52nd Street
Manhattan's 52nd Street, also known as swing street. Today it's lined with steel office blocks, hotels and soulless banks but decades ago, there was a little patch between 5th and 7th Avenues. It was the heart of jazz, filled with music, good times, romance and laughter. Set early 1950s. Mondler Huge AU.
A/N – I know this fandom already has several amazing AU writers and stories, but I wanted to try one and this idea just wouldn't leave my head. It feels a little weird to be posting this to be honest. I've been writing it for over a year in between other stuff but I never thought it would get finished or I'd be brave enough to actually post it...but here we are...
Most of you probably know I wasn't around in New York in the early 50s but I've attempted a little research. It's certainly not my strong point but it was fun to learn and apologies in advance for any inaccuracies that sneak through.
It's a long one and pretty much finished but needs a very good edit in-between posting. I won't say much other than all the characters will make an appearance, hopefully you'll work the rest out.
They all laughed at Christopher Columbus
When he said, the world was round
Chandler took one last glance around his favorite street, it was such a different place during the day compared to the wild night life it was famous for. He ducked down the usual side alley, passed the piled up crates and boxes and approached the uninviting door of his second home.
He rapped his knuckles against the thick wood, pulling his coat collar up higher against the bitter February chill as he waited impatiently. Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long. The slit in the door scraped open and a familiar pair of eyes appeared.
"Password?"
He didn't miss a beat.
"Tregar's a wet rag?"
The cover slid closed firmly and Chandler waited to see what mood the man was in. Luckily, he appeared to be in a favorable one as the door swung open.
"You've got a smart mouth on you, kid," the familiar voice groused.
"I'll take that as a compliment," he quipped lightly, completely unperturbed.
"What ya here for so early, anyway?" Tregar asked as he slammed and bolted the door shut behind him. "You auditioning for the new show girl role?"
"Nah," Chandler grinned, the doorman had a dry sense of humor, but at least he had one…occasionally. "I've been turned down before – I don't have the legs."
The large man just shook his head as Chandler passed him, leaving the small drab lobby. He jogged down the stairs and walked down the dark dingy corridor. There was a little activity down the hall where the dressing rooms were but nothing like the usual backstage chaos that took over each night. He loved the hustle and bustle of being back stage.
Out of habit, he passed the costume racks, and squeezed past some stored scenery, turning down the short hallway towards his usual hangout. The floorboards creaked under him as he pushed open the flimsy door; as expected it was empty inside, besides from the usual instruments and trash that was stored there.
He retraced his steps and pushed open the main door into the club. As he skipped down the step it never ceased to amaze him how the place was always so dark and smoky, no matter the time of day. It was what gave these brownstone basements their unique charm.
Chandler instantly spotted Joey Senior and Joey Junior occupying one of the front tables. As he wove his way through the maze of tables and chairs he cringed, as he heard the noise coming from the stage. Ouch. There was a young woman murdering a classic. She was off key and a little too squeaky for Chandler's taste.
"You ain't got nothin'," Joey Senior interrupted her mid-song. "Stop wasting our time and get outta here!"
Chandler bit back a grin, Mr Trib wasn't known for his subtlety.
"What's wrong with these dames?" He heard the man ask his son. "How hard can it be to find one of them that can sing?"
"Hi," Chandler made his presence known as he slipped into a chair behind them. "I take it finding Kathy's replacement isn't going well?"
"We've already seen 3 talentless dolls," The older man acclaimed disgusted. "I've got more important things to be doing then wasting my time with this."
"What you doing here?" Joey Junior spared a glance at his roommate as they waited for the next act to brave the boss man's wrath.
"Phoebe and Mike are at the Central," Chandler informed him, shrugging off his coat and hanging it on the chair back. "I was going to head over, so thought I'd swing by to see it you were free to join?"
"Sure," Joey agreed easily, "as soon as we get a chick that can sing I'm there, though with the luck we're having today it might take a while."
"No biggie, I can wait," Chandler shrugged, brushing off his suit jacket before leaning back in his chair. Out of habit he adjusted his hat slightly as he reached for a cigar, offering one to Joey's dad who took it with a sharp nod of approval.
"Come on!" The older Italian shouted loudly, lit cigar between his stubby fingers, "Where's the next one of you, eh?"
Chandler took in a drag as he watched the next act walk timidly onto the stage. Hmmm, timid and the stage didn't really mix together and unsurprisingly Joey Sr agreed. She'd barely opened her mouth when he was screaming, "Next!"
She made a hasty exit and they waited for the next attempt to appear.
"I said 'next!'" He yelled again, "what's got into these dames?" he muttered. "I can't be waiting-"
"I heard you," came a sultry voice.
Chandler froze a shiver running down his spine. His eyes were glued to the stage as the voice was followed out by a pair of long legs. The cigar almost fell from his lips as his eyes involuntarily ran up those long smooth legs, taking in the high heels and the high slit in her sparkling red dress. He took in the petite waist, pert breasts and flawless face that was framed by her shiny raven locks before settling on the bluest eyes he'd ever seen.
God, she was stunning.
"Um," even Joey Senior seemed lost for words. "P-please, start, when you're ready Miss…."
"Geller," she breathed making Chandler swallow hard. "Miss Monica Geller."
"Well, Miss Geller, whenever you're ready." He turned back to Joey Jr and Chandler. "If she can hold even half a note she's hired. With a body like that, the crowds will pour in, guaranteed money maker."
He wasn't wrong. Chandler had never seen anyone as beautiful.
"You boys expect me to sing without a little backing music?" She purred, causing goosebumps to instantly cover Chandler's skin. "What kinda joint are you running?"
"We can provide music, darlin'," Joey Sr promised, snapping his fingers. "Chandler, piano."
It took a moment for his words to register. Chandler pulled his eyes away from the striking woman for the first time and onto his not so striking boss.
"Huh?" He frowned.
"Come on Bing, don't keep the lady waiting. Where are your manners?"
"I-"
"Get up there, now."
He knew better than to argue with this man. Reluctantly nodding, he stubbed out his cigar and approached the familiar stage. He was ok at the piano but it wasn't his first choice of instrument. He climbed the steps and swallowed hard, pausing; she was even more gorgeous close up.
Her piercing blue eyes were watching him and he offered her a dumb goofy smile. She raised an eyebrow at him in question and he blinked, embarrassed that he was just standing there like a fool. He ducked his head, sure that his cheeks were flaming as he quickly headed for the piano and settled onto the worn red stool.
He was grateful for the partial shield the old badly-tuned instrument offered. He just hoped Mike didn't hear about any of this; the man was strangely protective of his piano.
"Oh," his whispered, his throat was suddenly dry as he tried swallowing again, his eyes shot up to meet hers, god they were amazing. A man could drown in them easily, "Um, w-what are you singing?"
He knew how to play most common songs and his father had taught him to play by ear, so hopefully he'd do alright. He watched as she sauntered slowly across the stage towards him. He stopped breathing as she came close to him, into his personal space. She bent down bringing her face barely centimeters from his. His eyes widened as she breathed against his lips, "You know Why don't you do Right, sugar?"
Boy, he was in trouble.
"S-sure," he stammered, swallowing hard, although right now he was pretty sure he'd forgotten his own name.
She gave him a predatory smile and a wink, "Thanks," before straightening up and practically prowling back to the center of the stage.
Chandler blew out a long breath. He could do this. Music was his life. He could hold a simple tune no matter how pretty the girl.
The silence was deafening and he took another deep breath to calm himself before he got his hands into position and he pressed onto the keys. As the soft piano music finally began to fill the club, Monica started to sing. As expected she owned the stage. Her voice was smooth and she hit each note perfectly with ease. She had Chandler's full attention, he was completely riveted and hit more than a few duff notes but he didn't even notice. He was entranced by her. He almost died as partway through the song she came towards the piano.
She sang at him for a moment, looking deep into his eyes and stealing his heart. A moment later she literally stole his hat; playfully, she placed it on her head before strutting away. She went into the 'audience' her hands caressing the Tribianni's cheeks and ties as she sang. God, Chandler wished he was still down at that table.
Chin held high she glided back onto the stage and finished with flourish. Both Tribanni's were on their feet clapping. Chandler would have joined them if he wasn't so dumbstruck. Please let her get the gig, please…
"You're hired, doll," Joey Sr announced and Chandler breathed a sigh of relief. "Be here for 6 and someone will show ya the ropes."
"T-thank you," she stuttered but the older man was already walking away.
Chandler smiled, his eyes still on her; she looked even more radiant now that she was smiling. He was looking forward to watching her perform again and again, night after night.
He was still staring at her as another girl ran onto the stage and hugged her. She looked familiar and it took him a moment to realize that it was the brunette waitress from the bar. The one that Gunther stalked. She didn't really socialize with Chandler's small circle. Looked down on them. He couldn't even remember her name.
"I told you, you'd get it," the unnamed waitress laughed excitedly, "All you had to do was swagger." She sashayed her hips…it wasn't as good as when Monica had done it.
"Did I look convincing?" Monica asked; she sounded worried, all signs of the sultry goddess gone, she seemed hesitant and nowhere near as confident as she'd appeared moments before, "I felt so stupid, Rach."
Chandler blinked. It had been all an act?
"You didn't look stupid, you were good," 'Rach' promised, "you totally pulled it off, like I said you would."
"Yeah?"
She still seemed unsure and hesitant. How could she doubt herself? She'd been simply stunning and put on a performance that Chandler wasn't gonna forget for a very long time.
"You blew Mr Tribbani away, and his son. He rejected at least 5 others before you came out."
"Maybe he was just desperate to employ someone?" the beauty mused. Much to Chandler's dismay, her beautiful smile was starting to fade, tranforming into a worried frown, "What if he changes his mind after tonight's performance? I need this job."
"He won't," Rachel dismissed easily, "besides you'll be even better tonight with a real audience to interact with. It will make you feel empowered. You can totally do this."
"I-I thought you were amazing," Chandler interjected from where he still sat at the piano, causing both woman to turn suddenly. They'd obviously forgotten he was there.
"Thank you," Monica smiled at him gratefully, her deep blue eyes meeting his and he was glad for the piano stool as he felt his knees go weak. It was scary how much power this stranger had over him. No one had affected him quite like this before and it unnerved him.
"Oh, don't waste your time with him," the other woman dismissed with a frown, breaking him out of his pleasant stare, "he's just the backing band."
Chandler sighed, deflating slightly at Rachel's words. Depressingly, she was right. In a club like this the singers and acts always came first and the band very much second. It wasn't like how it used to be and he couldn't see it ever reverting back. Times were changing on the old swing street and sadly not for the better.
"Rachel!" Monica scolded her friend, before turning to him, offering him a small apologetic smile, "don't mind her. Thanks for playing the backing for me at short notice…oh, and for lending me your hat."
"Any time," he offered her a boyish grin, more than pleased when she returned it shyly.
His heart rate sped up as she came over to him, removing the hat and carefully fixing it back on his head, making sure it was in place, the tips of her fingers lightly brushing against his hair. It was pure heaven.
"See ya...?"
"C-chandler," he swallowed, his throat dry again as she shot him another beaming smile.
"Chandler," she nodded, somehow making his name seem sexy for the first time in his life. She meet his eyes one last time, holding them for a moment before turning her attention back to Rachel as the two women left the stage.
His eyes lingered on her, watching until she was out of sight. Even then he continued staring after her just in case she turned back.
"Ooooh boy, you've got it bad."
Chandler's head whipped round to face that of his smug roommate. The Italian had a large smile as he laughed at him.
"What?" Chandler asked cautiously.
"Please," Joey smirked, "you are soooo in love."
"Am not," Chandler protested weakly as his eyes went back in search of her to no avail.
"No I'm not!" Chandler grated as the entered the Central, easily spotting their friends at the pool table. This argument was getting old. Fast.
"You so are," Joey grinned, shrugging out of his coat and hanging it by the door.
"What's going on?" Phoebe asked curiously as Mike made another shot, pocketing a stripped ball easily.
"Chandler's in love," Joey grinned wickedly. "You should have seen his face, the man was drooling."
"She's pretty," Chandler argued as he perched on a bar stool. "Everyone was drooling! You were drooling!"
"Over who exactly?" Mike asked coming to join them, leaning casually on the pool cue.
"Kathy's replacement at the club," Joey informed them. "We hired her today."
"I'm glad you finally found someone," Phoebe smiled. "I was getting fed up filling in for her, I much prefer being in the band."
"Oh, we got a replacement all right," Joey said with a smirk, "She's beautiful and has a great set of…lungs," he wiggled his eyebrows and the boys laughed whilst Phoebe rolled her eyes, well used to their banter; it sometimes sucked being the only girl of the group. "You should have seen him though," Joey continued. "Chandler's jaw was on the floor and his eyes were on stalks, like in the cartoons."
"I wasn't that bad," he grumbled, wishing his friend would drop it.
"Please, you messed up notes on that Peggy Lee song, you know that from memory."
"You played backing?" Mike asked suddenly suspicious. "What on?"
"Anyone want a drink?" Chandler asked hastily changing the subject. "The usual? Alright then."
With that he left them to make a quick beat to the counter. It was safer to have some distance when Mike learned he'd touched his sacred piano.
"Usual Chandler?" Jessica asked from behind the bar.
"Please," he nodded, reaching into his jacket for his wallet.
The four friends came here a lot. The Central was a nice quiet bar, but not too quiet. It had a couple of pool tables, a well-used dart board and a pretty friendly crowd. What clinched it though was it was close to all their apartments and not too far from the club. Working nights meant the afternoon's needed filling and the Central filled it nicely.
"You used my piano?"
He cringed at the voice behind him. It was gonna be a long afternoon.
A few hours later, Chandler was hovering around the wooden door again, listening to a couple of cats fighting around the bins. Despite the bitter early evening air, he wasn't in a rush to get in, not this time. In fact he was doing what some might call 'loitering'.
"Chandler? Whatcha doing out here?"
He cringed as he heard Phoebe's voice from behind him. Turning he saw her, and as expected, Mike approaching. Damn.
"Did Tregar refuse to let you in again?" Mike asked, "because if he did Phoebe can have words, he's scared of her."
"Ah no, nothing like that," he promised, desperately trying to think of a plausible excuse. "I just wanted some fresh air."
"In February?" Phoebe asked doubtfully.
"And," Mike made a show of looking at his watch, "you're early. You're never early."
Mike was the head of the small band. He'd come in early, fix the schedule, do any last minute rehearsals and always be on the piano playing gentle backing music as the customers started arriving. Not Chandler. He usually tried to catch an opening set in one of the few remaining jazz clubs down the street before hightailing it over to the club. Usually arriving late and very outta breath.
"I'm turning over a new leaf," he shrugged, "sue me."
He watched the couple exchange a look.
"What's going on?" Phoebe finally pried, "What would make you wanna stand out here in the freezing cold at 6pm?"
"Um…"
His excuse died on his lips as voices were suddenly heard approaching. Moments later two silhouettes turned into the alleyway, their heels clicking against the cold bricked pavement. Chandler held his breath, recognizing one of the voices instantly. It caused a shiver to run through him at the memory of their earlier encounter. The voices paused mid-conversation as they observed the small group.
"What's going on?" Rachel asked, eyeing them suspiciously. "Is there a problem?"
"No," Mike said easily. "We're just enjoying the weather."
Rachel just frowned at him for a moment, not getting the joke, "That's probably band humor," she informed Monica loud enough for them all to hear, "Band people are a little strange."
"Better strange than boring," Phoebe pointed out with a smirk, throwing her husband a smile. He smiled back instantly as Rachel narrowed her eyes at them both.
"Hi Chandler," Monica greeted, ignoring the others' argument. "It's nice to see you again."
"Oh, uh," he tripped over his tongue, "y-you too."
She smiled shyly before following Rachel to the door. Chandler watched as they said the password and were allowed access.
"Monica!" he called, causing her to stop and turn to look back at him. "Good luck tonight, you'll knock 'em dead."
"Thank you," she smiled sincerely, "you too."
With that she disappeared through the door. He knew he was wearing a soppy smile and that his friends would ridicule him for it but he didn't care.
"You guys coming in or what?" Tregar grouched. "It's too cold to keep this damn door open, its February you know."
"We're busy basking in Chandler's love," Phoebe laughed. "It's keeping us warm."
Chandler shot her a glare as he took the few steps, "I'm coming in, Tregar."
"We all are," Mike laughed, Phoebe's arm slotting into his as they walked into the entrance.
"She's smoking," Phoebe approved, "but don't you think she's a little too…high up there. She's really pretty."
"Thanks for your vote of confidence," Chandler grumbled, glancing desperately at the stairs to ensure Rachel and Monica were gone and out of ear shot, "but I'm not trying to court her or anything. She's probably already married or engaged to someone."
A woman like that had to be.
"Yeah right," Mike snorted. "Joey was right about your eyes on stalks, I'm amazed you didn't knock her out."
Chandler narrowed the said eyes, "I don't like her like that."
"Would you guys mind having this teenage-girl discussion elsewhere," Treager groused. "You're clogging up my lobby with your gossiping."
"Pleasure," Chandler faked a smile as he started descending the stairs.
"Oh Bing!" the doorman's voice boomed. "Don't waste your time on a doll like that. She's not gonna look twice at ya."
Chandler sighed, deciding to ignore him and continue down the steps. He didn't need his opinion, or anyone's opinion for that matter. She was the prettiest woman he'd ever laid eyes on and whilst he expected all their predictions to be true and for her to not be interested, he couldn't just stay away from her.
He had to see her a little more.
Had to get to know this intriguing Monica Geller.
A/N - Did you notice my research included watching who framed Roger rabbit?
Anyhow, I would love to hear any thoughts on this. Was it worth posting?