Even though I would love to get to know another important person in Luke’s life, I’m also grateful that we’ll have this evening for ourselves.
We have a lot to talk about.
We decide to order takeout as Robert has the day off, and we settle into the couch with Luke’s arms around me.
First, we catch up on the mundane things we’ve been doing over the time we’ve spent apart.
I tell him about my trip back home and seeing my parents and brother. The retail therapy with Sarah, and how she will probably be a little more sceptical whenever the time comes for Luke to meet her.
At this, he only chuckles and tells me that he wouldn’t expect anything less.
Luke tells me that he’s been living like a zombie. Eating, training, sleeping, and going to his meetings.
I laugh when he tells me about Sebastian’s adrenaline kicks and how he tried to get Luke to lighten up.
I’m glad that Luke has good people around him who take care of him when things get tough. Just like I have Sarah, he has Sebastian.
“I’ve beenfollowing the stuff you post on Star News’s social media, and I’m so proud of you, baby. You’re thriving here, and even though I’d love to let everyone know that you’re mine, I’ll respect your wish if you want to keep this private for now.”
My heart warms at his praise for my work and the fact that he’s been keeping up with me.
I bite my lip, excited to tell him about my conversation with Anne.
“Actually, you could have spared us both the heartache if you’d actually talked to me.” Luke looks confused, so I keep going.
“Well, I had already decided that I wanted to do this with you, in public as well, when I agreed to be your date to the gala. Even though I’ve been scared, I was ready,” I tell him, and he motions for me to go on.
“The Monday after the gala, I had a meeting with Anne, and I found out that she’s married to Harold, the former F1 driver and one of the men being honoured at the event. They met when she was just starting out as a reporter, and he was an aspiring driver.”
Their story reminds me of Luke and me, and the encouraging look in his eyes tells me he recognizes it, too.
“Long story short, although some criticized their relationship, there’s nothingthat says a reporter can’t date a driver and vice versa, so even if someone were to judge or criticize, it wouldn’t really matter.”
I hadn’t realized how much the doubt was affecting me before I had the conversation with Anne.
Part of me was always a little scared that the other shoe was going to drop or that someone would eventually discover my relationship with Luke. Having the pressure lifted makes me feel hopeful about the future and what’s to come.
Now, all the doubts can be put to rest, and we can move forward.
“We’ve already concluded that I’ve been an idiot, but I’m glad you had that talk anyway,” he tells me.
“Yeah, and even if I think it was wrong to make that choice for me, I understand your reasons,” I tell him honestly. I’ve been hurt, angry, and sad about how things ended and all the questions he left me with.
I couldn’t make sense of his words that day.
Hearing his reasoning and selflessness makes me fall just a little bit more in love with the great man he is.
Chapter 35
LUKE
Jessica’s lying in my arms on the couch, and I look down at her for what feels like the millionth time, making sure she’s really here.
Our talk earlier eased many of my worries about our relationship and how it might affect Jessica. People will probably have their opinions about us, but luckily, none of it will matter much.
I’m gently stroking her arm while she watches TV. It feels incredible to have her in my arms, and I cherish the feeling of having her back in my life.
Occasionally, Jessica will adjust on the couch, sinking a little harder into my body, or wiggling her ass a slightly more towards my crotch.
