Page 141 of Hidden Ties

“I hope you aren’t too bored.”

“I wouldn’t say I was bored …” At his dubious look, she admitted, “I can’t say I have anything in common with anyone here. No one seems to like each other.”

“You and Haley seemed to be getting along.”

Was he genuinely curious, or was he probing to find out if Haley had anything negative to say about him?

“She seems nice,” she said cautiously.

“Haley is very nice. She runs a charity with a friend of hers. Nadia and Haley are involved in helping homeless teens get theservices they need and a safe place to live until they graduate. They even offer assistance once they graduate, helping them to find job training or different ways to continue their education.”

“I’ll have to ask her if there is something I could do. I don’t have much time to volunteer, but I would be willing to help with anything else they may need.”

“Talk to her. I’m sure she would appreciate whatever you’re able to do.”

“I will.”

Kent started moving them toward the dining room. Everyone else was taking their seats, leaving the only two open seats near the end of the table where Gail was sitting. Kent held the chair next to Gail before taking the chair next to her, placing him next to Desmond.

Gail didn’t make any attempt at small talk, concentrating on the food being served.

As Sage ate the citrus salad she was given, she noticed the bitter look Gail gave her husband, who was sitting at the head of the table, talking to Desmond. Sage didn’t know why, but she felt sorry for Gail. She had made no effort to be polite to her, yet she had caught an anguished expression on her face more than once throughout the evening.

“The salmon salad is delicious,” Sage said, breaking the silence between them.

“I can’t take credit for the food. Garrett picked the caterers.”

Okay. Trying to talk to Gail was like pulling teeth.

Taking another bite of the salad, she noticed Gail was only picking at hers. Sage tried again.

“You have a lovely home,” Sage complimented. “The Bösendorfer piano is beautiful. Do you play?”

Surprise lit up Gail’s eyes. “I’m taking lessons. My son developed an interest in it last year. That’s why I bought him thepiano. He grew tired at having to take the lessons, so I started taking them for him.”

“Do you enjoy them?”

“Very much so.”

“Don’t be disheartened that he grew bored. He may change his mind once he sees how good you’re becoming.”

“I’m terrible.”

“You’ll get better,” Sage encouraged her, lifting her glass of strawberry sangria. “The better you become, the more you’ll want to play.”

“Do you play?”

Letting the sangria slide down her throat before she answered, she nodded. “I used to. I don’t have the opportunity anymore.” Sage didn’t tell her that she had to sell the piano a year ago to pay for the lawyer representing Glory. “The one I had wasn’t as nice as yours.”

“You can play it if you’d like to.”

She nearly dropped her fork at the offer. “I couldn’t, but thank you.”

“I don’t see why not.” Gail’s voice dropped. “I would love to hear someone play it who actually knows how.”

She thought about refusing again, but temptation got the better of her. She hadn’t been able to play a piano so exquisite as a Bösendorfer since she’d had to leave Julliard.

“I would be honored. Thank you.”