He heard her gasp. The mention of the cities had upset her, so he continued quickly. “My agent used the image of my hands on a keyboard to announce my concert series that year. I really don’t want anyone else to know this, but since we’re going to be living together like this, there really shouldn’t be any secrets between us.”
He felt her pulse quicken. “What secrets?” she stammered, and he could sense fear behind the words, almost as if she were suddenly afraid of him.
“You may have heard of me; for all I know, you might have had one or more of my CDs. Up until eighteen months ago, I went by the name Nico Antoni.”
Her breath whooshed out of her. “I had all your CDs. Debbie recognized your music last night. She called you the piano man, but I didn’t make the connection. I used to play them all the time.” He heard the relief in her voice and relaxed. She reached for his hands.
“I recognized the ring you wore last night. I knew I’d seen it before; you had it on in the photos. You’re not wearing it now. You were my mom’s favorite artist. Dad took her to your concert at Carnegie Hall just a few days before they were killed. It was all she could talk about before and after the concert. Oh, Nick, I’m so sorry; you’ve lost so much. How can you bear not playing or recording anymore?”
Nick smiled. There was something she’d just said that didn’t sound right, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. “The ring was my father’s. I took it off to shower. It’s a little loose, and I didn’t want it to slip off. I’ve come to realize there are more important things than fame and fortune.” You and Debbie, for example, he thought.
“When Rebecca died, I blamed myself for surviving, but I was blind and paralyzed. The paralysis eventually went away, and I could play again. I don’t have the need in me to perform the way I did. Now I play for myself, for my friends, and for the community, the way I’m doing in the musical. I had to give the principal at the school my real name so they could check me out — don’t want predators working with kids,” he said with a laugh that stopped when he felt her shiver. “Are you cold?”
“What? No! The idea of predators scares me. Well, this explains why Myra was so weird the other day. Does Kelly Duncan know, too?” She let go of his hands, and he knew she’d reached for her coffee.
“I think so. I’m not the one who told her. Nancy Baker has a hard time keeping secrets. I’ve done a lot of soul-searching over the past few months. Most of the time, my life was self-serving. I want to change that. I don’t want to go back to that existence, at least not the way it was at the end. Being able to help you and Debbie makes me feel like I have something worthwhile to contribute again. What about you? You’ve lost a lot, too.”
“More than you’ll ever understand. Do you want another cup of coffee? Can I get you anything else?” she asked, standing and changing the topic. “I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you. I’ve seen hundreds of your publicity pictures.”
“No, I’m good; it was delicious — best chocolate chip pancakes ever — even better than my mom’s. It’s the hair. I shaved the beard and cut my hair short. It’s amazing how little it takes to alter one’s appearance. I didn’t want to be recognized.” He stood. “I’m looking forward to listening to that movie tonight. I’ve never seen any of the princess movies, but I worked on the musical score for the rerelease of a few of them. You don’t mind driving me to rehearsal, do you? I know you need to make a couple of stops before we come back. I need to speak to Nathan about setting up the sound system. We might as well try it tonight; there’s no point in waiting. When will you be ready to leave?”
“I don’t mind driving at all. I’ll be ready in about twenty minutes; is that okay?”
“Yeah; I’ll meet you out front. By the way, I forgot to mention, the housekeeper comes today. She couldn’t make it yesterday. She comes in twice a week.”
“I can look after the apartment — ”
“No way. Mildred counts on sixteen hours a week. It’s her job, and she needs the money. You can tidy up after Debbie to your heart’s content.”
She laughed. “Okay, but you’re spoiling me, and it’ll be really hard to go back to living on my own after being pampered like this. With a child in the house, she may need to work longer hours to keep the place up to your usual standards.”
Nick joined in her laughter. “I’ll have Nathan extend her hours if need be; I want you to relax and enjoy your stay here.” I want you to stay with me forever, he thought as he heard her walk away.
• • •
Misty went upstairs to dress. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t recognized Nick and the way he played. It had been familiar, but she’d lost so many things over the years, she’d hoped her memories hadn’t been among them. Of course shaving a beard and cutting his hair would change his appearance, but he couldn’t disguise his hands. When he’d mentioned not having secrets between them, she thought he’d been referring to hers, and she’d almost choked on her coffee. She knew he’d heard what she’d said to Amos, but he hadn’t mentioned it. Sometimes it was better not to ask questions.
She’d decided to wear jeans and a yellow, long-sleeved pullover. She grabbed her cell phone and tossed it in her purse without turning it on. She was downstairs with time to spare. Like Amber, she didn’t like being late.
She grabbed her jacket from the mudroom where she’d left it and headed outside to the play area. It was a glorious April day; the sunshine made everything seem brighter and cleaner after the long, dreary winter they’d had. Charlotte sat at the picnic table with Nathan. Nick stood outside the fence talking to them. She heard the rich sound of his laughter.
The children were bouncing on the trampoline, giggling, and having a great time. Misty had to call her name twice before Debbie came over to kiss her goodbye.
“I’ll be back in a few hours. While I’m gone, you be good for Charlotte. Nick and I will pick up the movie on our way back.”
“Mommy, I saw chibens. They have lots of birds here,” Debbie exclaimed, coming through the open gate to give her mother a big kiss. She turned to Nick. “Mr. Nick, do you want a kiss, too?”
Nick laughed. “You bet I do. A man can never get too many kisses from a beautiful woman.” He bent down to allow her to plant a wet smack on his cheek. Misty blushed knowing the comment was meant for her as well.
Debbie giggled. “You’re funny.”
“Before I go, you have to tell me what chibens are since I can’t see them.”
“They’re chicken birds,” she answered as if that explained everything and ran back to the trampoline.
“Chicken birds?” he asked Misty as they walked to the car.
“Pigeons; she thinks they walk like chickens, so they must be chicken birds.” She unlocked the car doors and got in. Nick walked around to the passenger side and did the same.
“It makes sense,” he said. “Children have such simple logic.”
The drive to the theater took about twenty minutes, and the conversation was pleasant. She was comfortable with him, as if he were an old friend.
“Mom used to make her own pasta noodles, and we must have had pasta, in one form or another, at least three times a week. She made this lasagna with béchamel sauce that was incredible. Her focaccia was the best. The only thing she couldn’t seem to cook right was beef. It was always pot roast, well done. I suppose cost had a lot to do with it. Any extra money at our house went into my piano lessons. It’s too bad my parents didn’t live long enough to see it pay off.”
“You must miss them. I know I miss my parents. Where did you live? You’ve got an accent I can’t quite place.”
“I grew up in Little Italy, but we spoke Italian at home. After they died, I went to live with relatives outside of Naples until I started performing. I think some of that rubbed off.”
“I grew up on Staten Island. My voice teacher at Julli
ard swore he’d beat the accent out of me if he had to.” She stopped dead, realizing that she’d said too much and grateful to see they’d arrived.
She signaled a turn into the parking lot. When they got to the theater, Nick went into the stage area, while she went downstairs to put on her costume. This would be a full rehearsal today, the last one before they opened to the public on Tuesday night.
She’d turned her cell phone on as soon as they’d reached the theater — she always did when she and Debbie were apart. Her cell phone vibrated, and she pulled it out of her pocket.
“Hi, Amos,” she said recognizing the number. “How’s Beryl doing?”
“She’s good, but more importantly, how are you doing?”
“Nick’s place is amazing. He went to so much trouble for us. He built this play area where the tennis courts were. I don’t know how he did what he did so quickly.”
Amos laughed. “Money talks, and he has lots of it.”
“He told me about himself, Amos. Did you know?”
“You mean about the fact that he’s Nico Antoni? Yes, I did. I told you I’d read the accident report.”
“So you did. Why don’t you and Beryl join us for supper tomorrow?”
“No can do, honey; that’s why I’m calling. Beryl’s sister, Maddie, fell and broke her arm, so Beryl wants to go and keep her company. We’ll be back in time to catch the show’s final performance. If you need anything, call the cell. Alexis will be down near the end of next week. She’s just closing off a case. The local fire inspector was there yesterday and says it was an accident — but it wasn’t your fault, so you can set your mind at ease. There was a problem with the gas feed into the house. Not really sure what it was, but apparently it was a malfunction. I’m glad you were out of the house when it happened. It might just have been a faulty valve, but I still want Alexis to have a look, so until she does, your house is off-limits. Kiss Debbie for us. We’ll see you in ten days or so. Good luck with the show.”
Misty ended the call and put the phone back in her purse. She was relieved she hadn’t caused the fire but promised herself she’d be more careful about everything in the future. She was convinced there was no way Amos would leave them here unprotected if he thought they were in any danger. The gas line had entered the house from the back veranda. It had been the only thing she hadn’t liked about the house since she hadn’t felt good about putting Debbie out there to play unsupervised.
Rehearsal went off without a hitch, and the cast all went out together for a late lunch. Knowing they’d have pizza for dinner, Misty and Nick had ordered burgers and fries. After lunch, she and Nick had purchased rubber boots and a half-dozen princess movies and had gotten the things she’d needed for supper. Instead of using his cane in the store, he’d held her hand. If anyone had seen them together, they’d have thought them a young couple in love. With Nick, she felt protected and forgot all about the danger she might be facing.
• • •
For Misty, the next week was magical. Nick’s idea to play the CDs when they put Debbie to bed seemed to have worked and, so far, the child hadn’t had another night terror. She adored the piano man’s music and fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.
One of the hardest things Misty had to cope with was Debbie’s unrelenting request that Mr. Nick become her new daddy, and Misty worried that Debbie might take matters into her own hands and simply blurt out her invitation — a wish Misty herself heartily endorsed. The more time she spent with Nick, the more she wanted to stay with him, and she knew leaving would break not only her daughter’s heart but also her own.
During the first few days of the week, the sun had been out, and together, the six of them had explored the property. Even though Nick carried his cane, he held Misty’s hand. The woods surrounding the house were filled with an incredible assortment of wildflowers.
“Look,” whispered Misty as they came out of the woods into a clearing.
“Bambi,” Debbie said softly.
Misty leaned toward Nick. “There are four adult deer in the clearing, probably all does since none have antlers. There are also two fawns — tiny ones; they can’t be more than a few weeks old. I wish you could see them. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Nick put his arm around her. “Don’t. I wish I could see them, too.” He placed a quick kiss on her hair but kept his arm around her. They stood like that for a few more minutes until Debbie’s “aww” signaled the animals’ departure.
They often met either Bill or John on their rambles. Bill and his wife had come over to introduce themselves on her first night there. Nathan told her that the men made sure poachers didn’t get the deer, but Misty knew there was more to it than that. She’d noticed cameras being installed in several places. Obviously Nick valued his privacy.
The helicopter parked on the far side of the garage had been a big surprise. Apparently Nathan was a licensed pilot and promised to take them all for a ride one day soon.
• • •
Tuesday night the musical had opened to a full house. Nick and Misty sat on the screened porch the next morning enjoying coffee while Misty read the review in the local paper John had brought back from town.
“Micah Jones and his cast have put together a hit. The production, aimed at raising funds for upgrades to the local clinic, is well worth the price of admission. The music is outstanding, especially the solo by Misty Starr, the newest addition to the cast.” She stopped reading, more affected by the review than she’d expected. She’d known they’d done well. “The high school band, under the leadership of Nick Anthony, provides excellent musical accompaniment for the cast, and the instrumentals are poignant. Every parent has a right to be proud of their accomplishments. There are a few tickets still available. Contact Micah Jones … and it gives Micah’s number at the dealership.”
“Not a bad review, but he could have mentioned your standing ovation last night.” He added, reaching for her hand. “You really were stupendous. I told you the first night we met what an incredible voice you have. God, has it only been a week? I feel as if I’ve known you forever.” He raised her hand to his lips, kissed her palm, sending shivers coursing along her arm, and folded her hand in his. “It’s nice sitting out here. When I bought the house, the beauty of the place and the peace and quiet drew me here. That was before I lost my sight and discovered how noisy nature and two little girls can be.”
“Mommy!” yelled Debbie from the play area, startling them and causing them to jump up. “Look, Mommy! Bunnies! The Easter bunny had babies!”
“What does she see?” asked Nick, frustration evident in his voice. She couldn’t imagine missing out on so much as he did.
“There’s a mother rabbit and four baby bunnies on the lawn in front of us. I think they came out from under the lilac bush. John will probably want to get rid of them since they’ll eat his plants … ” She knew she sounded forlorn, but she couldn’t imagine having to explain that to Debbie.
Nick laughed. He stood behind her and put his arms around her nuzzling her neck. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. Those bunnies are now the safest ones on the planet. I’ll make sure John gets plenty of food for them. I wouldn’t want Debbie to think badly of him.”
“You are such a kind man, Nick Anthony.” She turned into his arms to face him and kissed him gently. She wanted this man, but until she could be honest with him, what kind of future could they have? He’d done absolutely everything he could to make their lives better. She loved being in his arms. She loved the way he made her feel.
Chapter Thirteen
It was almost midnight when Misty punched the key lock and let them into the kitchen. The performance had gone well, and despite the weather, it had been standing room only.
“Care for a nightcap before you go up?”
“Yeah, I’d like that. Where do you kee
p the liqueurs?” She hadn’t found them when she’d inventoried the kitchen.
“In the bar in the living room. Come on.” He took her hand and led her to the living room where he settled her on the sofa. He walked over to the fireplace and turned it on. It wasn’t cold, but it was damp, and the heat felt good. He walked over to the portable bar and came back with two snifters of brandy. He sat beside her. He reached for the remote on the table, but instead of the television coming on, the sound of Johnny Mathis singing “Misty” filled the air.
“This is one of my favorite songs. Thanks for playing it each night. It helps me fall asleep. I feel safe here.”
She snuggled into him, and they sat in silence listening to the music, lost in their own thoughts.
“I have to go to Syracuse to see the doctor tomorrow. I’ll be back in time for dinner. What will you do?”
“You mean other than miss your company?” she asked impishly. “I’ll take Debbie for a haircut and get mine trimmed as well.”
“You should let it grow.” He ran his hand through her hair. “It’s so soft. I’ll bet it curls.”
“It does. I used to wear it long; at one point it reached my waist. Not very practical for a single mom with a baby. I had it cut just after Debbie was born. Maybe I’ll let it grow a bit. I do find this style a little short.”
“While you’re out shopping, you should pick up some things to add to the house — knick-knacks, candles, a couple of plants — the kind of things men forget. It must look pretty bare around here.”
“Your house is beautiful, Nick, just like you.”
He reached for her and captured her mouth with a hungry urgency that spoke of suppressed need. With deep, tantalizing kisses tasting of brandy and the flavor she associated with him, they feasted on one another. Eager hands moved under sweaters to caress skin with a primal need to feel and own the other. She burned for him and started to whimper when he slowly pulled away.
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