Read Story: SEASON 2 EPISODE 149

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Saturday, September 14th, 6:41 pm

The limo door opened, and I stepped out onto the sidewalk, giving a nod to the attendant as I held out my hand. Natalie’s fingers slid into mine, her weight pressing into me as she used the leverage to climb out. One white high heel struck the pavement, then the other, and she straightened with her eyes still closed, facing forward.

“Okay,” I said, grinning. “You can open them now.”

Natalie’s eyes fluttered open, and I watched surprise bloom into genuine delight as she took in the beauty of the David Geffen Hall, which housed the Philharmonic Orchestra. Her mouth fell open, her breath catching as the realization hit. Watching that moment—watching wonder and awe spread across her face—was one of the best things I’d ever seen.

She turned to me, eyes bright, shining. “The Philharmonic Orchestra!? Marcus, we just decided on a date this morning!”

God, I probably looked like a schoolboy the way I grinned back at her. “I wanted to make sure you had a good time.”

“But… how!?”

I squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy the night.”

I led her up the steps as the limo door shut behind us. At the top, a woman by the doorway collecting tickets gave us a warm smile. “Welcome! We are so happy to have you!”

“Thanks,” I said as we stepped inside.

Natalie glanced over her shoulder. “We didn’t have to turn in tickets?”

“Not us,” I said. In reality, one of my security detail had shown up earlier and already arranged it all.

I halted just past the entrance and let myself take it all in. The lobby was gorgeous—gilded light fixtures gleaming on the walls, monstrous chandeliers hanging overhead, the kind that would kill a man instantly if they ever fell. Dark wood trim polished to a mirror shine framed every entrance and window. Marble flooring stretched beneath us, the kind that cost more than an entire suburban neighborhood.

People milled about in gowns and tuxedos, glittering jewels at their throats and fingers. Each one clutched a program that probably cost more to design than most people’s monthly salary. The low, indistinct hum of hundreds of murmuring voices filled the air.

It occurred to me this might have been the first truly high-end function I’d ever attended.

I glanced at Natalie—and for a second, I forgot to breathe.

She was resplendent in champagne silk. The dress draped across her back, exposing smooth caramel skin down to her lower spine. The front was more conservative, though no less breathtaking: a soft, draped curtain that revealed the swell of her breasts and the beginnings of deep cleavage. It gathered at her shoulders in small bunches, doing its best impression of a toga while still undeniably a dress. It cinched at her waist, showing off the flare of her hips, then spilled down her right leg, wrapping around the left. When she stood still, she was covered from ankle to waist. When she moved, though, the skirt parted to reveal flashes of her silky smooth legs—and if she walked quickly enough, it might even bare her to the hip.

Her hair was piled high, with loose strands framing her face. Her makeup was flawless: liner and mascara that made her eyes look impossibly large, foundation and blush that emphasized her sharp cheekbones, and lips painted just a shade darker than her skin. Even her nails were painted to match.

There were plenty of beautiful people here. But the girl on my arm… she outshone them all.

Natalie looked like she belonged here. With these people. With me.

She turned those big brown eyes on me and broke into a huge smile when she caught me staring. “Where are our seats?”

I glanced around the massive lobby. “Eh…”

The problem was, I had no idea. According to Erin, someone was supposed to—

“Mr. Upton?”

I turned. A tall, portly man pushed through the crowd toward us, eyes fixed on me with barely hidden relief.

“Yes, sir?”

“Ah!” The man’s whole demeanor shifted, stress vanishing in an instant. “Thank heavens! I was afraid I missed you. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to your seats.”

I looked back at Natalie, took her hand. “Our seats are this way, milady.”

I heard her squeal softly as she followed.

Our escort—Simon, as he introduced himself—led us through the throng of one-percenters and into a side hallway. At the end, he opened a large paneled wooden door and beckoned us in.

Inside was a single row of seats upholstered in dark violet fabric, perched on a low balcony that overlooked the stage. Close enough to catch every detail of the performance, far enough back not to be overwhelmed. The perfect vantage point.

Two of the seats were folded down, gilded brochures laid across them, tied with golden cord in neat bows.

“We hope you enjoy the suite,” Simon said. “If you need anything—anything at all—please don’t hesitate. An attendant will be just outside the door. He’ll escort you out during intermission. Is there anything else I can get you before the show begins?”

“No, thank you,” I said. I glanced at Natalie. “Everything’s perfect.”

Simon gave a knowing little smile, then bowed out and shut the door behind him.

Natalie whirled on me. “Marcus! Seriously! How!?”

I only smiled, brushing my thumb gently along her cheek. “Apparently, money moves mountains.”

“This is too much!”

“I’d move more than mountains for you.”

I felt ridiculous the moment I said it—but it worked. Natalie’s eyes welled, her lip caught between her teeth. “Oh, Marcus…”

Right then, a few tuneless notes sounded—the signal for patrons to take their seats.

I picked up the gilded brochures and set them aside so Natalie and I could sit.

The noise of the strings died off, replaced by the murmur of the crowd below as people gathered and began to take their seats. Natalie leaned over, peering at the plebes beneath us who weren’t able to enjoy her position in the audience.

Eventually, she glanced sideways, caught me watching her, and grinned like a schoolgirl. She sat back in her seat. “Thank you for this.”

“I’m just relieved this was something you’d want to do.”

“Are you kidding? This is a dream.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and gave me a shy look. “I used to play the cello in high school. I even started in college…”

“You’ve mentioned it a couple of times,” I said. “It’s one of the reasons why I picked this. You always seem to really enjoy classical music.”

Her shyness deepened. “Sorry…”

“No!” I said quickly. “I’m glad you told me.”

I glanced down at the stage. “Did you ever want to play? Like this?”

Natalie nodded, her voice wistful. “I really wish I’d followed through with it.”

“Maybe you can play for me sometime.”

Her cheeks darkened, but she seemed pleased. “It’s been too long.”

The din below began to quiet as the lights dimmed. I looked down to see all the musicians settling into place. A moment later, the entire auditorium went dark, leaving only the orchestra bathed in light.

The audience clapped as a man strode out onto the stage. He stopped midway, turned, and bowed before stepping into a small alcove at the bottom of the stage. The applause dwindled, then died. Silence.

And then the music began.