I smiled down at her. The curious look on her face amused me.
"I don't know. Maybe it was because I enjoyed your concerts so much I just wanted to know what you were working on next. Fleur da lune was fantastic but my personal favorites were the Butterfly Exchange, A Tocatto of Life, Scents of Fire, and Sky Love."
The look on her face was the very definition of shock itself. I'd completely taken her by surprise in a big way because she stared at me opened mouth for a good few seconds before closing her mouth and opening it again. She then blinked several times as if she was trying to comprehend what I was saying.
"How... how'd you know about my concerts? I didn't think that Lucy was able to make it to any of those."
"I went by myself," I replied, shocking her further. I could tell she was trying to think of some sort of retort but struggled. "After my accident I had some time on my hands so I thought I'd go check out your music. Turns out I liked it so much I went back every time you did a concert."
Actually, there was more to it than that. After my accident I'd gone home to visit Grams and heard Evie playing next door. The music was the first, and only, thing that could soothe my troubled mind. She was in her room and the window was open so I could hear it all as she played. It sounded like she was either practicing or putting a piece together. Whichever it was I'd thought it was incredible and it was the first time that I'd stopped to listen to her music.
The music helped the depressive, grieving state I'd been in at the time, and made me want to see her in action. So I'd gone to all the concerts I could make it to, and loved every single one of them.
"How comes? I mean you used to call me String Face and all manner of things. I would never have thought you'd ever go to a whole concert, or even pay money to attend one." She threw the words at me like stones.
I bit the inside of my lip. She had every reason to say that to me, and was completely right.
"I've changed a lot." I offered, but she looked like she didn't believe me. "I have."
"If you say so. I've learned never to trust the devil, ever."
I couldn't help laugh at that. She, on the other hand, looked quite serious.
"I'm not the devil Evie." I sighed.
"Well, it's not like you were going to tell me any different now, is it? I don't hear serial killers telling people their not that. Okay, maybe some do, but those are the honest ones."
"Evie, come on cut me some slack. I'm not the devil or a serial killer. I honestly just wanted to talk to you."
"It's a little hard for me to talk to you when I spent most of my life watching my back because of you. Thanks to you some people still think I'm a man."
"I'm sure they can see you're not."
She shook her head with fury. "No, they just think I had a very good surgeon."
"That was more than ten years ago."
"And, I'm supposed to forget?" she eyed me cautiously.
Again she was right, and things weren't looking good for me in the forgiveness department. I swallowed hard. "I guess not, but I was kind of hoping you'd probably forgive me."
"Jerk." She ripped off some paper from her notebook, crumpled it and threw it at me. "You're meant to ask for forgiveness, not expect it."
I laughed again and moved closer to kneel down next to her. "You've never given me a chance. Evie, I'm really sorry for how I've treated you. I was a total jerk and I can't apologize enough." I adjusted myself so that I was on both knees. "Look I'm on my knees begging."
At least I had her undivided attention. Her complete undivided attention.
I pulled in a breath and continued. "I figured since we both clearly love Lucy, maybe we could try to get along. Fold over a new leaf." I gave her a hopeful look.
She stared warily at me for a few seconds before tilting her head and responding, "I'll think about it."
Well, she didn't say no. That had to be worth something, right?
"Cool. I guess that's something to work with." I offered a smile but she looked away and focused ahead to the stunning scenery before us.
It really was breathtaking. The hotel was close to everything you'd want to be near. It was practically next to the Vatican Museum and I could see St. Peter's Basilica. The illustrious glow from the dome lit up the night sky with vibrant brilliance.
When I picked this hotel I didn't put much thought into it. I'd just wanted the best, but this was great. It was a shame we were only going to be here for the night. We were in a good location and it would have been good to see the old city and most of Rome's other major attractions.
I'd caught glimpses of a few places today as I'd walked around, but hadn't focused on it. Now that I had a moment to appreciate where they were I found myself wanting to see more, particularly since most of my holidays were adrenaline junkie adventures. Just last year alone I'd gone flyboarding in Mexico, snowmobiling in Lapland, quad biking in Cape Verde, and paragliding through the Grand Canyon. Europe was a little tame for me but enticing nonetheless. I got the vibe that it was the sort of place that made you want to stop and absorb the beauty in its history and architecture. That appealed to me.
An idea crossed my mind as I looked back to Evie. "Do you want to go for a walk?"
It was a fine night for walk, and although I'd walked around for miles earlier I wouldn't have minded going back out.
She looked back at me quickly with narrowed eyes, "with you?"
"Yeah, with me." I offered a hopeful smile. Earlier as we drove into the city I'd watched her face light up at the sight of all the things we saw. There was no mistake in assuming she wanted to see the city and its attractions as much as I did, most likely more.
"Why would I want to do that?" She shot me a grim look.
"Because we're in Rome, and we're only going to be here for tonight. The place is beautiful, especially at night. Come on. Let's just go. We can walk around and see what we can of the city."
"I haven't booked the hotel yet."
"Let me take care of that. Just come." I stood up and beckoned her to follow.
She looked ahead again and it seemed like her desire to see the city got the better of her. Something lifted within me when I watched her rise to her feet.
Chapter 4
Evie
* * *
As far as weird went this had to top the list of weird. And unexpected. Maybe even impossible.
I never thought I'd ever find myself walking around the beautiful streets of Rome with Gage Montgomery. Never in this lifetime, or any other.
But what was even more astonishing was that I was enjoying myself. Even I had to admit that. The feeling was just as shocking as finding out that he'd gone to my concerts, and not just one, several. In fact, those were all my major concerts with symphonies I'd composed and put together. It also didn't escape me that Gage lived in L.A. and would have flown over to New York to attend.
I didn't know what to think of that, but I could honestly say that I'd been deeply touched at the revelation. I never expected someone like him to travel so far just to listen to me play, and those concerts, in particular, had meant a lot to me.
A Tocatta of life was my debut. I remembered being exceptionally nervous. At Julliard, I'd done similar sorts of concerts, but that was within a school setting. Playing for the Philharmonic was on a different, and bigger scale. I was also no longer just playing with the other lead violinists I was playing my own pieces, and they were backing me up, along with the other members of the orchestra. While my family had been there, I wished that Lucy could have attended too. At the time Lucy was still working for the school and was busy with music exams. It was at that time of year also when Julliard was doing their auditions, so she was super busy. Lucy was sad she couldn't attend, but it was understandable, and she’d already attended hundreds of my concerts. Hundreds.
Gage though was ... well, I still didn't know what to think of it. I definitely knew that if I'd been made aware of his presence that night there was a chance that my nerves would have
gotten the best of me. Or, maybe my surprise at his presence would have made me feel more inspired in some way.
I thought about his apology. He'd had me at the talk of my concerts, and I'd tried to resume my harsh exterior, but that apology was what got me the most. It was what helped me make the decision to come out here tonight.
I knew him, knew when he was lying, and knew when he was telling the truth, knew exactly how he was feeling just from looking at him. Mostly it was his eyes that gave him away, and they did then.
As I'd stared deep into those wild blue eyes of his, I saw how sincere he was, and I also saw something flicker deep within them that fascinated me.
It was scary to think that anything about him would fascinate me. Not that there weren't fascinating things about him, I just didn't want to have any sort of feelings like that for him. Like those mindless girls who'd followed him around at high school. I was certain the same kind of women followed him around now too.
"You look confused," he stated, breaking my thoughts.
I looked over at him and pulled my shawl around my shoulders as the wind picked up the ends of my hair.
He was smiling down at me.
"I'm thinking," I replied.
"About what?"
"Nothing."
"You're thinking about nothing?" he chuckled. "How about we head that way?"
He pointed down the road that led to the bridge which would take us straight to Castel Sant'Angelo and Ponte Sant'Angelo. The bridge was lit up with a bask of amber lights that drew attention to the statues of angels on either side.
My heart quickened, and my nerve endings tingled from the divine sight. I'd seen it on postcards and the brochures I read earlier. Seeing it all in real life laid out before me was a real treat.
"Yes." I smiled.
"Maybe we can try for the Basilica next and then head to the Trevi fountain and other places if you aren't too tired."
All exciting. These were the places I was desperate to see. So far we'd been walking down the road from the Vatican Museum. The walls surrounding rose to at least thirty feet from the ground, so there was no chance of seeing what was on the other side. I was hoping for a little peak of something, but got nothing.
"I'm not tired at all." I beamed grinning wide. Adrenaline flowed throughout my fueling me with a new found energy. "I've always dreamed of seeing those places."
"Cool. I know we're here for Lucy and I feel guilty for wanting to explore. But there's no harm in seeing what we can." He stated with a small smile.
I nodding agreeing, that was exactly how I felt too. This was a good idea; coming out for a walk. It was great that we could fit it in.
My excitement increased the closer they got to the castle. The bronze statue of Archangel Michael on top of the Castel completely enthralled me, and although the gates were closed to the public, there were lots to see and appreciate.
A lot of people had gathered around to take pictures. I did so too eager to capture the memory.
There were lots of people on the bridge too. Lots of couple. I could imagine this to be the perfect romantic getaway. Or, somewhere to go on a honeymoon. It was definitely somewhere to experience with someone you loved.
Sometimes I wondered what it must be like to be in love and happy like that. I'd been too focused with my music to give myself that chance. While I had dated a lot, I'd never been with anyone in a serious relationship. There never seemed to be the time for that.
It would be nice, though. To meet someone and have the kind of love Lucy had for Angelo. The kind that was lasting, and would make you leave whatever you were doing to find that person even after seventy years.
The atmosphere and beauty that surrounded them made me feel alive, free, and relaxed. It felt like one of those times when you were given something you didn't know you were missing but needed. It was truly refreshing.
We covered a lot of grounds and got so absorbed in the surroundings that time escaped us. We gazed heavenwards at the incredible Pantheon, walked the grand stairs of the Spanish steps and since St. Peter's Basilica was closed we walked around for a good while in the square, mesmerizing ourselves with all one hundred and forty saints that guarded it.
Gage dared to tell lies at the Bocca della Verità and had the ague to pretend his hand had been hacked off. I believed his dramatization too, simply for the fact that it was him, and if that was going to happen to anyone he'd be the first.
I felt for sure that myth would hold true to the mouth of the huge face feasting on his hand. However, I found myself mildly surprised as I laughed when he revealed his hand was still with him and in perfect order.
From there we went to the Trevi fountain, where I did indeed throw in all the coins that I had in my purse. Gage laughed at me and said I'd probably end up living in Rome and not just visiting again as the saying went. I didn't think I would mind that, as I was besotted with what I'd seen so far.
We finished up by hanging out on Piazza Navona where we enjoyed the circus of street performers and artists while we sat by one of the ornate fountains.
It was after two in the morning when we ventured back to the hotel, and instead of going to our rooms we went to the lobby to finish eating the ginormous ice cream cones we acquired on the way back.
Gage was on his second cone.
"I wish I could have two. The ice cream here is so good." I commented snuggling against the cushions on the sofa. We were alone, so it felt more like a room than a public area.
"Evie you would burst. There's a chance I still could, and the worse thing is I want another one." Gage nodded.
I laughed at him as he took a bite and came away with ice cream on his nose. He tried to wipe it off but ended up smearing it across his cheeks.
"Oh my gosh. I think I'm tired. My hand to eye coordination is completely off." He sighed slumping his shoulders.
I retrieved a tissue from a Kleenex pack in my purse and without thinking I leaned over and wiped away the ice cream from his cheeks and nose. It felt like the natural thing to do, but then I saw the way he looked at me, and my awareness returned. My cheeks warmed as he continued to stare and I sat back down adjusting myself.
"It's gone now," I said nonchalantly.
To regain my composure, I looked away and resumed eating my ice cream. When I was finished I'd go to bed. Clearly, I was tired. Very tired.
I'd slept on the plane but the time difference was throwing me off my game. I was certain Gage would have managed to clean his face himself. He didn't need me practically pampering him.
"Thanks." He was still looking at my even though I was staring ahead at the reception desk. "So hey, you didn't tell me what you were working on. Sounded interesting."
I looked back to him and saw that he'd straightened up and seemed quite interested.
"It's about water," I replied. "It's called Water Notes."
"Water?" He narrowed his eyes not quite understanding.
"Yeah."
When I thought about how I composed my music, it made sense in my head, but usually when I tried to explain it to someone else they never quite understood what I was saying and ended up looking at me like I was crazy. Lucy was the only person who got me, and understood me completely.
The way that my talent worked was that I actually saw music in objects and things around me. It was even more intense when I felt inspired or strongly about something. My emotions would transpire into music.
It was why I played so well and could write music effortlessly. For me, my violin was a living thing that translated what I saw into what it sounded like. It was a part of my soul.
"Okay, you have to explain." The corners of his mouth lifted into an easy smile.
"When I look at something I can see and hear it in the form of music. My piece is about how water sounds." That probably didn't offer the best explanation because everyone knew how water sounded, and it generally tended to sound the same to everyone. "It's about how water sounds to me, and the way it changes. Wat
er is transparent, but you can see it, it flows and goes wherever it wants. It's safe when you can control it, but dangerous when you can't." Maybe that was a little better. When I spoke to Lucy, I would have explained more about what musical notes I saw.
He was listening though, really listening. "You can come up with a whole composition from that?"
I nodded. "Yeah."
"Is that how most musicians create music?"
I shrugged. Lucy always said I had a special gift. A very special gift that would undoubtedly take me places. She was so right.
"I can't say that they do, and I can't say that they don't. For me when I look at anything, doesn't matter what it is I see and hear it as a musical note. Sometimes the world sounds like one big orchestra to me."
"That's real impressive Evie. I've never of heard that before."
It was weird I supposed, but that's how I'd done it from as far back as I could remember. "Maybe because it sounds crazy."
"No, it doesn't." He did look impressed. "Can you do it now?" He asked.
My brain was always doing it. I just wasn't paying it any attention. I nodded and smiled.
"What can you hear?" He looked around them looking like he was trying to listen.
I pulled in a slow breath and listened. As he shifted on the sofa, his movement against the leather sounded like a swish. For me, that was a treble clef middle C whole note. When the door opened outside of the lobby and someone came in, I heard a whole melody. E sharp, A, B, E, C all as quavers and if someone were singing it they'd be singing as a tenor.
"Evie," he prodded, I smiled at him.
"I'd have to play it for you, or sing."
"Then sing." He said quickly like he was eager to hear what was going on in my head.
"I am not singing for you." No way. Yes, I loved to sing, but for me that was too intimate to share. That was why I hummed when I was composing.
Play of Love: The Gladiator Players Box Set Page 36