She finally looks up. “We now have a waiting list. Corporate buyers. Two adjoining states.”
I lean back slowly.
I fold my hands on the desk. “Have you looked at the comments?”
“I have.”
“I haven't,” I admit.
Meg studies me. “You are not even a little curious?”
“I am,” I say. “I'm choosing not to read them.”
I lean back in my chair. “That was quick.”
“The second interview shifted everything. Erik calling her his muse. Saying he built the opera around her story.” She looks up. “People are responding to it. The love story.”
I allow myself a small exhale. “Good.”
“You don't sound surprised.”
“I'm not surprised. I'm relieved.”
She smiles faintly.
“The engagement is steady, not just a spike,” she continues. “The lullaby clip is everywhere.”
I nod slowly. “Art resonates when it is honest.”
Meg watches me carefully. “You are thinking about the next problem.”
“I am. I want to strike while interest is high. Have Erik and David come in. I need a realistic opening date.”
She nods. “Once we have the date, we can start presales. I have a tentative lineup of productions and dates to fill the calendar until then.”
“No.” I shake my head. “Symphonies or our ballet only. The first musical staged here will be Erik’s.”
She pauses.
“We have a name for it now,” I say. “Dark Muse.”
Chapter one hundred thirty-three
Erik
Meg is nattering away about something. I make a shooing motion, but she is persistent.
I slowly close the lid on the piano, turn, and face her.
“What is so important that you cannot let me finalize my outline for David?”
“Remy needs to see you both. He needs a date so we can start presales.”
My eyes narrow. “Ask your boyfriend. My part is done.”
“Why are we starting presales?” Damn it. She has piqued my curiosity.
“Show up to the meeting and find out,” she answers, her smile saccharine.
