Page 148 of Master of My Life

“I don’t want to hurt him.”

“He’d be more hurt if we didn’t ask.”

Sabrina blew out a breath. “I don’t know.”

Someone knocked on the door at that moment and Sabrina jumped. Chase stood and opened it an

inch to see who was there. “Hi, Martin.”

The older man stepped inside the room as Chase opened the door, followed by a tall, thin man in

his early twenties with dark eyes and hair. “Chase, I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to introduce my

nephew to both of you.” He motioned to the man next to him. “Mark, this is Chase Ralston and

Sabrina Mansfield.” He lowered his voice. “This is who you’re playing for on Monday.”

Mark shook Chase’s outstretched hand.

“Nice to meet you, Mark.”

“Likewise.” His eyes widened when Sabrina stood, but he quickly smoothed his expression into a

wide smile.

Sabrina said hello and gave him a shy smile. Chase always found it amusing to watch men meet

Sabrina for the first time.

“The performance will start a few minutes later than normal,” Martin said. “I’m going to surprise

the audience with a short piece played by Mark. I think they’ll enjoy it.”

Mark smiled. “It’s technically from Sleeping Beauty, but it has the theme of the growing

Christmas tree from the second part of the first act.”

“Really?” Sabrina asked, eyes bright.

“It’s a beautiful solo.” Mark’s eyes closed and Chase could imagine him listening to the music in

his head. “Not many people know it, but I hope they’ll enjoy it.”

“I’m sure they will,” Martin said with a smile. “I’ll let you finish getting ready, Sabrina.” He

shook Chase’s hand again and gave Sabrina a quick hug.

They left and Sabrina returned to stretching. Ethan returned a few minutes later. “Did I see Mark

Pierce in the hallway?”

Chase nodded. “Martin brought him back to meet Sabrina. And me, since I was here.” He studied

Ethan’s face. His eyes had lost their edge. “Feel better?”

Ethan nodded. “Needed some air.”

Later, Sabrina stood in the wings, listening to Martin introduce Mark and explain the piece he would

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