Ah, the curse of being the youngest. I hoped they weren’t about to launch into the, “One day, when you have children, you’ll understand” speech. I was definitely too young for that.
“I know. But can you please relax a little so I don’t have to carry your worries around with me? I’m already over my baggage allowance.”
Mum and Dad visibly relaxed and cracked smiles, and my shoulders sagged in relief.
“Okay,” Dad said. “We’ll try. Now… who wants ice cream?”
A genuine smile spread across my face at their understanding – and at the promise of dessert. We all reached for menus to choose one of the yummy after dinner treats, and while we were distracted, my stomach fluttered when Jason’s voice came from behind me.
“Am I too late for dinner?”
Suppressing a laugh, I didn’t turn around. I kept my gaze focused on the menu. I couldn’t wait to get a look at him but I’d trained myself not to act like a typical fangirl,
jumping every time I heard his voice. It didn’t stop my stomach gurgling or my pulse racing but I didn’t have to make my reaction to him obvious on the outside.
Opposite me, Ellie smiled too while Drew rolled his eyes.
“Yes,” Drew told him with a good-natured head shake. “You’re always late.”
“You are in time for dessert though,” Mum said. “You’re welcome to join us.”
My skin prickled as Jason reached for the chair beside me, and I had no choice but to look up – it would have been rude if I’d kept my head buried in the menu.
“Alright, Luce?”
Oh man. The flutters in my stomach multiplied as I raised my head and took in the stubble on his chin, and his scruffy/sexy t-shirt and ripped jeans. My mouth dried but I swallowed hard, and said, “Hey, Jason. Glad you made it.”
He grinned. “I never miss dessert.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself smirking. I was sure he hadn’t meant any innuendo, but with the way he made me feel, I couldn’t help wondering what his idea of dessert involved. Nerves mingled with my imagination and I had to look away before I spontaneously combusted, missing my one chance to go on tour with my favourite band.
Maybe going on the tour was the wrong thing to do. Maybe it would result in my heart being crushed into a million pieces. But I knew I could get through it by shifting my focus to the opportunity of travelling almost for free, and not on impossible daydreams. This was the chance of a lifetime, and I intended to embrace every second, regardless of my adolescent feelings for the boy next door.
Chapter 2 – Gigantic Steely Balls
I spent my last night in the UK at Ellie and Drew’s place. I couldn’t stand another moment of overprotective parenting, so I said goodbye to Mum and Dad after dinner.
When I woke up on the morning of our journey to Paris, the excitement in my gut took on a whole new level. There was no way I could have breakfast, or even my morning coffee since I was sure it would have ended up down the toilet – and that’s just a waste of good coffee.
After hopping out of bed and getting dressed, I went to the kitchen and found Ellie and Drew eating full English breakfasts. I rested my hand on my stomach; the smell of fried eggs and bacon made me gag. Normally I’d have pulled up a chair and awaited my share, but there was no way I could handle it. No. Way.
“Morning,” Ellie said, standing up and heading for the grill. “Bacon? Eggs? Hash browns? Mushrooms?”
She was acting like the owner of a B&B, and I laughed at her enthusiasm. “Nothing for me, thanks.” I took a seat at the table. “Maybe in a little while, but right now I can’t.”
“You okay?” Drew asked, picking up a piece of toast and buttering it.
I nodded. “Just nervous, I think. I’ll be fine. What time did you say we’re leaving?”
“Not until half past nine. The train is at ten, and the plane to Paris isn’t until five-thirty.”
It was only six-thirty. Plenty of time to calm myself, shower, and re-check my suitcases. Actually, best not do that otherwise all Ellie’s hard work would be ruined.
“Okay.” I blew out a breath. “Sounds good.”
Ellie re-joined us at the table. “You sure you’re okay, Luce?”
“Ellie, come on.” I groaned. “Not you too. I stayed here to avoid this worrying crap. Please don’t be like Mum and Dad.”