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“Are you gracing us with your presence this weekend?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t know. We’ll have to see how it goes this week, we’re still not finished with the game and need all handson deck.” This time it’s true. Luke tells me he’s applying the code for the visual effects and graphic design this week and I want to be there with him to see it come to life.
“So, when will I get to see my daughter?”
“You could always come to the stadium and watch me play.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, I’d never get your dad through those doors.”
“Not even to see me?” My voice falters on the last word because I
know the answer to that question.
Luke strolls into the room and sits on one of the bar stools in my kitchen, pulling me to him, wrapping his arms around my waist and silently pressing his lips to my shoulder.
“Actually, Mam, don’t answer that. I have to go. I love you.” Before she has a chance to react, I hang up and throw my phone onto the side and slide into Luke’s waiting arms. A tear slips out and down my cheek as he strokes my hair.
“It’s okay, let it out. I’ve got you.” The comfort of his hand on my back and his supportive words release the floodgates. Heholds me tight as I cry. No judgement, just soothing sounds and caresses.
“Sorry you had to see that,” I say when I eventually pull myself together. “I should get ready. We’ve got a date.”
“Nat, we don’t have to go if you’d rather stay here?”
“I want to go,” I say honestly, kissing him softly on the lips. “I was looking forward to it before she called.”
Chapter Sixteen
Natasha
Where are we going?” I ask as Luke drives us through an industrial estate on the outskirts of Durham a little while later.
“I don’t want to ruin the surprise,” he says with an air of mystery that immediately makes me smile.
I recognise a few other cars in the car park when we arrive at our secret destination. Why are Brooke and Bridget here? And is that Debbie’s car?
Luke climbs out and quickly jogs around to my side to open the door. There’s a sign fixed on the side of the corrugated iron unit that reads Durham VFX. From spending so much time with Luke, I’m proud to say I understand what VFX stands for.
“Are we going to see the game?” I turn to him and grip his arm in excitement.
“Not exactly, but it is something equally as fun. Come on.” He takes my hand and leads me to the entrance.
When we enter the building through the heavy glass doors, we emerge into a small cold office. There’s no one else around apart from a boy, who can’t be much older than sixteen, sitting at the reception desk with a gaming headset on. When he spots us, he tosses the headset aside as if it’s caught on fire and jumps out of his seat.
“It’s such an honour,” he says, vigorously shaking Luke’s hand and not paying me an ounce of attention. The boy is visibly trembling as he looks up at him with big puppy dog, love-heart eyes.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Luke begins, glancing at the boy’s name badge, “Ryan.”
“Oh my god,” the boy swoons, like actually fucking swoons. After the handshake lasts a little longer than what is comfortable, Luke carefully extracts his hand from Ryan’s vice-like grip and flexes his knuckles as if they’re in pain.
“We’ll head on through, mate?” Luke points to another heavy set of glass doors.
“Studio six.”
Luke leads me towards them, leaving a stunned Ryan to go back to his game.
“I shit you not, I just met Zero and he knew my fucking name,” I hear him bragging down his headset. “I’m not lying!” he whines, and thankfully we make it through the double doors before Luke is called back to prove it to whoever is on the other end of the headset.
“I have so many questions!” I’m almost bursting with excitement at this new development. “Are you famous?”
