Page 42 of Bluebird

9

Iwoke up the next morning with a splitting headache. I wasn’t used to drinking so much in one night. I had to be on my best behaviour in my business. There was always a camera ready to take my photo when I least expected it, and within days it would be plastered in all the trashy magazines along with some shameful, fabricated story. I hoped like hell no one took any questionable photos of me at the party.

I promised Mum I would spend the day out at the farm with her, and I was sure her day didn’t start at 11am. So just before 9am, I finally managed to crawl out of bed and take a long hot shower to try and clear my head. Unfortunately, all I could think about was Luke’s kiss.

With my head still throbbing, I needed a coffee, stat! The complimentary coffee in my motel room was terrible and I was dying for something decent. I pulled on my favourite fitted jeans, a simple t-shirt and my chucks and headed to the reception desk to ask where I could find the best coffee in town.

The motel owner appeared flustered when I came in—he must have just figured out who I was. I’m sure the news had travelled fast around town, especially after my performance at Nate’s party. He asked nervously if I would sign a photo for their wall, and I reluctantly agreed with a forced smile. I didn’t want my face on a dodgy motel wall, but he was too nice to refuse.

I asked him where to buy a decent coffee and to my surprise, he told me everyone now went to Easton’s, since the coffee shop closed last year. My heart skipped a beat just hearing the name. I wasn’t mentally prepared to see Luke again so soon, but my caffeine craving got the better of me. Perhaps he wouldn’t be rostered on the morning after such a big night.

I was wrong.

On my way out to the farm, I made a quick stop at the pub. I pushed the door open and the familiar bell chimed. Everyone in the bar turned my way and I offered them a reluctant wave. Luke was working behind the bar, looking unbelievably fresh. His hair was washed, face cleanly shaven, and he moved around with a buzz of happiness about him. I wished I could look and feel like that after a big night.

I kept my eyes lowered as I approached the bar. “Coffee?” he asked, way too brightly, as I pulled myself up onto the bar stool.

I didn’t look up. “Latte, please.” I groaned, resting my aching head in my hands.

Luke chuckled and left without saying another word.

Before long, a decent looking latte materialised in front of my eyes. I took a sip, and exhaled happily, before finally allowing my gaze to meet Luke’s. “It’s actually pretty good.”

Luke’s left eyebrow raised. “Pretty good?” he scoffed. “Pretty great, you mean. Your fancy city coffees have nothing on Easton’s.” He winked with a cheeky dimpled grin and left me to enjoy my coffee in peace.

He was right about the coffee, it was delicious. I took slow sips as I observed Luke at work. Easton’s appeared to have quite a morning trade.

“So, how’d you sleep?” he asked, finally getting a break from serving.

My cheeks warmed. “Um, okay I guess. You?”

“I didn’t.” He grinned, with a glint in his eye.

My heart fluttered. “I should…um…get going.” I said, nervously, motioning towards the exit as my blush deepened. “Mum will be waiting for me.”

I took my purse out to pay, but Luke held up his hand to stop me.

“Your money is no good here.” His hard, yet warm eyes said it wasn’t up for discussion.

I pressed my lips together and nodded. “Okay, thanks.” I shuffled off the bar stool and started walking towards the exit.

“Blue!” Luke called out, after a moment of hesitation.

I stopped and spun around quickly. “Yes?”

He moved out from behind the bar and approached me. “I was wondering if you wanted to come past the house tomorrow? I could show you around...”

“Um…sure, I’d love that.” I grinned.

“Perhaps around midday? I could make you lunch…” he said, as the corner of his mouth lifted.

I smirked happily. “Luke Easton, this is sounding more like a date, than a house tour.”

He shrugged, and I swear his face had more colour than it did before.

I smiled, satisfied I got a reaction out of him. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Luke held back his smile, but his eyes twinkled. “See you then.”