Page 133 of Finding the Forward: Part One
“Sounds great.” She put an arm around me as we walked down the hall.
He led us to a different orchestra room where everyone was warming up. Several students stared at me as we entered. Or it could be Verity. She was a head-turner. I saw one of her ads the other day on a billboard.
“Griffin. Oh my goodness, I’m so happy you’re here.” Professor Dublonski was an elderly omega who believed in everyone. Even some hockey player who just wanted to stay close to his boyfriend.
“I’m excited to be here, Professor. I can’t believe you’re playing my piece.” It was hard to not catch her excitement.
“It’s wonderful you could make it. I called your agent, but as usual you were busy with your wonderful life. What happened? Though it’s such a happy surprise.” Her eyes danced with curiosity.
“Um, they canceled the game. So here I am. I hope it’s okay.” Inside, puzzlement shot through me. She’d called Chet? He hadn’t told me that. Not about tonight. Not ever.
Had they played my pieces before?
“I’m sorry about the game, but it’s great for us.” She beamed and patted my arm.
“Next time, don’t call Chet, call me.” I still didn’t know why they’d play my works. I put my number in her phone. “There you go. Happy to help.”
She beamed, then looked at Verity. “Thank you. Who’s this?”
“My girlfriend Verity, she’s also Dare’s sister.” I noticed Dare had taken his seat and was warming up his cello.
“Hi, Professor!” Verity waved.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Our theme tonight is experimental music. We’re closing with your piece. You’ll do the honors?” she asked me.
It took me a moment. “You want me to conduct my piece?”
“Of course I do.” Professor Dublonski looked at me like I hung the moon.
How could I resist that look? That one like I was worthy and good at something. I often didn’t even feel like that in hockey–and I had a championship ring.
Six years and I still felt like an imposter.
“I’m a little rusty. I don’t do a lot of conducting in the PHL. What if I mess up?” I said quietly, my insides a ball of nerves.
Professor Dublonski gave me a sharp look. “Nonsense.”
“Yes, Professor, I’d love to.” There was no other answer, even though the prospect terrified me.
“If you want to get back into it, I have plenty of friends who’d love you to guest conduct in your off-season. I’d come see you conduct under the stars,” she told me.
“Maybe?” I missed conducting. But would people actually let me?
“That sounds fun. Back home, I’d always take Dare to summer outdoor concerts,” Verity drawled.
“Do you have anything new? You haven’t sent me anything in ages?” Professor Dublonski asked me.
Sometimes, I still composed things. When I finished, I always sent them to her since I didn’t know what else to do with them. I thought back to what I’d been playing in the practice room. “I might. It’s still pretty raw.”
“Wonderful. Let me get them warmed up and go through a few things, then you can give them a test run? I think they’re pretty good, if I do say so myself.” Professor Dublonski grinned at them.
“I'd be honored.” I went to the side of the room with Verity as Professor Dublonski took the podium, and they all quieted.
Immediately, I texted my agent.
Me
BosTec asked me to conduct? Why didn’t you tell me?
