“Are you two enjoying the show?” one of the band members asked as he approached their table.
“You guys are amazing,” Rosslyn said.
“Thank you. But I was told this young man you’re with can play as well. What do you say? Want to play your girl a song?”
Oh my God. This was the most romantic thing anyone had ever done. When she turned to Charles to tell him, the look on his face said it hadn’t been part of the plan. Before she could tell him it was okay, he didn’t need to, another man approached.
“Of course Charlie wants to play.”
“Sal, what the fu—hell, are you doing here?” Charles snapped.
“I figured if I’m ever going to meet the sweet thing my mother keeps talking about, I was going to have to make it happen myself.” He extended a hand. “I’m Sal, and you’re the beautiful Rosslyn.”
“Sal—”
“I know. Hands off.” Sal winked at her. “He’s lucky he saw you first.”
Rosslyn blushed and giggled. This was the first time she’d met any of his friends. And as soon as Sal called him Charlie, she knew they would get along just fine. “Would you like to sit with me while Charlie plays?” she asked.
Charles shot her a look of surprise, then leaned over and whispered teasingly, “Traitor.”
She smiled and asked, “You’re really going to do it?”
He gave her a kiss on the top of her head as he got up. “Like you two left me any choice.”
Rosslyn clapped as she watched Charles take a seat and accept the saxophone he was handed. He wiped off the mouth piece and gave it a few test blows. Soon the room erupted in the sweetest sounds she’d ever heard. She wasn’t sure he was the best, but each note was played for her.
As the melody continued, she noticed Charles was transforming right in front of her eyes. He became relaxed and the music flowed from him into her.
Sal leaned over to her and said softly, “I can’t believe he’s really doing it.”
“Why?”
“I don’t think he’s played in about fifteen years. His father told him he was wasting his time. There were greater things for him in life, meaning working himself to death. Sadly, playing the sax was something he used to enjoy.”
“Looks like he still does.” She could tell by his body language. “Are you an architect too?”
Sal shook his head. “No. I’m a police officer. None of Charlie’s friends are in his field. Mike drives a garbage truck and Ronnie is a plumber.”
Charles hadn’t mentioned any of them. If it wasn’t for Mama, she wouldn’t know about Sal either. She wasn’t sure Sal intruding on their date was what Charles wanted, but she was glad he had. It gave her a bit more insight Charles hadn’t told her about. He’s doing what he thinks he has to. Not necessarily what he wants to.
They were not that different. She was doing the same thing for her parents, just not to the extent he was.
The song was over and the crowd cheered. She stood up and clapped the loudest. Charles handed the saxophone to another member of the band and walked over to the table.
“God, that was wonderful,” Rosslyn said.
Sal laughed as he shook Charles’s hand. “Only someone in love would think that was anything other than horrendous.”
Rosslyn wrapped her arms around his neck and said, “I could listen to you play all night.”
He pulled her closer. “There are a lot of things I want to do tonight, but none of them include the sax.”
He claimed her lips and the crowd once again roared their approval. Public displays weren’t her thing, but she couldn’t bring herself to pull away either. The promise of yet another sweet night in his arms was stronger than any embarrassment she might feel.
Sal’s voice was the one interruption they couldn’t ignore. “I’m not sure about you guys, but I think the band is waiting to play again. You two are blocking everyone’s view.”
Charles pulled back but didn’t release her. “Want to stay or go?”