“You are so focused on the fact you think she needs her work more than she needs you. Have you ever stopped to consider she could have both?”
“I’ve considered this from every angle I can. And I always come up with the same thing—what if I ask her to give up her job and move home and she does that, but then resents me for asking that of her? What if she never finds her dream job again? I won’t be that man, Mrs Harper.”
“That’s a lot of what-ifs. You can’t live your life with those guiding you. You need to take charge and put all your cards on the table. Callie is a strong woman. She’ll make the right decision for her. There’s no harm in asking for what you want, Luke. It’s time you started putting yourself first. Live a little. God knows life flies by so fast that if we don’t make ourselves happy while we have the chance, we’ll grow old in a puddle of regret.” Her eyes glint with joy when she adds, “Now, where is that boy of yours? I’ve got a present for him.”
She shuffles away from me in search of Sean. Mrs Harper has become the grandmother to Sean he never had. My mum loves him, but she doesn’t spend time passing wisdom on to him. Mrs Harper showers him with time and attention. I often find them snuggling up on the couch, poring over the atlas or a history book while she relays stories of her life to him. He adores her and craves time here. I crave time here for a whole other reason.
45
Callie
I am never travelling on a plane for that long ever again. Thank God I don’t have to.
I exit the cab outside the Daydream Island resort where Estelle booked me a room and close my eyes so I can breathe in the Queensland air.
It’s so good to be back in Australia.
Home.
“Good afternoon, ma’am.” The porter greets me and begins unloading my luggage.
I give him a huge smile. “Hello. I hope you’re having a wonderful day today. The weather is divine!”
He returns my smile and nods. “Every day on this island is a good day, ma’am.”
“I can imagine,” I murmur.
I make my way to the checkin desk and fiddle in my handbag for my phone while I wait.
“Long flight?” a man asks me from behind.
I turn to find one of the best looking men I’ve seen in a long time smiling at me. “How can you tell?”
He grins. “I can’t. I was just trying to initiate conversation.”
I laugh. Clearly I’m out of practice with this flirting thing. “Oh… well, I’ve just flown in from LA.”
He whistles low. “Ouch.”
“Yes. I won’t be doing that flight again in a hurry.”
“You know what would help with the exhaustion?”
I cock my head. “What?”
His smile spreads right across his face, lighting his eyes up. “A drink with me.”
“Ummm… I was thinking a swim could be good. I’m not sure about a drink. It’d probably put me to sleep.” My gaze drops to take in the suit he’s wearing. Whoa, this dude is built under that suit. I lift my gaze again to find heat in those gorgeous blue eyes of his.
I could do a drink with him.
Who are you kidding, Callie? You’re not even interested in him.
I could be.
Could not.
Shut up. I could.
“How about you get your swim in while I change out of this suit and then I’ll buy you a drink?”
I smile. “Sounds good. In about an hour?”
He nods. “I’ll meet you at the bar.”
As I check in, I try to muster up some interest in the guy.
He’s hot.
He’s dressed well.
He’s friendly.
Did I mention, hot?
And yet, I hardly see him when I look at him.
All I see—all I ever see—is Luke’s face.
* * *
“What are your plans for the rest of your holiday here?”
I sip some of my vodka and look at the guy sitting across from me—the suit I met when I checked in. I’ve been with him for the last hour and I was ready to leave about fifty-five minutes ago. I’m bored. There’s no spark between us at all and yet I know he wants more time with me. He’s already told me he’s staying here for a week for a conference. I’ve been very cagey about my plans because I don’t want to encourage him.
I check my watch.
Five minutes before the hour is up and I can escape. It would have been rude not to stay for at least an hour.
“I’m actually here for a wedding, so I’m busy with my friends. I think they’ve got nearly every minute scheduled.” I laugh. It’s fake as hell. “I’ll be more exhausted by the end of this holiday than when I arrived.”
His smile fades a little. I think he’s realised he’s got no shot here when he stands and says, “It was great meeting you. I hope we can maybe find some time together in the next few days.” He passes me his business card. “Call me if you’re free.”
I watch as he leaves and then look down at the card.
You’ve gotta be kidding me.
A fucking business card?
I throw it down on the table and drain the vodka from my glass.
“A new friend?”