“I'm not. She made me look like a fool,” he growled.
“Oh.” That she did, and what a mess. I almost feel sorry for her. “Well,
maybe it was a mistake. You know, things got a little out of hand. I would hate to
see you unhappy.”
“She tried to steal your husband,” he reminded her.
“She couldn't. I don't think he even noticed her. Even if he had, he's a man
who honors his vows.”
“Doesn't it matter that she tried?”
“I don't know if she was really trying,” Katerina objected, biting her lip.
“More likely, she was only attempting to upset me.”
“What a bully.” Alessandro gestured with the fingers of his upraised hand.
“I'm sorry you ever had to meet her.”
“It's true,” Katerina admitted at last, resisting the urge to flinch “but still…
she is important to you. I only wish we could have been friendly.”
He shook his head. “Well, that's between Aimée and me. As for you, you
may use my instruments any time you like,” he vowed, hand on his heart.
“Thank you, Nonno.”
He hugged her again. She slid her arms around his neck. I love my
grandfather. I'm so glad Christopher suggested coming here.
He released her and turned, addressing the room again. “I've heard from
many of you, and I believe we are all in agreement. Choosing between two such
superior musicians would be impossible. One has more training and experience,
the other more sweetness and passion. Therefore, I declare the competition to be
a draw. No one loses, and we all win because we all had the privilege of hearing
such a fine concert.”
Heads nodded in approval, and a round of applause set Katerina's cheeks
glowing. Then, her uncle claimed her arm and took her to meet his wife and their
children.
Alessandro approached Christopher, who was conversing sedately with a
middle-aged British couple.
“Signor, signora,” he addressed the couple, “may I borrow my grandson-in-
law for a moment?”
The couple acquiesced and Alessandro escorted Christopher to a quiet
corner.
“Is everything all right?” the young man asked.
“Yes. I just wanted to thank you.”
“For what?”
“For Katerina,” Alessandro explained. “For rescuing her, keeping her safe. I
