The Hottie Cable Guy

Chapter 12: Behind the Music Note

"Your place is nice." Kirsten commented her eyes scanning Ethan's living room. They ended up getting a take out order and going to his place which is not so far from their house, to her surprise.  When he said he lives in an apartment she was expecting a small unit in an apartment building. Turns out he has a house in an apartment complex a bit big  for just a high school senior! The living room is complete with appliances and furniture from the huge flat screen TV mounted on the wall and the surround sound system to the black leather sofa set with a wooden center table. The floor is all carpeted and the curtains are in neutral colors and look expensive themselves.

"Thanks. I would have brought you to a fancy restaurant in a candlelit dinner but..."

"That would have been sweet. Lucky me you are not that typical romantic type of boyfriend." She said finishing his statement. Ethan laughed shaking his head.

"I'll just prepare these in the kitchen." He said holding up the food in the paper bag in his hands. He went towards the kitchen.

"You need a hand?" She shouted.

"Nope! I can manage. I don't put my guests to work. Just sit back and relax! Food will be ready shortly!" He shouted back from the kitchen. When he came back he was already balancing two plates on his palms. He made a 2nd trip to the kitchen for a pitcher of orange juice and two glasses. Kirsten sat down the floor Indian style and helped Ethan set up the table. Ethan slumped down opposite her.

"Did you do all the job here? I mean decorating and stuff?"

"Mom and Abby helped me out in picking out the furniture. I picked out the colors. Dad was also here when I was moving."

"You're lucky you have a very supportive family."

" I know. Your family is pretty cool too."

" Yeah." She smiled. "My mom and my dad are kind of weird.  They aren't the typical type of parents but I love them for that .My brother is annoying sometimes but he's my baby."

"He's one determined boy." Ethan chuckled.

"I know. Is this a three bedroom?" She noticed there are three other doors aside from the door leading the kitchen.

"Yup. That is my room." He pointed to the door behind her. "And the other one's the guestroom."

" What about that one?" She asked pointing to the one next to the guestroom. She just couldn't control her curiosity.

"Oh that one's my music room." He said taking a sip of the orange juice.

"Music room?"

"Yeah. All my musical instruments are in there."

"Oh." So she was actually right when she assumed he's into music. "Can I see it?"

He looked up. "Sure."

"These are amazing." Kirsten said looking at all the musical instruments. She have never been in a room full of all different kinds of musical instruments before.There is a piano, a drum set and like 1...2...3...4...5 guitars. There's even a violin and a flute! This room alone must have cost a fortune!

"Do you know how to play all of them?" She asked running her fingers on the piano keys lightly.

"Pretty much yeah . I was just struggling with violin."

"So you are really into music." Her smiled turned into a smirk. "Cable guy and a musician. What else? You are one man of many talents."

Ethan chuckled.

"But if you like music why are you not in a band or something?"

"I was. I quit."

"Why?"

It's a long story."

"I can  stay for another hour. Come on I'm all ears." She said taking the piano seat. "Did your dad ask you to quit?" She remembers him telling her his dad wants him to take over his position after college. Was he worried he would take a different path of career with him being in a band?"

"Nope. Emily did."

Her brow raised. "Why?"

"Well, our band plays in a diner during weekends. We practice twice a week and it's taking a lot of my time. Plus there's other stuff like school and this cable job I barely had time for Emily so she asked me to quit."

"And you just agreed?"

"I didn't at first but eventually yes."

"Oh. Well that was..." She can't really find the right word to say, "...sweet. What specific instrument do you play?"

"Lead guitar. And vocals."

"You can sing?" She sounded a bit surprised.

"Yeah...I was the vocalist so I guess I do."

"Wow." She stood up and went to the guitars. She picked up and examined one which is only big enough for a 7-year-old to hold.

"That one's my very first guitar."

"Really? You kept it?"

"Yeah. It  has a sentimental value. I was 5 then. Dad asked me what I wanted to have for my birthday. I told him I wanted a guitar  so he bought me one. I remember I was literally jumping up and down for joy when he handed me that. My very first guitar."

She gave him a smile ."So why did you quit then?" Ethan gave him a confused look. "I mean I understand it was for Emily but it still doesn't make any sense. It's obvious you love music. It's your passion Ethan. How can you give it up so easily? You know that feeling when you let go of something you love to do? It's like...I don't know how to explain it call it melodramatic but it's like...a part of you died. So what you did is basically a suicide. And it's stupid." The moment the last words slipped out of her mouth and she saw Ethan frowned she almost wanna take them back.

"I'm sorry. That was below the belt." She said in an apologetic smile.

"No its OK ."

"No I'm not in a position to pry-"

"No seriously it's fine. It's actually funny how you were able to describe exactly how I felt when I left the band. I wasn't happy. But I guess I am really that stupid . Stupid to the point of giving up something I love doing for the girl I love. Call it melodramatic yeah. But I guess you can never really have both worlds. " He snorted and smiled at her.

"I don't believe in that saying. She could have supported instead." And another statement she regrets saying. She should stop talking now before Ethan gets offended! "OK  I'm going to zip my mouth now."

Ethan just laughed. "You know what? Someday you'll also have to sacrifice something for someone. Let's go back outside." He turned to head to the door.

"Wait before we go outside. Can I ask you a favor?" She said which stopped Ethan in his tracks.

"Will you teach me how to play guitar? I kind of have this little frustration with guitars but can't find someone patient enough to teach me."

"Sure."

"Really? Thanks. I have to warn you though. I am not a very much fast learner in things like this."

"I think I can handle that. I had to warn you too. I am a very strict teacher." He winked. And turned to the door.