Broken Little Melodies(65)

I’ve only written a few ballads. I try to avoid them as a rule because they tap into the part of me left in pieces after letting Roman go. I’d rather open my throat and scream about how I self-destructed to let out the residual anger left in the wake of my decision.

“My, that’s lovely,” Caroline says, sitting beside me on the piano. “I suppose it’s not surprising you have a natural talent since you met my Roman at camp.”

My Roman. It shouldn’t bother me that his grandmother claims him in that way, but I automatically feel as if my feathers have been ruffled. Was that a veiled warning not to break her grandson’s heart? I set my hands in my lap and wait for whatever it is the old woman has been waiting to say since I stepped foot inside her home.

“Had I known you were living in the city, I would’ve been more than happy to give you lessons before you left on this tour.” Then her chilled hand touches my arm. She meets my gaze with a mournful smile that barely touches her lips. “Whatever happens, you should know that boy has been through hell and back without you. For a time his mother wanted to send him to a rehab facility. But alcohol was never the problem. You were his entire world, Belle. I know what it’s like to have the love of your life unceremoniously ripped away. My Anton is gone, but you and Roman have been given a second chance to pursue your happy ending.”

I balk at her candor, having expected a lecture of a different kind. Tears thicken my throat as I try to imagine the dark place Roman must’ve been for his mom to suggest rehab.

“We’ve both changed,” I blurt, surprised how easily the confession slips out. “We’ve always come from different worlds. He’s famous now and I’m still struggling to pay my bills. For the most part, I’ve always taken care of myself. I don’t know how I could give up the life I know to let Roman ‘take care of me’ like he wants. I’m not even sure our expectations for the future are the same. And his dad was always determined to keep up apart. What if he hears we’re together and does…something? Something that breaks us a second time?” I bite down on my tongue, wondering if I’ve revealed too much—more than I’ve told Roman. I think she’s Roman’s maternal grandmother, but what if she’s exceptionally close to Roman’s father?

She touches her fingers to her cheek. “My, there certainly are a lot of things to take into consideration. I imagine it’d be a drastic change for you not to worry about money,” she agrees in a way that doesn’t come off as condescending. “If you’re afraid of losing sight of your individuality, you need to find whatever it is that fulfills your own dreams. And while it might be true you’ve both become different people from the young children who fell in love at camp, you share a history that began at a crucial time in your lives. The adults you’ve become were formed because of the experiences you shared. I think if you look hard enough, you’ll discover those kids are still there, holding on to hope that you’re still able to save each other. And if you have any doubts about the size of our boy’s heart, maybe you should give his album another listen. Last night was the first time he’s ever introduced a woman to his mother. Whatever his intentions, I assure you they’re honorable. He truly loves you, Belle. I can see it in the way he looks at you, like you’re the only woman on earth.”

I laugh under my breath, amazed by the old woman’s wisdom. What if she’s right—what if the bond we formed at camp is enough to get us through the changes that have happened in the time since? Is our love enough to survive the demons of our past?

“If you know any other tunes, I’d love to hear them,” Caroline tells me, her voice soft. “Although it’s been so long since this piano was played that I haven’t bothered getting it tuned. Perhaps by your next visit I’ll have taken care of that, and I can teach you a few classical pieces.”

Lifting my fingers back to the keyboard, I smile to myself, knowing she’s confident I’ll be back for another visit. I only hope she’s right.



Roman’s quiet as we’re packing our things at the hotel several hours later. Brunch with Caroline was a new experience—one that only made up for my lack of family growing up. Although I was grateful that Roman has the kind old woman in his life after everything his parents put him through, I was quiet as I considered everything she had to say. Knowing she’s hopeful Roman and I will find our happily ever after sparked the kind of hope I’ve been trying to hold at bay, knowing there are too many other factors fighting against us. And with all her talk of family struggles, I started to regret the way I’ve treated Aunt Joey since leaving Vegas.