After Ariel: It started as a game Read Online Free

with his partner, a blonde clarinettist whose boobs had the eyes of all the men in the orchestra – even the gays – sticking out like the proverbial organ stops. We women couldn't figure out how she managed to get her arms in front of her to play, but the unkindest cut of all was the undeniable fact that she is a fine musician.
    ‘Now you’re talking!’ Grinning with anticipation, Goldie leapt out of the car, slung her handbag over her shoulder, snatched her exotic shopping bags and headed for her parent’s front gate. ‘Mum’s expecting us to have coffee and then we can go home or out to the pub. Whatever you like! We’ll leave your things in the car for now.’
    I retrieved my flute case and laptop before some weasel stole them. The front door opened and my uncle and aunt surged out to greet us. All talk of Rezanov and the concert was put on hold while we had coffee and scoffed the cakes for which Goldie’s mum is renowned. Comfortably round, my mother’s younger sister fits neatly under the armpit of her husband. Every time I look at her face under strong, dark brows, hazel eyes and thick, fair hair, I see my mother staring back at me.
    ‘Pam... Pam? ’
    ‘No more, thanks, Fiona,’ I started to gather up crockery, which she took from me with a no-nonsense wave of her hand.
     As Goldie and her father argued amiably about nothing in particular, I took the opportunity to look around. It was a long time since I had visited and nothing had changed. The wall was still covered with decorative plates painted with everything from portraits of the Royal Family, to flowers, landscapes and kittens. I am reasonably sure the curtains over the windows were the same lace rose-embossed ones. A huge urn of dried leaves stood in a corner.
    Millicent, Fiona’s beloved cat slept on a footstool, her long tabby legs dangling over the side. From time to time, she half opened her eyes, flexed her front paws and looked toward the kitchen. When my aunt came back, Millicent, who always has an eye to the main chance, staked her claim to a comfortable lap.
    My mind returned as always before a concert, to the program I am to perform. Haydn’s Flute Concerto would be my major work, but the Schubert – Shepherd on a Rock – was to be performed with Rezanov. Hopefully, the audience would call for at least one encore, and for that I’d chosen Dance of the Blessed Spirits, a huge favourite not only of mine but audiences as well. Fiona returned and interrupted my thoughts by joining in with my cousin and her father’s discussion about Goldie’s next job and whether she will ever go back to a war zone. It was not long, however, before their attention turned back to me.
    ‘So, you’re ready for the concert tomorrow night?’ Alex fished out a massive handkerchief with which he proceeded to clean his spectacles. Millicent turned around in Fiona’s aproned lap, puddling her paws while her mistress waited for her to settle.
    ‘Yes, I have to go over there in the morning and rehearse. It’s only a matter of running through the program and rehearsing one piece with the pianist.’ I hoped no one would ask me about him.
    Fiona looked concerned. ‘You really are over your stage fright, aren’t you, dear?’
    ‘Yes, it doesn’t bother me anymore. Of course, I’ll always be nervous before a performance, but at least I can get onto the stage without throwing up.’
    ‘Fancy being able to fix something like that!’ For my aunt, hypnosis comes under the heading of witchcraft. ‘Who’s on the program with you? I know you told me, but my memory isn’t what it used to be.’
    After I mentioned Rezanov, she looked at me with concern. ‘You mean the one who’s always on the tellie and in the paper with models hanging off him? Only last week, he had that Princess who was over here opening something – whatever her name is – besotted with him.’ She waved her hands, as she tried to remember the name of some minor royal.
    ‘Yes, Fiona,