“That’s a problem,” Angelica said. “I’m teaching two students and can’t leave before the music festival.”
“What? You’re teaching!” Henry sounded astonished. “That’s preposterous. Unless—are they gifted—would I need to hear them?”
“They’re learning folk songs from this area, so I don’t think they are your average client, Henry. Actually it’s turning out to be quite fun. I love the excitement they have for learning. And I’m learning as much by helping them. I did promise I’d do what I could to get Sam ready for the festival. He’s worked so hard. They plan to come practice even on a Saturday. How’s that for dedication?”
“Whatever are you thinking?” he asked. “You aren’t a teacher—you’re a gifted violinist.”
Angelica explained, ending with, “So, you see, I have to meet this commitment.”
“I see nothing of the sort. The child is eight. He can practice on his own. Let the locals teach him. Let him wing it. You’re needed here and then in Europe.”
“There’s no teacher until Webb Francis gets well. And I made a commitment.”
“Break it. This is far more important. Do you know how rare it is to get this kind of chance?”
She bit her lip with indecision. She did know how rare it was. And what a boost to her career it’d be to have this to include in her CV.
Then Sam’s face danced before her. He was counting on her.
“I’ll have to let you know.”
“Angelica.”
“I’ll think about it and call you back in a day or so. Goodbye.”
She was getting good at ending conversations when she was finished being harangued by the other party. At least he didn’t have her phone number to keep calling like her mother did.
She went to sit on the porch, gazing at the newly mowed lawn, feeling the heat seep into her. For an instant she felt like a reprimanded schoolgirl. Taking a breath, she hoped she could focus on the decision needed and not her frustration with the way others treated her. She appreciated the work Henry did for her. But ultimately, it was her decision in which way to take her career.
The thought of playing in some of the capitals of Europe was very tempting. A few weeks ago she’d have jumped at the chance. Now, she wanted to take a little time and consider all the ramifications. Maybe a walk would clear her head. She headed toward town and the familiar sights there.
Melvin and Paul were on the porch and she waved, but didn’t stop. Only when she was getting uncomfortably hot did she retrace her steps.
Mentally listing all the positive aspects of her vacation, she wanted to be able to articulate all her reasons if she decided against this tour. She didn’t touch on the one where she felt smothered and confined with the direction her parents so supported. Somehow she had to come up with a logical reasonnot to take the tour or accept and give up the vacation she was enjoying.
Kirk knocked on her door just before six pm. He’d showered and changed and looked amazing in a blue cotton shirt and khaki pants. She let him in and stepped back lest she give in to the overwhelming temptation to throw herself into his arms.
“What’s up?” she asked.
“I thought you might like to get away for a while. We could eat at the diner.”
She studied him for a moment, wondering about his earlier ultimatum to get out of town. She didn’t know what had changed, but smiled and nodded.
“I’d love it. I’ve been with too many spinning thoughts this afternoon.”
“How old did you say you were?”
“I know, my parents can be bit overbearing. This is the first time I’ve challenged them with anything and I think they don’t know how to handle it. I’m their only child, I’ve been so dutiful all along, this is a major change. My mother wanted me to spend the summer at Cape Cod. My father usually goes along with what my mother wants.”
“Most kids rebel sometime in their teens. This is hardly rebellion in a major sense, but maybe you’re overdue. And I can’t see how what you do impacts their lives now that you’re grown and on your own. You live in Manhattan, not Boston.”
Ruefully she shrugged.
“I’m sure it’s better to say my daughter is touring Europe than she’s in the boonies of Kentucky.”
“They’re snobs,” he said easily.
Angelica wanted to refute that. She even opened her mouth, then shut it. Thinking about it, were her parents snobs?
