“Designated Driver”Flying High!“NO, NO, NO, NO. THAT’S wrong.” Nell nudged Hank’s shoulder with her own to halt his rendition of her song. “That should be middle C, not an octave below.”Her aroma, a pleasant mixture of soap, shampoo and a hint of perfume, drifted through his senses, and he took a deeper breath to enjoy it more fully. When he turned his head to look at her, he discovered that their faces were suddenly very close.He cleared his throat. Recalled what they were discussing and sat a little straighter. “I’m telling you, it doesn’t sound right in middle C. It’s not a dramatic enough change. Listen—and this time don’t interrupt until I’m done. Keep Peej’s voice in mind.” Tucking his fiddle back under his chin, he played her arrangement with the change he’d put in. “Now listen to it your way.” He played it as written on the sheet music in his lap.“No, I’m sorry, but you’re just plain wr—” She fell silent midprotest, her gaze turning inward as if she were listening to the music again in her head.
