Page 31 of Symphony for Lies

Layla pursed her lips. “We need to check him out.”

Tiana nodded in agreement.

“Exactly. Don’t worry. I’ll do some digging later and find out everything there’s to know about him. Spencer Wilson, huh?” Stacy muttered, already typing his name into her phone.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help chuckling, “Guys, I don’t want a relationship. Sure, he’s nice, but I don’t have time for that.”

Tiana’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Oh, come on. If he makes an effort, you should give him a chance.”

I shook my head, took a sip of my cold coffee, and let their endless scheming wash over me.

At some point, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder, pulling me out of my trance.

“Hi, Amelia.” The deep, melodic voice was one I recognized instantly.And my suspicions were confirmed when I looked up into familiar crystal blue eyes.

“Tristan?”

“Can I talk to you for a moment?” he asked politely.

I glanced at my friends. And just like that, Spencer was utterly forgotten. They were too busy staring dreamily at the handsome man beside me.

Layla waved us off.“Go ahead. Take your time.”

“No need to rush,” Stacy added.

“We won’t interrupt, promise.” Tiana smirked.

Wow. They were so easy to please.

I sighed, muttered an apology, and followed Tristan outside.

It was cold. I wrapped my arms around myself, but the chill air made me shiver.

Tristan noticed right away, and being the gentleman he was, he slipped off his jacket and dropped it over my shoulders.

“Thanks,” I murmured.

It was warm and smelled of sandalwood and… something familiar.

We started strolling around the building. The night air was peaceful, and the stars above offered a comforting glow.

My companion’s steps matched mine perfectly, near enough to share warmth but not so close that it felt overwhelming.

“How have you been?” His voice carried that soft, soothing tone that reminded me of his music.

“It’s been a rough week, but I’m okay.”

He nodded, studying me before quietly saying, “You look paler than usual.”

Heat rushed to my face. It wasn’t an insult, but it felt like he’d seen through me too quickly.

Without thinking, I raised a hand, untucking my hair to hide my face.

“I-I’m just a little sleep-deprived.”

We stopped in front of the entrance, and Tristan tilted his head at me quizzically.“Did something happen?”

I swallowed hard.“A lot, but I’ll manage.”