Page 8 of Margot
The restaurant had two levels and in the center of the large space was a small stage where a live jazz band played soft music. It was really nice. The energy was fantastic and it made my fingers itch to play the piano.
I wasn’t a jazz pianist by any means but I knew my way around several Herbie Hancock pieces, some Art Tatum and Thelonious Monk. I was enjoying the center stage view from the second floor so much that I got lost in my own world of music again.
I loved watching the saxophonist in his element more than anything. I didn’t realize until Lennox leaned over and whispered in my ear that my fingers were playing an imaginary piano on the tabletop. “Getting lost again?” He said quietly with a smile in his voice.
“I guess so,” I chuckled. Under the table, he gave my thigh a squeeze and my body responded immediately. A rush of nerves and tingle surged through me. I loved his touch and shied away from it at the same time.
“This is probably right up your alley, huh, Sutton?” Jovan asked of the live jazz being played.
“Oh, I love jazz. I love all music. It’s just always amazing watching other people play and get swept up in their own worlds.”
“You should see if they’d let you play with them,” Ebony said, staring into my eyes. It felt like a challenge.
“No, jazz isn’t my area of expertise.”
“Piano is piano.” She shrugged and I felt my feathers ruffle. Under the table, Lennox gave my leg another squeeze. That time, it was a warning squeeze.
“Not exactly,” I corrected with my pointer finger in the air. “Jazz pianists have a different type of specialty from classical. Even within the classical genre, there are different specialties. I specialize in romantic pieces, for instance.” Whenever I had the chance to educate someone on music, I took it. It was my passion and I could talk about it for hours on end.
That’s why I loved Lennox so much. He got me. He loved music the same way I did and when he played it soothed my soul.
“Okay, girl. I guess. It’s cute that you’re so into it.” Ebony laughed a little then turned to Lennox. “You two seem so mismatched, it’s crazy. I swear sometimes I forget you’re married,” she said with a laugh.
My muscles tensed and I dropped my gaze to the menu on the table. “I don’t know how you could ever forget that I’m married. I talk about Sutton all day,” Lennox said. I could hear the frown in his tone.
“That was kind of disrespectful, Ebony. Damn.” Even her husband had to say something. Meanwhile, all the words I wanted to say piled up in my head but refused to exit my mouth. My knuckles throbbed with the need to plunk my fingers down on the piano.
“Oh, well…I didn’t mean it in a disrespectful way. I’m sorry if that’s how it came across, Sutton. I just meant you’re so quiet and Lennox is so charming and you two seem like total opposites.” When I looked up, I noticed Ebony’s stare lingering on Lennox a little too long.
Great. She was probably attracted to him like every other woman in the world. Frustration gripped me with an iron fist. I was so happy when the waiter came over to take our orders.
I didn’t have much else to say for the remainder of the dinner. I kept my focus on the musicians playing on stage instead. The night had become unbearable and uncomfortable. I wanted to go home.
Lennox read my cues like the expert he was when it came to me. After we ate a little bit of our food, he said, “Sutton, do you still need to get in a couple more hours of practice tonight?”
“Yeah, I actually do,” I told him with a grateful nod.
“Okay then, I think we’re gonna call it a night, guys. It’s been real.” In the next ten minutes, Lennox paid for our meals, tipped the server and handed me the keys to the car. I couldn’t wait to get away from Ebony. I said a quick goodbye and feigned enjoyment then I rushed down the steps. I slowed as I approached the stage area.
The jazz band was taking a break and I had to stop and compliment them. I went to the saxophonist first since he caught my eye the most. I smiled and laid a hand on his shoulder. When he turned to face me his kind eyes lit up.
“Well, well, well. Miss Sutton English. I can’t believe my eyes. It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Jimmy,” he said while shaking my hand. I was floored.
“You know who I am?” I smiled.
“Of course, I do. Your face is all over the Baltimore classical music scene. You don’t think I’m just confined to my little jazz hole, do you?” He winked.
“Oh, no. Definitely not. It’s always a shock when anyone recognizes me. I wanted to tell you how beautifully you played tonight. You all did such an amazing job.” The other musicians in the band popped up one by one, all shaking my hand and greeting me warmly. It was the single best part of the night.
Not because I was recognized but because I got to talk to other musicians. I got to talk to people who weren’t a part of the symphony and weren’t even in the classical genre.
By the time Lennox made his way to me, I’d been introduced to every member of the small jazz band by name. “I see you find friends wherever you go,” Lennox smiled warmly and shook everyone’s hand. He was charming just like Ebony said. Everyone loved Lennox and sometimes I wondered if we were mismatched as well.
How could someone so warm and open love someone so cold and closed off?
“You guys were wonderful tonight. Sutton couldn’t keep her eyes or her ears off of you. Hey, maybe one day we can all have a jam session together. I’m always down for a little fusion.”
“You play?” Jimmy asked Lennox. He was impressed.
