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“It’s different. And it’s going to take some time, but—” He paused, remembering Emily’s thoughts. “It’s good to be challenged.” He grimaced. “I’m still not sure about that modern piece though.”
Maestro chuckled. “Perhaps you can gain some perspective with that one as well.” He tilted his head, eyes lit with curiosity again. “Where did this new insight come from?”
Mark shrugged. “Someone was outside and heard it, and we chatted about it.”
“Really? Is she attractive?”
Mark glared. “Who says it’s a woman?”
Maestro laughed. “Would you change your mind so quickly if it had been a man?”
Mark opened his mouth to protest but realized he couldn’t.
“It’s amazing what a beautiful woman can do to our egos.” He laughed. “I have been tamed many times by a pretty face.”
Mark couldn’t suppress the smile. Maybe this new guy wasn’t so bad.
Seventeen
Mark fidgetedwith his phone as he waited for Emily to show, looking up every time the bell on the coffee shop door jingled, announcing a new arrival or departure. He’d gotten there early but something inside him doubted she would show. He didn’t like feeling unsure about a woman. At all.
The seconds ticked by, finally shuffling past the appointed time. Mark glanced at his phone, wondering if he should wait. Had he pressured her into it? Had he been too eager? Had he scared her off? Had he been too forward?
He shook his head.Enough worrying. This is ridiculous.He didn’t wait around for women, they waited for him.
He leaned down to pick up his violin case, ready to leave, when the bell jangled again and Emily walked inside. She looked around, her fingers twisting in the hem of her shirt, and gave him an apologetic smile when she spotted him.
“Did you get lost?” he asked, standing as she walked over.
She stopped short, almost falling forward, and opened her mouth in shock. She shook her head. “I couldn’t decide if I should come or not.”
Mark frowned and she waved a hand in the air.
“I couldn’t imagine you really wanting to spend time with me.”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to.”
“Oh.” She blinked several times and played with the hem of her shirt again. This one fit better than the enormous one she’d been wearing the first time he saw her.
He motioned to the empty chair across from him and she sat down on the edge. He sat too. “What would you like to drink?”
“Oh, I can get it.” She jumped up and hurried over to the counter.
Mark studied her as she waited in line, still trying to figure her out. Who was she? Most women would have been eager to meet him for coffee. They’d share information they’d found on the internet to impress him with their musical knowledge. Emily was reluctant to spend time with him and she knew more about music than she shared. He could see it in her eyes. Why? What was there to hide about music? It was a benign topic.
She returned several minutes later. “You don’t have anything?”
“I was going to get mine when I got yours.”
Her beautiful brown eyes widened in shock. “Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t think...” She blew out a breath. “I’m sorry.”
“No biggie.” He stood and motioned to the chair she’d vacated earlier. He slung his violin case over his shoulder, unwilling to let it out of his sight in public. “I’ll be back in a few.”
She sat down and he strode across the shop. He glanced back to see her staring out the window, her chin resting in the palm of her hand. When he finally made it to the front of the line, he flashed a charming smile to the barista. “Hi, Charity.”
She blushed and bit her lip. “Usual, Mark?”
He nodded and she scribbled something on a cup and handed it to her coworker.
