Page 23 of Taking a King

He smiles. “Well, you gained another fan tonight.”

My mouth opens in shocked delight. “I’ve been looking for a president for the fan club! So, this works out well.”

“Aunt Claire!” Liam’s voice comes from behind us, interrupting our laughter and helping me remember that we’re not alone. I turn to see him standing directly behind me.

“Yeah, buddy?”

“Just wanted to say bye,” he says with a big grin.

“Can I have a hug first?” I say, making him giggle.

He nods and holds out his skinny arms. I pull him to me and squeeze just hard enough to make him let out a giggling grunt.

“Bye, kiddo,” I say. “Be thinking of a song for next time.”

He nods. “Yes, ma’am!” Liam turns to Garrett, his expression turning more serious.

“It was nice meeting you, Liam,” Garrett says with a smile. He holds out his hand and Liam allows a small smile as he reaches out to shake it. Finn and Hannah wave their goodbyes as they lead the little boy toward the door.

“He’s a good kid,” Garrett says.

“He’s awesome,” I say. “He loves music and he’s got a good ear. Even at his age. It’s cool to see. I hope he sticks with it.”

“I think you’re probably a big part of that,” Garret says. “You’re good with him. Patient. You’re a good teacher.”

I feel my cheeks redden slightly at the praise. Teaching music is something I’ve always wanted to do, but somehow hearing it from Garrett feels different. I think about the application I sent to the elementary school last week. I haven’t told anyone yet, because I doubt they’ll hire me. I’m underqualified for the job; at least on paper. But I’m hoping they’ll overlook my lack of a Master’s degree in favor of my experience and skill.

“Goodnight, guys!” Van calls from the doorway in an overly cheery voice.

I look up to see that everyone else has left. Van waves from his place near the door.

“Don’t forget to kill the lights and lock up when you leave,” he says with a wink. As he walks out the door, he calls out in a sing-song voice, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Garrett laughs. “He’s the subtle one, right?”

I frown after my brother. “Actually, yes. Usually. I guess he’s just giving us privacy.”

“That’s nice of him,” Garrett muses. He turns back to the piano and presses one key, letting out a light tinkling sound.

“So,” he says. “Tell me about your music.”

I laugh. “There’s nothing to tell. It’s notmymusic. I sing and play other people’s music. I don’t write my own.”

“Ever wanted to?”

I shake my head. “Honestly, no. I love to play.” I put my fingers to the keys and play a few notes. “But I’ve never wanted to create music of my own. I think I channel my creative side more through my painting. I just love music. I love to hear it, to play it. It calms me, I think.”

“What about teaching?” he asks. “I meant what I said. You’re great with Liam. You could be a fantastic music teacher.”

I keep my eyes focused on the keys and shrug, shocked that he seems to have guessed my secret ambition just by watching me with my nephew for an hour tonight.

“Maybe,” I say, keeping my voice noncommittal. “I think I need more formal education.”

He shrugs. “It’s overrated.”

I laugh. “Tell that to all the Julliard graduates.”

Now, he shrugs. “I’m not saying it’s not a good school. Just that you don’t have to have a doctorate in music to know when you hear something you like. And someone would have to be an idiot not to see how much you love teaching Liam.”

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