"And just how long have you been playing? Even adequate is pretty good for just starting out, and you sounded better than just adequate to me."

Even with her obvious bias aside, Annette hopes he realizes she's being sincere. He still sounds a bit far from improvising or even just playing by feel, but she really is genuinely impressed all the same.

"I'm not super familiar with guitars, but I've heard plenty of beginner fiddle players and...well, I obviously enjoyed your playing." She wrinkles her nose at Felix, eyes twinkling.

Her eyebrows lift a little at his explanation of the backstory. "Well, I for one am very glad you didn't! Hate the idea, that is."

She waggles her hand at Felix, grinning. "Semantics! Fine, then let us accompany each other! You start, I'll jump in."

She clears her throat surreptitiously, just in case, and leans forward eagerly.