“Good, you made it in time.” Mom filed into the pew, scooched past Dad, and sat next to Aria’s grandparents.
“Hey, Dad.” Aria sat and snuggled against him. “Sorry we didn’t come down and have coffee with you guys this morning. The girls and I woke with just enough time to get ready and hit the road.”
“No problem. Your grandparents will be with us another night. You’ll have plenty of time to schmooze with them today.” Dad gave a reassuring smile.
People shuffled down aisles and into pews, their murmurs tapering to silence. The pastor’s wife played a pickup on the piano, and the choir moved into the loft singing “Angels We Have Heard on High.” The congregation rose and sang along.
Pastor Jonathan came forward on the platform as the music came to an end. “It’s good to see you all in the house of the Lord on this joyous Christmas morning. For those of you who are able, please continue to stand for the reading of the Word. Open your Bibles with me, if you will, to Luke, chapter two…”
Aria flipped her Bible open and turned to the gospel of Luke.
Kayla and Lauren fidgeted and giggled softly then scooted away from her and moved toward the end of the pew. Aria shook her head. Crazy girls. They never could stay still in church. Mom would have a field day scolding them when the service ended.
“Excuse me.”
Aria sucked in a quick breath and turned toward the familiar voice.
Dex sidestepped past Kay and Lauren and stood next to Aria. “Hi.”
“You came? But—”
“Of course, I came,” he whispered, then wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Couldn’t very well miss church with my girl on Christmas Day, could I?”
Aria leaned into his one-armed embrace, her heart bursting with joy.
* * * *
Dex checked the ham in the oven then tilted the cover on the carrots and turned the heat down to a simmer. Aria hadn’t been kidding when she said they’d put him to work in the kitchen if he came over early. He sidled next to her and pulled a paring knife from the butcher block on the counter. “Slide those potatoes over, and I’ll help peel them.”
“Thanks.” Aria put the bag between them and pecked his lips. “Look at all the food everyone brought. There’s going to be more than plenty to go around. Probably lots of leftovers too.”
Guests trickled in and added to the growing number milling around the house. Cackling kids ran circles around the wall that separated the living and dining rooms. Grown-ups laughed with them, or moved to another room to have more quiet conversations, no one seeming to mind the children’s play.
A child’s particularly shrill screech of laughter pierced the air. Aria cringed then threw a glance over her shoulder toward the living room. “Told you it gets wild in here during Christmas. If they keep it up, Mom or Dad will eventually shoo them all to the basement where they can play games or watch kid movies.”
At the far end of the counter, Kayla flopped open a handwritten recipe notebook and flipped through the pages. “Mom, you’ve got two cobbler recipes here. Which do you want me to put together?”
Mrs. Greco went to her and tapped a page. “This one, but mix it now and set it in the oven just as we sit down to eat, so it’ll be nice and hot when served with a scoop of ice cream on top. Dex, I’ve got another job for you if you’re not busy.”
Aria smiled. “Guess you’ve been reassigned.”
Dex set down his paring knife and a half-peeled spud. “What do you need me to do, Mrs. Greco?”
“We made a big turkey yesterday but had so much to do that we didn’t get a chance to carve it. Dave’s in the garage helping my father wipe down the Ping-Pong table, so would you mind cutting up the bird for us?”
“Sure, I’ll do it.”
“Thanks.” She grabbed one of two large silver trays of cheese, crackers, and party meats. “Let me go set this in the dining room so people can have something to nibble while they mingle. Kayla, grab the other tray and follow me, would you, please?”
Dex took the turkey pan out of the refrigerator and set it on the counter near Aria. “Wiping down the Ping-Pong table? What’s that all about?”
Aria laughed. “Even with the leaf in our dining room table we can only seat eight. So we bring the Ping-Pong table into the living room, throw a couple of tablecloths on it, and put folding chairs around for the overflow. Crazy, huh?”
“Yup, crazy in a good way.” And very unlike his family’s holiday meals where empty chairs around the table were the norm. Dex sharpened a knife and started on the turkey. “What are you going to do with the carrots?”
“Mom will make her famous carrot soufflé once they’re soft enough to mash.” Aria set a pot of cubed potatoes and water on the stove, added some salt, and turned on the burner. “I’ve got something important I need to do. Would you mind watching that these don’t boil over?”
“No problem. I’ve got this. Go.”
“Thanks.” Aria gave him a quick kiss and disappeared into the living room.
* * * *
Relieved of kitchen duty by several older women, Dex went to the dining room and snagged a couple of crackers and a few slices of cheese to hold him over. The Ping-Pong table took up half the living room. Lauren, Kayla, and one of their many aunts flicked tablecloths on it, and set low-lying flower arrangements in the center.
He tagged Lauren as she passed by. “Hey, have you seen Aria?” He hadn’t caught a glimpse of her in almost an hour.
“Nope. Sorry. Been chasing kids for the last hour or two.” Lauren turned away and went down the basement stairs.
Dex found a quiet corner and dialed Aria’s number. Last he’d noticed, her phone was wedged in her rear pants pocket. No answer. He walked over to Major Greco who stood in the living room drinking a bottled Sprite. “Your daughter seems to be MIA, sir.”
“I’m not a bit surprised.” Greco laughed. “She’ll turn up sooner or later.”
The front door opened. Aria squeezed in and closed the door behind her. Craning her neck, she looked around, then locked gazes with Dex and smiled.
Dex headed her way. “Where have you been?”
Aria pulled open the door. “Surprise!”
Pop stepped over the threshold, his rosy cheeks mounded over a beaming smile. “Ta-da.”
“Merry Christmas, Dex.” Aria’s arms flew around Dex’s neck.
“You went and got Pop?” The whole thing seemed surreal.
“I couldn’t very well let my boyfriend’s grandfather miss our family Christmas dinner, could I?” She burst into happy giggles then hung Pop’s and her coat in the closet.
“Hey, Pop.” Dex hugged him. “I sure didn’t see this coming.”
“Can’t say I did either. This little lady showed up at my door, started bossing me around, telling me to get dressed and comb my hair, and then shooed me all the way to the car.”
Aria hooted with laughter. “I did not.”
“Oh, she’s a bossy one, all right. Just like her mother.” The major shook Pop’s hand. “I’m Dave Greco, Aria’s dad. I’m glad you could come. Aria tells me you go by Pop. Is that right?”
“Yes, that’s right. Thanks for having me here today.”
Dex turned toward Greco. “You knew she was going to do this?”
“Maybe.” Greco brandished his one-cheeker smile and winked at Aria. “Pop, why don’t you come with me, and I’ll introduce you around.”
“That’d be great.” Seconds later Pop was across the room shaking hands with Aria’s Uncle Angelo.
Dex slipped his hands around Aria’s waist. “I don’t know what to say. Every time I think you couldn’t be more amazing, you surprise me with something even more incredible.”
* * * *
Having a leisurely dinner around a Ping-Pong table was good for the soul. Good food, laughter, and engagi
ng conversation—Dex couldn’t think of anything more enjoyable or relaxing. He finished a heaping plate of food and a second helping of carrot soufflé then sat back, fully satisfied with Aria by his side.
Pop sat across the table telling tales that made the preteen girl sitting next to him laugh until she was red in the face. This was good for him. Getting out, rubbing shoulders with different people, and making new friends. A newfound vitality seemed to be growing inside Pop right before Dex’s eyes. Hopefully, he wasn’t just imagining it.
“Pop looks like he’s enjoying himself.” Aria pushed her plate away and linked hands with Dex.
“I was just thinking the same thing. Thanks again for driving over to get him.”
“My pleasure. I have a favor to ask.”
He picked up her hand and kissed it. “Anything for you.”
“I have an electronic keyboard in my room. Would you help me bring it down here once dinner is over and the Ping-Pong table is cleared from the room? We usually sing a few Christmas songs before dessert.”
“Sure, I’d be happy to help.”
* * * *
Dex stood back with Pop as Aria led the kids in a hearty rendition of “Jingle Bells.” Afterward, they begged for “Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer,” and Aria obliged. Everyone laughed and clapped, then the kids scampered to the basement to play.
Kayla and Lauren stood beside Aria as she played a repeating riff, her radiant face looking over the twenty-plus guests filling the living room and spilling into the kitchen and dining room. “By now all of you have met my boyfriend, Dex, and his grandfather, Pop.”
Dex gave a little wave and noticed Pop did too.
“Earlier today, Pop told me how much his late wife, Celia, loved Christmas. How she went all out to make everything about the holiday extra special. He said she had a favorite Christmas carol, and I’ve asked my sisters to help me sing it for Pop, in honor of Celia Dexter’s memory.”
Aria played an intro then began singing the first verse.
O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth…
A lump formed in Dex’s throat. He had no idea Aria could sing so well.
…A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
His heart pumped harder with the emotion the song evoked and the purity of the voice that sang it.
Fall on your knees. Lauren and Kayla joined Aria in the chorus, their high and low harmonies sending a chill up Dex’s arms. O hear the angel voices. O night divine…
Tears brimmed Pop’s lashes. “This is so beautiful. I feel like we’re in the company of angels. Celia would have loved it.”
“I’m sure she would have.”
In perfect harmony, the girls brought the song to a grand finale.
Aria beamed a gorgeous smile. “Merry Christmas, everyone.”
Pop wiped his eyes. “I love that girl, Jason.”
Dex put his arm around Pop’s shoulder. “I know. I love her too.”
Chapter 21
Except for traveling in and out of Newburgh Airport, Dex hadn’t had many occasions to drive into the heart of the city. In the passenger seat, Aria gave directions for each turn using her phone’s GPS. The farther Dex drove off the main drag, the more he hoped her GPS was misguiding them, or that the professor had somehow given Aria the wrong address.
An eerie darkness pervaded the narrow street despite the glow of streetlights. Derelict tenements stood as sad reminders of what was once a thriving neighborhood. Dex cruised past an abandoned storefront, its window covered with plywood decorated with graffiti. “Are you sure this is the right street?”
Aria checked the professor’s text. “Yes, Harrison Avenue. I’ve been watching the building numbers, and I’m guessing 309 is going to be on the next block.”
“Is it a business or residence?”
“I don’t know. All I have is the address.”
Dex crossed the intersecting street and slowed to a crawl. “There it is.”
Elton’s Learning Center. Drab and lifeless like the rest of the buildings on the block, this one at least had a relatively new sign posted on the wall and a light shining over the entryway. Dex parked at the curb, got out, and opened Aria’s door.
Aria hooked his arm and pressed close to him. “I’m glad you came with me. This neighborhood gives me the creeps. Did you notice the dark alleys between the buildings?”
“Yeah, I did.” And he didn’t like the looks of them one bit, or the couple of guys he’d seen huddling in one of them that looked like a drug deal going down. He pressed the fob and locked Aria’s car. “Let’s go inside. Second floor lights are on. Guess that’s where we’re going. Stay close.”
“Believe me, I will.” Aria scuffed up the worn, wooden stairs beside Dex.
Straight ahead on the second floor lay a dim and dingy hallway. A sliver of light shined under a door to their left. Dex positioned himself in front of Aria, twisted the knob, and pushed the door inward. “Hello? Anybody here?”
Greeted with silence, he reached back, took her hand, and stepped inside.
A mixture of folding chairs and pews faced a small stage, and a nondescript upright piano sat on the floor level in front of it. Dex drew Aria closer and moved forward. Several folders of music lay spread on the edge of the stage as evidence of the professor’s presence.
“There’s his coat and briefcase.” Dex pointed to the front row pew. “He can’t be far. Looks like there’s a room at the back of the stage. I’ll go check and see if he’s in there.”
Dex vaulted onto the stage, walked over, and opened the door. Total darkness. He felt the wall and flipped the light switch. Nada. Taking a step back, he stopped and pulled out his phone to turn on his flashlight app. In this neighborhood, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if someone had conked the ol’ professor on the head and left him for dead. It was worth spending a few seconds to check it out.
Broken chairs, tables, and other junk lined the walls of the eight by ten room. Two roaches scurried from his light beam and squeezed into a gap between the floor and baseboard. But unless he counted the sunken-eyed, dead rat that reeked in the corner, there were no bodies lying around that gave cause for concern.
“Aria, it’s so good to see you.” The masculine voice had come from the auditorium.
“Hello, Professor Jacobs. It’s nice to see you too.” Aria’s perky answer carried an unmistakable lilt of happiness.
Dex turned off his flashlight app then went and stood in the shadows just inside the doorway of the storage room.
Even with Aria’s back facing him, Dex could imagine her broad, welcoming smile. The man coming toward her fanned the flames of her dreams, giving hope that sooner rather than later, they would become a reality. Dex couldn’t blame her for being happy about that.
Five-ten and wiry with a long, narrow face, sharp nose, and mousy-brown hair, the professor quickly crossed the room, his thin lips stretched into a smile. He stopped and grasped Aria’s hand between his. “How are you, my dear?”
“I’m doing well, thank you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you helping me get ready for the audition.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’m sure—” Jacobs looked up as Dex stepped on the stage and came forward.
Aria smiled. “Professor, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Sergeant Jason Dexter. He’s home on leave from the army.” She seemed to enjoy the pride that went with announcing his military title.
Dex jumped off the platform, landed in front of the man, and thrust out a hand. “Professor.”
“Sergeant.” Forced cordiality lifted the professor’s failing smile, but his limp handshake confirmed his disapproval of Dex’s intrusion.
Jacobs pulled his hand from Dex’s and turned to Aria. �
�Shall we look over the music I’ve selected? I’ve been here about an hour and had time to piece together a rather nice repertoire for you.”
“All right. That’d be great. We won’t be long, Dex.” She brushed his arm and stepped over to the stage to look at the music with Jacobs.
Dex walked back a few rows and slipped into a pew. He took off his wooly hat and shoved it in a pocket inside his jacket, his gut roiling with wariness. The gut was usually right and had saved his bacon many times. He’d trust it now and keep a sharp eye on Jacobs.
* * * *
“This is a very nice mix, Professor.” Aria thumbed through the stack of sheet music he’d set aside for her. “Classical, modern, and, oh I like this one, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from Les Misérables. Interesting choice.”
“Yes, I thought you’d like it. We want to show off your mastery of all types of music. Have you ever played that particular piece?”
“No, I haven’t.” But now that she’d looked it over, she couldn’t wait to try.
Motioning with an open hand, Jacobs invited her to sit at the piano. “When my friend offered to let us use this facility, I was under the impression that he had a much nicer instrument for you to play. Unfortunately, it sounds as terrible as it looks. My apologies.”
“We’ll make do.” Aria sat and scooted the bench a little closer to the keyboard. “What is this place anyway?”
“The rooms downstairs are used for tutoring economically disadvantaged children. This little auditorium used to be a dance studio and also where their recitals were held. Why don’t you go ahead and play that score, and see if there are any problem spots I can help you with?”
Aria played the music beginning to end. “Seems easy enough.”
Standing behind her, the professor placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned with his head next to hers. He flipped a page of the score and tapped the sheet. “Play from here. Your tempo was slightly off the first time through.”
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