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“Um…great actually. She’s really nice.”
We reached the bottom and I forced a small smile. “That’s…great. Well, I better get back out there,” I stated, not waiting for him to elaborate.
Luke nodded with an unreadable expression, and waited until I was back on the stage before returning to his date.
* * *
The dinner crowd had dispersed into the pub and were itching for some entertainment. I stepped up onto my little stage, which now felt like my second home, and launched into an upbeat, classic country tune. The regulars let out appreciative cheers and trickled onto the dance floor.
Towards the end of the song, I spotted an unmistakable smile through the crowd. Jake was sitting alone, watching me. He never really showed interest in my music before, so it felt good to have his attention in that way. I grinned back, happy for the distraction, and commenced my next song. A sexier, seductive number just for him.
Throughout the night, he was joined by some old high school friends, all vying for his attention. I didn’t blame them. There was something about Jake that drew you in. The girls all loved him, much to my annoyance, and the boys wanted to be him. They tried to pull him away to play pool, but he didn’t budge. He remained entirely focused on me.
As soon as I stepped off the stage, Jake offered to buy me a drink. With a quick peep in Luke’s direction, I agreed. Luke and his date were looking more intimate by the second, and I needed something to dull the pain. I tried vodka first.
A few too many drinks later, I was actually starting to have a good time. The jukebox played all the crowd favourites and we danced the night away. Jake didn’t push, but he was clearly intent on winning me back. He only had a couple of beers and was on his best behaviour. I had a sneaking suspicion he wanted to remain sober and attentive to score brownie points. He often got too handsy with me when he drank, and it always led to the same old argument.
Needing a break from his constant attention, I offered to buy the next round of drinks. I had almost forgotten Luke was still at the pub, until he nudged me at the bar.
“Hey,” he greeted, with an edge of concern that annoyed me instantly.
“Hey, Luuuke,” I answered, dragging out his name a little longer than I meant to.
Luke definitely noticed. “You should take it easy on those.” He nodded towards all the drinks that were being made for my table.
I groaned and rolled my eyes. “Sure thing, Dad.”
“I can have you cut off from the bar you know,” he warned, with a hint of anger.
It made my blood boil. I was so sick of him treating me like a little sister. I leaned over to the barman and made sure I spoke loud enough for Luke to hear. “I’ll have a shot of tequila too please!”
I grinned back at Luke in spite. Testing him. Luke shook his head, dropped his shoulders in defeat and retreated back to his table without ordering. The tequila hurt like hell, but the satisfaction of pissing Luke off tasted great.
* * *
We all got pushed out of Easton’s just after midnight. Thankfully Jake was sober enough to drive me home, as I was in no condition to walk the distance. He lived on the other side of town, but didn’t mind going out of his way.
I stumbled through the car park towards Jake’s car, when Luke pulled up beside us in a blue sedan. He must have borrowed his nan’s car for the hot date.
“Blue, we can take you home.” It sounded more like an order, than an offer.
He motioned for me to get in the car, but Nate sent me discreet signals not to accept his offer from behind his back. I glanced at their dates in the back seat and snorted at the thought of being squished between the two of them. I couldn’t think of anything worse.
My laughter faded. Luke was actually waiting for me to accept his offer. “It’s alright, I’m going with Jake,” I responded, tiredly.
Nate sent me a cheesy grin, and a thumbs up. He obviously didn’t think their night with the girls was over just yet, and my stomach churned.
“C’mon, it makes sense, you’re on my way,” Luke insisted.
Jake butted in, with unexpected aggression. “She’s fine mate! She’s got a ride.”
Luke ignored the obvious threat in Jake’s voice and held my eyes. I grabbed Jake’s hand and pulled him towards his car to defuse the tension.
Luke sped off without another word.
* * *
“What’s the deal with you and Luke Easton?” Jake queried, as he drove me home.
