Between Chords and Paragraphs (Polin fanfic) EN

Chapter 16

Colin

Before the concert in Greece, I felt the need to hear Penelope's voice. I knew I had to focus, but the distance and the time apart from her were affecting me more than I expected. So, just before stepping on stage, I called her.

Penelope answered on the second ring, and instantly, her soft and warm voice made me feel a little closer to home.

—Hey, rockstar, —she said in a playful tone.

I automatically smiled at the sound of her voice. —Hey, gorgeous. How's everything going over there? Did you survive another day at the office without going crazy?

—More or less. Alfred is still Alfred, and today I found a puppy at the door who decided I'm his new best friend, —she replied, and I could imagine her smiling.

—A puppy? Did you adopt him? —I asked, surprised but delighted by the idea.

—Yeah, I named him Destiny... He reminded me of you when you showed up at my door soaking wet and lost that one time, —she joked.

I couldn't help but laugh at the thought. —Destiny, huh? Nice name. Though I'm not sure if I should feel flattered or slightly offended by the comparison.

—Definitely flattered, —she replied with a mischievous tone. —And next time you come over, you'll have competition for my attention.

—I guess I'll have to win your heart all over again, then, —I said, partly joking, but also serious.

—You might have to try hard. Destiny already has a head start, —she laughed, and the sound of her laughter made me forget for a moment that we were miles apart.

—Don't worry, I can be very convincing, —I assured her, lowering my voice a bit, just to add that touch that I knew she would notice.

—That I already know, —she said, and even though I couldn't see her, I knew she was smiling. —I miss you, Colin. These video calls are great, but it's not the same.

I felt a knot in my stomach; her voice reflected exactly what I was feeling. —I miss you too, so much. But I'll be back soon, and when I am, I promise I'll make up for all this time.

—You better, —she replied, her playful tone making me smile even more. —Now go and give a great show. After all, I have to brag about my boyfriend.

—I'll do my best, —I told her.

There was a small pause on the other end of the line before she spoke again, her voice soft and full of affection. —I know you're going to crush it tonight.

I hung up feeling lighter, with a smile I couldn't help. The concert was incredible. The energy from the Greek audience was contagious, and I got lost in the music. But after the show, things got a little complicated. The night was supposed to end with a surprise: Cressida Cowper, an up-and-coming artist, joined us as a special guest.

After the concert, while everyone was relaxing backstage, Cressida approached me with a smile that immediately put me on alert.

—Colin, you're a beast on stage. I loved watching you in action, —she said, with a look that went beyond mere professional admiration.

—Thanks, Cressida. You were amazing too, —I replied, trying to keep my tone professional.

She moved a little closer, her eyes shining with a mix of interest and something more. —Why don't we celebrate a bit? We could share a few drinks and talk about music... and whatever else comes up.

—Sorry, but I already have other plans, —I said, trying to be as polite as possible while subtly stepping back.

She didn't seem bothered, and instead of backing off, her smile widened. —Come on, don't be so boring. One drink won't hurt anyone. Besides, we need a photo to remember this night.