran through my head. “Yes. The new hire, Susu. She plays when she’s done or needs a break.”

“I like listening to her. She’s really fucking good,” Theo adds, breathing heavily as he moves another box to stack against the wall.

Interesting. I didn’t pay attention to her skill when I stormed in, and now I’m regretting it. Not because I’m interested in her, per se… more because if shedoeshave any sort of talent, I might be able to use her… to practice with at least.

“You need me in here? Because if not, I need to take care of some things,” Cliff says, already standing and dropping the inventory list onto his chair. Both Chester and Theo stop and stare at him like he’s lost his mind. Rolling my eyes, I walk over and pick up the list.

“I’ll help out for a bit,” I tell them, and Chester’s shoulders drop in relief.

“Thanks, man,” he grumbles, glaring at Cliff’s retreating form as he slinks out of the room. “I just need you to check off the items as we open the boxes. Need to make sure it’s all here. These fucking suppliers are pissing me off and I’m about ready to go knock some fucking heads together.”

Theo grunts out another noise in agreement. “They’re getting worse, and their shit has gotten more expensive.”

Chester sighs. “I know. Cliff swears they’re the best in the area, but I’m rethinking this. Aside from the price, getting our delivery hours before a weekend is bullshit.” He passes by me, rattling off what’s in the box so I can mark it down, then asks, “You going to be ready for tonight?”

“No,” I bite out. It’s not entirely true, but I’d be better if I could practice with someone.

“Ask Susu,” Theo suggests, and I frown at the paperwork I’m holding.

“I don’t have time tonight to teach someone what I need them to do.”

He pauses and narrows his eyes at me. “You just said you heard her play. She’s fucking good, great even. Better than nothing.” I decide not to answer him, refusing to admit that I didn’t pay attention when I heard her.

Chester adds, “I don’t have a problem if you ask and she’s willing to stay later. She’s probably about done out there.”

Considering it, I think of another problem I’ll encounter if I ask for her help. “How am I supposed to tell her what I need? The girl doesn’t fucking talk.”

Growling in annoyance, Chester drops his box on the stack, causing the bottles to rattle. “The fuck is wrong with everyone around here? She’s not a fucking idiot. You think she can’t follow directions? She’s mute, not fucking deaf.” Then, mumbling to himself, he mutters, “You and Cliff need to get over yourselves.”

His scolding makes me feel like I’m a child, which only serves to piss me off all over again. “I’ll ask. Anything is better than nothing at this point. Hopefully, she can keep the fuck up.”

Theo snorts out another laugh. “Hopefullyyoucan.”

Dropping the clipboard back on the chair, I hurry out of the back room, irritated with both of them. I’ll ask her, but I doubt her help will do me any good. It took Thad over a year to understand what I need to prepare for our evening performances.

When I go to shut the door, Theo is standing right behind me. “Where are you going?” I ask him.

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