Page 35 of Secrets & Desires
Later,as he was enjoying a light supper with Livia at his home—soon-to-betheirhome—Nox couldn’t help but think of what Sandor had said. Livia smoothed her hand overhisface.
“What’s up, what’s going on in that mind ofyours?”
He told her about Roan’s plan—she rolled her eyes as he expected—then related what Sandor had said. Livia agreed with Nox—it was nothing. “Does Sandor not like Roan? I would never haveguessed.”
“He likes him just fine, I think. He’s never said anything to thecontrary.”
“It’s just a little strange he would say that. I mean, does Roan evenknowPia?”
Nox considered. “Well, he talks to her whenever he comes into the office. I don’t think Sandor meant anymalice.”
“Hmm.” Livia thought about it for a moment more, then shrugged. “Probably not. So,nonews?”
“None.”
“God. I hopeshe’sokay.”
“Me too, darling. Let’s change the subject. How did Moriko takeyournews?”
Livia grinned. “Surprisingly well. I told her I’d still be paying for half the rent so it takes a little pressure off of her, and she wasgrateful.”
“You could let me take careofthat.”
“I couldnot.”She chucked his chin and he grinned. “Actually, she was more worried that you have no clue what you’re letting yourself in for. I have so many books, and art supplies, and all sorts ofmusiccrap.”
“Is that right?” He put down his fork and took her hand. “Comewithme.”
He led her across the house to a room she hadn’t even known was there. “Just how many secret rooms does this placehave?” Livia grinned as Noxlaughed.
“You haven’t even scratched the surface, baby. Anyways, come on in.” He said it lightly but he felt his heart beating hard against his ribs. He opened the door, and Livia steppedinside.
It was his and his mother’s music studio. His old cello stood in its stand, his mother’s piano covered in a dust sheet. Other, less played, less beloved instruments dotted the room. Livia looked at him with wide eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about this room earlier,” he said softly. “I didn’t know whether I was quite ready. But, after last night, I think it’simportant.”
Livia took his hand. “How much doesithurt?”
Nox considered then smiled ruefully. “It’sexcruciating.”
Livia cupped her face in her palm. “And it’s okay to feel that. Acknowledge it. Speak it. We can go if you like—I think this is ahugestep.”
Nox took a deep breath. “No, I brought you here for a reason. My mother’s piano. I think it should be heard again, and it just seems right it should be you. Would you playforme?”
Livia, trembling, nodded. “Will you playwithme?” She nodded to his cello and Nox hesitated. “You don’t have to but I think it would be goodforyou.”
Nox touched his cello, dislodging a thick smear of dust. “Do you knowSonatano.3?”
“Bach? I sure do. Let’s see.” Livia shifted the dust sheets from the piano and opened the lid. She pressed a few of the keys. “Good, it’s stillintune.”
“I hope I can say the same for this thing.” Nox rested the cello between his legs and took up the bow. “Ready? Firstfewbars.”
They played slowly at first, the music tentative but sweet; then as they both settled into the rhythm, they played through the first act, both making minor mistakes but smiling encouragingly at the other astheydid.
Nox lowered hisbow. “Wow.”
“How do you feel?” Livia was watching him and he smiledather.
“Conflicted.”
Livia closed the piano lid and went to him. She lifted the cello back into its stand and held out her hand. “Associations. Let’s start to change your association with this room, this instrument. Let’s turn your memories into pleasant ones.” He took her hand and let her lead him to theirbedroom.
