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They went to the long counter alongside the wall and sat next to each other, their knees only inches apart.
“So, what’s up?” Hannah asked.
Luke took a deep breath before he spoke. “I don’t want you to get offended by this or anything, but I wanted to run an idea by you.”
Hannah’s heart took a sharp dip downward. What could he have to tell her that was possibly going to offend her? “Okay, go for it.”
“You’re so talented on the piano, better than anyone I’ve ever heard who wasn’t a pro,” Luke said. “Have you ever thought about sending an audition video to a college to study music more seriously?”
Hannah blinked, unsure of what to say.
“My university has a school of music—Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University,” he continued. “I think that you would be a great fit. They take rolling admissions so you could apply right now.”
Hannah’s mouth opened, then closed since she didn’t know what to say. Playing the piano had always been a solitary thing for her. In some ways, she liked it that way. She had never performed for an audience before or even played with others around. The thought of being around people who were better than her made her heart pound. What if they judged her?
“I don’t think I would be good enough. I’ve only taught myself,” Hannah said.
Luke took her hand, which was slightly cooler than hers from holding onto his milkshake. The touch comforted her.
“You’ll never know if you don’t try. What’s the worst that could happen? Them saying no?” He shrugged. “And I’m pretty sure that you’re more than good enough anyway.”
Hannah tried to slow down her breathing and take in what he was saying.
“But I don’t know the first thing about recording an audition video,” she stammered. “Don’t I need special sound equipment and all that stuff?”
“Leave that up to me. I’ve got all the gadgets and gear you’ll need.” He squeezed her hand. “Will you do it?”
Hannah swallowed. He believed in her so much, and that made it easier for her to believe in herself.
“Yes. I’ll try it,” Hannah said. “Thank you for believing in me.”
“It’s no problem. Anyone who’s heard you play would believe in you too.” Luke smiled.
Hannah swung her legs back and forth, her heels hitting the stool she was sitting on. As much she wanted to give this a shot, she wasn’t making the decision in a vacuum. She looked over her shoulder at the kitchen, where her dad was cooking.
“I understand about your dad,” Luke said, reading her mind. “But have you ever talked to him directly about it? I can’t imagine that he’d be against you going for your passion.”
Hannah took in a deep breath again. She hadn’t ever brought this up with him, but she had to at some point. But bringing it up before she even recorded her video or got in sounded a bit premature.
“I’ll talk to him if I get in,” she said.
Luke smiled, and Hannah couldn’t help but smile in return.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Alissa sipped her coffee as she came into The Outlet’s office, ready for the upcoming week. Josie was at her desk as always, working away.
“Morning!” Alissa said.
“Good morning!” Josie smiled at her before going back to what she was working on.
Alissa went past her to Dane’s office to say hello, but she found his office empty. She checked her watch. It was a little past nine and Dane was almost always in. Maybe he was going on a quick coffee run. But then again, she would have run into him on her way to the office since she had also grabbed something on the way.
She put her bag down and went over to Josie’s desk.
“Where’s Dane?” Alissa asked.
“He took the day off today.”
