Page 98 of From Drummer to Gamer

“I hoped you’d dress more like a lady for the occasion, Sierra,” she berated, eyeing me up and down with a slight frown on her face.

A flare of heat curled my chest, and a mortified flush crept up my cheeks.

Not even a hi or hello. She went straight to the way I was dressed.

“Sorry, Ma…”

My words were cut off by a strong, resounding tone. “I think Sierra’s dressed fine. It’s just a casual meeting, Victoria,” Matty assured, nodding to her.

For the first time in my life, someone defended me, and for the first time in my life, I saw something akin to embarrassment coat my mother’s dark brown eyes.

“It’s good to meet you again, ma’am.” Matty stepped forward, offering her his hand. Ever the gentleman.

“Ah, yes, Mr. Evans.” She gave him a courteous smile, shaking his hand.

“Please, call me Matt.”

She nodded, lifting the packed bag she held. “I bought some egg tarts and braised chicken.”

“I’ll take it.” I stepped in and took it out of her hands, wanting to do something to keep myself busy.

`Soon, we all sat in the living room, chatting like normal people while sipping lavender tea, which I offered to make because I didn’t want to linger an unnecessary second in this room.

“This is a nice place you got here, Matty. Some view, I must say,” Dad acknowledged, eyeing the floor-to-ceiling windows and the posh interiors. “I hope my children have been behaving well.”

“They’ve been a joy,” Matty said.

“Oh, come on, Dad. You know how amazing it is to live with me,” Raphy added his two cents because he just couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

I wrung my fingers inside the pockets of my hoodie, squirming in my seat. I wanted to sit somewhere else, but Matty insisted I sit next to him, which was only making my heart lurch up to my throat.

“How’s your music coming along, Raphael?” Mom questioned Raphy, her eyes sliding to him. Her back was pin-straight as she took slow, measured sips of her tea.

“Good, Mom. It’s coming along perfectly. I can’t wait for you all to hear some of it. I played Si some, and she approved. Right, Si?” Raphy replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Yes, he was great. It sounded incredible,” I offered, flashing Raphy a soft smile.

He put his heart and soul into this project, and I could hear that in his music, but it wasn’t just that. There was a flare of Matty’s touch in the composition, and it came out brilliantly.

I loved it.

“That’s good,” Mom said in her even-toned voice. “But I hope you know you start school in a month, Raphael. I get that you want to be a musician, but I want you to complete your studies.”

“Yes, Ma,” he replied with a look that said he was stifling the urge to roll his eyes.

“And you, Sierra, how are your classes coming along? Did you get familiar with the curriculum?” She directed her next line of questions to me.

“Yes, absolutely,” I blurted. “The professors have been so amazing and friendly, and the campus is so beautiful. Mom, I can’t wait to make more friends and live in the city,” I said with a shaky smile, cursing myself for my insistent need to ramble whenever I lied.

“Good. I hope you know how serious this profession is, Sierra. It would be better if you concentrate from the start.”

A lump stuck in my throat, and I just nodded.

Matty’s eyes caught mine, and they held such softness in them that it almost melted my insides.

I smiled, grateful.

Looking into his eyes, I felt hope.

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