Rory let out a delighted squeal as if celebrating.
“I think that’s a yes from the tiny boss,” Harper laughed.
“Then it’s settled.” I kissed her, tasting her smile. “Just promise me you won’t judge my housekeeping skills too harshly.”
“Too late for that.”
FORTY-FOUR
Six hours of practice, and my fingers were finally screaming at me to stop.
My violin case snapped shut, and I finally let myself breathe.
I’d been at the Montana Philharmonic building in Missoula since nine this morning, working through the Tchaikovsky piece until my fingers ached.
The fellowship was everything I’d hoped for and more. The other musicians were incredible, and they made me want to play better and dig deeper than I ever had before. Maestro Brennan had this way of pulling performances out of us that I didn’t even know we were capable of.
And the audiences were on a whole other level.
There was nothing like playing for people who were there because of their love of music. College recitals usually had audience members who were getting extra credit to attend or relatives who felt like they had to be there. It wasn’t the same energy or caliber as what I’d experienced during my first month in the Philharmonic.
My phone buzzed just as I got into my car.
Andy
How’d rehearsal go?
I grinned, typing back as I started the car, hoping the AC kicked on quickly because Montana was experiencing a heat wave.
Me
Amazing. Brennan says I’m ready for the solo in the Brahms.
Andy
Fuck yes! I knew you’d nail it. Can’t wait to celebrate tonight.
Me
What did you have in mind for celebrating?
Andy
You’ll see. Come get our girl and then I can properly congratulate you.
Me
On my way. Love you.
Andy
Love you too.
It still caught me off guard sometimes at how easy it was to say those words to him.
And how much I meant them.
My heart had never felt as full as it had in the past six weeks that Drew and I had lived together. And it never got old leaving my fellowship and heading to the gym to pick up Rory while Drew finished his shift.
