C03
- me.
Even my coach’s violin class was adorned with my posters.
“If you want to join the orchestra, your pitch still isn’t good enough.”
The girl froze mid–motion, then turned toward the voice. Her eyes widened in recognition the moment she saw
Her eyes widened as she murmured, “Claire…”
Maybe it was the longing in her gaze, or how much she reminded me of my younger self, that made me act on impulse.
“I’ll be visiting my coach next month. Prepare in advance and I’ll guide you.”
She nodded eagerly, like a child savoring an unexpected treat. Finally, she mustered the courage to add timidly, “Thank you, Miss Dawson.”
From that day on, I began coaching Mia more frequently.
Gradually, her title for me evolved. First, it was Miss Dawson, then Coach Dawson and eventually, she called me Coach Claire.
However, Lennon was not pleased after another missed date.
“That girl’s talent is mediocre at best. No amount of coaching will change that.”
“And today of all days. It was our anniversary and you’d rather spend it coaching her?”
At the time, I only knew Mia’s important exam was approaching.
I reassured Lennon, promising to make it up to him the next day.
Mia worked tirelessly and eventually succeeded in passing the municipal orchestra’s examination, earning her place as a second violinist.
On the day I introduced her to the orchestra, Lennon happened to be there.
He was seated cross–legged at the center of the stage, carefully wiping his flute. His eyes glanced at Mia Blake, cold and dismissive, but he said nothing.
Mia hesitated, clearly intimidated and began to retreat. But I stopped her, holding her steady before gently pushing her forward.
Fear lingered in her eyes, but she mustered up her courage and stepped toward him.
“Mr. Sullivan, I am Coach Claire’s apprentice. Please guide me in the future.”
Lennon did not even look up and continued to meticulously clean his instrument.
After a long pause, he finally uttered a sentence. “No need for me to guide you. The violin and I don’t
collaborate.”
“But as a second violinist, your job is to assist the first violinist.”
From across the room, he gestured toward me, his voice laced with a casual warning.
I had thought the thrill of their first meeting would linger indefinitely and that I would continue mediating between them whenever necessary.
But unexpectedly, Mia no longer appeared frightened when she looked at Lennon.
Likewise, Lennon’s demeanor toward Mia now carried a trace of gentleness.
“Coach Claire, if you don’t like it, I’ll leave right now.”
4:13 PM
Love Does Not Wait Forever
“But please don’t misunderstand Mr. Sullivan…”
I looked up at her. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes and her timid voice was trembling.
One glance of it could captivate anyone to fall for her, let alone a man.
“Let’s go outside first.” Lennon’s eyes darkened as he pulled Mia to his side, then took off his coat and draped it
around her shoulders.
“Claire, you’re getting old and your temper’s only getting worse. Try to be a little more patient.” After saying that, he glanced at me sharply before pulling Mia into his arms and tilting his lips into a faint smile. “I’m always worried
some young talent will steal your spot in the orchestra.”
As he spoke, he leaned slightly, his lips brushing against Mia’s damp black hair, a gesture so casual yet so deliberate it sent a wave of provocation straight to me.
I knew exactly what Lennon was implying. Not long ago, I had refrained from recommending Mia for the orchestra’s promotion slot.
Lowering my gaze, I replied softly,” Mia’s skills still need improvement…”
“She’s your own apprentice.” Lennon cut off my words. His tall frame loomed over me as he grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes.
The years of playing instruments had hardened his hands and they had already developed a thick layer of calluses, which caused the pressure of his grip stung sharply.
“Claire, your memory must be failing you. You’re the one who has ignored me countless times for your apprentice. And now you want to feign some high ground? Are you afraid that Mia will take your place?”
His cold gaze bore into me, but there was a teasing curve on his lips.
