The girls break into a nice rendition of Frosty. It’s childlike but not unpleasant. After a moment, Mari accompanies them on the piano and sings softly and in perfect harmony with them.
At the end, the girls and Lori applaud.
Livi says in a tone near begging, “I want to sing like that, Miss Mari.”
“You already have a very pretty voice, and it will get better as you grow up. Both of you are talented.”
When I’ve finished my water and enjoyed the relationship building between the twins and Mari, I place the glass pitcher on the table and quietly leave the yard. I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life.
There are some things I want to pick up to finish the meditation portion of the project, so I head out while the lesson continues.
It’s after eight when Mari steps into my house. Her color is high, and her eyes are bright with excitement as she steps into my arms. “They are darling girls and not without talent.”
“You enjoyed yourself.” I breathe her in.
“I did. It’s surprising to me that they’re not terrified of me, but I’m grateful. I sent them home with an old keyboard of mine so they can practice scales.”
“When will you teach them again?” I lead her to the kitchen, where I open a bottle of wine and pour us each a glass of appropriate size.
“They’ll be back next Tuesday, and we’ll see if they do the lessons I sent home with them. They seemed very keen, but they’re only ten and might get distracted by some other notion.” She shrugs.
“Or they may find a love for music that matches your own.” I sip the wine, ignoring the beeping of an incoming text message.
“Shouldn’t you see who that is?” She sips and closes her eyes. Her youthful expression of delight feeds my soul. “This is good wine.”
“I’m glad you like it. The only person I’m waiting on word from is already here.” Leaning over the counter, I take her hand and kiss her fingers.
The phone beeps with another text.
She giggles, and this new joy in her is all I could ever ask for. She kisses my hand in return. “You shouldn’t neglect others in your life.”
“I’m not. Well, maybe I am, but good friends will understand my distraction. It’s a nice night. Would you like to sit out on the back deck?” I pick up my glass and the bottle.
With a nod, she opens the back slider and steps outside. It’s as dark as the moon is on a crescent night, but the cool breeze feels amazing.
I set the wine on the table and admire the smooth way Mari lies back on my lounger. She looks tiny on the furniture built for me, but she also fits in here.
Checking the text, it’s from Gabe at the hardware store.
Gabe:
A young woman came in asking about masonry work today. I hope it’s okay that I gave her your number.
Sam:
Did she say what the job is?
Gabe:
Something about the front of a house. She was vague.
Sam:
No problem. Who was it?
Gabe:
Never saw her before. Tall, blonde, and elegant. Must be new in town.
