Keyed Up - A prequel

  Penelope had never seen anything more beautiful than the Quadrille—the ballroom located within the Grand Hotel Wien in Vienna. 
She and her father, renowned international pianist, Bernard Dixon, were not only staying at the Grand Hotel, but they had had the privilege of being guest performers with the SymphonikerstraBe—the Vienna Symphony—for their New Year’s Day concert which wrapped up barely an hour earlier.
  Having traveled often while touring with her father, Penelope had seen quite a bit in her young life of seventeen years, both in the States as well as internationally, but at this moment, nothing compared to the dream-like splendor of being in Vienna.  The trip was already proving to be a whirlwind, having arrived yesterday, on New Year’s Eve, and staying only through tomorrow.
  They had attended a practice session yesterday with the orchestra then a small reception with the musicians and administrators of the Symphony.  It was there she had met so many marvelous people, including the performer her father had been in contact with, Sebastian Mauer.  He was an extraordinary pianist who had his sights set on composing.  After witnessing his performance mere hours before, the musical world would surely feel the loss of such an amazing talent.  However, after listening to one of his compositions her father had played, she had no doubt the world would be graced with another spectacular element of the man.
  And oh, what a man he was.  Even now, Penelope blushed at the thought of being attracted to him.  Upon first meeting him, her reaction to him had been unlike anything she’d ever experienced.  Not only was he handsome—although that word did little justice to him—he was gracious and unassuming, witty, intelligent, and respectful.  She was not unaccustomed to being around mature men who were attractive and kind, but her brief encounter with Sebastian had been different.  Many men avoided direct talk with her and had made polite innuendos about gaining permission from her father to call upon her when she reached womanhood. 
  Really?  Like this is the fifteen century and I’d need his screening of potential suitors and permission to date?
But Sebastian had treated her like a mature lady, and had shown great interest in her opinions on the many subjects that came up.
  She supposed that former attitude was due to her upbringing and Bernard’s protectiveness.  Penelope had lost her mother before two years of age, and along with her father, she’d been surrounded by trusted nannies and their beloved household manager, Gertie.      And although she would’ve rather had the presence of her mother, she had known all about the love of her father’s life through stories and pictures.  Bernard constantly told Penelope that she had her mother’s spirit, beauty, and grace. 
  Seeing her mother in photographs had been like looking in a mirror.  They shared a petite face topped with raven curls, sparkling blue eyes, and a willowy figure at five feet seven inches.  Even after seeing the proof in pictures of her mother’s beauty and how much she looked like her, Penelope had always been uncomfortable at compliments and comparisons, never thinking she possessed such qualities.
  That is, until Sebastian.  He made her feel beautiful.  And mature.  And he respected her views, eagerly engaging her in conversation.  Never once had he acted anything other than gentlemanly.
  Although truth be told, she wouldn’t have minded if he had shown just an inkling of romantic interest.  But that was just her being fanciful, and she supposed, being caught up in the fairy tale setting of the holiday atmosphere around them.  Given how wonderfully polite he’d been last evening, she thought he’d never dare to think of acting inappropriately with her, especially with their ten year age difference.  Didn’t matter that she was barely three months away from becoming eighteen.
  Like that’s so much older and sophisticated.
Penelope sighed, pushing aside any gloomy thoughts, determined to make the most of the evening.
  Tonight, she was attending the holiday gala the Symphony sponsored, and the Quadrille couldn’t have looked any more splendid.  She entered the ballroom alone, her father professing fatigue and preferring to remain in their suite.  He usually loved parties such as this, but his mood around the holidays usually became more somber, she supposed due to him still missing his wife after all these years.     Bernard had encouraged Penelope to attend and have a marvelous time.  She assured him she would.
  With most of their travel, she almost always looked forward to returning home, being surrounded by the familiar, and resuming her normal schedule.  But tonight, a bigger part of her wished she could indulge in this fantastical reprieve for more than only one more night.
  Stepping further into the ballroom, she took in the details of the decorations and furnishings in the expansive area.  From high ceilings hung crystal chandeliers glowing with warm light.  Square columns were wrapped with wide ribbons of red and gold, and from them hung sprigs of greenery, adding a woodland fragrance.  Tables lined the outer edges of the room, covered in sparkling white linen, elegant place settings, and holiday adornments.  Instrumental holiday-themed music floated through the air from hidden speakers.
  The most impressive sight stood at the end of the room in front of the floor to ceiling arched window.  A massive Christmas tree of spruce, twinkling with miniature lights and delicate decorations nearly filled the entire expanse of the space.  Just beyond, the falling snow could be seen through the window, adding a magical feeling to the evening.
  Penelope had been greeted by several people, and engaged in brief conversation before continuing to roam.  Half the tables had already filled, and within the hour, the Symphony’s director, as well as the conductor would be making speeches before the merriment really got underway.
  As she began walking toward the window, she continued to scan the room, admiring the women in their beautiful gowns along with their gentlemen partners in their handsome tuxedos and suits.  Quiet conversation filtered around her as the melody of “Silent Night”, composed by Austrian Franz Xaver Gruber, added to the festive feeling.
After circling the tree, she stopped in front of the window to admire the snow blanketing the outside, the expanse of white gleaming under ambient light.  Penelope then focused on watching the gathering behind her through the reflection of the glass, as if viewing it from another dimension.  Patrons lingered, sipping from their flutes of champagne, while others flitted from group to group, making introductions and adding to the conversations.
  As she continued to observe, movement caught her eye, and there stood Sebastian, encased in his tuxedo.  He looks dashing!  She chuckled to herself at her thoughts.  And although with the distance she couldn’t see his eyes, she knew they were a light green and were no doubt sparkling.  At least they had last night.  Dark brown hair waved casually about, giving him a rakish look, as opposed to most of the gentlemen present with styled hair, slicked with gel.
  As Sebastian greeted those who approached him, he smiled broadly with his full lips, making his matching dimples appear below his cheeks.  The small cleft in his chin was somehow an enticing feature on his smooth face.    
  Penelope felt herself smiling just watching him, both eager and nervous for him to be near.  He continued to slowly make his way throughout the room, and when he came within ten feet of the tree, he looked up, his gaze colliding with hers.  She was dazzled by his smile as it grew even wider the longer he stared.  She couldn’t help but blush and duck her head, and when she looked back up, he stood right in front of her.  Her quick inhale preceded a gasp, and he was quick to apologize for apparently startling her.
  “I’m sorry, Penelope, I didn’t mean to startle you.  Are you here alone?”
“I am.  Father wasn’t feeling up to attending, but insisted I come and enjoy myself.”
  “And are you?  Enjoying yourself?”  She was certain his smile was one of mischief.
“I am now,” she stated boldly.  She quickly cleared her throat and rushed on after seeing his brow inch up.  “Don’t you think the ballroom looks magnificent?  I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so stunning.”
  Sebastian looked around as if taking in the surroundings for the first time.  “Yes, the decorators have certainly done well.”  When his gaze landed back on her, his intense look sent shivers across her skin.  “But nothing compares to the stunning vision in front of me.”
  Once again, Penelope’s breath hitched as her face heated, and her heart threatened to beat out of her chest.
“Thank you,” she replied softly.  She had been very excited about choosing her royal blue dress that flowed like water to the floor.  It gathered at the waist with a wide sash, and lace-like sleeves gave a hint of her peachy skin.  A jeweled neckline and built-in padding gave subtle enhancement to her modest bosom—which was no doubt beyond blushing.  But with Sebastian’s compliment and approving perusal, inside, she preened.  Never before had she welcomed attention such as this from a man.  She probably should have felt embarrassed, and acted in a way to dissuade such attention, but could do neither.  Instead, she met and held his assessing gaze, hoping she didn’t make a fool of herself this evening.
  “Would you care for anything to drink?” he asked.
“I wonder if I might risk half a glass of champagne?  It is a special occasion, after all.”
  “Indeed, it is.  Why don’t we see what we can accomplish?”  Sebastian smiled as he offered her his arm.
She willingly placed her hand in the bend of his elbow, and felt her pulse quicken.  A zing of delight coursed through her body, and she wondered if he’d felt the same.
  He led them to the table where they happened to be seated together, and saw glasses of bubbly that had already been distributed.  Pulling out a chair for her to sit, she released his arm, and was once again surprised at the pleasant feeling of his touch when he placed his hand at the small of her back.  This time she was able to control her response, only smiling at him as he pushed her chair close to the table.
  “Thank you.”
Sebastian nodded as he took his seat and faced her.  He then offered her a glass of champagne before raising his own.  Although others were milling about, they were the only two seated at their table.  Still, Sebastian leaned in close and spoke.  “To an enchanting evening, spent in the company of the most beautiful person in the room.”  He leaned in further and whispered.  “I hope I’m not being too forward.  I certainly don’t want to scare you off.”
  Penelope released a chuckle.  “No, you don’t scare me, Sebastian, but I hardly think I’m the most beautiful person here.  I mean, look around, there’s—”  She started to turn her head, but Sebastian’s words had her gaze snapping back to him.
  “Believe me, Penelope, you are.”
Their gazes locked, and Penelope couldn’t look away.  Didn’t want to.  She smiled at him, studying his handsome face, looking for any sign of deception, waiting to see if she felt any unease.  But she didn’t.  She felt perfectly comfortable with this man.
  She raised her glass.  “Then here’s to the most dashing man I have the honor of being seated with.”  She was rewarded with a flash of surprise before he returned her smile.
  A gentle tap of their glasses followed, and each took a sip, their eyes never straying from one another.  Penelope enjoyed the crisp, chilling slide of the liquid down her throat.  Just as she set her glass down, the music stopped and someone began to speak into a microphone.  She broke Sebastian’s gaze to look around, seeing that everyone else in the room had begun to take their seats.  The Symphony’s director was asking for their attention, ready to begin.
Food was being delivered to the tables and glasses were refilled as everyone settled.
  For the next fifteen minutes, the focus was given to the director and a few administrators, as they praised the musicians and the season the symphony had been having so far.  After final announcements, where both Sebastian and Penelope, along with her father, had been recognized for their outstanding performances, everyone was wished a prosperous start to their new year.
  Penelope lifted her glass to the toast, telling herself it’d be her last sip.  While she was very much enjoying the food and drink, she was feeling a slightly pleasant buzzing in her head, and didn’t want it to go any further.  She didn’t want to risk getting ill or acting silly.   She feared she may have already been a bit too bold when it came to Sebastian, but she couldn’t help herself.  Their conversation flowed naturally and she’d been extremely comfortable, happy to be herself with him.
  As music began again, Sebastian settled his glass on the table and asked Penelope if she’d like to dance.  She looked to see that a few others had gathered in the center of the room and where doing what he proposed.  Gladly taking his hand, she was led to the edge of the crowd.  They stood awkwardly for a moment, smiling and blushing at one another before Sebastian took the initiative to wrap his arm around her waist and pull her close.  Except for their joined hands and his arm on her waist, he kept their bodies from touching.  No doubt he meant to be respectful, but Penelope took even more initiative and closed the gap.
  Their chest and thighs brushed while she rested her empty hand on his shoulder, and she heard the rush of his breath.  As she looked up at him, she held his gaze, wondering what it would feel like to have his plush lips on hers.  His eyes wandered to her lips then back again to stare into her eyes as his own lips curved into a hesitant smile.  She smiled back before resting her head against his chest, hearing the frantic beat of his heart that matched her own.
  For several moments, they remained in one another’s arms as one song led into another.  Penelope would have gladly stayed tucked in his arms, enveloped in his warmth and surrounded by his intoxicating scent.  But as the dance floor began to fill, Sebastian proposed they go for a walk.
  “I’d love to go out and see the snow,” Penelope answered.  Although she had no coat with her, she thought a few moments outside, perhaps under an awning, wouldn’t hurt.
  With Sebastian’s hand once again on her lower back, he led them through the hotel until they found a balcony where they could stand and watch the snow while protected by covering.
  “I’ve only seen snow a handful of times, and each time it seems more magical to me.”  Penelope wrapped her arms around herself, staring at the beautiful winter wonderland in front of her.
 “I suppose San Francisco isn’t too much different than the Northwest, in that it doesn’t see snow all that often, if ever.”
Penelope knew from her father’s talks that Sebastian resided somewhere north of Seattle.
  She chuckled.  “No, in all my years, I’ve never seen it snow at home.”  An involuntary shiver went through her as the cold quickly began to make its presence known.  Suddenly she felt a warmth surround her, realizing that Sebastian had draped his jacket across her shoulders.  As she turned his way to thank him, they were face to face, nearly chest to chest.
  Neither spoke for what seemed an eternity as his arms held her.  Penelope thought she saw an array of emotions play across his face and in his eyes as he studied her.  As if he was searching for an answer to some unknown question.  But before she could try to find any rational words to say, Sebastian leaned forward to place a tender kiss on her lips.
  Penelope closed her eyes and sighed, trying to relax as her heart soared.  She tasted mint on his breath as he moved his mouth hesitantly across hers.  A nibble, a swipe of his tongue, then more pressure had her melting into him.  She desperately wanted to throw her arms around him but held still, unwilling to have the spell broken.
  But then he drew his mouth away and rested his forehead against hers.  “I’m sure I should apologize, that was very inappropriate of me.”
  “No,” she was quick to say.  “It was divine.”  She heard how breathy her voice sounded and nearly winced.  She certainly didn’t want to sound like an inexperienced child, even if she was inexperienced, but didn’t consider herself a child.  So what if he was older?  
  “Yes, it was,” he replied softly.  “But you… I…”  He closed his eyes and shook his head a moment before refocusing on her.  “Ah, Penelope, you have me flummoxed.”
  Penelope couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped.  “Do I?  Well, whatever shall we do about that?”
Sebastian pulled further away and dropped his arms, leaving her feeling adrift.  “I should be the gentleman and escort you back inside, not stealing kisses from a young woman.”
  “And what if I gave them willingly?”
He shook his head again as a lost look came over his face.  “There’s no denying my attraction to you, Penelope, but it’s wrong.  You’re so much younger, and I—”
  “I’m not a child,” she said calmly, trying not to prove the opposite by sounding petulant.
“I don’t think of you as a child, believe me, but still…”
  “I’m three months away from becoming eighteen, and I have seen and experienced so much more than others my age.  I may be an innocent when it comes to love, but I know I’m also attracted to you.”  She closed the tiny gap between them and took his hands.  “Is it so wrong to enjoy your company and want to spend time with you?”  She was encouraged when he tightened his hands with hers.     
  “Not at all.”  He then released a hand and gently cupped her cheek.  She couldn’t help but lean in to his touch.  “Let’s get out of this cold.”
  Penelope nodded and allowed Sebastian to lead her back inside.  When she started to offer back his jacket, he insisted she keep it on to remain warm.  They strolled along the corridor, hand in hand, exchanging shy smiles with one another.
  “Sebastian, I’d rather not return to the ballroom.”
He stopped and faced her.  “Are you ready to retire to your room?”
  “No.”  She held his gaze, hoping he’d understand that she’d prefer to spend time with him alone.
He simply smiled and nodded, continuing on with their walk.  They seemed to stroll the entire length of the hotel, not once encountering another person.  When they came to a sitting area, he led her to a small couch where they sat and talked for hours.   Sebastian held her hand the entire time as they shared stories of their lives, and love of music.  And when Penelope couldn’t help but yawn a few times, Sebastian suggested he show her to her room.
  “It’s been an eventful day, and I’m sure you must be exhausted.”  Sebastian stood and brought Penelope to her feet.
“It’s been an amazing day, and wish it didn’t have to end.”  As she stood in front of Sebastian, she couldn’t help but hope for another kiss.  But as he looped her arm with his and began walking, her hopes were dashed.
  “It has been amazing, and hopefully we can enjoy each other’s company again.  Say, when I visit San Francisco?”  When Penelope looked at him with surprise, he continued.  “Your father invited me to visit so we can begin to collaborate on some of my pieces.  I was thrilled with his offer.”
  “Sebastian, that’s wonderful!  If your future compositions are anything like the one father already has, then you’ll be the one thrilling the world with your work.”
  “That’s kind of you to say, and I can only hope you’re correct.”
“I am,” she stated confidently, causing Sebastian to chuckle.
  As they walked along, they found themselves back at the ballroom.
 “How about one more glimpse of the Christmas tree?” Penelope said, smiling broadly.
Sebastian smiled and nodded. 
  They entered the empty room, the lights dimmed except for the ones on the tree.  As they approached, Penelope noticed out the window that the snow was falling more heavily.  She skirted around the tree to stand and watch, nearly bouncing on her toes. 
  “Isn’t it lovely?”  
“Yes,” Sebastian said, his voice sounding wistful.
  When Penelope turned to look at him, his gaze was concentrated on her.  A few steps had him in front of her, and he lifted his hands to her face.  His touch sent a warm rush through her body, effectively chasing away the chill she felt earlier.  Her pounding heart beat out a rhythm she thought for sure Sebastian would hear.  Cocooned between the tree and the window, cast in the soft glow of the lights, the moment felt surreal—one she was sure to remember for the rest of her life.
  “May I kiss you, Penelope?” he asked softly.
“Yes.”  She answered on a sigh.
  As he began to lean down, she closed her eyes and welcomed his warm lips upon hers.  His kiss was a gentle teasing, a soft brushing that set her aflame.  She would have liked for the kiss to go on and on, but all too soon he pulled back and she nearly whimpered.  He brushed his thumb across her lip before placing a quick kiss on her forehead.
  “Sweet, Penelope.”
She wrapped her arms around his back and leaned into his chest, causing him to fold his arms around her.
  “I’ll never forget this night.”
“Nor will I,” she said.
  “And I’ll look forward to the start of many more.”
Penelope smiled, knowing as improbable as it seemed, she’d found her true love, and she couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them.
***