(Complete) When Tim Burke meets Julie at a party, she isn't impressed. When they see each other again, Julie decides to give him a chance. As Julie faces burdens and sorrow in her own life, Tim and his family provide the support and love she needs...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Julie hadn't expected to have a conversation at the punch bowl. When she returned to Kate, she leaned into her ear. "Do you know that one in the blue sweater?"
"No, but I saw Artie talking to him. Should I ask?"
"No!"
Julie wasn't interested although he had made her laugh and as she took a second look, she noticed he was cute, but too tall for her. She had walked away because she was bored with Jim and Arthur talking about medicine. She had been hoping the punch would help make the evening more bearable.
Suddenly, as if remembering they were there, Jim and Arthur turned toward her and Kate. Jim leaned in and whispered in her ear. "You look very pretty tonight."
She smiled and took a large sip from her cup. It was strong, stronger than the wine coolers she typically drank. The more she drank the less boring Jim seemed. She couldn't remember why she had thought his being rich wasn't a good thing earlier.
The tall guy was playing the piano and making commentary while a few others egged him on including Nate, whose house it was. She didn't know what a proctologist was but had brothers and understood about beating it. He was annoying the way he tried to be the center of attention.
He definitely bothered Jim when he played, Shout, and commented that with Richy the girls only shout for him to stop in the bedroom.
Startling her, Jim hollered across the room. "Hey Burke enough with your garbage. There are ladies present." Then he turned to her. "If he weren't so smart, he'd never make it. Still, I heard, he has all the nurses in pediatrics clamoring."
"Why?" She was suddenly curious.
"Because he's like a child always telling jokes. He will cause some kid to bust open his appendectomy incision one day. Then he'll be in trouble."
Jim Albert didn't like to laugh, but Julie was fond of laughter herself.
The piano player ignored Jim's comment and started playing a classical piece. He definitely knew how to play. The room was quieting down as some had left and others were in deep conversations.
At the piano, he introduced his next song. "My parents used to dance around the kitchen to this song. I'm dedicating it to the girl who is definitely not ugly."
He referenced their conversation. As he played the familiar tune, Mrs. Walker walked over and began to sing. She had a lovely voice. Julie enjoyed singing and had a few solos in her high school chorus performances. She recognized the song as an old Elvis song, Can't Help Falling In Love.
When the song ended, those gathered clapped. She assumed the applause was for the voice of their hostess. Still, Julie felt forced to thank him for the song, so she walked over to the piano. "You play very well, thank you."
"Years of practice paid off. When I was small, I played with my mother."
"You don't anymore?"
"I still play, obviously... but not with my mother, she died a long time ago." His reply had just a hint of wistful sadness.
