CHAPTER 2: THE PIANO NO ONE BELIEVED SHE COULD PLAY
CHAPTER 2: THE PIANO NO ONE BELIEVED SHE COULD PLAY
Maya placed the final plate on Table 15.
"Enjoy your meal."
She turned to leave when a sharp voice cut through the dining room.
"Maya!"
Restaurant manager Victor Lang stood near the service station, his expression already irritated.
"The pianist called in sick."
Several guests looked toward the empty grand piano positioned beneath the crystal chandelier.
Victor sighed loudly.
"I'll have to cancel tonight's performance."
Before Maya could stop herself, she spoke.
"I can play."
Silence.
Victor blinked.
"You?"
A few nearby diners chuckled.
"The waitress?" someone whispered.
Victor folded his arms.
"This is a Steinway concert grand."
"I know."
"You've played one before?"
Maya nodded.
"My father taught me."
Victor laughed.
"I asked for a pianist..."
"...not a dream."
The room filled with quiet amusement.
Maya lowered her eyes.
"I wasn't joking."
Victor looked around the restaurant, noticing curious faces.
Then an idea crossed his mind.
"Fine."
He smiled.
"If you're so confident..."
"You get one song."
"If anyone complains..."
"...you're back to washing dishes."
Maya quietly untied her apron.
Folded it neatly.
And walked toward the piano.
Every eye followed her.
May you like
No one expected anything remarkable.
Least of all Victor.
