I put out my hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. O’Neil.”
She took my hand and said, “Just call me Moira.” She tilted her head slightly. “Jeremy Fitzgerald? You’re the pianist. I’ve been to your concerts at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. You’re marvelous.”
“Thank you,” I said.
Sean threw up his hands. “How does everyone but me know who you are?”
His mother patted his cheek. “You work too much, mo chuisle.”
Sean grunted his discontent. I drew him back to my side. “Maybe I can get him to take a few days off. I’ll be here for a month after all.”
“Oh, you’re staying at Moonlight,” Moira said with a pleased expression.
“Yes,” I replied. “My best friend is getting married there in June, and I’m playing for the wedding. I’m here ahead of time to get a change of scenery and to get used to playing in front of people again.” I saw Sean give me the side-eye, and I sighed inwardly. I hadn’t told him that bit.
“Oh, that’s right,” she exclaimed. “You had that accident. You poor dear. How’s your arm?”
“Good. Most days, I don’t even feel it. Only when it’s cold and damp does it give me problems.”
“You’re playing on that lovely grand piano, aren’t you?”
I glanced at Sean and smiled. “Yes. Sean has been kind enough to let me use the piano when the restaurant is closed.”
Moira eyed her son. “Maybe you should play when it’s open to get used to playing in front of people.”
Sean shook his head. “Mom, I can’t ask a world-renowned pianist to play in my hotel for free.”
“I suppose that’s true,” she said.
“But,” I added, “I would be happy to play for you sometime if you like.”
Moira’s eyes lit up. “Oh, that would be grand. You’re so sweet.”
I felt my face heat, and Sean chuckled. “Everyone at the hotel says the same thing.” He slipped his arm around my waist. “We’re gonna get going. I’m taking him to Iron Whale for dinner.”
“How nice,” she said. “The food is very good and such a lovely view.”
Sean gave his mother a hug and kissed her cheek. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
I held out my hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Moira waved my hand aside and drew me into a hug. “Psh. Sean likes you—I can tell, so you get a hug.”
For a moment, I was stunned into stillness. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d gotten a hug from my own mother. I wasn’t sure she had ever hugged me. The only person who hugged me regularly was Evan. Evan was strong and solid, but Moira was warm and soft, like I imagined a mother would be. I felt myself relax into her arms and a sudden lump swelled in my throat. She pulled back and patted my cheek before glancing over at Sean. “You need more hugs, dear.”
Sean winked. “I’ll take care of it, Mom.”
“Good. Now go on. I have a date with my sofa and Netflix.”
I saw Sean press his lips together, no doubt to prevent himself from commenting on his mother’s evening ofNetflix and chill.
After another round of goodbyes, we got back in Sean’s car and headed to Asbury Park. The sun was low on the horizon when we finally arrived at the restaurant. It was right on the boardwalk and had a fantastic ocean view. Every once in a while, a ray of the setting sun would peek between the buildings and cast little sparks of light across the water. Even though it was chilly, plenty of people were at the shops and restaurants lining the boardwalk.
Iron Whale had a sleek, contemporary vibe and all the waitstaff was friendly. We managed to get seated by the large picture windows so we could look out at the water. After ordering our drinks, I looked at Sean and asked, “So, what’s going on? I overheard you tell Joanna that someone was messing with your hotel.”
SEVENTEEN
SEAN
