(Blue Notes 2)The Melody Thief by Shira Anthony Read Free Book Online Page A

said with a gentle chuckle.
    “And candy apples?” The vague memory of his mother buying him and Justin bright-red candy apples on sticks made Cary’s mouth water.
    “Apples? Why would there be apples at a circus? Circuses have clowns and animals and people flying about in the air.”
    “So what do I have to do with the circus?” Cary wasn’t going to try to explain the apples. Apparently the tradition was not an Italian one.
    “It seems Massi has gotten it into his head that clowns are American.”
    Cary laughed. “Maybe he’s been watching too much CNN reporting about things in Washington.”
    “Those clowns aren’t very funny. I think it has more to do with the bruises on your face and something Francesca told him about clown makeup.”
    “You’re joking.”
    “Hardly.”
    “I still don’t see where this is going,” Cary put in. He was enjoying the banter, but he was now completely lost.
    Another reason to hate kids.
    “I tried to explain to him that the clowns in Italy are Italian,” Antonio replied. “I think, in the end, he finally understood.”
    Good. A tiny island of clarity in a sea of otherwise incomprehensible explanations.
    “I still don’t understand.”
    “He wants you to come along.”
    “To the circus?”
    “That was the general idea.” Antonio laughed and then sighed into the receiver. “I told him you weren’t feeling well and you needed your rest, so I’m sure he’ll understand if you can’t come.”
    Cary realized with sudden clarity that it wasn’t the kid who wanted him to come. Antonio wanted him to come.
    Maybe the entire fucked-up weekend wasn’t such a waste of time, after all.
    “Tell him the American clown would love to come along.”
    “Really?”
    “Really. It sounds like fun. I can’t remember the last time I went to a circus.” Cary thought the older Bianchi sounded at least as happy as Massimo might be.
    “Then we’ll pick you up at your place around two on Saturday, if that works for you.”
    Shit. Cary had forgotten that little complication. “No need to do that.” He tried to sound casual. “I’ve got a few errands to run near your apartment. Why don’t I just meet you there?”
    “Sure. That’s fine.”
    “I’ll see you then.”
    “I’m… I mean ‘we’ are looking forward to it.”
    Cary tapped the cell phone and leaned back on the pillows with a knowing smile. He definitely wants to see me again. The thought both scared and excited him.
     
     
    “ C ONNORE!” A pint-sized flurry of blond curls flew at him as he stood in the doorway of Antonio’s apartment. “Papà said you were coming!”
    Cary winced as Massimo grabbed onto his left arm to drag him inside.
    “Massimo,” came Antonio’s stern voice from behind the boy, “remember how I told you Signor Taylor got hurt last week? You have to be gentle with him.”
    “I’m sorry, Connore.” Massimo’s big blue eyes were full of shame. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
    “It’s okay,” Cary lied and thought he should take another pain pill before they got going, or he’d be in agony by the end of the day. Why had he agreed to this again? Oh yeah. The gorgeous guy standing behind the bratty kid, watching him with something like… interest ? Cary wore a fitted shirt and snug jeans. Had Antonio noticed?
    Don’t you dare blush!
    Cary looked down at Massimo and smiled mechanically as he struggled to maintain his composure. When he caught Antonio’s expression again, he saw only friendship there.
    “Good to see you, Connor.” Antonio swept Massimo up into his arms and flung him over one shoulder to the sound of squeals and giggles. “I apologize for this one,” he added as he tickled the squirming five-year-old. “He’s just a little excited about this afternoon.”
    Cary tried to look nonplussed as Antonio set Massimo down. “Now go to the bathroom and then put your shoes on. We’ll be going in a few minutes.”
    “I’m really not good with kids.” Or their