The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 171

Saying she had to work late wasn't an excuse for Lavinia. She genuinely had a tight deadline to meet.

By the time she typed the last period on her due diligence report, she glanced at the clock in the bottom right corner of her screen. Eight-thirty. The concert had started half an hour ago.

Charley hadn't texted to rush her. But she knew he was there, and she knew he would wait.

He was the kind of man who always kept his word.

She snapped her laptop shut, shoved it into her tote, and headed downstairs to hail a cab.

The warm, golden lights of the Blossom Concert Hall glowed softly in the night, and the sweeping sounds of the orchestra could be heard all the way from the lobby.

When Lavinia walked in, they were already well into the second movement.

She navigated her way to the cafe, but just as she reached the entrance, her footsteps faltered.

Charley was inside. And so was Jocelyn Chandler.

Instinctively, Lavinia ducked behind a pillar, peeking out from the side.

They were sitting across from each other in the cafe.

Jocelyn was doing most of the talking, her lips curved into a smile like she was sharing an amusing story. Charley would nod occasionally, though he didn't say much.

Neither of them had gone into the concert hall. Jocelyn had probably run into him waiting for his plus-one and decided to keep him company.

Tonight, Jocelyn was wearing a dark green velvet gown, her hair swept up in an elegant updo that showcased her slender, porcelain neck.

Charley was in a crisp white shirt and black suit, his hair perfectly styled.

Their silhouettes reflected against the glass windows of the cafe, looking like a painting.

They were a perfect match. Jocelyn was highly educated, just like him. With all her accomplishments, she undoubtedly had suitors lining up for her.

Staring at that picture-perfect scene, Lavinia suddenly felt a wave of loneliness wash over her. She asked herself: What are you so sad about? Is it that without Charley to hold your hand, you wouldn't even know how to walk?

But he had been the one to walk beside her through the hardest chapter of her life. She honestly didn't know what would happen to her if the hands that guided her were suddenly gone.

She shook her head, refusing to spiral into those thoughts.

Lavinia, you coward, pull yourself together, she yelled at herself internally.

***

Inside the cafe, Jocelyn lifted her wrist to check her watch. Upstairs, the music faded, replaced by the muffled sound of applause.

It was intermission.

As they headed up the spiral staircase, a large concert poster stood in the lobby.

The title was imposing: Shostakovich: Heroism in the End of Days.

Lavinia pointed at it and smiled. "I heard that people who like Shostakovich usually have a bit of a hero complex. Are you like that, Charley?"

He shrugged, his tone casual. "Maybe a little. I guess it's like my grandfather—willing to give everything for a cause that's worth it."

Curious, Lavinia asked, "What kind of cause is worth it?"

"You'll know when the time comes."

She tilted her head, her eyes teasing. "Then when the time comes, can I be your sidekick?"

Charley stopped walking. His fingers twitched.

"Lavinia, I've always..." He looked at her, his words trailing off as if he were holding something back.

She blinked. "Always what?"

His gaze deepened. "I've always hoped to find someone who could understand my obsession."