Page 17 of A First Sight

“Drake…what…” Uncle Ben couldn’t say the question he wanted to ask.

I wasn’t proud of the answer, but I confessed anyway. “I got her boyfriend’s name and had a PI do a little digging. He found out that he and his girlfriend, Maggie McCrae, are musicians here, so I decided to see a concert.”

“Do I want to know how you got his name?” Uncle Ben asked with a sigh.

“Probably not,” I said.

“She…” Stellan tore his gaze from the program. “Fuck, Drake, it’s like seeing Belle again.”

I nodded. “At first, I thought maybe she was a relative I didn’t know about.”

He shook his head. “No one in the family looks like her. Not that much.”

“I figured you would have warned me.” I managed a slight smile. “And if I would’ve known you’d be here tonight, I would have warned you.”

“This wasnothow I thought this evening would go,” Uncle Ben said as he reached for the opera glasses. A minute later, he let out a low whistle. “It’s uncanny.”

“Belle couldn’t play an instrument to save her life,” Stellan said. The color returned to his face.

“No,” I agreed, “she couldn’t.”

“Have you—have you spoken with her?” Stellan held out his hand for the glasses, and Uncle Ben handed them over.

I shook my head. “When I first saw her, I was so shocked. I don’t think I could’ve spoken a single word even if she’d started a conversation.”

“And now?” Uncle Ben asked. He turned his attention from her to me, many emotions written in his eyes.

“I came last week. I didn’t speak to any of the performers. And now I’m here.”

Not telling him about the flowers made it a lie of omission. Of a sort, anyway. He asked if Ispoketo her. I hadn’t. I hadn’t even been close enough for her to see me. And I didn’t sign my name to the flowers.

“Do you plan on seeking her out?” Uncle Ben glanced at Stellan. He put down the glasses to join the conversation. “You said she has a boyfriend.”

“I’m not pursuing her,” I said. “She’s in a relationship. The last thing she needs is a stranger pursuing her. I think that’s called stalking.” Not to mention the age difference.

“Then what is this?” Stellan asked, gesturing to me and then to the whole place. His expression was unreadable. “Why did you come back?”

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “I enjoy the music, but I like seeing Maggie, too.”

Uncle Ben put his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t get lost in something that isn’t real.”

Stellan’s eyes met mine. “He’s right, Drake. She’s not Belle, and no amount of wishing will change that. No one, no matter how much they look alike, can replace someone we’ve lost.”

“I know.” I barely refrained from snapping at him. Of course, I knew Maggie wasn’t Belle. “I don’t want to replace Belle. No one can do that.”

“Good.” My uncle looked relieved. “I just worry about you.”

“I know, and thank you.” I managed a smile. “But it’s unnecessary. She’s a talented musician and part of a renowned orchestra. That’s all.”

The look Stellan gave me said he didn’t think I was sincere, but I had no plans to ask her on a date, and I didn’t think she was my dead wife brought back to life.

Belle and our daughter were gone. Maggie wasn’t my salvation or my hope. She looked like Belle and seeing that resemblance threw me.

That was all.

A young woman like her didn’t need an older man like me interfering with her life. My patronage to the arts and appreciation for her skill was all I would offer.

As I made my decision, a piece of my heart turned traitorous and whispered,but what if…?

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