Page 98 of Strings

Sebastian’s mother’s smile fades briefly before it returns even brighter than before. It strikes a chord with me, but I don’t know why.

“Don’t let him frighten you, Natalia. He’s joking. Although I am thrilled you’re finally here. I thought this day would never come.”

Vladimir makes his rounds kissing knuckles before shaking hands with Mercer. As people are talking, I lean into Sebastian and whisper through a smile of gritted teeth. “Why in the fuck are they here?”

He turns toward me and mouths, “I don’t know. I’m sorry.”

“I’d say let’s have a drink before dinner, but since Sebastian was so late, poor cook has been struggling to keep our meal warm.”

“My apologies, Mother. Thereisa Gala in two days. We were working.”

“Of course, darling. I hope you’ve been practicing. You know how many eyes will be upon you when you perform Saturday. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Isn’t that right, Natalia?”

“She prefers Talia, Mother. And yes. Of course I’ve been practicing. It’s all I do.”

I shake my head when he corrects his mother. “Natalia is fine.”

“No, no, darling. I think it’s important we call each other by the names we choose not the names we’re given. Don’t you agree, Bella?”

“Yes of course, mother.”

I do a double-take at Bella. Did she call ConstanceMother? Bella smiles at me arrogantly.

“You’re shocked by that, aren’t you? I can see how an outsider like yourself might be off-put by my calling Constance my mother.”

Sebastian’s mother leans into her affectionately as Bella continues, “Let me explain. You see, Constance has always been like another parent to me. I’ve called her Mother for as long as I can remember. When Sebastian was little he used to call my mother, Angelica, Mother as well. I think it’s one of the reasons our parents assumed we’d eventually get married. We’re already family in so many ways.”

Sebastian quickly interrupts. “Well, you know what they say about people who assume, Bella.”

“Sebastian!” His mother scowls.

Vladimir sits down in a chair and pulls a cigar out of a fancy box. He flicks a flame on with his gold-crested lighter but speaks before he allows it to touch his cigar. “Let’s hope you picked a worthwhile piece for the event. Your taste often leaves much to be desired. Perhaps you should play for me so that I can make some final adjustments before the Gala on Saturday.”

Constance removes the cigar from his hands and places it back in the box. He snaps the lighter closed and the flame is extinguished.

“My piece will be brilliant as always, Father. There’s no need for you or anyone else to judge it. The Los Angeles Symphony trusts me enough to run their entire orchestra on a daily basis; surely you can trust me to play for your rich friends for one evening.”

Placing my free hand on Sebastian’s arm, I squeeze gently. I feel bad for him. How did he grow up to be so kind under this much negativity?

“Your father is trying to help you. We all know you tend to be over confident and make ridiculous lapses in judgement. Maybe you should open your ears and your eyes.”

“Thank you, Mother, for reminding me of my flaws. I often ponder how I function daily without your interjections and inordinate inspiring confidence. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to give Talia a tour before dinner.”

“But dinner is ready. We’re about to be seated.”

“Then start without us. I need a moment to conjure up an appetite.”

He takes my hand and leads me down the hall and through a set of double doors on the far east side. Once we’re inside the dimly lit room, he pulls me tightly up against his chest and holds me as if he needs me to breathe.

“I owe you an apology.”

“For what?”

He pulls away enough so that he can look into my eyes. “I spoke to my mother this morning and she promised me that she and my father would be on their best behavior if I agreed to dinner tonight. Here I was, telling you everything would be fine, even though deep down I knew it would be yet another episode of the Dysfunctional Corronovs. I’d hoped if I thought positive, I’d attract positive attitudes. Clearly, I was wrong. And for the record, I had no idea she invited the Addams Family to join us.”

I snort-laugh. “Bella does have an uncanny resemblance to Wednesday. She needs pigtails, but she already has the frown down pat.”

Sebastian lightly kisses my lips. “I’m not sure how I ever functioned at family dinners without you by my side. Here I’m supposed to be holding you up, and it turns out you’re holding me.”