Chapter 7 Performance

William smiled "What are you waiting for, Play me something"

Theodore completely forgot that he came for an interview and threw away all formalities that he had beforehand and excitedly ran to the piano, planting his bottom down on the bench he runs his hands across the black and white keys.

Getting a feel of the keys Theodore then plays with the pedals as a tune with zeroed structure comes out.

It's really not much different than the piano he has at home but when he sat down on the bench he felt a shock go throughout the body, he suddenly got the feeling that this is where he belongs and couldn't help himself from playing with it.

William was at first startled when Theodore ran to the piano, then he saw Theodore play chaotically with no rhythm or structure and yet it sounded perfect he was simply gobsmacked.

A good ten minutes past as Theodore's hands bounced around the keys. Theodore stopped and turned around with caution expecting William to be dissatisfied with the way he handled himself "I'm sorry William, can you give me another chance. I swear, I can play the piano"

William wasn't in any way dissatisfied if anything he's completely in shock 'what was that feeling and what do you mean by that, are you saying that was you just messing about' shaking his head, his eyes lit up "I'll allow it"

Theodore sighed with relief and thought about what to play before asking William "Is there anything specific you want me to play"

William thought about it and said "can you play Come Sail Away by Styx"

Theodore froze up and asked "sorry I've Never heard of it but can I learn it now and then play it"

William was doubtful but still said "Yeah sure go ahead"

"Thank you" Theodore pulls out his phone and searched on YouTube and found an old video of a man with long hair sat behind a piano in dark lighting, listening to the song James thought 'It's not very difficult and the lyrics pretty nice, wait! Do I have to sing'

After the song was finished Theodore turned to William and embarrassingly said "sorry William I've never sung before so is it okay if I just play the tune"

William nodded. Theodore turned back to the piano, sitting up straight he took one big breath of fresh air and stretched his hands.

His hands hovered above the keys for few seconds as Theodore tries to remember the tune, as soon as he remembered his fingers fell and fluttered across the piano as they play the song. He was fully engrossed in the moment.

William felt comfortable with every note that reaches his ears, pulling a seat from the side William sunk into the chair and just quietly listened.

People walking past the shop stopped to listen to the sweet tune of music passing through the doors hinges.

. . .

It came to the end of the song and Theodore sighed in relief 'I was only performing for one person and yet it was so nerve-racking'

Theodore turned back to William and waited for an evaluation or some sort of reaction from him.

William snapped back to reality, he hurriedly stood up from his seat and enthusiastically began clapping. But they were both startled by the sudden sound of numerous hands clapping.

Turning their sights toward the sound, they saw a crowd of people standing at the main entrance showing their appreciation.

Theodore was panicking, his breathing sped up and he started to feel his palms sweating and thought 'Theo be cool, just be cool, just smile and bow. Come on you can do it.'

Putting on a clearly forced smile he awkwardly bows towards the audience 'now just say thank you'

Still forcing a smile he says "ThaNk..You EveRyONE!!" Theodore replayed what he just said in his head and disciplined himself ' fucking stupid! idiot! what is wrong with you. You have PTSD not speech impediment.'

A.I System [Honestly host I recommend you place your self psych Ward]

Theodore responded 'can you not make me feel worse then I already am'

A.I System [ReqQeast WAs DeNiEd]

'you patronising prick'

Theodore once again turned back William and asked "Umm. . . so did I get the job"

William looked at him and stated "If you don't get the job I think the audience might get pissed, so yeah you got the job"

William was having his own mental discussion 'I need to get this place opened up fast, preferably before this guy's buzz blows over. hmm but I still need staff, I can just use this crowd to spread the word. let's see hmm 1,2 . . .11 people recording or taking pictures with their phones. I need to keep my wits about me and see if I can use the video to advertise.'

"Ahah I'm a genius" *cough* William asked the crowd to spread the word that a new restaurant is opening up next week Monday so it will be having interviews for staff, he also asked if he could have a copy of any videos they recorded.

The crow dispersed leaving just Theodore and William in the restaurant. William asks "Theodore I need some of your personal details"

Theodore cooperates with William in providing his contact information on a piece of paper. William read through his details but when he read what Theodore had put for age "What your 18, man you need to take better care of yourself"

Theodore felt hurt by such an honest and nice way of saying I'm ugly and old "Do I still I have the job"

"of course and call me Will from now on"

"Actually Theodore could you stay and provide some help in cleaning up." Pausing he rummages through his wallet before showing ten £20 notes "I'll pay you £200"

Theodore saw the money and was overjoyed "I'll do it but what do I clean"

"I just need the tables wiped and if you can throw out everything in the kitchen including the stove oven, freezers and fridges"

"Yeah sure, can I go home to get changed first then come back, I live 30 minutes out of town"

"I'll drop you off"

"Thank you"

Walking to the nearest car park Theodore asks in a half jokingly "Witch ones yours"

William simple press his key and a lo lol óng racing green classic British car lit up. Theodore looks at the car in awe "is that really your Morgan plus 8"

William replies "Yep 1988 Morgan Plus 8 Racing green and tan leather interior, closely resembles vintage ancestors but has all modern running gear including fuel injection. Its the proudest thing I've ever spent money on"

Getting in the car William asks him "Where abouts do you live?"

"Do know where Stratton is, if not it's just down the road from the roundabout"

"Stratton huh that's a really nice area, I guess your family aren't to bad with money"

Theodore replies with a low voice "My family passed away, I'm renting"

"I'm sorry for your loss"

William thinks to himself 'Well done Will, you just made your first employee hate you, quickly change the subject'

Theodore's thoughts 'Shit! did I really just add that my family past away, who does that. I definitely need to work on my social skills, for now, I need to change the subject fast.'