Page 112 of Only With You

He interjects, “It doesn’t. You’re just speaking your mind. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“It is when I should be grateful that I was able to do all of that because of my parents. I have everything that I do because of them. The least I could do is give them nothing but the best.”

I feel his eyes on me, but I don’t look as I shake away the guilt. “What song do you want me to play for you?”

There’s a tense moment of silence before he replies, “Surprise me.”

A song instantly comes to mind. “Your Hands Are Cold” by Dario Marianelli. Ever since the girls and I watchedPride and Prejudicefor Frimance, the soundtrack is all I’ve been able to think about.

Now that my record player works thanks to Landon, I’ve ordered the vinyl and will be playing it on repeat once it arrives.

“Will you get annoyed if I ask you what colors you see?”

I really didn’t want to be that person, but I’ve never met anyone with chromesthesia, and the likely chance of it happening again is slim to none. There are so many things I want to ask, but I don’t want to bombard him with questions about it.

“I told you I’d be honest, right?” The arrogance in his voice never fails to surprise me. “But I should tell you that when you play the keys individually, I’ll see a specific colour, but when you play a song, I’ll see something completely different. I know it sounds confusing, but that’s just how it works.”

“I get it, but I don’t.” I chuckle, as does he. “Have you always been able to hear color?”

He blows out a heavy breath. “Always.”

Landon doesn’t look at me this time when I look at him. He stares down at the keys, almost like he’s lost in thought.

“You don’t have to answer anything if you don’t want to.” I smile at him, hoping he knows I won’t be upset if he doesn’t.

He shakes his head. “I don’t mind if it’sonly with you.”

“Okay,” I reply, almost breathless, and swallow the weird emotions. “How about you tell me what colors you hear when I play the song? I should also mention that I don’t have this song completely memorized. So, it might sound a bit off.”

I have the sheet music, but it’s on my phone and I left that in his car, along with my wings and purse.

“I might be able to help you.”

I cock a brow. “Might? You play?”

“Something like that,” Landon replies nonchalantly.

“You really are a Disney princess,” I tease, gently nudging his side.

“Just play the song.”

“Wait, but how will you know what I’m playing? I don’t think you’ll know it.”

Landon doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who’d sit down and watchPride and Prejudice.

He lifts a shoulder, then drops it. “I guess play and find out.”

I don’t let myself think too much into it when I press the G key.

“The key alone is a coral color and it looks like a swirl. Though not every sound looks the same. Some sounds look like static, while others look like swirls.”

“Wait, really?” I ask incredulously and when he nods, I can’t help but stare in awe. “I know it’s frustrating and overwhelming for you, but what wouldn’t I do to see it once. I bet it’s really pretty.”

“That it is.”

I smile and carry on, pressing E-flat major. “Deep lilac.”

G. “Coral.”

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