Page 36 of Strings

“Oh. It was… relaxing.”

“Hmm. Okay. Why didn’t you sit closer? I couldn’t even see you back there.”

“I was trying to be considerate. I know how much I distract you.”

He huffs out a small laugh as he clicks a button and the car beeps. He opens my door.

“I can do that myself.”

“I know youcan, but when you’re with me, you will not.”

“Don’t fucking tell me what to do!”

“For someone who was so tired and placid before, you sure are back to your full argumentative self. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you took a nap.”

“A nap… that’s funny.” I force out a laugh as I hop into the car and avoid making eye contact.

His mouth drops as he bends down to look me in the eyes. “Talia, did you fall asleep while we were playing?”

“No!” I shout. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

He scowls. “Talia, don’t lie to me. Did. You. Sleep?”

After a few moments of a stare down, I cave. “Oh, so what? No one saw me. I told you I was exhausted. You should take it as a compliment. It was like a lullaby.”

He turns and places his hands on his head. “It was a fucking concerto! I cannot believe you!”

“Get in the car before you embarrass me!” I can’t help but laugh while I say it.

He slams my car door and I think he’s swearing in Italian as he rounds the car to the driver’s seat.

He buckles his belt before he starts the car and sits quietly with his hands on the wheel, eyes closed.

“Are you taking a deep breath?” I ask.

“Several.”

“Should I give you a moment?”

“If you want to get home in one piece then probably, yes.”

“Jeez, someone needs a nap.” I snort-laugh and he pivots to face me, head tilted in disbelief.

“Oh, come on. It’s kind of funny, isn’t it?”

“No, it’s not. What if someone had seen you?”

“Like who? No one else was around. I’m a master at sleeping upright. I promise you, no one suspected a thing. I can pretty much sleep anywhere in any position. It’s another gift.”

He shakes his head. “I have never met anyone quite like you.”

“Thank you?”

He sighs and closes his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t mean to fall asleep. But it was relaxing and lovely. And I can’t wait to hear everything tomorrow night. Okay?” I reach out my hand and touch his arm. “Don’t be upset.”

He moves the car into drive and slowly pulls out of the garage.