"Don't look at me like that. Unlike you, I worked yesterday."
If she wanted to make me feel guilty, she succeeded. Embarrassed, I lower my gaze to the fir-green carpet.
"I used my connections." Not only does pride resonate in her words, but it also has a conspiratorial undertone. "My sources have whispered to me what the jury of the International Music Awards will announce tonight."
Immediately, I lift my lids. Excitement fills me. "The shortlist?"
Her eyebrows rise. "Exactly."
In an instant, she has my full attention. A radiant smile slowly forms on her face. For a moment, I hesitate. But then I understand what she's trying to convey.
I sink back into the chair, my arms heavy. With relief, I exhale all the tension I didn't know I was holding.
Tamika grabs my upper arm. "You know what this means?"
Of course. From now on, the decision about who gets the award lies solely with the fans. If they are tovote for me, I must play for them. Plus, I need a lot of positive press. And as quickly as possible. That's why she's already contacted my doctor.
"When is the operation?" I ask because everything else is basically clear to me.
I have to take the risks that this procedure entails. After the debacle here in Dublin, I have no other choice. Trying out more medication would take too long.
"It wasn't easy, but you have an appointment with a specialist in Stockholm on the twenty-fourth of July," she explains with a satisfied expression. "He is one of the best in his field. His success rate speaks for itself."
Today is the sixteenth of July. Eight more days until the operation. A queasy feeling settles in my stomach. "What if—
"
"We don't want to think about that," Tamika interrupts me. She even manages to give me an encouraging smile. But she can't hide the sober emptiness in her gaze.
Inevitably, I remember yesterday.The world is full of wonders. We just have to be willing to see them.That's what Maya said to me on the beach. And the way she looked at me then, with that untamed strength and hearty determination, I believed her unconditionally. I could feel everywhere in my body that it was the truth. And even though things are different here, between the elegant leather sofas and the people in business attire, a bit of that belief is still within me.
I place my hand exactly where I can feel it on my chest.
"Let's do it," I say with a wide smile, although Ishould be trembling with fear. In my mind, I see Maya before me. A strong gust of wind drives her black hair into her face. The sea behind her is full of life. Just like her eyes, which captivate me in a way I don't want to break free from.
