Page 24 of Share with Me

“Good night,” Brinley said, warming up as the indoor heat permeated her coat through the open door.

“You have a good night too.”

“I will.”

“See you around?” There was hesitation in Ivan’s voice.

“I’m sure we will. We’re family now with our siblings married to each other.”

Ivan shook his head. “I still can’t believe they eloped.”

“At least the baby will be born to married parents. That’s not always the case these days.”

“Somehow I don’t think Quincy had social causes in mind when they ran off.”

“And who knows what Zoe had in mind.” Brinley extended her hand. “Do you want me to take that?”

Instead of handing her the empty paper cup, Ivan stepped toward Brinley. In the dim light of the terrace and the moon, Ivan reached for her chin. The pads of his fingers felt rough and calloused against her face, probably from his years of contact with violin strings.

He lowered his lips.

She didn’t protest.

Before he reached her, he hesitated. Stepped back. Drew a deep breath. “I don’t know what overcame me.”

“Air.”

“What? Yeah. The air is cold.”

“No. Bach’sAir. That overcame you.”

Ivan didn’t say anything to that. Brinley wasn’t sure why. Did he think she was accusing him of being emotional? Well, he could be. What about that split second of something or other between them back at the dinner party?

“I’d better go. It’s late. Good night, Brinley Brooks. Have a nice life.”

Have a nice life?

Brinley wasn’t sure what to make of that. Ivan wasn’t making any sense. Did he talk gibberish when he was nervous? He didn’t look nervous. Just a bit confused about his feelings.

So was she.

She felt a twinge of loss as she watched Ivan walk away into the December night.

He didn’t look back.

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