Page 67 of Love Takes Home

I laugh, and she joins in. “I quite enjoyed it.”

“I did, too.” She smiles over her shoulder.

“Can you play me something else?”

“Like this?”

“Just like this. We’ll clean up after.”

I think she’s going to tell me no, but instead she starts playing a lighter tune than others I’ve heard her play before. It’s not avery long melody, and there’s some levity in it. She plays it with a smile on her face, but like other times, her eyes are closed. When she’s finished, she moves the cello off the block and into its stand, hanging the bow next to it.

“What was that? I don’t think I’ve heard you play that one before.”

“It’s ‘Minuet Number Three’, by Bach. It was the first song I ever played solo on. We obviously don’t have a piano accompaniment tonight, but I still play it every once in a while. Reminds me of something good.”

“Do you always close your eyes when you play?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Only the ones I know by heart. I can see the notes with my eyes closed. That probably makes me sound crazy, doesn’t it?”

“Not at all. I understand that better than you think. It was a trick I used to focus while on a mission. Study the layout, visualize it in your head.”

“You do understand.”

I smile at her and help her stand. I walk her to the bathroom where we separate and both clean up before walking back to her room.

“What do you need in here?”

“Just my bag.”

“Your cello doesn’t go home?”

“Not this one. It stays here, so I have it available.”

“What about the one you play at Zach’s? It’s different looking than this one.”

“That’s an electric cello. You plug it into an amp like a guitar.”

“Which you can also play.”

“A little. Not as good as the cello or piano, though.”

“So much talent. These kids are lucky to have you.”

“Thank you. We should get out of here. Keith might come back, and I’d rather not be here.”

I smirk at her. “He’s not coming back until we’re gone. Need to stop in the office on the way out.”

“He really peed himself, didn’t he?”

“Uh-huh. Twice. But he also almost hurt you. If you’re ever alone with him, you call me. Text me. Anything.”

“I will.”

“I’m serious. If you’re in school, I’m not leaving town. Daniel will just have to get over it.”

“You can’t lose your job for me.”

“I’d lose everything to make sure you’re safe. And Daniel will get it. If anyone gets it, it’ll be him.”

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