Tianna is the exception.
Her notes don’t compete with mine. They clarify them. It’s as if her playing refracts what’s already there, focusing it instead of scattering it. The music sharpens around her input. My concentration tightens. Ideas that feel diffuse suddenly resolve into something precise.
Working with her doesn’t dilute the piece. It accelerates it. What would normally take hours of isolation arrives in minutes, fully articulated. Inspiration doesn’t drift when she plays. It arrives with intent.
I record her music so I can listen to it later, sitting in a chair with one leg crossed over the other, scribbling across my staff paper.
I startle when I realize the music has stopped and look up. She’s staring past me, toward the doorway. I follow her gaze.
Meg stands there.
“Two things,” she says. “Food will be ready in about ten minutes, and…” She pauses, her eyes darting between us. “A piano has arrived to be set up.”
I’m out of the chair and moving toward the delivery men before anyone can stop me. I bring them back and show them exactly where I want it placed.
“Erik.”
I can tell by the tone Tianna has already repeated herself.
My gaze meets hers. “Explain, please?”
I shrug. “I need to be able to play too. This lets you work where you’re comfortable and lets me work as well. It’s efficient.”
“I think she’s saying you should have asked permission,” Remy says from behind me. “This is her house. Her space.”
I look at her. “We’re bringing your music to life. Isn’t that what matters?”
She hesitates, then sets her violin carefully on its stand before crossing to me.
She takes my hand in hers and meets my eyes.
“The music is very important,” she says quietly. “But so is permission. I will not let someone do something to me again without my agreement.”
Chapter sixty-eight
Christianna
His head tilts as he considers my words. Then he nods, slowly.
“I need to request, because this is yours. So you know I respect you and your decisions,” he says. It’s a statement, not a question.
I nod, my eyes never leaving his.
He takes my other hand in his. “Christianna. May I bring in a piano so we can play together? I would like us to collaborate.”
“Yes, Erik, you may.” I give him a small smile. “Thank you for asking.”
He nods. “Good. I’m glad you are sensible.” A pause. “I have other things I want. Do you want me to ask now?”
Remy steps in. “Food is ready. You’ve already shown them where to set it up. Let’s eat while it’s hot.”
Erik releases my left hand but keeps my right clasped in his. “Agreed. Let’s eat before they start putting reminders on your phone as well.”
He tugs me gently behind him as we head toward the kitchen.
Chapter sixty-nine
Christianna
