Page 25 of Play Me

“Well, we need a pianist for a few of our tracks. We didn’t bring one with us, but over the last few days we’ve been wanting to open up the sound to about three or four of our new tracks.”

“No.” She knows where I’m going and she shakes her head.

“Hang on...don’t say no yet. It won’t be a huge commitment, but you’ll be perfect for it. And when we’re done... when it’s done, I will donate $50 000 to the school’s music program. That should get you to Canberra and back. For the next few years, I imagine.”

She gasps.

I need to hit while the iron’s hot. “For a few hours a week rehearsing and recording over the next ten weeks. For $50 000. What do you say?”

She just shakes her head and I can’t believe she’s refusing.

“Don’t say ‘no’ without seriously thinking about this Cadence.” I warn her.

She just stares at me, openmouthed. “But, why? Why would you do this?”

“Because we need someone like you to remind us why we’re all in this, and why we got into this in the first place.”

“Sebastian.”

“Look, you don’t have to answer right away.” Especially if your answer is going to be no, I tell myself.

“Ok.”

“How ‘bout now?” I ask again quickly.

She gives me a look that probably has her kids shaking in their school shoes. The effect on me is higher up my body, and I have to bite my tongue to stop it.

“Just think about it.” I hand her a piece of paper with my number on it. I ignore the spark that shoots up my arm when she takes it from my fingers. I don’t expect any less now when I touch her. “And let me know, Mary.”

“Why-?”

I lean in and whisper in her ear, “You’ll have to call to find out.”

And stealing one last look, I walk out the door and wonder if I’ll ever hear from her again.