Page 21 of Love Me Sweet

Sylvie’s heart dipped to her toes when she saw the man beside Noah.

For a second a nervous giggle rose up in her own throat.

“What are you doing here?” Pleasure spilled from Josie’s voice. “I didn’t think I’d see you tonight.”

Noah, looking handsome in dark pants and a muted plaid shirt, looped an arm around Josie’s shoulders and tugged her to him. It was as if he couldn’t bear to be so near and not touch. It had been like that for her and Andrew once, Sylvie thought wistfully.

“I ran into this guy downtown.” Noah jerked a thumb in Andrew’s direction. “We got to talking and decided to stop by and see if you needed help.”

“Looks like a wild party.” Andrew spoke for the first time since walking up.

Bits of harmony mingled with the sounds of muted laughter and conversation.

“It’s a gathering of local Sweet Adaline’s group,” Sylvie explained. “They’re wooing prospective members.”

“And eating everything in sight,” Josie confided.

Sylvie couldn’t figure out why Andrew was here. They’d agreed to terms, one of them being they’d wait to begin the ‘immersion’ tomorrow.

“How much longer until you’re sprung?” Noah asked.

Sylvie didn’t have a chance to say Josie could leave any time when Kathy Randall rushed up. Worry furrowed the older woman’s brow. “Do either of you ladies happen to play the piano?”

Josie shook her head. “Sorry. Chopsticks is it for me.”

“That’s more than I can do.” Sylvie touched Kathy’s arm. “Is there a problem?”

“We always have a sing-a-long with the piano at events like these.” Kathy gestured to the baby grand. “But Suzanne Duggan came down with a nasty cold today. Knowing we were counting on her, she came tonight, but we sent her home.”

“There isn’t anyone in your group who plays?” Sylvie found it difficult to believe there wasn’t at least one person in this group of singers who couldn’t bang out a few tunes.

“We have several.” Kathy’s cheeks pinked. “But Suzanne has been doing this for years. She can play anything the crowd wants so we didn’t bring any sheet music.”

“I can help.” Andrew stepped forward, extended a hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Andrew O’Shea, a friend of Sylvie’s.”

“You play the piano, Mr. O’Shea?”

“Please call me Andrew.” He flashed her the smile that had always made Sylvie go weak in the knees. “I haven’t played much in recent years, but I’m proficient. I also have a good ear for music and pick up most tunes easily.” Sylvie could see Kathy react to the self-assured tone. Not bragging, that wasn’t Andrew’s style, just confident.

Kathy surprised them all by flinging her arms around Andrew and giving him a hug. “You’re a lifesaver.”

“Glad to help out,” Andrew said.

“Everyone,” Kathy called out at the same time motioning for him to follow her to the piano. “We’ve got our pianist.”

Applause echoed off the walls graced by portraits of elk, bison and majestic mountains.

Josie leaned close to Sylvie. “Is he any good?”

Sylvie just smiled, not about to admit that she’d never heard him play.

Andrew sat at the piano, played a few scales with nimble fingers then smiled up at Kathy. “What would you like me to play first?”

“Hold that thought.” Kathy flashed him a smile then whirled and clapped her hands sharply.

Several women in the back of the room immediately ceased their conversation.

“Ladies, this part of the program is a chance for us to warm up our voices and have a bit of fun doing it.”

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