I’m not going anywhere.
The only place I want to be is with Alexander. He made it clear that we’ll never be together again.
Chapter 45
Alexander
As she walks into the theatre, Phoebe looks around. The last time I brought her here was the day I broke up with Olivia.
I needed my sister close to me. I didn’t tell her why but she knew. She’s always known when my world isn’t right.
“You’ve been here day and night.” She runs a finger along one of the handrails. “It looks like a different place.”
That’s thanks to all the volunteers who have come on board since I spread the word.
Musicians from the Philharmonic rolled up their shirtsleeves to pitch in. Local music teachers stepped up. Monte pitched in when he was home for a two-day stretch.
I offered him the job in front of Phoebe.
They cried. I cried. They had no fucking idea I was crying about Olivia and not tears of joy for the two of them.
Jesus, I miss her.
“I need to say something to you, Alex.”
I lean against the handrail, closing my suit jacket with a button. “Fire away.”
“Whatever happened between you and Olivia is killing you inside.” She circles a finger in front of my face. “You think you’re hiding it, but it’s not working. Alvin asked me last night if you’re sick.”
Yesterday was Alvin’s last rehearsal before tomorrow night. He’ll be on this stage with a piano playing his heart out.
“I’m sick of the questions,” I tease. “I cared about her, Phoebe. It takes time to get over that.”
“What exactly broke you two up?” She eyes me suspiciously. “Was it you?”
I huff out a laugh. “Your faith in me is touching.”
“I have faith that you want to find someone to share your heart with.” She taps her fingers over my chest. “I have faith that Olivia is that woman.”
I grab her hand in mine. “You’re wrong. She’s not.”
Her eyes narrow. “Did she cheat on you, Alex?”
“No.”
She thinks I cheated on her, or she did the day I showed up at her office. I didn’t have the strength to correct her. She didn’t expand on what Sheryl said about her promotion, so I stormed out.
She couldn’t even bring herself to tell me that day that she was moving to London.
I expected Isla to say something. I know she heard that we broke up from her husband. Olivia’s name hasn’t left her lips since. The only topic of conversation she’s interested in is what classes she’ll teach and when she can start.
“I was hoping you would have made up so she’d be at my birthday party.” She sighs. “I wanted to introduce her to Monte.”
“That’s not going to happen.” I start down the staircase toward the stage. “She’s in London.”
***
Three hours later, I’m standing in front of a flower stand holding back a rush of emotions.