Page 28 of The Matchmaker's Melody
“Chocolate!” She beamed as she presented the plastic container to Gordon, and she let her eyes flicker closed as he kissed her on the cheek, their new accustomed greeting.
“Chocolate is always welcome here,” he replied. “You too. Come in. I’m just finishing something for work, but I won’t be more than ten minutes. Do you mind?”
She sent him to finish whatever it was that engineers do on their days off, and found her usual comfortable spot on the couch. She loved hearing that she was always welcome here. Then, idly, she wondered if she’d be equally welcome if Gordon did get together with Ashleigh.
Was Ash a jealous person? Would she mind her partner having women friends? Or would she be okay with it? Because if she was going to get all uptight, Emma would have to put a stop to that relationship right now.
Then she caught herself. There was no relationship to put a stop to. She had quite decided that the two might get along fine, but that there couldn’t be anything between them. They were too different in outlook and temperament. Besides, Gordon had never so much as breathed a word about Ash outside of choir.
She had just settled her thoughts on the matter again, when Gordon walked into the room with a smile.
“I was just thinking about Ashleigh,” he said.
Emma’s jaw clenched.
“I didn’t really know her well before now, but we had a good conversation the other night when I drove her home. She’s quite a remarkable person. Have you ever had the chance to speak with her? She’s spent a lot of time in South America helping smaller communities negotiate water rights. Things work so differently there, but she became interested in this matter when she took a course in Chile one year. I had no idea. She speaks fluent Spanish, of course, as well as French.”
“Of course.” Emma’s eyes narrowed.
“She has all sorts of stories to tell. Did you know she helped to set up a music program in the schools there? She’s fairly well connected in Toronto, and she did all sorts of fundraising to buy instruments. They’ve now got a band and orchestra. It’s quite amazing.”
“Hmmm.” That was non-committal enough, right?
“She has a fabulous website and Instagram page that she keeps up, all about the work they’re still doing there. The school band is recording some pieces, and they’re gaining quite a bit of attention. Her website is excellent. You might want to take a peek.”
“Fine.”
“Emma?” Oh, he did not sound happy. There was the disapproving, disappointed big brother again. Why did it bother her so much more now than it used to? “You don’t like her, do you?”
“I never said that.” Arms folded across her chest, she thrust out her chin like a petulant child.
He answered with a stare.
“She’s very pleasant and talented. I have no reason to dislike her.”
Another stare.
“It’s just…” Emma threw her head back in exasperation. “She’s just that bit too perfect, isn’t she? She’s attractive—you do think so, I can see it in your face, so don’t huff at me—and she’s smart, and she sings beautifully, and now you’re telling me she’s the Social Justice Champion of the Year, like somehow you disapprove of my choices. What am I supposed to feel?”
“You’re not jealous, are you?” This was asked with a cushion of concern Emma had never heard in Gordon’s voice before.
“Jealous? Of Ash? Hardly.” Well, yes, but she wasn’t going to admit it. “Besides which, she’s so quiet. She never opens up. Even after singing with her for all these years, I don’t know the first thing about her. Is she with someone? Where did she study music? Does she hate pizza? She’s such a closed book. Always polite and civil, but no spark.”
Gordon moved to the couch and sat down right beside her, pulling her close to him with one arm around her shoulders. “Have you ever asked her any of this? Some people are just shy. You might find you like her, once you get past her reserve. She’s really very interesting.”
Now it was her turn to glare at him.
“But you’re right,” he confessed. “The other night was the first time I’ve ever exchanged more than five words with her as well. I’ve known her for years. She does open up, but it takes work. I prefer a livelier personality, too, but that doesn’t make her not worth getting to know, even just a bit.”
Did that mean he wasn’t interested in Ashleigh? A little knot inside her loosened a bit.
“Fine. Next rehearsal, I’ll try talking to her. I’ll be nice and very friendly. I promise.”
He gave her another one-shoulder squeeze. “That’s my Emma. Now, let's decide what to eat later, and then we can argue about what movie to watch. I’ll get the popcorn out, and you can find glasses.”
CHAPTER15
AUDITION
