Backstage - Karmina

Excitement, cigar smoke and noisy celebration rebounded off the walls and high ceilings along the narrow corridor, as people jostled, moving around one another like fish in a fast moving stream. Some in full evening dress, carrying extravagant bouquets in paper wraps, hands pressing in backs, shuffling along, tripping on each others heels, the brush of a dinner jacket or fur, passing wafts from cologne or perfume, and all the time the press of bodies happy to be alive in this moment. The buzz of laughter and loud comments, squeezing in and out of dressing room doors, allowing performers to push through in the opposite direction, grease paint still smeared on their sweating faces, collars removed from their studs, carrying instruments in thick cases, away, away from the noisy crush, to celebrate the success of the performance in their favouite bar.
From the stage door heat exploded in a shimmering haze onto the exuberant crowd, which gathered in the cool darkness of the evening, waiting to herald the performers who had brought them such drama, such joy.
Eleonora Fernandez was admitted to the corridor without question by the two theatre doormen.She paraded within, Samuel tucked in her arm, his tail waving frantically, adding his voice in surprisingly deep barks to the cacophony of the moment. She wasn't above sticking out an elbow, and determinedly made her way along the corridor towards the star's dressing room.
A gaggle of onlookers hung around the doorway, unwilling to go too close, yet desperate to catch a glimpse of the woman who had touched the souls of the audience with the honesty of her voice, the elegance of her presence. Eleonora pushed unhesitating through them, and dropped Samuel to the threadbare carpet with a loud exclamation, which made everyone packed into the tiny room turn.
"Darling, divine, divine, such perfection, you had them captivated from the moment you stepped forward." The sea of faces parted and allowed the seated figure, the object of Eleonora's effusive praise, to leap up. The pair reached their arms towards one another and cheek kissed extravagantly. As they greeted, the other people pressed inside the small dressing room, continued their conversations, half an eye on the pair, waiting for their chance to be part of the stars attentions again.
"Eleonora, Eleonora oh my dear friend."
"Have you missed me darling? I have missed you, but you've been so busy while I've been away, I can't imagine you've had time to think of poor me, trapped in America, for one second."
"Oh Eleonora, It's been so dull without you, I can't begin to explain, were you in the audience tonight?
"I was, darling. You where brilliant, shinning darling, You must be delighted."
"Oh I am. The orchestra was first rate tonight, thank God. They were so drunk at the rehearsal. Antonio had to confine them to their lodgings, under threat of the sack. It's the wind section, not a one of them is married, or sober."
Samuel, ignored too long for his liking, took a nip out of the nearest ankle and barked. Karmina, the star, stooped to pick him up.
"Oh Sammy, I've missed our cuddles." She thrust her face deep into his silken locks and sniffed the warm dogginess of his body. The injured ankle owner rubbed his leg and gave Eleonora a dirty look, which she returned in equal measure before turning her back to him. Karmina returned to the comfort of her chair, her fur coat providing cushioning from the stiff wooden stays. Samuel gazed around the room happy to be in her arms, both of them content with the adulation they were receiving. "When did you get back?" Karmina asked, while Eleonora poured herself a glass of Champagne from the line of bottles on the dressing table.
"Last weekend. I'm staying with Daniela." Karmina interrupted immediately.
"Nonsense, you must come to me. I'm in Buenos Aires on this run for three months, I'll speak with Marcelo and have your bags brought over."
Eleonora lent in to kiss her again.
"What's this?" As they parted Karmina found an elegantly wrapped box which Eleonora had dropped onto her lap as they hugged.

to be continued.........

(To start at the begining of this series of stories, see Madigan)