Page 46 of Ruthless Heir

We go up to Daniela’s apartment and as soon as I see her I feel like I could be eighteen again. Or better yet, a child with both her parents alive and well in the world.

Asher waits in her living room to go through his emails while we head to her private hall where the acoustics are amazing.

Then for two hours I allow myself the reprieve of playing my music.

“You play so much more with your heart now,” Daniela says once the lesson ends. Her eyes are filled with pride and adoration, making the pale gray color look more alive.

“Thank you so much. That means a lot to me.” I smile back at her.

“It is the truth.”

“I guess my heart has always been the one thing that has remained true to me.” All my memories and emotions are stored in my heart. Along with my zest for life. “It’s where the music comes from.”

“Me too, dear. In all my eighty years I have always played with my heart. I do hope you’ll be staying in New York. It would be great to see you.”

“New York is the long term plan. I’m hoping to get an internship in one of the bigger orchestras. I’ll know if I stand a chance once I’m back at NYU.” It’s strange talking about my dreams when they seem further than they’ve ever been.

For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to be part of an orchestra like that of the New York City Ballet.

Mom loved going to the ballet. Whenever she took me to see a show I’d always imagine myself being part of the music that made the performance come alive.

Daniela rests a hand on my shoulder. “I have faith in you. I have no doubt that the best is yet to come from you.”

“Thank you. And thanks for today.”

“It was my pleasure, dear. I can’t wait for next week.” A kind smile brightens her face once more.

“Me too. See you next week.”

“See you.”

We say goodbye and I walk out feeling lighter than when I first went in.

It’s like I have two different lives.

People look at me and mostly see the rebellious woman who seems to keep landing herself in trouble, but I swear never purposely set out to be that way.

Sure, I have a thrill for adventure and I’m definitely the wild child.Butthisis the real me. The softer side where music is my world.

I’ve just had to toughen up over the years because life cut me a raw deal more times than I’ve had strength. That doesn’t mean I love trouble.

The glossy floorboards creak as I make my way down the hallway and follow the path back to Asher. He gives me a small smile when he sees me.

“You look like you had fun,” he states, standing.

“It was perfect.”

“I have an hour or so. Do you want to get lunch at the diner?”

A smile twitches my lips. “The billionaire still goes to diners for lunch?”

“All the time.” He grins back at me. “Let’s go to that place you used to love on the Bowery. I think we need to talk.”

Talk…

Yes, we do need to talk. But I hope that’s not code for more arguments. “Sure.”

Asher takes me to Penny’s Diner, a place I remember us all going to when we were kids.

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