Unfaithful

"Normally this last minute business just isn't done, but Meg spoke very highly of you when she came in this morning." The heavy accent took another breath before continuing. "So do you want the 3 o'clock interview slot?"

"Today?" Christine's grip on the phone tightened. "I don't know."

"Look hon, There wasn't a three o'clock until Meg begged for it to be set up. Take it or leave it."

"Well I guess I will have to take it then."

" Alright I've got you down , hon. You need to bring a cover letter, resume, references, and performance recordings are always good...if you have them." She paused, Christine hearing the clack of a computer keyboard. "Yes that's it...be here a few minutes early. Any questions?"

"No. Thank you." Christine hung up the phone, surprised at the light tremor of her hand.

Ok, calm down...calm down. You've sang in front of hundreds of people...organized huge charity benefits, spoke at women's luncheons...I can do this.

She stood, catching her reflection in the mirror. I can do this.

The phone rang, and seeing Raoul's number on the caller ID, Christine was tempted not to answer it.

He'll just start calling your cell until you answer...

She considered how peaceful the morning had been and decided to play along.

"Hello?"

"Hey sweetheart...how are you?"

About the same as when you left an hour ago. "Fine, fine. What did you need?"

"Oh I had a meeting cancelled. Thought we would have lunch at the new Italian place on 57th."

"Sorry I can't Raoul."

"What? I already made a reservation."

"Well I'm sorry, I guess you forgot."

"Forgot what?"

"I called the Lyric just a few minutes ago. I have an interview at 3 today."

"You're really going to go through with that?"

"I told you I was." Don't let him talk you out of this...not this time. "And I have to get ready and everything so lunch isn't going to happen today."

"Fine catch up with you when I get home. May be late...bye."

"Bye." And thanks for wishing me luck.

~~~~~~~

The building housing the Manhattan Lyric Opera was more impressive than Christine had imagined. While smaller than the Metropolitan's massive complex, its modern interior was beautifully appointed. Christine walked through the lobby, trying not to look a tourist as she let her gaze wander.

"May I help you?"

The voice pulled Christine's attention to her left. An information desk and directory was situated beside a pair of elevators, a lady of about 50 behind it.

"Yes. I have an interview at three. Where are the offices located?"

"Oh, all you have to do is hop on the elevator here to the 4th floor, take a right, and you'll see the Lyric's offices."

"Thank you."

Christine entered the elevator, pulling at her gray suit jacket before pushing the 4th button.. She bit her lips nervously.

Here goes nothing.
~~

The elevator door opened and Christine straightened her shoulders, putting on her most confident air. Just as the lady had said, the offices appeared almost immediately to her right. As she opened the door, a brunette looked up from her computer.

"May I help you?"

Christine recognized the voice as the one from her morning phone conversation. "Yes. I'm Christine Chagney. I have an interview scheduled for three o'clock."

"Oh right, I spoke to you this morning." She motioned to a trio of chairs along the wall. "Just have a seat. He's still meeting with the two o'clock."

"Thanks." Taking a seat, Christine glanced around the room. Framed posters of several productions hung upon the walls. Numerous doors led off the waiting area, each labeled with the person's name and job.

Directly across her view Christine read the door plaque. Erik Copland, Music Director.

Copland...Copland...hmm wonder if he's related to Aaron Copland? Christine tried to remember her music history courses. Of course if he's a direct relative, a son or nephew or something he is probably well past sixty. Christine stared at the door, picturing an Aaron Copland clone, large nose, bushy eyebrows and all, conducting interviews. She smiled as she remembered the caracatures of the famous composer. I should ask Meg, with all of Copland's ballet music she would probably know.

Christine blinked back into the present as the door opened, a lady in bright green walking out. She turned back and shook an offered hand.

"Thank you very much for coming in."

Oh no....that voice...no...

"We should have a decision made by this Friday."

Oh God please no this isn't funny....

The lady replied her thanks and turned, exiting the office with a smirk at Christine.

The tall muscular form of Erik Copland filled the doorway. He glanced down at a clipboard before meeting Christine's eyes. "Christine Chagney?"

"That's me." She stood, waiting for the bolt of lightning to strike her.

He smiled, stepping aside with arm extended. "Let's get started shall we?"

Christine hoped her face didn't look as hot as she felt, as she walked across and into the office, the office of the same man she had fantasized about the previous night.

Oh god....

TBC