The seat was empty.
Where had the man gone?
Lianne scanned the audience, but there was no sign of Seth Sinclair.
It was as if he had never been there, as if their shared glance from across the room had been a figment of her imagination.
A musician up ahead saw her stop and called out, "Lianne."
Lianne pulled her gaze away, quickened her pace to follow the musician, and returned to the brightly lit dressing room.
The musicians were excitedly discussing the distinguished guests in the audience. Lianne didn't join in, only offering a few polite words when asked directly.
A theater staff member brought back her cello. Lianne packed it into its case; the performance was over, and she had to take the cello with her.
The orchestra director raised his hands and addressed the crowd, "Don't be in a hurry to leave, everyone. The recent performances have been a great success, so we're going to The Concord Hotel to celebrate."
