Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. James Patterson created them.
A/N: I got this idea while listening to the 'When Harry Met Sally' soundtrack. And in the books Cindy is supposed to have a musical note tattoo.
A/N2: I know its a little early for Christmas stories but according to most department stores it's never too early to start the season.
By the time Cindy arrived at Claire's, the Annual Washburn Christmas party was already well underway. Claire answered the door with a festive smile, "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas. Sorry I'm late, had to put the story to bed." Cindy explained as she entered the house. She and Claire were interrupted momentarily by Jill offering egg nog, then just as quickly she was off again to mingle. "Quite the festive shin-dig." Cindy offered as she sipped her drink.
"Since I can't get Ed out to holiday parties I insist on one here." Claire said with a wave to her husband, the evening's bartender.
"Lindsay here yet?"
"She's in the dining room with Pete. Nate is giving a holiday concert."
"Really?"
"He wanted piano lessons so we got the family an early present." Claire informed her as they moved into the other room.
In the dining room Cindy gave Lindsay and Pete a silent hello, not wanting to interrupt Nate's rendition of Jingle Bells. They applauded when he finished and he turned to give Cindy a smile. "That's pretty good for just starting out," she said as she smiled back.
"Think you could do much better?" Lindsay challenged.
"This is Nate's concert." Cindy replied shyly.
"Do you know how to play?" Nate asked hopefully. Reluctantly Cindy nodded and he patted the bench next to him, "show me."
She bashfully looked around the room and moved forward, "I can't say no to you." She sat next to him, "how about a little Winter Wonderland?" When she started playing Lindsay and Claire stared at each other, one just as surprised as the other at the ability Cindy possessed. Lindsay would have sworn Cindy was channeling Harry Connick Jr., if he were dead that was.
Unbeknownst to Cindy the room filled behind her to listen to the music. Weaving through Jill made her way to Claire's side, "did you know she could play like that?" To which Claire merely shook her head.
When she finished her song the room erupted with applause, Cindy turned to thank them her face as red as her Christmas sweater. She looked to Lindsay and smiled, "your turn."
Lindsay held up her hands and laughed, "I forfeit. Next time I'll know better than to open my mouth."
"Play something else." Nate begged, tugging on Cindy's arm.
Cindy turned back to the piano. "Okay, but you have to pay attention. Next year this gig is yours."