"I do!" he insisted.
We were served our salads and talked about the music we were practicing.
"Mr. Wengrow's a bit eccentric," Chandler said, "but I respect his music skills. I've learned a great deal since I've been with him, and he's big enough to admit that he will bring me, and now you, to a point where we'll have to go on to someone more knowledgeable and experienced to improve any more. My parents wanted me to have someone else as a tutor, someone one of their friends had used. but I refused, They thought because Mr. Wengrow was charging far less that he wasn't as good."
"He's the only teacher I've had.'
"And look at what wonders he's doing with you," Chandler said quickly.
>
"Do you really believe that. Chandler?"
"I'm not in the habit of saving things I don't believe," he replied.
I smiled at him, this time not so displeased with his arrogant tone. The waiter arrived with our main dishes and we began to eat.
I was impressed with the duck, and had to admit that I had only eaten wild duck my mother had prepared.
"We still have time for dessert," Chandler said, checking his watch. "What about a creme brulee?" he suggested. "They really make a great one here."
I had never had one before, of course, and didn't even know what was in it.
"I guess," I said.
When it came and I took a taste, I was unable to hide my pleasure and surprise.
"First time you had that?" he asked.
"yes. It's so delicious," I declared, and he laughed.
"I knew it would be fun being with you," he said. "I'm glad you said yes."
"I am too"
I was able to glance at the hill. Grandad Forman would have exploded at the table, I thought. He would yell that he could buy another cow for that.
When we arrived at the theater, there were valets to park the car there, too. I was surprised and pleased at our seats. They were practically on the stage. Contrary to what Chandler suspected, the show was wonderful. Afterward we both raved about the leads and the quality of the music.
All the way back to the farm, we talked incessantly, leaping in on each other's momentary pauses as if we were terrified of silence. As we approached the driveway, Chandler slowed down to nearly a crawl.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I should have asked you if you wanted to go somewhere else first."
"That's all right. I couldn't at anything else," I said.
"Your big uncle going to be waiting at the door?" he asked. "He might be," I said. laughing.
Chandler brought the car to an abrupt stop.
"Then I better kiss you good night right here," he said and leaned over to kiss me. It was a quick kiss, almost a snap of lips. He knew how disappointing it was even without my saying anything. "Not too good, huh?"
"Let's say you're better at playing the piano."
He laughed, hesitated, and came toward me again. This time the kiss was longer and hard enough to start my heart tapping and bring a warmth up my body. He held himself close.
"You're the prettiest, nicest girl in the school. Honey. I've got to thank Mr. Wengrow."
"He might not understand why," I said. and Chandler laughed.