Page 10 of Speechless

Graham smacks Craig over the head at the same time I tell him to watch his fucking mouth.

“God,sorry. Forgot we’re not supposed to talk about it.” His tone is anything but sincere. “I’m out, see you guys tomorrow.”

Jayce and Preston follow Craig upstairs while yawning dramatically, but of course, Graham stays behind. He knows me too well.

“So, you really just went up to her? Had a whole conversation?”

“Yeah, I know, I’m surprised too. It’s not that big of a deal. Just let it go.”

“It is a big deal. It’s a really big fucking deal, mate.” I give him a look that says “we’re done” and head downstairs to the studio.

I’m sittingon the piano bench, thinking I don’t actually need to be working right now. But I’ve had these notes in my head ever since I saw Lucy and I can’t seem to get them out. The urge to play is overwhelming, even though I know it will become an obsession and I’ll be stuck in here until it’s complete. Maybe my brain is doing this intentionally, giving me an excuse not to see her again so soon. The chance of her enjoying my company more than once is not something I feel good about. It hasn’t happened with a woman before. Not that I’ve ever tried.

I’m picturing her face while my fingers start to dance over the keys.

Not her face, her eyes.

I saw an entire symphony in those eyes. There was so much sadness, maybe even despair, swimming through her irises. But there was also her smile. The way her entire face lit up while talking about Rowan. I hear the notes instantly change. The song was sounding quite Russian, a bit tragic even for my taste, and now it’s transformed into something worthy of a harp, twinkling and effervescent.

I get up and move to the futon, grab some pages to write down a few bars. I stay up all night working on her song.

2nd movement

Why get up in the morning unless you’re

going to have an adventure?

-Hans Zimmer

7

Lucy

I waketo the scent of jasmine and a warm glow seeping through the window. The sound of seabirds is familiar and yet somehow foreign, a melody I can’t place. My eyes are still closed when I feel Rowan’s tongue on my cheek, before he rolls over to lie next to me, pressing into my side.

And then, I remember where I am.

Everything happened so fast last night, and all under the fog of desperation and exhaustion. Henry may have offered me the room, but surely I can’t just act like this is my house now. I don’t even have his phone number.

It feels like leaving this room might be as painful as my divorce.

Although, I guess it would have been worse had Jack’s parents not insisted on that prenup. I may have spent the last six months living in a black hole of despair, but the paperwork was done with the speed of a Ferrari. Best to rip off the Band-Aid.

And more importantly, there’s one need I have that eclipses my pride: caffeine. After throwing on a tank top and leggings, I brave the world outside.

I pad through the living room and into the kitchen, but not before marveling at the gorgeous piano next to the window. The entire back of the house is glass, with stunning views of the pacific. I hope I can sneak around to see the rest later while avoiding my new housemates.

“Good morning, Lucy!”

Shit, I forgot this one’s name. I can’t actually call them HAAAM, can I? He’s tall with deep caramel skin, short, buzzed hair on his head and face. Nothing shy of gorgeous if I’m being honest. He’s got that Tyson Beckford thing going on and I wonder if he’s a model too.

“Jayce.” He points to himself and smiles, andwow, what a fucking smile. I haven’t been single in over a decade, but I remember guys that looked like him in college: heartbreakers. “Sorry we didn’t get to really meet last night. Coffee? You look hella tired.”

Jeez, is it that obvious? If I’m going to be surrounded by beautiful men I better at least try to look well-rested.

“Yeah, late flight.” I shrug just as my stomach rumbles so loudly I see him snicker. God, when’s the last time I ate something? “Got anything I can make for breakfast? Happy to cook for you too.”

I head toward the fridge hoping there’s eggs when I spot two other members of HAAAM walk in. I’m pretty sure the blonde one told me his name was Graham but I’m drawing a blank for the shorter one.

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