Page 190 of Pervade London
Oh, God. Had something happened to Xavier?
Salme walked by looking smug. “Hey, Emily.”
“Hey.” I looked over her shoulder at Kitty’s back as she strolled away.
“How are you?” She smiled brightly, which was so unlike her. “What happened to your Strad?”
“Um…” Biting down hard on my lip, I tried to act casual.
“You’ve been playing so well. Doesn’t matter what instrument you play, to be honest. You’re talented. You’ll make it.”
I stared at her for a moment, realizing what she was insinuating…
I lifted my case. “Got to go.” Scurrying away, I rounded the corner and hurried all the way to Penn-Rhodes’ office.
I rapped on his door.
He was sitting at his desk munching on a sandwich. He reached for a serviette to wipe the crumbs off his fingers. “Emily.”
“They chose her?”
“Salme was a strong candidate.”
“But I played with all of my heart and soul.” I inhaled sharply. “You said Mr. Woo was impressed with me.”
But I’d snubbed him that night after the event when we’d disembarked, and I’d refused to return and speak with him. That had to be it, right?
Penn-Rhodes blew out a sigh of defeat.
I flew out of his office and ran back the way I’d come, my violin case banging against my leg. I dashed out into the drizzling rain where I finally caught my breath, my chest tight with exertion, my mind breaking into a thousand splinters of doubt.
I’d lost out toher.
Salme stood beneath an umbrella on the curb waiting to be picked up. “What are your plans after you leave here, Emily?”
I sucked in a wary breath. “I don’t know.”
“Keep practicing. There’s lots of local bands around here you can join. Pubs love cheap musicians like you. And you know what they say, if you can’t do, teach.”
“You never did like me,” I replied flatly.
She chewed on the thought. “You walk around like you’re better than everyone else.”
“You read me wrong.”
The sky opened up and rain poured over us. She was shielded beneath her umbrella, but I was getting drenched.
A gust of wind caught her umbrella and she fought to keep hold of it. Her violin case slammed to the ground. We both stared down at it. After a few moments, I picked it up and handed it back to her—for the sake of the instrument.
Of course, there was no thank you in return.
I headed away, off down the pavement, welcoming the downpour. Anything to hide these tears. Anything to wash away this day.
Please let Xavier be okay.
And if he was elsewhere it meant he hadn’t seen my message from Trafalgar Square.
Penn-Rhodes’ voice called out from behind me. Clutching a large black umbrella, he hurried to catch up.
