When The Sax Man Plays: Part 2 - Proving It: When The Sax Man Plays, #2

By Yvonne Marrs

In spite of the immoral odour that has tainted his big break, Jason is determined to prove himself, artistically and morally.

We follow Jason's band into the studio to record their debut album under the tutorage of Rae, the devious executive at Aim Records, who 'fixed' their win. Having fixed the contest, Rae is now determined to 'fix' the band's career by dictating (by 'research') which songs they should record. The contrast is clear between this formulaic approach to music and Jason's natural feel for it.

Holding everything together - the band and the contract, as well as his gruelling schedule at Impervious - Jason's struggles multiply when he discovers that Aim Records are not the success they are portrayed to be! Yet again, responsibility for organisation and create direction falls on Jason's shoulders; he is the band's only hope if their album is to be successful. This is, of course, where he proves himself.

In the midst of the drama, secretly Jason is plotting his and Georgie's wedding. Together they are making preparations to welcome their first child into their musical world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WTSMP Publications
• Release date: Jul 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9798201352677

Yvonne Marrs

Invernesian Yvonne Marrs (1982-present day) has loved writing for as long as she can remember, moving to the London area at the age of 19 to pursue her dream of becoming a published author. Yvonne graduated from UHI (Inverness College) with an HND in Administration and Information Management, a set of skills she puts to good use to organise herself and her work - especially as she has her own publishing company, WTSMP Publications. Currently Yvonne has published several fictional series - the 'When The Sax Man Plays' series, the 'Football Crazy' series, the 'Aiden Lewis octet', 'Can't Buy Health' series and 'Undeserved'. Yvonne dreamt up the idea that formed the "When The Sax Man Plays" (WTSMP) series after falling in love with saxophone music, and being inspired by Leona Lewis' dream X Factor win. To throw an ordinary person in an ordinary job, with an extraordinary talent into superstardom is the story behind WTSMP. The central character, Jason Bottelli is such a person, although we soon discover he is far from ordinary! If you like your fiction easy going, entertaining, enthralling and heart-warming, you'll fall in love with the musical romance that is the WTSMP series. The ever popular "Football Crazy" series follows our central character, Aiden Lewis, as he rises through the football ranks. From club player to International sensation; through to his management career, leading England into the World Cup and then his brother's local team, the London Giants, from nowhere into the Premiership as the series progresses. Aiden's story continues with the 'Aiden Lewis octet', finishing with 'Undeserved'. There are standalone books as well as those in a series: 'Castiliano Vulgo' - a fictional work on 16th Century London life written using both Elizabethan English and Modern English. 'Inexorable' - a murder erotica written as part of the NaNoWriMo challenge in 2016. 'Putting the Visible into So Called Invisible Illnesses' - a work of 50 poems about living with invisible illnesses, as Yvonne does. 'Harbourtown Murder' - a murder mystery set in fictional Cornwall where a stray cat is the only witness.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jason rolled his eyes. Now he’d made it, he had to prove himself to the industry: proving it would be a lot harder than making it, he felt sure. Especially so, as so far, their journey had ‘dubious’ written all over it.

Nonetheless, there was nothing dubious about the group’s collective talent, and by merging the two groups, surely his work was halved? That answer was negative, he felt sure, smiling with his thoughts.

As the studio door opened, Rae ushered in the five he knew so well - Kipper, Dave, Vince, Michael and Georgie. Rae launched straight into the schedule: they would record the two songs that each group had performed, with collaborations to complete the album.

Seeing Dave’s usual nervous look, Jason gave him an encouraging smile, silently telling himself some things - no matter what happened to the group - would never change. Kipper looked the same self-assured young man, nodding eagerly at Rae’s words. The others looked on, sharing the same mixed excited-yet-worried expression.

They would live the dream, albeit only for a little while, unless their efforts took the music world by storm (which was a possibility). And yet, Jason didn’t share their excitement. The dreadful anticlimactic sense from Finals night was impossible to shift.

Rae let them loose on the studio’s instruments, beckoning Jason outside. Closing the door behind them and folding his arms across his broad chest, he fixed Jason with his most serious look.

What’s the problem? The two groups deserve a shot at fame and they got it.

You wouldn’t understand, it was your idea. Jason too crossed his arms, shaking his head.

Rae pointed at the five on the other side of the glass. Make sure you lead them, and lead them right. The sooner we get this done, the better.

With that, he turned and headed back into the studio. As Jason followed him, all five looked up expectantly.

"Let’s have a run-through. I want it exactly as you performed in competition. Rae stressed the importance of the word. We’ll do it until we get it perfect."

He received five nods, watching as they then looked at Jason.

Jason held a deliberate pause. Give it hell, guys!

The group’s four familiar songs had been successfully recorded before lunch. Less than an hour later, Rae recalled them to the studio to distribute the remaining sheet music for collaborations the band would also perform.

I don’t know this. Dave interrupted, taking in the maze that was an unmarked and new song sheet.

"That doesn’t matter, you will learn it."

Don’t we get a say in the matter? Kipper spoke up.

"While you are with us, you will do as you’re told. Rae cleared his throat, changing tact, remembering to try to keep his calm. Extensive research has found this selection is the best. You wouldn’t turn against us."

Jason snorted, unable to help himself. That’s how we got two groups in the first place.

This caused the others to also laugh, but Rae wasn’t amused.

"I’m in charge now and I make the decisions - not you. Got it? He issued the statement as if it was an order, prodding Kipper’s chest with a meaty finger. Let’s get started, we haven’t got all day." Glancing at the assembled band, he shook his head tellingly.

I can’t read this. Dave’s voice was barely a whisper.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN’T READ MUSIC?! Rae thundered, bearing down on him.

Jason jumped straight to Dave’s aid. Not in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t matter - many musicians can’t read, or write, music.

Rae spun round, eye-to-eye with Jason.

It’s only a problem if you make it into one. Jason continued, despite Rae’s close proximity.

Rae swore, storming across the room and throwing himself into his chair. Jason hid his smile, wondering if he too had thrown a strop in the early days of the band? Stepping towards Dave with pen poised, he wrote the letters that Dave was used to seeing above the notes, pointing out the connections to him.

Dave nodded meekly, still shaking. Reviewing the words that Michael and Georgie had, Jason was thankful to receive two nods from Kipper and Vince that they were ready to perform.

He turned then to their demanding manager. Play us the original.

Rae looked at him in disbelief.

You can pipe the original version in here, can’t you? Jason lowered his voice an octave, as if in disbelief of the standards at Aim.

Of course we can! Rae spluttered.

Thank you. Jason gave him a polite smile before he walked back to the nervy group, smiling to himself as Rae huffed and puffed while he found the right track.

Chapter 2

At Impervious the next day Jason smiled at Hamish, who had enquired about the group’s first studio session.

Rae’s a tyrant!

Hamish’s laugh was so loud the floor shook beneath them.

Jason leant across Hamish’s desk, his expression mixed. You set me up. His tone was accusing.

Ach, you deserved it. You’re too good for us, any fool could see that.

Did you have to make it so obvious? Jason shook his head.

It wasn’t. Well, maybe, but it was what everyone wanted, so no complaints. Hamish spread his hands wide and shrugged. The publicity has generated so much interest - and revenue, I could hardly refuse.

Jason sat up straight, his intuition switched on. The College is in trouble?

Not anymore, thanks to you. Admittedly, there were times I thought it was going to backfire: professional rappers; the vandalism. Hamish shrugged again. Casting the professionals was an idea of mine to give us a little competition, but they were almost too good.

Jason gasped, his head reeling with the notion that his attack had been planned...

I never foresaw the students taking winning to heart so much. Hamish saw the rage creeping into Jason’s face when he looked up, adding. We didn’t plan to put anyone’s life in danger, let alone yours.

A silence fell between them.

Their conversation changed as Hamish produced the new Music schedule, which to Jason’s dismay had been nearly halved from the previous term.

Hamish then put forward his proposal for a new scheme in the College where selected tutors would also act as guidance counsellors for the students, pointing out that Jason would succeed in this role and that it would not interfere in his other activities. It was an open offer; there was plenty of time for him to consider it.

Shortly afterwards Jason left the office, drifting back to the Music section in a daze, shaking his head in amazement.

––––––––

Georgie had been living with Jason for six weeks. She had been astonished to find that he was right - it did work, and there were no complications. Every Sunday morning, he brought her breakfast in bed before they headed out for the weekly shop.

It was great to have some freedom; greater still having uninterrupted time to themselves. Georgie sighed. But was the Hammersmith flat too small?

What was that sigh for? Seeing she was lost in her thoughts, Jason wrapped his arms around her waist, squeezing and kissing her.

It doesn’t matter. She turned around in his arms, leaving the spoon whirling in the saucepan.

It must do, to make you sigh in the first place. He studied her expression, responding when she kissed him.

The way he angled his head regarding her, told her he wouldn’t leave the subject alone until he heard all about it. She loved this aspect of his character: she could see it get them through all sorts of problems.

Laughing to herself, she confided. I’m such a property snob. I can’t help but compare. She sighed. It’s not that I don’t like it here-—Wouldn’t you like a shorter commute?

Who wouldn’t. He shrugged, pulling away from her. Georgie read the warning signals a little too late. I had no choice, remember?

Oh Jas, I’m sorry. She moved closer, hugging him.

I don’t want you put in that situation. I want us to be safe; to live without having to look over our shoulder all the time. He sighed, a tidal wave of memories washing over him.

Taking a few steps backwards, she picked up her glass and sipped her wine, watching him intently: Jason hadn’t moved, as if he was set in stone. Then the idea struck her.

Of course, but it’s not like that everywhere. Kensington, for example: it’s a reasonable commute and a safe neighbourhood. Wouldn’t it be nice to be near your brother?

The spell broken, Jason laughed. Where would we get that sort of money?

If you sold your flat and let me come in on the payments, we could do it. Nothing too grand, but something-—Comfortable.

Allowing the silence to develop for a moment, he watched her watch him. My flat sold last month. He smiled at her, taking in the sparkle in her eyes.

Since she moved her belongings in with him, everything had become ‘we’. Were we going out tonight? Were we going shopping? So, the question was, were we going to move?

Jason shook himself from his thoughts. Graham will not be happy, I feel he was counting on a long let.

Georgie shrugged. I’m sure he won’t mind an income boost. Renting is the best option, until we get finances in place.

The sentence itself had Jason thinking about Impervious and the College’s financial difficulties that Hamish had skirted around. He was sure that the success of the contest would see them through, but would it? Would he be facing redundancy?

Those articles that his research some months ago had dredged up were now beginning to make sense. Impervious College stood on prime real estate, ideally situated in the heart of London.

Jas? Georgie’s voice disturbed him from his thoughts.

Sorry. He shook his head. Okay, I agree. I’d love to have our own place though, to decorate as we’d like.

Georgie nodded, wondering what his unspoken thoughts were. Though he was very good at extracting her thoughts, she was hopeless when the roles were reversed. She prayed that if it was something serious, he would tell her.

Wouldn’t he?

Chapter 3

Monday’s journey to Impervious flew past with Jason’s head full of tumbling thoughts. As he approached the vast building, he stopped, looking around as the commuters and students barged past him.

Half turning, he stood watching the unravelling street scene: traffic crawling along, pigeons flying by, many businessmen swinging their briefcases, students struggling with their books. Was this where he belonged, truly? Suddenly and for no reason, he was not so sure.

The thought made his stomach churn. Shaking his head, he released the swipe card from his pocket, flashing it over the reader to grant him access to the building.

Already they were two weeks into the new term. He had agreed to Hamish’s guidance counselling plans last week, and so his first class was scheduled for this afternoon. The mere thought made his head throb.

It wouldn’t take long: he would introduce himself to the class - a group of first year students - talk a little about Impervious and spout some facts about the College; inform them of where and when he could be found; wish them well and that was it.

He had a small two-hour music class at 11 o’clock and another at 3 o’clock, and would leave for home after an hour of marking in the relative peace and quiet, once the rush hour was over.

Georgie had devised a plan that would see her catch the Circle line train to meet him at the station, where they would travel home together. He sighed, consulting the timetable pinned above his desk, his eyes widening the further down the sheet he read:

MUSIC TIMETABLE

MONDAY

BOARD MEETING - 9 am

MUSIC - 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm & 4 pm

GUIDANCE CLASS - 2 pm

TUESDAY

MUSIC - 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm

GUIDANCE CLASS - 4 pm

WEDNESDAY

MUSIC - 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm

GUIDANCE CLASS - 4 pm

THURSDAY

MUSIC - 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm & 3 pm

GUIDANCE CLASS - 4 pm

FRIDAY

MUSIC - 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm

GUIDANCE CLASS - 2 pm

REVISION - 4 pm

Snatching his new timetable from the notice board, Jason stormed towards the Principal’s office. His expression was thunderstruck as he dropped the card in front of Hamish. You—-

Hamish cut him off. My schedule was as loose as I gave you - but our increase in popularity means that we’ve had to increase classes. He smiled broadly, rubbing his hands together. It’s all your doing - everyone wants to be taught music by the great talent! What could I do but oblige?

Jason closed his eyes in horror. Thirty two classes?

Super, isn’t it? Hamish’s grin was from ear to ear.

Jason’s expression hadn’t changed in the last few minutes. You gave me fifteen last term.

If I recall, you complained about that too. Hamish laughed, his gaze landing on the clock. Indeed, your first class starts in three minutes. Off you go.

Jason sat at his desk feeling completely worn out as the last of the class filed out of the room to the sound of the lunch bell. Two hour’s reprieve, as such, before the first Guidance class! He swore under his breath, his eye falling on the new laminated timetable re-pinned to his notice board.

Striding into the lecturer’s rest room, he found it buzzing - every tutor was in the same quandary. Classes had doubled on last term, some trebling since a fortnight ago. Everyone had the same gripes of not being able to cope with up to twenty lessons.

Jason stopped, his mouth falling open. Twenty? He repeated aloud, receiving four nods. I’ve got twenty seven and five Guidance classes!

A stunned silence fell.

You only have yourself to blame. The declaration reached him from across the room.

Jason whirled round, in no mood for an argument. I understand this is based on my success, yes. He paused. He was unsure who had spoken but it didn’t matter. I also understand that Impervious was facing closure before this happened.

A few gasps nearby proved that this was news to most of the lecturers.

If I may make a suggestion to make our hectic schedules easier? He looked around the room. A little support would go a long way, if that’s not beneath some of us.

He made his exit before the room erupted.

Chapter 4

As the clock struck ten that night, Georgie woke him from his slumber, realising this was becoming an evening ritual.

Every night after dinner, they’d share the clearing up and sit down together; to talk, to watch a film, to make plans for the weekend - only now Jason fell asleep, shattered by his heavy workload.

She couldn’t believe her eyes reading his new schedule, secretly agreeing with Hamish that it was ‘super’ but also seeing Jason’s point of view.

As for her-—She was unlikely to be overworked in the foreseeable future. Her job was monotonously dull: it was a slow time in any lawyer’s career, the time where you get to grips with the basics and digested the world around you. She forced herself to look on the bright side: her employers were pleased with her attitude, constantly reminding her that she could become a top lawyer in a few years’ time. Her pay packet too would increase, though it was already a tidy sum for a trainee.

This weekend was earmarked for flat-hunting, if she could wake Jason tomorrow morning...

Wincing as bright sunlight filtered into the room the next morning, Jason groaned, shielding his eyes from the invasion. Georgie peeled the fingers from his face, laughing as he pulled her back into bed, deftly flicking the duvet over them.

He pressed her to him, relishing the sensation of her skin against his. Breathing deeply, he inhaled her scent; not the Gucci, but her au natural.

It had been one tender night that they’d consummated their relationship. Such memories were still fresh in his mind and brought a now-familiar stirring to his nether regions. Their total immersion in each other was both regular but rare.

Jason was very much a romantic man with caring tendencies, and Georgie often wondered if he found it difficult to switch from this poetic state to the lustful lover that was so different. He was gentle and tender with her, but still there was a rough edge to the man who sated her desires—-

We have only, she broke off from his kiss to remind him, an hour before we meet Graham.

That’s fine. He breathed in her ear. Plenty of time for what I have planned.

She giggled.

Beginning to kiss down her neck, he continued. What business we don’t conclude this morning can be adjourned until tonight.

He stroked her spine with his feathery-light fingers, knowing the motion made her melt, continuing the air-soft butterfly kisses all over her body.

Graham rolled his eyes as the pair ran up to him, holding hands, breathless from the dash for the train and the sprint up the escalator.

A wide grin split his relaxed features as Georgie greeted him. For the second time, Jason found himself wondering how the two knew each other. He could hardly believe it when Georgie dropped his hand to favour Graham’s, blinking to double-check his vision.

But no - she had placed her left hand in his only to show off her beautiful ring. Jason grinned as Graham congratulated him; simultaneously shaking his hand and heartily slapping him on the back.

Then it was back to business. Graham led them down a quiet street, referring to the nearby shops and transport links, the jingling of keys in his hand indicating they were nearing the first property.

Jason stopped walking to look around him, taking note of where the street was - they were four blocks from Christopher’s flat. It was perfect - near enough to be close, but far enough away to discourage an impromptu nightly drop-in. He smiled to himself.

Jas? Georgie’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

Sorry. I keep doing that, don’t I? He apologised when he saw her concerned expression. Too much to think about. He leant over, kissing the tip of her nose. It looks nice, let’s go in.

Graham had unlocked a freshly painted deep red door. Inside he led them through nicely sized rooms all exquisitely decorated; thick plush carpeted hallways; pausing outside the grand marble bathroom. He could see his clients were speechless.

Leaning against the black granite worktop in the kitchen, he confessed. The Lucullan owners are undecided whether to sell or let. The rent is a little out of your budget.

Jason nodded, knowing this was coming the moment they’d stepped inside.

Graham led them upstairs, showing four bedrooms, with high ceilings and the same immaculate decor. This would be a perfect music room. He opened the door to a room flooded with natural light, polished wooden floors and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The acoustics are fabulous!

Jason was nodding his agreement before he could stop himself, but he was determined to know what they were letting themselves in for, having seen from Georgie’s face that she was already in love with the house.

"How much should the Lucullan sell for on