Keynote Legends
T he light trickled in, and it was most likely around seven in the morning. Julian was nowhere to be found, while it was safe to assume that he’d left for a business meeting in another time zone. I’d always admired his drive, which was part of the countless reasons why I’d been so attracted to him. I couldn’t be with someone who wandered and had no goals in life.
I allowed myself a few moments of sweet reverie when I heard my phone vibrate. My eyebrows furrowed once I snatched it to check the incoming message. The person interested in me the most this morning was my father. We hadn’t spoken in more than a year.
Hey, I read your article in Apogee. Great job with it, it started off a bit slow but you have potential.
Was it meant to be a compliment? What a strange way to open a conversation with the daughter that he’d once abandoned because of a career choice. I was sure that my dad heard of my success, which possibly prompted his renewed curiosity in me. Maybe some part of him still felt the family connection between us, but it wasn’t the unconditional love that parents usually had for their kids. He’d damned me when I hadn’t been fulfilling expectations, then accepted me when I suddenly did. I’d take my time to respond, if ever at all.
I dragged myself out of bed to our espresso machine. Coffee had always been the liquid of accomplishment in my life. I usually started the day with a strong black coffee, no sugar, so today was no different. The first sip hit just right, warming me from the inside out.
“Alexa, play my favorite Spotify podcast,” I exclaimed loud enough so the microphone on the other side of the room could detect my voice. The Alexa had been a great gift from Julian, just one of the many thoughtful things he’d done for me in the recent months.
“Good morning, Lucie, your favorite podcast Soundwaves . Episode 8 is the newest one out. Would you like to play it?” Alexa’s robotic voice double-checked.
“Absolutely,” I replied, excited to see who was coming up next. My best friend Valentina had gotten me hooked after we listened to a Machine Gun Kelly interview together. I might have a respectable job now, but deep down, I’d always carry a bit of that emo spirit. For me, it was tied to feeling alive, and perhaps to being an artist in my own way. I looked forward to hearing what band was on.
“Welcome, music lovers, to another exciting episode of “Soundwaves”! I’m your host, Danny, and today we’re diving into a world where classical elegance meets pop pizzazz. Buckle up, because we’re about to introduce you to a musical sensation that’s taking the world by storm. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the one and only !”
I wasn’t familiar with the band, but the upbeat, catchy intro with its piano riffs caught my attention, so I decided to stay and see what they had to offer.
“That was just a taste of what’s in store from these incredibly talented performers. is not your average piano boy group. They’ve redefined what it means to merge classical piano with contemporary pop, and trust me, you’re going to want to hear all about them.” The host began with an introduction.
I wondered if they were similar to the Piano Guys, the group I often played when I was trying to get inspired while writing my articles. Their music always had a way of clearing my mind, helping me focus on the words that needed to flow onto the page.
“So, who are these virtuosos? Let’s break it down. is a dynamic quartet of young pianists, each bringing their own unique flair and style to the table. With their exceptional piano skills and charismatic stage presence, they’ve captivated audiences worldwide.”
I decided to refill my mug, savoring the slow morning while continuing to overdose on caffeine. Thankfully, I didn’t have to be at the office until 9AM, so I had plenty of time for self-care today.
“Joining us is one of the members of , the talented and charming James Stone! Welcome to the show!” The intro music started, and my heart skipped a beat, almost sending my cup flying out of my hand. No way could it be…
“Thanks for having me, Alex! I’m thrilled to be here and excited to chat about and our journey so far,” responded a familiar voice that used to cut through me like a knife at the lowest points of my existence.
“Absolutely! So, let’s start from the beginning. How did come together? What sparked the idea of forming a piano boy band?”
I moved over to the Alexa, determined not to miss a single word. The last I’d heard, James had gotten into Juilliard, so his newfound success was only a partial surprise. I had always believed he was destined for greatness, but it stung to realize he needed to reach that height without me. It felt as though I had to carry his burdens, sacrificing parts of myself, for him to become who he was meant to be.
“Well, it all started with a shared passion for piano and a desire to push the boundaries of what people expect from piano music. We were all friends from different musical backgrounds, and we realized that blending our styles could create something truly unique. We wanted to bring the elegance of classical piano into the modern pop scene in a way that feels fresh and exciting.” He explained, his voice filled with excitement, as if the memory of their beginnings still sparked a fire in him.
This probably wasn’t healthy for me—hearing his voice again. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of relief, knowing he was still conquering his demons. Where there had once been love, there would always be a trace of it, lingering like a soft echo in the background of my heart.
“It’s such a unique concept! Your debut album, Rhythms of Elegance , has been getting rave reviews. Can you tell us a bit about the creative process behind it?” The host continued the interview, pulling me in like a Netflix binge.
“Absolutely! Rhythms of Elegance was a result of utmost creativity. We spent countless hours in the studio experimenting with different sounds and arrangements.”
Next, the podcast played a sample of his song . The melody instantly made me nostalgic—it felt quintessentially James: deep, sensitive, but almost mathematical.
“Our goal was to create a fusion that respects classical traditions while embracing contemporary trends. We worked with some amazing producers and songwriters who really understood our vision, and the result is an album that we’re incredibly proud of.”
I contemplated turning off the podcast, but I couldn’t bring myself to stop listening. James, after all, had been the one I’d imagined someday marrying. My longest relationship had ended in tragedy, but I’d somehow resurrected myself next to Julian, trying to move forward. Then, at some point, I realized Julian was the one—the person who made me feel whole again, in a way I hadn’t known I needed.
“And it shows! Each track on the album has its own distinct vibe while still staying true to the sound. What can fans expect from your live performances?”
James breathed into the microphone with an attractive, yet quite high-pitched voice for a male. “Our live shows are where we really get to connect with the audience. We love to interact with our fans and make each performance a memorable experience. Expect a high-energy show with lots of surprises—whether it’s a classical piece with a modern twist or a crowd favorite that gets everyone singing along, we aim to keep things fresh!”
The host immediately reacted: “That sounds amazing! Can you share any upcoming projects or plans that has in the works?
“Definitely! We’re currently working on some new music that we can’t wait to share. We’ve also got a tour planned for this summer, which we’re super excited about. We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and keep our fans engaged, so stay tuned for some exciting announcements! There’s always plenty of inspiration in our band to write songs,” he assured everyone.
I really had no idea he’d gotten this successful. With his looks and talent, he certainly had a good shot at becoming the next teen girl idol. It seemed like he’d actually become that.
“Your band is often compared to a modern, darker version of *NSYNC. What’s your take on that? I have to ask.”
There was a brief laugh before the response came, cool and composed. “I think labels are for the fans to define. We just make the music we feel. Personally, I am not fond of comparisons.”
“Great answer.” The host continued. “Can’t help to ask, but what’s your biggest inspiration in making music now, James?”
He had always been the type to speak carefully, so I knew that whatever he’d say would be a blend of meaningful and witty. I didn’t know him well enough to predict the answer anymore.
“Well, most artists get their inspiration from real life. For me, my biggest inspiration comes from a relationship with a girl.” His voice was steady, almost casual, but there was a hint of vulnerability buried beneath his words.
He’d always been quite the romantic, so it didn’t surprise me. Was he going to talk about Andrea, the girl he’d left me for? Was Valentina right that she’d turn into a regret? Andrea had been the girl with whom he’d cheated on me, well, we’d been almost broken up, our fights only increasing in intensity, but still, at no point had he said it was over for us.
“Yes indeed, love is a great inspiration. Is she currently your girlfriend?” The host needled him. Most artists weren’t open to sharing their private lives, so I anticipated a brick wall there.
“No, she’s a girl who, unfortunately, slipped away,” James confessed to his audience. “I became reckless, and in doing so, I hurt her in ways I can never take back. My life has never been the same since she walked out of it.”
Shit. This had nothing to do with Andrea. There was no way that she’d ever leave him. She stuck to James like chewing gum on the sole of a shoe.
“Sorry to hear that,” the host offered some sympathy. “It’s certainly inspired beautiful music, though. “Anything else you’d like to share on this topic of inspiration?”
“Not quite.” James left the audience with an enticing mystery, hanging in the air like a secret just out of reach. If he was even somewhat famous, his fans would be desperate to uncover the identity of his elusive muse.
I swallowed hard. Could it be that I was the girl he was talking about?
“Well, before we wrap it up, would you like to share with us details about your next album in the making?”
“At the moment it’s looking like next year, but we can’t work under pressure so fans got to stay tuned. They can, however, look forward to a spectacular collection of songs. We plan to isolate ourselves in the desert to let creativity flow.” He guaranteed an extraordinary outcome.
“Fantastic! We’ll be eagerly awaiting your next move. Thank you so much for joining us today, James It’s been a pleasure getting to know more about . And to all our listeners out there, if you haven’t checked out yet, do yourself a favor and give them a listen. You can find them on all streaming platforms and be sure to follow them on social media for the latest updates. This has been “Soundwaves,” and we’ll catch you next time with more incredible music and stories. Until then, keep the music alive!
As usual, the artist on the podcast played a piece of music at the end. The tune of the piano filled the room, soft and haunting, because just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, it confirmed my worst fear. It was a longer, slightly altered version of the piece James had composed for me while I was studying abroad in France.
Any other day I would have been so happy to learn that I was still the girl he treasured in his life. But Julian wouldn’t be pleased to hear this news reaching the public. If only they knew the girl in that interview was Lucie Benton—then the press would have a field day. And just like that, the world would know everything they weren’t supposed to.
“This exceeds my wildest expectations,” Valentina stirred the pot of my boiling emotions. “How dare he bring you up in an interview like this.” She sounded protective and fierce. Even over the phone, it was clear that the male population could still get her fired up like nothing else. Maybe that’s why she was on a perpetual mission to crush their hearts and move onto her next boyfriend flavor of the month.
“It came at the worst time,” I sighed while fishing for my house keys. I needed the fresh air, so I’d decided to walk to the office unlike most days. Bundled up in a sturdy coat with a cap, I left our apartment complex through the main gate. Will gave me a disapproving look, then hurried into the garage to be able to drive near me at turtle speed.
“I guess you were right that Andrea wasn’t his happy ending in the end.” I couldn’t help but get a guilty satisfaction out of it, because I still cared if James ended up with someone who wasn’t such a bad influence.
“It’s obvious that he’s talking about you,” she seemed to be on the same page with me that the romance James described as his main inspiration was our college relationship. She had been my roommate for most of the time, witnessing each unfortunate milestone of our eventual downfall. After all my doubts, James managed to earn my trust, only to shatter me in the end in ways that first love never should.
“You have to share with this Julian, Lucie, before the media finds out who the mystery girl is first.” She warned, her voice softening nevertheless.
“You want me to tell him that my ex is now a piano rockstar—if that’s even the right term—and that he claims I’m his inspiration? I don’t think it will go well, Val, please don’t make me.” I furrowed my eyebrows. Julian wouldn’t like this one bit, and I could already picture how he’d react.
“When was the last time you spoke with James anyway?” Val pondered.
I looked back and it was still the day that we’d reunited with Julian. “5 th December last year,” I knew the date exactly because it matched the date of a psychic prediction. The one that we’d get back together with Julian. Just thinking of him made me feel better. We’d weather this storm too, I just didn’t want to add this to his plate right before his grand opening in Dubai.
“Lu, you have a great memory.”
“Same day as the rest of my life started,” I hoped she’d know I was referring to the day that I’d officially become Julian’s girlfriend again. Either she understood, or she didn’t question why I remembered the exact date.
“What about talking this out with Oliver? Maybe he can do some damage control?”
It wasn’t a terrible suggestion, but I still cringed at the idea of having to explain everything to Julian’s security guard, who seemed far too serious to be dealing with an untethered love interest from my past. But it was his job to attend to Julian’s best interests and even play the role of PR at times. And I was sure he had people on his team who could figure out a way to silence James.
“Another option is to talk it out with James. I’m sure if you tell him how you feel, he’ll back off, Lucie,” Val suggested. “James wasn’t heartless, and it seems like he’s trying to make up for what he did to you.”
It surprised me that she gave him some credit, but it was also a fair assessment of his character.
“Yeah, it’s come to that,” I concluded. “I’ll call today, assuming I can still get through on his old phone number.” I sighed. “He seems to have quite a following.”
“Let me know how it goes.”
“Most definitely...” My voice cracked. The thought of discussing an old love that had turned toxic made my stomach burn. By the end of it all, James had not only spiraled into addiction but had crossed a few unforgivable lines with me—lines I’d rather not remember. I couldn’t help but sulk at the bitter irony of it all.
I heard a thud as seemingly, Val was moving boxes. “Babe, sorry, I got to run, I am about to meet with the leasing company for our second shop,” she excused herself.
“Good luck, I can’t wait to visit it!” I cheered her on. Lately, a lot of my new wardrobe had come from Val’s designs—I wanted to support her, and thankfully, I now had the funds to do it.
“Speak soon, love!” she ended the call. “And keep me posted.”
“Yeah,” my mood deflated like a punctured balloon, the thought of reaching out to an ex twisting my gut. Exes, they had a way of slipping back into your life—bringing with them a flood of old wounds, old dreams, forgotten pieces of you that never quite healed.
The only reason I felt I could bring myself to do it was because this wasn’t about me—it was for Julian.