Coffee Sonata (12 page)

*

Manon checked the clock next to her grand piano again as Vivian’s voice reverberated throughout her living room and filled it with the magic of her famous sound. After they had practiced the entire aria several times and stopped to work on certain parts, it was well past eight o’clock, and Manon suggested a supper break.

“Didn’t you say Eryn was supposed to join us?” Vivian asked as she followed Manon into the kitchen.

“Yes. I suppose something must have come up. She doesn’t work from just nine to five.”

“Nor do we.” Vivian rubbed her neck. “All four of us work far more than normal eight-hour days.”

“All four? Oh, you mean Mike too? Yes, being your own boss means working twice as much.”

“Can I help?” Vivian asked as Manon pulled a tray from the refrigerator.

“No, I—” The doorbell rang. “That must be Eryn.” Relieved, Manon hurried to the door, opened it, and stared. “Eryn! My God! What happened?”

Eryn managed a grin despite the blue sling on her arm, the white bandage on her left temple, and the red bruise on her right cheekbone. “Would you believe I won?”

“I’ll try, but…” Manon guided her inside with a hand on her uninjured arm, shaken by the sight. “You’re hurt. Don’t make light, please.”

“I’m okay,” Eryn said, touched by Manon’s concern. “I had a run-in on the job with somebody bigger than me. I just finished giving a statement to the police at the hospital.” She sighed. “The doctor and my photographer insisted I shouldn’t be alone. Sorry to barge in so late.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Manon said sharply, her worry making her impatient. “Of course you should have come.” Mellowing, she slid her arm gently around Eryn’s waist. “Who did this?”

“I’ll tell you all about it later, I promise. I just need to catch my breath.” Eryn began to shake her head, but stopped with a grimace. “Ow. Bad move.”

“Have you eaten? Can I get you anything?”

“Come to think of it, I
haven’t
eaten since breakfast.” Eryn didn’t really want Manon to move her arm. It felt very good on her waist. Very. The worry in her eyes was kind of nice too. But if they stood there much longer, this close, Manon was going to feel her tremble at just how damn good it felt. Reluctantly, she said, “Maybe just a sandwich or something?”

“Of course. Vivian and I were just about to eat.”

Eryn smiled. “I didn’t miss her after all? Great.”

When Vivian saw them, her smile of welcome changed to a look of horror. “Eryn! For heaven’s sake, sit down. What happened?”

“She’ll fill us in after we fill her stomach,” Manon explained, placing the chicken salad her housekeeper had prepared earlier on the kitchen table. “Eryn, would you rather sit here or on the couch?”

“I’m fine. Let’s eat.” Eryn grabbed her fork. “This is just what the doctor ordered. Literally.”

After quickly finishing her meal, Eryn explained. “I spent two hours in the ER—X-rays, doctors, the police…it’s been a long day.”

“Why didn’t they keep you for observation?” Manon frowned. “You hit your head, after all. You may have a concussion.”

“They discussed it, but since I never lost consciousness and the neurological exam cleared me, they just told me to take it easy this weekend.”

“What about your arm?” Vivian looked at the sling. “Is it fractured?”

“No, just some badly sprained ligaments around the shoulder joint. I have to keep it immobilized for a while. Thank God I’m right-handed.”

Manon stared down at her untouched salad and stabbed a tomato. The thought of Eryn being hurt upset her deeply, and she had to chew for a long time before she could swallow.

“So, did the police pick up the guy?” Vivian asked.

“Yes, since Don had taken pictures and handed his compact flash card over to the police as evidence. The next school board meeting should be even more interesting than the last, Manon, considering it was Principal Rex who—”

“Archibald Rex?” Manon was stunned. “I knew I should have gone to that emergency meeting. I could have stopped him. What a coward—”

“An incompetent coward, it turns out.” Eryn grimaced. “Believe me, there was quite an uproar. At least two hundred parents and the entire faculty were at the high school. When I got to the hospital I talked to one of the nurses, whose sister teaches English at the school. She knew all about it, so I called the story in from there. It’ll be in tomorrow’s paper.”

“I can’t believe you managed to do all that while injured,” Manon said. She couldn’t fathom anybody being unaffected by such an ordeal.

Eryn shrugged as well as she could in a sling. “It’s my job. I wasn’t about to miss filing a great story.”

When Manon murmured, “I’m impressed,” Eryn flushed with pride. Then she glanced at Vivian.

“Sorry I missed your rehearsal. I was looking forward to it.”

“I was going to run through the aria once more before I head home,” Vivian said. “If you’re up to it, Eryn, you can be our audience.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” As Eryn rose she swayed toward Manon. “Damn. I feel almost drunk.”

“Did they give you something for pain?” Manon circled her arm around Eryn’s waist again.

“Percodan. I guess I’m pretty stoned.”

“They let you go home with a head injury and a drug like that in your system? Come on. Let’s get you on the couch.” Manon guided Eryn to the living room, feeling more protective than she could ever remember when she realized Eryn was shaking. Her scent, fruity, with a tinge of vanilla, was mixed with antiseptics. “There. Sit down and put your feet up.” When she noticed the vulnerability in Eryn’s eyes, now dazed and dulled by the medication, she could hardly breathe. She tucked a blanket around Eryn and tried to cover her own turmoil with a smile. “Comfortable?”

“Yes. Go play for Vivian.”

With an effort, Manon tore her eyes away from Eryn and went to the baby grand. She stared blindly at the music for a second, then gathered her control and hit the first chord. “All right, Vivian. From the top?”

*

The music filled the room and, with relief, Eryn rested her injured head against the velvet cushions; the plush couch hugged her body, soothed it. Her shoulder ached also, a dull throbbing sensation, mellowed by the painkillers. The doctor had insisted she fill a prescription for more before she left the hospital, so Don took care of that detail while she signed her statement for the police. She had spoken to her boss before they left the ER, and surprisingly, Harold grumbled something about her resting up and Don making sure the
Chronicle
had the photos of the events ready to print ASAP.

As Vivian’s amazing voice soared, Eryn felt tears escaping. She closed her eyes and wiped them away with her sleeve, welcoming the warmth of the music and the comfort of Manon’s care. Despite her casual attitude earlier, it was good to be here, safe.

When the music stopped, she opened her eyes drowsily and tried to smile. “If my arm wasn’t in a sling and I wasn’t so out of it, I’d join you guys with my guitar.”

Vivian regarded her with interest. “You play the guitar?”

“Electric guitar. I used to be in a band in college.” Eryn’s tongue felt swollen. “Schorry, ladies.” She could hear herself slur. “I’m so tired.”

Worriedly, Manon took Eryn’s hand. “You’re not feeling strange, are you? Tell me what day it is.”

“Friday. October seventh.” Eryn winked. “I’m tired. Not concussed.”

“Sometimes these things don’t show up right away.” Manon still looked uncertain. “You should stay here tonight, though. In case you need something.”

“Thanks. If it’s not too much trouble that would be great.” Eryn sighed and shifted on the couch. It was a relief not to have to move.

“It would be more trouble if Manon were up here worrying about you.” Vivian looked closely at her watch. “It’s late. I’ll call a cab and go pick up my dogs.” She collected her coat and purse and leaned over Eryn. “Take it easy the next few days, all right? Listen to Manon.”

“All right,” Eryn whispered, already half asleep. “I promise.”

The next thing Eryn knew, she felt a gentle touch on her uninjured shoulder and heard Manon say, “Let’s get you a little more comfortable.”

“I’m comfortable here.”

“I don’t think so. You’re still wearing your jacket and boots.”

“I have my boots on, on your couch?” Appalled, Eryn tried to sit up. “I’m so sch-sorry, I…oh, man…” Her head pounded from moving too quickly.

“Shh. Don’t worry about it. No harm done. Come. Let me show you to the guest room—”

“Please. Can’t I stay on your couch? I’m really comfortable.” Eryn tried again to sit up and frowned when her legs wouldn’t obey her. “I can just take my boots off.”

“All right. But I’ll bring something better for you to sleep in, though. Be right back.”

Eryn moved slowly, finally sitting up. She was sorer than she’d expected. Her shoulder burned like fire.
Time for more pills
. After pulling a small bottle from her pocket and trying to flip the lid open with her thumb, she glared at it. “Childproof. Of course. Damn it.”

“What?” Manon arrived carrying a long white button-down flannel shirt. “Oh, want me to open that?”

“Please.”

Manon opened the bottle, handed it to Eryn, and went for a bottle of water. “Here. For the medicine.”

“Thanks.” After taking her pills, Eryn felt cross-eyed as she looked down at her boots. “I think you’re going to have to help me with those. Sorry.”

“Of course.” Manon knelt before Eryn and removed each boot. Then she rose and sat down next to the Eryn, gently tugging at her jacket. “Here. Let’s take this off. It’s only half on as it is.” She carefully removed the jacket, folded it, and placed it on the backrest. “Want to try for the flannel shirt?”

Eryn looked at the garment in Manon’s hands. Suddenly self-conscious, she nodded briskly and winced when the movement set off another stab of pain. “All right. It looks comfy.”

*

Manon reached for the buttons on Eryn’s sleeveless denim shirt. Her fingers trembled when she undid them, skimming over pale, freckled skin. She examined the sling. Fortunately it had practical fastening devices to hold Eryn’s arm stable while she removed the shirt. Bare to the waist except for her creamy lace bra, Eryn looked vulnerable, the bruises on her left side emphasizing her frailty.

Manon shuddered at the sight of the injuries, as well as the feel of Eryn’s satin skin. She slipped the short-sleeved flannel shirt over the sling and refastened the clasps. “There, always start with the injured side.” Then she held the other sleeve for Eryn. As she buttoned the shirt, Manon felt her fingers brush Eryn’s skin. She had to bite her lip when the brief touch made Eryn shiver.

“Can you stand up a minute?”

“I’ll try.” Eryn held on to Manon as she helped her rise.

Manon willed her hands not to give away what touching Eryn this way was doing to her. As she undid Eryn’s slacks, she noticed the torn fabric around the left knee for the first time.
I could kill the bastard.
As she helped Eryn step out of the trousers, she clenched her teeth and harnessed her outrage. “Much better. Lie down again.”

Eryn looked grateful and dazed as she sat down. Manon scooped her legs up and tucked the blanket around her again, then settled carefully on the edge of the sofa beside her. “Much better.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re so welcome.” Manon’s voice was gentle. “Just go to sleep. I have to read some papers, and then I’ll check on you.”

“Manon? Could you undo my braid? It hurts my head.”

Manon’s fingertips tingled as she reached for the end of the long braid and removed the ribbon. Slowly she ran her fingers through Eryn’s hair, amazed at its texture and the scent of citrus and flowers emanating from it as she freed the tresses. Despite its curls, Eryn’s hair was silky smooth, and Manon combed through it several times, reluctant to let go. Only when Eryn’s eyes slid open and gazed at her with unspoken questions did she jump up and smooth her slacks down to keep her hands busy.
Careful.

Eryn’s eyes closed again and Manon remained for a few more seconds, watching her sleep. Deep red hair pooled around her pale face. Reddish-brown eyelashes formed dark half circles above high cheekbones. Though her vivacious smile was absent, her finely sculpted lips made her look almost angelic.

Manon couldn’t recall ever seeing such beauty.

*

As her cab drove away, Vivian inwardly cursed whoever was supposed to light the marina for not doing a good job. She tapped on the door to the closed café.

“Vivian, come inside. It’s freezing out here.” Mike’s low voice startled her.

“Yes, it’s not summer anymore, that’s for sure.” She noticed Mike had changed into low-cut jeans and a dark shirt. She liked the way the casual clothes emphasized her lean, graceful build. The fact that she noticed surprised her. “Did the boys behave?”

“They’ve been great. They’re sneaky, though. I saw Martha slip them some treats at least three times.”

Vivian walked into the café, lit only by a few lamps. “I’m sure she spoiled them rotten. They can look at you as if they haven’t eaten in three weeks.”