Tomorrow's Lullaby

by Lindzee Armstrong

  She hit another wrong note on the Chopin audition piece and let out a frustrated yell. She slammed her hands down hard on the keys, the jarring notes zinging through her fingers. She shouldn’t let Dane destroy her practice time—time she desperately needed to prepare for Juilliard. Her pre-audition tape was due in only two short months.

  She switched from Chopin to one of Beethoven’s sonatas and ran it through five times, despite the messy finger placement and frequent mistakes. Only after she’d played every audition piece at least three times did she allow herself to shift over to Hunter’s Lullaby. But even the familiar medley couldn’t sooth her frazzled nerves. She hit the notes with too much force, and the staccato sound rung off the walls in the tiny practice room. As she played, the rush of emotions from two years earlier came flooding back. She vividly remembered the betrayal she had felt, the utter desertion that had overwhelmed her. The notes grew angry and harsh. Not the lullaby, but something jarring and ugly.

  Sienna pulled the fallboard over the keys and rested her head against it, breathing heavily.

  She had to tell Kyra. Dane might not try to contact them—probably wouldn’t for a few weeks, at the very least—but she owed the Petersons a heads up, even if she owed Dane nothing.

  Sienna’s phone rang, skittering along the top of the piano. Liv.

  “Hey,” Sienna said.

  “Hey, S. Are you home yet?”

  “No, I’m still practicing.” And not very well. Stupid Dane. She couldn’t afford to waste a minute of practice time with the auditions fast approaching.

  “Whoa, what’s wrong? You sound mad.”

  Sienna clenched her teeth, trying to push back the anger. “Dane is what’s up.”

  “You’re kidding. Baby daddy Dane?”

  “In the flesh. He called and said he was here and wanted to meet.”

  “Tell me everything.”

  Sienna spilled the whole story, tracing the grains of wood on the piano. “It just threw me off,” she finished. “Seeing him was the last thing I expected today.”

  “Do you want to get back together with him?”

  Sienna snorted. “Definitely not. I don’t ever want to see him again. And that’s part of the problem—if Kyra and David let him back in Hunter’s life, he’s back in mine.”

  “So what are you going to do?”

  “I have to tell Kyra. It’s her decision to make.” Sienna sighed. She’d call Kyra in a few days, after she’d had a chance to process this alone. “Sorry to steal the conversation. What did you need?”

  “Oh, Eldon said he was having a package delivered. I’m hoping it’s day lilies—I told him how much I love those. I thought if you were home, you could bring them inside.”

  “I’m heading there now for an hour or so before I leave for Dillard’s. I’ll text you a picture of the flowers.”

  “You’re the best. Oh, the director’s calling for me. Later.” The phone clicked before Sienna could say goodbye. But that was Liv.

  Sienna left the music hall, feeling like she’d wasted the afternoon. Stupid Dane. Now she hadn’t picked pieces for the Christmas recital or made strides on her Juilliard pieces.

  “Ignorant, selfish, unconscionable . . .” she muttered, kicking at a pile of leaves.

  “Hey, Sienna.”

  She froze, her foot poised to kick again. Aaron smiled down at her, looking dashing in a leather jacket with a backpack slung casually over one shoulder.

  Well, she felt like an idiot. “Hey.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Oh, that? I’m fine. Just had a rough day.”

  “Man, I’m sorry. Anything I can do?”

  “I wish. Thanks for the offer, though.”

  “Looks like you’re heading home. Mind if I walk with you?”

  “Of course not.”

  Aaron fell into step beside her, and they walked in silence for almost a block.

  “I feel like an idiot.” Sienna stared at her shoes, unwilling to look him in the eye. “I swear I’m not an angry person.”

  “Everyone has bad days.” He gently bumped his shoulder against hers. “I’m a pretty good listener.”

  For just a moment, she considered telling him the whole story. About Dane. About Hunter. About the adoption. But she quickly dismissed the idea. She doubted he’d react well to the news, and right now, she could really use a friend. She opted for a version of the truth. “My high school boyfriend showed up and wanted to talk.”

  “Wow. That’s . . . unexpected.”

  That was the understatement of the century. “You’re telling me.”

  “Does he live close by?”

  “No, he’s at Alabama State on a football scholarship. I haven’t seen him since just after graduation.”

  “What’s he doing in Philadelphia?”

  “I guess they’re playing Penn State tomorrow. I don’t really follow football.”

  Aaron nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. “That’s a pretty long drive, just to talk to an ex-girlfriend. He must’ve had something important to say.”

  Just that he wanted to be a part of their son’s life. “Things ended badly between us, and he wanted to hash it out.”

  “Makes sense.” But she could see the skepticism in his eyes. Who does that after two years? He seemed to ask.

  Sienna knew her explanation was flimsy, but she was too on edge to come up with something better. “It threw me for a loop. I wasn’t exactly thrilled to see him.”

  Aaron’s shoulders relaxed. Sienna couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face at his obvious relief. He totally had a crush on her. And she couldn’t say she was sorry.

  “Hey, don’t worry about it,” Aaron said. “I’d be distracted too after something like that. Were you guys together for very long?”

  “Most of our senior year. I wish I could say it was good to see him again, but I could’ve done without the visit.”

  “That stinks. I’m sorry.”

  She shrugged. “Not your fault.”

  “When unpleasant things happen to me, I find that a distraction helps me forget about the bad thing.”

  Oh, he was definitely flirting now. Anticipation zinged up her spine. Two could play at this game. “What kind of a distraction?”

  “Let’s hang out this weekend. I’m a pretty fun guy.”

  Sienna twisted a lock of hair around her finger, grinning. “Are you asking me out?”

  “I think the phrase I used was ‘hang out.’ But hey, if you want to call it a date, I’m not going to protest.”

  Sienna laughed, already feeling lighter. She probably shouldn’t want to call it a date. But she did.

  Aaron had found Jesus while still in high school, going against his family’s wishes. He attended church every week. When she’d told him about her rule, he hadn’t laughed, but instead invited others to their study group so she’d feel more comfortable. That had to mean something.

  “I’m very interested in you, Sienna.”

  She couldn’t stop staring at Aaron. His eyes looked more green than hazel today and sparkled with mischief. She should tell him they were better off as friends, and stick with Jared. “I’m a pretty difficult girl to date. Not hanging out alone in your apartment is just the tip of the iceberg.”

  “I’m not looking for a fling. The rules don’t bother me.”

  Sienna brushed a strand of hair out of her face, feeling suddenly shy. “If you’re asking me on a date, then the answer’s yes. If you’re asking me to hang out, then I’m busy.”

  “It’s definitely a date then. Saturday night?”

  “Sure,” Sienna said, biting her lip to hold back the embarrassingly big smile fighting for release.

  They’d reached the corner between their two apartment buildings, and she found that she didn’t want to go home.

  “See? I’m distracting you already,” Aaron said.

  “You’re very good,” Sienna agreed. She had almost managed to forget about Dane’s unwelc
ome visit.

  “Saturday then. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  “Cool,” Aaron said. “Meet you on the corner tomorrow morning at seven-thirty?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Aaron nodded and waved, then headed toward his apartment building.

  A date. With Aaron. Sienna’s toes tingled. It had been a long time since she’d gone out with someone who gave her this many butterflies.

  She couldn’t wait.

  Aaron had asked her out!

  Sienna barely registered the notes she hit, much less the shoppers passing by the piano. She’d played this sonata so many times, she could probably play it in her sleep. Which was a good thing, because all she could think about was Aaron. Lucky for Sienna, her set list at Dillard’s was easy, even if it sounded complicated, and it required little to no concentration.

  Finally, nine o’clock rolled around. The floor had been practically empty for the past hour, and she just wanted to go home and dream about Aaron. She grabbed her purse from the employee locker and swiped her phone awake.

  One text. Her hands shook as she opened it. Had Aaron been thinking about her, too?

  But it wasn’t Aaron. It was Jared.

  Jared: Sorry I haven’t texted. Major crisis at work, but it’s fixed now. :) There’s a motivational speaker speaking at church tomorrow. Want to go? I’ll feed you first!

  Sienna headed to the bus stop without replying. There was no reason to tell Jared no. In fact, she’d already said yes at church on Sunday. She liked Jared. He was exactly the kind of guy she needed—strong, faithful, loyal.

  But she also really liked Aaron. The more she learned about him, the more she wanted to know.

  She could almost hear what Liv would say if they were having this conversation — You can date two guys at once, Sienna. It’s not like you’re exclusive with either of them.

  Maybe, after one date with Aaron, she would go running in the opposite direction, straight back to Jared. It could happen.

  When the bus arrived, Sienna showed her pass and found a seat, pulling out her phone.

  Sienna: Oh no! Glad things are better with work. I’d love to go. What time?

  The response was almost immediate.

  Jared: What time are you out of class?

  Sienna: I’ve got a practice room scheduled until four.

  Jared: Perfect. Can I pick you up at five?

  Sienna: Sure. :)

  The next evening, Sienna got ready for her date with Jared. She chose a yellow maxi skirt and navy top that she’d always loved.

  She was excited to see Jared. Really, she was. But the butterflies of their first date were absent, and it was harder than she’d anticipated to push Aaron out of her mind. It didn’t help matters that she was still trying to figure out how to tell Kyra and David about Dane’s visit.

  Sienna unplugged her curling wand and was applying lip gloss when the knock came at the door. She gave her lips one last swipe. Finally, a quiver of nerves. That was how she should feel when going on a date with a guy as great as Jared.

  She flung open the door, smiling as she took in his appearance. He’d gone more casual for the evening, leaving his suit coat home and wearing a light blue button-down shirt instead of his usual white. There was no denying it—Jared was attractive, in a clean-cut, boy-next-door kind of way. She couldn’t compare him to Aaron’s edgy bad-boy appearance that never failed to make her mouth go dry. They were too different.

  “Hi,” Sienna said, giving Jared a hug.

  “Wow.” He pulled her close, and she breathed in the scent of laundry detergent. “You look amazing.”

  She couldn’t stop herself from looking him up and down again. Jared grinned knowingly, and she blushed. “Thanks,” she said. “You look great too. Come in. I just need to grab my purse, and then we can go.”

  Jared stepped inside, glancing around the apartment. “Still looks the same. It would appear not much has changed in the last five weeks.” He gave her a meaningful glance.

  Sienna grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder. Maybe nothing had changed for him. But it felt like something might have changed for her. “What did you think would change?”

  “I hoped nothing. But five weeks is a long time, and I dropped the ball while you were gone. I’m really sorry about that.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I should’ve texted more. I don’t want you to ever worry that you’re not a priority for me. You are, and I’m sorry my actions said otherwise.”

  Sienna fiddled with the strap of her purse. Was he saying this because he felt bad about the last month, or because Aaron had him nervous? “You were busy with work. I understand.”

  “I could’ve still made time for you. I will, in the future.”

  “Let’s consider tonight a fresh start, then.”

  “Like a do-over?” His eyes were disappointed, and he shoved his hands in his pockets.

  “I think that’s best.” Sienna took his hand, giving him a tentative smile. “Ready to go?”

  The door swung opened. Liv walked in, wearing yoga pants and a baggy tee. Her hair was pinned tightly to her head, and dramatic black liner emphasized her eyes.

  “You got the part!” Sienna said, giving her roommate a hug. Liv only wore her hair like that when getting fitted for a wig, and the eye makeup looked Egyptian.

  Liv rolled her eyes. “Of course. I just got fitted for my costumes.”

  “Congrats. You’ll make a great Amneris. You remember Jared, don’t you?”

  Liv folded her arms, giving Jared an appraising look. “Sure I do.”

  “Nice to see you again, Liv,” he said. “How’s Craig doing?”

  “We’re over.” Liv waved a hand through the air. “I met a new man, and I do mean man.”

  “He’s thirty-nine,” Sienna said.

  Jared coughed, his eyebrows shooting up. “Uh . . . okay.”

  “Don’t worry. He has the body of a much younger man,” Liv said.

  Jared’s face flamed red. Sienna grabbed him by the arm and pushed him outside. “Have a good night, Liv,” she called and shut the door.

  “Wow,” Jared said. “Thirty-nine?”

  “Yeah. Liv keeps asking me to meet Eldon, but I’m a little scared.”

  “And I used to think that the eight years between us was a big deal.”

  “Does it still bother you?”

  “I hardly think about it anymore. You’re very mature.”

  Having a baby at eighteen did that to a person.

  Jared opened the door to a silver Honda Sienna didn’t recognize. She slid inside, the smell of new car making her sigh happily. Sometimes, it was really nice to date an older man—someone who had already done the college thing and established his career.

  Jared pushed a button, and the engine purred to life.

  “I love the new ride.” Sienna ran her hands along the leather seats. The sunroof would be great in the summer, and the seat warmers luxurious in the winter. “When did you get it?”

  The tips of Jared’s ears reddened. “About three weeks ago. It was probably frivolous to get all the extras, but I was so sick of driving an old clunker.”

  “I think it’s a well-deserved treat. You work really hard.” It was one of the things she admired about Jared.

  At the restaurant, they were quickly seated. They fell silent as they perused the menus.

  “What are you going to order?” Sienna asked.

  “I love their prime rib. But the slow-roasted pork and barbecue chicken is really good as well.”

  “Hmmm.” Her stomach growled in anticipation.

  “Hi, my name is Tamison. I’ll be your server today.”

  Sienna glanced up, then did a double take. The waitress was young, probably close to Sienna’s own age. She wore modest black pants and a shirt that stretched over her swollen stomach. She had to be close to eight months pregnant. Sienna’s eyes flicked to the girl’s ring finger
. Bare.

  “Hi, Tamison.” Jared gave her a winning smile.

  Tamison smiled too, and her whole face lightened. Her shoulders relaxed at his easy, conversational tone. She placed drink coasters in front of them. “Have you dined with us before?”

  “Yes, but we’d love to hear the specials,” Jared said.

  Tamison rattled them off, then said, “I’ll give you two a few minutes to decide.”

  What was her situation? Was Tamison destined to be a single mother, or were her fingers too swollen from pregnancy to wear her ring?

  She returned a few minutes later, notepad in hand. “Are you folks ready?” Tamison asked.

  “I’ll have the barbecue chicken with a loaded baked potato,” Sienna said.

  Tamison nodded, scribbling down the order and taking Sienna’s menu. “And for you?” she asked Jared.

  “I’m going to stick with my tried-and-true favorite, the prime rib,” he said.

  “That’s my boyfriend’s favorite, too,” Tamison said. “I’m partial to the pulled pork myself. Sides?”

  Jared rattled off the rest of his order, but Sienna was fixated on the word boyfriend. So Tamison wasn’t married. Sienna hoped Tamison’s boyfriend proved more compassionate and loving than Dane had been.

  Jared and Sienna kept up an easy conversation throughout dinner, catching up on the last month. Tamison was an excellent server, filling their glasses frequently and remaining attentive to their needs. But Sienna noticed the way she sometimes shifted from foot to foot with a hand on her back. The slight grimace when she thought no one was looking. Sienna well remembered those last days of pregnancy, when she’d been so uncomfortable even sleeping was a chore. And Sienna hadn’t had a job.

  Tamison brought the check, and Jared handed her his card. Soon she was back with the receipt.

  “Thanks for dining with us,” she said, grabbing a few mints out of her apron pocket and setting them on top of the billfold holding the receipt. “Have a good night.”

  Sienna grabbed a mint and unwrapped it. Jared leaned over the receipt, writing in the tip. Sienna wasn’t trying to watch, but her eyes widened when she saw him write $100.00. That was more than double the cost of their meal.