“He’s not so bad anymore. Not now that he’s got that girlfriend.”
I scoff. Maybe he’s not so bad to the hairdressers, but he’s ruining his sister’s life.
But my wheels are turning. A music concert in London. That sounds exactly like something Lily would be a part of.
I take my food to an empty table and sit down. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I type in London piano concert.
There are a few events coming up. Wigmore Hall holds regular piano concerts. I browse the list and don’t see anything that makes me think Lily would be there. There are a few other small events but still nothing that clicks.
I switch my search to “London classical music concert.” Then I see the Windsor Conservatory Showcase. I click the link and read the description of a performance for exceptional students enrolled in the Windsor Conservatory.
My eyes widen. The Windsor Conservatory. That was Lily’s dream school. This has to be it. I look through the list of selected students but can’t find Lily’s name, but I’m convinced. If Adam is heading to London at the same time as this showcase,andit’s Lily’s dream school, I know she’s there.
And I’m going to be there.
Okay, so when is it? I scroll down to find the date, and my stomach sinks.
It’s tomorrow night. Add in the time change, and it’s almost impossible to get there in time.
But I don’t care.
I stand from my seat, my chair toppling over behind me. Iquickly set it back and call my manager. She picks up after the second ring. “Ryder? What’s up?”
“I’m leaving set, and I’m not coming back.”
“What?”
“Call the director or producer or whoever. I’m leaving, and I don’t care if that means I’ll get fired.”
“Are you sick? Do you have a fever?”
“Nope. I found Lily.”
“Oh, Ryder.” She sighs. “This could ruin your career.”
“I don’t care. Nothing is more important than her. Just let them know I’m not coming back.”
“Fine. But I’m telling them you have a fever.”
“Don’t—” I try to say don’t lie, but she’s already hung up.
I run all the way to the parking lot and get in my car, pulling up directions to LAX.
Two hours and forty-four minutes.
I don’t know how I’m going to make it on time to her concert, and I don’t know how I’m going to afford this flight, but I don’t care.
I’m going to see Lily.
CHAPTER 39
Lily
JOHANNES BRAHMS — INTERMEZZO IN A MAJOR, OP. 118 NO. 2
My heart is racing, my hands are shaking, and I can’t quite catch my breath.
But this time, it’s not a panic attack. I’m not scared. I’m excited. It’s the thrill I used to love before everything changed. Now, tonight, it will be my turn to perform and share my love of piano.
