One In A Lifetime

Chapter Fifty-Three

POV: Riley

We are currently in Sweden sitting in Taylor’s dressing room about to have a zoom meeting with Rory’s counselor at Julliard. We met with her old counselor last week and she had set everything up.

“How long till Paramore goes on?” I asked, as Tree walked into the room.

“They are up in 20 minutes, why?” Tree asked.

“Why am I nervous? This isn't even my meeting,” I said, looking at Taylor.

“Poppi, calm down. Even I am not as nervous as you,” Rory said, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, here we go,” I said, answering the call.

“Hello, LIZ???”

“Riley Jordan, is that really you?”

“Elizabeth Saunders, wow, look at you!! I figured you would be a composer or a conductor of a major symphony by now. How are you????”

“I am doing well, and to answer you, I have composed a few symphonies and I have been blessed to have been a guest conductor with both the Philharmonic and The Boston Orchestra, but my heart really comes back to nurturing these kids,” she said, smiling softly.

“I am happy for you Liz, I always knew you would do amazing things,” I said, smiling at her.

“Thank you Riley. So, you and Jenny had a little girl. I must say, I attended Aurora’s audition and I was blown away. She reminded me so much of you and Jenny when she dances. I am so happy to have her joining us here. I have to ask, oh hello Rory, and oh my, um, is that Taylor Swift?”

“Hi Ms. Saunders,” Rory said, waving.

“Hi Ms. Saunders, yes, I am Taylor Swift. I am Riley’s fiance, and Rory’s step-mom. It's wonderful to meet you,” Taylor said, placing her hand on my thigh.

“Liz, please, Ms. Swift, it's an honor.”

“Oh please, call me Taylor, and this is my publicist Tree Paine,” Taylor said, pointing to Tree.

“It's my pleasure, Ms. Paine. Now, Rory, I know you dance, but I have to know, are you as gifted at the piano as Riley?”

“No ma’am, I can play, but…”

“Rory, do not lie. Liz, she is every bit as talented as I was at her age, if not more. She played one night with Taylor and Jack in the studio. Took my breath away,” I said, smiling at Rory.

“Jack was in awe of her. We have both been teaching her to play the guitar, along with one of my band members, Paul,” Taylor added.

“The reason I ask, and if Rory is open to it, maybe she could pursue or study both,” Liz said.

“Um, but what if I don't want to pursue both?”

I looked at my daughter and I could tell by the look on her face she wasn't ready to make a decision like this one.

“Liz, can we maybe have some time to discuss this as a family? When do you need an answer?”

“I can hold off until July, just get me an answer as soon as you can, and if you need me, please reach out. My door is always open,” Liz said.

“Thank you, Liz. We appreciate it. We will be in touch,” I said, disconnecting the call.

“Sweetie, are you ok,” Taylor asked, wrapping her arms around Rory.

“I, I don't know. This is a lot, Mom, Poppi. I mean, I love to dance, I love to play the piano, but this is Julliard. They only take the best. Am I ready for something like that?” she asked, looking up at me.