Max
I want to appear differently this time, not like before.
"I will soon take my leave," Richard said. But remember to take things easily he added and moved away.
At the gala, all the guests were well dressed, and everybody around me was laughing over champagne, the clink of glasses blending with the low notes of a live jazz band.
But none of it registered.
I was completely concentrating on Lila and nothing more at the moment. She was standing across the room with her back turned to me while talking to an unfamiliar person.
I didn't anticipate her noticing me. Still not. The strategy was to keep my distance, stay composed, and steer clear of the turmoil I had vowed I wouldn't encounter again.
However, as soon as she turned and our gazes met, my determination wavered.
Her facial expression became rigid. Her lips opened a bit as if she wanted to say something, and her forehead creased in astonishment.
