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“Thank you. Rule number one if you’re going to live here. Be clothed at all times.”
“Spoil sport.”
There’s this odd moment where we simply smile at each other for much too long. I lower my eyes and return to my piano.
“Did my practicing bother you this morning?” I ask.
“Not at all. I loved it and found it relaxing. You’re... amazing, Mila. Really impressive.”
My cheeks grow hot at the compliment. “Thank you. I’m playing with the Marin Symphony. You enjoy the piano?”
He plops down on the couch, propping his bare feet on the coffee table. An unforgiveable sin in Ryker’s eyes. “I do. I associate it with happy times, time spent with my dad. My father used to take me and Ryker out on father-son outings. He took us to the usual stuff, ballgames and other sporting events. But he said he wanted us to be well-rounded, to appreciate the arts, so he also took us to the symphony on several occasions. There was almost always a pianist. It was my favorite part. Can you imagine that though? Two young boys with lots of energy sitting through a symphony?” Zane laughs to himself.
“Was it miserable?”
“No, actually. I fell in love with it. It fascinated me. To this day, I love it.”
“Ryker must feel the same. That’s how I met him. He attended one of my performances with the Marin Symphony. I met him during the meet and greet after the show.”
Zane folds his arms across his chest. “Did you really? What a coinkydink.”
“He asked me out to dinner right then and there. He gave me his business card so I wouldn’t forget his name.” I laugh aloud at the thought. “He missed Dating 101.”
Zane leans his head back on the couch and releases a half smile, half scoff. “Interesting,” he says slowly, then hops to his feet. “How about breakfast? I’m starving. Wanna join me?”
After what Ryker told me, I am feeling wary of Zane. I can’t figure him out. He seems friendly, casual, relaxed, and pleasant. He must have another side he’s not showing me. But, like last night, I don’t feel threatened. He may not be an honest individual, but I don’t think he bears any ill will toward me. Until he proves himself otherwise, I’m going to go with the flow. It’s seems like the best course of action.
“I could use a short break.”
“Sweet.”
We make our way to the kitchen. Zane takes out two bowls, fills them with cold cereal to the brim, and adds milk. “Breakfast is ready, dear,” he says with a wink.
“Quit impressing me, Zane.”
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
“If you make me peanut butter and jelly for lunch, I won’t be able to stop raving about you.”
He chuckles as he opens the French doors that lead to the balcony and says, “Let’s eat outside. The sun is calling my name.”
I grab my bowl and follow. He’s already sitting at the outdoor table, his bare feet once again propped up on the table as he basks in the morning sun. He takes a bite, dons his sunglasses, and leans his head back as he chews.
“Mmmmm, heaven.”
Huh. I’ve never thought of a bowl of Lucky Charms combined with sunshine as heaven, but this is nice in a bohemian kind of way. “I didn’t know we had Lucky Charms in the cupboard.”
“We didn’t. I picked them up yesterday. Stocked up. Ryker doesn’t eat this crap.”
No, he doesn’t. He’s into protein shakes and health food. Judging by Zane’s physique, it’s clear he doesn’t eat junk all day either. Maybe this is his one vice. Scandalous.
“How are you and Ryker brothers?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t know, it’s an enigma.”
“You’re very different from each other,” I remark slowly.
“Always have been. So, tell me about you, Mila. What’s your story?”
