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I stare at the bubbles rising in my glass, still unsure how I ended up here—in my thirty dollar dress that somehow feels like it was made for tonight.

Despite Alistair’s rudeness, I’ve never felt more like myself. I’ve never felt more alive.

I should feel out of place against the women in lavish, custom-made gowns, but I don’t. I’m not performing tonight. I’m here with Julian. Standing here in this thrifted dress, I feel better than I ever have in my life.

“Your father’s charity,” I say quietly, looking toward the make-shift stage. “What does it actually do?”

“Funds music education programmes in underprivileged schools across the state.” His expression does not change. “It’s ironic because he despises music, but as long as my father’s name is on the letterhead, he attends two events a year and donates enough money to make the tax benefits worth it, he's happy.”

“That’s —”

“Yes,” he says simply.

We don’t need to finish the conversation.

Moments later, Alistair Thorne takes center stage at the head of the ballroom. A man accustomed to entire rooms falling silent for him.

Small-man syndrome, indeed.

The transformation is immediate and easily one of the most unsettling things I have ever witnessed. The cold, calculated man from the foyer has completely vanished, replaced by something warm, charming and entirely crafted. His voice carries such apparent affection and gratitude to people who do not matter, yet he shows none of this towards his own son.

I dislike this man more with every passing second.

“Welcome to this evening's gala, in aid of The Melody Foundation,” Alistair announces. “It is such an honour to have you here, in our beautiful family home. My son, Julian and I are so very happy that you’ve joined us.”

Oh, please. I can’t contain another eye roll.

Standing beside me, Julian hasn’t moved a single muscle. He is staring straight ahead, his back rigid as a statue, completely detached from the applause rippling through the room.

Alistair continues, his voice rising with theatrical charm, “As you are aware, this evening we raise funds for a charity so very close to our hearts. So please, get out your cheque books, cards, cash, and let’s raise as much as we can. Claudette is over by the side of the stage, she will be delighted to assist you.”

“The ‘close to our hearts’ bit is my favourite,” Julian mumbles as he continues to stare straight ahead.

I look to where Alistair is gesturing to a bright-faced blonde, who smiles and waves to the crowd from the edge of the stage. She’s the absolute picture of artificial high-society grace. All teeth, bronze tan and expensive highlights. I try my best not to make a face, but a disgusted sigh slips past my lips.

“He really is a monster, isn’t he?” Julian says. It isn’t really a question.

“He’s—” I search for the word. “Complicated.”

Julian turns to look at me.

“He’s a monster. You’re allowed to agree.” He laughs, nudging my shoulder gently with his.

I give him an awkward smile. Even though I know Alistair Thorne is a true monster, I can’t bring myself to admit it—for Julian’s sake.

“Okay, that’s my cue.” He reaches around to grab my hip, as he leans in and whispers, “be back in five, Bow-Peep. Don’t run off.”

He doesn’t wait for an answer.

He steps away and moves towards the glossy black concert grand piano with a smoothness that makes something in my chest tighten. As I watch him cross the room, he looks completely untroubled. There isn’t a single trace of the coldness his father projects. It’s just Julian walking towards a piano—the one place in the world where he is entirely, unreservedly himself.

As he takes his seat on the bench, my usual pre-performance anxiety jitters flare up all over again. Only this time, they aren’t for me. They’re entirely for him.

Julian settles onto the bench, adjusting it slightly. He extends his arms, a brief, silent command for the room to hold its breath, and then his long fingers find the keys.

I have always loved Debussy. I know this piece well. I’ve played alongside it, listened to it in masterclasses, heard it in concert halls, and I thought I understood what it was.

However, Julian playing Debussy is a whole new education and my new fixation.