Page 17 of Bluebird

4

The end of winter finally arrived and my favourite season had begun. Spring. The weather seemed to change instantly and the air was full of blossoming scents.

Luke and I went back to spending most of our afternoons together. I was determined not to let my feelings for him get in the way of our friendship. I simply ignored my beating heart and constant butterflies, and focused my attention on the music.

“I think it’s time you start playing in front of people,” Luke stated, tinkering away on his guitar.

“Pardon?” I choked, hearing him perfectly. I looked up from my notebook to see if he was joking.

“You know these songs back to front. It’s time to test them out.”

“What am I supposed to do? Busk on the street?” I cringed, imagining all the ridicule I would have to endure from my classmates.

“No.” He laughed. “I want you to play at Easton’s.”

My mouth dropped. “What? Really?”

“Well, I spoke to Nan, and she said as long as it didn’t interfere with school it was okay with her.”

“Oh my god, Luke,” I cried, bowling him over in a hug.

Luke’s guitar lay awkwardly between us and he let out a whole-hearted chuckle as I fumbled my way off him. I jumped onto my feet and began pacing the barn. The less physical contact the better.

“It’s just Friday nights, and I’m telling you now…the pay isn’t great,” he said with a smirk.

My eyes widened. “You’re going to pay me to sing?”

“Get used to it, Blue.”

I shook my head in disbelief. Luke’s unfaltering faith in my ability had me dumbfounded. He believed in me more than anyone, even myself. “So, when do you want me to start?”

“How does tomorrow night sound?” he answered casually.

My heart almost burst out of my chest. “What? No. It’s too soon.”

“The more time you have to think, the more chance you’ll find a reason to back out.”

The reasons were already floating in. “But I’m…I’m not ready.”

Luke shook his head. “You’re more than ready. Plus, I’ll be there. I’ll even play a couple of numbers with you, if you like.”

“What? Just a couple of songs? Luke.” I couldn’t do this without him.

His eyes found mine. “You don’t need me. This is all you,” he said. “This is your future, not mine.”

“But I thought…”

His smile contradicted his sad eyes. “Yeah, sure I’d love to, but there is no point with the family business and all. I had my chance to get away, now you need to work towards yours.”

I sighed in defeat. There was no point arguing with him. “I’d better start working on my set list then.”

* * *

Friday night went so much better than expected. The locals, whilst sceptical at first, warmed to my music almost immediately and I soon had them letting loose on the dance floor. I received delighted applause after each song and my heart swelled. Luke pleased the crowd by joining me for a few songs, but returned to work soon after. He watched me proudly from behind the bar, sneaking a friendly smile or a wink every time our eyes met.

Every performance from then on was just as successful, if not more. Easton’s patronage grew each week as word spread around our small town. Much to my disappointment, the more popular I got, the less Luke was able to join me on the small stage. He spent most of his time behind the bar pouring drinks, but he didn’t seem to mind. He looked content, and I was happy just to spend more time with him.

He drove me to Easton’s every Friday, and sometimes even let me drive his truck home. I was going for my licence in a few weeks and I was keen to get some practice. Luke was happy to oblige, as long as it was late and the roads were empty. With the money I was earning at Easton’s, plus the generous tips, I would be able to buy a car—albeit an old crappy one—soon after graduation. I wouldn’t have to rely on my parents, Nate, Luke or the damn bus anymore.