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“But do you, really?” He raised an eyebrow at her.
Her eyes flitted to Franky and Ivy again then back at Luca, who seemed to understand without words that she needed a friend.
He took her arm and gently led her to the elevator exit. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
The patriotic music playing at the park along the Grand River floated on the light breeze, and fireworks went off above the city as Skylar and Luca walked around downtown. Luca was a good listener, and Skylar found herself spilling her guts about everything once again.
“It must be hard to see him with someone else,” he said.
“It’s excruciating.”
“I’m sorry you’re hurting.”
“Thanks. I know I need to let go. We’ve never been a couple, and this crush of mine is ridiculous.”
Luca took her hand as he spoke. “Hey, it’s not ridiculous. You can’t help who you fall in love with, right?”
She looked over at him and smiled. “Right.” It was strange holding Luca’s hand, but she needed someone to hold onto right now. “My family’s worried about me. I’ve been skipping out on work and avoiding people. And Franky knows this is all weird for me, that I’m not a fan of Ivy, but he asked me to take engagement pictures for them anyway.”
“He did what now?” Luca’s eyes widened.
“You heard me.”
“Now that is ridiculous.”
“Well, he doesn’t know I’m in love with him. Why wouldn’t his best friend, who loves photography, want to do that for him?”
“That’s messed up.”
“We’re supposed to meet next week, but I don’t think I can do it.”
“And you shouldn’t.”
“If I back out, he’ll wonder why.”
“So what. You don’t owe him an explanation. If he’s clueless enough not to notice what’s going on with you then that’s on him. And what kind of guy would pass up a chance to be with you?”
“Luca …” A shy smile crossed her face.
“It’s the truth. Ivy is a beautiful girl, but he’s a fool for letting you get away.”
“He obviously never had feelings for me other than friendship, and I never told him how I felt, so there wasn’t really a situation where he let me get away.”
“He’s still an idiot.”
“Stop.” Skylar laughed, and Luca laughed along with her. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed, and it felt good.
“You have a nice laugh,” he commented. “And a beautiful smile.”
“Gosh, Luca, make a girl blush, why don’t you.”
He shrugged and smiled as they walked on, making their way to the Blue Bridge, where they maneuvered through the crowd of people departing the fireworks show. Skylar stepped up to the railing and looked out at the river before her.
“I feel like I need to get away for a while, clear my head, talk to God, that sort of thing.”
“You should come up to the winery.”
“I’m sure it’s all booked up this time of year.”