Promises III
The greeting is awkward, Alejandro isn't as friendly as Jacob is, but after a while when the conversation turns to money, business and other topics I couldn't be bothered with, he becomes more bearable.
The conversations go on around me and I send small smiles and respond the best I can, but its difficult to pretend to be okay. The best I can muster up are short concise replies, making it obvious that I don't wish to talk.
All the while my mind kept drifting off to tonight.
I'm halfway into my meal when Ethan pokes my side, effectively snapping my attention to him. "You've been awfully quiet, is something the matter?"
I look up from my food, feeling Alejandro's eyes on me as I hastily wipe the food from around my mouth. When I was sad or upset, I tended to eat and sometimes I got too carried away devouring my food to realize there were people around.
I smile politely as I shake my head. "Sorry, my mind is just somewhere else."
He nods as if remembering something. "Ah yes, I heard you were quite the musician. You are performing at the opening night down at the Opera House, am I correct?"
I blink up at him, taken by total surprise. My confusion must be clear on my face because the next thing I know, he's clearing his throat with a sheepish chuckle.
"Last time we spoke you had mentioned you were into music. And I may have asked around." He shrugs. I crack a genuine smile as his eyes widen briefly."But my connection at Juilliard mentioned he's had his eyes on you. I figured you must be good for that asshole to even look your way."
A warm blush coats my cheeks at his compliment.
It was one thing to be complimented on my appearance but on my talent - especially something like my music was simply rare for me. Other than mamá no one really paid any mind to my music.
"Yes, I do have a performance actually." I speak softly, almost timidly, growing shy about something so.... Personal.
"Then why aren't you more excited. This is big, isn't opening night what? Thousands of people?"
My smile dims, "Just... Not as special anymore." I mutter not meeting his eye.
Its then that I'm made aware of the heavy gaze set on me. I lift my eyes to meet Alejandro's soft brown ones that are watching me. The emotionless mask slips for a brief moment and I'm able to catch the slight softness on his face. Something many weren't given the privilege to see.
Which tells me he must know. Know why it isn't special anymore.
For a moment my heart flutters and I don't feel alone. The relief that washes over me is instant, which also means it's extremely dangerous.
How could something as simple as a look from him make me feel so much?
I clear my throat and brush it off before I start crying, thinking about tonight. "Yeah - it's no biggie, I mean I don't even think anyone will come out-"
"I'll come."
I pause, and look forward to meet Alejandro's hard set gaze. "What?" I breathe.
"I want to watch you play." His response is low, and he's looking at me like I have all his attention.
Something warm blooms in my chest, "You do?" My voice comes out more hopeful and weak than intended.
He clears his throat and blinks, looking away. "It's about time someone other than your mamá hears you play, yes?"
My heart leaps out of my chest and I nod, the gesture meaning more than he thinks.
No ones ever wanted to hear me play. Not even mamá, I always had to force her to come until it just became a normal thing.
I crack a small genuine smile, "I'll make sure to reserve a seat for you." I promise. He nods once and it looks like he's going to say something, but Greta swoops in, grabbing his attention by whispering something in his ear.
My smile dims but the warmth is still there. He's coming to see me play and that's enough.
It was going to be hard without mamá but having Alejandro there? MyAlejandro? That meant the world to me.
And like a switch, I'm finishing my food with a small giddy smile, my thoughts and mood about tonight shifted completely.
Alejandro was slowly but surely patching the hole in my heart where loneliness and dread lied without even realizing it.
And I couldn't wait for tonight.
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