“Oh, Luke, tell me all about it.” And I do. I tell my mom all about how we first met, the way she stood her ground and caught my attention from the very first encounter.
Then, our perfect date in Baku the day before my agent sprung the idea of a PR relationship on me, causing us to but heads and seeing our stubborn sides come out, eventually making that situation right again.
I tell her about her internship and how she shines in her role. She has the ambition and drive to chase her dream, working to make it a reality.
When I tell my mom about the perfect time we had together in Japan and Australia, she sighs happily into the phone.
Then, finally, I tell her about the pictures and the meeting with Andrea.
Leading to the current situation where I’m feeling awful being away from her, but the thought of crushing her dreams twists my insides even more.
“I don’t know what to do, Mom. All I want to do is make this right, get her back. But I also don’t want to be selfish with her and take her dreams away before they’ve had the chance to take off.” She thinks over what I just told her before answering me.
“You’re an admirable man, Luke. I’m proudof who you’ve become, and I’m sure Jessica agrees with me. Maybe there will be a future for the two of you further down the road? When she has secured a role in the media, and no one can take that away from her.” Even though it’s not the answer I was hoping for, all hope is not lost.
Maybe we do have a future, it’s just not right now. I can wait for her.
The question is, will she wait for me?
When she doesn’t even know the real reason, I broke it off.
She thinks I couldn’t do this anymore.
I didn’t give her any explanation.
She has no reason to wait for me.
When I chased her down at the gala, a small glimmer of hope rose in her eyes.
It crushed me.
Knowing that I’m the one making her feel this way, but not being able to do anything about it. At least not yet.
“Yeah, maybe.” Not really in the mood to talk anymore, we hang up the phone, and my mom tells me she hopes she’ll meet Jessica someday.
Although I don’t necessarily feel any better about the situation, it still felt good to talk with my mom about it, nothing like parental advice.
No matter how old you are,our parents will always be there to listen to your problems and provide guidance. I may not be any closer to a solution, but at least I got some of my feelings off my chest.
Jessica holds a special place in my heart, so it felt right to tell my mom about her. We may not be together anymore, or ever, but at least my family knows I’ve had a real shot at happiness, even if it was short-lived.
Chapter 32
JESSICA
We’re setting up our workstation for the Monza Grand Prix when a handsome man who looks like he could be a driver or at least an athlete walks up to me.
“Hello, my name is James, and I’m a little lost. Could you please help me locate the interview zone?” He asks me as he takes my hand, kissing the top of it before letting it go again.
I chuckle at the charming man with light brown hair and a beautiful smile. He looks a little familiar, but I can’t place him.
“You’re standing in the middle of it. I’m Jessica.” I tell him, and he makes a big gesture out of slapping his palm to his forehead.
“Ah, silly me. I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m actually not that stupid, but I needed an excuse to talk to you.” James tells me.
I look at him with question marks written all over my face, and he chuckles at me.
“I’ve been approached by theEuropean Star News team, who are considering writing an article about me and my career. Thought I would swing by to check out what you’re all about here at Star News before I make my decision,” He tells me with a gentle smile.
