Chapter 14

Harley shook his head. “It’s like breathing, not optional.”

“That’s what it sounds like,” she replied, “breathing, life giving.”

“But you can’t play for me?”

“Not right now, okay?”

“Okay. I’m heading back down.” He stood and offered a hand, which she took. As they walked down the hill, the motorcycle was mercifully quiet.

She wasn’t sure why he followed her into the lobby, she was simply glad he did because her mother was waiting, Sutherlands having thinned enough for her to stake out the door and pounce the second her daughter entered. “Jennalee,” Jane called.

She turned to Harley as if her worst secret had been rung through the town. “I hate that name,” she told him.

Then her mother was at her, grabbing her arm and glaring at Harley, who had his violin case under one arm and was nodding at someone across the lobby.

“You are coming with me, young lady. Mr. Laidlaw, my daughter will be busy for the rest of the day.”