The Music in My Heart 2

Chapter 17

Carter's pov

"Okay, so I was thinking I could do-

"Pizza," I smirked.

"Why the smirk?" Eleanora giggled and started dialing the pizza place.

"I thought I was being assertive," I hesitated and she broke out into a laugh before kissing my nose.

"You're so cute- hello?" She stepped to the side to make the order.

There's so many exciting things to tell her, I don't even know where to start; I could start with Michelle's brunch invitation. We could start planning what kind of concert music we would be dealing for my performance... I wouldn't know where to even begin with that.

And there's this little job offer I got at a church! Jolene's boss or whatever said if I do good on the harpsichord, I can also play at the private wedding they're having for a couple the following week next week..

"There you are," Eleanora stepped back in and tossed her phone in her fruit bowl.

"Here I ammmmm," i chirped as she walked over to kiss the top of my curly head.

"You cutie, you don't have to force yourself to be confident to impress me- or anyone else for that matter," she cupped the bottom of my face.

"Mmmmm I'm not sure how to express these new feelings I have. I'm happy, determined, challenged but overall happy," I couldn't help but giggle.

"Do tell while we wait on your beloved pizza," Eleanora pulls a dinner chair closer to me and rests her head into her hand as she uses her other to reach for mine.

"There's a 100% chance I'm going to mop the floor with Raheem," I started.

I felt Eleanora's hand flinch so abruptly, I pulled my hand back thinking I said something wrong..

"N-no you didn't say anything wrong- where do I begin..." Eleanora's frustration became instant regret.

"Is it the thing Michelle talked to me and my family about?" I reached out for her and she holds my hand with both of hers.

"Yes and no... it's what happened at work the other day; I don't know how much Michelle told you but Mary and pulled up some numbers and compared them to Raheem's. To sum it up, she unknowingly told that family where your weak points were in terms of musicianship.." I couldn't help but let my mouth drop at what she was saying.

"I- I know. I panicked momentarily but then I came to deep realization on what Johannes has been working on with you over these handful of months.... Is it true? Has she taught you to transcribe by ear?" Eleanora's eyes pleaded.

"Back then, it was confidential to reveal a soloist's scores in due respect of quote on quote friendly competition. If a weakness was exposed, the numbers would be untrue in the next annual tally up because everyone would be focusing on toppling the top performer.. putting a strain on the top performer to do all they can to stay on top- not good for mental health," i explained something that really answer her question.

"As far as what the assistant told Raheem's family, it holds true as there's recorded history and documentation of my abilities. However, with the season still ongoing, there's no measuring how much growth I've made due to my injury. I haven't played in some time, but I've also improved in my weaker area," I caught her eyes.

"There's only one way to see if I've actually acquired a new skill- which brings me to some good news: I got a job audition as a church pianist. I'm putting together some comps and works to perform for Jolene's employer this weekend- by the looks of it, transcribing by ear and improv may be my only route as I spend the next few days being familiar with my instrument," I softly smiled assuring her there's nothing to be afraid of.