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“What? No.” He shook his head. “I can’t do that.”
“Why not? Your mom said you got accepted to Juilliard, so you must be good.”
“That was a long time ago.” His voice was softer, almost sullen. “I chose Princeton instead.”
“You stopped playing altogether?”
“I still played in college, but not as often as I had growing up. As the years went by I lost interest.” He stared at the piano, looking as though he might honor her request. “Come on. Let’s go upstairs.”
“Please.”
“Dakota, I can’t. We’re in public.”
“Haven’t you played in public before?”
“Yes, but this is different.” He ran his fingers through his hair as he continued to stare at the keys.
“Just a few notes.” She nudged him toward the bench. “For me.”
“This is absurd.
“Indulge me.”
“I can think of other ways to do that.” He sat down and trailed his fingers along the keys as if he were testing them out. “Since you’re so determined to have me do this, do you have something in mind?”
“You pick.” She sat down next to him. “I want to hear you play.”
“Hmm.” He moved his fingers across the ivories. “Maybe this.” He continued to play the keys as he looked into her eyes. The notes came effortless to him. Occasionally he would gaze down but not for long. He seemed to be lost in her eyes.
The music he played echoed throughout the lobby, creating a chilling harmony. She’d never heard the melody before, but it seemed familiar. Maybe it reminded her of him. After a few minutes, he softened the tone and hit the last note. It lingered throughout the room. When she looked up they were surrounded by his family and friends.
“You have an audience,” she whispered.
“Oh.” He looked around, trying to act casual, but she saw the blush in his cheeks as they applauded.
“Spencer,” Tara said. “What a wonderful wedding present.”
“It was spontaneous.” He motioned toward the ballroom. “Go back to your wedding.”
Tara smiled at Coda. “He’s a tough one.”
“Tell me about it.” Coda put her arm around Spencer’s back. “But he’s so good at this.” She pointed to the piano. “He should play more often.”
“Spencer, that was beautiful.” Jenna’s eyes filled with tears. She leaned down and hugged Coda. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Coda asked. “I didn’t do anything.”
“You asked him to play, didn’t you?”
“I didn’t think he would, but I wanted to hear him,” Coda explained.
“I’ve waited a long time for him to do that.” She kissed Spencer’s cheek. “I hope you’ll do it again.”
“Mom, please.” He stood from the piano bench. “It wasn’t a big deal. Coda asked and I played her something. I didn’t realize the whole reception would come into the lobby to listen.”
“They were drawn to it.” Jenna wiped her tears away. “You sounded like your father.”
“Go back to the reception.” He kissed her head. “Coda and I are heading to our room.”
