“Smart-aleck,” Bennett said, grinning.
“Actually, both terms are used,” Celia said, coming around the corner. “Flutist comes from the French flûtiste, and flautist is from the Italian flautista.” With her sleek, dark hair pulled into a bun and her slim, black jersey dress, she looked like the artistic benefactor that she was. She and Tyler had moved back into their home after the fire, but Ivy still welcomed her to the inn to swim a couple of times a week.
When she was heating the pool, that is. Celia had been understanding, but Ivy would let her know once the heat was back on. Someday maybe she could work solar panels into the budget to have heat year-round.
“Celia has made a new musical discovery,” Ivy said, trying to maintain the mystery.
Celia gestured toward the library. “The music is just beginning, and Mitch dropped off the most delicious looking appetizers.”
“Whoever it is, they’re quite talented,” Bennett said, walking beside her. “That’s a beautiful rendition of Ode to Joy. From Beethoven’s Ninth, if I recall.” He hummed along, clearly enjoying the music.
Ivy couldn’t wait to see Bennett’s reaction to the surprise. She took his hand. She’d missed seeing him and was glad they’d overcome their disagreement over Nick. Bennett had apologized, but whether he had learned from that remained to be seen.
As much as she cared for Bennett, since her husband died, she’d learned to care for herself, too. She had to be more careful the next time around. If there was a next time. She’d sworn off complicated geniuses like Jeremy.
Ivy had married her husband when she was young and inexperienced. She’d been infatuated with his good looks, French accent, and keen intelligence. He was a high earner, so she’d been privileged to stay at home with their children. Still, he’d often made her feel like a second-class citizen in their home. He left her behind while he traveled the world—and she changed diapers.
Even though she often voiced her desire for him to treat her as an equal partner, he’d only laughed and told her that he loved how cute and American she was. And then he packed his bags and left again. Once the babies came, she threw herself into them.
She’d been practical, understanding, and realistic, but now she thought she might have been partly at fault for not standing up more for herself. The mistakes of youth—that’s all she could think of now. But it wouldn’t happen again.
Now, Ivy was realistic. It took time to come to know someone. As it turned out, she hadn’t known everything about her husband—until it was too late. And Bennett? Even though he’d been her summer crush in high school, she was still learning about him.
Yet, even with this latest argument, the thought of Bennett filled her heart.
Ivy bit her lip, thinking about their disagreement. Unfortunately, she wasn’t always right, and as it turned out, she’d been wrong about Nick and his ability or intent to pay for his room. Still, the young man seemed like a kind soul. Ivy wondered what Bennett would say when he learned he’d been right about Nick.
She was about to find out.
They turned into the library, and Bennett’s lips parted in surprise.
“Nick?” His eyebrows shot up. “He’s clearly had training,” he whispered to Ivy.
Nick continued playing, and a young pianist under Celia’s tutelage slid onto the piano bench to accompany him. The girl couldn’t have been more than twelve, but she was accomplished, too.
“When Celia told me, I was surprised, too,” Ivy whispered to Bennett.
“How did she find out?”
“Celia said he was out for a walk and stopped by the children’s center. Some of the kids were practicing, and he joined in. Guess he had a flute in that backpack.”
While Nick and the young girl played, Ivy and Bennett circulated among the growing number of guests. Ivy stopped to chat with Ophelia and Molly Ann.
“The Christmas Stroll on Main Street begins this evening,” Ivy said. “It continues every weekend until Christmas, and you’ll find some lovely gifts at our local boutiques. Java Beach will be open for hot chocolate and pastries, or you can stop at Spirits & Vine for wine and appetizers. We’re going to walk there after this.”
“That sounds like fun,” Ophelia said. “Poppy and Bennett told us about that, so we’re planning on it.”
Ivy greeted Kristy, who was dressed in a claret-red dress to match her hair, and Rosamie, who was excited about spending Christmas at the beach.
“This reminds me of home in the Philippines,” Rosamie said wistfully.
“My parents have visited there many times on buying trips,” Ivy said. “They love the friendliness—and the food. That’s one of their planned stops on their upcoming sail around the world.”
Ivy chatted with the guests a little more. After excusing herself, Ivy felt a tug on her top. Shelly deposited a glass of wine in Ivy’s hand. “Celia brought a case of wine back for us from their trip to Napa. You’re going to love this wine.”
Ivy nodded at Celia and raised her glass in appreciation. “Make sure to serve guests wine if they want. Or tea or sparkling water.”
“Already on it,” Shelly said. She checked the antique clock on the fireplace mantle. “After this, I’m going to help Mitch serve at Java Beach during the Christmas Stroll.”
“Doesn’t he have an assistant?” Ivy asked.
“Not like me, he doesn’t.” Shelly grinned and arched an eyebrow. “I’m going to be Mrs. Claus.”
Shelly sailed off to deliver another glass of wine to a guest.
The music room was becoming crowded with the new guests, the young musician’s family, and a couple of people that Shelly had invited. Imani and Gilda were chatting in the corner, and Jamir swooped in for a few empanadas that Mitch had prepared. Celia had insisted that she start paying Mitch for appetizers as she liked to invite the young performers’ parents and families. Ivy had resisted, but Celia prevailed, and Ivy had been relieved.
For many parents of children in the school music program, this was a chance to see their children perform before a live audience. The children were always excited to keep the tips they earned, too.
After a while, people began to filter out. At the end of the hour, Ivy saw Nick hand the tip jar to the girl. “It’s yours,” he said.
That was generous, Ivy thought, especially since she knew he needed the money. He was probably too proud or kind to accept them. She made her way toward him.
“You can share tips with the youngsters, Nick. You’ve earned your share.”
Nick grinned and shook his head. “I can’t do that.”
“That’s kind of you. I don’t expect you to play here every evening, but everyone has enjoyed listening to you. You’re quite talented.”
Nick’s cheeks colored at the compliment. “I usually play for myself, though I like bringing joy to people.”
“You’re welcome to play anytime you like,” Ivy said. “Here, or anywhere on the grounds. Your music is lovely.”
Nick gave a slight bow. “That would mean a lot to my grandfather. He taught me to play.”
This was one of the few insights he’d offered into his background, Ivy realized. She glanced down. “Are those new shoes?” They were brown suede hiking-style boots, and they looked warm.