He shook their hands and departed, hurrying to his table on the other side of the gallery.
Daniel and Amari took their drinks from the businessmen, who seemed awfully proud of themselves for completing the mission.
‘This queuing thing isn’t all that bad!’ Mr. McLaren was saying. ‘I don’t know why us Immortals are so convinced it’s a bad thing. The service here is almost as swift as in our bars, populated by Hebes, plus you can actually have a chat with those barmen as they serve you.’
Amari exchanged a quick amused glance with Daniel, making sure the clients didn’t notice it.
‘And the drinks taste real good,’ Hedone Jones commented. ‘You wouldn’t believe they’re made by Mortals.’
Amaranthine opened her mouth to tell them that they were being prejudiced and wrong, to make them realize that Mortals were far more creative and capable than many of the Immortals, but she stopped herself just in time. As frustrating as it was, she couldn’t afford to argue with her clients. She glanced at Daniel’s face, but he didn’t seem bothered by Mr. Jones’ comment.
The excited crowd below fell silent again as the lights were dimmed to prelude the band’s entrance. It lasted for a few moments, building up anticipation, and testing the audience’s patience. Not everyone could handle the excitement in silence – now and again a spasmodic cry declaring love to one of the band members or an elongated whistle shattered the intense quiet, putting the focused crowd on alert.
In their signature style, Carpe Diem coordinated their entry perfectly, making the same gasping effect on their fans. Amaranthine could feel the hair on the back of her neck rise as the clear sound and powerful voices hit her ears.
She caught the sight of Daniel’s team in the crowd. Maddie, Frankie and Tom were jumping up and down and singing from the top of their voices. Angela was clapping and cheering, and she looked happy. It was the first time Amari had seen her smile.
The band played an encore three times, and even when it was clear the concert was over and the stars wouldn’t reappear on the stage, the fans kept clapping, whistling and cheering, too stirred to just settle down straight away. The whole gallery joined in the applause, Amaranthine and her party included. Then everyone flowed towards the bar.
When they got down, Daniel’s team found them. They were all sweaty and tired, but their faces expressed pure happiness. Even Angela couldn’t help a faint smile.
‘How was that for a rock concert, eh?’ Maddie exclaimed, her cheeks rosy. ‘These guys can only be compared to some twentieth century classics, like the Rolling Stones, don’t you think? There’s not been anyone like them in the last hundred years!’
‘They’re even better than that!’ Tom couldn’t help his enthusiasm either. It was clear the band’s standout performance made a massive impression on them. They kept the discussion going, arguing which of the old classic bands Carpe Diem could be compared to, but they couldn’t agree. It was clear that the band had their own unique style that escaped comparisons and parallels.
‘What do you think makes them so good?’ Mr. McLaren asked. ‘I mean I agree they’re unique, I certainly haven’t heard anything like their music before, and clearly I’m not the only one of that opinion. But it escapes me what creates this remarkable effect.’
‘It’s simple,’ Angela spoke for the first time tonight. All eyes turned onto her. ‘They are original. Every word and every note is their own. You can try and look for borrowings in their music, but you won’t find any. Distant inspirations, maybe. But not borrowings. Which put against all the cover versions of cover versions of cover versions that we’ve been fed all our lives, makes the crucial difference. They are fresh and that’s what does it.’
‘Amen!’ Frankie laughed, ‘Angela, as usual, speaks little, but when she does, she hits the nail right on the head. Our boys are just incredibly creative and that’s why we all love them. Come on, who’s ready for a drink?’
Everyone was ready, and the crowd has thinned enough by now to allow access to the bar. Mr. McLaren insisted on getting the round again; clearly the verbal ordering from a human and paying with cash amused him. As the orders were being organized, Amaranthine reflected on what Angela had said, and she had to admit she was absolutely right. Carpe Diem really were original, and that’s what made them the phenomenon that they were becoming. And the way she put it – ‘a cover version of a cover version of a cover version that we’ve been fed all our lives’ – was spot on. Surprised that it hadn’t occurred to her before, she felt new respect for Angela.
A voice behind her broke into her reverie.
‘Amaranthine? What the hell are you doing here?’
As she turned around, she racked her brain for some clue as to how this voice was familiar. She knew it was familiar, but somehow didn’t belong in this place, as if it was from a different world.
As she turned around fully and looked into his face, everything snapped right into place.
It was Phoenix.
Caught completely off guard, she was aware that the surprise and confusion showed all over her face, before she managed to regain control of her features. He was the last person she expected to see tonight. The last time they saw each other was weeks ago, but it felt even longer. They’d both been preoccupied with work. She could feel everyone in the group’s gaze travel from her to Phoenix and back.
‘Hi,’ she finally managed to recompose herself and rearrange her features into a casual smile. ‘I could ask you the same question.’
‘Some friends dragged me over here, this boy band seems to be the fad of the season,’ he chuckled. Amaranthine flinched internally, and her eyes flickered to the faces of the Mortals. Everyone but Daniel showed a hint of animosity, which was hardly surprising. But Phoenix didn’t seem to notice the effect his words had on them. He downed the rest of his drink. ‘Though it wasn’t half bad,’ he continued. ‘So what brings you here?’
‘This is my new project I told you about,’ she explained.
‘You represent this band?’ his shock was a little over the top. ‘Seriously?’
‘Yes,’ she infused her voice with confidence and enthusiasm, pretending she didn’t notice his over-surprise. ‘Together with Mr. Collins here and his team: Tom, Maddie, Angela and Frankie. Everyone, this is Phoenix.’
She observed their faces as they all shook hands. The longish glance exchange between Daniel and Phoenix didn’t escape her notice. She couldn’t quite read the emotions, but she sensed the momentary tension.
‘You wanna a drink?’ Phoenix asked Amaranthine. ‘Although they don’t have anything that you’d like here.’
‘No thanks,’ she replied, cringing at his comment. ‘We’re with clients and they’re getting drinks,’ she pointed at Mr. McLaren and his friend heading back from the bar. Maddie rushed over to help them carry the glasses.
‘Phoenix!’ Mr. McLaren exclaimed, handing Amaranthine her cocktail, ‘How have you been?’
‘Great, sir, thank you,’ Phoenix answered, throwing a quick glance at her glass, ‘and yourself?’
‘Not bad, not bad at all,’ he replied, ‘seems Amari was right again, this band really does draw Immortals like a magnet. I mean, if someone like Phoenix Cox enjoys them, then our investment is bound to pay off!’ he chuckled. ‘You gonna owe me big time for convincing you to buy a package when they hit the road!’ he winked to his businessman friend. ‘Oh, but Phoenix, you haven’t got a drink. Let me get you one, what will you have?’
‘Thank you, sir,’ Phoenix said. ‘I’ll have a Scotch, then.’
The conversation that followed was painfully awkward; from their expressions, Amari could tell everyone felt like they were walking through a mine field. She desperately tried to find a safe, common ground, but it was no use. It was just impossible with Phoenix in their circle. The Mortals were quiet and withdrawn, responding with monosyllables, just enough to be polite. Despite her best efforts, Amaranthine did not manage to include them in the conversation led by Mr.
McLaren about the newest models of hovercars. The thin thread of bond that she felt form between her and the Mortals right after the concert had vanished, torn by Phoenix’s intrusion.
They were interrupted by Gary, the band’s manager, who needed to borrow Daniel for a word; there were some last-minute details they had to discuss before the start of Carpe Diem’s tour next week. Soon after they walked away, all four Mortals made their excuses and left, politely declining another round of cocktails offered by Mr. Jones. Amari was left with Phoenix and the two clients, all three of them still completely absorbed by the nuances of hovercar mechanics, available colors, and additional features. Phoenix was just saying:
‘I mean the shade of silver they have for the new Kestrel 500 is almost ok, but they want to matt it down a little. It looks like an oily can of fish in full sun. Also…’
Amaranthine switched off. She kept her features arranged in a way they expressed interest, but her mind was completely elsewhere. Not that Phoenix or any of the clients noticed; they were too engrossed in discussing the hovermobile industry novelties. Mr. McLaren and his friend were also starting to show signs of intoxication; it wouldn’t be long before they needed to head home.
She wondered if the Mortals had sussed out the nature of her relationship with Phoenix, and she surprised herself by hoping that they didn’t. She couldn’t understand why; it didn’t make any difference. After all, it was her private business. Nevertheless, she’d much rather they all saw Phoenix as her acquaintance, and not someone connected to her romantically.
Daniel’s reaction to Phoenix intrigued her the most; maybe because it was in such contrast to the jovial mood he was in all night. She couldn’t help feeling that he welcomed Gary’s summoning with relief, and for that she was almost annoyed at Phoenix. She hoped Daniel would be back soon, so that she had a chance to erase that last impression.
Her eyes flickered in the direction he’d headed with Gary as often as possible without raising suspicion. But minutes turned into nearly an hour and he wasn’t coming back. The crowd thinned down by the minute and the evening was inevitably drawing to an end. She tried to prolong the conversation, asking details about hovercars, something she had very little interest in. But in the end it was obvious it was time to go.
Mr. McLaren looked around and staggered a little.
‘Blimey, it must be late. The place is almost empty!’
‘It’s not that late, actually,’ Phoenix said. ‘It’s quite typical of Mortal venues to clear out early. That’s what happens when you decide to breed. You can’t enjoy your life anymore, have to rush home to tend to other people’s needs.’
‘That’s a point,’ Mr. McLaren’s friend said, ‘their lives are so restricted. No fun, no individuality or diversity, no freedom to pursue whatever you decide.’
Amaranthine listened and nodded automatically, but through her head went flashbacks of Carpe Diem’s audience; the most enthusiastic and involved crowd she’d ever seen. Somehow it didn’t look like the Mortals had any problems having fun. Daniel’s team were another contradiction to his words – and her own old convictions – that they weren’t able to follow their dreams and desires. All four of them genuinely loved their jobs, what’s more, they were on their dream project at a very young age. As for individuality and diversity of interests, there couldn’t be a better example than Daniel.
The family commitments, of course, were another matter. Amaranthine couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have to change her plans or cut her night short because of someone else’s needs. The needs of someone for whom she’d already had given up her immortality – and by extension her life – and now was demanding even more; her time and attention. This one, crucial aspect of a Mortal’s life was completely unfathomable to her. How could you be responsible for another human being, a human being that was not able to tend to itself?
They were one of the last people in the club now, and it was obvious that staying here any longer was pointless; she couldn’t think of any viable excuse to hang around to wait for Daniel.
‘Let’s go, then,’ Mr. McLaren finally said in a slightly mumbling voice. Amaranthine sent one last glance towards the stage, and surrendered. Hopefully she’d see him on Monday and everything would be fine.
She also felt quite tipsy, which she only realized once they started walking; she suspected that the cocktails served here not only tasted different, but had a stronger kick to them. She didn’t want to go anywhere else and so was relieved when both clients, presumably also realizing the degree of their intoxication, decided to head home.
‘Can I pop in for a nightcap?’ Phoenix asked when they were alone, waiting for their hovercars to pick them up.
‘Ummm…,’ she hesitated, unprepared to answer.
‘I’ll take that as a yes,’ he said quickly, before she had a chance to protest, and put his arm around her.
Their hovermobiles flew up at this moment, opening the doors.
‘I’ll see you in a few minutes, sexy,’ Phoenix said, kissing her on the lips.
Daniel kept trying to free himself from Gary and the guys, but it was impossible. It was a big moment for the band – the tour kicked off next week, and it would be the moment of truth. They were ready and excited, but nervous at the same time; it was their big shot. According to Amaranthine’s simulations, and based on the ticket sales and the publicity they were already getting, and Daniel’s own gut feeling, they were going to be huge, but of course nothing was guaranteed and it still could go either way. And of course, they were worried about both possible outcomes of their tour. It was Daniel’s job now to reassure them and prepare them for how their lives would change. He couldn’t just leave. It took all his might, though, not to show impatience whilst having drinks with them and filling Gary in on all the details he wanted to know.
Daniel was also excited about hitting the road with the band and seeing it all unfold in front of his eyes, but at this particular moment he couldn’t help being distracted. He knew what – or rather who – was the reason.
When Amaranthine introduced that guy Phoenix to everyone, he knew in an instant that these two were not just acquaintances. He didn’t even have to interpret the changes that occurred on Amari’s face, clearly surprised to see Phoenix there. She didn’t of course mention the nature of their relationship, but Daniel just knew. He was well familiar with the Immortals’ characteristic manner of introducing people with whom they were involved romantically – with their first name only, without offering the slightest hint as to what their connection was. Any words that still functioned amongst the Mortals – partner, boyfriend, girlfriend – not to mention wife or husband – assumed the element of commitment and monogamy, which was of course out of the question amongst the Immortals. Somehow they never coined a word that would describe their lax affairs. Instead, they chose to let it be assumed.
He really shouldn’t have been surprised. After all, a woman like Amaranthine Quinn was bound to be popular with the opposite sex. Daniel was pretty sure Phoenix was not the only man in her life. The only question was how involved a relationship they had now; he knew that the frequency with which Immortals met with their sexual partners ranged from every few days to every few years, or even decades, for varied periods of time. He caught himself hoping that Phoenix was her least prominent lover, but there was no way to tell from their short interaction tonight. He tried to figure it out from Amaranthine’s body language, but she seemed far more focused on leading the conversation, and trying to include everyone in it, rather than catching up with the guy. She didn’t have an easy job; Tom, Frankie, Maddie and especially Angela, didn’t take to Phoenix, which was obvious – and hardly surprising – from the moment he referred to Carpe Diem as ‘the fad of the season.’ Daniel himself used to react in the same exact way to the Immortals like Phoenix, presenting depreciating attitude towards everything mortal. Until he learnt that it was best to let such comments go.
Nevertheless, a few words that Amaranth
ine uttered indicated that her and Phoenix were somewhat recent. This gave him a strange feeling of urgency and anxiety, which he knew he had to suppress. It wasn’t easy. It kept pulling him back to the bar where he left Amaranthine with the clients and her beau. He tried to convince himself it was because he was worried about Mr. McLaren and his friend, but deep down he knew he was kidding himself.
The events of the last few weeks, the amount of time they had spent together and the work they had accomplished made him feel they’d grown quite close. He wasn’t deluding himself to think that they could ever be more than friends, but he valued the relationship they had, and he thoroughly enjoyed Amari’s company. Ever since her apology following her attack on him, he learned more and more about her and grew more fascinated. He admired her commitment to the highest standards of customer service, and her rapport with a network of key clients. In his experience working with the Immortals, it was very rare to find someone who stuck to one industry their whole life, and had achieved that level of expertise in it. But her professionalism in PR was not the only thing. Her personality, who she was, her capability to admit a mistake and change her ways, made him respect her and want to be around her.
Her physique wasn’t of course of no significance; he found her incredibly attractive as a woman. Everything about her appearance was alluring; the perfect proportions of her body, accentuated in every detail by her iconic style; her colors, those exclusive, unique, yet unlimited, it seemed, combinations of all the shades of amaranth. And on top of all that, a storm of natural, bronze, shiny locks surrounding a beautiful face that featured those big, maroon eyes. No other woman he’d ever met, seen or imagined, had the sort of effect on him that Amaranthine had when she paused her glance on him.
Finally, he managed to convince Gary and the band that everything was going to be ok, and that they should stop worrying now and take some rest, spend some time with their families, whom they wouldn’t see much of in the next few months. That last argument finally did the trick. They started gathering their gear and getting ready to leave. He said his goodbyes, once again confirmed the time and place of their next meeting, and was free to go.
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