About a week later, Jamie brought Rory to the Italian restaurant that he worked at.
"So," Rory stammered, "the fact that you work here...is just a weird coincidence?"
"What do you mean?" Jamie laughed.
"Well, this place is called Lombardi's and that's your last name. I was just wondering if it was a coincidence or not," Rory shrugged.
"My family owns the place," Jamie smiled. "I work here as a waiter to help my parents."
"You're a professional pianist, then?"
Jamie gave a laugh. "No, I'm afraid not."
"But why?" Rory questioned. "You're excellent, the best I've ever heard."
"Thank you," Jamie blushed, but he didn't answer her question.
The two talked lively and thoroughly enjoyed each other's company.
"So," Jamie began, sipping a cup of coffee, "what's your story?"
"I was born in Miami, Florida. I moved here, to New York, with both of my parents when I was six. My parents live about ten minutes out of the city now. I don't get to visit them as much as I'd like. I've been dancing since I was three. I hope to one day perform at the Palais Garnier in Paris," Rory smiled. "It's what I've been working toward my entire life."
Jamie nodded with a smile. "That's really cool. I think that you'll be successful. You're a very talented ballerina."
"Thank you," Rory blushed. "What about you? What's your story?"
"I've grown up here my entire life. This restaurant has been in my family for generations. I began to learn how to play piano when I was about two. I could read music before I could read books. My grandfather was an amazing pianist, so he taught me. He actually did perform at the Garnier," Jamie smiled fondly. "I started working here when I was sixteen, but I kept up my piano playing."
"You're very talented, Jamie. Why don't you pursue piano as a career?"
"Careful, this plate is hot," the waitress said, setting down a dish and interrupting Rory and Jamie's conversation.
—————
"So, how was it?" Maddie smirked as Rory entered the doorway.
"God!" Rory exclaimed, clutching her chest. "You scared me."
"Sorry," Maddie giggled. "But really, how did it go?"
"It went well," Rory smiled. "We exchanged numbers."
"So, are you like...dating now or something?"
"God, no," Rory laughed. "We just had a good time and I'd like to be friends with Jamie. You would like him. He's really funny and kind. I was wrong before, he's not a player. He's only ever had one girlfriend. They were together for about two years, but then she broke up with him. She didn't even give him a valid reason. From what Jamie told me, she seemed flaky and I'm surprised their relationship lasted as long as it did."
"Well, it seems like he told you everything," Maddie laughed.
Rory thought for a moment. "There was actually one thing that he didn't tell me that makes me curious."
"And that would be?"
"He isn't a professional pianist. He works at that restaurant full time."
"What? How is that possible?"
"Exactly," Rory sighed. "He's really really amazing at piano. Like, why wouldn't he make a career out of it? What's his reason? I don't know, because he wouldn't tell me."
Maddie shook her head in disbelief. "He was purposely avoiding your questions?"
"I don't know," Rory shrugged. "Maybe."
YOU ARE READING
Keys & Laces
RomanceWhen Rory repeatedly crosses paths with a man, it seems odd. When she runs into him at a ballet performance, it seems like it was meant to be. They soon become great friends. But, what happens when they feel that they should be more? 2nd place winne...
