Chapter 118
The room went dead silent for a moment.
Xena’s laugh was awkward, her discomfort thinly veiled. “That’s one I don’t know how to play. Maybe you could pick something else?”
What she really wanted–needed–was for Janie to suggest the piano. That was her comfort zone, her stage to shine on
Janie took a sip of water and suggested, “Alright. How about the harp
Xena froze. She thought. The harp? Seriously? She’d never touched one in her life.
The initial thrill of showing off her skills drained away, replaced by a sinking realization. This wasn’t random–Janie was definitely trying to throw her off.
have a hard on set”
Xena forced a polite tone. “Does the production team even have a harp on set?”
The director looked mildly regretful. “We prepared a variety of instruments for this segment, but… no, we didn’t think to bring a harp
Relief flooded through Xena, and she felt her confidence returning. “Well, if there’s no harp, then-”
“Not a problem, Jackson interrupted, flashing a grin that didn’t reach his eyes. “We’ve got one. Happy to help.”
Xena could no longer maintain her smile.
Before she could say a word, Noah appeared out of nowhere, wheeling in an actual barp
Jackson gestured toward it “Go ahead. Show us what you’ve got.”
Xena’s forced smile stiffened, and she admitted through clenched teeth, “I don’t… really know how to play the harp”
[Oh wow, the princess is about to showcase her “talent.” Hope talking big counts!]
Janie didn’t have to make it so awkward. Couldn’t she pick something easy? This feels mean.]
[Are you kidding me? Xena was the one who asked Janie to pick! She acted like she could do anything–why blame Janie when it backfired?]
[Xena, if you can’t back it up, maybe don’t act so confident next time, Just saying.
[Wait, they actually had a harp ready? Is this a setup? Because this is hilarious)
Jackson rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. “Why don’t you just tell us what you can do? Making Janie guess isn’t exactly fair, is it?”
Xena’s jaw tightened, her frustration barely masked.
Ryan Jenkins felt his head was aching more. He’d seen this coming a mile away–Xena and Zion trying to one–up Janie and Jackson werenever going to end well.
Why did they insist on walking straight into the lion’s den?
Before Ryan could say anything, Xena’s expression shifted, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Janie, clearly over it, waved a hand “Whatever. You all figure it out.”
20:13 Tue, 15 Apr
Chapter 118
Jason stepped in with a bright smile. “I heard Xena’s amazing at the piano! Why don’t we hear something from her?”
Xena turned to him, relief washing over her face. “That’s a great idea. I’d be happy to
(over her face. “That’s a great idea. I’d be happy to“
The crew quickly brought in a piano, and Xena walked over, her every movement poised and elegant.
She sat down with a practiced air, her fingers grazing the keys before diving into one of her favorite pieces.
Janie leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable as the music filled the room.
The performance was technically sound, no doubt the product of years of disciplined practice. To most people, it was impressive. But to someone like Janie, who had been around true masters, it was… fine.
Meanwhile, Jackson and Noah exchanged a glance, their barely concealed boredom written all over their faces.
The music felt less like an emotional performance and more like a long, drawn–out obligation.
Finally, the piece ended. Zion and Jason broke into enthusiastic applause.
“That was incredible, Xenal” Zion gushed, practically beaming.
Emily, Ryan, and Molly chimed in, all smiles and glowing praise.
Xena flushed modestly. “Thank you so much.”
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She turned to David with hopeful eyes. “Mr. Smith, as an expert, would you mind sharing your thoughts? I’d love to hear your critique”
David hesitated for a split second. He had no desire to get involved with the Jenkins family and had no plans to shift his attention away from Janic and Jackson.
Plastering on his most professional smile, he said, “It was good. Solid technique. Very polished.”
Xena’s smile twitched slightly, the lack of enthusiasm in his words clearly stinging.
Jackson, you’re such a legend. Always keeping it real. Love you for that.]
[Xena’s piano skills are amazing! She’s a true queen at the keys.]
[David’s so cold to Xena, and she’s his fan! Couldn’t he at least pretend to care?]
[He literally complimented her? Do people need him to throw her a patade or something? The performance was fine, not groundbreaking. He was being polite.]
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