After her cleanup the day before, Olivia started work with a sense of confidence. She took time to admire her tidy desktop, her polished computer, and her cell phone waiting close at hand.
I beat Janis to work. I know, I'll make coffee. Yay me!
In the back room, she poured water into the reservoir of the coffee maker. She scooped fresh grounds into the basket, measuring out a full ten scoops with her plastic spoon. After some jiggling, the basket filled with coffee slipped into place. She tapped the On button. All of these automatic actions gave her time to think about yesterday afternoon.
Once Sage agreed that Olivia would make a good music coach, she'd wasted no time telling the Tone Rangers about the master class.
At first they reminded her of cats, circling and rubbing against each other. Claws showed right from the start.
"My name is Anais," the youngest told Olivia, shyly ducking her head.
"You're the alto, right?"
"That's right. I'm not very good, but I've been working with a voice coach."
"I sing alto too, or at least that's the register where my voice is most comfortable. What are your pronouns?" Olivia asked, pleased that she remembered to ask.
A light smile crossed Anais's lips. "Oh, I'm cisgender. I identify as she/her, but that's no big deal, you can call me whatever works for you."
Abbey walked forward, standing between Olivia and Anais. "I hear you’re running a master class for us. What makes you think that you qualify as an a cappella coach? You're an autoharp player, at least that's what I heard."
Olivia glanced away from Abbey, giving herself time to brush off the insult.
"Since I was already on campus, Ms. McCloud invited me to coach the Tone Rangers this afternoon. With the parent weekend performance coming up, she thought you could use a good polish with a professional musician."
"Whatever," Abbey said. "Maybe you can tell that she/her over there that falsetto will bring us way down with the judges. We're not the Bee Gees after all."
"We could cover the Bee Gees," argued Legend. She stood near the piano, looking over a music score. Legend held up sheets with handwritten notes. "I've worked it all out right here. Shift the melody to the falsetto voice, bring the harmonies closer together, and we'd have a new sound, a chance to be memorable, not just mundane."
"‘How Deep Is Your Love’," said Olivia, the corner of her mouth turning up. "You could cover that song and it might work."
"That's exactly what I've been telling you," insisted Legend. "We can't sing Indigo Girls forever."
Legend folded the music sheets and made her way toward Olivia. The mid-calf flowered skirt flowed around slim legs. She had small breasts under her peasant-style blouse. Unlike Anais, Legend stood to her full height, shoulders back with chest thrust out, proud of her appearance.
The fourth Tone Ranger sat in their seat, waiting for Olivia to take notice. When she did, they smiled tentatively.
"Hi, Raleigh," Olivia opened the conversation. "You sing tenor. Do you have an opinion about the music arrangements?"
"I think—"
"Who cares what they think?" Abbey interrupted. "I'm the lead singer. I make the music choices. And I say we stick with traditional voicing."
"How about we talk later, when we can find some time?" She smiled at Raleigh, who ducked their head back to the cell phone they held in one hand.
"Why don't you four sing for me," Olivia suggested. "Then I can hear and see how you work together." She placed a chair in front of the piano, gesturing with her hand. "I'll sit here. You form a semicircle and warm up. I'm all ears."
A chuckle came from behind the piano. Olivia peeked around it to find Dave Franco sitting with Paul George. Dave gave her a thumbs-up.
"You guys stayed for the master class. I wasn't sure you really meant it earlier. Now is the time for feedback, before we get too much closer to the recital. Let me know if I miss anything."
The Tone Rangers stood in a semicircle. Abbey counted them off, "One, two, one, two, three, four."
Anais sang first. "I'm tryin' to tell you something about my life."
She sang with more confidence than she spoke, the first line of the Indigo Girls’s hit, "Closer to Fine".
The coffeepot stopped sputtering, bringing Olivia back to the present. She could still hear the Tone Rangers singing in her head as she filled her mug.
They're good, really good. The master class went well. I actually enjoyed working with them.
The hot burner sizzled as she replaced the carafe.
Olivia walked back down the hall, heading to the reception room. Past the sliding glass doors, she sat behind her desk. The computer, booted up and ready, showed Mayor Maguire’s face. "Welcome to Lily Rock," the sign above his head read.
She found herself humming the Tone Rangers song again.
There's something about yesterday's master class that's intriguing me—not so much about the music, more about the social dynamic. Mostly about Abbey's tone of superiority, and how Anais and Raleigh didn't even get an opinion.
Olivia clicked on her email. Before she could read any messages, she heard the front door open. To her surprise Anais Butler came through the door. Her shoulders slightly slumped, she made her way to stand in front of Olivia's desk. She spoke in a hesitant voice, her eyes looking to the right corner of the room instead of at Olivia.
"Hello," Anais said.
"Can I help you?" asked Olivia.
"I hope so." She stood in front of Olivia, the desk between them.
"I wanted to mention this yesterday, but I didn't have the courage…you know, with Abbey there."
"It is difficult to get a word in edgewise with Abbey." Olivia nodded in agreement. "Do you want to bring over a chair? We can talk now."
Anais shook her head. "No, I don't want a big conversation. I just wanted you to know that I want to drop out of the Tone Rangers, but I'm afraid to tell Abbey."
That's it! That's what my mind has been circling. I sensed her unhappiness. The problem is that if Anais quits the group, then all of the Tone Rangers will suffer. They will be one alto short of an early admission.
Olivia walked around the desk to stand in front of the girl. "I think this conversation requires us to sit down, so let's go to the break room. I can get you some coffee or water."
Anais shrugged. "I guess so," she said reluctantly.
"Let's go," Olivia said before Anais could change her mind.
The glass doors, activated by the sensor, slid open. Anais followed Olivia through the opening, and the doors swished closed behind them.
Once she'd settled Anais into a chair in the break room, Olivia poured herself another cup of coffee. When the girl's eyes followed her actions she asked, "Do you drink coffee?"
"Not me," said Anais. "Abbey would kill me. She says it's bad for the vocal cords."
"I've never heard that one before. I know smoking is bad, but I had no idea about coffee." She took a long sip just to prove her point. "Water then? There's some sparkling in the refrigerator. Help yourself."
Anais glanced over but didn't move. She crossed her right leg over her left, waiting.
Thrust into the new role of teen counselor, Olivia took the seat across from Anais. "So why would you quit the Tone Rangers? You have a strong voice and you sing on pitch, perfect for a cappella."
Anais hid a smile. "That's nice of you to say. It's just the Tone Rangers are way too good for me. They're all going someplace. I just sing for fun. I'm not even sure if I want to go to college, let alone get early acceptance."
Olivia felt confused. "Just for clarification, why would your parents send you to such an expensive high school if you’re not sure about college?"
"My parents don't care what I do after high school. It's my grandparents who want me to go to college. They have a big emotional investment in my future. Gran didn't get to go to university, and Granddad dropped out to make money for his family."
"I see. Will any of your family be here for parent weekend?"
Anais nodded. "That's why I want to get this decision out in the open as soon as possible. My grandparents will be here, and I thought you could tell Ms. McCloud and then it would be done."
Olivia sat back in her chair, taking a long look at Anais.
"You say it's your idea to quit, but I wonder if there isn't some other motivation."
Tears formed in her eyes. "Abbey is so critical. She never compliments me about my singing. I know I'll pull her down and she won't get early acceptance, and then it will be all my fault." Anais sniffed, rubbing the back of her hand over her eyes like a small child.
"Abbey is critical," admitted Olivia. "But she's critical of everyone, not just you. I worry more about Legend quitting. She's the one Abbey is out to get."
A big sigh escaped Anais's lips. "We may get through the recital on Friday, but once Legend gets her way, then Abbey will turn on me. I'll be next. I'd rather quit before that happens."
Once Legend gets her way…
Olivia placed her arms on the table between them. She leaned forward, her voice filled with persuasion. "How about this idea? I'll work with you on a few issues—the quality and volume of your voice. We have some time before parent weekend. Then when your grandparents come, you can talk to them, if you still want to quit. I think you have a confidence problem, not a musical one. What do you think?"
"I don't want to upset my grandparents. They show up for everything," admitted Anais. "They also pay my tuition. But I guess your idea makes sense."
"I'm happy we had this talk," she told Anais. "But now I have to get back to work. Don't you have classes?"
Anais stood. " I have one free absence before it affects my grade. Thanks for your help." She smiled at Olivia.
"Hold on a minute. I'll walk down the hall with you," said Olivia. She rinsed her coffee mug. Anais followed her back to the reception room in silence.
"See you at rehearsal," Olivia called after her.
Anais nodded, walking toward the door. "Bye, Olivia."
Sitting behind her desk, Olivia checked her phone—a missed call from Janis Jets.
She touched Janis's name on her redial list.
"Are you at the constabulary?" came Janis's demanding voice.
"Been here for over an hour," answered Olivia serenely.
"I've got some business down the hill. Will be back after lunch, anything to report?"
"Nothing going on here."
"Not even a guy filing an assault form on behalf of his daughter?"
"You mean Simon Court? I haven't seen him." Olivia clicked on her computer to check email. "Nor has Court filed anything electronically, so far as I can see."
"Maybe he feels better now that he's threatened us. All bark no bite, that's my take."
"I don't quite agree," said Olivia. "I think he bites when your back is turned. Just saying."
"I can see that," said Janis.
She didn't argue with me?
"Just so you know,” Olivia said, "I'm heading up to the academy during my lunch break. I'll have my cell phone if you need anything."
"Okay then, see you later." Janis Jets ended the conversation.
If I weren't her employee, I'd ask her what’s wrong. We'd go out for a meal and talk it through like we used to. But now I can't cross that boundary.
Olivia poked her head into the music academy office. She glanced at the empty row of chairs against the wall. No one in trouble this time. Even the three doors in front of her remained closed, giving the reception area an eerie quiet.
Olivia noted the signs near each inner door. “Sage McCloud, Academy Director” looked the oldest, the edges of the plaque slightly tarnished. "Rydell Cox, Academy Guidance Counselor" looked newer, the brass plaque still shiny. On the right side of Rydell Cox, an empty sign had been left, indicating a vacant room.
Much to Olivia's surprise, the middle door suddenly flung open, revealing a compact man in his early forties wearing a put-together navy suit.
Is he actually wearing a wool blend in this climate?
The man's necktie screamed expensive silk, and the diamond-studded tie clip spoke dollars and cents. Olivia gulped.
"May I help you?" asked the self-important man.
"I'm looking for my sister." She pointed to Sage's closed office door. "I'm Olivia Greer," she added.
Perfectly straight white teeth smiled at her. "Oh, you're the one who did the master class yesterday with the Tone Rangers. We haven't met." He extended his hand, engulfing hers with his own.
"Is Sage around?" Olivia looked toward the principal's door.
"She's at the Curated Cuisine with the students," he explained. "I'll give you a campus tour and show you the way."
She turned to Cox. "Actually I've been here many times. Is giving tours in your job description?"
He stood back, eyes appraising her carefully. "Keeping the students safe is my highest priority."
She felt the hair raise on her neck. Before she could respond, Rydell Cox walked across the room. He turned the doorknob, then stepped back and held the door for her, indicating it was her turn to walk through.
Olivia walked past him. Without directions she headed toward the path leading to the main campus. It wasn't until she turned to see if Cox followed her that she felt a familiar nudge at her knee. Mayor Maguire waved his tail in greeting.
"Hey, M&M. Long time no see." The dog circled her feet and then stopped at her left leg, sitting down and waiting for her next move.
"He's your dog?" asked Cox.
"Kind of," commented Olivia, "at least for now." She patted his head, feeling the usual calm she experienced in the dog's presence.
Cox picked up the conversation. "Sage has taken on a lot of responsibility as principal and head teacher at the Lily Rock academy. She's done a good job so far and I'm grateful that the new board of directors offered me a contract. I think my hiring may be a sign that the academy is moving up the prep school tier here in California."
"If they're moving up, as you say, it's because of Sage's hard work," commented Olivia dryly.
Cox clenched his jaw. "Oh of course, Sage's work, but it may be time to pass the baton. That's what I'm picking up from the board of directors. Time to give up some of her control and let a real professional take charge."
"I'm wondering why you're telling me all of this," she asked.
"So you can pave the way," he promptly replied. "I've tried to warn Sage, but she won't listen. She jumps from project to project and doesn't give me time to present my case."
Olivia gulped. "This is a conversation for the school board to have with Sage," she told him firmly. "But I wonder why you’re so eager to push my sister aside, you being new here and all."
Rydell Cox waved Olivia off with his hand. "Oh no, I meant no harm. I'm just a visionary. I see the future and I wanted to give you a heads-up, along with your sister, of course."
The conversation stopped as they approached the open doors of the Curated Cuisine. Brad May stood with clipboard in hand, just as he had before.
"Hey, Olivia," Brad drawled, ignoring Cox. "Sage is in the kitchen."
Cox looked Brad up and down, reaching out to snatch the clipboard. He examined the list. "You're supposed to check off the students who have eaten lunch," he grumbled, flipping to the next page, "or breakfast. How long have you neglected proper notation?"
Brad smiled. "If someone doesn't belong at the academy, I know right away."
"But you have to keep track of every meal. We charge by the plan and when students go over their month’s allotment, we charge extra. It's your job to keep track."
"I'm not a computer," mumbled Brad.
Mayor Maguire took the opportunity to leave Olivia's side to sniff a piece of food on the sidewalk.
"That dog isn't allowed in the food area," Cox insisted, staring at Olivia.
Both Brad and Olivia laughed.
"I'm sure M&M isn't allowed, but he's always welcome." She walked through the entrance with the dog right by her side.
She left Cox behind, hearing his voice lecturing Brad on the finer points of checking people off a list.
"Come on, doggo," Olivia called to M&M. "Let's find Sage."
Only a dozen or so students stood at the serving tables, piling food on their plates. Olivia noticed all four of the Tone Rangers sitting at a separate table in the back of the room. Instead of stopping to chat, she focused on the swinging cafe doors that led into the kitchen. Sage's voice caught her attention first.
The doors smacked against Olivia's back as the mayor slid underneath. Cookie Kravitz looked over as Sage continued to talk to him, her voice filled with laughter.
Cookie tapped Sage's shoulder and then leaned over to whisper in her ear. Sage laughed again. "You crack me up," she told the man.
He's quite the charmer, Olivia noted.
Today Cookie wore carefully tailored jeans and a snug-fitting shirt the exact color of his blue eyes. "Hey, guys," Olivia called out. Sage smiled in her direction.
"Janis released you for lunch," she observed. Walking around the counter, Sage reached out her arms to give Olivia a hug, leaning down to pat Mayor Maguire's head.
"She did. Looks like you've already eaten." Olivia pointed to an empty bowl on the kitchen counter.
"Oh no, Cookie was sharing his recipe for split pea soup. He used to work at the White House as a chef."
"My secret ingredient helps," Cookie said. "Let me get you a sample and see if you can figure out what I add that's different."
Olivia's stomach growled. "Great. I'm hungry. Bring on the soup."
Standing over a large kettle at the center counter, Cookie dipped in a ladle, coming back with a thick green liquid that he tipped into a nearby bowl. Reaching under the counter he grabbed a hunk of bread, which he placed on another plate.
"Here you go, tell me what you think," he said, setting the bowl and plate before Olivia.
Olivia didn't need to be asked twice. She took a nearby spoon and lifted some of the green contents to her lips. A fusion of vegetables and warmth hit her mouth. "This is amazing soup," she declared at once. "I thought I didn't like pea soup until this." She took another spoonful.
"It's the secret ingredient," Cookie assured her. "My grandma taught me and I've never told anyone else." He looked down at Olivia's feet, nodding to Mayor Maguire. "How about a chunk of bread, doggie?" Cookie pulled a sizable piece off the loaf, tossing it to the dog, who caught the offering in the air.
Sage clapped. "Well done, Mayor Maguire."
Olivia held up her last bite of bread. "And if I'm not mistaken, this is a freshly baked baguette."
"Yep, I bake every morning."
Olivia nodded, her mouth full of delicious goodness.
"I've got to go now," Cookie said, "but be sure to stop in any time, you two." He glanced at both sisters with his intense blue eyes before turning toward the back counter.
"He's a good hire," Olivia commented as she accompanied Sage out the back door.
"He certainly is. I got his name from the new guidance counselor. Cookie was by far the most qualified applicant."
"I met Rydell Cox. He talked nonstop about the school."
"He does go on a bit. I don't know how I feel about him yet."
Olivia looked down at her side.
I'm not going to tell her what I think. She's his boss after all, and for once I'm going to mind my own business.
Mayor Maguire trotted next to her left knee as stray bread crumbs dropped from his chest fur to the ground.