Page 37 of The Temptation
Some lingering lines of tension disappeared from the corners of Simon’s eyes as if he relaxed that last bit.
“Allow me to introduce you to the orchestra’s conductor, Maestro John Padgett. He is the one who pulled together tonight’s excellent selection of music. He did cave to my pleading, though, and included the short Tchaikovsky piece.”
That did not surprise me in the least.
Pleasantries were exchanged, compliments given, and hands shaken. I tried to pay attention to the conductor as he was talking, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Simon. He appeared off. Twitchy. Anxious. His eyes were too bright and his smile too wide and stiff. Nervous energy poured off him in angry waves.
I lasted only a couple of minutes before I couldn’t take another second of it. Stepping closer to Simon, I wrapped an arm around his slender shoulders and pulled him against my taller frame. His entire body was as rigid and stiff as a steel rod.
“Shall we pop out for drinks? Or maybe a late dinner?” Simon asked as the maestro excused himself. “I know a cute restaurant that has excellent tapas if you would like something lighter.”
I tightened my hold on Simon, squeezing him into me. “Mother and Father are tired. They need to return to the hotel.” Reaching down with my free hand, I captured his left hand. I pressed a light kiss to the fingertips that had been compressing the violin strings into the board. “You’re also exhausted. Let me take you home.”
“But—” Simon’s argument cut off as I kissed his fingers again. The tension in his frame seemed to ooze away, and he leaned into me.
“Yes, dear,” my mother agreed. “Oliver and I aren’t as young as we used to be. I’m ready for my evening tea and sleep.” She leaned in close and brushed a kiss to his cheek. “You need to rest as well. I know you’re still young, but if you push yourself too hard, you’re going to make yourself sick.”
When my mother stepped away, my father stepped up and patted Simon lightly on the arm. “You were magnificent tonight. Now it’s time to rest.” My father used his tone that left no room for argument.
“Yes, sir,” Simon murmured.
“Good man. Let Pierce take care of you. We look forward to seeing you at the office party next week.”
Simon remained silent until my parents had left the stage and were walking back up the aisle.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t get any of the other members to stay and meet your parents. Tonight’s program was rather long and complicated. It was also the second night. Everyone was exhausted. I’m sure they were afraid of creating a poor impression. Plus, I’m not close to anyone. It’s kind of hard to ask for favors without it feeling like I’m throwing my weight around. I-I-I just?—”
“Simon,” I interrupted. “It was fine. My parents didn’t mind in the least. It was more than enough of a treat for them to meet the conductor. Plus, the important thing was them getting to see you play tonight. You were amazing, and I wanted them to witness your brilliance in person.”
Simon huffed, making some disgruntled, disbelieving noises. I gave him a little shake.
“You’re amazing, and you know it.”
“Yeah, but he made me play Mozart. You know I fucking hate Mozart. He’s so…so…”
“Pretentious?”
“Yes! I had to threaten the maestro with my bow to get him to add the Tchaikovsky.”
“Simon,” I growled in warning, but it was all for show. I felt better seeing that some of his usual spark had returned. He still looked utterly drained to me.
“What? It’s an excellent piece, and it’s short. I’m the one who has to do all the troublesome parts. The rest of them simply have to keep up with me.”
And there was the arrogance that ruffled feathers.
“Did you drive?”
Simon leaned his head on my chest and slowly shook it. “No. I always hire a car to take me to and from Music Hall on performance nights. I’m too tired to drive.”
“Okay. Can you get your coat and violin? I’ll meet you out front. I’ll drive you home.”
Simon nodded and released me. He shuffled across the stage, disappearing into the wings. I remained where I was, biting my tongue to hold in words of frustration and anger. Simon had met and joined the orchestra during the summer. He’d known these people for months, and he’d yet to make any friends among them. Asking a couple of them to stay behind for five minutes to meet his boyfriend’s parents should have been such a small thing, and he either didn’t feel comfortable asking or they hadn’t made him feel welcome enough that he could ask.
Sure, he could be brazen and sassy. Definitely arrogant. But Simon was never mean. He never said a cruel word about someone’s playing unless he was provoked. And God knew he could more than back up all his bragging. I’d only ever seen him as friendly and kind around people, even when he didn’t know I was watching. I hated the idea of him feeling alone while doing the thing he loved most in the world. Yet, what was I supposed to do about it?
Tonight, the best I could do was try to take care of him.
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