You'll Think of Me

by Franco, Lucia

“No. Never,” Olivia responded softly. “There's nothing to talk about. He didn't want to hear from me once I left. I called a few times and emailed, but he never answered. It’s been years, Tessa. Years.”

  “I had no idea you reached out to him. Why didn't you tell me?”

  Olivia shrugged again. “There was nothing to tell. He didn't want to talk to me, no matter how hard I tried. That’s it. What else is there to tell?” She took a sip of her coffee.

  “Wow,” Tessa breathed out, running her hand through her blonde hair. “What a couple of last days it’s been for you. No wonder you got drunk on wine... Wine? Since when do you drink wine?”

  Olivia chuckled. “Occasionally I'll have it. I figured since we were most likely going out tonight that I'd have the good stuff then.”

  “So what will you do about Luke's parents?”

  “I'm going to act like they’re any other patient I treat. What can I do? I'm their doctor and they need care. It's what I do. Nothing more, nothing less. Although, they said something that left me feeling puzzled. They said not to tell anyone of their visit, which I normally wouldn’t, except you obviously, but that’s different. I doubt they ever thought they'd see me, which is why I agreed to their request, but I thought it was strange. It's not like I could reveal information or anything. I'm guessing since South Fork is so small that people talk?”

  “Possibly. Everyone loves to talk shit back home. You know that,” Tessa stated the obvious.

  “Very true. Or else... Maybe their sons don't know about their visit? That’s my guess.”

  They stood quietly, looking at each other for a moment as invisible bubbles of speculation floated in the air around them.

  “That’s another possibility. Or it could be that Luke’s in the limelight and they don’t want it getting out? That’s what I assumed, but I wasn't going to ask. If they bring it up again when they come back I may. I'm not sure.”

  “They're coming back?” Tessa asked with surprise.

  She knew Tessa wanted more, but that was all she could give. She was already going against the code of ethics.

  Changing the subject, Tessa asked, “So, what’s on deck for tonight?”

  past

  nine years earlier

  Luke took one last pull on his cigarette and flicked it into the grass. Blowing out the dry smoke, he removed the food from the grill. He began grilling soon after he arrived at the lake with his closest friends. Now that the burgers and hot dogs were finished and the chicken needed slow cooking, Luke needed his girl in his arms.

  This particular spot near the lake was a part of his youth, where memories were laid but never forgotten. The trees were at a height where they arched slightly over the winding lake, creating a shadow over the water. When the wind blew, he could hear the rustling of the trees that caused the most incredibly cool breeze to brush against his hot summer skin. To most, it looked like nothing but a desolate spot that was home to a bare lake and trees. On Friday nights around a fire, with the sun setting and some music playing, the spot was heaven on earth to him and his friends.

  Standing barefoot with her back to him and staring at the lake, Olivia was in her black and white striped bikini, which showed way too much skin in his opinion. Her sexy tanned legs were firmly locked in place while her arms were wrapped around her waist. Livy’s dark wavy locks were swept up in a messy tie where a few strands managed to fall around her slender neck. Livy looked so small and lost standing there by herself. Luke wanted nothing more than to hold onto her and never let go.

  In a lazy stroll, Luke made his way over to Livy. The high noon temperatures heated the dirt and scorched his feet as he stood behind her, placing his hands onto her sun kissed shoulders. He leaned down and quietly sang behind her ear,

  why you makin’ me fall in love with you, no complications, just easy and smooth love like the summer breeze that drifts through the leaves, baby lean into my kiss, every man needs his own whiskey girl like this…”

  “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” Luke asked, wrapping his arms around Olivia’s slender waist and squeezing her to him. He rested his chin on the curve of her shoulder where his stubble lightly grazed the side of her soft face.

  Sighing, Olivia paused before she answered. “Nothing, really. Just thinking what a great day it’s been.” Olivia threaded her small fingers through Luke’s large ones, caressing the back of his warm hands with her thumbs.

  “You sure, baby? You look like you have a lot on your mind.” Gently pressing a kiss to the side of Livy’s neck, Luke breathed in her creamy coconut scent as he grazed her with the tip of his nose. She always smelled of coconuts to him. It was mouthwatering delicious in a sense that made him want to run his tongue along her neck until he met her luscious lips and devour them. Not to mention, the taste of sweet tea he knew was lingering on her lips. The combination made him want to consume her every time she was near.

  Olivia’s body trembled from the small contact. Luke always managed to ignite a fire inside of her each time he touched her. They’d been together for the past four years, and even before there was always electricity between them.

  “Just looking at the beautiful lake, watching your brothers play around, thinking how today was so wonderful. One of the best days of my life. Wondering about where everyone will go now that we’ve all graduated college.”

  Luke paused before he replied. “I can always tell when something is stewing in those pretty brown eyes of yours.”

  Chuckling together, Livy relaxed her head against Luke’s chest as they slowly rocked side to side. The sun was stronger this time of year and he could feel the heat beating down on his bare shoulders. It didn’t bother him, though. Luke was born and raised in the South, so the exceptionally high temperatures were nothing new to him.

  “Yo, Luke! The food done yet? I’m starvin’!” Chase yelled from a distance.

  Shaking his head, he turned and hollered back, “Y’all can get your own food!” He’d be damned if he was going to let his girl out of his arms.

  As Olivia continued with her unwavering gaze, Luke brushed the wayward strands of hair back and kissed her neck tenderly. He grasped her a little tighter, but wasn’t going to let the sense that Olivia was holding back worry him. He knew his girl would open up when she was ready. Absolutely nothing would take this away from him.

  In a moment as simple as this, Luke fell in love with Livy a little more.

  Leaning against a giant oak tree in his now dry swim trunks, Luke’s arms were crossed firmly in front of his bare chest. He was unmistakably irritated to the point where a tick started in his clenched jaw. Luke didn’t want to take his anger out on Livy, so grinding his teeth down was a better choice.

  They'd just spent an incredible day by the lake with their friends, swimming and grilling like old times. Luke even played his guitar, sang songs, some along with the radio and others off the top of his head. The singing was mainly for Olivia’s pleasure. He loved to watch her face transition through a dozen different emotions while he crooned. Her beautiful brown eyes would light up before trying to conceal them as if she wasn’t affected by it, but he knew her all too well. Her eyes would focus solely on the guitar while his fingers caressed the bronze cords and when Luke would add, ‘whiskey girl’ to a song, he’d lay it on thick, causing his drawl to come out in a raspy and husky sound that grabbed her attention. Livy’s heated eyes would drift up to meet his and they’d lock in place as he sang. A deep tint of pink would color her cheeks and help shape the seductive, yet coy smile that would grace her face.

  Whiskey girl had become a nickname he used for her and her alone.

  All of their friends had left the lake now and he was having a heated discussion—more like an argument—with Olivia. Luke was trying in vain to keep his emotions at bay, but she took him completely by surprise, and truth be told, it wasn’t sitting well with him. He couldn’t say he was completely blindsided by it, he felt earlier that she was holding something back.
Even then, he wasn’t expecting this kind of news.

  Tension mounted between them as Luke asked, “What do you mean you want to leave Georgia? So you’re telling me you’re better off somewhere else? This right here baby,” he hitched up his thumb and pointed to the woods behind him, “is the real deal. This is where your heart is, where your friends and family are. It's your home. You’re not going to get much better than this.”

  Luke rubbed his chest as tightness gripped him just thinking about Olivia leaving, an unfamiliar feeling creeping inside. His jagged voice came out in a broken whisper, “It’s also where...I am. Take it or leave it. What’s it going to be?”

  Sitting under a tree on an old gray wool blanket gave her very little reprieve from the sweltering sun. It was late afternoon, but the sun hadn’t stopped shining. Olivia glanced up at Luke with her big, round chocolate eyes. She could swear she heard his voice crackle during the last statement he made. It was as if he was saying take me or leave me. Goodness, it hurt to hear that since she had no intention of leaving him to begin with. She loved Luke and couldn’t imagine not having him near, but hearing him utter such painful words felt like an ultimatum to her. She didn’t fancy the idea of being forced to choose between her dreams and her heart.

  “Take it or leave it? What’s that supposed to mean, Luke? Like it’s all or nothing with you?” Olivia spat out.

  Shaking her head, she pulled her knees to her chest and wound her arms around them. She felt sick to her stomach as she replayed the words in her head. His toned arms and chest were rigid as he stood ignoring her question. His messy sandy blond hair dried unevenly from swimming in the lake and the strands curled just at the tips and framed the sides of his face. A pair of black board shorts hung low on his waist, showing off the slight ‘V’ that dipped into his suit. It wasn’t pronounced, but the thin strip of light hair driving up from beneath caught her attention. Luke wasn’t overly defined or full of ridiculous bulging muscles, but he was toned to the right amount of perfection for her. He was exceptionally striking as he stood there, an air of peril surrounded him.

  Olivia loved Luke deeply and always would, but she wasn’t destined to live in a small town forever. She wanted more than the life she was dealt, so why couldn’t he understand her need to at least give it a shot outside of South Fork? Olivia wasn’t leaving Luke; she just wanted to see what else was out there.

  A current of air glided off the lake, rustling the trees and causing the sun to filter past the rich green leaves and caress her heated skin. Deep down, Olivia had a notion that the thoughts running through her mind would tear them apart. She worried that the decision she was about to make would change so much between them. Olivia knew what she wanted: city lights, four seasons and the hustle and bustle of busy streets. Most of all, she wanted a secure life where she wouldn’t have to rely on anyone ever again. It was the one goal and dream she was reaching for, but the thought of not having Luke by her side? Unfathomable.

  Olivia picked at her nails as she tried to contemplate an answer that would be the “right one.” Answering his question with trepidation, she said softly, “I...I want more. I want to see what other places have to offer. I want to experience life outside of this small town, Luke. And...you should want that too, for both of us. Isn’t there anything you want?”

  “I know what I want. I'm lookin' at her. And there’s no other place I want to be but here with her,” Luke refuted in a barely audible tone, his eyes piercing hers.

  Pushing off the tree, Luke could feel how tightly coiled his muscles were as he stretched his arms out. The grass was hot as it crunched underneath his feet. Angry wasn’t even the word to describe what he was feeling at this very moment. Agitated? Fuming? He wasn’t sure and it didn’t matter. He was just plain old fucking pissed.

  Luke reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. He tilted his head to the side, cupping the tip of the cigarette with his palm as he flicked his lighter. Taking a deep drag, he tried to comprehend exactly what she was implying. Had Luke heard her correctly when she said she wanted to leave? That she wanted to see if there was more out there for her? What else did she need? And where was all this coming from? It blindsided him.

  Luke shook his head in denial and increased the distance between them. What the hell was he then? Had the past four years meant absolutely nothing to her? His mind was running a mile a minute, unable to process it all so quickly. Possibly because he didn’t want to.

  Of course Luke wanted Olivia to do what made her happy. He’d bend over backwards to see her smile, but without him? He’d just assumed they’d stay in Georgia together. The thought of her leaving began to eat him up. Was he being selfish wanting Olivia to stay with him? Probably. Did he give a shit that he was about to be a prick? Nope. Not at all.

  Luke turned back toward Olivia with new found determination. Pinching the cigarette between his thumb and forefinger, he gritted his teeth as he spoke, anger laced in his voice. “Fine. Leave. If that's what you want, then go. I hope you find what you're looking for, but know this—I won't be waiting for you when you come back, ‘cause baby, you'll be back. This place is in your bones. Mark my words.”

  Standing up with a blaze of fire in her eyes, Olivia’s hair blew in her face as she stomped over to Luke. She was just a few steps away and seething in exasperation, her hands forming small fists at her sides. Irritation rolled down her damp skin in rippling waves that managed to heat her to the core. Leave? Luke just told her to leave?

  “Luke! You’re being stubborn! We're young, fresh out of college and have our whole lives ahead of us. How do you know you're supposed to stay here? How do you know there isn't more waiting for you somewhere else?” Olivia yelled, throwing her arms around as she spoke. “Is this enough for you? To be confined to this little town with nothing but grass as far as the eye can see? Is that what you want?”

  Luke stood still. He had to. The woman was making his blood boil, and not the way she usually did either. He had a feeling he knew where this conversation was headed but didn’t want to accept it just yet.

  With sheer purpose in his eyes, Luke took one last pull and flicked his cigarette into the grass. Blowing the final drag of smoke out, he crossed the short distance, eyeing her as if he’d just spotted his prey.

  Reaching behind and grabbing the back of her head, Luke fisted a clump of her hair in his hand. He hooked an arm around her waist as he pulled her flush against his heated body. Olivia’s back arched and the smooth skin of her stomach connected with his as he heard her breath catch while he held her tightly.

  God, how he loved her. Loved her for some time now. Damn. Maybe even longer than the four years they had been dating, but now it felt as if she was leaving. He could feel it and was prepared to do anything to get her to change her mind. Call him selfish, but he didn’t want to see her go and was willing to use what he could to make her stay.

  Leaning down close enough to almost touch her face, Luke searched her eyes for answers as he whispered, “You’re enough for me, baby. You. I want what you want and I thought it was here. But now I’m seeing that we might not want the same things.” Shaking his aching head, he asked, “What changed, Livy?”

  Olivia softened in his hold. He loved that he had this effect on her, that all it took was his touch for her to liquefy in his arms. The air seemed thick as it flowed between them, making it almost unbearable to breathe. He’d like to believe it was the humidity, but they’d always had such chemistry that Luke would be fooling himself thinking otherwise. The softness of her body against his was doing things to his brain. Even mad as he was in the moment, his body was alive and wanting Olivia.

  Staring deeply into Olivia’s dark brown eyes, he brushed his lips gently across hers. Never losing eye contact, he said breathlessly, “Did you hear me, baby? You. I said you're enough for me. Am I not enough for you?” Then he pressed his mouth down onto Olivia’s soft, lush lips. He wanted—no needed—to show her how much she meant to him.

&nb
sp; Slowly, Luke slid his tongue along the seam of her mouth causing her sweet lips to part slightly. A sigh escaped her and Luke used that as an opening. He tenderly pulled her bottom lip into his mouth and nibbled on it.

  “I need you. Don’t leave, Livy.”

  Olivia tasted heavenly against his mouth as he began caressing her bottom lip with his tongue. The faint taste of sweat tea lingered on her lips and it fueled him even more. Taking charge of the moment, Luke slid his tongue forcefully into Olivia’s mouth. The split second he touched her tongue, he put everything into the kiss, crushing her to him.

  Pulling her tighter so she couldn’t move, he kissed her hard. He kissed her for all the days he’d known her. He kissed her to show her what she meant to him. He kissed her as if his life depended on it. And he kissed her like it was the last chance he was ever going to get. He devoured her lips with such intensity that he was hurting inside from it. It was as if he was overpowered with this need to convince her to change her mind. With a kiss. And he would damn well do anything to get her to stay.

  Olivia couldn’t even think straight. Luke’s kisses always made her dizzy with need, turning her soft and pliable at his mercy. She could feel his body hardening against hers and she loved it; she loved her softness against his hardness. Within seconds, Luke’s sinful lips triggered a response from her body. The warm and languid silkiness of his tongue was instant ecstasy. He had serious skills when it came to using his mouth. It may have been a hot summer day, but the only heat she felt was coming from Luke.

  As if in perfect harmony, Luke’s tongue danced erotically inside her. He touched the roof of her mouth as her hands glided up his arms and over his broad shoulders. Moaning into his mouth, her fingers threaded his sandy hair and she pulled him to her.

  Needing to come up for air, Olivia broke the kiss to breathe. Her lips felt swollen and puffy as they both gasped heavily into each other’s mouths, seeing the raw passion and need in the depths of his eyes. In that moment, Luke’s gaze said more than words could ever express.