That's What You Get

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

_____________________________________________________________

“Luke?” I slightly stuttered.

He swallowed hard. “Michelle.” he said my name again, slowly, as if I wasn't really there.

I gripped Everett's forearm and subconsciously stood close to him not knowing what to do or say.

“Breathe.” Everett whispered. “I'll let you two catch up.” With that being said he pulled his arm from my grip and started down the path again.

I stood there shocked. Did he really just leave me here, alone? Turning back around I stood awkwardly in front of Luke, and swallowed hard.

Finally he broke the silence. “When did you get back?” I glanced up to see him tilt his head to one side.

“Today.” I mumbled, hoping it was loud enough for him to hear.

He nodded. “So, I don't get a 'How have you been?' or 'You look good.', huh?” he laughed through his nose slightly.

I shook my head. “Sorry.” I turned to face the pond I was once standing in front of. “How have you been anyway?” I wiped my sweaty hand on my shirt. 'Just keep calm, and breath.' I kept telling myself.

He laughed lightly. “Good. Just finished up a shoot not too long ago.” So that's who I heard yelling earlier. “What about you? Your life going how you planned? You have your perfect little family all together now.” I felt my jaw clench at that. “Is it everything you wanted? I'm pretty damn sure you're on top of the world-”

“Stop!” I yelled.

His eyes widened in surprise as if he couldn't believe what he just said. “I'm sorry.” he muttered. “That was uncalled for-”

“Just stop.” I sighed. “It's fine.” I nodded finally facing him, giving him a smile. “It's actually just Natalie and me now, I think.”

“But...” he trailed off looking in the direction Everett went.

I shrugged my shoulders. “If it's meant to happen, it'll happen. Whether it's with him, or someone else. Right now I realized, my main focus is to keep Natalie as happy as possible.”

He gave me a smile. “That's how it should be.”

I responded with a smile. “So, any new girl yet?” I asked trying to make small talk and I was a little curious.

“Uh, no actually.” he laughed sheepishly while rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean I’ve tried dating a couple of girl, but to be honest...” he paused for a few seconds. “I'm still sort of stuck on you.”