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Violet’s jaw gaped. Hayden could sing? She clapped slowly as others in the small room cheered and whistled.
“Marry me, Hayden! I love you!”
Seriously?Olivia Hargood should be ashamed of herself. She was old enough to be Hayden’s mother. Violet shook her head as the others laughed, and the small crowd quieted.
The spotlight shone on Hayden sitting at the baby grand piano. “Ladies and gentlemen, my illustrious co-host is in the house tonight.” He played a few introductory notes. “Violet, would you do me the honor of joining me?”
This can’t be happening.She sank lower on her chair, waving her hands and shaking her head.Is he really doing this?
“I think she needs a little encouragement. Can everyone please give Violet a nice round of applause to welcome her?”
“Go on, honey.” Lucy nudged her arm. “If you don’t go up there, I will.”
Theo grunted. “No one wants that.”
Violet rose to her feet. Polite applause erupted around her as she made her way to the stage. When Hayden made room on the bench, she dropped down beside him. “I’m not much of a singer,” she whispered.
“Just keep me company.” He ran his fingers over the keys with dexterity and practiced skill. Was there no end to this man’s talents? The tune was familiar, but she couldn’t place it until he began to sing.
It Had to Be You.Her grandparents had danced to this song at their wedding. So hadherparents. He couldn’t possibly know that. When he began to sing, Hayden’s voice was much the same as his speaking voice, only huskier. Unaffected. Heartfelt and incredibly sweet. Like the irritating boy next door who’d grown up to be the appealing man sitting next to her.
Violet glanced around the room. Many couples held hands, some bobbed their heads, and nearly everyone smiled. She loved how a song like this wasuniversalin bringing people together.
“If you know the words, feel free to sing along,” Hayden said into the microphone. Continuing to play, he gently bumped her shoulder with his. She bumped back. He pretended she’d hurt him, making her shake her head and laugh. Then she joined him for the last stanza. His smile was warm as they finished.
“Don’t quit your radio jobs,” Frankie teased them as the crowd applauded. “In all honesty, you two made beautiful music together tonight. Feel free to make a return engagement anytime.”
As Hayden followed her off the stage, Violet turned back at one point and nearly plowed him down. “Oh, I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. Did you forget something?”
Suddenly nervous, she licked her lips. “If you’re not here with anyone, I came with two septuagenarian troublemakers. You’re—”
“Lucy! Theo!” Darting around her, Hayden headed toward their table.
“Welcome to join us,” Violet murmured.
After giving Lucy a warm hug and shaking Theo’s hand, Hayden waited for her to sit down then parked himself beside her. “So, how do you two septuagenarians”—he stumbled over the word—“know the fair Violet?”
Lucy narrowed her eyes. “What did you call us?”
Hayden nudged her knee under the table. “It’s all good, Lucy. It means you’re very wise.”
“Violet visits us at Golden Hills every week,” Theo said. “Once a month or so, we sweet talk her into bringing us here.” He arched his brows at Hayden. “Jealous?”
Hayden heaved a dramatic sigh. “I fear it’s a moot point. Violet’s not interested in me inthatway.
Two pairs of eyes centered on her as Hayden called over the server. “Anybody need anything?” Violet shook her head, and he ordered another ginger ale for Lucy and water for Theo and himself.
“Violet’s out of my league, anyway,” Hayden said, turning back to them.
Her brows arched. “Don’t be silly. There’s noleague.” What was hedoing?
“Don’t feel too sorry for me,” he said to Lucy and Theo. “My neighbor offered to fix me up with a girl she says is ‘perfect’ for me.”
Violet’s heart dropped to her toes.Chin up. Don’t let him see it bothers you.
They stared at one another a long moment, neither one speaking.
