Civic Light Opera Internship

Civic Light Opera Internship - Ch. 3

Rebecca, calculated, purposeful, just amazing

A/N -

I would like to share with you the next chapter in the continuation of our protagonist's life story. This fun fictional jaunt will follow Frances as she begins the next chapter in her life.

This storyline as well as the characters and names are purely fictional. If there is a chance of any misrepresentation, it is pure coincidence and not intended.

Any mistakes you see are mine; these eyes aren't what they used to be. Please enjoy and let me know what you think.

*****

'Frances, you made my evening even more memorable. I cannot wait to see you again, Rebecca.'

I hesitated to reply, unsure of what was the correct and purposeful response. I opened the second text. I was taken by surprise but calmed down after I read it a second time.

'F, I love you more than you know. I really do and understand your needs are so much greater than mine. I will admit I had coffee with her, we are seeing each other tomorrow ... with your permission M'

I smiled. My dearest lover does understand my silliness and needs.

I replied

'I love you more than words can express; quench your thirst, I did mine' 🖤 ❤ 🖤 ❤ ️

I set my phone down and wrapped my arm around Jasmine cuddling closer to a sensual and highly erotic lover, one I would soon lose for good.

*****End of Chapter 2*****

Mid-May

I woke on Wednesday morning to the sun shining brightly. I laid there listening to the soft sounds of my wake up classical piano playlist. Today and tomorrow will be very important days. They were important not only in my academic life and career but also in my personal life.

Academically, I had two finals today, one this morning and one early this afternoon. My last final of the academic year was scheduled for tomorrow. As far as my career goes, I have a second interview later in the afternoon with the CLO leadership, minus Carrie Ann, for a summer position but then immediately after that I was to meet with the Human Resources representative to finalize my application for the fall internship at the CLO.

It is a busy day.

I am well aware that Carrie Ann told the Human Resources team to hold back two slots for Jasmine and me but I was leaving nothing to chance. I also had a feeling this was also a test by Carrie Ann, not that it mattered any longer. She has always preached to each staff member preparation and confirmation. She would say this business and success is all about preparation, confirmation, and execution.

Now first let me emphasize the importance of these events today. I am about to finish my junior year in college, I never thought I would get this far and neither did Mom or Momma.

If I am offered this summer employment, I would be working directly for the Associate Music Director for the CLO. That in and of itself was a huge stressor but will potentially set me up for success.

The internship for the fall of my senior year of college would solidify my career path and guide me to my ultimate goal, which one day is to be the Music Director of a theater like the Civic Light Opera or one day the almost unachievable dream job on Broadway.

Oh, I forgot to mention. In ten days, Michaela was coming home for the summer; I am ecstatic! She and I have been counting the days.

As the music shifted to a ballad by Stjepan Hauser, and no! I use his full and proper name, not referring to him as just Hauser. I heard her breathing change slightly. I shivered slightly as her hand grazed across the nipple of my left breast. It had been five weeks since I spent the night with Jasmine. I missed her breath on my chest and the soft touch of her fingers playing with me.

"Miss will be returning today; I will be expected to greet her at the airport and then tend to her." Jasmine whispered.

Thinking back to that first night when we flipped roles, when Jasmine became more serving, versus dominating in our relationship. Since then our love has been amazing but that night was the catalyst for her desire and future. She was now wanting for and felt the need to serve her lover. She and Carrie Ann were now quietly dating and are a committed couple and that I understood. I wasn't jealous but I will miss her. She had asked for one last evening or two with me while Carrie Ann was out of town. Thankfully, she was given permission.

The last two nights which we spent together would soon float deep into my memories and one day remind me of the previous weeks which we both couldn't be more thankful for.

I kissed her one last time and whispered in her ear my love for her and my hopes for her career as she would be moving with Carrie Ann to Los Angeles. Carrie Ann had accepted a role with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Jasmine was transferring to the California Institute of Arts. They were leaving at the end of the month, just two weeks from today.

So I moved forward with my life. We showered together one last time. I dressed and made my way to campus. My two finals were not difficult; I knew the material and was confident in myself.

I got home from my day and plopped down onto the couch. Mom and Momma looked at me and both giggled. I just closed my eyes and explained the amount of stress these last weeks had been intense. With finals, the job interview process which had yet to be completed, there would be a third, and then the canceled meeting regarding the internship, I was stressed and plum worn out.

Mom and Momma inquired about my interview. I explained to Mom and Momma. When I arrived for my meeting yesterday there was a sign on the administrative office door which stated a building issue caused the offices to close. All appointments were going to be rescheduled.

I told them both I was just tired, wanted to curl up in bed and just crash out but I had one more final on Thursday, tomorrow. I got up and kissed them both, told them I loved them and was going to study for a few hours.

I was finishing the second hour of studying when I heard my phone ping. I saw it was a text from Michaela, I was immediately thrilled.

'F, can you chat soon? M 🖤'

I pressed the call button right away, dialing my phone to speak with the woman who I loved, dearest and deepest in my heart.

I heard her answer. "Hey" she sounded sad.

"Hey Mich! How are you? Nine days my love!" I blurted out even before she could really reply. I was thrilled to speak with her.

"Frances ..." I could hear something in her voice. She started crying, like really crying.

"Michaela, sweetie, what's wrong?" My heart broke for her immediately.

It took me a few seconds to get Michaela to calm down and slow her crying. Once she composed herself, she was able to tell me what the problem was. Well frankly it wasn't a problem; it was great news for her.

Michaela had been selected for a very specific, and as she explained, difficult to come by, paid clinical internship at the University Hospital for the summer. This position would take her through the summer up to the week prior to the start of her fall semester and senior year. It would give her the clinical social work exposure needed and a step up on her admission and acceptance for her Master's program.

She went on to explain that this was closely oriented to the medical social work she wanted to do. I was hurt inside but trust me, I was thrilled for her.

After a few moments she asked, "What do you think? I need to give them an answer tomorrow."

I didn't even let her finish. "You will absolutely and without question accept this opportunity. We have all the time in the world. We have the rest of our lives."

I needed to be strong, she sounded like she was going to cry. I spent the next few minutes chatting with her reassuring her that this was the best thing for her and that she has my unwavering support. Michaela finished by saying that she was going to call Momma and let her know. She wanted me to know first and ensured that I supported her before making a decision.

Gosh dang I love her, but this was going to suck. "I love you to the moon and back, Michaela that will never change." We ended the call.

I set my phone down and stared at the wall for a minute. Then it hit me, I realized she wouldn't be home. She was going to be away for three additional months and it wouldn't be six months until I saw her at Thanksgiving.

I couldn't control it and I guess I understood. Suddenly, I started crying, like

really

crying. I made my way over to my bed and grabbed a pillow and just cried.

I cried myself to sleep; thankfully I had set the alarm on my phone. I got up and was ready to face the day. Now, I was still heartbroken that Michaela would not come home this summer, I had to accept that and I had to accept that Jasmine was out of my life.

I had one final today but that one should not be too difficult. I was also waiting to hear back on the summer work opportunity and I was waiting for notification on my rescheduled meeting with the Human Resources team for the internship.

Christ, it was seven o'clock and I already had a headache. I got downstairs to see Mom and Momma had departed for work. I grabbed a banana and an orange and made my way out of the house heading to campus for my ten o'clock final.

As I drove closer to the city, I realized I didn't have any coffee. Damn I was tempted but looked at my watch. I didn't have enough time. I continued straight ahead to campus.

*****

At eleven-fifteen I walked out of the classroom with a sigh of relief and a smile on my face. I knew the material, I was confident, I was proud of myself. I just needed to just wait for final grades.

I sat on a nearby bench, taking in the fresh air of the city. The warmth of the late spring sun and the gentle breeze made it feel like the perfect day. My phone pinged once, then again a few moments later. Lost in my daydreams, I ignored it for a while, enjoying the serene moment.

I was pulled back to reality when my phone rang. By the time I fished it out of my backpack and unlocked the screen, the call had gone to voicemail.

I looked at the text; it was from Mom asking about dinner plans. I looked at the incoming call number, it was a local number. I quickly replied to Mom, telling her I wasn't sure about dinner since I was still on campus awaiting another meeting.

Then, I listened to the voicemail. It was from an unnamed man in the administrative office, asking if I could come in for a rescheduled meeting. There was a gap in the schedule, and if I could be there in forty minutes, that would be great. Otherwise, it would be rescheduled for later in the week. He asked me to call back and confirm.

I immediately thought to myself, this was the purpose of Carrie Ann's training and mentoring about always being prepared and being able to execute.

I immediately dialed the number and assured them I was on my way. It took only twenty minutes to drive from one parking garage to another, and soon I was down the street from the administrative offices. Excitement filled me as I walked with a spring in my step and a smile on my face.

As I parked and headed towards the administrative building, my mind drifted to the party at Carrie Ann's and Rebecca. The memory of the evening and the passionate kiss from Rebecca still stirred my soul.

Rebecca and I had begrudgingly agreed to pause our interactions after we met for coffee. She mentioned she was now part of the decision-making process for my summer job offer at the CLO. We both decided to resume our potential relationship once that process was finalized. Our next rendezvous had yet to be scheduled.

Returning to the present, I entered the administrative office and approached the receptionist. I explained that I had received a voicemail to stop by regarding the fall internship meeting which was postponed from the previous day.

The elderly woman behind the desk smiled kindly and nodded. She stood up and invited me to follow her, escorting me to one of the smaller conference rooms. She led me to a room where inside there was a table for four. She confirmed my name and had me take a seat. She assured me someone would be with me shortly before leaving the room.

Just then, I heard my cell phone ping that I had received a text. I looked down and pulled my phone from my backpack. It was a text from Rebecca's personal phone. The three simple words of her text message surprised me. It caught me off guard and at the same time confused me.

'Just act natural!'

I read the text a second time and then realized what must be happening.

It was less than a minute when there were three soft knocks on the conference room door. I quickly set my phone in my backpack, zipped it closed and then spoke with confidence.

"Yes?"

I heard the first of a few soft clicks as the knob turned and the latch was freed from the door. The hinge creaked and I waited with anticipation, just mere seconds but it was excruciating.

I saw Rebecca and immediately held back the smile that was forming on my face by biting the inside of my cheek. There was a twinkle in her eye. She wore a thin smile on her face; I knew she was holding back as well. She quickly winked at me and then stepped aside allowing a slightly older and very distinguished looking woman to enter the room.

I immediately stood pushing the chair back slightly and smoothed my blouse.

The older woman entered the conference room with a smile on her face. This woman had style, elegance, and perfect posture. Her makeup was soft, she wore a matching light colored beige blazer, and skirt. Underneath the blazer was a soft coral colored top. Her hair was perfectly styled long, over her shoulders, behind her back; it was parted slightly off centered.

In my mind, she was a picture of perfection.

Even though casual dress was recommended for this meeting, I suddenly panicked as I felt underdressed and compared to the guest and Rebecca, who were both in business suits. I could tell Rebecca was being extremely formal when she spoke.

"Miss Daugherty, welcome back. I'm glad you were able to make it on such short notice for this third and final meeting regarding the fall internship with the Civic Light Opera, in conjunction with Point Park University." She smiled and then nodded.

"I would like to introduce you to the Civic Light Opera's new chief conductor and music director, Mrs. Marcela Platt. Mrs. Platt will be formally starting the first week of June, but has given up her free-time to meet with the incoming interns."

I extended my hand to greet her. "Good afternoon Madam Conductor. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Mrs. Platt is fine, please have a seat. Rebecca, do we have a few moments?" She inquired as she sat.

Rebecca nodded. I sat and listened to Mrs. Platt as she shared her background and vision for the CLO. It was an enjoyable but brief conversation. She shared her enthusiasm for returning to Pittsburgh as the Conductor.

As I felt the conversation was coming to an end I shared with Mrs. Platt what a privilege it was to meet her and thanked her for her time.

"I hope to have the opportunity to intern under you this coming semester, Mrs. Platt."

As Mrs. Platt stood and extended her hand and I graciously took hers in mine. Rebecca had stepped back away towards the door, giving us a moment.

Suddenly it dawned on me what Rebecca said earlier. The realization of what Rebecca had just said in how she always chose her words was exciting yet unsettling.

I exhaled and turned my head carefully towards Rebecca.

"Pardon me, Miss Harris, did you just say that you were introducing Mrs. Platt to the interns?" I paused for a moment and saw Rebecca's expression change only slightly. That is when I heard Mrs. Platt speak.

"You are correct Miss Daugherty. Rebecca shared with me your background at CCAC and how you have just finished your junior year at Point Park, which is my alma mater. It is an honor to offer you the fall internship position."

"I absolutely and graciously accept Madam Conductor!"

Looking at Mrs. Platt I held back the tears, knowing the reality and what had just happened not only for my academic, but also for my professional career. I need to thank her.

"Mrs. Platt, I promise to you, my never ending work ethic and commitment as I move into not only my summer employment, but my final year of my undergraduate, and then my masters, depending on opportunities offered for me."

Rebecca looked at her watch then thanked me again for my availability to stop by but asked me to stay for a moment as she needed to walk and Mrs. Platt to meet with another student.

She would return momentarily as she required a few moments of my time for the signing of documents not only for the CLO, but for the school accepting the internship.

I graciously thanked Mrs. Platt then turned to Rebecca and told her that I would be here when she returned and thanked "Miss Harris" for her kindness and support.

It was just a few moments later when the door opened and I watched as Rebecca walked in. She quickly turned away from me; she closed and locked the conference room door. She held in her hands a Manila colored folder. The smile which now dominated her face was something I had missed. My heart leaped in my chest.

I stood and walked towards her, I needed to kiss her. I needed to feel her lips on mine; I needed to feel her hands on my body. She nodded and I stepped into her personal space. I was not timid, I was not slow, and I was gentle as I moved my hands to her waist.

I looked in her eyes and felt the calmness as I pressed my lips to hers in a lovers kiss. My tongue pressed and without much encouragement, Rebecca accepted my erotic and lovers kiss as my tongue searched for her. My heart leapt again, my soul rejoiced and my body melted against hers as my hands moved to the small of her back.

She pulled back from the kiss as my hands drifted lower to the crest of her firm bum. She shook her head. "Not yet, please."

I didn't want to hear more. I pressed my lips again to hers. I heard her murmur as her hands moved to my upper chest and pressed against my collarbones, gently pushing me away. A thin clear string of saliva broke and fell against my chin. I was thrilled, I was breathless; I was in need.

"Tonight, I can't wait. Rebecca, I must be with you." I looked deep in her eyes. I saw the same need in hers.

"I will text you at five. If you choose, bring an overnight bag."

I signed the acceptance paperwork and made my way home, floating on cloud nine!

*****

I received the text right at five o'clock from Rebecca with the suggestion that we meet for dinner, a glass of wine and some conversation. She suggested a place off of Walnut Avenue, a place that was well outside of my budget but I could make it work if need be.

As I left the house, Momma was pulling in the driveway. She lowered her window.

"Heading out for the night?"

"Yes, going to have dinner and drinks with a friend and her girlfriend." I lied, but it was only a little white lie.

She looked at me with a crooked eye and a furrowed brow. I replied immediately. "Momma, I told you I would not break her heart and she will not break mine. We have this agreement."

She just smiled and told me to have a great evening but begged me to be safe. I assured her I would and got in my car and headed towards Shadyside. As I pulled down Walnut Street my phone pinged, I assumed it was Rebecca. I finally found a parking space in the public garage. I parked, turned off the car and took a deep breath.

This was happening, the woman who was an inspiration during an art class, the same woman who over a year ago assisted me with the finer details and processes of my internship application. The woman who when she kissed me, had my heart fluttering and my head spinning, not to mention what she did to my sexual body.