That Melody

Chapter 8

             Ever since Shane caught Chloe listening in on his music he became overly aware of her and what he played. As much as he talked down about how he would hate her listening, he never stopped. On the contrary, it felt like he had something to prove. She always left soon after the piano stopped, Shane noticed, so he didn’t have to worry about being caught. Then again, she didn’t want to see the face of who was playing, so it was a silly worry to even have. Just knowing she was out there, listening so intently seemed so personal. If she knew it was him playing, she would probably stop coming to listen. Why that bothered him so much, he had absolutely no idea.

            When Shane was finished, he took in a deep breath and ran his hands along the smooth edge of the piano. It was as if it was so long ago when he first started playing here. Last year there were crowds waiting outside the door to listen: Girls confessed their love, and guys, their envy. It didn’t take long for his personality to scare them all off. Even for the families that sent their children here, they knew the hierarchy of their situation. His family was better off than most, and very well known in the music industry. To them, he was just a good catch to obtain. It made him want to scare them off.

            However, somehow the thought of scaring Chloe away was both something he wanted to do so desperately and something he was terrified of happening. Every time he talked to her, she brushed away his insults and bad temper as easily as she would a fly. It was intriguing. It was aggravating. He didn’t know his own emotions when it came to her. Chloe was like the sun to him; always wanting the warmth but resenting the burn.

            After a while, he walked out of the all but abandoned building just to be bombarded by a teacher he couldn’t recall knowing. The man looked in his thirties, but his smile looked childish.  He was up to something. Shane stood there in the doorway with a raised brow and crossed arms.

            “Shane right? Hi, I’m Mr. Stensan. I’m an instructor in the violin department.” He extended his hand with his introduction.

            Violin department? Well that would explain why he didn’t know the guy. Shane didn’t tend to mingle in other musical departments. It was obvious this guy wasn’t going anywhere without prompting. Without shaking his offered hand, Shane engaged him with his conversation. “And how may I help you- Mr. Stensan was it?”

            “Yes, yes. I see you’re as zealous as ever with that piano of yours.” Mr. Stensan commented with a cryptic smile.

            “Did we come to discuss my playing habits sir? I find it highly unlikely that a violin instructor cares about a pianist. If it’s all the same to you I’d prefer to get to the point here.” Shane sighed, not trying to hide his displeasure.

            “That’s where you’re wrong my less than polite friend. I am highly interested in you: More specifically, your skills. You see, I have a particular student in mind that I think you would be a fine match for you.” Mr. Stensan admitted shamelessly.

            “Sorry, I’m not interested in having a girlfriend. Thanks for the kind consideration though.” Shane responded, more bored than anything.

            “Not for you, for your piano. I don’t think she’d be interested in dating you either, kid.” He all but chuckled.

            The way Mr. Stensan talked bothered him and he didn’t understand why. The man made it seem as if the thought of a girl liking him was laughable. Other than that he thought someone could match his piano skills. That was laughable. “I don’t do duets.” Shane managed to ground out.