Alrighty. What’s going on? Is this a themed event?
There were no empty tables or chairs, but no one had to stand this time. Waiters poured champagne and filled the tables with trays of simmering meats and roasted vegetables. Other servers pushed carts stacked with various types of desserts.
My stomach dropped as I checked the front table. Another group of men sat there. I scanned the space and didn’t see Jean-Pierre or any of his men.
My spirits died a little. In the past two days, I’d been used to him watching me. Half the time, I’d been playing for him.
I guess we’ll just play for everyone else, Eros.
Mikey appeared. Relief came from his familiar face. “Shalimar is upstairs dealing with the triplets. She said you can start as soon as you arrive.”
“Oh, okay.” Following him, I stepped onto the stage. “There’s no dancer tonight?”
“No. The violin playing has drawn in the upper crust.” He wiped the sweat dripping down the side of his face. “The dining room was overbooked by lunch.”
It was the first time I’d realized I’d been playing in the Candy Shop’s dining room.
Mikey set the chair down and placed the microphone in front. “News has spread among the high society folk. A few came to listen. Some guys even brought their wives.”
A little giddiness came over me, I checked out the audience again. “With no symphony in the city, it would be harder to have dress up evenings of classical music and wine.”
“Which explains the masks.” Mikey stepped aside and wiped off more sweat. “The symphony crowd is slumming. That’s why I think they’re wearing the masks.”
“It’s not a theme for this evening?”
“No, they just showed up with masks on.” Mikey shrugged. “Shalimar says it’s your growing fan base and that masks should be a part of your brand from now on.”
“Uh.” I nodded. “That’s not a bad idea.”
Mikey clapped. “Either way, get that bow out and let’s make some money. They’re being provocative and sexy this evening. Which means lots of drinking and sex.” He wagged his brows. “Everyone’s expecting big money from this crowd. Play a lot of high society shit.”
I half-bowed. “I shall do my best.”
He left the stage. I sat down. People clapped. The reaction made me pause from taking out Eros. I nodded at the audience and they paused.
Wow. I might get used to this.
I pulled Eros out and made him sing the rest of the evening. And this was my sort of crowd. A standing ovation came at the end of every song. Most didn’t even talk. They watched. Love radiated from their eyes. It was the sort of adoration for music that all violinists loved.
I became high off of it. Just for a little while, I got a lost in the clapping and cheering. I let their smiles and expressions of enjoyment motivate me.
And the whole time they drank and ate. A few of the masked wives giggled with some of half-naked women. It was a sight to behold. At times, I grinned at the absurdity of it all. Somehow, I’d lured classical lovers to the Candy Shop.
I hope Aunt Celina makes a lot of money tonight.
Toward the end, a few couples even slipped into the back with one or two Candy Shop workers guiding the way. However, most exited at the end of my performance, filling my tip hat with business cards and bills.
It was almost my favorite night of the week. But Jean-Pierre had not been there. It was odd that I missed him watching me play.
On the stage, I shook the thought away and put Eros into his case.
Shalimar grabbed my attention at the stage. “You did good last night. Sorry I didn’t walk you out. I had a problem with a threesome.”
I snapped the case and rose. “What was the problem?”
“The guy paid a high amount for two women but could only last with one. Therefore, he thought he could get his money back. Unfortunately, the bouncers and I had to explain the Candy Shop’s nonexistence of a refund policy.”
“Yeah. I doubt Aunt Celina does refunds.”
“Not at this time. No.” She laughed as she stepped onto the stage. “I wanted to greet you as you came in, but then I had a problem with the triplets. Has your aunt ever talked about them?”
“No.”
“Well, they’re three disrespectful heifers that complain about everything. The only reason why your aunt keeps them is because they’re the only sickos that are okay with performing acts together.”
I didn’t want to further explore how the triplets performed together, so I asked, “Did you see the audience?”
“Yeah. The masks. That’s your brand.”
“Mikey told me your idea. I think that’s cool.”
“I majored in business and minored in marketing. You have something with the whole lace mask. It’s not like your identity is hidden, but it gives you an extra mystique.”