#66 “In that Case, I can Make an Exception.”
Alexander reclined on his sofa, the amber liquid in his glass catching the soft glow of the room’s dim lighting. As he took a sip of the whiskey, its warmth spread through him, calming his thoughts. Despite Sophia’s refusals earlier in the evening, he held onto a glimmer of hope. For him, the day had been filled with pleasant surprises, and he believed they had made progress.
The silence of his spacious home was broken by the soft clinking of the ice in his glass as he swirled the whiskey gently. He thought about Sophia, her laughter, and the moments they had shared at the carnival. With each passing second, his desire to get to know her better grew stronger.
After another contemplative sip, he reached for his phone and dialed his mother’s number. The call connected, and Caroline’s voice greeted him warmly.
“Hello dear. How are you?”
“I’m fine, but I have something to tell you,” he began.
“Is it related to Sophia and my birthday?” she asked excitedly. “Yes,” replied Alexander more gloomily, knowing what he was about to tell her.
Caroline, listened attentively as her son recounted the events of the evening, particularly the part where he had tried to invite Sophia to her birthday party.
“So, she declined, Alexander?” Caroline asked, concern evident in her voice.
“Yes, mother,” Alexander replied, his tone tinged with disappointment. “She said she had another appointment.”
Caroline sighed softly. “Well, dear, I can see that you’re genuinely interested in reconciling with her. I want to help you with this.”
Alexander’s eyes widened with curiosity. “How?” Caroline’s voice was warm and reassuring. “I have a plan, Alexander. I’ve arranged for Sophia to come to my birthday party.”
Alexander’s curiosity deepened. “But how? You’ve never even met Sophia before.”
Caroline chuckled a hint of mischief in her voice. “Ah, my dear, let’s just say that I have a few tricks up my sleeve. You’ll see on the day of the party.”
Alexander nodded, deciding not to press his mother for more details. He trusted her judgment and knew that she had a way of making things happen. If Caroline believed this was the right path to help him reconnect with Sophia, then he was willing to follow her lead.
“Thank you, Mother,” he said sincerely. “I appreciate your support in all of this.”
Caroline’s voice softened with maternal affection. “Of course, Alexander. I only want what’s best for you, and if Sophia is the one you’ve chosen, then I’ll do my best to help.”
With a renewed sense of hope and determination, Alexander ended the call with his mother. Sophia had declined his invitation for now, but with mother’s assistance, perhaps their paths would cross once again at the upcoming birthday celebration.
With a warm smile on his face, Alexander leaned back on his comfortable sofa, savoring the taste of the whiskey on his lips. He was determined to make things right with Sophia this time, to prove that he wasn’t the person she had come to believe. It was a challenge he was willing to embrace, and he was ready to go to great lengths to win her over.
*
Sophia had just settled into her cozy apartment after a wonderful day at the county fair with Alexander. Despite her initial reluctance, the day had turned out surprisingly well. Her heart was still racing from the unexpected turn of events.
Just as she was about to unwind and relax, her phone buzzed on the coffee table, startling her out of her reverie. She picked it up to see a message from Oliver, the talented violinist she had met earlier at Barbara’s party. Their paths had crossed numerous times, and he had become a close friend.
The message read: “Sophia, I hope you received my invitation to the private concert and I hope you can attend.”
Sophia had seen the invitation earlier, but she also knew that the event was sponsored by Alexander’s family. The invitation was signed with the company’s logo, and Sophia tried to avoid them as much as possible. Especially after Alexander’s confessions tonight.
She typed a quick reply: “Oliver, I’m very sorry, but I am not sure I want to attend.” Seconds later, her phone rang, and she answered to hear Oliver’s familiar voice on the other end.
“Hello, Sophia,” he greeted her warmly. “I hope you’re doing well.”
“Hi, Oliver,” Sophia replied with equal warmth. “I’m doing great, but I’m not sure I want to participate. My ex- husband will be there. I hope you understand.”
Oliver hesitated for a moment before responding, “Well, Sophia, it’s not just any concert. And I am sure I have a good reason for you that you can’t refuse.”
Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise.” Don’t tell me that Maestro Paus will be performing at the concert? In that case, I can make an exception.”
“I can’t give anything away, Sophia,” laughed Oliver on the other end of the line. “But I’m sure you’ll be pleased if you come.”
Sophia’s heart skipped a beat. Maestro Paus was a legend in the world of classical music, and she had immense respect for him. After all, he was her mentor and teacher who showed her a whole new world of music. “Then count me in. I am so excited,” she exclaimed.
As they wrapped up their conversation, Sophia’s thoughts were already racing ahead. She knew that this concert could be spectacular. Sophia didn’t want to miss it, over the years, the Maestro played less and less, and she wanted. very much to listen to him at every opportunity.
After hanging up, she couldn’t contain her excitement and immediately dialed her best friend Evelyn’s number.
“Hey, Sophia, how was your day?” Evelyn answered cheerfully. Sophia couldn’t help but grin as she replied, “Evelyn, you won’t believe what just happened!”
Over the next hour, Sophia and Evelyn excitedly made plans for the concert. They discussed everything from the perfect dress to the dreamy music they would hear.
“Tomorrow we must go out to buy dresses,” suggested Sophia.
“Oh, of course. I can’t wait,” replied Evelyn.
With plans set in motion for the upcoming concert, Sophia and Evelyn eagerly chatted about the shopping spree that awaited them. Their laughter filled the room as they shared ideas about the perfect dresses and accessories for the special event.
Despite Sophia’s earlier reluctance to attend, the promise of seeing Maestro Paus perform had reignited her passion for music.
