Tom Foster and Noah Webster have been together for three years. In that time, Tom has completed his doctorate, Noah has begun working on his master's, and both men have come into their own as performers. Suddenly international recognition becomes a reality instead of a dream. They even perform at the dedication of a concert hall at the University of Aragoni.<br><br>But it's not all smooth sailing. They still have to battle Noah's Uncle Joe over the division of property he owned with Noah's late father. Tom's father has been distant ever since Tom chose music over law school. And Noah's mother's attitude toward his relationship with Tom leaves something to be desired. With their busy performance schedules, will Tom and Noah be able to make peace with their parents and get a fair deal?

The Performers

COMPARED TO THE busy summer they’d been through, the hectic musical schedule they maintained during the Christmas season was a cakewalk. They spent part of Christmas Day in Gainesville with Noah’s mother and grandparents, then drove down to Orlando and spent Christmas night with the Fosters. New Year’s Eve was a quiet affair at home with just Bobby and Chad present.


They left Jacksonville on a rainy morning in January and flew to New York City, where Noah was scheduled to participate in the semifinals of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. He’d be competing against the winners of the other twelve regional auditions, after which the five finalists were to participate in a nationally televised concert. The semifinals were held on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House, and Noah was understandably nervous about the prospect.


“Stop pacing around the hotel room, Noah,” Tom said. “You’re gonna wear a hole in the carpet.”


“I can’t stop thinking about tomorrow.”


Chapter 83