Page 31 of Luke

"Why? Is it out of tune?"

"No, but I just don't play it." Shadows filled her eyes. "I can't, Luke."

"Why? Are you afraid you'll want your old life back?"

"Maybe."

"Music can still be in your life even if you're not playing in an orchestra."

"I don't think it can."

"But you love to play. When I used to watch you…I sometimes felt a little jealous."

Surprise passed through her eyes. "Why?"

"Because the music transported you. It took you away from me—to a place I couldn't go. You'd get this look on your face, and you were gone. I didn't like that."

"I was probably thinking about you, Luke. That happened a lot back then—even when I was playing. For a while there, you were in every breath I took." She paused. "Love is different when you're young, when you have everything in front of you."

"You're not exactly old now, Lizzie. You don't turn thirty for another month."

"Some days I feel like I'm a hundred. Anyway…" She moved toward the staircase in the lobby. "I'll see you tomorrow."

As she went upstairs, he found himself watching her until she disappeared from view, remembering her words—you were in every breath I took.

She'd been in every breath he'd taken, too. He hadn't really thought of it that way, but it was true.

On the other hand, if their love had been that strong, why hadn't either of them fought for it? Maybe it was only now that they could see what they'd had. But it didn't matter.

It was too late to go back. Wasn't it?

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