Gordon Leesmith was not having a good day. Another Sunday, another morning Eucharist at St. Michael's, where he dutifully played the organ and directed the choir. It had all gone as planned, until the end of the service when that damned busybody John Norris had felt the need to vent his spleen.
"You played the wrong opening hymn, Gordon," John exclaimed, as the congregation departed. "Great is Thy Faithfulness was selected, not Love Divine."
"That's not what the vicar told me," Gordon muttered, not looking at him. He loathed this odious pedant.
"Anyways I just thought I'd let you know. Patricia and I were a little confused."
"No change there then," Gordon replied, unable to restrain himself. "Do you think maybe just for once you and wife might refrain from poking your noses into every bloody thing?"
John was so taken aback, he couldn't speak for a moment. "Well really! There's no need for language, Gordon. I was merely saying..."
"Don't come the innocent with me, you're the biggest shit-stirrer in this church. I've seen the gossip you spread on Facebook. And I'll play whatever bloody hymn I like, thankyou very much."
"I wouldn't argue in a church."
"I'll argue anywhere as long as I'm in the right. Now bugger off!"
Thus suitably chastised, the subdued John left, and Gordon was left to sort through his music sheets in peace. He adjusted his black robe and continued grumbling to himself. He wasn't always as grumpy and short-tempered as this. Years ago he'd been a jolly, fun-loving chap who enjoyed joking with other members of the church.
That was before his divorce.
Gordon was fifty-five, and had been organist and choirmaster at St Michael's for almost twenty years. Ten years ago, his wife Marjorie had run off with a man young enough to be her son. She was fifty and her lover was a twenty-five year old personal trainer. They'd met online. Gordon's world had been knocked for six. He never imagined Marjorie would cheat on him. They'd always been so happy, with a very active sex life.
Jenna had been quietly observing the little outburst with much interest. After expressing an interest in joining the choir, Reverend Morris had warned her that the organist had the "shortest of short fuses." When she'd pressed him further, the vicar had revealed the details of Gordon's marital problems and sworn her to secrecy.
Jenna licked her lips. She was aching for a romp with Reverend Morris right now, but he'd been asked to conduct a service at another local church this morning, and a female vicar had stood in for him. What was a horny lass to do?
"Poor, miserable Gordon." Jenna mused. "I doubt he gets much action. He needs cheering up." Looking at him, she thought him quite good looking for an older man. He had a full head of silvery hair and unlike Reverend Morris, was of a stocky build. On the occasions she'd seen him minus his long black robe, he possessed quite a paunch. Jenna idly toyed with a strand of her hair, considering her next move. Gordon was giving off daddy kink vibes.
"I wonder if the organist will let me play with his organ?"
Gordon was busy rifling through hymn books and didn't notice Jenna saunter over at first. She cleared her throat and he glanced round.
"Uh. Can I help you with something?"
"Oh hello," Jenna replied, acting rather coy. "I...hope I haven't caught you at a bad time...Mr..."
"Gordon. Bad time? There's never a good time," he muttered, giving the usual gruff response. "Nothing personal."
"Well I just wanted to thank you...Gordon. You played my favourite hymn, Love Divine. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it."
His attention captured, Gordon finally put down the books he was fiddling with and sat on the organ stool, facing her. "You did?"
"I love anything by Charles Wesley. His hymns are amazing."
"Indeed they are. He wrote thousands during his lifetime."
Gordon certainly was hard to read. Jenna wondered if she was having any effect on him at all. His dour expression didn't give anything away. It looked like this chap was going to be quite a challenge.
"Every week I come to church and I hear you play these lovely old hymns on this fine organ." Jenna continued. "I love hearing you play."
"I've had enough practice. I've been doing this for many years now."
Evidently, Gordon wasn't used to receiving any kind of compliments whatsoever.
Jenna walked closer. "You're so talented."
"Ah...well. That's...nice of you to say. What's your name?"
Her persistence seemed to be paying off, and the organist appeared to be getting a little flustered at her flattery.