Ruby looked down at her dark crimson gown with its plunging neckline, cinched waist, and long satin skirt. No matter how prepared she was, no matter how put together she looked, she always felt a little nervous. Will they like me? Will they like us and appreciate our version of Schoenberg’s concerto?
Should I have worn concert black?
“Should I have worn black?” she asked the others. “Is this too showy?”
“It’s perfect, and you look gorgeous,” Steve said.
She couldn’t stop fidgeting, even as stagehands moved around them doing last minute curtain checks. “How’s my lipstick?”
All three of them looked at her lips in the dim backstage light, and a flush rose in her cheeks. God, they were so freaking handsome decked out in their tuxes, with their black bow ties so straight and starched. She never got used to it.
“Your lipstick is fine. You look gorgeous,” Jonathan repeated. “Don’t make me kiss you.”
“I’m going to kiss you.” She felt the whisper against the back of her neck, just before Ethan brushed his lips across her nape. “You should have worn your hair down. Your bare neck is too distracting.”
“This updo cost ninety dollars,” she said with a sniff. “I’m not taking it down.”
“Tomorrow then. Wear your hair down.”
“I can’t play with it down, not in a formal appearance like this.”
“Maybe you can take it down for us later,” said Steve, cutting into their hushed dispute.
For us.
They’d spent the last two nights—her birthday night and the night after—exploring as a “ménage à quartet,” and it seemed there was still more to learn, to try, to do together. She plucked at her skirt, not sure if she was primping, flirting, or losing her shit minutes before the biggest performance of their careers so far. Why wasn’t Jonathan giving them a pep talk or something?
Instead they all stood in silence, looking at each other. She supposed this wasn’t a time to count on words. Energy flowed between them that needed no declarations or speeches, just their confidence in each other. Beyond the wings, the audience grew silent. The house lights dimmed.
“I love you guys,” she said. “And we’re ready for this.”
Jonathan kissed her, then Steve. Ethan waited his turn, then kissed her again, just beside her lips so he wouldn’t mess up her lipstick. The Philharmonic conductor gave them a strange look as he passed by to walk onstage. What, didn’t all quartets make out ménage-style before they performed together?
Once the conductor’s applause died down, they were introduced in a short speech which Ethan translated in a whisper. The Gold Quartet, one of the United States’ most promising young musical ensembles. Graduates of Julliard, award winners at Banff International, living and performing in Chicago…
At last it was time for them to walk onstage, accompanied by welcoming applause. Although they’d rehearsed on the same stage the previous two afternoons, it was different with an audience. The theater looked bigger but seemed smaller. Ruby felt the familiar fear of tripping over her feet on the way to her chair, falling on her violin and smashing it. It had never happened though, and it didn’t happen now.
Once they were seated, they arranged their music quickly. While she was nervous, she was also comforted by the fact that her guys were all around her, and they’d practiced this concerto to a fine point of perfection.
They lifted their instruments into position, watching Jonathan, as well as the Philharmonic conductor, for their cue to begin. The first few notes were plucked, and they nailed them in perfect tempo. It was going to be a great performance.
Soon they were well underway, and Ruby was too busy playing to think about being nervous. After hours of focused and sometimes frenetic practice, there was nothing left but to enjoy the act of performance, and appreciate the soaring moments of connection that saw them through.
When they finished the full concerto, the audience burst into boisterous applause. She, Ethan, Jonathan, and Steve shared a smile. They approved. When they stood together to acknowledge the conductor’s recognition and the resounding ovation, Ruby looked at each of her handsome friends in turn and let all the love in her heart show. Her smile said I appreciate you and I’m so happy to be here with you.
I adore you all like crazy.
They smiled back, her gorgeous lovers, and the whole world seemed washed in gold, just like their group’s moniker. In love and musicianship, they turned to the audience as one to take their bows.