"It's good to see you again, Maya," she said, "though I wish it had been under different circumstances."
"You mean circumstances where I wasn't humiliated on camera for millions of people to see?" Maya tried to make it sound like a joke, but the bitterness came through anyway.
"I mean circumstances where you'd never left us in the first place," Dr. Martinez said gently. "But we'll get to that."
James jumped in first, his energy filling the small coffee shop. "Maya, I've put together a proposal for the next 6 months: three major concert hall performances, starting with the Riverside Symphony Hall next month; guest appearances on two morning shows and one late-night show; a profile in Time magazineโthey've already reached out; and a potential recording contract with Commonwealth Classical, pending your live performances."
He slid a folder across the table. Maya opened it to find a detailed scheduleโdates and venues and dollar amounts that made her head spin. The money alone was more than she'd make in 3 years at the Grand View estate.
"This is a lot," Maya said quietly.
"It's the opportunity of a lifetime," James said. "But we need to move fast. Right now, you're the story everyone wants to cover. In 6 months, they'll have moved on to something else. We have to build your career while the attention is there."
Angela cleared her throat. "I agree that timing is important, but I think we should be strategic about this. Maya, you're not just a viral video. You're a legitimate talent. That means we can build something sustainable, not just chase quick attention."
She pulled out her own folder. "I've worked with several classical musicians who've crossed over into mainstream recognition. The key is balancing the commercial opportunities with maintaining artistic credibility."
"And that's where I come in," Dr. Martinez said. She didn't have any folders or flashy presentations. She just looked at Maya with those kind, knowing eyes. "Maya, I've been authorized by the conservatory's board to make you an offer. We want you back: full scholarship covering not just tuition, but living expenses as well. You'd be able to finish your degree properly this time, without financial stress."
Maya felt tears prickling her eyes. "Dr. Martinez, I... I don't know what to say."
"The conservatory failed you," the dean continued. "We should have done more to help when you were struggling. We shouldn't have let financial circumstances push out one of our most talented students. This is our chance to make that right."