Divided Road (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2024)

Chapter 6

CHAPTER SIX

Jared balanced takeaway coffee and tea in one hand and pushed open the door to Arpeggios. He and Owen were supposed to meet that afternoon for another songwriting session, but Owen had texted him to say he had to work that morning until Jesse got back after a last-minute family emergency.

The shop had a welcoming ambience, with bright posters of various instruments hanging on the walls. A notice board by the door was covered in cards offering music tuition and community events. The young man, flipping through one of the bins of sheet music, was soon joined by another who hooked his arm around him while he continued looking. The gesture was natural and clearly between a couple.

Another customer, a woman, glanced over at them and smiled before returning her attention to Owen, who was showing a violin to the teenage girl with her.

An elderly man stood at the counter, and then wandered over to the pianos, and back again. He sighed and glanced at his watch.

“I’m sorry, sir. Owen will be free very soon. You’re welcome to try all our pianos, but I can’t give you a demonstration; it’s not my instrument.” The woman at the counter, a little younger than Owen, looked up when Jared approached.

“I was told the person who usually works Saturdays is a pianist.” The man pinched the base of his nose. “I’ve come here especially.”

“Perhaps I could help?” Jared carefully put the takeaway cups on the counter. “I’d be happy to play any of the pianos you’re interested in.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it. Jesse’s running late, and this gentleman needs to leave to pick up his grandson soon.” The woman introduced herself. “I’m Marie. I’m a string player, but as Owen was here and he’s much better than I am, he offered to look after our other customer.”

“Fair enough.” Jared held out his hand and shook hers. “Jared. Nice to meet you.” He turned to the customer. “What pianos are you interested in? Lead the way, and we’ll go from there.”

“Thank you. I didn’t mean to be difficult. It’s just that I’d set my heart on doing this today, and… oh dear, I’m afraid I’ve been rude, sorry. I’m Trevor, by the way.”

“No problem, Trevor.” Marie smiled and gestured to the takeaway cups. “And I figured you must be Jared unless one of those is for me.” Her eyes twinkled.

“Sorry, no, but I’ll bring you one another day if you’d like.” Jared followed Trevor over to an alcove housing several pianos. “What kind of music do you like to play?”

Trevor looked sheepish. “I meant to bring my favourites with me, but I left my music bag at home. I don’t suppose you know any older tunes? I’m not a fan of these new-fangled songs.”

“I think I can manage that.” Jared sat at the nearest piano, and played a scale, then an arpeggio to familiarise himself with the sound. He then played an older song his mother had loved from one of her favourite musicals.

“That’s perfect.” Trevor sounded delighted, “and exactly the type of music I’ll be playing. Can you repeat it on the other pianos?”

“Sure.” By the time Jared had finished with the last one, he had an audience. The couple from earlier were listening and smiling, and the girl had a violin case tucked under her arm. “I like the first one the best, but choosing an instrument is a very personal thing, and it is the same make as the one I have at home, so I’m more than a little biased.” The piano had been his father’s, so he didn’t want to part with it.

“I like that one too. It came to life when you played it.” Owen placed a music book on the piano’s stand. “Trevor, wasn’t it? Here’s the music for what Jared just played. Do you want to try it yourself?”

“I won’t be as good as him.” Trevor looked hesitant.

“Jared’s a professional musician, and it’s not a competition,” Owen reassured him. “We’re going to leave you to it for a bit, and we won’t listen. Promise. You want to play it yourself before making a decision. This model’s currently on sale, and I can also give you a good deal if it’s the one you’d like.”

“Thanks.” Trevor settled himself at the piano and began to pick out the notes.

“Concert’s over, folks.” Marie shooed the customers to the other side of the store to give Trevor some privacy.

“Be with you in a few,” Owen said to Jared. “Just need to finish up this sale with Veronica and her mum.”

“And we’ve found some music we’d like,” one of the men added. “Thanks for your choice of tune by the way. It’s one of my favourites.”

“If you’ll come over to the counter I can help with your purchase,” Marie said.

Jared retrieved his tea and sipped it slowly while walking around the shop. It was still hot, but barely, and while Owen seemed happy to nuke coffee in the microwave, doing the same with tea made him shudder.

By the time he finished his tea, the shop had almost emptied, and Owen was finishing going through the sale and purchase agreement for Trevor’s piano.

“Jesse should be back soon, and then Owen will be free for the rest of the day.” Marie came to stand with him, looking out the window. “Saturdays tend to ebb and flow customer-wise. Thanks again for helping out. Trevor’s delighted with his purchase, and he probably would have gone home disappointed if you hadn’t been here.”

“Thanks so much for your help.” Trevor walked over to Jared on his way out. He’d chosen Jared’s favourite. “I have a piano I’m excited to play, and I’ll be able to pick up my grandson with a few minutes to spare. All the best, young man.”

“You’re very welcome. Enjoy. I get a lot of pleasure playing mine.” Jared heard the sound of a microwave and guessed Owen was nuking his coffee.

A man a few years older than Jared walked into the shop. He looked dishevelled, like he’d been running. He shot Marie an apologetic look, dumped his backpack behind the counter, brushed his dark hair from his face, and straightened his glasses. “Sorry, I’m so late. I got stuck in traffic on the hill.”

“Your nan okay?” Owen asked.

“Yeah, thanks.” Jesse dug a water bottle out of his bag and drank deeply. “She went over to the Wairarapa to visit a friend and took on something she shouldn’t have. Some friends helped out and we got it sorted together. I’d love to say she’s learnt her lesson but…” He shrugged. “She’s all settled in at the retirement village again, and promised to only get into trouble on my Saturdays off.”

Marie and Owen exchanged a glance and then snorted in unison.

“Yeah, nah.” Owen laughed. “Jesse, this is Jared, the guy who’s filling in for Lincoln. Jared, Jesse.”

They gave each other a nod in greeting. “Nice to meet you, Jared. Owen’s mentioned you, more than a bit. I can’t wait to hear you play.”

“You just missed it,” Marie said. “He sold a piano for us.”

“Nice one.” Jesse had regained his composure. “Sorry again for holding you up.”

“No problem,” Jared reassured him, “although I’m going to kidnap Owen now for lunch.”

“Have fun.” Jesse looked from one to the other and then grinned. “I’m looking forward to the great music you’re going to make together.”

Owen retrieved his bag and took a sip of coffee. “Come to our next concert. We’re at Ribbon’s Tavern in Upper Hutt next Thursday. Last gig before our road trip to the Bay.”

“We’ll both be there.” Marie made a shooing noise. “Go enjoy the rest of the day. Jesse and I have things in hand here.”

“Thanks.” Owen glanced towards the door when the old-fashioned bell above it tinkled. “Going now before the next wave of customers. Glad things are okay, Jesse. Family comes first, so no need to apologise. Staff meeting before we open on Tuesday. We need to sort out our staffing schedule before I go on leave.”

“Sure,” Marie said.

“No problem, Boss,” Jesse added.

“They’re your only staff?” Jared asked once they were out of the shop.

“Vicky usually works Saturdays too, but she’s on leave today. Judy and Drew work weekdays and are happy to fill in on weekends when needed, but Jesse’s nan called at very short notice, so I stepped in.” Owen paused to drink more coffee. “You were great with Trevor. Have you ever thought of working in a music shop? You’d be a natural.”

“I’m happy with the barista thing, but if you have a casual roster, perhaps.” Jared wondered if his offer was a mistake. Working for friends had the potential to go horribly wrong and burn the friendship, too.

“We have another branch in town.” Owen shrugged. “I’d love to work with you, but not as your direct boss. Felix manages that shop. I can ask him if you’d like.”

“Let’s get past Frays first, hmm?” Too much of his life was already tied up with Owen’s, and Jared wanted to keep his options for a clean break intact, although he hoped they wouldn’t need one.

Hard to believe he’d been part of Flightless for several months already. He and Owen met up most Saturdays to write music, and so far, the band had loved everything they’d composed.

“I don’t feel ready, yet I’m itching to get there.” Owen drained his coffee and shoved the cup into his bag. “That sounds crazy, right?”

“I feel the same way.” Jared reached for Owen’s hand before he realised what he’d done and withdrew it quickly. Spending time with Owen was easy, and Jesse was right. They made great music together. Owen’s music and Jared’s lyrics fit like they were made for each other.

On the days they’d planned to meet up, whether to compose, or play with the band, Jared had a bounce in his step and a lightness in his heart he hadn’t felt in years. Brigit had teased him about falling for Owen. Jared denied it but didn’t tell her that moment was long past. He’d fallen head over heels that first day he’d found Owen stressing about losing his cat.

Light touches and brushing against Owen had become instinct and something Jared rarely noticed he’d done until after he couldn’t take it back.

He didn’t want to.

Leaving Flightless already had the potential to break him. He didn’t know how Lincoln could bear to see someone else playing in his place, and although Jared had told Owen that he’d like to continue their songwriting relationship, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to.

“Something up?” Owen asked when they reached his house. “You’re quiet, unusually so. Having regrets?”

“Regrets?” Jared frowned,

Bach sat in Owen’s window, waiting for him, for them. Jared waved to the cat, a stupid gesture he’d adopted. After all, it wasn’t as though Bach would return it.

“Writing songs together? Playing in the band?” Owen elaborated. He paused on the doorstep. “The last few rehearsals you’ve felt a little distant. Not while we’re playing, but afterwards.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to give yo… it up,” Jared admitted.

“We can still keep doing this.” Owen bent to scratch Bach’s head when she greeted both of them.

“I’d like to.” Jared’s heart melted a little more watching Owen’s obvious love for Bach, and vice versa. Owen was one of the good guys. He lived and breathed music, and had serious talent, yet didn’t let any of it go to his head. If anything, he was modest and didn’t seem to realise how good he truly was.

Jared had listened at the front door a couple of times before he’d knocked, content to listen to Owen practise. The piece he’d chosen to audition for Oriolidae was breathtaking and haunting, showcasing Owen’s ability as a violinist. He’d be brilliant in that role, and the quartet would be crazy not to offer him the role.

Owen hadn’t mentioned he’d already been practising, so Jared hadn’t mentioned it. Each time he brought up Owen’s parents, Owen changed the subject, although he spoke regularly of his brother, who was apparently the golden child who had chosen the right path in life.

“Yeah, so would I.” Owen smiled, his eyes lighting up; the glimpse of shadow sometimes reflected in them gone.

Jared would do anything to rid Owen of his doubt and inner turmoil. That first song they’d written together was definitely about Owen, although he hid his indecision well.

At some point, both sides of the mirror would catch up with him, and he’d have to choose.

Being torn between what he wanted and his parents’ expectations only scratched the surface. If Jared’s suspicions were right, the two had muddied together over the years, and Owen had lost sight of which was which.

A thought struck him, another complication. “You were great in the shop today with that girl who wanted the violin.” Jared hadn’t seen Owen in his role at Arpeggios before. “You’re a natural dealing with kids. I’m sure you inspired her to reach for the stars.”

“I hope so.” Owen’s cheeks coloured. “That’s one of the things I love about working there, and why I don’t mind filling in for staff when they need time off. There are a lot of kids who don’t get the opportunity to play an instrument, let alone own one. One day, I’d like to do something about that. I’ve talked to the guys about doing a few kid-focused performances so we can show them what our instruments are capable of and that they don’t need to be pigeon-holed. I’ve had people come up to me after our concerts, surprised to see a violin in a rock band, although it’s nothing new.”

“A performance to show kids the versatility of instruments that are often perceived as classical is a great idea. Let me know if I can help out.” Music tugged at Jared’s soul again, now he’d found a group that shared his passion. Flightless were more than friends who enjoyed playing together. They were family. He bit his lip and slowly took off his bag. “If… if your audition is successful, would you still be able to work at the shop?”

And pursue that dream?

Owen grew quiet. He stood and walked into the kitchen, turning on the kettle and watching it boil. Finally, he turned to Jared and whispered, “I don’t know. Probably not.”