someoneâ¦â
âSomeone from the orchestra?â
She shook her head. âA couple of guys I thought I saw lurking around at the park when we were waiting for you. It just startled me for a moment.â Hearing herself insinuate that someone might befollowing them sounded a little crazy. âIt must have been a trick of the light on the glass.â
Alex glanced around, as if he were trying to pick them out of the crowd, but then his eyes snared hers again, the natural light made the green rim around the iris even more pronounced. It was like looking at a kaleidoscope of amber and honey, moss and tortoiseshell.
âMay I ask you a question?â he said.
She blinked and looked away because she realized sheâd been staring into his eyes too long. âSure.â
She bent down to check on Liam, to adjust his blankets and make sure he was still sleeping soundly. He was, and he looked like, an angel. The sight of him warmed her from the inside out.
âSomething you mentioned yesterday at the office keeps lingering in my thoughts. You mentioned that in America the arts are struggling for funding. Iâm just curious, how is it that your orchestra is able to tour Europe if funds are so tight? Iâm fascinated by this. Do you mind talking about it?â
Now he was the one staring intently at her, and she forced herself to look him in the eyes as they started walking again.
âA sponsor, of course.â
He nodded as if heâd already guessed as much.
âWas it a European sponsor?â
So many questions. But that was fine. Kind of nice, actually. Since theyâd left the park heâd been making a genuine effort to engage her. She appreciated it, especially because small talk had never been her forte. It was nice how easily they seemed to get along now that the initial ice was broken. Their getting along would be important in the future since Alex seemed interested in being a part of Liamâs life.
âYes, we were fortunate to be invited on a six-city, European tour arranged by the Pedersen Foundation. Itâs an arts organization based in London that raises money to send orchestras on tour. Their mission is to raise awareness of the arts and culture in other nations. The concert tomorrow night is the last performance on the tour, and then we return home the day after tomorrow. Itâs been the trip of a lifetime. Would you like to come to the concert? I can leave tickets for you at will call.â
âIâd love to come, but Iâm happy to purchase my tickets. To support the arts.â
âThatâs very generous of you, but comps are one of the few benefits of my job. I havenât had anyone to share them with. It would be wonderful to be able to use them once on this tour.â
It dawned on her that he might want to bring adate, which put a different kind of butterfly feeling in her stomach.
âHow many tickets should I leave for you?â
âNow itâs my turn to say thatâs very generous of you. One ticket would be very much appreciated. Perhaps we could have a late dinner after youâre finished? If it wouldnât interfere with Liam or another engagement you might have with the orchestra or with the Pedersen Foundation? It would be a great time to discuss plans for Liam.â
Of course he only wants to be informed of my plans for the boy. Iâm thrilled that heâs interested and will definitely keep him apprised of everything that happens in Liamâs life.
âThat would be lovely. Thank you. As far as I know, thereâs nothing scheduled for after the concert. Although things sometimes come up last minute. Would you mind keeping the plans flexible?â
Alex nodded his consent. âToo bad my brother wasnât aware of your tour. You couldâve come to St. Michel.â
âSt. Michel? As in, the Boulevard St. Michel?â
She gestured around the street on which they