Something about Solimo was pricking Sophia Hart. She had tried to help him, in her own way, because she wanted him to work for her. But he was really being a prick.
"You think big, dear sir, if you think your talent can pull such people to you. Madame Lexia won't even notice you." He was good, moving even. But he was not the best. He would not be even in top five.
Solimo was angry too. What started as passing time conversation turned nasty fast. Who was she to make such big claims? Shouldn't he pull her down a bit?
"Oh, and she'll notice you, sister? You really think so? Is that why you are so uppity?"
"News flash Sherlock, none of us are noticed by her."
That quieted both of them. Morosely, both started eating from their plates. The yummy desserts had turned into sawdust somehow. Though Sophia wished to come under care of Madam Lexia Windsor, she was not exceptional. Her still sprouting wish died after she listened to various performances.
Solimo was visiting hell. Once ...he had a chance to study under Madame Lexia. But he lost it, for the silliest reason possible. Now, it would be impossible to be her student.
Solimo asked, "Were you really telling me truth?"
"Which one?"
No one needs that type of savage reply. Was she mocking herself or him?
"Me being artist in your studio."
"Yeah! Told you before, I'm a fake heiress. Have to make money before they boot me out. And entertainment pays, baby. It pays a lot and it does quickly too."
"And you really think that I can earn money."
"Wouldn't have asked you otherwise." Came the prompt reply.
"Fine. I'll sign with you. But you have to make me famous within five years. Within five years I should be charging millions of dollars for every guest appearance. Can you do it?"
"Challenge accepted. Share me your details so that we can hash out the minor details."
This Solimo was not kicked by reality many times. He agreed, just like that. Who accepts things so easily?
Sophia was already planning many things. Planning needed rich imagination and fast working brain. She would make hundreds of them every day. But executing a correct plan...that required lots of ground work.
Solimo was very professional as he gave her his contact number, message number, email id, his temporary and permanent address and what not. What he did not give was his business card.
"Too poor to own one." he quipped. Making a card was easy. There were so many blank copies flying in the net. Just fill in details you want and you have your own card. But ...Solimo's CV was a bit weak and he didn't know whom to give such cards. When he was in his peak, his name was his calling card. Oh, how far have the mighty fallen!
Before they could think on their sob stories, Sophia was called. Shirley had no time to search for her, so she called her.
"Sis, where are you? We are all waiting for you here from long time."
"I'm coming."
"Okay, come fast. We are near the champagne fountain."
"This place has three such fountains."
Shirley looked around to find explainable landmark.
"The one near the left exit."
"Okay. Will reach soon. Bye."
She sighed. And swallowed another price of dessert. "Duty calls. Will call you later, Solimo. Probably tomorrow afternoon. But do let me know fast if you want a job temporarily. I can totally arrange it for you to teach few snotty brats who all think they'll be the next Lexia Windsor."
Solimo had to grin at that. Lexia...It's hard to reach her level. He would be happy to reach Ms Evans ' level.
The food buffet was placed a bit secludedly. Not many would venture here. That meant after cleaning her neck a bit, Sophia could locate her family. She reached there and became the dutiful daughter of Harts. Etiquette , poise, small talk...she excelled in those. The past memories, the private tuition.. whatever was the reason, Sophia performed well. Traversed the remaining part of evening, trying to be safe. But, something happened.
There was a moment of awkwardness. It occurred when Mr Hunt praised her performance.
"Your performance, though, Sophia my dear, was perfect. I literally cried as you ended the song. And I don't cry so easily."
"Thank you for your praise, Mr Hunt but I still have a lot to learn. Compared to other performances, I still lack a lot."
"Come now, my dear, don't be so humble. At your age you can this profient. The whole world will be your oyster. Keep up "
And that's how, everyone found she had performed. All could just grin and bear while Mr Hunt was praising her. Can't butt in, can't take her to hand. It's going to blow once they reach home.
After a lot of money was collected as charity donations, thanks to Madame Lexia Windsor being first donor, party slowly winded down. When more than half of the guests left, Ms Evans took Lexia Windsor to rest.
"Hah! So tired! Once I gave three concerts in three different cities within a day. And yet was hopping around next morning. I am getting old." Lexia Windsor said.
Ms Evans didn't know how to answer it. Agree that she was old? Say she wasn't old at all. There were relics of old time still attending concerts and giving tips and suggestions. Be jealous that she was famous enough to be double or triple booked?
"Come on, Leila. Sit." Lexia said, patting the sofa seat next to hers. "I'm just winding down. It was just a small talk. No need to think deep thoughts on it."
Ms Evans sat down. She was tired too. She didn't feel it when they were getting the money but now... every bone ached. She really was not young enough to play like this.
"What do you think of the program?" She asked. "Honest opinion. If I want a drivel, I'll ask the PR team."
"You planned nicely. I still believe you are qualified to be a conductor in a symphony."
That was an old argument. Ms Evans was, however, deeply devoted to piano.
"I have to thank you though. For fixing that Arlov kid between two good players. Now, I can say he was average and not eligible to be my student yet." Madame Lexia said.
Apparently, even paragons like Lexia Windsor would get coerced too. Fancy that!
"Anyone caught your eye?"
"Well, I like Hailey. But she she plays music for fun. Fun! You have to be devoted to music. But she plays for fun. Compared to her, others are..."
"Average." Ms Evans gave the answer. She didn't want her students to be labelled even worse than that.
"Yes, that. I have eye on few more. But only if they step up and start practicing more. But, Leila, I got a good bone to pick on. Why was your teaching less rigid than before?"
"Less rigid?"
"Yeah. Few of your kids are good. They fall short in technicalities but they empowered the songs so much more. How did you do that?"
Ms Evans started thinking. "Which ones did you say?"
"Hmmm. Number 9, 14 and 17. They were soulful. They were especially moving. What other preparations did you make for them?"
"Ah! Those kids. Mmm, I didn't teach them anything new. They learnt it themselves."
"If you don't want to share your teaching experience, you can say that directly. No need to place the honour on your kids."
Heartfelt music from brats who hadn't eaten rice as much as she had eaten salt. Without prompting and specialised teaching, how can they learn it?