Chapter 26

Evelyn playfully ruffled Brian's hair and said, "Aren't you a man yourself?" "I'm a man, but not one with ulterior motives. You don't need to be wary of me, Ms. Monroe," Brian replied. Evelyn laughed heartily. Interacting with these young students had made her feel rejuvenated and much younger. … The day passed quickly. As the sky darkened, the auditorium began to buzz with activity. Evelyn was backstage preparing her makeup and nervously checking her phone, but there was still no message from Jasper. She thought to herself that he probably wasn't coming. Otherwise, he would have notified her earlier. "Ms. Monroe, I just announced your performance. Did you hear me?" Brian squeezed through the backstage crowd and appeared before Evelyn. He was dressed in a sharp suit since he was hosting the event tonight. His naturally tousled hair was slicked back with gel, giving him a polished and mature look. "Yes, I heard. I'm on next after the one coming up. I'm here preparing, aren't I?