Chapter 32
CHAPTER 32
LUKE
I t’s been a few days since I last saw Jessy and I’m trying my best to put her out of my mind, but that would be like trying to stop breathing. She fills my thoughts when I’m awake and I dream of her at night. It’s as if cupid shot his arrow the moment I stared into her eyes and the poison infected my heart.
I’m making good progress. The boot came off when Colin arrived and he announced my ankle appeared to be fine. A trip to the hospital for an X-ray confirmed his diagnosis, and I have been working it under his careful instructions for the past couple of days.
He leaves today and has left me with a strict set of exercises that I must follow and instructions to head back to the club early in the new year for further physio.
It appears that Christmas is decision time because it’s no longer just me to consider anymore and Granthaven’s future is decidedly hanging in the balance.
“Luke!”
Morgana calls out and I yell, “I’m in here.”
I’m attempting to work out in the room most suited to a potential gym and using the equipment the physio brought with him to strengthen my ankle.
“Hey.”
She heads into the room and peers at me with concern. “How’s it going?”
“Better than expected.” I smile reassuringly, and she sighs with relief.
“That’s great, hun. I mean, I love being here and all that, but I’m kind of going stir crazy and want to discuss returning to Manchester in the new year. What are your thoughts on that?”
She perches on a nearby seat and the nerves surrounding her expression don’t escape me.
I draw my legs up to the bent position as I regard her carefully.
“It’s a difficult decision.”
“I get that, hun, but your life is there, at least for the next few years, or even further. Many footballers play in their thirties, and you can’t be in two places at once.”
“Tell me about it.”
She sighs. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, this place is kind of magical and it could be amazing with a great deal of money flung at it, but is this your dream, Luke, or is it someone else’s?”
“It was never my dream, Morgana and I think you know that, but well–”
I gaze out of the window at the serene landscape where the frost is still coating the ground and trees, despite being past lunchtime.
I smile. “But dreams change, priorities change and I’m still working out if that relates to mine.”
“I see.”
Morgana isn’t usually lost for words, but there is obviously something on her mind and she peers around and then heads to the door, closing it carefully.
She heads back and sits beside me, her head finding my shoulder as my arm drapes around her.
“I sense an ending and a new beginning, Luke.”
She sounds wistful and I drop a light kiss on the top of her head and my heart hangs heavily inside me.
“We always knew it would happen one day.”
“I suppose, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
I say nothing because I’m hating this as much as she is and she whispers, “Tell me about Jessy. What are you thinking?”
I allow my mind to wander there and it brings a smile to my face.
“I like her but am conscious it wouldn’t work.”
“Is that why you’ve been avoiding her?”
“You noticed then.” I chuckle softly, and she turns and kisses me softly on the cheek.
Then she grips my face and turns it to face her and her eyes shine with determination as she says gently, “Sometimes fate throws a curve ball when you least expect it. You have no way of knowing if it will work or not, but you would never forgive yourself if you didn’t try at least.”
“But how? I mean–” I raise my eyes while I stare at her fondly.
“We’re the golden couple, remember, or did you forget when you ventured into the land that time forgot?”
“You know I love you, hun.” Her eyes shine with unexpected tears and she whispers, “But I should let you go.”
“Are you breaking up with me?”
Something tugs on my heart as we sit huddled on the floor of a mansion that still feels as if I’ve stepped back in time, as life revolves around us, searching for an exit.
“I suppose I am.”
Her fingers find mine and lace them with hers and she says sadly, “I want you to be free to make important choices, Luke. We have reached the end of our road, but will always walk in the same direction. I love you, and I will never forget what you did for me.”
My heart is beating way too fast because I’m not sure I’m ready for this. Morgana has been my safety blanket for a long time now and I have hidden behind her willingly, shutting the rest of the world out.
“Have you spoken to Steven?” I ask because I’m interested to hear his thoughts on this, and she smiles.
“Of course, at great length. He was the one who told me of your feelings towards Jessie.”
“You mean you didn’t pick up on that? You’re slipping.”
“I’ve had a lot to deal with, so excuse me for that.”
She rolls her eyes and stares around at the room that must have experienced a lot of drama in the past, alongside happiness and great sadness.
“Anyway–” She huffs. “Steven said it was the perfect time to make the change. My business is established, so thank you for that.”
She grins and I chuckle. “You’re welcome.”
She squeezes my hand. “Plus, both of us are tired of hiding our relationship. It worked all the time we were building something, but I kind of love the guy and want the world to know that. It’s time for us to consider our position and start building our life – together.”
She peers at me with concern. “But not unless you’re happy. I want you to be happy more than anything and somehow I think Jessy is the answer to that.”
“I do love you, baby.”
I drop a light kiss on her forehead and she smiles. “And I love you too and I always will, but it’s time, Luke and I have the perfect plan to make all our dreams come true.”
Before I can ask what that is, the door opens and I’m surprised to see Jessy standing awkwardly in the doorway, looking so embarrassed as she sees us huddled together on the floor.
“Oh, I’m sorry – I’ll–”
“Jessy, babe, come in. It’s fine. I was just leaving.”
“But, I’m well, I don’t want to interrupt–”
She makes to leave and Morgana nudges me and I say loudly, “Jessy, wait.”
She stops and I draw in a huge breath and say firmly, “We should catch up. Meet me in the kitchen. I’d love a coffee and I think you would too.”
“Well, um, if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
Morgana jumps up and rubs the dust from her leggings and sighs.
“Honestly, Luke. I thought we had dealt with the dust problem, but we must have missed this room.”
She peers around and shakes her head. “I’ll find Jasper. We’re filming today anyway and we need you after lunch, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately.”
I’m guessing my sweat-drenched sweatpants and T-shirt won’t cut it for the camera, and I shrug. “Of course. What’s the plan?”
“Christmas shopping, of course.” She winks as I groan. “You’ll love it and imagine the photos on my feed, plus I’m doing a vlog later and would appreciate your participation. It’s been a while and my subscribers are asking.”
She nods to Jessy.
“Hey, why don’t you come with us? You must know all the best places for a great photo opportunity and I could use some help. What about dinner out, too? It will be so much fun.”
Jessy hesitates and I catch her eye and smile. “Please, Jessy. Morgana’s right, we could all use a night off, and I would love for you to join us.”
Morgana rolls her eyes, but Jessy can’t see that and I understand what she’s annoyed about. In one practised sentence, I’ve relegated Jessy to the third wheel, which is the exact opposite of what Morgana is planning.
Jessy nods but I note the awkwardness in her smile as she says lightly, “That’s great. I’ll – um – well, I’ll put the kettle on and meet you both in the kitchen while you, well, finish up here.”
She bolts away like a startled fawn and Morgana sighs.
“Honestly, Luke, you may as well have snogged me in front of her, the poor woman.”
“I don’t understand. Why would Jessy care?”
I’m confused and Morgana’s eyes sparkle with mischief as she whispers, “Because that woman is so in love with you, and you’re the idiot who can’t see it.”
She heads out of the room, shaking her head, leaving me staring after her with a bemused expression on my face. Jessy doesn’t love me. Morgana is very wrong about that and yet, if it’s true, it changes everything.