Page 27 of Strings

She places her hand on her heart. “You really are amazing. A lot of girls would probably ask him to pull favors, but of course that’s not you! I could tell you were your own woman the minute I met you.”

“What kind of favors would people ask him to pull?” She has my attention. The old me wonders what I could get out of this.

She sits down next to me. “Being principal concertmaster is a big job. He runs the orchestra and he has the respect of all of the higher-ups. He’s shrewd. It’s like he’s been programmed to always say the right thing at the right time. He’s literally brilliant. The way he sees the music and hears it is beyond his years. He’s amazingly talented. But, I’m sure you know that.”

That didn’t give me anything. Old me shrinks back into her corner. “You seem to know a lot about him. Do I have some competition with you?” I wink.

“Oh my gosh! No! I have a boyfriend. I know it’s probably surprising because I’m—”

I stare her down and she stops mid-sentence.

“I can tell you anything you want to know about anyone that works here. I make it a point to gather any and all information.”

“Really? What do you know about the flutes section?”

A knock on the door interrupts us. “Excuse me, Ms. Pearson, but the staff wondered if you wouldn’t mind starting the tour a little early. We have a lot to accomplish before tomorrow’s event.”

I take another bite of my sandwich and a sip of water. “Let’s go.”

I shake hands and meet with the sound manager, staffing manager, union reps, box office manager, and transit. There are so many names and titles floating through my brain right now, I wonder how I’m going to keep everything straight.

It’s almost four when I lean over to Amy and whisper, “Where’s the nearest ladies’ room?” The latest meeting on the concert tomorrow has been going on for two hours and I need a break.

“The nearest one is past the main doors to the far right. Want me to take you?”

“No. I’ll find it.”

As I close the doors behind me, I lean on them and take a deep breath. A few moments alone will do me some good. I try to follow Amy’s directions and quickly realize how immense this place really is. After walking for five minutes, I find a bathroom and dart inside. I sit on a toilet and close my eyes. I need to clear my head.

After a minute or two, I hear a bit of laughter when some women enter the restroom. From the chatter, I’m guessing there are three of them.

“So, tell us, did you meet her?”

“Yes, briefly, but she made an awful impression. I honestly think he’s lost his mind.”

“Well, from what we saw yesterday, she’s got nothing on you, Bella.”

Bella?Oh shit. How far did I walk?

“I know that. Did you see her hair? I have her beat in that alone.”

“She kind of reminds me of P!nk,” says girl number two. “She pulls it off really well. I bet she could pull off anything.”

I smirk. I like girl number two.

“Whatever. She’s skanky. And who dressed her? Goodwill? I’m still not even sure this supposed relationship is real. I think he’s trying to make me jealous. He’s so out of her league it’s not even funny. I’m pretty sure he’s paying her or something. No one in his family knows anything about her, and I checked with Michael, his best friend. He knew nothing about her. I bet they haven’t even kissed yet.”

Fuck you, Bella. I ball my hands into fists. This outfit was on a clearance rack at Macy’s. I feel myself hating her more and more with each passing second.

“So, basically, I’m not worried. I heard Sebastian’s parents are attending the Gala. Once they meet her, it’ll be over.”

“Why do you say that?” says girl number three.

“Sebastian is ruled by his family, especially his mother. If she doesn’t like her, she’ll be gone faster than you can blink. What mommy says, goes.”

“But, Bella, if that’s true, then why hasn’t he asked you out yet? From what I heard, your parents have been trying to arrange a marriage for years.”

Yeah, Bella… answer that one.