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Thanks for letting me know. I will keep the schedule we have set, but I was wondering. Do you have time for a bonus lesson this afternoon? I’m worried I’ll lose the progress I’ve made if I go too long.
I snorted as I read the message. Then I felt bad and covered my mouth like that would somehow erase the rude sound.
“Babe,” Ben said.
I glanced up. He gave me a what’s going on look.
“I’m going to hell,” I told him.
“Not exactly the honeymoon I was thinking of, but you know I’ll follow you anywhere.”
Honeymoon? He did know we weren’t actually engaged, right? I lifted my left hand to stare down at my ring finger, feeling a little sad when I confirmed there was, in fact, no ring. I hadn’t worn that little bow very long, but I’d gotten used to it.
I told myself I shouldn’t miss something that wasn’t even mine to begin with, but well, my heart was a terrible listener.
The Audi downshifted and pulled into the parking lot of Allegro, the only music store in Westbrook. The first time I saw it, I got old slasher film vibes, which, frankly, only made me want to work here more. The standalone building looked like a small, old church perched right in the middle of town. The outside was light-colored stone with a gable roof, and what kept it from looking too plain and triangular was the large square portico at the entrance that was framed in dark wood.
Beneath the portico were large double glass doors, the only windows in the entire place. A large black rubber welcome mat lay in front of them, and chimes were tied on the handle inside so they jingled whenever someone came in.
Beneath the portico and on either side of the entrance were lanterns that were electric but looked like they flickered with real flames. The landscaping around the building was mature, some of the large bushes green but the rest lackluster and barren because winter was still hanging on.
The smooth purr of the Audi was the only sound for a few heartbeats as I watched a curled-up brown leaf dance across the sidewalk out front.
Ben shifted, and I remembered I had a text to reply to.
I’m sorry, but I can’t do it today. I’m already at my other job. But I can stay an extra thirty minutes on our regular day if that would help?
The reply was immediate. Yes! Thank you! See you soon!
I sent the screen dark and looked up, noting Ben already watching me. He arched a brow in question.
“One of the piano students I tutor wanted an extra lesson today. She’s worried because I missed a couple lessons.” I giggled.
His eyes warmed, lips tilting upward. “Why’s that funny?”
“Because she’s so terrible, Ben,” I said, dissolving into laughter. “It’s awful of me, but the first thing I thought was that missing a few practices wouldn’t put her behind because she has yet to get ahead.”
He smiled, his white teeth on display. “She that bad?”
“I mean, she knows how to play, but her rhythmic ear is skewed. And she knows the notes, but her timing is off.” I tried to explain, knowing it probably made no sense but not knowing how else to explain.
“Well, you’re a brilliant piano princess, and if anyone can teach her, it’s you.”
My lips curled in, his words making me feel special. “Thanks for the ride, Benji.”
“Sure you don’t wanna just quit?” he asked, hopeful. “I can leave skid marks on the way out.”
I laughed. “I need this job. I like it.”
“You would like it here. Place gives me the heebie-jeebies,” he muttered, popping his door open to come around and open mine.
“The heebie-jeebies?” I asked when he reached in to help me out.
“Probably built on some ancient evil burial ground and the guy knew it so he made the place look holy to try and keep the bad spirits away.”
I grabbed him by the arm with wide eyes. “Maybe that’s why I sometimes hear a flute playing when I’m working in there alone.”
“Oh, hell no!” he roared. “Back in the car. You ain’t staying here. I forbid it!”
