Page 41 of Bluebird

Luke’s eyebrows knitted. “Why are they singing your songs?”

I sighed. “Because I don’t get a say.”

“A superstar like you? I thought you’d be calling the shots by now.”

“Ha!” I scoffed. “Well, I didn’t exactly have great advice when it came to signing my contract,” I said. “I have no control over anything.”

Luke’s jaw twitched. “What about your manager boyfriend? Where does he fit in all of this?”

I blinked twice, surprised he knew about Stefan. “Oh, we’re not…he’s just my…manager…sort of.” I didn’t know what he was anymore. “It’s complicated.”

“Oh,” he replied, taking his hand out of his pocket and running it through his hair. “I’m sorry, Blue, I thought you were happy over there.”

I shrugged. “I love what I do. It’s just been a hard couple of years.” I sighed. “I really need a break from it all.”

Luke nodded and fell quiet, while I nosily peered into a shop window.

“So, how long do you think you’ll stick around for?” he asked.

“I don’t know, a few weeks, months maybe. I’m not sure.” I really had no idea.

Luke’s mouth twitched, and he scratched the back of his neck. A silence fell between us that made me nervous, so I attempted to lighten the conversation.

“So, tell me, what’s the latest gossip in Fairleigh? I need to catch up before I see Mum tomorrow.”

Luke threw his head back and laughed wholeheartedly. “Where do I start?”

* * *

We arrived at my motel, cackling with laughter, after Luke filled me in on all the hilarious gossip I had missed over the years. We leant against my parked car, struggling to catch our breath.

I gazed up at Luke, and fleeting guilt made my smile fade. “I’m sorry I tried to kiss you that night,” I blurted suddenly, shocking myself with my honesty. “I hope it wasn’t the reason you and Kate broke up. It’s one of my biggest regrets.”

Luke erupted into another bout of laughter.

“What?” I demanded, pushing myself off the car. “Don’t laugh at me, I’m serious.” I punched him lightly on the arm and began stalking towards my motel door.

“I’m sorry Blue, it’s just...ironic, that’s all.”

I whirled around. “What is?”

He closed the distance between us, until his serious blue eyes were inches from mine. “That it’s also my biggest regret.”

He slid his hand around the nape of my neck and drew my lips into his, kissing me with unexpected passion. I responded with the same heat. My mouth parted willingly, allowing his tongue to entwine with mine. Luke moaned and my whole body lit up, imagining all the other ways I could get him to make that sound again.

When we finally came up for air, both panting, I stumbled back to my door. I stared at him dumbfounded, trying to process what just happened.

“Um...we should...I mean, I should, I should get to bed.” I fumbled for my keys that appeared to be hidden in my handbag.

Luke tucked his hands back in his pockets. “Yeah, same here,” he agreed, with a sheepish grin, slowly backing away from me.

My hands finally stopped shaking long enough to open my door. I hesitated upon entering, feeling a sudden pang of annoyance. I turned back to Luke. “Why didn’t you do that? Nine years ago?”

Luke smiled tightly. “Would you have stayed?”

I suddenly realised why he pushed me away that night. He wanted me to follow my dreams, not him.

Luke didn’t wait for an answer, because he already knew. He simply shrugged and began his long walk back to the pub. Leaving me to process the meaning behind his words...and that unforgettable kiss.