Page 116 of Resisting the Fall

One of her eyes popped open this time, as if verifying I had none of the covers, then closed again before her arm lifted up, gripping the edge of the blanket, and falling heavily onto my bare chest. “There you go.”

I smiled. Sleepy Maven was one of my favorite versions of Maven. Or at least top ten for most amusing. As I moved in close, the heat radiating off her and out of the little cocoon she’d built had me pleasantly warm in no time.

“What’s the plan for today?” She still didn’t open her eyes, but her fingers traced along the contours of my torso, a contended curve on her lips.

“When is the audition?” I asked.

Her eyes opened, locking with mine, and her hand stilled. “Ben, I’m not going.”

“I thought we were supposed to make these decisions together?”

She released a quick exhale. “I’ve hardly practiced the last two weeks. And the sheet music with all my notes for my concerto is still in New York.”

“Then we’ll take you to New York.”

“What would be the point? I doubt I’ll get it.”

“Then you can know for certain.”

Maven paused, and I could see the concern in her eyes. “And what if I win the audition? There are only three violinists this round.”

Only three? I gave a hard swallow, running my hand along the soft skin of her arm to ground me. “Then we can figure out what we want to do. I’m sure we can make something work.”

“Like we did last time?”

Her comment was a direct hit, and I lowered my hand from her arm to the bed.

“I’m sorry.” She took hold of my hand and wrapped her fingers over mine. “I shouldn’t have said that. I just can’t lose you again.”

“And I can’t let you give up on this opportunity. Maven, this isn’t just some dream. This is the dream. If you don’t go, and if you don’t give it everything you have, I fear you’re going to regret it. Probably for the rest of your life.”

The look on her face told me I was right, and my heart thudded as it fell.

“I have an idea,” I said, trying to rally. “Let’s pack up, drop the fifth wheel off in Autumn Ridge, and spend the rest of our weekend in New York City.”

“You hate New York City.”

“I haven’t been there in a while. Maybe I’ll like it more this time around.”

I didn’t like New York City any better.

Though, admittedly, Cassandra had been a bright part of our weekend there. When Maven had called to let her know we were headed this way and she wanted the two of us to meet, Cassandra had insisted we come stay with her. She had been an exceptionally gracious hostess, treating us to meals and lively conversation, and being in her upscale high-rise apartment made it easy to forget the hectic streets outside.

I’d also learned Maven and Cassandra had met at Juilliard’s annual fundraising event, where the school celebrates top tier donors for their contributions to the scholarship fund. Cassandra and her late husband were two of the donors being recognized that night, and Cassandra said she’d been so moved by Maven’s violin performance that she’d made it a point to go speak with her after. The two talked until the event ended, and Cassandra offered to take her to dinner the next night so they could continue their discussion. That dinner turned into a weekly tradition, and over the next few months, an unlikely friendship formed and deepened. A friendship they’d maintained over the years.

It was no wonder I’d instantly admired the woman. She’d been there for Maven when she’d needed it most. When I hadn’t been.

“Do the two of you need anything before I head to bed?” Cassandra asked, rising from the chair across from us.

Maven sent me a questioning look.

“No, but thank you again,” I said, also standing. I was planning to head out super early to beat some of the traffic, so I wouldn’t see her in the morning. “For everything.”

She came to give me a hug. “It was my pleasure. I’m so glad I was finally able to meet you. Know that you’re welcome here anytime.” She glanced between the two of us with a delighted smile, then moved to Maven, who rose to get a hug from her as well. She rested a hand on Maven’s cheek, her gaze sweeping her expression with a touch of concern. “I’ll see you in the morning?”

Maven nodded, but her smile faltered slightly.

When Cassandra had left, Maven turned toward me. “Are you sure I shouldn’t just come with you? I can take the train back here next weekend before the audition. That way I don’t have to miss Halloween, and I can⁠—”