“Where’s Uncle Richard and Ophelia?” Charise asked. “And Auntie Vi and Nathaniel? They promised to be here.”
“Richard said he’d be a bit late,” Grandma Cici said. “Part of your gift.” She and Preston, Charise’s dad, exchanged a smile.
“Part of my gift is for them to be late? What kind of a mean gift is that? I like being with them!” Charise responded.
Just then, the doorbell rang. “That must be them!” Charise said excitedly. She stood and brushed the wrapping paper from her dress, and then ran to the foyer and opened the door.
“Uncle Richard! Aunt Vi! Nathaniel!” Charise cried, embracing her uncle, aunt, and cousin. Ophelia smiled and handed her a package. “Happy birthday, Charise,” she said, squeezing Charise’s hand. “You’re gonna love Dad’s gift.” She had a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Shame he won’t give me anything like that because… well… you‘ll see.”
“Charise, do you remember how you said you wanted to take music lessons?” Uncle Richard asked.
Charise nodded. “Yes, but I couldn’t find anyone willing to teach me at home.”
“Well, I found someone. He’s a student of mine who is double majoring, art and music. He’s an excellent musician, and he said that he is willing to work with you,” Uncle Richard said. He turned and called out, “Dunstan?”
A very good-looking man of about nineteen or so stepped out from around the corner. He gave Charise a warm smile and offered his hand. “So, you’re Charise. I’m Dunstan Diggory. Mr. Foley has told me a great deal about you. However,” he said, and a slightly flirtatious smile crossed his face, “he never bothered to mention how beautiful his favorite niece was! Charise, I am more than willing to teach you to play the piano or guitar-- those are the only two instruments I can play-- as long as you are willing to work hard. I’ll give you a copy of my schedule. You can pick the days and times that suit you, based on what times are available, and you can call or e-mail me to let me know your decision. How does that suit you?”
Charise bowed her head, trying to hide her blush. She just knew that Ophelia would tease her the first chance she got. She never missed anything. “That suits me just fine, Mr. Diggory.”
“Please, Charise, call me Dunstan. I’m too young to be called ‘Mr.’”
“Okay… Dunstan, then.”
Charise could not help but notice the look of sadness and envy on Ophelia’s face.
-------------------------------------
“So, you have chosen the piano. A wonderful selection indeed, complementary to your beautiful voice and face. And no need to damage your delicate little fingertips, like the guitar would. Your cousin should follow your example,” Dunstan said, following Charise to the parlor, where the piano was.
“I’m not sure if the piano is even tuned. No one has played it in years,” she said timidly. “Grandma Cici hasn’t even played it in a long time, and she was a piano teacher. Of course, she has arthritis, so that makes it hard for her to play.” She was rambling, trying not to let there be any awkward silences.
“I sent someone over to tune it yesterday. You might have been out of the house or didn’t hear him. I assure you, it’s in tune. If not, that man owes me some money.”
“You think of everything, don’t you?”
“Do I?”
“Yes! Uncle Richard was smart to ask you to do such a big favor. You must be one of his best students,” Charise said, smiling up at him.
“I did get an A in his music class,” Dunstan said, flashing her a grin. “And, in case you haven’t heard yet, your uncle is not generous when it comes to grades. He expects you to work and prove that you‘re learning.”
“Then you must be a musical genius or something,” Charise laughed.
“It’s not often that I get to hear such a nice compliment, especially from such a pretty girl,” he said. They entered the parlor, and he looked at the piano. “Is this it?”
“Yep. It’s been in the family for a while. Surprising it’s held up, huh?”Click Next: Chapter 7, Part 3 to continue...
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