Merri Wants To See Her Crush

 Caught off guard Merri fell backward into the wall. Blair took this chance to rush at her and as she was about to scratch her face Merri reacted quickly and grabbed her hand. She pushed her away. "Blair, you have gone too far!"

 Blair was sprawled on the floor when her friend came up the stairs. "Merri Winslow!"

 She helped Blair stand up and straightened out her dress. She glowered at Merri and with a disgusted tone snarled. "Are you crazy?"

 Merri ignored her and went to the practice room. The door was locked. Blair laughed and shook the keys in her hand.

 As Merri walked past Blair she smiled brightly and her voice was filled with determination, "Even if I didn't play one note before the Competition I can still win. I won't allow you and your dirty tricks stop me like last time."

 Blair hated Merri's air of confidence and was about to attack her again but her friend held onto her arm. She fixed Blair's messy hair and lowered her voice. "Don't let that lowly bitch get under your skin. I can alter the hall camera's video so it only shows the bitch pushing you down. Your family donated two buildings last year. See if she isn't expelled! Once that happens there is no way for her to compete, it is only open to University students."

 Thinking her friend had a brilliant idea Blair's eyes lit up. She tossed the keys into a wastebasket and hugged her friend's arm. " That would be good, but I am so mad I wouldn't mind having someone break her hands!"

 As soon as Merri left the building she sat on bench and her hands were trembling. Although she acted confident she knew she needed to practice, Blair wasn't the only other person competing, all the people on the list were capable of winning. Each one had their own strengths and the competition will be full of talented pianists with their eye on the prize. Blair isn't even worthy of worrying about compared to some of the other participants

 The next day Nikolai left the office early after deciding unless the Rimbaldi brothers made a move he would deal with them tomorrow. On the way to his apartment he spoke with Sammy and told him to let him know immediately if any problems arose at the site.

 When he got home he worked out in his gym then showered and changed into casual clothes. Wearing a black cashmere v neck sweater and a pair of jeans he had his legs crossed lazily leaning back on the couch. Waiting for the piano to be delivered, Nikolai had his eyes closed thinking about Merri coming over to his apartment. I can't believe my stroke of luck that Alexi told me to get close to the little angel.

 The doorbell rang and he walked to the door. The monitor displayed the delivery man holding up his identification. When he opened the door the delivery men asked him where he wanted the piano. Nikolai pointed to a spot in the living room by the floor to ceiling window.

After the piano was situated he handed Nikolai the guitar. They left and he walked over the piano and ran his fingers across the keys. I wonder if she will like this piano. 

 He chose the one the salesman recommended and looking at its beautiful appearance he was satisfied with the quality. Although the price was high he was willing. After all the years of working for Alexi he had amassed a large fortune. Except for sending money to support his family in Russia and helping a few of his old friends, he spent very little money. 

 Nikolai was admiring the piano when the doorbell rang. When he opened the door a young man with bushy brown hair entered carrying two bags of groceries, "Uncle Nik, are you havin a party? I have never seen such a large order from you."

 Nikolai picked up one of the bags left by the door and carried it to the kitchen. The boy followed and when he saw the piano he exclaimed, "Holy shit! When did you get the piano?"

 He affectionately ruffled the lanky boy's hair, "Too many questions."

 "My dad said to tell you the new truck runs great. You really got him a good deal."

 The boy started to put the groceries away, "You play the piano?"

 "No."

 "Why did you all of a sudden get one? Looks cool."

 "How is school going?"

 "Don't ask! I flunked my last math exam and my dad beat the shit out of me."

 "He wants you to graduate and go to college. You should study harder."

 "I don't want to waste my time going to college. I want to be a professional gamer." 

 He opened the refrigerator and put in the vegetables."I had an offer from an esports team in China and when I told my dad he flipped out."

 Nikolai liked to unwind by playing video games and he raised an eyebrow, "What team?"

 The groceries were put away and the boy leaned on the counter, "You know about esports?" He admired Nikolai, during the summer his father and Nikolai would take him on fishing trips. His father told him that Nikolai saved his life and they were blood brothers.

 "I play video games occasionally."

 "Soaring Dragon."

 Nikolai looked at his watch, "Listen to your father. When you are older and have a good foundation you can make your own decisions."

 He took out his wallet and gave the boy a large tip, "Tell your father that I will stop by the store at the end of the week."

 The boy excitedly put the money in his pocket, "Thanks, there is a new game I want to buy."

 After he left Nikolai grabbed his coat and left the apartment. When he was at the elevator a pretty woman smiled at him, "I saw them deliver a piano to your apartment, you play?"

 He looked down at the chirpy woman and stepped into the elevator without answering. She was used to his attitude but thought one day she would wear him down. "My niece Blair is extraordinarily talented. She is sure to win the piano competition next month, if you want I can ask her to give you some instruction."

 Ignoring the woman he gazed at a picture of Merri on his phone. It was taken at Alexi's apartment while she was sleeping. So cute... like a beautiful sleeping angel...I will find a way to protect you.

 When the woman saw his gentle expression while looking at his phone she tried to peek. His face darkened at her intrusive behavior, he closed the phone and the temperature in the elevator dropped to below freezing. The woman shivered as she backed away from him.

He put the phone in his pocket and wondered if he should pick Merri up. 

 At Merri's apartment she was looking in her closet trying to decide what to wear. She decided on a white sweater with small blue flowers and a pair of skinny blue jeans. She picked up a pair of tennis shoes and sat on her bed. As she was putting on the shoes her brother knocked on her door. "Merri, can I use the car tonight?"

 She opened the door, "I don't want you to drive in this weather. The weather forecast called for blizzard-like conditions tonight. I am going to take the bus. You should too."

 "I know how to drive in a snowstorm."

 She finished tying her shoes and stood up then hugged him, "I won't be able to concentrate worrying about you. I have a new student and need to be at my best." 

 "You got a new student?"

 "Yeah."

 "Isn't that going to be hard adding another student? You need to prepare for the Competition."

 "It's fine." This is one student I am very eager to teach!

 "Well, alright. I will take the bus."

 "Good."

 "Do you need some money?"

 "No. I am just going to Danny's house to play video games."

 Merri knitted her eyebrows together, "Did you get all your homework done?"

 "Most of it, his sister is going to help me with an essay I need to write."

 "Oh...I remember her, she is a cute girl."

 His ears turned red, "She is okay. I'm leaving." He ran out of Merri's room and she chuckled, I think he might have a crush on her.

 Merri put on her white cashmere coat and wrapped a blue scarf around her neck then grabbed some sheet music. She giggled, Now I am going to see my crush! 

Undaunted by Nikolai's snub, Kendra Pennington had an idea and called her niece "Blair Sweetie, I need you to do a favor for Auntie."

 Dammit! What does she want! Reluctantly she put down her fork, "What's up?"

 Blair was having dinner with friends at an elegant new restaurant. After her encounter with Merri earlier she was infuriated and in a very bad mood.

She wanted to ignore the call but had a good rapport with this aunt, she wasn't much older than her and always spoiled her. When they would go shopping, whatever Blair wanted without blinking she swipe her card.

Kendra entered her apartment and put the several shopping bags in her hand on the glass topped coffee table, "You know the incredibly handsome man I told you about?"

 Blair rolled her eyes and laughed, "Which one?"

 "Don't be sassy! The man who lives down the hallway from me." 

Stepping away from the table Blair sneered as she walked towards the restroom. "The iceberg in the elevator who totally ignored us?"

She reached into her pocket for a cigarette, "Granted, he is unbelievably good looking and must be crazy rich to own the most expensive apartment in the building. I can see why you are interested but from what I saw he definitely is not."

 "Listen brat, I am making progress. That is why I need you to help me."

Blair stood at the end of the hallway and lit the cigarette. "Auntie, you are gorgeous and have so many guys who like you, why would you bother with him?" 

 "I want him. Every time I see him I get a tingly feeling, his eyes are so beautiful and his sexy body...well you have seen him. I want to kiss those sensuous lips and..."

 "Enough! I got the picture. What is it you want me to do?" Blair rolled her eyes then entered the ladies room. I really don't think she has a chance in hell of attracting that man. He gave off a very standoffish vibe. 

 Kendra explained her plan and Blair was stupified. "No. I can't."

 Kendra didn't think Blair would say no, she pouted her lips then tempted her, "Don't you want the new Limited Edition Hermes bag you texted to me?"

 "Of course I want it but I don't think your idea will work.He probably got the piano for show, if he has a party he could invite a pianist to entertain his guests."

 "I have never seen anyone go to his apartment except a couple men and some delivery kid."

 Blair inhaled the cigarette then blew out a thin stream of smoke. "What the hell? Do you spy on him? Auntie! Do you know how ridiculous you sound? You are Kendra Pennington!"

 Kendra chuckled as she walked into her kitchen, "I know I sound like an infatuated school girl but I can't get him out of my mind. It is driving me crazy!"

 "Well, I will do it." I really want that purse.

 "I saw him returning to his apartment. So get over here."

 "I am having dinner with my friends. Can we do it tomorrow night?"

 "No. Tonight. I will buy you this." She sent a picture of a diamond bracelet from Tifanny's Winter Collection."

 Blair's eyes were sparkling and she crushed out the cigarette under her heel, "I will finish dinner and be over."

 She waved her hand to fan the lingering smoke then sprayed some perfume then returned to the table.

 Her friend looked at Blair and squinted her eyes, "Are you smoking again?"

"I needed to calm down. I am still so angry about that bitch Merri Winslow!"

"Have another glass of wine I told you I would get revenge for you."