New York Sonata

A quirky musician challenges the CEO of an AI company to figure out what he must offer, in addition to wealth, charm and intelligence, to win her hand

Tessa is a top-flight concert pianist who won’t stand for anyone trying to tell her what pieces she should play—not even an attractive, concert-sponsoring billionaire. She lets Chuck Brown know she’s in charge of her own life by seducing him with her special version of the Appassionata played in three movements: at her dinner table, on her piano and in her bedroom.

The two embark on a courtship which takes them through the boroughs of New York City. Chuck showers Tessa with sapphires, diamonds and gold, but noting the store-bought nature of these gifts in contrast to her homemade presents to him, she wonders whether this man can really fit into her music-centric world. While she grapples with the possibility their relationship might have no future, Charlie Brown delves into his past, rediscovering skills of yesteryear and his own true name to hand craft a unique gift that will touch her soul.

"Will you join me for a drink later tonight?”

​A late-evening drink with a tall, charming cruise ship owner might be quite interesting. “Thank you, but I’m busy this evening,” said Tessa, coolly.

Flourless chocolate cake. That’s what violin playing is like. Notes played on a violin have no clear edges, either in pitch or in time, just like good flourless chocolate cake is smooth in all directions. This is probably why violinists are like they are, constantly touching and connecting with others, drawing from the spirit of the audience and their fellow musicians, needing to be loved.

Viola playing is more like chocolate lava cake.

“You bought me a zombie rose on the advice of a computer?” She was glad to be able to blame the computer, rather than Chuck’s own taste, for the ugliness of the flower.

“Advice based on a huge amount of information and computation. He asked lots of questions about you before coming up with the answer. He said a preserved rose would put you in a romantic Barry Manilow sort of mood. He said that Barry Manilow might pave the way to true love. He’s really quite interesting to talk to.”

Nick was the ideal TV companion. He was happy to go along with any show Tessa wanted to watch and never hogged the popcorn.

“I saw a raccoon.”

“Where did you see the raccoon?”

“In Central Park. I was having a nice time running. Then I wasn’t.”

Her eyes filled with tears. She reached into her pouch for her handkerchief. Now Chuck’s arms were around her, pulling her close to him. Now she was sobbing and sniffling.

The doorbell rang, she played on. She played and played, keeping him waiting, knowing he would wait for her. She played with the delicious sense of anticipation, enjoying the moments ahead of the reality that can be better than the reality itself. Right to the last joyous note she played, then rose, walked unhurriedly to the door and opened it.

PHOTO CREDITS

Some photographs on this page were downloaded from Unsplash at the following links: