Chapter 16 Christianna
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.”
He stops in front of her. Striking. Inky black hair, electric blue eyes, and if disinterest were a scent, he’d wear it stronger than a teenager with a new bottle of Axe.
His gaze skims over me. He tilts his head slightly, then returns his attention to Meg.
“Why is my phone going off with all these notifications?” he demands. “And why can’t they be silenced?”
I’m close enough to catch the snicker she suppresses before it fully forms. No one else does.
“I was tasked with making sure you drink enough water and eat at normal intervals.”
“You were also tasked with not interrupting me while I compose.”
“Eat, drink, silence the alarms,” she replies evenly. “Everything was placed within reach. You weren’t disturbed.”
He makes a low, irritated sound and shoots Remy a dark look. Then, after one last glance in my direction, he turns and stalks off.
Remy steps in and gives Meg a light pat on the shoulder. “Well played, Meg. Go to lunch. No need to rush back. Enjoy it.”
He turns to me, his gaze warm but sharp. “Christianna, it was nice meeting you. You’re welcome to see Meg whenever you like.” His eyes flick briefly to my violin case. “I imagine you’ll be here often enough anyway.”
Heat rises in my cheeks. I nod, glancing down at my shoes.