Page 13 of The Night the Stars Went Dark

“Deal.” I nodded as I perused the menu. Dad was never picky, so I knew I could get pretty much whatever I wanted.

“I think I might join you.” Bryson set his menu aside.

When the waitress came, I ordered us a large deep dish with cheese, sausage, and mushrooms. Dad added a bottle of champagne for the table, and our server suggested some breadsticks as an appetizer. Deep dishes take a long time to bake, and she didn’t want us starving, or so she said.

We sat waiting, engrossed in conversation about school, and where we wanted to be after. I could tell the idea of me moving to New York was making my dad sad. It was just him at home, and even though it was just a train ride, I knew we’d both be busy if I got the job.

“I just hope I pass theory class.” Bryson rubbed his eyes. “I feel like a dummy in there.”

“You’re brilliant and everyone knows it.” I pushed on his shoulder. “Own it.”

“Easy for you. You’re perfect.” He rolled his eyes.

“I’m far from perfect.” I shook my head as I sipped my champagne.

Conversation changed to lighter topics like summer and vacations and before long, our pizza arrived.

“This looks delicious.” Bryson licked his lips as the server dished out a slice and handed him the plate. Cheese stretched down to the dish and my mouth began to water at the sight.

“Oh, it is.” Our server smiled as she served me next. After handing my dad a plate, she told us to let her know if we needed anything, and to enjoy.

The next several minutes were fairly quiet as we began devouring our slices. Soft music played in the background and a lull of voices filled the air. It was a nice evening and just what I needed after a long stressful week of practices and preparation.

When we finished, Dad paid the bill, and led the way back outside. We walked as a trio back to campus. After Bryson headed toward his dorm, I turned to my dad. “Thanks. This was one of the best nights ever. I don’t think anything could make it better.”

“I’m glad you had fun. You nailed that solo, and you’re going to do great things. I can see it now. You’ll play Carnegie sooner than you think, and I’ll be there to see it. Your dreams are right there. You just have to grab them.” I smiled up at him, my father, my hero. I wanted to believe what he was saying, but until I got that letter with an offer to play, I wasn’t going to let the excitement in. I was holding everything back, waiting. He leaned down and wrapped me a giant hug before turning toward the train station to go home. “I wanna be the first call you make when you get the letter,” he called as he offered one last wave and turned the corner.

“You know you will be!” I shouted before opening the door to my building. I laughed to myself thinking that he thought I’d call anyone else. He was the one who got me here, and he sure as hell was going to be along for the ride.

Chapter 8

Aspen

Saturday, May 18thwill forever be the day that changed me. I was meeting Bryson for lunch. I’d moved into my new apartment the week before. Everything was going exactly as planned for me. I’d taken a waitressing gig part time as I was waiting on word from the New York Symphony. The weather was beginning to warm, and life was great. I actually had a bedroom at my new place, and a tiny balcony where I was trying to grow a few flowers. I felt like a grownup for the first time. Dad had come by several times over the last week to help me move in, but he had a show this weekend, so he was busy.

“Any word?” Bryson fiddled with the napkin in front of him. He’s been offered a position with the Boston Philharmonic.

“Nope.” I sighed as I sat down. “I’m not giving up.”

“Good. Maybe they’re just deaf.” He smiled as he shrugged his shoulders. Each time we met up like this, we’d make jokes about why I hadn’t heard anything yet.

“Maybe they’re on a trip somewhere and can’t send a letter.” I grinned as a server brought over water for us. We ordered our usual, and as I picked at my salad, I began to let doubt creep in. “What if I wasn’t good enough?”

“You’re good enough. They’re probably arguing over how much to pay you.” He took a bite of his sandwich.

“I hope so.” I sighed.

“How’s the new place? Are you enjoying the fact that you don’t sleep in the living room anymore and have to brush your teeth in the kitchen?” He laughed.

“I love the new place. I’m not far from where I grew up either. If New York makes an offer, I’m going to have to move again, you know that right? You ready to help?”

“We’ll make it work.” Byson chuckled. “I think you need to give that speech to your dad more than me,” he mused. “Good thing you’re renting by the month.”

“I guess. I just hate this waiting. I feel like I’m lost.” I picked at a piece of lettuce.

“You’ll find your way. Give it time.” He offered a sad smile. I knew he was trying to be supportive but couldn’t really say anything else. It was in that moment my phone buzzed with a number I didn’t recognize. “Maybe that’s them.” Bryson’s eyes went wide.

“Hello?” I bit my lip, hoping this was my ticket in.

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