Page 63 of A First Sight

I closed my eyes and took a slow breath, preparing myself to go inside. I hadn’t spoken to anyone there but Nehemiah since the day of the incident, and I had no idea what Dale had told everyone.

I was walking into a situation that could be uncomfortable at best, and outright hostile at worst.

But I could do this.

As I gripped my case tighter and opened the door, the familiar smell of the concert hall washed over me, making me smile. Playing in the New York Philharmonic was my life’s dream, and I worked hard to get here. I wouldn’t let Dale’s abuse and lies steal my dream away. I’d already lost three years of my life to him, and I refused to give him one more minute.

I entered the rehearsal space and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw the only people who had so far arrived were my friends.

“Maggie!” Irene’s eyes were wet as she hurried toward me. She engulfed me in a hug, and I knew then I wouldn’t be facing this alone.

I allowed myself the momentary respite of relaxing in her embrace and hugging her back. Tears burned my eyes, and I closed them, hoping I could stay strong.

“How are you?” Irene asked as she released me and stepped back. She brushed at her cheeks with the backs of her hands.

“I’m good.” At her skeptical look, I added, “There are still…issues to deal with, but I’m in a much better place than I’ve been in a long while.”

Irene’s mouth flattened into a thin line as Nehemiah joined us. His eyes said that he heard and understood as well. Not all principal conductors were as involved in the orchestra’s daily lives as Nehemiah was. He told every new member that he was there to guide and advise us. And––if necessary––fight for us. He was the one to suggest I should apply for assistant concertmaster.

“If anyone gives you any problems, you come see me,” he said as he reached out and squeezed my hand.

Having these two on my side eased some of my anxiety.

Voices from behind me told us we were no longer alone, so I stepped away.

“I have to set up my new violin.”

As I made my way to my regular seat, I heard Irene ask Nehemiah why I’ve gotten anew violin. I couldn’t hear his response, lost in the sound of conversation. I focused on my usual preparation routine, keeping my head down, though I felt eyes on me.

As more members came into the room, I saw where things stood. A handful of people said they were glad I was back. They eyed my new violin with curiosity but didn’t ask about it or the reason for my absence, making me think at least some of what happened had made its way through the orchestra.

I heard that Dale—and maybe Chelsey—were spreading lies claiming that I’d hit Dale first and that Drake, who also attacked Dale, was my secret love affair.

I didn’t like Drake’s name being dragged through the mud, but arguing wouldn’t do anyone any good. If someone asked, I’d tell them the truth as it pertained to what happened between Dale and me, but other than that, I would keep my mouth shut.

To the world, Dale presented a charming face. I just hoped they were being cautious about falling for that.

Then he was here. Dale. I kept my gaze on my case, but I could feel everyone’s eyes on us.

Fortunately, Irene called for attention, and people settled into their seats with their usual professionalism. Not one to shy away from issues, she addressed my return without going into details, and then started the usual Monday morning business.

This would not be easy, but I could do it, and I clung to those words for the rest of the day.

* * *

The week had already exhaustedme, and it was only Tuesday evening.

Instead of living in fear for Dale, I now dealt with negative attention and whispers. I didn’t have the energy, however, I wouldn’t let anyone see how tired I was.

I was meeting Carson and London to celebrate my little sister’s twenty-third birthday at Petite Boucherie.

“Twenty-three!” Carson threw his arms around London as soon as she walked in. “I can’t believe it!”

“You’re certainly enthusiastic this evening,” London said, laughing as she hugged him back. “It’s my birthday. Shouldn’t I be the one excited about it?”

“It’s my prerogative as a big brother,” he informed us both. “Shall we?”

We followed the hostess to a table and settled in. London gave me a schedule of the upcoming performances, and a little thrill went through me as I put the dates into my calendar.

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