Jamie's Encore
Chapter 16 Santa Fe Trail
A/N: Family waters still troubled. Maybe even worse?
Piano Studio
"Good morning, Olivia," Caitlin remarks as she breezes into her office the next Monday. She stops, holds up her left hand and waits.
Her long-time friend does a double take, then rushes around her desk to give her boss a giant hug.
"Let me see," she excitedly exclaims. "Oh, that's beautiful! He did well, huh!" She turns Caitlin's hand this way and that.
"Yes, he did! I even pulled off my ambush as planned."
"Was he really surprised?"
"Well, since he had the ring in his pocket, I don't think he was totally caught off guard. Especially after the song the vocalist and I did. It was a semi ambush; I may still have some pay-back coming up. We shall see."
"Well, congratulations, it's about time!"
"So, what do I have on deck this morning?"
"On your desk are the 10 videos from prospective piano students; that you chose from out of the 25 that we've screened so far. And dossiers from 5 prospective vice-directors for you to peruse. We were thinking you'd interview at least 3. If you aren't impressed by 3 of these you need to decide to interview those you like or wait for more candidates. I'm thinking that as news of the July 12 concert spreads, more interests will arrive. We shall see. Is that enough, boss?"
"Quite enough. Jamie is going to bring lunch by around 12:30. Please remind me of that at 12:00."
"Will do."
"Oh, and, I'm leaving my door ajar. If you want to slip in and watch some videos, feel free."
"I think I'll be busy enough. But thanks."
Caitlin starts to watch videos; she soon has her head in her hands. "Oy! What have I gotten myself into? Let me see how Webster's defines advanced."
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11:45 OFFICE OF RAFAEL PEREZ
"Come in Caitlin, what can I do for you?"
She sits down in a comfy chair and crosses her legs. "Well, I reviewed submitted videos from 10 prospective advanced students this morning. I am going to have 4 of them play for me. The other 6 deserve a good piano teacher, but I am not acquainted with the market in our area. In other words, who are the really good teachers out there? Do you know? Who does?"
"Excellent question. Now that I think about it, I wouldn't expect you to know, having just come from NYC. Hm, let me think about that. Can I get back to you, maybe after lunch?"
"Sure. Jamie is bringing me lunch at 12:30. So, I'll be done at 1:30 or so." She gets up to leave when he exclaims-
"Wait . . . what is that on your left hand?"
She holds up her hand, "You mean this?"
"YES! Congratulations!" He rushes around his desk, gives her a big hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks Rafael!"
"When?"
"Friday evening. I asked him, ambush!"
"Good for you, girl! Congratulations, again!"
"Thanks, talk with you later."
"Yes, I'll think about your question."
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12:30 LUNCH
"Hey beautiful! I brought Mexican."
"From your favorite truck, I bet?"
"Yup. Since I moved out here my taste for Mexican food has awakened."
"I've noticed. There are other cuisines, Senor."
"Ok Senora. I'll try to not get in too deep a rut."
They continue their usual light hearted banter as they eat.
"You were going to view videos this morning. How did it go?"
"Not as well as I hoped. I viewed 10 – I am going to invite 4 to play for me."
"Being too picky, maybe?"
"Well . . . I don't think so."
"May I share with you an experience from my police career?"
"Of course."
"You remember my partner Vinny, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, my first impression of him, as his TO, was that he'd never make a good cop. If I hadn't stuck with it, and given him a chance, he might have washed out."
"He seemed like a good guy to me. A little talkative for my taste, but that's just me."
"Exactly. I gave him a chance, stuck with him, and I think he is going to be a good police officer. I'm glad that I gave him a chance. The time he needed, you know."
"Hm, I see your point . . . I do need to fill a reasonable roster of students. I will look at 2 of those 6 again. I have asked Rafael for help in identifying the top piano teachers in the area. He's going to get back to me-
"There he is! My all-star's FIANCE! NGRATULATIONS JAMESON!" Rafael barges in and gives Jamie a bear hug.
"Thanks Rafael! I'm happy as a clam!"
"I can tell. I'll wait out here Caitlin, I've got some info for you."
Jamie gives her a kiss or two, and slips out.
Rafael slips in. "I called 2 pianists I know, and 3 orchestra members. Here is a list of 6 piano teachers that they would recommend to you."
"Do you think any of those teachers would be offended if I asked to talk with them? Kind of check them out?"
"I think if you approached it as a get acquainted thing, that it would be ok. Be careful not to come across as the high and might judge, you know what I mean?"
"I do. Thanks Rafael."
"Again, congratulations!"
"Thanks."
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STATEN ISLAND, NYC
Danny, Linda and the boys are having dinner. Danny is home with the family – he misses family dinners all too often.
"Dad," Jack speaks up. "Could I go out to San Diego for one semester, half of my senior year, and attend a Spanish speaking high school? I'd really like to do immersion, and learn Spanish really well."
"There's not that much need for Spanish around here. Take me for example. My partner, Baez, covers that need for us. What are you thinking, son?"
"Wel, Nicky is transferring to San Diego State; and I'd like to go to college out there too."
"Danny, Jack asked me about this. I said it sounded like an ok idea. But that he'd need to talk with you before he made a final decision."
"So, you approved it, Lin?" Danny huffs.
"No, I said it sounded like an ok idea. But he would need to talk with you." Linda frowns, she hopes this doesn't blow up on her and Jack.
"Looks like uncle Jamie is pulling everyone west!" Sean mutters.
Jack responds, "Well, we all should have the chance as to where we go to university, and where we live! Or whether we go to university at all."
Danny stabs at his food, "I'm going to call the kid, and ask him what's going on!"
"Dad, uncle Jamie didn't say anything about this. It was my idea," Jack declares.
"Yeah, after Nicky put the idea in your head," Sean complains.
"Boys, that's enough!" Linda tries to calm things down.
Dinner settles down, the duration is rather like a mausoleum.
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CORONADO CONDO
Jamie's cell rings, it's his older brother.
"Hi Danny, long time no talk! What's up in New York?"
"Hey kid, are you trying to further split the family? Huh?"
"What are you talking about?" Jamie has a bad feeling.
"You already got Nicky coming out west, did you have to recruit Jack too?"
"Hey, none of this is or was my idea. I am just responding to questions or requests. What's with Jack?"
"He wants to spend half of his senior year immersed in a Spanish speaking high school. So he can prepare for SDSU. You don't know about this?"
"He did mention it in a call last week-
"I knew it! You ass!"
"Just a damn minute. He brought it up. I just gave him my opinion, after he asked for it. You're out of line here Danny!"
"Well, you and your girlfriend just mind your own damn business. Stay out of my family's business! You hear me?"
"Loud and clear. Bye!"
"Bye!"
Caitlin cocks her head, "You didn't tell him about this," she raises her left hand.
He takes her hand and kisses her ring. "It didn't end up being that kind of call. Man, you'd think we moved to another planet, or something."
"That bad?"
"That bad."
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LATER IN BED
"Jamie?"
"Yes sweetheart?"
"What do you think of those two inquiries I've had. You know, for concerts. Carnegie Hall in NYC, and the Punchbowl in Hawaii. That last one is for July 4th."
"You know that I will support you wherever and whenever you perform. Always, unless I absolutely cannot get away because of SDPD business."
"But, a concert in NYC?"
"Well, right now, going back to NYC is not high on my list. Sorry."
"I thought so. What about Hawaii, hm?"
"That would be high on my list!" He grins in the dark.
"I thought so. I'm going to make a call and check it out."
"When is your next concert here?"
"Probably Valentine's Day. We're going to finalize that decision next week."
"February 14, then July 4. Is that too tight a schedule, babe?"
"It depends on the compositions selected. I doubt that will be problematic. I'll have to wait and see."
"A vacation in Hawaii with my beautiful . . . ah, what will you be by then?"
"Nice segue, lover boy. We do have a wedding to plan. It seems like you have some troubled waters to calm down too! What can I do to help?"
"Just love me."
"Deal," she snuggles closer.
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TBC