“We have installment plans,” Art says, watching me close the fallboard with reluctance.
“I still couldn’t afford it.” Sadness shrouds me.
“I understand, but it’s such a shame. You are so talented, and it brings you so much joy.”
“It truly does.” It’s difficult to move away from the piano, but I force my feet to move.
“You should be attending Berklee not Rydeville University.”
“Music is just a hobby.”
“You could be playing in an orchestra, headlining shows, or starting your own piano school. It’s a travesty to not use such a God-given talent.”
“My parents didn’t think so.” Father loved that I could play. He liked to roll me out at dinner parties and charity events, but he always made it clear it wasn’t a career, and I’ve never considered it as such.
“Well, they’re idiots.”
I burst out laughing. “Thank you, Art.” I pat his arm and smile. “This was fun.”
“If you ever reconsider your options, come see me. An old friend has a son who sits on the board at Berklee, and I can mention you to him.”
“You’re very kind. I’ll think about it.”
“You should drop by Vintage Elegance. I know their resident pianist retired a few months ago, and I don’t think they’ve replaced him yet. Tell them I sent you, and they’ll give you a trial.”
I already have a job, and that restaurant looks very swanky, so I’m not sure I’ll fit in, but I’ll consider that too. At least it would be a way to get to play. And getting paid would be the icing on top of the cake.
I lean in and press a kiss to Art’s cheek. “You’re amazing, Art, and very well connected!”
“Don’t be a stranger, sweetheart,” he calls out after me as I leave.
I’m still walking on a cloud when I return home, but my good mood fades a little when I find Jude sitting on the couch alongside Uma. Joaquin’s best friend is almost part of the furniture now. Uma and Jude have been virtually inseparable since that first night, and he seems like a really good guy. While I’m pleased for Uma, it’s not quite what I imagined when we moved in together.
I’m being a bitch, I silently chastise myself. Uma is happy, and that’s all that matters. Jude has his arm around her, and she’s snuggling into his side as they watch TV.
“Oh, hey.” Uma hops up when she sees me.
“Hey, Em,” Jude arches his head back and smiles.
“Hey.”
“I hope it’s okay he’s here,” Uma whispers, coming up alongside me.
“Of course.” I kick off my shoes. “As long as he’s alone.”
“I have told him Joaquin is not welcome unless he’s specifically invited.”
“Good.” I walk into the kitchen and open the refrigerator, finding it mostly bare. I don’t need to look in the cupboards to know they’re virtually empty too. “Damn it.” I slam my palm intomy forehead. “I totally forgot it was my turn to do the grocery shopping. I got distracted leaving work.”
Uma and I take turns shopping every week. Even with my staff discount, Foley’s is too expensive, and we’re on a tight budget, so we shop at the budget supermarket in town.
“I thought you were late because you were at the store, but don’t sweat it. We can order takeout.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll just get changed and head out, but if you’re hungry, order takeout, and I’ll pay.”
“You don’t have to do that, but I think we’ll order from the Thai place as Jude is starving.”
“Order me my usual, and I’ll heat it up when I get back.”
