Chapter 8
Daniel
I arrive early the next day. Cara is racing out before the car parked, we are driving to the center.
She’s running inside just like the other kids and I’m trailing behind.
This time, Cole A is already with Ms K. They are listening to music.
I watch the kids each file in, with a smile, waving and fist bumping Ms K and Cole A.
I get closer and Ms K smiles, but Cole A’s face is stoic, and I can tell he doesn't like me. I don’t have anything to say to her, so here goes making shit up.
“Hi,” I say to them.
“Hi, Uncle Dan,” she said, her smile bright, “what can I do for you?” Did I hear a playful tilt in her voice?
"Is there an opportunity for Cara to perform at the event?" She smiles and moves closer to me. I hear Cole A subtly scoff.
“You don’t give up, do you?” she says.
“Not when it makes Cara happy. You had to see her on the drive home yesterday, and today she was waiting by the door before I pulled up.”
“Most of the kids are happy to be in the event. Right now, the event group is complete, but I’m letting kids I privately teach join and practice with them.
If any of the kids in the event group fall sick, or if we decide to have a larger group, then my private lesson kids can join.
For now, it’s a no, but if things change, Cara would be first on my list.” Her response is delivered succinctly with a hint of “don’t push your luck”.
I smirk inwardly, knowing I’m going to push every button.
“Thank you. That would mean a lot.”
“Can we talk about the—” I say but the bell goes off, and the kids are immediately moving to their positions. I know it’s time to leave, so I walk out with the other parents waving goodbye to Cara.
I find Andrea outside on the phone, she signals for me to wait. I nod in agreement.
She turns to me once she’s done. “Hey, nice to see you again.” Her voice is chirpy.
“Nice to see you too.”
“Any chance I can count on you as a sponsor for the program?” Yep, she exhibits that no BS attitude.
“Sure, what do you need?”
“A lady just informed us that she still has four tickets; we thought all tickets were sold out.”
“I’ll take all four.”
Her eyes widen.
“For real?!” she questions, like I couldn’t possibly be serious.
“Yes, for real. I was told the tickets were sold out.”
“So, we all thought, until thirty minutes ago, when she said someone changed their mind about the tickets.”
“Lucky me, then. How do I pay you?”
“Cash or you can transfer to this account?” She hands me the flyer. I take the flyer from her and call Patrick.
“Boss,” he answers right away.
“Hey, I need you to transfer four thousand to the account that I will be sending to you, right away.”
“Okay, send me the details.” I hang up and send him the information, then turn to Andrea.
“Done. You should receive the funds in a few minutes.”
She smiles.
“I knew, I liked you."
“You’ll have those tickets by the end of the program today?”
“Absolutely and thank you. You just saved the day.”
I nod and head towards where Zack is parked. Once seated in the car, I call Declan.
"Hey," he says, the word hanging in the crisp air.
“I just bought four tickets for the events.”
“That’s good news. Turns out Anne had promised three of the five we bought to her Twin, Dele and Luke. I called Lande after we spoke and she said tickets were sold out.”
“Apparently, someone turned down four about thirty minutes ago.”
“Perfect timing. If you don’t have anyone for the tickets, I will take them from you.”
“I might save two for my sister and her ex. I’m hopeful Cara might get to perform, and the last one for Bruce.” Maggie would be happy to get a ticket, turns out by the time Ms K invited her private lesson kids to join, the tickets were already sold out. Now I just need to push for Cara to perform.
“Okay, cool. But let me know if you don’t use them all. Anne’s best friend and my sister want one.”
“Sounds good.” I hung up. I smile, knowing the universe is working in my favor, and I realize that Andrea is my ally. Cole A is a work in progress.