his request, I have to admit I rejected him at first. I quickly learned his nickname wasn’t restricted to the ice. He rolled right over my objections and then came down to prove himself.” This earned a round of chuckles.
Jacqui was more than confused now. “What’d you do?” she stretched up to whisper.
“Would you please welcome our special guest to the stage? Mr. Henrik Grenick.”
The applause was warm if hesitant. Henrik squeezed her hand, straightened his suit jacket and stepped onto the stage. A few whistles pierced the air, a couple of “go Roller” following. Were his teammates here?
The other students who’d been leaving the stage were all back, crowding her forward to see what was going on. “Do you really know him?” one guy asked, doubt in his voice.
“He’s my boyfriend.” Damn, that felt good to own.
Henrik cut a stunning figure under the bright stage lights, his black suit impeccably cut to show off his frame as he strode to the grand piano that took up the far corner of the stage. The very one she’d just left.
Premonition shimmered over her skin, chills bubbling up before the first notes rang through the auditorium. She recognized the third movement of “The Tempest” sonata immediately. Her hand covered her mouth, awe striking her numb when the beautiful music flowed graceful and sure from beneath Henrik’s fingers.
“Wow,” Max said from her other side. “That dude can play.”
“Yes,” she managed to say around the knot that’d formed in her throat. “He really can.”
He was better than good, his motions moving to the rhythm and pace of the notes. He’d said he played, but this was more than being able to pick out a few songs. This was years of training, practice and born talent.
She managed to drag her eyes off him to scan the crowd. Everyone was focused on him, expressions ranging from openly stunned to smiling broadly. They were all as shocked as her. He’d hidden this skill—passion—of his from everyone, until now.
He was showing the world what he loved. She got that. Anyone who played like him had to love it. It would flow through him like a second breath, lifting him up like nothing else. That was what it did for her, and he’d understood that.
This is for me, but it’s a gift for you.
And here came the tears again. She’d sworn she was done with them, but these were ones of joy. She got what he was saying, understood and wanted to cheer for him. He was done hiding.
The sonata wound down, ending in the final notes that hovered in the air before fading away. The pregnant pause that followed held for a beat before the applause broke loose. The audience was on their feet, cheering for him and what he’d played. Jacqui was right there with them, clapping as loudly as she could, grin so wide her cheeks hurt.
The applause went on and on, more whistles piercing the air when he stood and bowed, the trained musician shining through. Right there he showed his experience, the professionalism that was taught through years of performances.
“Damn,” Max said, amazement in his voice. “I never would’ve guessed that.”
“No doubt,” another guy added.
“I got the video,” a girl said, swinging her phone around with a grin.
That was one video Jacqui hoped did hit the internet. Henrik’s skills as a musician were nothing to be ashamed of. She was incredibly proud of him and what he’d just done.
Henrik took another bow as the school president went out to greet him, extending the microphone to Henrik, who took it with a nod. The audience quieted down after a few more moments, a restless hush taking over.
“I want to thank everyone who came here tonight not only to support the great show the students put on, but because I asked you to.” Henrik scanned the crowd, smile forming. “It wasn’t my intention to steal the limelight or lessen the amazing amount of work and effort that went into putting this performance together. I have a tremendous amount of respect for these musicians and the courage it takes to get up here and play.” A ripple of agreeing applause went through the crowd before Henrik resumed. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had the courage myself and now that I’ve found it again, I don’t want to let it go. This was my way of showing you what I truly love. Music lets me breathe and after years of struggling for air, I can finally