Keeping the Faith (Read 12,550 times)

[djm]

I am still trying to figure out what happened to make Philip leave. I can't wait to read more.

[Kpatch]

THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND, IN THE CAR

Philip: Chloeee! Keep your eyes closed. Don’t make me blindfold you.
Chloe covered both her eyes with her hand.
Chloe: Okay okay, they’re closed. But please, no more jokes about blindfolds. Reminds me of being kidnapped.
Philip: Sorry sweetie.
Chloe: What’s Wesley doing?
Philip looked in the rear-view mirror.
Philip: He’s sleeping like a baby.
Chloe: Very funny. ... So, how much farther?
Philip: Hmmm. Some ways.
Chloe: Do we have enough gas to get there?
Philip glanced at the display on the dashboard.
Philip: I don’t know.
Chloe: How about a hint about where you’re taking me?
Philip: I told you. It’s a surprise.
Chloe: Well surprises are overrated.
Philip: I know. I know. Vesuvius and botulism, and all that.
Chloe laughed.
Chloe: I hate you. Truly and deeply.
She cozied up to Philip and rested her head on his shoulder, keeping her eyes closed and smiling contentedly.
Philip: I don’t think you do. I think you’re crazy about me.
Chloe: You’re so conceited, Philip Kiriakis. But you’re also right. I am crazy about you.
Philip kissed Chloe’s head as he continued down the road.
Chloe: You know, I think about that night pretty often.
Philip: The night I carved our initials in the tree?
Chloe: Uh huh. It still ranks up there as one of the best nights of my life.
Philip: Mine too. But I have a feeling we’re gonna make a lot more special memories before we’re through.
He steered the car into a parking garage inside a building, up a series of ramps, and into a parking spot.
Philip: Okay. We’re here. You can open your eyes.
Chloe opened her eyes and looked around.
Chloe: Oh joy, it’s a parking garage. I told you surprises were overrated.
Philip: Okay smartass. What’s special about this parking garage?
Chloe: Hmmm. I don’t know. We’re the only ones here? It’s empty? Smells like fresh paint? I give up.
Philip: Come on. Let’s go inside.

Philip carried Wesley in his arms as he and Chloe rode the elevator down to the lobby. They stepped out.
Chloe: Oh, we’re in a theater.
Philip: Not just any theater. Come on. I’ll show you around.
They walked into the main auditorium and Chloe stopped in her tracks and gasped.
Chloe: It’s the opera house!
Philip: It’s your opera house, the one I gave you the blueprints for before we got married.
Chloe: It’s finished?
Philip [jokingly]: No. It’s just starting.
Chloe smiled and grabbed Philip’s arm. She pulled him toward her and kissed him. A man appeared at the front of the theater and started walking up the aisle toward them. He spoke to them in an Austrian accent.
Man: Mr. and Mrs. Kiriakis! Welcome to the Salem Metropolitan Opera.
Philip: Chloe, you remember Maestro Haifetz. You worked together in Vienna.
Maestro: Madame Lane, it’s a true pleasure to see you again.
He took Chloe's hands and kissed both her cheeks.
Chloe: Maestro! What an incredible surprise.
Maestro: When your husband contacted me about the opportunity to work together again, I didn’t hesitate for a moment.
Chloe: You’re too kind.
Maestro: I’m looking forward to working with you again, Madame. And the world is your oyster. You can choose any opera you want to perform.
Chloe looked at Philip.
Chloe: Really?
Philip: It’s your theater. Your dream.
Chloe: My dream come true.
Maestro: We can schedule time to discuss the operas and the parts you wish to play. And then we can talk about our grand opening.


To be continued ...

[sportsgirl]

I was thinking they were driving for quite a while.. LOL, Maybe your twist is there is no twist?

[mae00]

LOL! I think Phillip was just driving in circles or squares to throw Chloe's sense of direction off.

[Kpatch]

LOL. You guys are funny. Chloe and Philip live in the Lake District, which is a suburb of Salem, so it takes a little time to drive into town. If this were the show, the opera house would be within walking distance.

[fluffysmom]

What a wonderful surprise for Chloe.

[DancingDays]

Still waiting for the other shoe to drop....... I know how you work, lady.

[Kpatch]

Patience, grasshoppers. Just enjoy the journey, guys.

[fluffysmom]

I always enjoy Kpatch fics especially Phloe stories.

[djm]

I am enjoying the ride.

[Kpatch]

HORTON TOWN SQUARE

Philip, Chloe, and Wesley were having lunch at The Hourglass Cafe in Horton Town Square. Chloe was excitedly chattering away about her conversation with the Maestro.
Chloe: It’s going to take a couple months to produce our first opera. I really want to do this before the baby is born.
Philip: So I guess that means you have a deadline.
Chloe: Yeah. Maestro says we can do it in eight weeks. I feel a little weird though.
Philip: Weird? Why?
Chloe: I guess ... I was feeling a little self conscious about being in my last trimester by the time the opera opens, but Maestro reminded me that the world’s most famous sopranos are full-figured. At least it’s just temporary.
Philip: We should probably clear it with Dr. Bader.
Chloe: I was thinking the same thing. This baby is my first priority.
Philip: Did you decide which opera to produce?
Chloe: Maestro is suggesting The Merry Widow. I’d be playing Hanna.
Philip: Is it Italian?
Chloe: Actually, it’s Austrian, and since the Maestro and I both lived in Vienna and speak the language...
Philip: Maestro this, Maestro that. Sounds like you and the Maestro are getting along famously.
Chloe: You’re not jealous, are you?
Philip: Hmmm. You know something? I’m actually not. That might be a first.
Chloe: He’s not my type anyway.
Philip: Well, thank you for that.
Chloe: Philip, what’s our budget? I mean, how much money can we spend producing these operas?
Philip: Well, I established a foundation through Titan, so that should get us through the first season. But Chloe, the opera house is meant to be a profit center. I mean, it’s your job to make it a success.
Chloe: No pressure, huh?
Philip: Sorry, sweetie, but those are the facts. It’s just business.
Chloe: I accept the challenge!
Philip: You’re gonna be amazing, baby, and I can’t wait to watch you on opening night.
Chloe: Front row center?
Philip: You bet.
Chloe: You’d better not do anything to make me laugh.
Philip: No PEZ dispensers?
Chloe: You’re a veddy bad man.


To be continued...

[DancingDays]

Sweet moment. Hopeful Phloe are adorable.

[sportsgirl]

PEZ dispensers?

[djm]

Love that Chloe is going to produce the first Opera before the baby is born. Can't wait to see what the Dr says about it being so late in the pregnancy. Wondering if that could be part of the problem. Thanks for the chapter Kpatch.

[gapeach]

Can't wait to continue the journey!