Page 33 of My Heart Before You

Colin tried to ignore the hardening of his stomach at his friends’ easy display of affection, and took a long draw from his glass.

“Did you just get here?” Kate asked.

“Yes. Have you guys been here long?”

“About an hour or so. It’s picking up nicely now.” Max pointed his drink at the crowded room.

The swanky top floor martini bar CTSB rented for their annual holiday party was decorated in a mix of Christmas and winter themed adornments. Outside the large pane windows, the cityscape twinkled under a gibbous moon. The whole staff seemed to be in attendance: surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, residents, nurses, and office staff—anyone affiliated with their group.

Kate gazed over his shoulder. “Theyreallygot into the spirit this year.”

The residents were gathering at the table next to them. Each male resident had a full three-piece suit made from a holiday print. One was red with reindeers, another blue with swirling snowflakes, and the third green, red, and white candy cane striped. One of the female residents was wearing a long, green dress fully decorated with ornaments and wrapped in tinsel. On her head was a star tiara; she was the picture of a Christmas tree herself. The other wore a long, red bandage dress completely covered with battery operated twinkling strands of lights.

“Those suits are great! What do you think, love? Should we do that next year? You’d look lovely in lights.” Max winked at his wife.

Taking her raised eyebrow as a no, Max moved on, nodding to an upright piano in the corner. “Do you still know ‘Piano Man’?”

Colin felt a grin rise at the memory of when they were in medical school, and Max found out that he’d minored in piano in college. He explained that he mostly played classical music when Max asked if he knew any popular songs. A local Irish pub just off campus had a piano near the bar and silver-tongued Max convinced the manager to let him play one night. “Piano Man” went so well that they had their pick of the ladies that evening. Max insisted that he learn several more songs for their next night out.

“I remember it.”

“What do you think? One more time for old times’ sake?” His friend waggled his eyebrows.

He ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t know, Max.”

“Are you guys talking about how you used to troll for girls at that Irish bar by playing songs?” Kate sipped her martini impassively.

A bark of laughter fell from his mouth. “You told her about that?”

“Oh yes, he told me all about your guys’endeavors.”

A waitress walked by with a tray of hors d’oeuvres, and they all grabbed a spinach puff and a napkin, saying their thanks.

“I hope he told you that it was his idea,” Colin said, biting into his appetizer.

“If I recall correctly, you benefited from those song sessions as much as I did,” Max said. “Besides, it wouldn't be like that tonight. I’m obviously not looking for anyone because I have the best woman in the world right here. It would just be for fun.”

“I, for one, would be very interested in seeing this act.” Kate tilted her head.

“I’m an adequate singer.” Max placed his hand on his chest. “You’ve heard my rendition of ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,’ my love, but the real showstopper is Colin’s fancywork on those ivory keys.”

He blew out a dismissive breath as he took a gulp of his drink and glanced around the room.

How much had Max already had to drink?

When his vision returned to his friends, he found them both staring at him expectantly.

Kate bounced ever so subtly. “Please?”

Max’s grin was smug, knowing he’d cave if a woman asked nicely.

A long exhale left his lungs. “Only‘Piano Man.’”

“Only ‘Piano Man,’” his friend echoed and strode towards the DJ stand.

Kate squealed like a teenager and squeezed his arm with her free hand.

He shook his head, drained his drink, and walked towards the upright piano, unbuttoning his suit jacket with one hand. He arrived at the same moment the music from the DJ stopped and Max’s voice boomed in the room.

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