Page 72 of Cream & Sugar

I show him a simple, four-note pattern—the first, fifth, fourth, and sixth of C major, all white notes so it’s easier for him. Ethan picks it up pretty quickly, so we add in the thirds for some harmony. He finds this a little trickier, but once I show him how to position his fingers to make it easier, it starts to come together. I’m worried he’ll get bored, but he doesn’t, just keeps practicing until he gets it right almost every time.

While Ethan plays, I watch Anna flit between tables and make drinks at lightning speed. It’s seriously impressive how she juggles the orders, moving swiftly but cleanly, never wasting a second. I can see why Shaun thinks so highly of her; there’s no way I’d be able to keep up.

A couple more tables walk in and just like that, our quiet afternoon has turned busy, just like Anna said it would.

I push my chair back and get to my feet. “I’m gonna go help your mum for a minute. Now, I want those notes perfect when I get back, alright?”

Ethan nods, poking the keys with the precision of a brain surgeon.

I find Anna at the coffee machine making three drinks at once.

“Cavalry’s here,” I say.

“Where’s Ethan?” Anna asks, not taking her eyes off the coffees.

“I left him practicing the keyboard. He’ll be fine for five minutes.”

“Practicing?” Anna laughs. “That boy hasn’t sat still for ten seconds since he learned how to walk.”

I peer over the top of the machine and spot Ethan, exactly where I left him. It’s clear Anna doesn’t believe me, so I point over to our table. Anna does a double-take before looking up at me like I’m some kind of miracle worker.

“What can I say? The kid’s got talent.” I tighten my apron. “Any tables need seeing?”

Anna blinks a couple of times, like her brain is rebooting. “Yes, um, a Victoria sponge and a scone to table three. Then come back for table five’s drinks. Then table one should be ready to order. Okay?”

I click my tongue twice and give her a thumbs-up. “On it.”

Keeping one eye on the wee man playing in the corner, I help Anna until she’s caught up with the sudden surge of customers.

“Always come in all at once, don’t they?” I observe as I plate up the last remaining brownie in the fridge.

“Yes,” Anna confirms with haunted eyes. She places one hand on her chin and cracks her neck, wincing at the sound. “Good thing we have you here to help.”

A heady rush of pride fills me up. Boy done good.

I deliver the cakes to their table and, after checking no one needs anything else, I retake my seat next to Ethan.

“Sorry about that, buddy. How’s the practice going?”

“Good! Listen.”

Ethan plays the dyads perfectly. Either I’m an amazing teacher or he really does have a knack for music.

“Wow Ethan, that’s rad! Methinks you’re ready for another challenge.” I position my hand higher up the keyboard. “You keep playing what I taught you over and over and I’ll play a melody over the top. Just ignore what I’m doing and focus on your part, okay?”

Ethan’s brow scrunches with concentration. “Okay.”

I play the melody to Going Numb, one of the first songs I ever wrote, over the top of Ethan’s bass notes. It’s meant to be a sad song and the melody sounds weird in a major key, but I’m the only one who’d notice. Chatter in the café has reached a dull roar, so we turn the volume up a couple of notches to hear ourselves. Hemakes a couple of slip ups, mostly with timing, but it’s nothing I can’t cover and by the second verse, it’s coming together nicely.

“We’ll make a rock star out of you yet, Ethan,” I exclaim.

Ethan stops playing and looks up at me. “Are you a rock star, Feddie?”

A small laugh escapes me.Adorable.“I wish.”

Ethan frowns, pursing his lips.

“I think you’re a rock star,” he says, matter-of-factly.