Page 103 of Bluebird

By agreeing to perform at the Awards night, they gave me three VIP guest passes. Everyone from LB Records already had other commitments as it was just over a week away, so I decided to ask Nate and Amanda. Surely, Dad would cover the farm for a few days. So that left me with one extra ticket which I hoped to reserve for my date.

* * *

I returned home the day I said I would, and everyone appeared to be surprised.

It was Saturday night and I arrived just as they sat down for dinner. I rolled my suitcase in the front door and my mum jumped up from the dinner table to organise a plate.

“Mum, sit back down! I’ll do that.”

Mum waved me off, and continued her preparations.

“You’re lucky your mother always cooks too much.” Dad laughed, and smiled at me as I approached.

“We assumed ‘a few days’ meant ‘a few weeks’,” Nate chucked.

I scrunched up my face at him “Ha-ha, well surprise.”

I caught Luke’s gaze and smiled down at him. He returned a happy grin that set my heart a flutter.

Mum sat my plate down, and I slid into my usual chair to eat.

“So, Natalie, what did you get up to in Melbourne? Did you have fun?” she asked, politely.

I smiled enthusiastically. “I did actually. I had a few meetings and did a ton of shopping.”

The boys rolled their eyes, and Amanda looked envious.

“Oh, and I’ve been asked to sing at the Australian Country Music Awards, and announce an award.”

My family erupted in cheers, but Luke remained sombre.

“You’re really getting back into it, aren’t you?” he asked, with a tight smile.

“Yes, and no…” I replied, hoping to elaborate more when the time was right.

Before anyone could pick up the unusual vibe between Luke and myself, I continued, “I’ve also been given a few VIP guest passes.”

I peered over at Nate and Amanda with a crafty grin and their eyes bulged.

“For us?” he uttered, looking unsure. Amanda covered her mouth in anticipation.

I chuckled. “Yes, dumbarse. I know your wedding is next month, but do think you can manage it?”

Nate looked across to Dad who was already nodding. “I think you could do with a few days off before the wedding.”

Nate fist pumped the air and Amanda clapped her hands.

“Thank you, Natalie,” she gushed.

“Yeah, thanks,” Nate followed. “About time I got something out of this ‘my sister’s famous’ deal.”

“I still have one issue though.”

Mum’s forehead furrowed. “What’s that, darling?”

“It appears I don’t have a date…” I smiled down at my food, and I sensed everyone turn their attention on Luke.

Luke uncomfortably cleared his throat, and readjusted himself in his chair, as everyone waited for him to respond. “I…I could take you…if you like?” he stumbled nervously, in front of the watchful eyes of my parents and brother.