Chapter 9 - Emily's Audition
One year after the gala, Emily auditioned for the Manhattan Conservatory youth program.
I tried not to interfere.
Failed spectacularly.
“Your tempo is rushing.”
“Mom.”
“The third movement—”
“Mom.”
“And your left hand—”
“MOM.”
I stopped.
She sighed.
“I need you to be my mother right now.”
Not my teacher.
I understood.
At the audition, Emily chose not to play The Winter Garden.
That surprised everyone.
She performed Mozart.
Then a short composition of her own.
Afterward, one judge asked:
“Why didn't you perform your mother's famous piece?”
Emily answered:
“Because I want to know if you like my playing when my last name isn't doing the work.”
I almost fell out of my chair.
She was accepted.
Not because of the gala.
Not because Alexander Whitmore liked her.
Not because she exposed Victor.
Because she was good.
May you like
That mattered more than anything.
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