Hope shook her head.
“We could work with that,” the photographer said.
“Yeah, uppies for everyone.” Hale set Pax on his shoulders.
“Oh, we could do a silly picture,” the photographer suggested.
Honestly, even though I didn’t know them well yet, it seemed like it would be moreusthan a formal one.
“Grace, hold me?” Tru asked. She wore a cute purple dress, which had been one of the photos she had sent me.
“Let’s just make sure your shoes don’t get dirt on her skirt,” Riley said, helping me pick up Tru.
Dare put Chance on his shoulders, though it looked like they’d topple over any second.
“Incoming.” Mercy jumped on Creed’s back.
“This is great,” the photographer said. “So cute.”
We got a couple of shots. I’d have to send one to the professor.
“All right. I guess we’ll go through the garden reception, then head over to the party area to greet everyone?” I asked Eunice.
“Um, Grace, can I play something for you, first? The cellist in the quartet said I could.” Dare’s voice was soft.
“I’d love that. Thank you, Dare.” Awww.
We entered the garden, where friends and family mingled and ate. Riley grabbed Mercy and dragged her over to Hiro, Kilroy, Marcos, and Rose.
Dare went over to the string quartet and when they finished their song, whispered to the cellist.
“Hi, I’m Dare, and I want to play something for my sister.” Dare took the cello from the cellist and sat down.
Spencer put his arm around me. “I’ll make sure they get an extra good tip.”
“Thank you.” It was nice of them to do that.
Dare closed his eyes and started to play. A beautiful melody that reminded me of the Prelude from Bach’sCello Suite in G Minorenveloped us. You could feel his passion in the music and see it on his face.
“Fuck, he’s good. That’s a piece that isn’t technically hard, but difficult to play well,” Brennan said softly.
“Dare’s talented. I really hope the parents let him study music,” Verity said quietly, joining us.
“Your family is into science, right?” Brennan asked. “Boston Institute of Technology has one of the best collegiate music programs in the country. He could pretend to study something parental-approved and actually major in music. It’s difficult to get in, but a possibility, if he’s up for the deception.”
I squeezed Brennan’s hand. I was guessing he’d investigated that at some point for piano.
Verity thought for a moment, still holding Hope. “Huh. That’s a thought. The parents would have a lot of difficulty saying no to that, even though we can study for free at Briar and Marquess.”
My attention went back to the music. Yes, that should be encouraged, just like Mercy’s passion for skate smash. It was a pity their parents didn’t see it.
Well, it was a good thing they now had me.
Chapter Forty-Five
Spencer
Grace’s idea of an upscale barbeque wasperfect.As darkness fell, tiny lights glowed, illuminating our outdoor picnic area. Dinner finished, my cousins’ band played Greek music, as people danced and chatted.
