I stepped inside the chic Hotel Deco XV and was met with piano music. Then the music dissolved.

“Is the pianist returning?” I asked. Nope; he’d left after his volunteer shift.

I asked if there was a piano player on staff. A valet driver volunteered, “My coworker Brandon plays for his church, and he’s really good.” Was Brandon available? He would be after parking a car.

He emerged, hesitated, but made his way over to play. As a few guests came from right and left this mid-afternoon, I found a spot to enjoy the music. It was as if he was performing just for me. 

Hotel Deco exterior