Chapter 33
Elise
The residency ends on a snowy Sunday afternoon.
We play the same Brahms that nearly defeated me on the first day.
This time, I do not watch Mara for every entrance.
I trust myself.
Bennett sits in the third row.
Not the back.
I invited him there.
After the final applause, I find him in the lobby holding nothing.
"No flowers?" I ask.
He looks alarmed. "Was I supposed to bring flowers?"
I laugh.
"No."
"Then why would you ask like that?"
"Character development."
He rolls his eyes.
Tessa appears, hugs me, insults my musical choices, and disappears toward the reception.
Bennett and I stand alone.
"You leave in six weeks," he says.
"Yes."
"Eight weeks on the road."
"Yes."
"I have looked at the dates exactly fourteen times and have opinions about Amtrak."
"You are not coming to every city."
"I know."
"Bennett."
"I know. I may come to two."
I smile.
"Two is acceptable."
His face softens.
"Elise, whatever happens with us, I am glad you said yes."
"Whatever happens?"
He goes still.
I let him suffer for one second.
Then I reach into my purse.
My wedding ring rests in my palm.
Bennett looks at it and forgets how to breathe.
"I'm not putting it on today," I say.
Hope and pain collide in his face.
"Okay."
"I want to go to Bellini's."
He stares at me.
"When?"
"Next Friday."
"Our table?"
"If it's available."
"For what?"
I close my fingers around the ring.
"A first date."
He looks like I have handed him the world and told him not to squeeze.
"Okay," he says softly.
"Do not buy the restaurant."
"I wasn't going to."
"You thought about it."
"Briefly."
I laugh.
Then I take his hand.
We walk into the reception together.
Not home.
Not yet.
But toward something.