"Can you imagine your father becoming a father again at his age?"Jay asked.
"Only if he met my mother again," she said.
The limousine hummed through the heart of San Francisco’s cultural arts district before stopping in front of an impressive building in the newly renovated Civic Center.Brightly lit stone pillars framed the Greek Revival facade, while the nearly deserted street lent the scene an air of quiet anticipation.From Claire’s expression, Jay could tell he had piqued her curiosity.
"This is the place," he said.
He extended his hand and helped her from the car.She slipped her arm through his as they entered the building in silence.Only after she spotted the brass placard at the visitor’s station welcoming guests to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music did she speak.
"A concert?"she asked.
"The chair of the piano department is giving a private performance tonight,” he said.
"And you somehow managed to wrangle an invitation?"
"Something like that.”He shrugged with a smug grin."I owe you one, remember?Our weekend in New York?The Nancy Chen concert we missed?”
"And now she's retired."Claire sighed."We missed our window of opportunity."
"I know it's not the same thing, but who knows… the next Nancy Chen might be playing for us tonight."
They followed the signs to a set of heavy mahogany doors.A tall, thin man ushered them into a dimly lit concert hall.The intimate space held only about a hundred seats before a sparse stage, where a single, gleaming Steinway stood.The stately architecture and historic atmosphere reminded Jay of the tiny conservatory at Hamish’s estate.After a few moments of quiet observation, they took their seats—front row, center.
Jay reached for her hand, moving the platinum band back and forth.Though the ring had looked stunning in its box—the one he’d secretly carried since their emotional trip from New York to L.A.—it took on a new brilliance on her finger.
"You weren't kidding when you said private."She glanced around for a moment before it hit her."We're the only ones in attendance tonight, aren't we?"
“Well, there's private and then there'sprivate."He winked.
"Jay Avery, how do you manage to do the things you do?"she asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
A hidden door on the left side of the stage opened and a young man wearing a dark suit stepped onto the stage.Without acknowledging the two audience members, he approached the piano and sat down on the bench.He played a portion of Chopin for less than a minute then stood and exited the stage with brisk steps.
"You went all out, didn't you?”Claire whispered.“That's officially the shortest concert I've ever attended.”
"I think he warmed up the keys," Jay said.
Seconds later, a woman emerged through the same hidden door.Her long, pale-pink silk gown skimmed the floor, making her seem to float toward the piano.She moved with quiet grace, soundless and poised.When she reached the sleek ebony instrument, she turned to them and nodded.
"Jay, that's… that's…” Claire gripped his arm.
"Nancy Chen," he winked again.
Without warning, she launched into a concerto that filled the concert hall with magic.Her artistry at the piano surpassed anything they had ever witnessed, and both sat utterly captivated.She honored Mozart’s genius not only with precision, but with a depth that moved Claire to tears.
A half-hour later, when the final notes faded and the hall fell silent, Ms.Chen stood and offered a slight bow.Jay and Claire jumped to their feet, filling the air with applause.Ms.Chen nodded, smiled, and motioned for them to join her.Jay escorted Claire up a narrow staircase and they walked to the center of the stage to greet the famous musician.
"Good evening," Ms.Chen spoke first.
"You are incredible.”Claire beamed.“I honestly have no words."
"Impeccable as always,” Jay said.“You haven't lost your touch.Are you sure you’re retired?"
"For the moment, but you know better than most I rarely sit still for long.”She winked.
"I'd like to introduce you to my fiancée, Claire Jordan," Jay turned to Claire, his eyes sparkling.
"It's an absolute pleasure.Jay's told me so much about you."She extended her hand to Claire.
