Response to Chad

"Dead Mandolin" is the story about Andrew, a high school teacher who becomes intensely infatuated with Audrey, a singer/songwriter who performs at an open mic night at a local coffee shop, Hebrews. In an attempt to impress her, Andrew says he can play the guitar and that he would perform at an Open Mic Night. Fun fact: he can't actually play guitar. But, he goes out and buys a mandolin, learns three easy songs, and performs them. Everyone eats them up and wants another song! What is he going to do, though, since he doesn't "actually" know how to play?
This story is one I'm sure everyone can sympathize with; everyone, at least at some point in their lives, wants to impress that certain someone with knowledge that they don't really have. I really liked the setting of the coffee shop for this encounter because I could really envision myself at one of my favorite coffee places. The characterization of "Piercings-Face" was done very well and humorous, if maybe a little too one-dimensional.
The characterization of Andrew was sneakily well-done. You do a lot with voice to give us readers knowledge of his prejudices, his awkward feelings about being alone in the coffee shop, and what he does. At the same time, though, I still want more. Why does he hold these prejudices about the types of people at the coffee shop? Why is he a teacher? Why does he find Audrey so attractive if he doesn't particularly like the other people there?
I want more from the Audrey character as well. I understand that he doesn't know much about her, but there are certain things that he does know that I don't get. What does she look like? Is she blonde, brunette? Is she thin or curvy? What does she sound like? Is her voice husky or light and pure? There were lots of opportunities for imagery/sensory detail throughout the story; I think if these are added, the story will become more compelling.
All in all, this story is cute, and one that I found myself relating to (probably too well...). With some more detail, I think it could really shine.