An Endless Serenade

Chapter Fourteen

It was at times like this when I wished I knew how to calm my nerves. The saying always said to have a drink, calm your nerves but I never was the alcohol type of person. So instead, I jiggled my foot, tapping my fingers against my jean clad knee. Elliot sat beside me, his face the perfect expression of boredom. He didn't seem nervous at all. Of course, his piano playing was so amazing he didn't need to be anxious. On my other side, sat Paul, going over my piece with me one last time before I was called up for my audition. Somehow, Elliot and I were at the bottom of the list.

Olivia had been first, and she'd seemed pretty confident when she marched out of the audition room five minutes after she entered it.

I hadn't seen Mr. Tucker yet, but that wasn't bothering me too much.

"Allie... Allie, are you listening to me?"

"Umm, what?" I responded distractedly, tearing my eyes away from the door that led to the audition room, and to Paul.

His green eyes twinkled in amusement. "I never took you to be the nervous type."

I chewed on my bottom lip. "Surprise."

"Calm down," he urged, putting a hand on my shoulder. "You'll mess up if you aren't calm."

"Easier said than done," I muttered.

Smiling, he offered me the mug he held in his left hand. "Have a sip of this."

"I don't drink—"

"It's tea," he interjected, rolling his eyes. "I'm not old enough to drink either, remember? Close, but not quite."

Cautiously raising the mug to my lips, I took a tiny sip. The tea was warm and sweet. I raised the mug to my lips again and took a longer gulp. It was really sweet. "What kind is this?"

"Vanilla and caramel... with like, half a cup of honey and five tablespoons of sugar," Paul admitted sheepishly. "I have a sweet tooth."

"I figured as much... don't think I don't notice all the ice cream in the freezer and cookies in the cabinets. And candy wrappers in the trash," I teased.

Paul sent me a warning look, pressing his finger to his lips. "Shh."

I blinked. Right. We were in public. And it wouldn't be swell to let the public know we were living together. "A-anyway... Do you think I'll make it?"

There was no hesitation before his answer, not even a blink. "I have full confidence in you." And there was full confidence behind his words. "You can do it, Allie. You're an amazing pianist."

"Not as amazing as you," I pointed out.

"I'm a professional," he responded with a shrug, "but you're close. And you could've chosen a better piece, but I was too much of a jerk to give you much time in advance."

I smiled softly at him. "It's fine, Pa— Mr. Russet. I'm sure I'll be fine with Chopin."

"Yeah, me too. I also have full confidence in Elliot," Paul added, leaning forward to grin at the grumpy young man.

"Screw off."

I grimaced. "Elliot..."

"Why are you here, then?" Paul challenged.

"Because I asked him to audition with me," I said before Elliot could make some snide remark. "And he's such a great friend, he easily agreed."