Starting From Scratch Ep. 154: Blunt Instrument

"There's the new girl."

"There's the new old girl."

Marci Drummond met up with Counsellor Piper Cherry shortly before the end of the day. With Detention around the corner for Piper this quick meeting with the former, now rehired Band and Chorus Teacher pretty much meant getting her reacquainted with her band room and handing her back her key and entry pass card. A brief hug from the side the women found common ground.

"Good to see you again Marci. You can't imagine how happy the students are to have you back at Horton-Dexter."

"It's only been a few days since Carl rehired me." She chuckled, "Do the students even know?"

"Come on Misstro your band spread the word the second you told them. I've heard murmurs throughout the halls."

"I have a question." Marcella fidgeted, "How are my classes going to fill up when all of the students were placed already?"

"Carl's sorting it out. We've established a few of your current band back into your first hour class. Once we figure out how many students want to be a part of chorus, we can fill seats there too. Everything depends on credits each student requires to graduate."

"Understandable! I just don't really want to have three students in a room equipped for thirty."

"Patience! Oh, by the way... there will be duties other than band. Nothing you can't handle. With the cash I'm throwing your way on top of Carl's budgetary offer I'm taking it on myself to jumpstart our drama club too. Since we've been shorthanded on staff since the budget cuts even our yearly plays have suffered."

"So now I'm the Drama Queen?"

"Something like that. I'm going to help you in my spare time. Not only that, depending on what play we select I figure our resident English Lit Teacher should have a hand in it too."

"Will Josie have time?" Marci laughed, "I'm well aware she's... busy."

"She has no choice." Piper insisted with a wink. "If anything, she's a consultant."

"I'm fine with that responsibility. I can multitask with the band to accompany whatever play they choose to do."

"Good! Badge and key." She passes them to her. "We'll have a meeting with Carl next week to discuss our options. Let's get your classes filled first."

"Perfect! So what do I do in the meantime? Need help with Detention?"

"Oh no! That's my job. Well, unless I need a break." Piper fanned herself, "You're on retainer." Bubbly as ever!

"So I just go sit in the double wide out back and twiddle my thumbs?"

"No. You go borrow a tape measure and redesign your band room and arrange whatever you need to make it look like Carnegie Hall. I'm buying instruments once we see who's wanting to join the band. So think storage. I've mentioned to Damon Rice about his shop classes building cabinets and such, so when you borrow that tape measure you and he can discuss wood. Don't let his girl Patrice hear that I said that." A blush from Marci, the cutie simply shook her head.

"You're a character Piper, I'll give you that. Those yellow leggings are adorable." Marci checked her out. "Are we ignoring the dress code these days? I mean I've seen... worn the football promotional shirts, what little they hide so is that... legal?"

"Heaven's no! But we're doing it."

"So I can wear leggings without my hips covered?"

"Dresses too."

"I'm not much for dresses really. Kind of tomboy to be honest."

"Once a week dress. Banker's orders." Piper winced playfully, "Do that for me?"

"I can probably survive once a week. Who knows I might grow to like the freedom."

"That's my bandit."

"As long as I don't get into trouble."

"You have my word that Carl and I have your back. Get comfortable before... you get comfortable."

"That sounds ominous."

"Did you wear undies when you wore a t-shirt the other night?"

"No. You made me go without." Marci scowled then shared a perfect smile. "Are you suggesting I... wear a dress without?"

"I do every day."

"You're wearing pants."

"No undies though." Piper sucks in her tummy in order to show off her camel toe then turns to express her butt cheeks, her leggings sinking deep within her crevice. "I'm sinking to an all new low."

"Good grief! How did I not notice that?" Marci giggled masking her facial blush, "I wish I had your body."

"I'm free after Detention." She wagged her tongue, "Oh wait! That's sexual harassment."

"Stop before I pee."

"So not into that. Don't mistake my yellow leggings as a request for a golden shower. Sorry!"

"Neither am I. I'll try to join the party but let me ease into it."

"Just live a little that's all we ask."

"What if... students get fresh?"

"Then invite me." Piper pats Marcella's forearm, eyes flaring with a mischievous grin.

"You're insane."

"Ehhh?" Piper fans her hand like an out of control plane. "Just call me a hijacker. Lowjacker too."

"Okay! So, I suppose I should head out and talk to Damon."

"Before you do." Piper pampers Marci's shoulder as if brushing hair or wrinkles. Eyes following Piper's hands as they lead to her buttoned up shirt Marci smirks.

"You're going to unbutton my shirt, aren't you?"

"Nope! You are." Piper pulls away but really wants to do it for her.

"I'm nothing special Piper. Why should I put myself out there when I'm not even looking? Least of all to be pawed up by some random student. You know by flaunting it the wrong impression will be taken."

"I just realized something." Piper continued to primp making Marcella nervous, "I know nothing about you. No ring, so I presume not married or even promised to." She lifts her left hand to examine for marks of a once worn band. "Wait! You did have sex with the scoreboard announcer at the Marquette game."

"Nope! Totally against marriage. I saw what it's done to my parents. I've had three stepmoms and three stepdads in my life. And yes, he and I dated years ago. For old times shake so to speak."

"Sounds kinky."

"Not even." Marci winced, "Well Stepdad number two was... kind of cute. Anyway, even now they're not happy with their mates. Actually, now that I fantasize about it the other two Stepdad's aren't bad either." Marci had to shake off her sudden thoughts on the matter. "Why are you putting thoughts in my head?"

"Don't you get lonely?"

"Of course, I do. I guess I just like being me. I'm not much for a guy pushing me around. Definitely not a woman."

"I've learned that it's instrumental to at least date. Free food! Free drinks! Instant gratification. You Misstro are missing the beat."

"Band humor?"

"Yep!" Piper lifts Marci's wedding hand. "Get some fake jewelry. If a guy sees a band on your finger he tries harder. Make up having a man and that usually attracts guys too."

"So be my parents without the attachments?"

"That's up to you. I'm simply saying you're lonely and I can tell."

"I suppose I am. Why am I letting you lead my life?"

"Not leading it Thomasina Dorsey! Just nudging you toward a hint of happiness. I pick up vibes and I'm not liking the feeling. Trust me I love vibrators, so if there's no feeling then new batteries are needed."

"Speaking of ringleaders." Marci razzes Piper with her tongue, "I love your ring, it's gorgeous."

"Oh this old thing?" Piper poises her hand in front of her to share in it's sparkle. "I bought this ring after I got divorced. I rarely wear it these days but I guess I... must have had a premonition. The day I became a free woman I went shopping and this sparkly stud caught my eye. My sister Bree has one just like this, we bought them at the same time. Girls day out!"

"I love that name Bree. Breanna? Aubrey?"

"Breanna, yep! She's in college. Kind of... how do I explain Bree?" She fidgets in thought, "Ever remember that old sitcom the Facts of Life? The student Jo who was a severe tomboy? Rode a motorcycle?"

"I used to love that show."

"Well, she's Jo to the tailpipe."

"To the tailpipe?"

"She's exhausting!" Piper snickered. "She's into girls. Not that it's bad in any way, but she pushes the family buttons. Speaking of buttons." Piper just goes for it and unbuttons Marci's blouse down by three to reveal her royal blue lace bra beneath.

"Hey! I thought you were going to let me do it."

"You took too long." A razz in return!

"You're going to be a very bad influence aren't you?"

"The worst! But, you can always, ALWAYS, count on me. You know what?" She eyes her ring again then takes it off. Snatching up Marci's left hand she places it on her ring finger. "Borrow this for a few weeks. I do want it back though. Little loose but just wrap some yarn around the bottom and it will snug right up. I bet Edna has some in her home economics class."

"I couldn't! This must cost a fortune."

"Ehhh? Five grand! I trust you not to lose it."

"Wow! It does look... hypnotic."

"The hypnotist is saying... Band on the Run... Baaand on the Run." She sings the song from Paul McCartney and Wings and turns Marci around. Gripping the woman's shoulders she squeezes then leans in to whisper. "If you ever lose your baton to lead the band? I always keep chopsticks in my desk drawer. Did I tell you I play piano? All I know is chopsticks." They had a good laugh. "Go with Wings little Swallow. Build a new nest."

"You're crazy but sure. I'll take notes on what I want for the kids and the classroom environment."

"I am crazy but... I'm instruMENTAL!" Eyes flare wide with improvised insanity, "So should you be. Emphasis on the MEN in instruMENtal."

"When and if I find a man. Don't rush my performance... see it should have been if and when."

"Fly! Fly! Fly! Little Swallow." She chants her tone going lower each time. Marci took flight in the bling of an eye... blink!

********

Mace Belmont was still reeling from his short thirty minute visit with Lacey and Gina at Cashanova, a simple visit to prove he was interested in them. To bad the owner of the club was out today or he might have been goaded into an interview. Having ventured there on a whim to view them on stage the big tipper nearly wiped out his personal savings just to show them he was cool. He really needed to find a job if he intended to stay in Nashville. He couldn't let his aunt support him forever, he was already living there rent free.

Even though he bought food on occasion all of his cash was gas money and personal things. Sure he could call his Dad and get money but he wanted to prove to his parents he could make it on his own. Fortunately his Grandfather Senator Lane Cherry had bought and paid for his fancy truck as a high school graduation present nearing on two years now. Concerning insurance he was on his parents plan so even that was covered. So yeah, food, gas, and Spotify payments was pretty much it.

"Can you believe the girls suggested I take a job dancing there?" He chuckled driving home. "Me a stripper... that's rich. Amateur night they keep saying. Maybe! I know the second women see my big dick they'll go crazy. Even if I did it one day a week, I bet I could bring home a grand or more. Gina and Lacey were sure impressed that day I met them downtown. Who wouldn't be?" Food for thought, he would just need to hide the fact if he did take the career plunge.

"I just know Dad is going to check my account and see what I've been spending on. At least he can't see Cashanova on the receipts because I used an ATM down the block. I like my freedom but doggonit I need my own income. Bad enough I might have to get a hotel room when I follow Josie and her Coach to whatever hotel they camp out in tonight. Man, I am so psyched to see if I can pull that off. Getting Josie in bed has been on my mind since I first set eyes on her. Sad but I want her more than her hot daughters. Cards right I'll nail all three at some point." Ego was swinging dick!

"Good thing I didn't run into her Coach at the football game last Friday or my plan would have been blown out of the water. I mean he could have seen me but he was more worried about his team and all that cheerleader crap. I'm pretty certain he won't recognize me. Fingers crossed I guess, just keep your cool when and if it goes my way. Man, I want to fuck Josie for hours. Maybe the Coach will go take a nap." He chuckled. "I am so playing her. If this goes right, she won't even know I did her, so she can't be mad. Worse yet she can't tell Aunt Piper, I suckered her. Aunt Piper's forbidding us to have sex together but come on... the things I've done to Piper... why should she even get mad? I've shot my load into Aunt Piper's face. Unreal! Hell, I've done everything but actually fuck her. I really need to stop trying to. Maybe if I let up, she might feel jealousy or something. I mean she obviously likes watching me over her home cameras. I turn her on, she just puts a wall up due to us being blood." He sighs heavily, "Stop thinking about her. Enough Bro!"

Changing songs on his playlist he jams out to Sons of Texas and their song Lock, Stock, and Barrel. He found the instrumental arrangement badass. Variety was the spice of life. Only his belly growling ruined the rhythm. "Man, I'm starving. Burrito sounds good but let's try for something other than Taco Hell. I want a real burrito bandito." Driving along looking smug for any women he ran across in his travels he notes a Mexican food truck called Hot Tamale. Shrugging at seeing a line he nearly passed it over when he spotted something that forced an illegal U-turn.

"Holy crap! There's Francesca's Cable van." He had been meaning to text or call her but had been so busy with other women he sidelined the beauty. "Not today! I'm buying her lunch to make up for it. I want that date Franky!" Very mucho!

Hiding his truck so she couldn't see him coming he grabbed his wallet from the dash console and jumped out running. Peering around the side of the food truck in stealth mode he noticed her in line with another woman and, "Whoa! That must be her son Diego. Cute kid, looks shy." Wondering if he should intrude at first he chose to ask first. Cell handy he dialed her number and heard it ring from where he stood. Just watching her look at the caller and seeing her brighten up made his day.

"Where have you been?" She answered smiling at her friend. "I thought you forgot me."

"Nope! Been busy... looking for work. I was just wondering if I could buy you lunch today."

"Oh? Well, I am at lunch right now. I had my cousin Maria bring mi Hiho. Where are you now?"

"About thirty feet from your border." He chuckled. "I'm stalking you."

"What? Where?" She looks around but he ducks out of sight.

"Diego's a stud."

"He looks like his Poppa. Where are you?"

"Twenty feet away now."

"Do not tease me. Where are you?"

"End of the line. Gotta go, bye!" He hung up after sneaking all the way around to stand at the tail of the customer line. As she looked over her shoulder she found him wincing as if studying the menu on the side of the truck. Hearing a loud squeal she left Diego with her cousin and stepped out of line to race into his arms.

"You are sneaky." A kiss on the cheek and a hug she melts in his gaze. "You have not found another girl?"

"Naaa!" He hated lying but he did indeed like her. "Plenty of interest in me though. I had to make a run to my aunt's school to deliver uniforms for the cheerleaders, so all of them were flirting. Just being honest."

"But you want an older woman." She bats her lashes, "One who looks like a porn star."

"Man I watch that porno every damned day since you pointed it out."

"It is me." She teases. "Come! Meet my cousin I tell her all about you. She will babysit if our date is still... on the table?"

"That's cool. I was going to pay my neighbor girls to babysit but if your cousin is up for it. We can consider this our first date and arrange a better one later. I was driving by and noticed you, so no way was I missing this chance to see you again."

"I am glad you can spot me in a crowd."

"Cable van!" He winced, "Then, you in line."

"As long as you are here. It is good to see you." She drags him to cut in line where her cousin stood with Diego. "Maria? This is Senor Mace." The cousin wasn't shy about checking him out from head to toe. Grinning she nibbled her lip with interest.

"I can see what you saw in him."

"What's that?" He chuckled. Maria covers Diego's eyes with one hand then reaches over to pat Mace on the crotch. Shocked at her bravado he blushed. It wasn't until Franky added her hand that got him really red. "Oh... that!"

"He is very big!" Franky whispered.

"I can tell."

"Hey! Not in front of Diego." He didn't care about anyone else in line looking and rolling their eyes.

"You are right!" Franky swats Maria's hand from Mace's bulge. Taking Diego by his sides she lifts her son up into her arms with pride and rubs his tummy. "Miho? This is my friend Senor Mace. Can you say hi?" The child blushed on his own and hid his face in his mother's massive bosom.

"Hey, I've been there, Buddy." He winked at her pointing at her tits. Maria giggled at their banter.

"He is very shy."

"I noticed when I was spying on you. No worries, Buddy, I'm shy too." He let his hand go right and rub Maria's butt in her cutoff jeans. Whispering to her, "If you can grab, I can grab." Francesca chuckled and nodded her agreement. She then found Mace grabbing both of their butts at the same time. Peering over his shoulder at those in line he smirks, "Border Patrol."

"Do not say that." Franky flares her eyes.

"Also..." Maria chimes in, "Do not ask for ICE when ordering a drink."

"Oh, that's fucking hilarious." He laughed. "I mean... not really but yeah kind of."

"Relax! We all joke about that." Franky sighs, "We live on the edge in this country."

"I get it. So hey, order what you guys want I'm buying." He still had enough cash from the ATM to buy. While waiting and not flirting Mace peered toward the street corner behind them to see an old Hispanic man holding up a sign. He only had one leg and looked pathetic at being homeless. Not a single soul was venturing to offer any form of financial assist. He felt horrible about it. Suddenly, he had a goodwill gesture in his mind that might break Diego out of his shyness. A few minutes later they met the counter and gave their order. Once it got to Mace, he ordered his two burritos and a drink, no ice. However, he added four soft tacos two chicken, two beef along with a medium drink.

"You are very hungry." Franky noted the amount of food.

"They're not for me."

"Oh?"

"They're for Diego there."

"He will barely eat what I ordered."

"Nope! But I bet I know who will."

"I do not understand." Maria had an idea of Mace's building kindness but waited to see for herself. Once their complete order arrived he separated things into a bag he asked for. Winking at Franky he playfully pinched Diego's arm.

"Hey Diego. Will you help me deliver some food? I can't carry this bag and the drink both." Mace looked clumsy at holding his items. It was too cute for words. Diego grinned at his mother who then lowered him to the ground. Handing Diego, the drink and a straw Mace stepped away a few feet then looked back. "Coming Buddy?" Franky looked scared but took the chance.

"Do not let him run into the street."

"I got this Senorita... Senora? Whichever!" Coaxing Diego the young boy grew giddy at being able to roam free. Following Mace out to the old man they got his attention and offered him lunch. The man smiled at Mace and was over dramatic in his gratefulness. Going so far as to briskly pat Diego on the head. Mace offered his hand to Diego afterwards and the boy actually took hold. Walking back to Franky and Maria he found not only proud smiles but cheers from those in line. The gesture was very well received. To the point that it began a line of charity, each person took their change out and gave it to the man. Best day ever! Maybe now he could buy that pint of tequila for later in the night.