Chapter 45
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
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.
“Is it okay, Uncle?” Alvin yanks on the sleeve of my jacket. “Can I get some flowers for Skylar too?”
Skylar. His princess. He’s her knight in shining armor.
He protected her when kids bullied her and brought her flowers that Olivia helped him pick out.
That was weeks ago, but Skylar has become a constant in his life.
She’s sat through three of his practices and was next to him when we went for chicken burgers and salad at the place where he confided in Olivia.
I ached for her that day.
I ache for her every damn day.
“Sure, bud.” I wave my arm over the massive display of bouquets. “Choose whatever you want for Skylar, and something for your mom for her birthday too.”
“Maybe if you pick something for Olivia, we can hang out with her again.”
It’s an innocent assumption, but flowers won’t change a thing between Olivia and me.
“Olivia moved away,” I remind him.
I’ve told him twice this week.
His bottom lip trembles as he looks up at me. “Does that mean if Skylar moves away, I can’t be her friend anymore? I can’t talk to her on the phone or go see her and bring her flowers?”
I look away, afraid of what my expression will give away.
“I’m sure if Skylar moved away, you’d still see her.” I swallow. “What happened with Olivia is different.”
“How?”
I can’t explain it to him. I can’t fucking explain it to myself, because Olivia is far different from any woman I’ve ever known, yet I’ve let the memory of someone else ruin my future with her.
I broke her heart before she had a chance to break mine.
I’m an asshole.
“What can I help you two handsome gentlemen with?” A woman who works at the flower market approaches us.
“We need flowers for my mom and for Skylar,” Alvin answers with a grin. “I want something that will make their hearts smile.”
The reminder of Olivia’s words is too much. I turn my back to my nephew and close my eyes, wishing I could find a way to chase this constant pain away.