Search for the White Moon by Natalie London

Author:Natalie London [London, Natalie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780908351480
Publisher: Affinity Ebook Press NZ LTD
Published: 2016-02-28T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Tuesday morning Adriana’s manager, Jack, drove us to the airport in his black Mercedes. Maria sat up in front next to him as they carried on an animated discussion of their favorite Italian dishes. I sat in back with Adriana, exhausted after a mostly sleepless night. When I had finally fallen asleep toward dawn, I dreamed of Kitty begging me not to leave her and Michele issuing stern warnings about the dangers of the trip.

I wondered how Adriana felt about flying to Paris to step into a major role on short notice, but when I looked over at her, she appeared calm and happy.

Turning to me she smiled, reached over, and pressed my hand. “Kathryn, I’m so glad you are going with me.”

I relaxed and sank into the soft leather of the seat.

After checking in and going through security we walked to our gate. We heard our flight announced and our seating row called. Embraces and kisses descended on Adriana.

Jack shook my hand. “Take good care of Adriana,” he ordered.

I even got a brief hug from Maria who added, “Have a safe trip.”

Seated in the business class next to Adriana, I fastened my seat belt. The plane taxied down the runway and then rose in the air. The lights were dimmed after drinks and the meal.

Wide awake now, I wanted to hear about the rehearsal schedule ahead for Adriana. “What’s going to happen in the next few weeks?”

Adriana arranged her pillow and blanket and leaned back. “For the next three weeks we have studio rehearsals with a piano accompanist, and then the stage rehearsals begin.”

“You don’t rehearse with the orchestra?”

“Not yet, but separate orchestral and choral rehearsals are taking place with the conductor and chorus master. Two days before opening night we have a dress rehearsal.”

All I could think of was what a grueling schedule she faced. I wondered where I would fit in and how I could help her.

Adriana turned toward me. “Kathryn, do you regret this decision, leaving everyone behind to go off with me like this for such a long time?” Her dark eyes were anxious.

I realized she knew nothing about how lonely my personal life was or how I felt about her. “No, I’m really looking forward to this,” I said, hoping to put us both at ease.

She reached over and pulled up my blanket. “Try to get some sleep now.” She touched my arm and added softly, “We will have a good time.”

Despite her reassuring words, I was suddenly apprehensive about going to a strange city with a woman described by Michele as dangerous, even though I knew she was wrong.

I didn’t think I could get to sleep, but I must have, because when I opened my eyes the cabin was light, people were moving around, and I could smell the aroma of coffee.

Adriana was watching me and smiling. “You didn’t have any trouble sleeping, that’s good.” She looked rested and fresh.

†

After we landed and cleared customs, a driver met us and drove us to our hotel.

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