Tuesday, August 18, 2009

$40.00 a Minute Wedding


For thirteen years my brother and his childhood friend Greg lived at the Oxon Hill Manor House. Free room and board through their college years and career beginning jobs in exchange for setting up for the grand weddings that would take place in the beautiful ballroom.


On the day of weddings, John and Greg were required to wear brown one piece shiny jumpsuits that had embroidered oval name tags. They were required to wear these as directed by a woman with a tight bun and click clacky heels. 

Parquet floors reflecting the warm glow of crystal chandeliers, grand piano in place, the lead soprano of the Washington Opera awaiting her accompanist to begin her warm up. My brother notices her distress and approaches her. "I can accompany you if you have your music."


The strands of La Bohemia reaching the event director's office were soon followed by the click clacking of her heels across the marble foyer. "How many times have I directed that you are NEVER EVER to touch this piano! This is a $40.00 a minute wedding! It is specially tuned. Your job here is done for now, wait in your room until I call you."

Click clacking again across the marble foyer just in time to catch my brother as he ascended the beautiful staircase to his room. "Do you have a tuxedo?" "Yes, I have a tuxedo." replied my brother. "Then put it on quickly and meet me back here in ten minutes."


My brother did as he was told. "The accompanist is unable to be here. Can you play for the soloist?" My brother, tall and handsome in his tuxedo politely replied, "No I can't. I'm worth more than $40.00 a minute." With that he calmly returned to his room.



12 comments:

  1. What a great story, and bravo for your brother,,, thanks for sharing it.
    Hugs;
    Alaura

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  2. Good for him! The look on her face must have been priceless! I wonder if she continued to be so snooty after that?
    Thank you for the smile this evening. :)

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  3. (~.~)So cute! I need to remember this story and that being polite doesn't mean you can't say no. Especially when you've been treated unfairly. Great story and great message as always!
    xo~Bekah

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  4. great story! gosh I wish I could just sit and hear your stories in person.. I would have a billion questions and I know a lot of laughs!
    so did he end up playing for her after all?

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  5. Bravo to your brother! He handled the situation with dignity.

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  6. Hello,
    I just found your post through a link to your block party. Oh, I wish I'd found you sooner...I would have loved to join your party. The blocks look so pretty.

    About your story. Good for your brother. I work in a town in CT known for its snobby people. You wouldn't believe some of the stories of snobbery if I told you. Glad your brother set this woman straight.
    ♥ Rebecca

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  8. Que votre blog continue à fleurir de tant de lumière et d’harmonie.

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Your kind words mean so very much to me. Thank you for your visit! Elizabeth