As I ventured over to where Ollie sat, I said, “Nice effort today.”
“‘Nice effort’? Is that something you say to students who fail miserably?”
“It’s not failing if you try.”
He shook his head, chuckling as he handed me his music sheet. “I definitely tried.”
“Then you didn’t do as badly as you think.”
“Yeah? You know, you’re a really good teacher. I had no idea what the hell I was doing, but you made it easier to follow. Well, somewhat.”
I had to laugh. “Somewhat” was right. “Does that mean you’ll be back next week for round two?”
A grin slowly crossed his lips. “Yeah, I think so. Unless you’re making us play Beethoven in front of the class or something.”
“That’s the third lesson.”
“Well, shit, I’d better get to practicing.”
“You’ll be playing at Carnegie Hall and putting us all to shame before you know it.”
Ollie laughed. “I’m not delusional. I’m every bit as aware as you are that I have no talent for music whatsoever, but you made it fun.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that.”
As the silence descended between us, I became acutely aware that we were the only ones left in the room, and for some reason, that sent a flurry of nerves through me.What is going on?The guy wasn’t even remotely threatening, especially from where I towered over him while he sat on the bench.
He had honest eyes and a friendly smile, for fuck’s sake. I wanted to kick myself. Now, not only did I suffer from memory loss, but I was also projecting on random people.I really am losing it.
“Well,” I said, straightening the papers on top of the piano, “I better shut things down here.”
“Yeah, I should get going too.” As Ollie rose to his feet, I noticed the color of his eyes again, and the way they matched his shirt.
Backing away, I tapped the stack on my hand and gave him a tight smile before going over to the filing cabinet to put the music sheets away.
“Um.” Ollie cleared his throat, and I looked over to where he stood by the piano at the front of the room. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but I noticed you weren’t driving the other day. Did you need a ride or anything?”
Not only was the guy perceptive, but he wanted to drive me home? Maybe I wasn’t wrong to be wary.Nah, he’s just being nice.
“Oh. No, that’s okay,” I said. “I’ve been walking. You know, getting in some exercise when I can.”
“In this heat? That’s crazy.”
“Every bead of sweat is another calorie lost,” I joked.
“What if you pass out on the way? Heat stroke is a real thing. Take it from me.”
“I’ve spent a half-hour in a sauna before. I think I’ll be okay.”
“Are you saying no because of stranger danger? I promise I’m not a serial killer or anything.”
“Gee, thanks for the assurance,” I said, shaking my head, but I was smiling. “I feel so much better.”
Ollie’s smile dimmed and he tapped his fingers over the top of the piano. “No, but seriously. It’s no problem at all to drop you home, and I’d worry less if I blasted you with my air conditioning.”
“As nice as that sounds, I’ll have to pass. I appreciate the offer, but I like to walk.”You’re gonna regret that in about thirty minutes.
Ollie looked like he wanted to say something else, but he just gave me a nod and smiled. “Be safe. I’ll see you again soon, Reid.”