Theadora accompanied on the piano. Playing and looking like a goddess.
With his attention riveted to the stage, Ethan’s eyes beamed with appreciation. “They’re so accomplished,” he whispered.
Smooth and polished, the music struck me as well-rehearsed. I wondered how and when Theadora had gotten with Mirabel to practice.
I ordered a pint and then zeroed in on Theadora again. Her presence captivating. Regardless of our intimate relationship, I would have still been entranced.
Her fingers ran over the keyboard with confidence and agility. Playing the piano like it was her lover.
“I didn’t realise our maid was so talented,” Savanah said.
Theadora’s eyes widened slightly when seeing me, and I returned a smile.
The song ended and the bar erupted into rapturous applause. As she moved off the platform, Theadora was swept into a huddle of enthusiastic patrons, all offering their appreciative support. She smiled shyly and then her eyes caught mine again.
Just as she made her way towards me, Justin jumped in and hugged her. Jealousy curled deeply in my gut. I longed to go up to her and hug her. To sweep her away from the men that suddenly surrounded her.
Ethan snapped me out of the conflict ringing in my head.
“Say. That was amazing. I think I’ll sign them up.” He chuckled.
Mirabel joined us at the bar and greeted me before shifting her focus to Ethan, who looked a little uncertain. A rare response from my gregarious brother.
Like Ethan, I’d become jittery. I could either go and claim Theadora or maintain the cool distance of a former boss. But seeing Justin with his arm around her turned that idea on its head. To not claim her was like waiting for a predator to strike.
I ordered a whisky.
“I’ll have one of those too,” Ethan said. His eyes stuck on Mirabel.
She looked at me and said, “I haven’t seen you for years.”
“I’ve been away on tour with the SAS.”
“I read about the boot camp. I can’t imagine your mother’s too pleased.” She smirked. It was no secret that Mirabel resented my mother’s ambition to develop the farmlands.
“Can I buy you a drink?” I asked. “That was sensational, by the way.”
“I’ll just have a pint, then.”
I ordered her drink and then gulped back a shot.
“Planning on a big night?” she asked.
I shook my head. “Say, that worked well with the piano. Have you met Theadora before?”
“No. Only tonight. It was inspiring for sure. I think I’ll see if she’s interested in doing some gigs.”
I hated the sound of that, and all the men that would descend on her.
“So, Mirabel, you raged up there. That was something else,” Ethan said.
She looked from Ethan to me. “You both stand out in your designer suits.”
“We had a dinner at Merivale. I heard you were playing. That’s why I came,” Ethan said.
Her eyes softened, supplanting her mocking grin, and I left them in their little bubble.
My sister, meanwhile, had struck up a conversation with a local character known for dealing weed and coke. When it came to bad boys, she had a nose for them. I silently rolled my eyes and decided to ignore that whole situation. When it came to out-of-control trains, my sister rode the front carriage, singing along to Amy Winehouse.