Page 40 of My Destiny

Logan

My head hasn’t been in the game all day, probably because my thoughts have been consumed by Brooke. I’ve called Jill twice just to check she hadn’t left, which is pathetic. I’m not usually so needy, but this one has got under my skin. I know my reasons run much deeper than my attraction though. I feel for her in so many ways. She had told me down in Melbourne she had no family, which means she has nobody to turn to. I hate that. I desperately want to be that person for her, but I can’t be if she won’t allow it.

“It’s unusual to see you this time of day, Mr. Cavanagh,” the doorman says, as he holds it open for me. He’s right, I’ve never left the office this early before, but what’s going on upstairs in my apartment is far more important. Who knows what’s awaiting her back at her place. There’s no way I’d let her face that alone, especially after another text came through on her old phone this morning. This one included a threat. I contacted the police, but I’ve yet to tell Brooke. I’m not sure I want to.

The first thing I notice when the lift doors open on my floor is her bag. It’s sitting in the foyer. The sight of it makes me anxious. As much as I don’t want her to go, I can’t force her to stay. If I’ve learnt anything in my short time with her, it’s that she’s fiercely independent. It’s a trait I admire.

Stepping out of the lift, I hear music.The piano.My first thought is Lara, but she can’t play that well yet. She can’t play much at all to be honest. I regretted buying that thing for her almost immediately. I’m pretty sure my ears were bleeding by the time she left. But it made her happy, so it was worth the sacrifice.

Placing my briefcase down and pausing at the opening to the main room. Brooke’s eyes are closed and there’s a smile on her face as she gets lost in the tune. I’m mesmerised by her passion and blown away by her talent. She plays beautifully, and I can only hope one day my niece will be half as good.

A contented sigh falls from her lips when she plays the last note, and I have the urge to applaud, but I don’t. “That was beautiful,” I say, stepping into the room.

Her eyes spring open the moment I speak. “Mr. Cavanagh. I’m sorry.” She quickly stands. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.”

“I’ve never played anything so grand before.”

“You’re very talented,” I say. “How long have you been playing?”

“Since I was a little girl, the lady who looked after me while my mother worked taught me.”

“Miss Jones.”

“Yes, how did you know that?” She gives me an inquisitive look; does she think I’ve been doing my research on her?

“You told me about her. She was the one who taught you how to cook.”

“Oh.” Her face lights up as she speaks. “I’m impressed you remembered that.” Doesn’t she realise I hang on her every word? I want to know all there is to know about her.

“And I’m impressed with your playing skills.”

“Thank you.”

“I should hire you to give my niece lessons.” She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. She may think I’m joking, but I’m dead serious. Not only does Lara need the lessons, it may also be a way of keeping Brooke in my life. I get the impression she’s pushing me away, and that’s the last thing I want. “How was your day?”

She shrugs. “I didn’t do much.” Of course, she was stuck here.

“Yours?”

“Busy. I would’ve come earlier if I could’ve.”

“That’s okay,” she says. “You’re here now. I cancelled my classes at the dance school, and my shift at the restaurant tonight, but I have to work tomorrow. I need the money.”

“I admire you for working two jobs?” I don’t like that she has to, but I respect her for it nevertheless.

“I have three, actually. I teach piano lessons in my spare time.”

“Wow. I bet that keeps you busy.”

“It keeps my head above water.” I hate that she’s in this position, especially when I have more money than I could spend in a lifetime.

“Let me help you.”

Her face drops, and it’s only then I realise what I’ve said. “I’m not looking for a handout, Mr. Cavanagh. I manage just fine on my own.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, running my hand through my hair. “That came out wrong.” It’s commendable that she wants to do this on her own. A lot of the women I’ve dated in the past were always looking for handouts or a free ride. Brooke’s nothing like them.