By evening, I check on my sister and Cara before going to bed in my quarters.
Chapter 7
Anu-Ms K
Why did he have to come to the center? I hope he doesn’t show up tomorrow. The last few weeks have been slight torture for me. I’ve missed seeing him, and the ache in my chest is a constant reminder that I need to keep a lid on my emotions, just like I have these past few days. Like a damn hurricane, he just blew right in without a warning, and I’m left drenched.
Soon as he walked out, I had to repurpose my brain to focus on the kids and Jordan. They sound good but they can be better. I need them better, so we can raise all the money we need. The money, though large, will cover the expense of all instruments and teachers' salary.
This program is worth fighting for and I need to make it work so I can stay in Chicago a little longer before my dad marries me off like he’s making an eighteen-century-marriage deal. My purpose in life is to teach music to children, if I can’t do what I believe is my purpose then I must pivot.
I turn my attention back to the children and Jordan. Working with them is the highlight of my week. The smile on their faces when they get the note perfectly.
This is what I was born to do. Bringing music to life, the kind you can feel in every bone of your being.
Having Jordan playing with the kids fuels their energy.
Soon as the practice ends, they are all ready to run to the next exciting thing and, of course, Uncle Dan is back to speed up my heart rhythm again.
Our little tête-à-tête is a foreplay dance, and I need to find a way to put an end to it. What my mind wants and what my body wants are two different things. Much as I’m attracted to him, something tells me I may not be his type and I need to find ways to quench this attraction and the sooner I shut down every aspect of him, the better. I need strategies to overcome this infatuation; I'll be better off if I can stop thinking about him altogether, and I need to do so quickly.
I called Nkem and I’m going to her place tonight instead of going home. I think it’s time I tell her about the guy I’m crushing on. Maybe she will have some easy solution for me.
Long as it cures our drying spell,my bad angel reminds me. I shudder and resume my work.
Planning the next level to help the children and Jordan sound magnificent.
Maybe a sexy guy will bid on the mystery item.Lately, my bad angel has taken over.
Maybe,I don’t want to think about what I agreed to, but Andrea and Lande DeMoore seem to think it’s the best way to raise the most money, and an evening highlight. To say that I’m nervous about a mystery date is an understatement. Nkem seems to think it’s a good way to get out of my comfort zone and maybe start dating again, I might meet someone that will takemy mind of Uncle Dan, and after dating a jerk like Teni. It will be a welcome joy.
Chapter 8
Daniel
I arrive early the next day. Cara is racing out before the car parked, we are driving to the center. She’s running inside just like the other kids and I’m trailing behind. This time, Cole A is already with Ms K. They are listening to music. I watch the kids each file in, with a smile, waving and fist bumping Ms K and Cole A. I get closer and Ms K smiles, but Cole A’s face is stoic, and I can tell he doesn't like me. I don’t have anything to say to her, so here goes making shit up.
“Hi,” I say to them.
“Hi, Uncle Dan,” she said, her smile bright, “what can I do for you?” Did I hear a playful tilt in her voice?
"Is there an opportunity for Cara to perform at the event?" She smiles and moves closer to me. I hear Cole A subtly scoff.
“You don’t give up, do you?” she says.
“Not when it makes Cara happy. You had to see her on the drive home yesterday, and today she was waiting by the door before I pulled up.”
“Most of the kids are happy to be in the event. Right now, the event group is complete, but I’m letting kids I privately teach join and practice with them. If any of the kids in the event group fall sick, or if we decide to have a larger group, then my private lesson kids can join. For now, it’s a no, but if things change, Cara would be first on my list.” Her response is delivered succinctly with a hint of “don’t push your luck”. I smirk inwardly, knowing I’m going to push every button.
“Thank you. That would mean a lot.”
“Can we talk about the—” I say but the bell goes off, and the kids are immediately moving to their positions. I know it’s time to leave, so I walk out with the other parents waving goodbye to Cara.
I find Andrea outside on the phone, she signals for me to wait. I nod in agreement.
She turns to me once she’s done. “Hey, nice to see you again.” Her voice is chirpy.
“Nice to see you too.”
