Free Dark Memories (The Phantom Diaries, #2) by Kailin Gow Page A

the time to speak of her uncertainties. I’d wanted this night to be of passion.
    Her eyes widened. Surprised and caught off guard, she brought a quick but unconvincing smile to her lips.   Veiled from the truth, her eyes could not meet mine.
    There was no need for her to answer. I knew the conclusion she’d come to. It was evident in every move she made and my heart ached all the more. She would never be truly free of Kristine, not so long as I was in her life.

 
    Chapter 10
     
    Annette
     
    Eric had slept in a guest room, allowing me the time and space I needed to collect my thoughts. His large room was empty without him, but I was thankful for his consideration.   Barefoot and still groggy I walked to the window and glimpsed outside at a
New York City
that was a buzz of festive activities.   Magical with its mass of Christmas lights and chilled by hints of snow, it was a spectacular city in which to spend the holidays, though far from the traditions I’d grown up with in
New Orleans
.
    Remnants of the Boxing Day shopping crowd filled the streets looking for bargains.   I’d hopefully have some time to get some shopping of my own done.   I desperately wanted to find anything related to the Yankees for my dad and I thought Maman would really enjoy a touch of
New York
fashion.   Perhaps a silk scarf, or one of those thousand dollar designer handbags.   But a return to rehearsals at the Met was today’s priority and I had to set my shopping list aside.
    I rushed out of Eric’s home and down through the tunnels that were now becoming increasingly familiar to me. Though I erred twice, I was able to retrace my steps and find the correct tunnel that led to the Met’s entrance. As I entered the rehearsal hall, the first person I saw was Chace with a new violin under his chin.
    His concentration was admirable as he led the orchestra to a powerful climax. His hair tousled around his face and all the emotion and drama of the piece emanated from every part of his being.
    A final flick of his bow and the orchestra fell silent.
    He gazed at me, his eyes showing quick recognition, but just as quick, indifference.   Was he still angry?   Of course he was.   He had to be.   No doubt he thought I’d played him for a fool.   I could still see his expression as he’d entered my dressing room to find me in Aaron’s arms. The pain, the rage and the betrayal. No wonder he wanted to look away.
    I took my place and we spent the next few hours going over several of the songs, but with every song seamlessly gliding into the other, there was little need for in-depth repetition.
    When the orchestra, dancers and co-stars began to disperse, I noticed Chace stalling. For minutes he placed his music sheets in order, shuffling them around and tapping them into a neat pile.   He opened and closed his violin case repeatedly, pulled his violin back out and wiped it down with a smooth cloth and settled it back in its case.   His fingers remained on the cover of his case, hesitating and looking for something else to do.
    I knew I’d have to make the first move.
    Unsure how he’d react, I slowly approached him when the last of the musicians left.   Alone in the rehearsal hall, the air was suddenly stiff and tense.   My throat constricted as I tried to think of something to say.   Standing at his side, the silence that engulfed us made us all the more aware of our awkward reunion.
    When he reached out to take my hand I sighed, audibly and without restraint.
    “Chace,” I whispered with the heaviness of such regret.
    “Come walk with me,” he said simply.
    With the hope of his complete forgiveness, I pulled on my coat and followed him out to the streets.   He held my hand and led me to
Central Park
. Enchanted by the winter wonderland, I allowed myself to relax and take in the beauty of the fresh fallen snow. I inhaled deeply, intoxicated by the cool air that rushed to my lungs.
    Chace stopped to buy us each a hot pretzel then