Page 52 of The Mission

A moment later, they were all playingWizards in Winterand the kids were dancing to the beat, freezing on the staccato notes, then going crazy when the beat picked up.

When Arlo looked at Conrad, he was staring at him. It was as if they were singing to each other as they played faster and faster.

In the end, it was just the two of them still playing. The kids were out of breath and slumped on the floor while Arlo and Conrad played their hearts out.

When the last note died away, Arlo found it hard to breathe. In how many more ways was this guy perfect for him?

They had a huge round of applause and Arlo’s brothers slapped Conrad on the back.

“You were amazing,” Arlo said as they put the instruments away.

How often do you get to play?” Rurik asked.

“My acoustic cello—not often. I play my electric one several times a week. I can use headphones and not disturb anyone.”

“Disturb someone?” Arlo’s mum sounded horror-struck. “They should be grateful to have you living next door.”

“I have neighbours on both sides and above and below.”

“That’s a shame,” she said. “You play so beautifully. I could have listened to you all night.”

“Supper time,” said Arlo’s father.

Arlo pulled Conrad down next to him. “You get a choice tonight. Carp fried in butter, which is traditional…” He quietly made a retching sound. “Or nut rissoles, not traditional, served with roast vegetables sprinkled with herbs. Parsnips, potatoes, carrots, celeriac, red onions… My mouth is watering.”

“What’s wrong with the carp?”

“I don’t like carp, too many bones, though I will say that Mum’s carp does not taste muddy and she does debone it well, but even so.”

“The rissoles sound good.”

But when Conrad was offered carp, he did accept some and she beamed at him.

“Now try and persuade Arlo that it’s not going to kill him.”

Arlo groaned and took some.

“I’ll eat yours,” Conrad said quietly and Arlo whimpered.

The meal was fun and though Conrad was a little quiet, Arlo thought he was enjoying himself. He could imagine how it must feel to be the stranger in a big family gathering like this, but he kept pressing his knee against Conrad’s and Conrad did the same back to him.

“I want to play the cello just with you,” Arlo told him. “For us to go someplace where we can go wild and it won’t matter.”

“Can I come?” Julian asked from across the table. “Ask Rurik too and we could play as a quartet.”

Arlo glared.

“Ask me what?” Rurik said.

“The four of us playing together. I think it’s Conrad we’ve been waiting for.” Julian’s face had lit up.

“Julian thinks we should go in for Britain’s Got Talent or a show like it,” Arlo said.

“Melanie can video us. Put it on YouTube.” Julian turned to his wife. “We need a place to practise and a place to record. Too cold to be outside otherwise I’d have said outside.”

Arlo watched Conrad as his brothers chatted and saw how intently he listened.So you’re interested.

“Might you be up for that?” Arlo nudged him.

---