Page 13 of Sing with Me

And there was the fundamental question that he had been unable to answer. Had he loved Isobel or had it all been lust?

“There you are!”

Diehl spun around, hose in hand, thumb still on the sprayer.

Skye shrieked and screamed as the water sprayed all over her.

“Oops.” Diehl dropped the hose, but it was too late.

Skye was soaked from head to shoes. Her apron stuck to her shirt.

She laughed. “This is one way to cool off on a hot day.”

“I’m so sorry.” Diehl picked up the hose.

“I have to go home to change. I’m going to be so late to my rehearsal.” Skye wiped water off her arms. “Well, I came to tell you that your breakfast is ready.”

“I’m sorry I was being difficult. I should have shut up and eaten the risotto.”

“Speaking of which, you haven’t eaten anything all morning, have you?”

“And all night.”

“It’s time to eat.” Skye motioned for him to go indoors. “I’ll put away the hose. Did you find the birdseeds?”

“Brin said she’s out.”

“I can pick up some on the way back this afternoon.”

“Would you? That’s nice of you.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to go over some assessments and sample menus with you after dinner.” Skye dragged the hose to where it came from in a little shed.

“Any time.”

“Thanks. That will give us time to shop tonight for your lunch and dinner tomorrow.”

“How did you know where the hose goes?” Diehl asked. “Have you been here before?”

“Yes, our trio sometimes rehearses in this house. There’s a piano in the living room.”

“I saw the baby grand when I arrived last night.”

“Brin plays accompaniment for us. I usually sing, though Avery has started to sing with me. Sometimes she plays her trumpet.”

Diehl helped Skye with the hose.

“You should go inside,” Skye said. “Your breakfast is getting cold.”

“It’s okay. We’re almost done here. Do you play an instrument?”

“Guitar.” Skye closed the shed door. There was no lock. “You?”

“I am learning to play the guitar too. I used to play the piano—but it’s been a while. Brin and I sometimes played piano duets at Christmas at church when we were kids so long ago.”

“You went to church when you were little?” Skye walked with Diehl toward the oceanfront porch leading back to the kitchen.

Diehl nodded.

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