Page 120 of Loyally, Luke
Ellie:Perhaps the princess could take a sabbatical to cozy up next to a cabin dweller.
Would she even contemplate such a sacrifice? Didn’t seem fair to ask.
Luke:Or the country boy could take up residence in a castle for a while.
A pause followed, almost as if Ellie felt the same impossible desire too. Luke’s body bent, deflated from the pull and push of wanting something he couldn’t have. He closed his eyes, a prayer pooling through him for guidance... wisdom... miracles... anything.
Ellie:I want you to know that I am so grateful we met. You can’t know how much your kindness and authenticity have meant to me. You are wonderful just as you are, and I hope you know that. And I’m grateful to call you my friend.
Pain sliced through him. He knew what was happening. This was the end. Her way of saying goodbye. He’d convinced himself he’d accept it, but now, now when he had to...
Luke:I’m honored to be your friend.
Luke:Ellie, you are amazing. Remember that. It takes a strong person to come back from what you have to try again. Over and over. So don’t let your past dictate your future. Don’t settle, if you can help it. You are braver than you think and your heart is full of compassion. And you’re funny. It’s an underrated life skill, so just think how much more prepared you are because you have a sense of humor.
A pause. He’d already typed so much, but... to his own surprise, he needed to say more. If this was the last time she heard from him, he needed her to hear the truth.
Luke:I don’t know all the protocols and rules you have to live by, but I do know you have so much to give to the people around you and the ones you serve. I’m proud to know you, and will watch from afar as you show Skymar who you really are.
He paused. Trying to sort out what to say next.
Ellie:I don’t want to type goodbye.
Luke:Then don’t. Good night, Ellie.
Ellie:Good night, Luke.
Luke:Keep checking things off your list, all right?
Ellie:I will.
***
Text from Penelope to Izzy and Luke:I know you explained things on your video call, but I still wasn’t prepared for today’s headlines, Luke. Have you seen the photo?
Luke:You’re up either really early or really late.
Penelope:Late. I’m working on some last-minute prep stuff for our first performance at the Ashby since reopening. Matt is picking me up in a few minutes, so I’m waiting by the theater door with my umbrella. Maybe he’ll sing in the rain to me.
Luke:Gross.
Penelope:He’s done it before. It’s swoony. Maybe not as swoony as saving someone from drowning in icy water, but still noteworthy.
Izzy:Oh my goodness! I just saw the headlines when I read Penelope’s text. What exactly is happening in that photo? She’s lying on top of you in the snow!
Luke:That picture is actually of us right after I pulled her out of the water. But the jerk reporters put their own spin on it, didn’t they?
Penelope:Of course—she’s wet! You can easily tell from her hair if you know what to look for.
Luke:Well, whatever the papers say, it’s not true.
Penelope:Of course it’s not true. Izzy and I have actually watched the movies I sent you to prepare you for this very moment.
Luke:I don’t watch those kinds of movies.
Penelope:Not even Princess Diaries 2?
Luke:I refuse to watch that one on principle.
