“What did he want?”
“Nothing in particular, just wanted to know where you were.”
“I’ll be back in two hours, but don't tell him that.”
“Got it, boss.”
Patrick was my PA in New York and was quick to move to Chicago with me. That was a blessing to me, because he knows how to keep my schedule and keep my cousin at bay.
At the Community Center, I notice many parents already waiting in their cars. They all looked excited. Right on time,I follow the herd again into the building. The volleyball team is long gone. As I get closer, I can hear the harmony of the instruments playing and Cole A’s voice. They sound perfect. Seconds go by, and I hear Ms K shouting, “No, no, no. You missed the beat; I'm going to need you guys to do that one more time before we can all leave.” Her tone is firm.
Right away, they start playing. It sounds magnificent to me and I’m sure to the parents as well, who have all gathered around me. Checking my watch, it’s 5.50pm. I hear the kids clapping and Ms K giving out instructions on practice hours, changes they need to learn and how much time they must practice, and she'll see them all tomorrow at same time, and no lateness. The parents open the door, and everybody walks in.
The room is immediately rowdy. I head towards Ms K, who’s at the other end. Cara runs over to give me a big hug.
“Thank you, Uncle Dan. This was awesome. I'm so glad Ms K let me come.”
“I’m glad you could make it too, kiddo. Come on, let's say goodbye to Ms Kay and we can leave.”
“There's no need to say goodbye to Ms K, we'll see her tomorrow.” She looks at me like I’m weird, clearly unaware of my emotional ties to Ms K.
“I want to say goodbye to Ms K.” I confirm.
Most of the crowd fades out, and I stand by, watching Cole A and Ms K talking and laughing. It doesn’t take long to see the bodyguards in the room.
I move closer and they turn towards me. Cole A nods at me and leaves. Ms K faces me with an inquisitive look, questioning why I am still here.I’m always going to be around; you don’t know it yet. God, I want this woman.
“I got the flyer about the banquet from Andrea, and she told me the program would shut down if the funds needed are not raised,” I say to her. “Basically, you will leave town.”
I don’t mince my words.
“That's the plan. There’ll be no point in me hanging around if I can’t bring music to kids here. Then, I have to try elsewhere.”
“I guess we have to make sure you raise the money,” I state.
“That would be great, every donation is welcomed.” She smiles; did I notice her eyes batting.
“Goodnight, Ms, K.” Cara shouts before I can respond.
“Goodnight,” I say to her. She nods
“Goodnight,” she replies in finality with a smile and waves at Cara.
I don't want to leave, but I can't find a valid excuse to stay.
I take Cara home. On the drive, she’s all chatty and excited, joy flowing in everything she's telling me about the practice.
“Can you imagine, Uncle Dan? I’m going to be the coolest girl when I tell my friends that I got to practice with Cole A.”
“But you won’t be in the concert,” I remind her.
“Yes, but I still get to practice with him. This is so awesome, best summer ever!”
“On that, I agree with you.”
She’s beaming. Forget my selfish need to see Ms K, Cara’s joy is enough to make me fight for this program.
I drop her off at home, still living the high and I return to work. My entire mind is on seeing Ms K, but I know I don’t have a good excuse to see her...She’s my fucking addiction, I admit.
