My heart pounded hard against my chest. "Are you sure? I can't quite believe it's real."

"That's because you've never really believed in how good you are."

"You've always been one of my biggest supporters," I said gratefully. I'd met Ray nine years ago in a music class at UCLA. Ray also played the violin, and we'd become instant best friends. But while we'd started out on the same path, mine had diverged after college, when I'd given up my goal of playing in a world-renowned orchestra and decided to run a clothing boutique with my sister. That goal had seemed far more practical and attainable than the other.

While I'd played for community orchestras on the side and earned extra cash giving lessons, I'd thought it was too late to go back to that childhood dream of mine. But then, last week, Ray had asked me to audition for a last-minute opening with his orchestra, and I'd given it a shot, thinking the odds were very much against me.

"Rehearsals won't start until the first of October," Ray continued. "But they'll need your answer by Monday. Not that I think you need that long to decide. You can't turn this down."

"I don't want to turn it down, but I need to talk to my sister," I said, dreading that conversation.

"I'm sure Dani will be thrilled for you."

"I'm not sure about that," I replied. I was going to bail on our business and that would not make Dani happy. Although it wasn't really our business; it was Dani's store. But I'd been by her side since she'd first opened the clothing shop four years ago. I'd helped her grow the business and managed the store when she'd gone through difficult personal trials.

"Why wouldn't she be happy for you?" Ray questioned. "You have a gift, Brynn, and you're not using it. Your sister can find someone else to help her run the store. She'll want you to take this job. Just say yes."

"I'll call you back as soon as I talk to Dani, but since they are giving me until Monday, I'm going to take the weekend to get things organized here."

"All right. Congratulations, Brynn."

"Thanks, Ray. I know you put in a good word for me."

"I just told them the truth. You're one of the best violinists I've ever had the pleasure to play with."

"Right back at you. I'll call you soon."

As I set down the phone, I looked out the window at the crashing white-capped waves of the Pacific Ocean. There was a storm blowing in, and I felt like the sea echoed the turbulent emotions running through me. I liked my life best when everything was relaxed, on an even keel. I didn't like highs because they were usually followed by painful lows. Today was one of those days that seemed too good to be true.