SHATTERED NOTES
The city glittered under the weight of the approaching evening.
Tower light flickered one by one, mirroring stars on the concrete
skyline.
Sarah stood near the corner of 7th and maple, clutching a brown
envelop to the chest. Inside it was a flyer for an open audition at the
monarch. One of the city's most elite lounges known for launching
unknown singers into stardom.
This was it.
Her chance.
A silver of the dream shed nursed for years.
She had heard about it through a fellow housemaid who once dated
a bartender, there they were looking for a fresh voice.
Someone raw.
Someone real.
Sarah, encouraged by jack recent compliment, had mustard the courage to
submit a short recording anonymously. To her shock, they called her in.
As she entered the velvet-lined doors of the lounge, the air smelled of roses
and whisky. Everything gleamed polished wood, golden drapes, crystal light.
A hostess led her back stage where she waited with trembling hands.
Sarah?. A deep voice called , she turned.
A man in a deep purple suit stood in the doorway.
I'm Lenny vega.
Talent scout for the lounge.
Let's talk.
He didn't smile.
He didn't shake her hand.
She followed him into a private office dimly lit by a red lamb.
A piano stood in the corner.
You've got something, he said .
Tapping his cigarette on a crystal ashtray. That voice of yours it's got soul.
But this industry doesn't run on soul alone , you understand?
Sarah nodded, unsure.
You want a spot on our friday night lineup? he asked,
looking at her closely.
Yes, desperately. She whispered.
Good, he said and the stood.
Walked over.
Then we can help each other .
The change in his tone sent a chill down her spine.
I know what you are thinking, he said, Stepping closer.
But don't act shocked, it's how it works.
One night. Thats all.
You do that, i guarantee you will be performing here by next week.
Sarah heart dropped.
The words felt like ice down her neck, she backed away slowly.
No...I can't.
Lenny sighed, annoyed.
Then you are not serious. Don't waste my time, sweetheart.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she turned and fled before he could say more.
Out on the sidewalk, the cool nigh air stung her face, she leaned against the brick wall,
shaking, her heart racing.
Her dream....had turned into a nightmare.
Another man offering opportunity in exchange for dignity.
She didn't remember walking home, the city light blurred.
Through her tears.
When she arrived at the Roberts estate, she didn't go to her room.
Instead, she walked toward the garden.
Curled up on a stone bench, and cried.
Sarah?
She froze, it was Jack.
He approached slowly, holding a half finished drink.
What happened?
She tried to wipe her eyes, but the mascara had already betrayed her.
Nothing, she croacked.
Doesn't look like nothing. She sat in silent, lips trembling.
I had audition, she whispered finally.
At the monarch. Jack raised his brows.
That big.
Was, she corrected.
Until the scout told me i had to....sleep with him to the job.
Jacks jaw clenched.
I ran out, she said.
I thought that was it, that my voice was finally enough.
She laughed bitterly, but it never is.
Jack sat beside without saying a word.
The silent was thick, but not uncomfortable.
You know, he said, my father once told me I'd never be enough unless I became him.
Sarah turned startled.
He doesn't say it outright.
He just look at me like I'm a mistake wearing his name.
He sipped his drink, then added.
We all have our stage, Sarah.
Yours just hasn't opened yet.
She looked at him, surprised by his softness.
For once, the smirk was gone.
He looked tired.
Honestly, I wish things were different, she whispered.
They will be, Jack said firmly.
You're not selling your soul for stage.
When your moment comes, you will walk through the front door nut
the back one .
She looked at him, his lips parted slightly.
Thank you, she said and meant it.
Anytime, he replied, standing.
Now go inside before you freeze.
She did.
And for the first time in a long time , she slept without crying.