CHAPTER38
The Arscht Center was actually two different structures situated on either side of Biscayne Boulevard and connected by a pedestrian bridge. The Knight Concert Hall was a true work of art, with its interior designed by world-renowned Artec Consultants. Every one of the twenty-two hundred seats had almost identical, nearly perfect acoustics. There were, in fact, no actual boxes in the traditional sense. Instead, the upper balconies extended all the way around both sides of the stage, like a pair of giant horseshoes set atop one another. Movable screens were used to provide a temporary air of exclusivity.
As Ian alighted from the limo, an usher appeared at the stage entrance. Ian bade the others farewell and allowed himself to be led past security and down the main corridor to the door bearing his name. The star’s quarters were suitably grand. Ian shut the door, slipped off his jacket, and studied himself in the wall-sized mirror. Saban had instructed him to perform in his tux shirt and trousers, a method often used to isolate the soloist from the orchestra. Ian had left his instruments here after the practice. His primary guitar rested in its stand, and the backup was stationed in a cubby by the shower. Champagne glistened in an ice bucket, along with a glass container of fresh-pressed smoothie.
As he studied himself in the wall-sized mirror, Ian found it hard to consider what he felt was a mark of real change. That would come later, perhaps. When he had known more than one such instance of calm. Yes, of course, there was a taste of sadness. The lack of passion and fire remained in place. But in this moment of quiet readiness, Ian felt he actually might be doing what Indrid had said. Growing beyond his dark night.
The conductor or one of his aides had left the requisite tuning fork, identical to the one used by the lead violinist. He tuned both guitars, played through several of the sections where Israel Saban had insisted upon revisions. Drank a little water. Mostly, he savored the moment.
When the knock on his door came, he was ready.
