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She nodded her head in acknowledgment and left without another word. Mom said to give her time, but I can’t leave it like this. Maybe she will talk to me if I get her to help with the play.
Me: I would love your help if you’re still willing. I’m really sorry I acted that way. I hope you will forgive me.
The message went unanswered until the following day. I checked my messages when I woke up and found a short, concise response.
Songbird: I’ll be there at two on Wednesday for auditions, and no worries. It was a mistake anyway. Nothing happened.
Her words made my heart hurt. I was hoping for a glimpse of the girl I love, but I think she’s gone, and it’s all my fault.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Aubrey
Iwas sitting on Dan’s bed, going through the story of what brought me here while he was painting my toenails. I wanted to go home and run into Lincoln’s arms, but he made it very clear that he didn’t want to continue this relationship. Even if he changed his mind and started to feel bad, I couldn’t do this. It should never have happened in the first place. This is precisely what I was afraid of. He and I just won’t work. We are too connected to other people, and it wouldn’t end well. Every little fight would affect everyone around us. No matter how much I wish it didn’t happen like this, I know in the end it is for the best.
Once I’m home in Connecticut, it will be better. Easier even. I can get back to everyday life and make plans to have Pops and Liza come visit me, and that will keep me free of Lincoln until Thanksgiving at least. I know I’ll have to deal with seeing him eventually after I leave, but I will make it work. These feelings will fade, and the hurt will subside. For now, I will do my best only to see him when I have to.
On Tuesday and Wednesday morning, things with Pops and I were normal. He tried apologizing for Lincoln, and I told him not to even think about it. We talked a lot about me leaving and even about him visiting after I left and how we would make it work. It sounds like it will be pretty easy to figure out. He said he would hire more people, just so he could take time off to visit me. He didn’t bring up Lincoln again or even ask what really happened, and for that I was thankful.
I couldn’t get the flutters in my stomach to subside when I left work on Wednesday, to go help Lincoln with the play. I didn’t really want to do this, but at the same time, I couldn’t wait to be near him and see for myself that he was okay.
I walked into the auditorium, and Lincoln was the only one there. His back was to me, and I couldn’t stop checking him out. I don’t know if my heart can take this. I mentally kicked my own ass into gear and started walking toward him. He must have felt my presence because he turned around when I was only halfway down the aisle.
My breath hitched in my throat when he looked into my eyes, but I swallowed whatever lump was there. “Hey, I know I’m a bit early, but I wanted to get here before the kids. I hope that’s okay.”
He stared momentarily and then shook his head as if shaking off a thought. “Of course, it’s fine. I got you a staff pass, so you don’t need to do all that sign-in stuff every day.” He handed it to me, and our fingers brushed, and my breath hitched once again. He let go of the staff pass, and his eyes lifted and met mine.
“I’m glad you’re here. It’s really good to see you.” I smiled but didn’t say anything back because I wanted to tell him just how much I loved him but knew I couldn’t. He continued, “Do you, by chance, know this song on the guitar?” He handed me some sheet music. “We will audition for Mimi and Roger today, so all the kids have practiced it. If not—”
My eyes lit up. “Yes, I do. I love Light My Candle. It’s my favorite.”
“I was thinking you could play and then sing the other parts while the kids tried out if you’re okay with that.”
I nodded my head. “I can do that.”
“Great, I set up a stool on stage. Feel free to get comfortable. Let me know if you need anything else.
“Just a second music stand if you have one.”
The students were so good. Some of them are going to be famous one day, I just know it. As they were singing, I was trying my best to focus on them as well as trying to keep my voice from shaking when I sang. I was working hard not to look out to where Lincoln and his coworkers were sitting. One of the guys kept looking my way and smiling, but I don’t think anyone else noticed.
After the auditions, I started to pack up. Lincoln called out to me and asked if I would mind staying for a bit to help them go through and choose the parts. He gave us all a ten-minute break before we convened for the decisions. I continued packing up my guitar on stage so I could bring it down to the chairs. Some of the other teachers came up to me, to thank me for my overall help with the auditions. I felt a little embarrassed because they were fawning over my playing and singing. Although their attention felt awkward, deep down It made me feel good.
We chose the two main characters and then I collected my things off the chair beside me and said goodbye to everyone, but I was purposely avoiding Lincoln.
The man who wouldn’t stop staring at me came over. “Hey, we’re all going to dinner tonight. Want to join us? I’d love to hear about what you do in Connecticut.” Lincoln made his way over to us, and he looked pretty pissed.
I touched the man’s arm, and Lincoln stopped walking. “Oh, thanks for the invite, but I’m only temporarily here. I wouldn’t want to take up any of your time.” Then I smiled and walked away. Lincoln went ghostly white. I was hoping he realized I just threw his words to me right back at him. He followed me. He was basically running by the time he caught up to me outside.
“Aubrey, can I talk to you for a second?”
I answered while still walking away, “Just send me the song for tomorrow. I will learn it tonight if I don’t know it. See you tomorrow Lincoln.”
“That’s not what I was—”
I shut the car door, cutting off his words, and drove away.
LINCOLN
