Phillips? What’s he talking about?
“The Phillips?” I ask, trying not to cringe that I was rubbing the front of his suit for what seemed like five minutes.
“Yes, Tom and Liv, our hosts for this event?” He seems shocked that I have no idea who Tom and Liv are. I guess I should know that but too late now. Suddenly, I feel guilty like I just crashed a wedding or something.
“Oh right, I don’t actually—we were invited by a mutual friend. It’s a great party though,” I say as I glance around.
“Yes, they do this every year to benefit the arts. It’s such a shame so many schools are removing them from their schedules. Liv, of course, has such a passion for this cause being that she’s also a musician. She’s performed all over the world.”
“She was a performer?” I ask excitedly. “That’s fantastic. I’m a singer, too, or at least I was, now I’m a vocal instructor.”
“Really? That’s interesting, why don’t you sing anymore?”
Should I be having this conversation with a perfect stranger? He just keeps asking me questions. I probably shouldn’t be rude considering I just spilled alcohol all over his Armani suit. Okay, so I don’t know for sure that it’s Armani, maybe Versace? I’m not exactly up-to-date on what designers men are wearing being that Kyle is more of a Gap kind of guy.
“You know how it is, life I guess. Anyway, where did Liv perform?”
“With some orchestra, she’s an amazing violin player. I went to college with Tom; we are fraternity brothers.”
I roll my eyes, figures that Trevor was a frat boy. He’s totally charming and outgoing, he was probably the president, too.
“Did you just give me an eye roll?” he asks playfully. I guess that was pretty obvious.
I laugh. “Yes. I was just thinking that I could totally see you being a frat boy.”
He cracks a smile. “I take offense to that, but I guess the choir girls don’t really like frat boys do they? I may have to send you my dry cleaning bill after all.” I start to feel uncomfortable. My amazing boyfriend is somewhere around here waiting for me and I’m chatting (not flirting) with some random frat boy.
“I’m just kidding,” he says, patting my arm. “So, would you like to meet Liv? I can introduce you; it sounds like you have a lot in common. She’s around here somewhere with my girlfriend.”
His what? Did he say girlfriend? Ohhh . . . of course he has a girlfriend! I’m such an idiot.
“Um sure. I just have to find my friends and my boyfriend. They’re probably looking for me considering I went to the restroom an hour ago.” I emphasize boyfriend, and of course he doesn’t bat an eye.
“No problem, bring them all. Liv and Tom are great.”
As I start looking around for my friends, I’m feeling extremely guilty. I must be a horrible person; I was really enjoying talking to Trevor and he seemed genuinely interested in talking to me, too. Maybe it was my imagination but he was asking me questions about my name and my singing. He was totally flirting, or at least it seemed that way.
“There you are. We were wondering what happened.” Kyle comes over and grabs my hand.
“Sorry! I was just kind of wandering around and then I ran into someone and spilt his champagne all over his suit.” I shake my head. “That’s what I get for daydreaming.”
“Oh no! Who was it?” Georgie asks worriedly. She’s sitting very close to Dr. Scott who has his arm tightly wrapped around her shoulders. They really do make a cute couple.
“Don’t know, his name is Trevor Ericson,” I say nonchalantly. “Anyway, he’s friends with Tom and Liv Phillips, they’re the hosts, and he offered to introduce us to them. Apparently, Liv is behind this whole event. She’s a concert violinist and has performed all over the world. I can’t wait to meet her.”
There, I think I did a great job taking the subject off the guy I ran into (Trevor).
“I’ve played golf with Tom Phillips a few times. He’s a great guy,” Dr. Scott chimes in. “Let’s go find them.”
We’re on our way to meet our gracious hosts when Georgie links her arm in mine. “What’s going on?” she whispers.
“Nothing,” I say innocently. “I told you.”
She gives me a look that clearly says she doesn’t believe me.
Just then, I see Trevor talking to two very attractive women. One is very short and one is very tall.
“The one and only Dr. Scott. How are you, man?” A loud boisterous man yells, interrupting my deadpan stare at Trevor and the two women.
Georgie was right; I guess everyone does call him Dr. Scott.
“Tom! Great party.” Dr. Scott introduces us to him and Tom calls Liv over. Trevor and the tall woman follow.
“My wife Liv,” Tom says, giving a little bow in front of her.
We all introduce ourselves and then Trevor interrupts.
“Liv, this is the singer I was telling you about.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Liv says kindly. “It actually is a small world; I’m a friend of Lucy’s. Trevor was just telling us about you when Lucy mentioned you teach at her studio. You must be very good because Lucy only works with the best.”
“Oh, thank you.” I smile gratefully. “And thank you for organizing this event, it’s such an important cause.”
I glance at Trevor who is introducing himself to my friends.
“And this is my girlfriend, Giselle,” he says proudly.
Hmmm . . . Giselle. Trevor and Giselle are obviously the perfect couple. They’re both attractive and confident. No doubt that they turn heads wherever they go.
Giselle gives a half smile but doesn’t say much other than hello. I get an uncomfortable feeling when she turns to me. I can usually tell when people don’t like me and this girl doesn’t like me.
“You must be the one with champagne spill,” she says smugly as she shakes my hand.
Bitch.
“I know, I’m so clumsy but I suppose that’s what I get for daydreaming and not looking where I was going.” I laugh nervously and glance at Trevor.
“No harm done,” Trevor says calmly. Giselle gives him a dirty look and doesn’t say another word to any of us. She suddenly becomes very interested in something on her phone.
I overhear Kyle and Dr. Scott planning a golf game with Tom, and Georgie seems very intrigued by my brief conversation with Giselle. She must sense the same awkwardness that I’m feeling.
“So, Maris, do you do any performing anymore?” Liv asks, saving me from Giselle and her evil glances.
“Not really, I spend most of my time working with my students. I will, however, be singing at our end-of-year recital. Lucy always gives us instructors an opportunity to do that.”
“Oh yes, I have some friends from New York attending that. I hear there is some outstanding talent to be seen. I would be happy to put you in touch with them if you would like. It never hurts to get your name out there.”
I think I may have just died. I should have known that Liv knows these people, and she’s offered to put us in contact. Perhaps I should make her my new best friend.
Liv and Tom excuse themselves as they’re pulled away by more of their guests. Dr. Scott takes Georgie to meet some of his colleagues, leaving Kyle and me with Trevor and Giselle. This is definitely one of the most awkward moments for me. Since this awkward meeting is my fault, I speak up to break the tension.
“Well, it was great meeting you, and I apologize again for the champagne.” I hold out my hand to shake.
“It was nice meeting you also, best of luck in your career.” He takes my hand, giving me a friendly smile, and then turns to Kyle and shakes his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Giselle,” I say kindly.
“Oh same here,” she says, barely looking up from her phone as she pulls Trevor away. That was obviously not sincere but Kyle doesn’t seem to notice. Typical, men are so clueless sometimes.
“Finally, I get some alone time with my girl,” Kyle says after they’ve left. “You
okay?” He pushes my hair behind my ear. “You seem preoccupied.”
“Yes, I’m great,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck. There’s just a lot going on with my parents’ move and the recital.”
“I know.” He gives me a comforting smile. “I’m sure it will all work out though.” He lifts my chin and kisses me and then pulls me in for a hug. In the distance, I see Trevor and Giselle in what looks like an argument. That’s interesting—I wonder what that’s all about?
After we arrive home, I hurry to take off my makeup and crawl into bed. As much fun as the party was, I’m more confused than ever. I had basically decided I was not going to pursue New York, and then I met Trevor and now I’m having second thoughts again. Not because of Trevor, of course, but because meeting Trevor led too meeting Liv. I never would have met her if I hadn’t run into him, so I guess it was meant to be. As I’m falling asleep, I remember my grandmother’s journal; I haven’t looked at in in days. Hopefully tomorrow, I think to myself as I fall asleep.
Chapter 4
“Thank you all for meeting this morning,” Lucy says excitedly. “First up on the agenda, I want to get the schedule mapped out for the show.” She takes a long sip of her coffee; I’m guessing her fourth or fifth cup already today.
Lucy called an emergency meeting to work on the schedule for the recital and start planning the after party. I can tell she means business with today’s meeting, and I’m fully expecting to be here for a while. She has a full spread of food as well as a cooler full of drinks and lots of coffee. She’s wearing the Juicy Couture velvet sweatsuit that she always wears when she’s planning on having a long day.
“So, considering we have some very important guests who will be attending, let’s do a fun and appropriate theme. I’m thinking Broadway.”
OMG! I can hardly contain my excitement. If it weren’t so early in the morning, I would probably get up and start dancing on her desk. All of a sudden, I’ve never been so excited for one of Lucy’s meetings. I can tell the other instructors don’t share my excitement.
There are three other main instructors at Do-Re-Mi other than me. Lilly is one of our piano teachers; she’s a musical genius but probably the least social of my co-workers, or of anyone I have ever met really. She doesn’t have much to do with any of us, but she’s amazing with her students. I’ve worked with her for a few years now, but I don’t remember ever having a long conversation with her.
Ash also teaches piano and vocal and she’s Lucy’s shadow. She basically kisses her ass and I have no doubt she’s behind the breakfast spread. We’ve had an odd working relationship; she’s always hanging around when I’m working with my students or rehearsing. We had a little bit of an issue a while back when she copied one of my ideas for a show, but I think we’ve moved on from it since then, or at least I’ve moved on. She’s one of those people that you never know if you can fully trust her.
Sophie is my favorite; she can play practically every instrument and she sings. If anyone should have a performing career, it’s her and she doesn’t even realize how talented she is.
Several hours later, we finally agree on a tentative schedule for the recital. I’m exhausted, and by the end of the meeting, I’m ready to push Ash out the closest window. I guess she really believed this recital was going to be all about her?
When I finally get home after my long day, I fall down on my bed. I’m about to doze off when I remember my grandmother’s journal. I quickly jump up and lift up my mattress. I’m not exactly sure why I hid the journal under the mattress. It’s probably because when I was a teenager I used to put my diary under the mattress to keep it hidden from Cassie and my mom. I know they knew it was there but it just became a habit. As I lift the mattress, the red leather book is still lying there waiting for me to open it.
March 20, 1948
Today was the official first day of spring; however, snow fell from the gray sky here in New York City. I’m hoping spring will actually make an appearance soon. It has been a dreadfully long winter.
I had another wonderful day today. I was asked back to the radio station for a follow-up audition. How thrilling that if I am offered the job I will be able to choose my own music. Singing is my greatest love.
Beatrice is most supportive and so are my dear parents. They have reminded me how important it is to follow my dreams and my heart. I’m so very tired tonight, so I must turn in.
I read through several more pages, and I’m enthralled with learning more about this side of my grandmother. She never mentioned any of this, at least not to me. I’m hoping my mom will know more.
“Hi, Mom,” I say cheerfully when she answers.
“Oh, honey, I’m glad you called. Don’t forget you need to come over to look through your boxes. I’m planning a big yard sale in a few weeks, so if you have anything to sell, that would be the perfect time.”
“Ugh.” I groan. I keep forgetting about this stupid move. “I’ve been really busy, but I will come by soon.”
I can tell she’s preoccupied with something because she’s breathing heavy and I hear a lot of rustling.
“Mom, I wanted to ask you some questions about Grandma, mainly about her radio career.”
“Oh goodness. I had forgotten about that.”
Seriously? How could she forget about something like this? This has to be the most exciting thing to ever happen to our family. Other than when my dad won a trip to the Grand Canyon. On the whole, our family is pretty boring.
“I had no idea about any of this,” I reply.
“Well, she didn’t mention it that often. I know she loved that time in her life though.” She adds, “Honey, what’s brought on all the questions?”
I hesitate about reminding her that I found the journal. I don’t want her to ask for it back, and I definitely don’t want Cassie to get her greedy hands on it. I’m pretty sure that at some point down the road we will end up having a showdown over the IHOP menu.
“Um, just curious,” I say nonchalantly. “I guess I just feel a strong connection being that she was a singer and so am I, or um, was.”
“Oh yes, Mother was so proud of your talents. I know she told all of her friends about you.” She adds, “Which reminds me, you know who may know more about her radio career would be her friend Beatrice.”
Beatrice? No way, could she be referring to the Beatrice who gave Grandma the journal?
“Where is she? Is she still alive?” I ask excitedly. “Do you know how to get in touch with her?”
“Yes, I have her information. Mother and she rarely saw each other in their later years, but I always sent her Christmas cards and she did the same. She doesn’t live too far, maybe thirty minutes away? Last I heard, she was still very healthy but that was a while ago.”
That’s it! I have to talk to her. I can hardly contain my excitement. My hands are shaking as I write down Beatrice’s information. I’m not sure what to do. Maybe I should write her a letter instead of calling her.
My phone starts ringing and I see that it’s Kyle, so I answer.
“Baby, let’s go celebrate!” Kyle exclaims as soon as I answer. “I have amazing news.”
“What?” I ask excitedly.
“Remember I told you that I heard one of the partners was leaving the firm?” he asks. Kyle works for an accounting firm that has been in business for many years. The original partners were friends of his grandparents.
“Yes.”
“Well, the rumor was true and they have asked me to move up to that position. I’m a partner!” he yells. I think I even hear him start to cry. “I’m” sniff, “just” sniff, “so happy.”
Holy crap, he’s crying.
“That’s fantastic!” I exclaim. I know how badly he wanted this. I can’t help but wonder how this will affect whatever decision I make.
When I get off the phone, I stare at Beatrice’s number in my hand. There’s no need to drag this out. I grab my phone and dial her number.
My heart is beat
ing so fast I can almost hear it pounding. An answering machine picks up with a generic message. I almost hang up, but I instead decide to leave a message.
“Um, hi. I’m sorry to bother you. My name is Maris Forrester and my grandmother was Maris Goodwin. I got your information from my mother and . . .”
“Hello?” someone answers.
“Um, hello?”
“This is Beatrice Anderson, what a nice surprise to receive your phone call,” she says happily. “I like to screen my phone calls because those damn people are always trying to sell me something. I can’t tell you how many calls I get about adding a water purifying system on my house. Come on, I’m 89 years old, do you think I care if I’m drinking shitty water?”
See You Soon Broadway (Broadway Series Book 1) Page 3