Page 80 of Filthy Elites

“Sure.” I shrug.

“I’m crazier than he is.”

A shiver runs down my spine. I think that’s what attracted me to Jason at first.

“Hmmm,” I hum as my eyes go soft. I’m fantasizing about him in the middle of the hallway, and I don’t care.

His eyebrows furrow. “Hmmm? That’s your response?”

I turn away from him and close my locker. “Let’s go before we’re late for class.”

Or I combust on the spot.

* * *

Triton Cove is onlyan hour from LA if you look at the distance on the map. But when you add the traffic, it takes us double the time to arrive. Only, I barely notice. It turns out that being locked in a car with Jason is not a bad thing, especially when his idea of passing time is to let his fingers have fun.

I’m blissfully relaxed when we arrive at our destination, but soon that’s replaced by excitement. It seems being surrounded by exquisite instruments is also a turn-on for me. The store is large, and it has every instrument needed to create an orchestra. The grand pianos take central stage, naturally. I walk up to one and run my hand over the lid.

“I know my fingers are magic, but I have an inkling they aren’t the reason for your goofy grin,” he says.

“Guilty.” I smile.

A bald man in his sixties approaches us. “Can I help you?”

“I believe you can. I’m Jason Novak. I called you about the Pedrazzini.”

If possible, my excitement triples. My old violin was from the same Italian luthier.

The salesclerk’s eyes widen. “Ah, of course. It’s in storage. I’ll be right back.”

I wait until he’s out of earshot to turn to Jason. “Why didn’t you tell me? I honestly didn’t think I could find another Pedrazzini.”

“You shouldn’t underestimate my connections, sweetheart.”

The salesman returns with the violin in its case. With a flourish, he opens the lid.

My breath catches, and I swear I’m on the verge of crying. “It’s beautiful.”

“Would you like to play it?”

“Yes, please.”

My hands are shaking as I take the violin out of its case.

“I also brought a bow by August Rau, if you would like to try it.”

“Of course.”

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. I prop the violin on my shoulder but before I start, I lock gazes with Jason. He isn’t smiling, but I know everything there is to know about his feelings just from the emotions shining in his eyes.

I decide to play the Romeo and Juliet solo, and soon I become lost in the music. I don’t notice anything or anyone save for the broken boy who stole my heart. I’m not sure he knows that this is my way of saying I love him. I have yet to speak the words out loud.

When the music ends, my heart is beating furiously inside my chest. My eyes are still locked with Jason’s as I lower the violin.

“Sweet Mary, Mother of God. That was beautiful,” the salesman blurts out.

Blush spreads throughout my cheeks. “Thank you.”

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