Seasons - Winter winds

Chapter 23

Scott entered the hotel lobby, a gust of cold air greeting him as he crossed the threshold. Esther's directive to return to New York for an urgent meeting had left him with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

"What was so urgent that you couldn't tell me over the phone, leaving me freaking out?" he inquired, feeling the vein in his neck throb with intensity.

Esther caught his arm, gesturing for his luggage to be taken to their room as she steered him towards the restaurant. Flashing a smile at the host, she raised a quizzical eyebrow at Scott, and they were promptly escorted to a table.

"Alright... could you please fill me in on what's happening?" Scott's tone carried a tinge of exasperation. "Is it about the record label?"

Esther sighed, her eyes rolling skyward. "No, I've got the record label situation handled," she reassured him. "I told you it wasn't dire, but it was crucial for you to be here. You're overreacting unnecessarily; I explicitly said it wasn't a big deal."

Scott leaned back as the waiter served them water, acknowledging with a nod as he accepted the menu.

"You really thought your little wisecrack on the Livestream with Avriel would stir up trouble?" Esther raised an eyebrow, watching as he battled the urge to shrink away like a scolded child. "No, I can handle that. But I'd appreciate a heads-up before you pull your next stunt."

Scott remained stoic in the face of her provocation, prompting Esther to lower her gaze to the menu.

"Bernie Telsey called me," she said softly, noting his sudden freeze. "They're putting together next year's Miscast, and he was keen to know if you'd be interested in participating."

"You've got to be kidding me," Scott muttered, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"No, he and Blake West want to meet with you. Blake is the executive director... the thing is, they want you to participate," Esther explained, her gaze fixed on the man. "What do you think?"

"I think it's crazy. I've always told you that my days in the theater are over," he replied, shaking his head. "I... Esther..."

"I think you could enjoy it, make a song... have some fun," Esther interjected gently. "You'd help raise funds for MCC, and we'd get good publicity."

Scott shifted nervously before nodding. "If you're uncomfortable..."

"No, it's not discomfort, it's... insecurity," Scott admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's been years since I've stepped on a stage to perform, Esther."

"But you sing regularly, so it won't be any different," Esther reassured him, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "And you always nail it every time."

He took a deep breath, shifting in his chair. "So that's it, I have a meeting with them?" he asked, taking a sip of water.

"Yes and no," Esther replied carefully. "Jessica Vosk also approached me..." She noticed his eyes widen. "She has a proposition for you."

"What proposition?" he inquired eagerly.

"She's seeking a musician to collaborate on the new play she's producing," Esther explained, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scott."

"Holy shit," he muttered, his eyes widening. "Do you have any more bombshells to drop?"

"Well, since you asked..." Esther chuckled, seeing him straighten up with furrowed eyebrows. "The Disney World show director also wants a meeting with you... something about new music for the light show later in the year."

Scott sat there, pale and unresponsive.

"Esther..." he murmured, feeling his eyes welling up.

She smiled at him, sighing as their fingers intertwined.