Page 27

I lifted the lid and sat on the bench, patting the spot next to me.

“Are you sure? I don’t know what to play.”

“Well, you could play this.” I hammered out a sorry rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle and laughed when Frankie put his hands over his ears.

“You realise it’s sacrilege to play that on such a fine instrument.” He sat next to me and placed his hands on the keys, stroking them as before. “This is… I never thought I’d ever get the chance to play one of these.”

He pressed a key, and once again, I was transported back to Sunday evenings with Mum, sitting in this exact spot, her passion for play almost as intense as Frankie’s.

“It probably needs a tune-up. I don’t think Dad has had it done since Mum died.” Despite that, it sounded true, the tone rich.

“He won’t mind if I play it?” He looked over at me, his brow furrowed.

“I think he’d be happy to hear music in the house again. None of us ever learnt to play. Go on, give it a go.” I couldn’t wait to hear him play again.

He rested his hands on the keys, his eyes open this time. “I’m not sure what to play. I’m nervous.” He laughed gently, but I could see the desire in his eyes.

“Close your eyes and play what comes to you.”

He squeezed them shut, took a deep breath, and flexed his fingers.

The unmistakable melody of Fur Elise filled the room. His deft fingers danced across the keys as he played. How the fuck did he have such skill having never had a lesson?

He had a talent most would envy. Once again, I was mesmerised watching his face as he played, the intensity in his body as he teased each note out of the instrument.

I glanced over at the door as, one by one, my family arrived, none of them making a sound, intent on listening to the music. Even the children were silent as they gathered, but not once did Frankie give any indication he knew they were there. Even Dad had left the grill, his hands clasped in front of him, a tear in his eye.

I was so fucking proud of Frankie; his talent knew no bounds, and I knew he could play anything he set his mind to. Each note rang clear in the room until finally, the last note was played, and he opened his eyes.

“Wow. That was amazing,” I said and took his hand before he could run away. “I can’t believe you have this talent. I’m in awe.”

“It’s nothing.” He glanced at the family, and that familiar blush spread to his cheeks, highlighting his freckles.

In a fit of daring, I brought his hand to my lips and kissed it. “It’s absolutely not nothing. You’re amazing.”

The spell was broken by my eldest nephew. “Can you play Chopsticks?”

Everyone laughed, including Frankie, who took to the keys again and played it, this time with his eyes open.

I watched him, laughing and playing with the kids. Having Logan clearly gave him an advantage over me. I might have been their uncle, but I had nothing in common with them, and it showed.

What was I doing, thinking we could be friends? Not that we couldn’t, but I wanted so much more from him. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, highlighting the colours in his hair, his green eyes sparkling with happiness and life. Tendrils of hair fell around his face, softening his features. Dad was right when he said it had been a while since I’d brought a man home. We were boys; it had been that long. But anyone I’d ever been with paled in comparison to the man sitting next to me.

The sound of music and laughter filled the room. A room that had lost its life a long time ago, but now it was coming back. I really hoped Frankie stayed around. He brought light with him wherever he went, despite the life I suspected he had.

“You’re staring again,” he said, bringing me out of my thoughts.

“I know. I can’t help it.” Was it too soon to tell him how much I wanted to be more than a friend? How would he respond?

Should I take the plunge and tell him? I opened my mouth to speak but was interrupted by Fergus.

“Mac, Frankie. Dad says food’s ready. Come and get it before it all goes.” His voice boomed, his larger-than-life personality coming through. He’d always been the leader, and as a young kid, he intimidated me. Hell, he still did, but Frankie stood up to him, and I’d never been happier to see him do that.

“You wanna get some food? Apparently, you have a reputation to keep.” Frankie’s stomach growled in response.

“I do, but…” Dare I? Were we there yet, or should I wait?

He shook his head, a frown forming. “Is everything okay?” By now, we were alone, the children having headed to the garden for food.