In This Place

Defining Pieces

"Pieces of all that define you are floating away."--Belle Mt.

Within the space of twenty minutes, the Octa was valeted, and three people had recognized Kris as soon as she pulled Ming out of the vehicle. Cory stood silently alongside the girl and decided that she could gauge how ritzy a place was by how many people knew who Kris was.

She glanced at the trio, a gushing couple outfitted in Patagonia wear and an older man who took Kris's hand but refused to let go. Corey took note that Kris didn't seem to mind though. She appeared utterly entranced by the dapper little man, who was wearing a suit despite the snowstorm going on outside.

"Cory! This is River Davenport! He's the artistic director of the Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra and has recorded for Harmonia Mundi. Maestro Davenport, this is my girlfriend, Cory."

Cory didn't think she'd ever get used to Kris introducing her as her girlfriend and, as she took note of River Davenport's rapid blinking at the intro, guessed other people were having trouble with it as well.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you." Cory said, her voice stiff. She had manners but she'd never said they looked good on her.  Stonemont, while luxurious, was known for a casual air and as far as she was concerned the little wizened man in the suit was fucking up the feng shui of the room.

"Hello. It's good to meet you as well. I hope you appreciate the company you're in. Ms. Hunter is one of the most talented violinists I think I have ever heard."

Cory felt her eyebrow slowly rise. She studied him as he looked back at her with a benign smile. It sounded like a weird little backhanded compliment to her, but she wasn't going to ruin her and Kris's stay at the Stonemont as soon as they'd walked through the door.

She'd wait until later.

"Yes, I am more than aware of how graced I am by her presence." Cory replied then realized how backhanded her comment sounded in reply to his backhanded statement.

For fuck sakes

"Yes, Kris is very talented," she hurriedly added. River Davenport beamed and nodded his head as though Cory had finally given the correct answer then turned again to Kris.

"I hope to see you during your time here at Stonemont. Are you staying long?"

"A...few days."

Cory could hear the confusion in Kris's voice but remained quiet.

"And I see you brought your violin. Lovely! It was a true, true pleasure running into you, Ms. Hunter. Until later." River said, his smile still in place. His eyes flickered over Cory. "And it was lovely meeting you as well. Cory."

"Likewise."

Cory watched him wander off.

Lecherous old goat

"Isn't he amazing?" Kris said, glowing. "He was also a guest conductor for the Scottish Symphony Orchestra for several years. Though...I thought it was a little odd he said he hoped to see me while I was here. Maybe it's an English expression? I mean, didn't he see me just now?"