by Dean Mayes
“You know, I haven’t been among this many people in months,” she said.
Joss smiled breezily, brushed down her dress and took off her sandals as they crossed over the lawns towards the Festival’s epicenter. Sonya shook her head at Joss and smiled in spite of herself. Denny’s sister had always been a free spirit. Sonya had dressed in a pair of white capri pants and a soft knee-length lace cotton coat that billowed in the breeze. She removed her own shoes, felt the soft grass underfoot, and felt suddenly lighter for it.
“Well today’s the day that you’re going to enjoy yourself - just for you,” Joss said. “OK? It’s time for you to get yourself out in the world again.”
Joss took Sonya’s hand, and together they headed towards the stage area.
***
Andy collected his guitar from the tent and spent a little time adjusting the strings, tuning the instrument until he achieved what he felt was its best sound. He had done a much better repair of the guitar than he’d initially thought. The sound remained exquisite through to the lower registers, and he was confident of its quality. Michyko kept him company as he walked across the lawn from the tent. He was glad for her presence, even though her enthusiasm was a little overbearing right now. He introduced himself to an official, who checked him off a list and wished him good luck. He felt a rush of adrenaline now; his nerves sang like electric wires. All those long months of struggle, both with himself and with his gift, had come down to this moment. His one opportunity to shine was here. He had never been more focused.
Michyko squeezed his hand and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Good luck, Andy,” she said sincerely. “You’ll do wonderfully. You have come so far.”
Andy smiled at Michyko and nodded, impressed by her observation.
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
Stepping up onto the stage, Andy seated himself on the stool and adjusted the microphone in front of him. He scanned the audience, looking for her.
Was she there?
He closed his eyes as he picked up the guitar, hoping to feel her presence, but sensed nothing.
As birds chirped in the trees and the breeze picked up ever so slightly, Andy waited for the MC to finish his introduction. Andy’s fingers hovered near the strings readying themselves, waiting for his cue.
The audience clapped politely - they sounded distant in his ears. He began “The Sounds Of Rain.”
Touching his fingers to the strings, seeking out that perfect first note, he found it effortlessly and he launched himself - at first with an intense concentration, for he was wary of faltering on the introductory refrain. Then he settled back like a boat on the back of a wave, and he moved into the body of the piece, eliciting a sound from the weathered guitar that was all at once crisp and soulful. The music was evocative. He captured a vivid imagery of rainfall that rippled through the audience, causing them to sit up and take notice almost immediately. Every head had turned towards the stage, towards him as he disappeared into the music, feeling completely in concert with Denny as the piece flowed from their collective memory and into his fingers. He translated it with an effortless beauty.
In the audience, not far from the stage, Sonya watched utterly hypnotized by the stranger who played before them. Her heart had jumped the moment he began his performance. She knew the piece. It had been Denny’s favorite - a composition he’d told her was the first he’d ever learned when he had begun playing the guitar as a boy. Denny had played it for her at the beach house, when they used to spend long weekends there. When it was raining and they were relaxing by the fire, or when they were holding one another. When they were making love.
Everything about the stranger up on the stage now, from the way he held the guitar, the way he moved with the music to the exquisite sound he produced, touched off something in Sonya so intense that she was frozen where she sat. Looking over at her, Joss, also transported, saw Sonya was transfixed. Not even a gentle hand upon her shoulder could budge her attention.
As he progressed towards the final flourishes, Andy lifted both himself and his audience towards the conclusion where he trailed it softly away, his fingers softened their touch upon the strings until the music ended.
The audience was on their feet, clapping and cheering and whistling enthusiastically. Andy relaxed back on his seat and opened his eyes, lowering the guitar with a smile. He felt a rush of exhilaration as he bowed his head respectfully to the audience then glanced down at Michyko, Annaliese and Alistair, who were all clapping proudly. Then he stood and stepped down onto the lawn where he was embraced by the others.
“Oh my god, that was brilliant, Andy!” Michyko squeaked as they moved away towards the tent.
“You definitely aced that,” added Annaliese admiringly. “No doubt about it.”
Andy breathed out through his cheeks and shivered.
Though his modesty prevented him from verbalizing it, the feeling he had about his performance at this moment was good.
Really good.
“I think I need a beer,” he said shakily.
***
Performers, contestants, officials and invited guests gathered in the Pavilion to mingle, dine and enjoy a celebratory drink after what had been a hectic but successful day. In the warm and pleasant dusk of the Melbourne evening, where a beautiful sunset lit the city skyline, Andy was overwhelmed by all the attention he was receiving. It wasn’t even the final yet, but already, all sorts of people were offering their congratulations on his performance. He had been announced as one of the day’s two finalists.
He hadn’t yet grasped the full realization that he was through. It was almost too much to comprehend. He had had a lovely - if a little surreal - conversation with Jochen Zinski, who had made a point of meeting both him and the other finalist from the day, a young Frenchman who had performed an interpretation of Handel’s “Harmonious Blacksmith” by Mauro Giuliani. Andy felt strange in the presence of Denny’s former mentor, yet they had talked easily and Zinski had been impressed by Andy’s polite and gentle way. Andy wasn’t sure whether Zinski had sensed anything about him.
Sonya and Joss stood at the opposite end of the Pavilion mingling with some of Zinski’s colleagues as they enjoyed appetizers and champagne. Sonya was feeling relaxed, more from the effect of the expensive champagne than anything else, but at least she had gotten over her earlier nervousness in the crowd. She found she was enjoying herself.
She listened to the others in the group who were engaged in a conversation about the two finalists from the day - particularly the American, who, it seemed, had caught everyone by surprise. Sonya had been moved by his performance - not so much because of the song choice itself, but by his presence. She was afraid to admit to herself that she was intrigued by him.
Sonya scanned the crowd discreetly, hoping to see the American somewhere here. She had a name for him now: Andy DeVries, from Chicago, apparently making his first appearance at any sort of festival of note. She wanted to know more about him. She even entertained thoughts of possibly meeting him. But she felt guilty, as though she were betraying Denny. That she should even allow herself to be intrigued by any man so soon was wrong.
Sonya tried to push those feelings away as she clutched her champagne flute tighter in her hand and smiled pleasantly at Zinski’s secretary Grace, the woman who had spearheaded the arrangements for Sonya to attend the festival.
“Isn’t this a lovely evening?” Grace commented in an awkward tone, noticing that Sonya seemed a little uneasy. “Have you enjoyed the festival so far?”
Sonya caught herself, flushed with embarrassment for her distraction, and smiled warmly at Grace.
“I have, very much, thank you,” she replied. “I have to admit, I haven’t been among so many people in one place for a long time. It’s a little daunting.”
Grace nodded and touched her glass to Sonya’s.
“I totally understand. I’m not given to large gatherings, either. However, Jochen insisted that the tro
ops put in an appearance, at the very least to ‘keep the sponsors happy.’ ”
They shared a light laugh together and surveyed the open-air Pavilion.
“Jochen was so glad that you decided to come. Denny was a wonderful student,” Grace said.
Sonya blinked at her. She nodded, looking down at the grass.
Grace offered a sad smile.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to...”
“No, no - it’s fine, really,” Sonya said reassuringly. “It’s nice to hear so many wonderful things about him. I’m really rather flattered.”
Joss sidled up to Sonya, and she smiled at Grace politely.
“Well, you two have a lovely time,” Grace said, excusing herself. “Remember, anything you need - just ask.”
Once Grace was gone, Joss appraised Sonya.
“Are you OK?” she queried.
Sonya shook her head.
“Yeah. Everyone seems to want to talk to me about Denny. I think they’re feeling guilty that they didn’t know. It’s like a wake all over again. But I don’t mind so much.”
“Do you want to get out of here?” Joss suggested. “I don’t think they’ll notice if we slip away quietly. They’re too busy marveling at how wonderful they all are.”
Sonya considered her near-empty champagne glass and quickly polished off the remainder. Then she cast her eyes around the Pavilion.
“You’re hooked by him, aren’t you?” Joss smiled. Sonya flinched, realizing Joss had been watching her.
“No. God, no,” Sonya retorted, weakly. Her eyes darted all around, everywhere but at Joss.
“Sonya,” Joss said almost chidingly, squeezing her hand gently. “It’s all right, you know, to - you know.”
Sonya gasped softly and pulled her hand away, recoiling at Joss’s apparent insight.
“No, it’s not, Joss. Don’t say that.”
Joss gazed at Sonya, her eyes filled with empathy.
“Sonya, when are you going to drop the whole ‘I’m not on the market’ thing? C’mon. It has been a year, after all.”
She put an arm around Sonya and squeezed her close.
“Besides - I thought he was kinda cute.”
“What?” Sonya glared at Joss.
“Look,” Joss said, “You couldn’t take your eyes of that American the whole time he was playing. And you’ve been scoping out the Gardens ever since, hoping to see him.”
Sonya blushed and nearly shoved her glass at Joss.
“Can you just get me another drink, please?”
Joss laughed and sought out a nearby waiter, while Sonya surveyed the gathering in the Pavilion. She cursed herself for having been so obvious in front of Denny’s sister. Joss was insufferable, but her heart was in the right place. Sonya felt too conflicted, too self-conscious to endure any more gentle nudges from anyone. She would rather have taken Joss up on her suggestion to leave this party.
She exhaled wearily, letting her eyes drift across the Pavilion. In the near distance, she saw a group of musicians, some of the performers from today’s competition. All of a sudden, the air had caught in her throat and she felt unable to breathe. As she watched them, her eyes fell across him - the American.
He was here.
Andy glanced sideways in mid-conversation with one of his fellow performers and, just as he lifted his beer to his lips, his eyes fell across her, standing alone at the far end of the Pavilion. His heart felt as if it might burst from his chest. Time seemed to slow to a crawl and he froze where he stood, lowering the bottle. The dormant emotions that he had felt only as echoes of Denny’s until now became his own.
It was her.
Andy’s sluggish mind struggled to work. She was here! He didn’t know what to do, but as he stood there, Andy realized Sonya hadn’t looked away from him, either. She remained perfectly still. In that moment Andy could have sworn that she was looking at him with recognition.
Did she know it was Denny?
Joss handed Sonya a glass of champagne, and she took it. She tilted her head and smiled awkwardly at Andy from across the Pavilion.
Oh my god, he’s looking at me!
Raising her glass slightly towards him, she mouthed, “Congratulations.”
Joss followed her gaze across the outdoor room and saw the American, standing near the bar.
She smiled wickedly.
“Looks like he’s noticed you,” she commented.
“Will you shut up!”
“Go across and introduce yourself,” Joss prodded her eagerly. Sonya frowned.
“Look, I’m Denny’s sister, and I am ordering you to go over and introduce yourself. Take a chance, for god’s sake.”
Sonya felt flustered, unable to decide what to do. It was just an introduction. That was all. How hard could that be?”
Andy stared fixedly at her from his vantage point. He wondered what she and Joss were talking about. He shivered upon seeing Joss - his, or rather Denny’s, younger sister. Theirs was unlike most sibling relationships; Denny had adored her.
Then, whispering something in Joss’ ear, Sonya stepped forward and Andy realized she was making her way through the crowd towards him.
He felt as though he was going to faint.
She’s coming.
CHAPTER 20
His breath quickened. His eyes flickered between her and the beer in his hand; his heart thumped faster in his chest. He felt as if his nerves might fray completely and get the better of him. Andy couldn’t believe that she was really here - that she was coming towards him now. It was too much for him to grasp. Sonya stepped around a group of people between her and Andy. Then she was standing before him.
Her beauty, her perfume, her lustrous auburn hair. The scent of rosemary and mint was there too - that which he had always remembered. Her eyes, those shimmering jewels as vibrant and alive as in his dreams. Everything about her that Andy had remembered from the moment he had been brought back to life in the trauma room was now very real, very tangible. Sonya offered her hand to Andy and he took it, hesitantly at first, until he caught himself and grabbed onto his rational state of mind. He firmed his grip on her hand. The feeling of it in his was electric. When she spoke, her voice made his heart almost stop.
“Congratulations,” Sonya repeated, smiling politely. “I just wanted to say that I thought you were superb this afternoon. That piece is a favorite of mine.”
Andy nodded respectfully. He could feel his cheeks flushing.
“Thank you,” he replied softly. “You know it? It was a pleasure to play, if a little scary. I haven’t performed for such a large audience before.”
“Well, one would never have known it. I think you managed to capture the entire audience’s imagination today. Everyone is talking about you.”
Sonya sipped her champagne nervously and glanced around her. She felt a powerful attraction to him that made her want to stay. She racked her brain, searching for something to drive the conversation onwards.
“How are you finding Australia?” she asked finally. “Is it your first time here?”
Andy nodded.
“It’s very hospitable. I’ve enjoyed this city. It’s different from Chicago, very warm. And I don’t just mean weather-wise.”
He shifted on the spot and gazed at her, almost hoping she would recognize something within him telling her he was Denny.
“You’re Sonya Llewellyn?” Andy ventured hesitantly. “Jochen Zinski pointed you out to a few of the performers earlier. He told us that you were visiting to present the trophy at the end of the week.”
“Oh,” Sonya said, nodding. “Yes. He came and saw me personally in the town where I live to invite me here. It was his idea to name the award.”
“The - guy must have been pretty special, huh?”
Sonya nodded, looking away from Andy.
“He was. Very special.”
Andy noticed a glimpse of longing in her eyes as she gazed off into empty space. He sensed that she was remembering.
&nbs
p; For her part, Sonya felt awkward. The pangs of guilt tugged at her conscience, but she tried to ignore them.
What am I doing? She thought.
Andy tried to think of something, anything to advance the conversation further.
“How long have you played the guitar?” Sonya asked finally, finding the words that he couldn’t.
“Since I was six years old,” Andy replied, relieved by her question. “Some would say I came to it quite late. Most of the contestants here probably started when they were still in diapers. I feel as though I’m on the back foot a little.”
Sonya smiled.
“Well, if today was anything to go by, I think you’ll be a definite contender. It’s a wonderful event. Are you excited about the finals?”
“Terrified is perhaps more appropriate right now,” Andy said. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I am looking forward to playing again. I think I’ll be practicing every spare moment I can get in my hotel room between now and then.”
Sonya nodded, lifting her brow slightly.
“Oh, that would be a shame. There’s so much to see here. You wouldn’t want to miss it.”
Oh god, what are you saying, Sonya? She scolded herself. Could you be any more transparent?
She felt lightheaded, and as she lifted her glass to her lips she realized that she had already emptied the champagne from it completely.
Andy gestured towards the bar as casually as he could.
“Could I get you another drink?”
Sonya considered his offer. She wanted to say yes. She looked over her shoulder at Joss, who wore a wicked half-grin as she chatted with another group of people, every so often stealing a glance in Sonya’s direction.
“I probably shouldn’t,” Sonya decided. “I fear if I have another, I won’t be able to walk. This stuff is pretty potent.”
Andy smiled warmly as she offered her hand again.
“I just wanted to say how lovely I thought your performance was,” she said.
Andy nodded. “Thank you. Perhaps I’ll see you again.”