Page 31 of Strings

The orchestra begins. The soundisamazing up here. It echoes and expands in all the right places. The instruments start off softly and grow. I can hear the violins and can sort of make out Sebastian, but it’s all blended. It’s lovely and all, but I don’t see what the big deal is about him.

The music intensifies into a loud crescendo, and then all you hear is the one violin. Sebastian’s violin. I’ve heard a lot of music: rock, country, metal… and I’ve heard classical music before, but there is something about the sound of the violin all by itself. It’s haunting and magical and emotional. Sebastian plays effortlessly, and I find myself leaning forward—straining to see him better. The way it sounds almost seems like he’s giving people a piece of his soul.

The orchestra comes back in, and it’s over all too soon. I would have liked to hear more from him.

“So?” Amy asks.

“He’s fine, I guess.”

Her mouth drops. “Are you for real?”

I can’t help but laugh. “He’s good, but don’t tell him I said that. He already has a big enough head as it is.”

Amy checks the time and motions we need to go. As we walk downstairs and back out into the lobby, she says, “I can see why he likes you. I bet you’re a breath a fresh air in his world.”

His world… I most definitely don’t belong there. But then again, I’m not sure I belong anywhere.

I’m having dinner but I’m no winner.

Although Amy led me to the orchestra’s dining area, she left me all too soon. As I stand here outside the doors, I can hear the chatter from inside. I’ve already made one big, fat, ugly entrance with this group; I don’t want to make another.

Deciding text is my best option, I write to him.

Me:I’m outside and having second thoughts. Is it a big deal if I don’t come in?

I tap my foot and wait for a response. He doesn’t have read receipts on and it’s annoying. I would like to know if someone is ignoring me on purpose.

I decide to give him one minute and then I’ll go. Part of me starts hoping he won’t respond so I have an excuse to leave.

Something shiny catches my eye in the distance. When I get up close to the maintenance door, I realize it’s a single diamond stud earring on the floor. I bend down and pick it up, turning it in my fingers to get a good look at it. It must have cost a fortune.

“Yes, it is a big deal. Now stop stalling.”

I stand and turn around to face him, the earring still in my hand. “Hi, Talia. How was your day? It was lovely, Bash, how was yours?”

“I don’t have time for small talk. Come on, let’s go.” He holds his hand out for me to take it and wiggles his fingers. I cross my arms and he sighs.

“You’ve really never invited someone to one of these before?”

“Who told you that?” he asks, eyebrows scrunched up in irritation.

“Is it true?”

He extends his hand again. “Talia, they’re waiting for me.”

“Oh, I forgot. No one can move unless King Se-bastard says it’s okay.”

“Yes, I am king. I’m glad you see things clearly now. Shall we, darling?” he says through gritted teeth. “Or would you preferbabe?”

“I’d prefer if I never had to see you again.”

“I agree, but tonight is your fault, so deal with it.” He snaps his fingers and shakes his hand for me to take it.

“God, you’re impossible.” I stomp toward him, forcefully taking his hand in mine.

“Please, you love it,” he says, pulling me toward the doors.

“I don’t evenlikeit a little. I don’t like you, either.”