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Chapter 10: Confidential Information
"I…" Christine's tongue felt far too large in her mouth. "Can you repeat that?"
A flicker of what looked like doubt flashed across Erik Lenoir's eyes. "You are, of course, free to decline the offer."
Christine only stared, dumbfounded. Around them, the coffee shop bustled, but right now there were only the two of them and this crazy offer from someone she looked up to. Someone who, realistically, she shouldn't need to look up to - not because of him or who he was, but because her father had always rubbed elbows with elites, being an elite himself, a famous violinist with top-charting albums. She'd met plenty of celebrities over the years. Erik Lenoir was no different…
But his music was so beautiful. And he'd always seemed so mysterious, it was hard not to see him in a league of his own.
And now, he was offering to teach her to sing. Or, re-teach her, at least.
He continued, "I understand if the answer is no. Working for me is one thing - you'd be paid, and you'd hardly ever see me - but lessons can be a very personal affair. We'd have to meet, face to face. We could engage in video calling, but I hardly like the sound quality, especially for vocal lessons." He cleared his throat. "So, of course I understand if you don't want to take lessons. I am only offering in order to be kind. Nothing more. I do not wish to make you uncomfortable."
"Um..." What was her hesitation? It should have been a resounding yes. But then she remembered why she was here in the first place. Why she'd quit. "I don't know, Mr. Lenoir."
"I understand, as I said. It's all right."
"No, it's…I think you're not really understanding…um. Sorry. It's…it's not you. It's not that I'm uncomfortable or anything."
He waited.
"Listen, you have a really beautiful voice. And…" Her cheeks heated. "Sorry, that came out kind of weird."
"It's all right." His green and brown mismatched eyes were suddenly warmer, but that was the only change in his countenance - Christine could see that even with the white mask on his face. "I'm aware of my own voice. I'm glad you also like it."
She nodded, still embarrassed despite his reassurance. "Your voice is really nice. And mine's just all right. My vocal teachers seemed okay with it, but it wasn't the most amazing voice in my class by a long shot."
"Improving your voice is the point of lessons."
"I get that. I know. But even with that…I'm not even sure if I can sing. Not anymore. Like I said, I have a really hard time with music lately."
"Yes. I know."
"So…I don't know."
"Are you afraid I will criticize you? I might offer critique but I won't be cruel. Since you have trouble singing, I doubt we will even get to vocal exercises at all for a while."
"I don't think you'll be cruel - that's not it. I just…right now, you have absolutely no opinion on my abilities one way or another. That will change once you start teaching me."
He blinked. "Are you afraid of…disappointing?" It was asked like he couldn't really believe that was a possibility. Somehow he actually sounded timid. Which was bonkers. Because…fear of disappointing him was exactly what she was afraid of.
But surely he knew how much people respected him, so of course people were intimidated by him.
And, sure, the fact that she couldn't actually see his expression did not put her at ease. It only made her feel even smaller.
Would she have eventually felt comfortable around him if she worked for him? Would she start if she accepted the lessons? Was Nadir comfortable? Was Jules?
"The mask."
Hearing Erik say such a word out of nowhere was almost like a jumpscare. She was startled.
"It's the mask."
Christine stared at him. "The mask."
His eyes rose to hers and he gestured to his own face. "Yes. The mask. It makes you uncomfortable."
"Oh - no. No…that's not…it." Yes, the reason for the mask was unknown, though there were several theories. Burn scars, a secret identity, and commitment to an artistic bit among the most popular. And yes, it was weird, but it wasn't something that put her off.
"I appreciate you not asking about it in the few times we've met," he continued.
"Oh," she said softly, "no problem."
"I…won't divulge the reason I wear it," he said. "But I do understand why it might cause you discomfort. It's not a medical mask, obviously, and you can't read my face. It is unnerving. I know that. I'm an oddity, and I am aware of that. It would be understandable if you do not want to interact with me. We can end things here, and there will be no hard feelings."
"Oh…Mr. Lenoir, that's not it." This was bizarre - the great Erik Lenoir making it sound like he might be unwanted company by her. Like a lion apologizing for making a bird uneasy. "No, I honestly just…I don't want you to think I'm talentless. That's all. I respect your opinion."
Erik's eyes softened again. "Whatever the case, I understand. I offered, and so I suppose I have repaid your father with or without you accepting the offer. Have a good day, Ms. Daaé. It has been a pleasure meeting you, I regret that the opportunity working with me did not work out, but I wish you great luck in your endeavors for a fitting career."
He rose, obviously ready to go, and some kind of demon of impulsivity overtook her. The demon must have realized that this was an insanely amazing opportunity that was now leaving the table, potentially never to return, so it took control of her voice and said, "Wait."
Erik froze.
"You're seriously offering to give me lessons?"
"Quite seriously."
She took a very, very deep breath and then said, "Well…one lesson wouldn't hurt. And…I'd be very grateful for it."
Erik nodded slowly, and she thought she saw a small smile on his lips - one of the few parts of his face she could see - though she might have imagined it. "I will be in touch with you about a good time to have our one lesson." He then turned and walked to the coffee counter, presumably to pay.
And Christine immediately unlocked her phone to text Raoul this very, very unexpected update, unsure what he'd say and needing, more than anything, a friend to offer her perspective.