The Music OF LOVE

Graydon had broken Zena’s heart - was he now about to steal her dreams?

- Jane Ayres

Still shaking with anger, Zena couldn’t get away from Graydon Forbes fast enough, her kitten-heeled sandals click-clacking rhythmically on the pavement as she rushed from the auction house.

‘Zena, come back!’ Graydon shouted as he pursued her, but she ignored his pleas and continued to stride purposefully towards the car park.

However, he wasn’t giving up easily and soon caught up. ‘Zena, wait!’ he urged as he reached for her shoulder.

Turning abruptly to face him, she snapped, ‘Don’t touch me!’

To her dismay, as she pushed his hand away, their fingers touched and 20 years melted away, memories suddenly overwhelming her. It was like she’d travelled back in time, as she pictured the two of them meeting as students at Gracie’s piano studio, performing solos and duets at concerts Gracie organised. Their shared delight in music propelled their blossoming romance as they fell passionately in love.

Money had been tight, of course, but life was fun. Along with fellow musicians Suki and Todd, they had rented a characterful Edwardian house, sharing the kitchen and lounge, and splitting the bills.

The future was full of unimagined possibilities as they carved out a career path as a professional piano duo.

Until Graydon got the chance to play in a high-profile concert when the original pianist became ill. His subsequent success led to engagements and a busy recording career.

At first, Zena didn’t begrudge him his success, but it was hard to adjust from doing everything together – work and play – to feeling adrift and alone as he spent so much time away on tour. It was, she knew, one of the perils of sharing both professional and personal lives. She wondered if he was always more ambitious than her, and despite promising to maintain their long-distance relationship while he travelled the world, they’d grown apart.