He stole my words with a kiss full of promise that no matter what happened or where we went, we’d always be in each other's life.
He wagged his brows. “Phone sex is fun, amirite?”
“I haven’t done that yet,” I said, mulling over the possibility of studying piano in Philadelphia, and drowning myself in musical culture, while at night talking with my Pooh Bear and fooling around over the phone. Absence made the heart grow fonder and all that. And I imagined he’d come visit. We could see so many sights, do so many things but when it was all said and done, we’d still have each other.
The cello cut off and there was a soft round of applause. Fuck. I was next. This was the most important moment of my life, and I was going to blunder it.
He cupped my face and pecked my lips. “Screw everyone else. Play for you, brat, only you.”
My name was announced. His confidence in me meant the world and I walked onto stage with my head held high. The audience was filled with supporting family members and friends of the applicants. Danny and his fiancée were attending in the back row and gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up. My mother was next to them, dressed impeccably, her hands folded under her chin as if she were sending me a prayer. Things were strained between us, but her being here meant a lot.
Turning my attention to the judges in the first row, I told myself I could do this over and over. “Thank you for allowing me this opportunity. My name is Matteo Raphael Fernandez. I’m twenty-one, from the Kenilworth neighborhood and I am honored to play for you today.”
“Nice to meet you, Matteo. What will you be playing for us?” One of the judges asked.
“I will be playing “Un Sospiro”. The piece sums up the journey life has taken me on. Despite my rough start it’s impossible for me to not see the beauty of this world.”
“Very well,” he said and motioned to the piano being wheeled into the center of the stage.
I took my seat on the bench and stroked the dark wood of the keyboard’s cover. The instrument was of similar make and model to Nana’s grand piano and the moment I touched the ivory keys, all the tension and worry floated away.
Taking a deep breath, I started playing, the lights and wood of the stage floating away until I was in Nana’s living room, with Sean sitting in the chair, one leg over the arm rest as he watched me play. It didn’t matter what piano I was playing, whether my grandmother’s or another’s, the instrument was just a conduit to the music within me.
I played for myself and the fond memories of the mornings I’d shared with Nana; I played because I’d never forgotten the silly games my mother and I had partaken behind my father’s back and for my father who had shown me the darkest parts of the world. But the light was at its brightest in the shadow.
Mostly, I played for Sean, who had taught me to appreciate my music in a unique way. He’d shown me what it meant to be loved and was the most amazing and beautiful person I knew. He was “Un Sospiro” and “La Campanella” given form.
The final notes echoed, slowly melting into the silence of the room. The nerves were gone, replaced by a sense of peace so profound, I thought I’d burst from happiness. I came to stand at the edge of the stage and thanked the judges for their time. I could barely see them, not because of the glaring lights, but because I was crying.
I raced for the comfort of Sean behind the stage and fell into his arms. He held me so tightly I thought I’d pop. “I didn’t play for me. I played forus.”
He squeezed me harder. “Love you, brat.”
“Love you, too, Pooh Bear.”
I dried my eyes just as Danny and Jere met us backstage.
“That was seriously inspiring,” Danny said.
“Yeah,” his fiancé chimed in. “It’s like you have a superpower.”
Danny snickered. “We are both comic nerds. Anyway, thanks for inviting us, it was an experience. We wanted to ask you something… We’ve been trying to figure out the entertainment for our wedding and came to the conclusion that nothing is more romantic than piano. Would you play a few songs for us?”
I was excited and humbled all at once and nearly started crying again. Sharing my music with people was all I wanted. “I would be honored. Have you found a venue yet?”
“Ugh,” Danny complained. “Never get married in the summer. We’ve found a few prospects, but the options are limited due to price. We’ve both agreed to a certain budget. I insist we keep the wedding small, but it seems to grow every day.”
“But you made the guest list,” Jere countered. “You said you’d make cuts but added more.”
“How could I not invite the lawyer? If it weren’t for him we wouldn’t be able to afford a wedding,” he hedged. “And your girls back in Springfield that are like sisters to you? Should I not invite them?”
Sean chuckled and cut in. “Jere, my friend. Never argue with the bride.”
Danny huffed and play-punched Sean in his chest. “I am not a bridezilla. Notyet.”
I passed Sean a look who nodded in approval. “I—wewere thinking about that. My grandmother's house is big and comes with its own beachfront property so let me host. And with the money you’d save, you can splurge on other things like flowers or food.”
“Matteo, that’s far too generous,” Danny rasped.
