Doctor Ryan and His Healing System

Chapter 14: Dueling Pianos

Once Den had the attention of his guests, he smiled and said, “I would like to thank you all for coming. It is such an honor for my family to have you here. As you know, we have gathered today to celebrate my dad’s recovery, and I want to thank you all for caring about his health. Your thoughts and prayers meant the world to him – to all of us.”

Everyone clapped and cheered, and once they simmered down, Den continued: “I want to introduce you to an incredible doctor. Without his help, my dad would have died.” He pointed to Ryan and said, “I would like to raise a toast to Dr. Jones.”

The applause that followed could have rivaled a thunderstorm, and Ryan felt a little embarrassed. He had never been publicly exalted in this way and he did not know how to receive the adoration.

When Mandy saw what was going on, she had mixed feelings. Back in university, when they were together, she would never have imagined that Ryan had so much potential. If she had known, she might not have been so quick to dismiss him. Kevin was also dismayed, but for a different reason. He could not help it that he envied Ryan, and that infuriated him.

Mandy leaned into Kevin and whispered into his ear: “Darling, are you going to teach him a lesson later?”

Kevin fondled Mandy’s hair and kissed her on the forehead. “Sure, I’ll definitely teach him some lessons.” Once the cheering died down, he went and stood beside Ryan. He wanted to find an opportunity to humiliate him.

There was a stage at the end of the room, and it was empty except for a grand piano. It pretty much went unnoticed, but the moment someone began to play a song on it, everyone turned towards it, and all at once, the talking died down. Much to their surprise, the musician was Brio Perry, one of the most famous pianists in the country.

Soon the beautiful sound of the piano filled the room, and everyone was enchanted by it. When the song was finished, everyone cheered loudly; everyone except for Ryan that is.

Ryan frowned and sighed, and he thought – I would have expected more from such a famous pianist. After drinking a glass of wine, Ryan said, “I didn’t expect such a disappointing performance...”

When Kevin heard Ryan’s words, an idea formed in his mind. He looked at Ryan and sneered. “How dare you taunt our famous pianist? I am gonna teach you a lesson!”

The room went quiet, and everyone turned to hear what Kevin had to say.

“Ryan said that Mr. Perry’s performance was a disappointment,” Kevin explained.

Almost immediately, everyone began to whisper. Ryan remained calm, though, and he showed no sign to suggest that he would retract his statement.

Brio felt terribly offended. This was the first time that anyone had been critical of his talent, and he could not wait to meet the person that had the gall to do so now, in front of all of these people. He angrily stepped away from the piano, jumped down from the stage, and headed in the direction of the offending party.

Den saw this, and in an attempt to deescalate the situation, he turned to Ryan and said, “You didn’t really mean that. Did you?”

“Of course, I meant it,” Ryan replied. “He is an okay pianist, but he is not so great.”

When Brio heard that, his face turned red from anger. “Sir!” he shouted. “I would like to see you do better! Otherwise, I would suggest you shut your God damn mouth!”

Kevin was beaming. His plan to stir up trouble had gone exactly as he had planned.

Mandy was excited to see what would happen next. She had been with Ryan for years, and she knew that he was not a proficient pianist. So, she was certain that Ryan would make a fool of himself if he was pressed to attempt to play.

Ryan gave Bria a disarming smile. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” he said. “I was disappointed with your performance, though.”

“I’d like to see you do better!” Kevin shouted.

“No, no.” Ryan shook his head. “I would not want to embarrass Mr. Perry.”

Kevin erupted into gales of laughter, as did the people around them. Even Brio was laughing. “Please,” he said. “Play us a song.”

“I will if you insist.” Ryan shrugged. “But you may regret your request...”

“Go ahead.” Brio crossed his arms and said, “Do your worst.”

Ryan nodded, and without another word, he walked up to the stage and took a seat at the piano. The crowd followed him. They were anxious to see what he would play. Mandy and Kevin could not wait to see him fall on his ass, but not everyone had it in for him. Den, for example, had his fingers crossed. He had a lot of respect for Ryan, and he hoped that he could play as well as he claimed he could.

Ryan took a moment to choose a composition that he knew by heart, and he allowed his fingers to do their thing. As he played, a pure melody drifted in the air like an apple pie, fresh from the oven.  

The tune picked up and it filled the room. At moments it was slow and so low that people had to stop whispering or risk missing out on the beautiful melody. Some of the guests closed their eyes, and they lost themselves in the wonderful music – not that they would ever admit it. Even Kevin and Many were moved, and like the proverbial savage beast, Brio was tamed. It reminded him of his past, and it brought tears to his eyes. Now that he knew that Ryan was better than him, there was not an iota of resentment in him. He was really impressed by Ryan.

Linnet was so dazzled by the performance that it made her want to date Ryan. This was the first time that she had ever felt an attraction for a person of the opposite gender.

Finally, one person began to clap, then another, until everyone was cheering.

Ryan left the stage to prolonged applause. All the while, Linnet watched him, praying that she would not make a fool of herself. Every movement he made now tugged at her heartstrings, making her feel like a schoolgirl with her first crush. Her heart was beating fast, and her palms were sweaty. She wanted to go to him and congratulate him, but she was worried that she would not know what to say.

Linnet took her first step towards him, but before she could go any further, someone put a hand on her shoulder. “What are you looking at?” the owner of the voice asked.

Linnet ignored the question, but when she tried to step away, the hand tightened, and she was immobilized. “Hey!” the voice hissed. “I know that you can hear me!”

Right then, Linnet realized who the space invader was, and her brow furrowed in dismay. It was Robert Ham.

Robert had been born into one of the richest and most influential families in Edmonton. He and Linnet had gone to college together, and he had always had a thing for her. However, Linnet had shown no interest to him at all. And why would she? She did not even like boys, and he knew it!

What does he want? – she wondered. He was the last person had she wanted to see right now, and not just because she doubted that his intentions were good, but for that too.

Robert glared at her. “What were you looking at?” he asked again.

Linnet rolled her eyes and thought – Damn! He is like a broken record. “It’s none of your business,” she replied. “Now leave me alone!”