A Beautiful Instrument

4: A Celebratory Drink

As I walk into the conference room behind the tech, I recognize many of the faces standing around the table. They begin clapping as I enter and my hands fly up to my face to hide my tears.

Ava is the first person to reach me and she pulls me into her arms. "Congratulations, my dear. That was one of the fiercest auditions I've ever witnessed. You clearly deserve this position."

Several others introduce themselves formally and offer their congratulations. One of these people is the President of the Board, Derek Aldridge. "Miss Taylor, that was a phenomenal audition. I'm Derek Aldridge, President of the Board. I'm particularly intrigued by the creativity you displayed in that final round. We may need to showcase this somehow."

I blush. "Oh, thank you, Mr. Aldridge."

A short woman with a sleek brown bob laughs. "Oh yeah, you should have been on our side of the partition for that last round. Connors had a fire lit under him and everyone was left gagging by that performance. Oh, my name's Deb. I'm in the horns section."

Friedrich approaches with a sly smile. "Analeigh, Bart does not lie. That was glorious, my dear." He pulls me to him and kisses one cheek and then the other. I stiffen, remembering Ava's advice. I step out of his grasp.

Another older man and woman approach us. I recognize them as part of the strings section. The man asks. "Friedrich, did you say she's one of Bart's students? Hello, Miss Taylor. My name's Maxwell, bass. This is my wife and colleague on viola, Grace."

Grace smiles at me and takes my hand between hers in warming comfort. "You've had a long, stressful day, Analeigh. I'm sorry if we're overwhelming you. Let me get you some paperwork so you can get out of here. There will be plenty of time to meet everyone. They were all eager to congratulate you."

She hands me a folder, a key card, and a parking pass. She leads me out of the conference room with an arm around my shoulders. "Paperwork in the folder needs to be returned to HR to process payroll. Key card gets you access to the external doors. Parking pass is for the special parking in the garage. Let me show you the storage lockers."

We stop to get my cello and then head down a corridor of wire mesh lockers. "You are welcome in the building any day. You can keep your instrument here or transport it. Cellos and basses get a roomier space. Your key card operates this locker access too."

I hold my instrument case close to me. "I think I'll wait to leave it until everything's official. I still feel like I'm floating."

Grace grins. "Girl, wait until your first concert. There's a lot more materials in your folder. Take a few days to recover. HR will contact you once your contract is drawn up. Welcome to the best career you'll ever have with one of the most talented collection of musicians in the world!"

She hugs me and walks me to the door. I look around in confusion. "Shouldn't I say goodbye?"

Grace laughs. "Most of them won't notice. All of them will understand. I'll set them straight if not. Go, celebrate, sleep."

"Grace, thank you." I say sincerely, relieved that I can go. Once in the car, I consider who to call first. My mom? Bart? Alexis? Then, I make a decision that surprises even me.

"Hey, I'm glad you answered. Any chance you want to join me for a celebratory drink?" I ask bravely.

"Meet me at La Cave Du Vin." Jeremy replies.

Hmm...interesting choice. He doesn't want to go downtown. La Cave Du Vin is cozy and quiet, and honestly perfect for how I'm feeling.

"See you soon."