Page 23 of Bluebird

I picked up Luke’s half-eaten sandwich from the kitchen bench and threw it in the bin, with a twinge of pain in my heart.

* * *

Jake did all the right things over the next few weeks. Sent me flowers, called me every night, picked me up from school and drove me home, all the things any good boyfriend should do. But I gave him no answer. I was secretly holding on to the hope that Luke would finally see me as more than his best friend’s little sister, but that hope was fading. Luke and I still hadn’t spoken, nor had he tried.

* * *

A familiar silhouette appeared in the doorway of the barn as I warmed up for my gig at Easton’s that night. It wasn’t until Luke moved closer that I believed it was him, as he wasn’t in his normal work gear. His usually scruffy blonde hair was neatly combed back off his face, and he wore a fresh shirt. Who was he trying to impress?

He offered me a timid smile, which gave my heart a kick start.

“Hey,” he opened, as he shoved his hands in his pockets and shuffled straw around with his feet.

“Hey.”

He smiled uncomfortably. “You’re sounding great.”

I switched my attention back to my guitar as tears formed in my eyes, realising how much I missed his company. “Thanks.”

“I’m sorry, Blue. I know I shouldn’t push you so much.”

I nodded, but didn’t look up.

“You mean a lot to me and I just don’t want anything, or anyone, holding you back.”

I peered up at him. “Anyone?” I knew he was referring to Jake, but I hoped he was somehow insinuating himself.

Luke sighed and hesitated before speaking. “Jake,” he assured, not meeting my eyes when I tried to read his.

I exhaled dejectedly, and wondered if he could sense my disappointment. I didn’t want to talk, or even think, about Jake with him.

“I sent off some more demos,” I announced, attempting to change the subject.

“That’s great,” he exclaimed, breathing a sigh of relief as his smile took over. “They’ll be crazy not to want you.”

I let out a disbelieving chuckle, before we fell into an uncomfortable silence.

“Are we good?” Luke asked softly, appearing afraid someone may overhear him.

I could never remain angry at Luke. “Always,” I sighed, heavy hearted and honest.

He nodded with a pleased smile. “Well, I should go meet Nate.”

“Nate? Nate has a date tonight.” I was amazed he didn’t already know.

Luke looked a little paler than he did before. “Yeah, I know, it’s...it’s a double.”

“Oh…but I thought you were working tonight.” I stated, blankly, as my insides began to crumble.

“Nan gave me the night off…”

“Oh, okay,” I said, trying to act nonchalant. “Well, have a great night.”

I forced a smile as he said goodbye and watched him walk out of the barn. I thought I noticed the slightest hesitation in his stride, but he only picked up his pace and disappeared from my sight.

My fingertip grazed over my bluebird etching and I swallowed back the urge to cry. He had just made my decision a whole lot easier.

* * *