The Entertainer
* X x * x * x * Chapter 32 * x * x * x X*
Kaye walked down the hallway, she was feeling nervous about having to meet them again. It was quite embarrassing that their first meeting is with her in an inebriated state.
Kaye heard the sound of the piano, growing louder as she walked further down. She arrives on the second floor's landing and can see that Zach is in front of an upright piano.
Jeremy is beside it sitting on a chair with his eyes closed, feeling the rhythm. Her feet moved on their own accord and before she knew it, she was already at the 1st floor's landing.
She smiled in Zach's direction who carried a delighted expression playing Chopin's Raindrop Prelude.
She admired Zach's side profile and wanted to do so until the piece was finished. When suddenly, she heard someone whisper behind her.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Ameliá sneaks up from behind.
"Oh my god!" She gasped at the unexpected remark.
"I'm sorry, dear. You were so invested in her playing so I couldn't help it." Amelia merely skimmed her on her shoulder.
The poor girl was soon able to collect herself together and greeted the latter, "Hi, good morning ma'am. it's okay, i-it's a beautiful performance I couldn't really help but admire."
"I totally understand. Zach has quite the talented hands. She's also good with the piano." Amelia tilted her head teasingly.
Kaye smiled hesitantly at her remark, thankful Zach had finally stopped playing and noticed the new people that gathered around.
"Hey, I didn't know you were there." Zach stood up from the piano and approached her.
"Sorry, it took a while. Uhm, that was really good. Are you done already?" Kaye feels disappointed, wanting to hear more.
"We were just passing the time with some music. Breakfast?" Zach rubbed the back of her neck as she gestured at the piano. Oblivious to the fact that Kaye has been watching her.
"Well, you can ask her to play for you after breakfast." Amelia drags her to the dining room and she waves for the others to follow along.
"You know, that piano is older than Zach and Jeremy," Amelia said as they walked.
"Really? I would have believed it if you said you just got it last week." Kaye replied as she admired the pristine condition of the upright piano.
The dining room is only a few treks away from the piano where Ethan is sitting down already sipping on his coffee.
"And I'm just glad it existed so we can hear the kids play it from time to time." Amelia trailed off as she let go of Kaye and gently push her to one of the chairs.
"Good morning, Mr. Scott." Kaye greeted their boss.
Ethan looks up from his tablet and raises up his cup.
"Good morning, Ms. Catherine. Uncle or Ethan is fine."
Kaye nodded in agreement but aren't sure if she can just casually speak to a company's superior much less the CEO.
Zach pulled a chair on one side of the rectangular table for her.
"Thank you," Kaye murmured, appreciating how Zach has been taking care of her.
Zach just smiled and took the seat in the opposite corner as Ethan.
After a while, a housekeeper came with their breakfast. Grilled cheese sandwich and freshly squeezed orange juice.
"I'm so glad you could stay for lunch! Unfortunately, we can't join you for breakfast because Ethan and I will be heading out now to buy what we need. I'll be cooking, so I wanna know if you are allergic to anything?"
"No, I'm not allergic to anything and I look forward to lunch!" Kaye replied, showing a radiant smile.
"My mamá is a great cook. We might have a housekeeper to clean the house but she handles all the cooking here. I'm sure you'll like it." Jeremy told her as he chewed on his sandwich.
The Scott couple bid their goodbyes and went out of the house leaving the three in the dining room.
After the chatty lady, silence takes over them as they eat.
Kaye feels awkward about being in a different house while Zach is acting weird because she'd glance at her from time to time and then would look away when she tries to catch her.
The most unusual of it all was Jeremy not being his usual animated self.
Kaye leaned near Zach and whispered, "What's wrong with him?"
Zach looked puzzled. "Who?"
Kaye points at Jeremy with her mouth. "With J."
Z frowns, "What about him?"
"Well, he's not his usual jolly self," Kaye shrugged.
"Oh, he's usually like that. He's just being extra around other people and when he's being shy." Z whispered back.
"You know I can hear guys, right?" Jeremy asked both of them and they just laughed in return.
"It's the hangover. I got too excited last night and drank so much. Blergh, I think I'd have an ice-cold tea instead."
He scowled at the fresh orange juice and called the housekeeper.
After they are done eating they move to the sitting room to watch something on TV.
It's been an hour since Kaye suddenly remembered something.
"I thought you were gonna play the piano again after breakfast?" Kaye asked with excitement can be heard in her voice.
"Uh, I don't do well with an audience so I don't think it's a good idea." Z scratched her neck and suggested, "Instead, how about we watch a movie or play games on the console?"
"She's just being modest. C'mon, Z, play us something. I don't want to do anything and just wanna lie down."
Jeremy spoke out as he sprawled on the couch. He's also wearing a haori with a different pattern.
"Pretty please?" Kaye clasped her hands together and asked Zach; giving her an eye that looks identical to that of a lost puppy.
"Well, I guess I don't have any choice, do I?" Zach breathed out as she walked towards the piano.
"Any requests?"
"Obla di ob la da," J said in a serious tone.
"Very funny. How about you, Kaye?" Zach grimaced at her friend and waited for Kaye to answer.
"Uhm…" Kaye pursed her lips to the side as she tried to think of something.
Zach lifted the cover of the piano and she played a bit of Scott Joplin's The Entertainer causing Kaye to smile. She played the octaves like a natural.
"Alright, Let's go. Anything in mind?" Z proclaimed.
"That was just a warm-up?" Kaye raised her brow in surprise.
Zach just showed a lovely smile. "Not at all. I've been playing since this morning.
"Uhm, how about Clair de Lune? I love that piece so much!" Kaye avidly suggested.
Jeremy who was lying on the sofa with his eyes closed tensed, abruptly lifted his head and peeked discreetly at his friend with concern laced upon the sole eye opened.
Kaye blinked twice as Zach gazed at her for a moment before answering, "Sure." Z paused.
"It's my …mom's favorite piece." Z unveiled a nostalgic smile.
"Oof, yep, well, we all love this piece." Jeremy couldn't agree more and lied down once more.
"—I mean, —name someone who doesn't." Kaye followed Jeremy's remark.
Kaye felt every note Z played like the piano was talking to her directly.
It was melancholy, full of longing but heavenly.
She isn't that familiar with a lot of classical pieces but there are certain standard or famous compositions she is quite aware of.
She marveled once more at the sight of Zach sitting on that bench behind the piano.
She wondered where her parents were. The past few weeks have taught her that the company was established by Ethan and Zach's father but she hasn't seen him.
She wanted to ask about her family but didn't want to pry too much or ask intrusive questions. She has an idea but she for sure doesn't want to ask other people about it.