Jo asked, “There’s two tickets. Who’s going with you?”
“Choose wisely, missy,” Naomi called out and waved her hand.
“You, of course.”
“Good answer!” Naomi beamed.
Stella pointed to the other envelope. “What would’ve been in the other envelope? Coal dust?”
“Nope, see for yourself,” he handed it to her.
“Two more theater tickets?!”
“I didn’t know which envelope you’d pick, so I had to prepare two. Maybe you’d like to ask two more people.”
She hugged him and said, “Thank you for the wonderful surprise. But way too expensive. You can’t pay for the plane tickets.”
“It’s non-negotiable. Besides, I have connections now.” He gave Naomi a high five.
“You said your final bow and last curtain. Are you really giving up the stage?” Luca asked.
“Well, if my next visit to Baltimore goes well, I think relocating there in the spring is a good possibility. Both organizations I visited have interesting openings, and Andrew mentioned a nice neighborhood where Stella and I could rent a townhouse and be within walking distance to work.”
“What about you?” Luca asked her.
“I’ll go wherever David is.”
“We’re in this together and will discuss it all in due time, baby,” David pulled her into his arms.
She had to work hard to keep the tears from trickling down her face. “Don’t make me cry in front of everybody. But this was the best gift ever.”
Could life get any better than this moment?
CHAPTER 44
Stella—March 2019
S
he was back! At the Paris Opera House, in the gaudy red auditorium.
Stella reached for Naomi’s hand and squeezed it as she entered the exact same private box where she caught a glimpse of David nine months ago. “I can’t believe it…”
Julia and Alexander stood as soon as they saw them. “This is unbelievable. I don’t know what strings David pulled, but there’s champagne! Look.” Julia pointed to a small table with two bottles in an oval stainless-steel bucket, and four empty glasses waiting to be filled.
Stella went to the balustrade and pointed to the stage. “When I stood right there in the auditorium last year, I wondered how it would feel to watch a performance from up here. I couldn’t imagine I’d like it, but now I have to admit it feels pretty special.”
“Yeah, your man is spoiling you. Business class flights, VIP treatment at the theater. What’s next?” Naomi mused.
“Do you want me to open a bottle?” Alexander offered.
“Yes!” the women said at the same time.
“Let’s hope the cork comes out without announcing to the whole theater we’re up here imbibing,” Stella added.
“I don’t think anyone can hear a sound over the orchestra warming up. And I doubt it’s the first time someone has enjoyed a drink here,” he said.
“It’s so strange to know David will never sing on a big stage again. Singing is his life. I kinda feel guilty for being the reason for these changes,” she said after they toasted.
“Don’t even go there,” Julia said. “Life’s about compromises and priorities. After he lost you, he realized what his were.”
“I guess you’re right. I only hope the transition into the non-performing world will not be too harsh for him.”
“That’s when he’ll need your support the most. Be there for him,” Julia said.
“What’s he going to do now? Has he made a decision?” Alexander asked.
“Yes, he had a few interesting offers and negotiated a combined deal. He’ll be working part-time with the Musical Director of the Opera Theater Program at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. It’s part of Johns Hopkins University, and they bring small opera performances to schools across Maryland. Andrew introduced him when we visited. I think he’ll enjoy working with children and encouraging them to follow their dreams.
“In addition, he’ll be teaching Master classes at the Hippodrome Theater. So I guess he’s not completely turning his back on the world of theater and performance. He’s only doing it on a smaller scale.”
“It sounds amazing. And it won’t bother him to be working two different jobs?” Julia asked.
“Not at all. He didn’t want to commit to one organization because he likes both, and this allows him to be part of both teams. Andrew also asked him to do some consulting at the Center for Music and Medicine. If an interesting full-time position opens at either place in the future, he can rethink his preferences. And he’ll still consider taking on guest roles in stage productions or maybe a movie, but only if it doesn’t keep him away from home for too long.”
“He should have plenty of opportunities between theaters in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington,” Julia said. “Just wait until directors find out he’s settling there.”
“And what are your plans?” Alexander asked.
“I accepted a part-time job at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. I can pretty much choose my own hours, which is ideal. If I want to go to Philly or travel with David, I can work three longer days and take the rest of the week off.”
The orchestra quieted down and the lights in the auditorium were dimmed. For the next three hours, Stella followed the fictional playboy and seducer’s story until the demons caught up with him and dragged him to hell.
When she saw David putting his hand up and blowing a kiss to her before he descended into the demons’ realms, she laughed with tears in her eyes. Leave it to him to send her a personal message in a theater packed with almost two thousand patrons. Of course he knew exactly where she was sitting. He had planned it all to perfection.
After the finale, when the applause died down and the curtains remained closed, the door to their private box opened. A young woman came in and asked in accented English, “Miss Harrison?” She carried a long piece of cloth over her arm.
Stella stood and said, “How can I help you?”
“I’m Nadine. Come with me, please. I’m taking you to Monsieur Danvers.” The woman beckoned for Stella to follow her.
Naomi made a shooing motion with both hands and Julia said, “Go! We’ll take Naomi out for a
