But today, I just want to make something lovely. Something people can enjoy while they eat breakfast and pretend their lives are simple.
I play with my eyes closed. It makes it easier to listen, easier to stay inside the sound instead of my own head.
It isn’t really a song. It’s whatever comes to me in the moment.
I’m going for a Victorian tea party vibe. Dukes and duchesses.
Daffodils blooming on the tables like the cold dark winter never happened. Tea being topped up while gossip goes around.
Lace fans. Hand-painted china. A peacock screaming in the garden.
Definitely the peacock. I love those ridiculous animals.
And me? I’m the poor court musician, madly in love with Arcadia’s royalty, hiding in plain sight.
When I lift the bow from the strings, there’s a moment of silence. Then the applause comes.
My eyes go straight to the long table filled with nobles. Everyone’s clapping, except my man.
Arms crossed, he looks at me like he’s the only one who understands what’s underneath the music. I want him to. I want him to see what no one else in the crowd is allowed to see.
And there’s a shimmer in his irises. I catch the subtle movement of his jaw, the bob of his throat. A small smile, just for me. Then he joins the applause.
I lower the violin and offer a humble bow.
Erin walks over with a smile that gives me the chills.
“That was beautiful, Tom. I didn’t know you played with that much emotion.”
She tucks her sunglasses into her hair.
“Neither did I. Apparently, insomnia’s good for something.”
The corner of her mouth lifts as she gestures to the empty seat. “Mind if I join?”
“Be my guest.”
Her eyes flick to the croissant I haven’t touched, then back to me. Very Emily.
“Thought you’d be gone by now. You sounded pretty convinced the other day, and now look at you. Going all Chopin.”
“Chopin was a pianist. Any other name-drop from the mainstream composer club would’ve made more sense. Roulette’s not your game, Erin.”
Her lips twitch.
Yosh joins us without a word.
No hello, no good morning. He feels the tension and leaves it alone.
“Did we do something wrong on our end?” Erin asks.
“If so, you can tell me, Tom,” Yosh adds, all mindful and shit.
My skin prickles. I keep smiling as I kick his shin under the table.
He stiffens for half a second. Good.
“No, nothing like that. Just some things I need to think through. Clear my head, you know?”
