Page 63 of Unsupervised
“Okay, let’s do this,” I announce, and the first few acts head out to the lounge while the choir members stay behind to get their robes on. A theater major, a guy named Dash, will introduce everyone except me, since I’ll be starting the show.
The lounge is fuller than I’ve ever seen it. They’ve even wheeled a few patients out in their beds, and everyone looks excited and happy. It quiets immediately when I stand by the end of the room they’ve marked off as a stage and hold up my hands. It isn’t raised or anything, but it’s in a good spot, where everyone should be able to see us.
“Hi everyone. I know some of you know me from the other times I’ve visited and played a bit of piano, but for those who don’t, I’m Kelly. My classmates and I are going to perform for you tonight and we hope you’ll enjoy it.”
There’s a round of clapping, and I glance around once more before sitting at the piano. Melina waves at me, a wide smile on her face, and I wave back.
Once I’ve finished playing, I barely realize it. I let my fingers on the keys and the music take me away like it always does. To a place where nothing else exists or matters, least of all a sexy teacher who ran away with my heart. When I stand up and give a bow during the applause, my breath catches in my throat.
Layton stands beside his grandmother, who sits on the end of one of the couches. He’s dressed up, and I’ve never seen a man look so good in a dark suit. He came. Now what the hell do I do? Running over and leaping at him crotch first seems to be my first impulse.
Dash steps up beside me. “That was Kelly Bryant on piano. Next we have Trisha Montague playing the violin.”
Oh yeah, I’m supposed to get my ass offstage now. With a smile and wave, I rush to the opposite side of the room, as far away from the man who hasn’t taken his eyes off me as I can get.
The concert goes well. One after the other, everyone performs, and the residents seem to love it. There are a few mistakes, but nothing anyone probably even noticed. My music teacher and the head of the music department sit together and both flash smiles in my direction.
The choir is the last to perform and they sound amazing. As they finish and file out, Dash takes the mic to announce that the show is over and thank everyone, as planned, but he’s stopped when Layton puts a hand over the mic and says something to him. Dash nods and his gaze lands on me as he hands the mic over to Layton.
What the hell is he doing?
“Hey,” Layton says, fidgeting with the mic cord a little. I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s nervous. “I’m Layton, and most of you know me. I’m Melina’s grandson. She’s the one who looks like she’s trying to figure out whether to be proud or hide under the table.” He points her out and waves, while titters run through the room. “Hi Grandma.”
“Bring back the choir!” Melina calls, making laughter break out again.
“Grandma always said I can be thick headed sometimes and recently, I proved her right. I made a stupid mistake and hurt someone, so I want to apologize to the talented, beautiful woman who put all of this together tonight.”
All heads swivel toward me, and I’m stunned into place as he continues.
“I’m sorry, Kelly. Please, come and play one more song. With me.”
“Ooh Lord, this is better than Days of our Lives!” a voice calls out.
It’s quickly followed by Melina’s. “Agnes, shut your hole! This is supposed to be romantic!”
I barely notice the calls and laughter around me. All I can see is Layton, holding his hand out to me, his eyes pleading for me to join him. There wasn’t a second that I considered saying no, but it takes me a moment to make my legs work, and I feel like I’m sleepwalking when I head toward him.
He leans down and whispers in my ear. “I didn’t stop practicing. I promise I won’t embarrass you.”
All this time, he had kept learning the duet? Did he plan to do this all along? I don’t understand, but it hardly matters. A room full of people are waiting on us. I move to the piano, and he goes back to the mic. “My apologies ahead of time, but I’m going to sing, so bear with me.”
He hands the mic to Dash and sits on the bench next to me. I can feel the heat of his body, smell the scent I’ve been missing. “Ready?” he murmurs, and I nod.
For someone who is such a beginner, and despite the fact we haven’t practiced together in a month, we fall into sync quite well. It’s no professional performance ofHeart and Soulby a long shot, but the residents love it. Many of them start to sing along. Layton isn’t a bad singer. Originally, I picked this song because it’s a simple duet, but damned if the lyrics aren’t right on target.
By the end, I’m fighting back tears, and I don’t wait for the applause to stop before taking a bow and rushing out of the room.
Chapter Nineteen
Layton
This time Kelly is the one to run away, but not far, and I have no intention of letting her go. The small courtyard is deserted and quiet, the air chilly now that the sun has set. Kelly sits on a bench between two flowerbeds, her gaze on the night sky that’s just beginning to fill with stars.
She doesn’t react when I sit beside her, until I speak. “Kelly. I’m so sorry that I hurt you.”
“I know, and I forgive you. I’m not angry anymore.”
No, anger is not what I hear. Just sadness. “I miss you.”
