“I appreciate your understanding,” I said. “To be perfectly honest, the thought of singing in front of anyone else is kinda terrifying right now. One too many times in the past, people have become obsessed with my voice. Sorry if I sound like a narcissist. I have heard all sorts of compliments, like how I should apply to be on talent shows and show the world what I can do. A few times, I’ve had men follow me down the street when they’ve heard me sing, refusing to leave me alone until I screamed at them to go away. Thankfully, they tend to flee in terror when my angry side comes out. Not Jeffrey though.”

“Jeffrey?” Sebastian asked. 

“Jeffrey was…well, he was a mistake. Abusive ex. Jeffrey became utterly possessive of my voice, refusing to let me sing around anyone but him. I feel sick just thinking about him.”

I saw Sebastian glance toward the door, then back at me. 

“I’m sorry you went through all that,” he said. “I wish the world had been kinder to you.”

I shrugged, then to change the subject, I muttered, “So how do you calm your nerves?”

“Personally, I love to dance,” he said. “And of course, I do it like no one is watching because usually no one is. However, Joel has been known to walk in on me from time to time despite my best efforts at not being seen.”

“Maybe when we’re more comfortable, you can dance for me?” I suggested. What a strange thing to bring up to your boss, wasn’t it? I almost shook my head in self-admonishment. 

“Only if we can dance together,” he said. 

My heart was fluttering. This was so not the way I had envisioned myself talking to my new boss, but here he was, flirting with me. And me flirting back. 

That was what we were doing, right?

Oh god, what if I had the wrong idea?

In fact, it was more than likely I had the wrong idea. Suddenly, I heard a door open, and turned in time to see Emily wheeling herself into the kitchen. 

“Uncle Seb!” she exclaimed, “I was wondering why you didn’t come see me. Are you hogging Calista all to yourself?”

“Sorry, Em,” Sebastian said, quickly crossing the floor and crouching down in front of his niece. “I was just about to head up to tuck you in. I wanted to give you plenty of time to listen to your music though. You’re a big girl, I don’t mind if you stay up a bit later, you know. You’re turning ten soon!”

“I know!” Emily squealed, grabbing Sebastian’s hands and squeezing them in hers. “I can’t wait! I really hope you’re getting me concert tickets, but I definitely understand if you can’t.”

“Concert tickets?” Sebastian faked confusion, “To see who?”

“Oh my god! You know who I want to see!” Emily proclaimed.

“Oh, that’s right. It was Post Malone, wasn’t it?” Sebastian teased.

I couldn’t help but chuckle as Emily shook her head emphatically. 

“Noooo!” Emily said. 

“Ed Sheeran?” Sebastian offered.

“Noooo! Stray Kids!” Emily blurted, not willing to play along anymore. 

“Stray who?” Sebastian faked puzzlement.

Emily half growled, and I laughed so much that I started to cough. Both of them turned to me in concern, and I waved my hand to indicate I was fine. 

“Ooh, is that the sIlly group you have all over your door, your walls, in your binder, on your Spotify, and with their whole pile of CD’s just sitting in your room?” Sebastian said. 

“Yessss,” Emily said, shoving playfully on Sebastian’s arms. 

“Who’s their leader? Bangbang?”

“Bang Chan!” Emily snapped. 

“Hmmm, well, I guess we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we,” Sebastian said. 

Sebastian stood and turned toward me, “The kids these days!”

Emily scooted her chair forward, knocking into the backs of his legs, and almost causing him to fall over. 

“Help! I’m being attacked with a deadly weapon!” Sebastian exclaimed. I watched with a grin on my face as he turned and feigned doing karate moves on Emily. Both were giggling and playfully shoving each other, until the door opened behind them and Joel strode into the kitchen. 

“You’re still up, Ms. Emily,” Joel said, glancing between them.

“Uncle Seb said I’m a big girl and I can stay up a little later now,” Emily pointed out. 

“Oh did he?” Joel glanced at Sebastian. “Well, that’s fine then. I hope all of your homework is done.”

“Most of it,” Emily said. 

“Most of it? Most of it!” gasped Sebastian, proceeding to tickle Emily. “Are you trying to get me in trouble with your tutor?”

“It’s just some math. I couldn’t understand it anyway, and I need Ms. Wells’ help,” Emily said. 

“Oh, well, if it’s just a bit of math,” Sebastian said. “Alright. Off to bed with you. I’ll be up in a minute. Joel, if you’ll just,” Sebastian gestured at Emily, and Joel nodded. Joel turned and held the kitchen door open, gesturing for Emily to wheel through. Once she and Joel had left, Sebastian turned to me with a smile. 

“Thank you for the wonderful conversation, Calista. Please feel free to help yourself to anything in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.”

“Thank you,” I muttered. Sebastian slipped out the kitchen door, and I stood staring at the spot where he had just been.