Chapter 38 Christianna
Chapter thirty-eight
Christianna
I grit my teeth as the second chair makes yet another error. Months of listening to him half-try have taken its toll. It’s like once he was awarded second chair, he quit altogether.
I glance down at my music and stop holding myself back.
Maestro Earl claps his hands once, sharp and final.
“Daye. Second chair.”
“Rasmussen. You’re done for the day.”
My eyes widen for half a second before I school my face. Rasmussen shoots me a filthy look as he packs up, but I don’t look away.
I lift my violin and take the seat.
Liu, first chair, glances over and gives a single, approving nod.
A small, gleeful clap carries down from above.
Meg.
I allow myself a smile.
We finish rehearsal, and something settles in me.
The change feels right. Earned.
Pride, I realize.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt it, the sensation almost surprises me.
I’m walking toward my car when I hear it.
“ChrisTIANNA!”
I turn, walking backward, and see Meg hurrying toward me, a devilish grin on her face.
She throws her arms around me. “I’m so damned proud of you. Seriously, how Rasmussen ever pulled his head out of his ass long enough to land second chair, I will never know.”
I throw my head back and laugh, the sound unguarded. We haven’t done this in a long time.
I grab her free hand with mine.
“Let’s go celebrate.”