This is part seven of a serial narrative. For maximum enjoyment, please begin with part one.
***************
I miss u already!
The message is from Chloe. We agreed to use an encrypted messenger app to communicate.
My plane has just landed. I'm headed to a conference of fellow classical musicians. I'll be giving some lectures on how to monetize online performances.
While the sentiment of her message is sweet, I'm somewhat annoyed by it. I message her back.
We agreed this was for *necessary* communications only!
I yawn as I walk down the jetway. It's been a long flight.
I hope the bed is fucking comfortable.
The conference is taking place on a college campus. Empty dorm rooms are cheaper accommodations than the hotels. My old friend, Colton, was the brains behind the whole thing.
My phone buzzes as I head for the rental car desk.
Sorry! My bad!
π
I drive to the campus. It's a rainy day. Sadly, it's forecast to rain for the full three days of the conference. It's strange to be on a college campus. I didn't go to college. It's a rare thing among concert pianists. Private lessons and an obsessive need to practice got me to where I am.
Colton meets me at the dormatory. He's an odd little man without much hair who talks too much, but I'm very fond of him. He's never looked down on me for not having a degree. As he shows me my room (it's... adequate) my phone buzzes again.
I just thought I should let u know that Im def leaving for schl on the 25th.
As Colton tells me we've got to hurry to the pre-conference dinner he's hosting for all the lecturers, I write:
You already told me that.
We walk a few blocks to the restaurant.
Well then it was like a strong maybe but now its def
The restaurant hostess greets us.
Are we going to meet up between when u get back and I leave?
π
The hostess guides us to the back of the restaurant where we have a private dining room reserved.
Ya know?! To
ππ
"Oh, hi!"
I step into the dining room and see Abbey Grace smiling at me.
I put my phone away.
I've known Abbey Grace for nine, ten years now. Everyone always refers to her by her full name. I don't know why. But it suits her.
She was in her twenties when we met, but now must be in her mid thirties. She looks incredible. She's tall. With her heels on, she's as tall as me. She's always been slender (she has a petite build) but something is different about her now. Her blue dress is sleeveless and her bare arms are surprisingly muscular. Her serene, oval face has thinned out giving emphasis to her high, delicate cheekbones. I've long marveled at her royal blue eyes and her golden blonde hair which she always keeps in a long, elaborate braid. There is an elegance in her bearing and movements that only comes from years of studied poise. But there is nothing cold or unapproachable about Abbey Grace. Her resting face is most often an amused expression. She loves to laugh.
"Abbey Grace!" Colton exclaims. "God, you look gorgeous!"
He dives in for a hug. She's almost a head taller than he is.
Take it down a notch, Colt,
I think to myself. But Abbey Grace simply beams in response.
"Thank you, Colton! You look well! And you!" -she turns to me, throwing her arms wide- "It's been far too long!"
We embrace, her arms around my upper body, mine around her thin waist. I take a moment to enjoy the feeling of her breasts against me. They're of a moderate size, C-cups I would assume, well proportioned to her frame. I delight in the observation that our hug is more intimate and longer lasting than the one she gave Colton.
Other conference speakers trickle in and we all find places at the lengthy dining table. Abbey Grace insists I sit beside her and we spend most of the evening chatting with each other. She's a mezzo, with a powerful, sultry voice. I have accompanied her many times in concert. We've always been very flirtatious with one another, both secure that it was meaningless. I'm married to Jen and she has been in a relationship with another singer, Cristiano, for as long as I've known her.
We've been talking for half an hour before she asks, "And how's Jen?"
"She's great. Still running the same non-profit. It's been, what, ten years? We've been adjusting to the kid being out of the house."
"That's right! Little Lena is in college now! Oh my god!"
"Felix."
"What?"
"She-
they
came home from a trip with Jen a few weeks ago. On the trip they declared 'they' is now their preferred pronoun and that we should call them Felix."
"That seems to be the way with this generation. I wonder if any of them still consider themselves women?"
"I know at least a couple who do," I answer, amusing myself. "And how's Cristiano?"
"Who fucking cares?" she replies before taking a large gulp of wine.
Oh, really?
"Oh? Really?"
"Yes, really. But let's keep the conversation on pleasant subjects, shall we?"
I respect the request and we move to other things. I feel my phone buzz a couple more times, but I don't look. Abbey Grace is captivating. It's not just her impossibly blue eyes or her dazzling white smile that hold me enraptured. She's a brilliant conversationalist- intelligent, whitty, and sensual. To be honest, I'm rather intimidated by her intellect. Eventually the conversation comes round to her new-found fitness.
"Rock climbing," she tells me. "Started during the pandemic. Needed something to do outside that would get all the pent-up energy out, you know?"
"Oh, I do. You know how much I love hiking."
"Oh that's right! That explains why you're one of the few pianists I know who hasn't developed a little gut."
"Oh, the gut comes and goes. You're catching me on a good week."
"I don't believe that!"
"Well, the rock climbing has certainly done wonders for you."
She sits up straight, letting me take her in.
"Oh, you think so?"
"I
know
so. And so do you. You look amazing."
"Thank you." She smiles and leans in close. "I
feel
amazing."
I'm suddenly nervous, like I'm on a first date. When I take too long to respond, she leans back again and says, "we should definitely find some time this week to make some music together. For old time's sake."
"Absolutely," I manage to squeak out. My mouth is so dry.
When I return to my room on campus, my head is spinning from one drink too many and visions of blue eyes and blonde braids.
Holy shit
, I allow myself to think,
could I have a shot with Abbey Grace?
It's hard to tell. She was flirtatious, sure, but that's always been her way. But this time was different, like there was an intention behind it.
Or maybe that's just hopeful thinking on my part? Cristiano is no longer in the picture, so maybe she feels free to finally explore feelings for me? No, she knows I'm still with Jen...
As I sit and think these same thoughts over and over again, I realize I haven't looked at my phone since before dinner. There are three messages from Chloe.
Well...?