Page 54 of Strings

“They’re leeches.”

“Do they follow you everywhere?” I ask.

“Only when I’m out and about. I honestly think they sit and wait for someone interesting to walk by. Maybe Brad Pitt will show up and they’ll stop following me.”

Sebastian unbuttons his blazer. He and Michael put them on before we came in. I guess wearing one is a requirement to eat here. It’s a dumb rule. This place is just an overpriced club if you ask me.

“Don’t be so modest, Sebastian. You’re famous in your own right. I know everyone is dying to hear your solo at the Gala. Have you decided what to play?” Bella fixates her eyes on Sebastian after asking the question. She watches his every movement like her life depends on it.

Turning to gaze at him, I’m curious. There’s so much I don’t know.

“I’m working on something, but I’m not one hundred percent committed to the piece.”

“Will you tell me about it?” I ask.

“The piece or the Gala?”

“The Gala. I have fourteen folders to read through and I haven’t even started.”

Bella chimes in. “How do you not know about it? How long have you been in this industry? It’s only the Sym’s event of the year. Everyone who’s anyone will be there. Too bad you’ll be working. It’s only for paying guests and orchestra members. Based on your apartment decor, I’d think it’s safe to say you couldn’t afford a ticket even if you wanted to.” Bella laughs and she’s the only one. Does she not realize how bad she makes herself sound?

Sebastian’s eyebrows furrow and Michael takes a sip of his gin and tonic. It’s clear I don’t need to say a word. She painted herself ugly enough on her own.

Sebastian ignores Bella and turns in his chair slightly to face me. “The Symphony organizes this event every year. They donate half of the proceeds to charity and the other half goes to fund our outreach programs.”

His eyes glisten like I’ve never seen before. He seems excited to talk about it.

“I oversee the L.A. Children’s Community Center band program. It’s one of our outreach programs. I love it. We bring in instruments and teach children how to play. These kids come from some really impoverished areas. You should see them though. They have so much passion for learning. Being around them reminds me why I wanted to play in the first place.” His enthusiasm is apparent and I can’t help but smile listening to him.

“Sebastian is being modest,” Michael adds. “He donates way more than his time.”

“I wish there was a way we could get more funding. If people could see their joy and hear them play, maybe they’d understand. We could have the next Mozart in that group.”

“Why not have the kids play at the Gala?” I ask. “Maybe if some of the rich benefactors could see them, they’d be willing to donate more.”

Sebastian beams. “That’s a brilliant idea, Talia. Do you think Mercer would go for it?”

Bella laughs. “There’s no way a bunch of kids could come into the hall and do anything to impress these people. They want to hear talent. They want to hear you, Sebastian. Not some amateurs.”

“Are you always a killjoy or do you save it for Thursdays?” I ask.

“You think you can get the CEO to agree to it? Go for it. But remember, I told you it would never happen.” Bella places her napkin on her plate as a band begins to play. “They’re starting. Sebastian, would you please take me for a turn? You know there’s no one better at waltzing than you.”

“I’m sure Michael would love to take you,” I reply, motioning toward him.

“I would if I didn’t have two left feet. Sebastian has talent coming out of his ears.”

“You don’t mind, do you, Natalia? Surely you’re confident enough in your relationship to let him dance with me, aren’t you?”

Sebastian sighs.

“Why the fuck not? Go give her a whirl, Bash.”

“Bash?” Michael coughs lightly through a laugh.

“But I promised you all my dances, babe,” he replies, eyes widening as he stares me down.

“Aww, But Bellzy is being so pathetic. I feel sorry for her. I’ll catch you on the next one.” I smirk. Let him suffer a little. Maybe next time he won’t force me into this bullshit.