Does she think I am not watching?
She has control of her emotions now.
I will let her maintain her defiance for now.
Chapter sixteen
Christianna
My hands tremble slightly as I lift the violin. I bite my lip, then my future maestro signals me in.
I play.
I let the fact that this is an audition, that I am being judged, fall away. There is only the music. I lose myself in it.
When the final note fades, he gives a small, approving nod.
Working under James Earl would be a dream.
Now I wait.
As I gather my things and start to head out I am stopped by my name being called.
“Christianna, wait.”
I turn to see Meg hurrying after me.
I smile tentatively and turn to face her. She wraps me in a warm hug and the familiarity and warmth wash over me.
“How have you been? Why are you so bad at responding to texts? I swear you need to get your introverted ass out more.”
I laugh as we fall into our old rhythm effortlessly.
“Want to get lunch and catch up?” she gushes. “I have so much to tell you.”
I’m about to answer when a deep male voice cuts in. “Miss Balleton, when you have a moment.”
I turn.
Tall. Dark. Handsome in a way that feels unintentional. Rich dark eyes, shaggy hair, and a presence that settles the space around him.
My breath hitches. What if he recognizes me? I deliberately turn away and give Meg a soft smile. “Text me. I’ll meet you.”
She grabs my arm lightly. “Remy, this is my friend Christianna. We were just heading out to lunch.”
Remy gives a brief nod, a small smile. Bright white teeth flash against olive skin.
There’s nothing overt in his expression, yet something about him commands attention. Quiet. Grounded. I find it harder than it should be to look away.
We earn a few suspicious looks as people pass us. I catch the furtive glances and low whispers that follow Remy. He doesn’t seem to notice. Or doesn’t care.
A sharp, demanding voice cuts through everything.
“There you are. What good is an assistant if I can’t find you?”
Meg exhales and rolls her eyes at me, then turns with a carefully blank expression.
“Mr. Leroux.”
