I find a clearing full of wildflowers in every color imaginable and decide to sit and think. I pull my knees up to my chest and sit there watching the light breeze blow the trees. A chill runs through me and I think back to this morning when Luke and his parents were talking. What the hell is he keeping from me? It has something to do with why they left, I just know it does. Should I approach him about what I heard?
“No,” I say to no one. If I mention it, he will know I was eavesdropping and that wasn’t my intention. Besides, I have to tell him about Lucy before I approach any other topics. It wouldn't be fair to confront him when I’m harboring my own secret. My very living and breathing secret.
Just as I am about to get up and head back, I see dark clouds starting to roll in. Lost in thought, I have no idea how far away I am from his house. I look around trying to figure out which direction I came from when I notice Luke approaching.
“There you are. I have been looking all over for you.” He comes over and sits down next to me. Reaching up, he pushes a strand of hair behind my ear that has fallen out.
“Sorry if I scared you, I was taking a walk and found this spot. It’s breathtaking out here,” I say, gesturing around to the flowers.
“You look troubled, baby. Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all,” I say with as much enthusiasm in my voice as I can gather.
“It looks like rain is coming. Shall we head back to the house, baby?” Luke stands up, reaches for my hand, and helps me to my feet. As soon as we start walking, the sky opens up, coming down in sheets. We take off running but by the time we get to the door, we are both completely soaked. Entering the house, Luke grabs me by my waist, spins me around, and slams me up against the wall. Grabbing my hands with one of his, he lifts them up above my head and brings his mouth down to mine, devouring me in a carnal kiss. This kiss is so different from every other kiss we have shared. It’s full of want, need, promises, and something almost desperate. Pulling his face away from mine, he pushes the hair off of my face with his free hand. Without a word, he steps away and goes into the bathroom to grab us some towels. We immediately dry off and head to take separate showers.
After showering and having some lunch, Luke goes back into his office to work as I inspect the house. I find the doorway leading to the basement and turn on the light. Easing my way down the stairs, I enter a fully finished space with workout equipment on one side. A pool table, a giant screen television, and the biggest couch I have ever seen sit on the other. It’s like the most luxurious gym-meets-man-cave. Deciding to utilize the in-home gym, I go back up the stairs and change into my workout clothes. I set the treadmill, plug in my headphones, and run until I can no longer feel my legs, my mind whirling as I think about what I am to do.
Knowing I need to get this over with, I cool myself down and head upstairs. I grab a small photo album filled with pictures of Lucy that Aunt Judy had, and enter the bathroom. I look at myself in the mirror, trying to give myself a pep talk. You can do this, Shayne. Just go down there and tell him about her. Get everything out in the open. No sweat. No big deal. Just do it.
I turn around, make my way down the stairs to the door of his office, and knock lightly. Slowly, I open the door.
“Hey, babe, what’s up?” He must see the look of panic on my face because he is up on his feet and striding toward me in a flash. I swallow, walk him over to the couch in his office, and sit us down. He has a look of fear in his eyes. “Shayne, you’re scaring me. What is it?”
I take a deep breath and look into his eyes with trepidation.
“Luke…there’s something I have to tell you,” I shakily exhale. “We have a six year old daughter. Her name is Lucy.”
The expression on Luke’s face is ominous. “What do you mean, we have a daughter?” he whispers, tilting his head to the side. “What the fuck are you saying?” He stands up and looks me dead in the eye. “Are you telling me that you were pregnant when I left? That you knew and you kept this from me?”
“No, Luke, I didn’t know I was when you left. I found out a week later. I looked everywhere for you.” I search his face desperately, willing him to believe me.
“I don’t fucking believe this shit, Shayne. How can you expect me to believe you after all this time, after all of the chances you’ve had this past week?”
“It’s true, Luke. Here, look at her.” I try to give him the small photo album, but he slaps it out of my hands, then starts running his hands through his hair and pacing the floor. Suddenly he stops and turns back to me.