[Surprise, because Dante's just gotten roped into playing a fifth piece by Arlene's challenge, a much more complex piece than his previous few. He finishes with a flourish, an elated grin on his face as he does--one that only grows when he sees Vera coming his way. Good, if she'd decided to lean over the piano and almost distract him while he was playing and not come talk to him after, he'd have to have hunted her down later!

He's not even trying to hide his pleasure at seeing her. For as much as he complains about playing, he legitimately does love it. It's just hard to indulge in that love when there's always a worry about being constantly in a certain someone's shadow, something he doesn't have to stress about in this setting.]

Well, that's good to hear. I don't know what I'd do if I had to call up my old man and tell him I've brought shame to the family name by giving a lackluster performance.

How's it going?