Jax leaves before he, or I, can change his mind.
“I’m holding you to that,” I shout after him.
My body is screaming for release.
Forced abstinence. They say it adds spice. It adds a tear-your-clothes-off form of desperation in my mind.
I hear Jax’s car fire up, its throaty roar making me smile.
I leave the sofa and decide to make the most of my time by exploring.
The door at the far end of the kitchen leads to a fully equipped utility room and a downstairs bathroom. I make my way back into the hall, and an office sits beside the front door, and behind the stairs is the last room I expected.
Throwing open the door I walk inside, my eyes bulging as I take in the Steinway Grand Piano sitting in the centre of the room. A large comfortable seating area has been positioned to one-side, perfect for listening, while the windows themselves are framed by large, heavy curtains.
A nearby bookshelf holds folders and books of sheet music.
I approach and run my hand over the volumes. Many of which I recognise. Pieces I’ve played over the years.
Has Jaxson taken up the piano?
He used to love to watch me play. Said it helped him relax.
I move towards the Steinway, my piano of choice. Running my finger over the highly polished wood. My heart thunders in my chest.
It’s been so long.
I lost the passion for playing after Jax and I split. He had become my inspiration, my muse.
I lift the fallboard. The eighty-eight keys beneath are calling to me.
My stomach quivers. I should leave.
I find the middle C and press. The note hits the air, and a breath rushes from my lungs.
Pulling out the bench, I sit down, my heart pounding in my chest.
I place my fingers on the keys as I was taught during my first lesson and close my eyes.
My fingers move of their own accord. I’m stiff, but the notes and music come back to me, flooding my system.
I lose myself.
When I finally stop, I sense I’m no longer alone.
“Please, don’t stop on my account,” he says. “You play beautifully.”
An older man stands in the doorway, leaning against the frame.
“Thank you. That’s kind of you. I’m a little rusty. It’s been a long time since I last played.”
He smiles, and I instantly recognise him. They have the same smile.
“You’re Jax’s Dad.”
He moves towards me. “David,” he says, extending a hand. “It’s good to finally meet you, Kathryn.”
His hand encases mine.
