Page 59 of Blitzing Emily

She snagged two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. Brandon was pretty much a beer guy, but he sipped champagne and stuck by her side while she greeted a stream of Seattle Opera supporters.

“You’re a star, sugar,” he said. “They love my girl.”

She had to chuckle a little after overhearing, “Who’s the guy with Miss Hamilton?”

“Some of these people have had season tickets to the opera for thirty years,” she told him. “They may not be NFL fans.”

“Hopefully, that means you’re giving me the quick and dirty tutorial.” He glanced around at the framed posters advertising upcoming productions.

“What would you like to learn first—roles sung predominantly by full lyric sopranos, or the operas of Verdi?”

“This is going to be tougher than Sharks defensive sets,” he murmured.

A few people turned around, smiled at Emily’s obvious amusement, and went back to discussing productions and singers they’d seen, what would be on the schedule for next year, and the auction. The auction, and passed appetizers, would start in a few minutes.

One of the items being auctioned off was post-performance drinks with Emily after next season’sCosi fan tutte.The other addition to the catalog had just been confirmed yesterday. Some lucky woman (or women) would be in charge of spray-tanning a group of Sharks players before their performance as spear-carrying barbarians inNorma. The players in question were supposed to be here tonight.

“Do you see any of the guys yet, sugar?” Brandon said, echoing her thoughts. “They should be around here somewhere. I told them they needed to wear black tie.”

“I’m sure they’ll turn up soon,” Emily said. She extended her hand to a corporate supporter, who brought her knuckles to his lips.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Miss Hamilton,” the debonair older gentleman said and extended his hand to Brandon. “This must be your young man.”

Emily was drawing a blank on the gentleman’s name. “This is my fiancé, Brandon McKenna.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Brandon. I’m Adam Schaeffer, Seattle Opera’s board chairman. When I’m not there, I’m with Schaeffer, Schaeffer and Schaeffer.” He and Brandon shook hands.

“Mr. Schaeffer, it’s an honor. I play football for the Sharks.” Brandon smiled and said, “I’m a bit curious. Perhaps you could fill me in on what a board member for Seattle Opera does.”

“I’d love to. Call me Adam, Brandon.”

To Emily’s surprise, the two men walked away, deep in conversation. It was the oddest couple she could remember, but Brandon seemed comfortable.

A beautiful older woman in vintage Dior took Emily’s hand.

“I’m Lillian Tollifson. This is my grandson, Jake.”

She tipped her head toward the man standing beside her. Jake Tollifson appeared to be in his late thirties. Emily wasn’t familiar with Jake, but her sister was. Amy saw his name in one of the programs she got at a performance last year and filled Emily in. Single, handsome Jake had done very, very well in the software industry.

Emily spotted Mrs. Tollifson, who looked like a stiff wind would blow her away, at the auctions in previous years; but last year, she sang. She was unavailable to mix until after her performance. Most of the crowd was gone by the time Emily emerged from the dressing room.

“It’s great to meet you both,” Emily said. Brandon’s hand touched the small of her back once more. “This is my fiancé, Brandon McKenna.”

Brandon kissed the back of Mrs. Tollifson’s hand. She winked at him. There didn’t appear to be a woman alive he could not charm.

“Grandmother loved your Sophie,” Jake said to Emily. “Will you be singing it again?”

“I know Santa Fe Opera’s mounting the production next year, and I’m already signed to sing the role. I’m sorry it won’t be here.”

Mrs. Tollifson poked her grandson with an elbow. “We can fly there.”

“Of course, Grandmother.” Jake smiled sheepishly at Emily. “She loves you.”

Emily reached out to give Mrs. Tollifson a gentle hug.

“I told Jake that he waited too long,” she said into Emily’s ear. “If that young man of yours doesn’t treat you right, you let me know.”

“Of course. It was so nice to meet you. I’ll look forward to seeing you in Santa Fe.”

---