I let Salty's words resonate with me as I distribute the refreshments to the ladies.
They've barely had a chance to enjoy them before the bells chime.
Showtime.
We file into the theater.
My heart swells with pride to see Posey, a miniature 'fine lady,' as she accepts a libretto from a uniformed attendant.
And to think I never wanted a child.
Now I can’t imagine life without her.
Once we take our red velvet seats, the curtains rise.
The music director I met last night, Mr. Rudin, steps forward, all charm and gravitas.
“Ladies and gentlemen, an announcement. Our esteemed diva, Miss Fabiana Farr, cannot perform tonight.”
Groans ripple through the crowd.
My gut twists.
Tara would have killed for this moment.
What a cruel twist of fate that she had to leave before her shot at fame.
But then Mr. Rudin finishes his announcement.
"Instead, her understudy will make her debut. Please welcome… Miss Tara Thompson.”
Applause fills the auditorium.
“Tara’s back!” Posey squeals, turning to me. "Did you make this a surprise for me, Daddy Cameron?"
"Shhh," I say, startled myself.How did this all happen?
But I put my finger in front of my mouth as I face Posey.
"Quiet now. The performance will begin shortly."
CHAPTER 42
TARA
"Tara, I took a peek and guess who's in the audience!" Mindy says, rushing into the dressing room.
“Who?”
“Your boss—the rockstar I met last night. Sitting front and center. I’m getting the sense he’s more than just your boss…”
Shrugging, I flash a smile at Lila. “He’s handsome, all right,” I say, forcing a sigh. “A girl can dream..."
But why would Cameron and Posey be here tonight after all that's happened?Miss Swain must have tipped them off that I was performing.
“And you know who else might be in the audience? Kenneth Kane, the classical music critic from theNew York Times.”
My stomach flips. “I heard Mr. Rudin says that with every performance to keep us on our toes.”
