Page 136 of Finding the Forward: Part One
Several percussionists played the car skeleton with drumsticks, mallets, and even a crowbar. It featured prominently in the powerfully stark song. It was like Grif had stripped the music naked and displayed its vulnerabilities for all to see.
“The dancer was originally supposed to be barefoot and naked–or wearing pasties, but the school wouldn’t allow it. Didn’t have the background pictures before, but it adds a nice touch,” Dean whispered.
The song ended with the last photo being a single flower growing in a concrete lot. The hall thundered with applause as the ballet dancer slumped over the car skeleton dramatically.
AJ looked shocked. “Grifwrote that?It wasn’t what I expected.”
“He writes some weird ass shit. Always has. It’s not his best composition though,” Dean replied, as everyone continued to applaud, many standing.
“I like the one with the bubble machine he did for his graduation concert,” Jonas interjected.
There were lots of bows and applause as the concert ended.
“Where to now? Should we take you to our bar? Go fuck in the stacks in the library?” Dean looked hopeful, and I caught a whiff of his arousal.
“Can we go to your strip club?” I waggled my eyebrows at Jonas. “Actually, Dare wants us to go to something in the square. Hot booze is on Grif.”
“Oh, right, they have the ice skating rink set up this time of year with all the food vendors,” Dean nodded.
Jonas’ eyes lit up. “I want cinnamon almonds.”
I’d rather go someplace inside than sit around in the cold and watch them ice skate, but this was Dare’s night. Also, if there was hot booze and cinnamon almonds, I’d be okay.
We navigated through the throng. Lots of people had crowded Grif. Dean went up to Grif and gave him a big kiss.
“I need booze,” Grif whispered to me, as I put an arm around him. “My songs are a thing, and I had no idea. Why do people want to play my silly little songs?”
“Because they’re powerful,” I told him.
“Conducting a symphony as a backup for after hockey seems like it might be worth pursuing,” AJ replied. “It shouldn’t be hard to set up some guest conducting opportunities.”
Professor Dublonski came over to us. “You’re welcome anytime, Grif. You know, they’re changing the math requirement for music majors. If you petition, you might just get that diploma. You aren’t the only person thwarted by advanced calculus.”
“That would be great,” Jonas told him, giving his shoulder a squeeze.
“It... it would.” Grif beamed.
Lots of people wanted to talk to Grif and take pictures with the guys, so I hung back with AJ and let them have their moment.
“I heard about the piano. I’m glad you’re courting him,” I said softly.
“Be prepared.” He gave me a look, like he dared me to protest.
“I know it’s not a contest, but the only thing I have to compare is to make him a rose. I better get going because that takes a while.” I’d started thinking about it.
AJ blinked. “You mean grow some?”
“No. I want to create a special breed for him that didn’t exist before,” I replied. Originally, I’d thought of something with orange stripes and puttingtigerin the name. But maybe I wanted to go white with black spots, to mimic the roses made from sheet music?
Hmmm. I’d need to ponder this.
Along with how long I wanted to spend on the task. I’d spent three years on the one for my dad. Grace’s had taken a year. But there’d only been a year between us finding her and her mating ceremony and I’d wanted it to be her present.
“You love him, don’t you? However, you’re way too positive and cheerful–and accepting. Sometimes I even wonder if you’re for real.” AJ made a face.
“Unfortunately. At least according to the parents.” I shrugged. “I had to learn to pick and choose my battles. Also, my beta mama taught me to always be the cheerful one so I could help bring balance to the angry alphas of the house.”
“Huh.” He rubbed his chin for a moment. “I understand that. My parents are overly into appearances. Including always appearing like a happy family. Can you actually create roses? I didn’t know that was something people did?”
