“I sympathize,” Luka said. “Jaeson and I are not so different when it comes to our families. He is obviously the businessman, the consummate professional, and I look forward to seeing him wield a CEO position with all of the skill I know he possesses. For myself, I will be embroiled in the politics of ruling, which can be quite a mess.”
“Your family has a specific plan for you?” I guessed.
“Correct. There are many plans in the works. There is one in particular I hope never comes to pass.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“It’s nothing, really. Just antiquated notions about interpersonal associations.” The look of distaste on his face told me plenty about his opinion on said associations. “Suffice to say, if it hasn’t come to pass by now, I am starting to believe that it may never. Or so I hope.”
I nodded, curious but not wanting to push. He would tell me in his own time.
“I know all about pressure,” I offered, sympathizing with him. “Not from my family. My mom and dad have always been encouraging. They never judged me, they never told me to go into something more lucrative or stable. They just asked me if I would be happy doing what I’m doing.”
“And you told them yes?” Luka asked.
“I told them what I wanted, and that was that. They were worried, of course. Everyone knows writing isn’t a sure bet, just like any artistic pursuit. But if it means I have a career even just writing copy for the backs of books, I’ll still be writing. I’ll still be happy.”
“I sense a but coming,” Luka said.
“There’s the very real possibility I’m not going to make it. Viral success in college is one thing, but one day, I want to make a living at this. On top of that, I still have to get through three more years of college after this one, and I don’t know if the scholarship money will continue to be there for me. Doing all of this writing for VIP Lit, trying my best to draw in more readers, and also juggling all of my courses and maintaining perfect grades, it’s just…”
“It’s a lot of pressure,” Luka offered.
“It’s all catching up to me so fast. I’ve never failed anything before. What if I don’t make it? My parents would be so disappointed. My friends, everyone in my hometown, they all know I left to come here. If I had to go back with my tail between my legs…”
Luka pushed his plate away, taking his napkin and placing it on the table as he slid a little closer to me, setting his hand on my knee.
“Aubrey, please listen to me,” he said.
I put my hand on top top of his. He turned his over to take mine in hand.
“You are performing incredibly well,” Luka said. “You are going to come out of this pressured experience looking like the flawless diamond I know you to be.”
Luka always knew exactly what to say. It touched the very soul of me.
I had wondered if he would be able to relate to a normal, non-VIP person.
Maybe Luka was the one who could understand me the most.
