Amanda closed the lid on the piano and gathered up her music. The practice room was one of a series of similar rooms, little more than soundproof closets, just big enough to hold a piano with a door that could close to allow students to practice without disturbing each other. She put on her jacket, picked up her music and left, turning off the light.
As she walked toward the exit she stopped, staring in surprised recognition at the person waiting on a bench. "What are you doing here?" She asked, with a hint of annoyance.
Nate Harrison got up from the bench where he'd been waiting and came forward saying, "Amanda, I had business on the east coast and I thought I would drop in and say hello."
"How did you find me?" Amanda asked. "Did Kyle tell you where I was?"
"No, I didn't bother asking him," Nate chuckled at the thought. "When you didn't show up at The Rack for a number of days, they told me that you had come to a conservatory in New York for the semester. I called your house and when your mother answered, I told her that I worked at the high school. I said that the conservatory had called wanting one of your records faxed to them and that I had lost the piece of paper with the conservatory name and fax number. I asked her if she had it. She didn't have the fax number, of course, but she gave me the name."
"I'm surprised my mother told you anything. She's pretty suspicious."
"I was charming," Nate smiled. "And so, here I am. I was hoping I could buy you a cup of coffee."
"Nate, I'm sorry you came all this way, but I came here to get away from things back in Seattle for a while," Amanda spread her hands, " I just want to think about my music."
"So, we can talk about music," Nate said agreeably. "I admit that my area of expertise is in math, science and engineering. I haven't spent much time with music – except popular music, of course. I'd be interested in hearing about your studies. Maybe I could learn something."
Amanda looked doubtful. "I don't know.'
"Amanda, it's just a cup of coffee." Nate added confidentially, "And, this place isn't really somewhere you just 'drop by'. I have a two hour drive to get back to the airport. Some hot coffee and a little conversation would make the trip worthwhile."
Amanda sighed, "Ok, I have time for a cup of coffee."
"And some talk about music." Nate offered his arm, "Shall we, Milady?"
Amanda ignored the offered arm and led the way toward the door. Nate walked alongside.
As they crossed the courtyard toward the coffee shop, Nate asked her, "Are you studying a lot of instruments or are you focusing on the piano?"
"Everybody studies music theory and some composition. If I were going to be here for more than a single semester, I would be studying a wide variety of instruments but with the short time I'm going to be here, I'm focusing on improving my piano techniques. The instructors here are superior to what I can get at home."
They reached the coffee shop and Nate held the door for her as they went in. He bought them coffees and they sat while she talked about what she had been learning. At first she spoke in short sentences but as he expressed interest and asked questions her comments became more expanded. As they neared the end of their coffee she was talking about the work she had been practicing that day.
"Eric Satie is different than what I usually play. It's still pleasingly melodic but instead of a lot of complex chords and notes carrying you along, it's more like you savor each of them before playing the next one."
"I'm having a hard time imagining it from your description," Nate frowned. "I'll have to search for it on the internet when I get home and see if I can find some examples."
"If you have time, we could go back to the practice studio and I could play some for you," Amanda offered.
Nate checked the time, "I don't have long, but I can make time for that. Would you like another coffee to go?"
"No, I don't want too much caffeine," Amanda said.
"I'm going to need it," Nate smiled. "Let me get some." He went back to the counter and returned with a full cup. He said, "Lead on, Maestro."
Amanda blushed, "I'm no where near good enough for that."
"Everything is relative," Nate assured her.
As they walked back across the courtyard, Amanda hesitantly asked, "How is … everyone, back in Seattle."
Nate smiled, "Kyle doesn't share his feelings with me, I'm afraid. He appears fine, although a bit distracted. He and Jessi have been hanging out with our new manager, Brian Taylor a lot. I heard from Mark that he's taken her to a dance or two, but I don't know anything more."
"Kyle has taken Jessi dancing?" Amanda asked with a slight frown.
"That's what Mark said. I don't know anything more."
They got back to the practice room and Amanda opened up the piano. She sat down at the piano and looked uncomfortably at Nate. Nate stepped back against the door to give her as much space as possible and she relaxed and began to play.
After she had played a couple of sections she asked, "Do you see what I mean?"
Nate nodded, "It does seem as if you taste each note. When I get back, I'll have to look up some Eric Satie."
Amanda offered, "I can email you some MP3's"
"That would be great," Nate agreed. He checked the time. "I really have to get going. If I stay any longer I am going to have to violate the laws of physics as well as those of New YorkState."
Amanda laughed and picked up her coat. They went through the door of the building and stopped on the steps.
Nate said, "Thanks for the coffee and the lesson. I guess I'll see you when you get back. When are you coming back, by the way?"
"I'll be back for Christmas, and then spend my final semester of my senior year at Beachwood," Amanda said.
"Then I'll see you at Christmas."
"I'll see you at Christmas," Amanda echoed and then frowned as she watched him hurry toward the parking lot.