Page 56 of Reluctant Chemistry

The Birthday Party

Walking into Mitch and Tayla’s over an hour late, Luka looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of CeCe. As he’d expected, their house was crowded, with extra tables set up in the large sunroom and along the veranda. CeCe’s father greeted him in passing, even offering a handshake, and Andrea leaned in for a hug, saying how nice it was to see him again.

Through his friendship with Mitch, Luka had come into contact with the Dobsons several times over the years. He suspected Frank still saw him as the opportunistic teacher who’d groomed his daughter rather than as Mitch’s friend. But then, according to his old boss, Brad, Frank Dobson was known for holding a grudge, and he did it well. Andrea, however, was a different story. Warm and friendly, she always offered a hug and a smile whenever they met.

Luka grabbed a beer from the makeshift bar in the kitchen and went to greet his parents. His mother had never met CeCe, and Luka could tell she was itching to meet the girl from Tulloch Point who’d once filled his summer days with her dimples and laughter.

He hadn’t seen her since that unfortunate encounter in her new lab. Despite the awkwardness of their exchange, he’d felt so proud of her that day. As someone who’d taught her, albeit briefly, he’d sometimes doubted she’d ever make it to this point, but according to Mitch, her determination to succeed—already evident at eighteen—was stronger than ever these days. Not that he and Mitch often talked about CeCe. Luka had made it clear from the beginning that their fling was something he didn’t care to discuss.

Unless they were drunk. Then they confided in one another like schoolgirls.

He’d considered contacting her after that day in the lab, but whenever he’d contemplated it in the days following, her chilly vibe had made him rethink. Nothing good would come of it, especially now that he and Annabelle had split. He certainly didn’t need another affair with CeCe Dobson.

Mitch cleared his throat and tapped a fork on the side of his glass. As the room fell silent, Luka leaned back in his chair.

“Hey, everyone, thanks for coming. I know thirty-four is nothing special as far as birthday digits go, but I think you’ll all agree that this year’s been a tough one, what with lockdown and everything. So, I thought it was about time we all got together and celebrated what’s important. And to me, that’s Tayla and our families and friends who support us in everything we do.”

Someone voiced a ‘here, here!’ and a few people clapped.

“Now, before I shut up and let you enjoy the food, Tayla and I have an announcement.” He looked at Tayla, who smiled and took his hand. “Mum and Frank, Barry and Jean, you’re going to be grandparents again in the new year.”

Jean gasped as Andrea jumped from her seat. “What? Are you serious? You’re pregnant? When? How?”

Mitch grinned from ear to ear. “Mum, you always taught me that a gentleman never tells. But we’re sixteen weeks, and she’s already as cute as a button.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Jean said. “A little girl.”

“Okay, guys, buffet’s served. Let’s eat.”

Luka had just filled his plate when that sixth sense of his had him looking toward the entrance.

CeCe.

She stood in the doorway, breathtakinglybeautiful in an off-white fitted dress with a high neckline and capped sleeves. She’d straightened her hair. Apart from when it was wet, he’d never seen it straight before, and the whole look of her—the dress, the heels, the makeup—made him take a second glance. In his head, she’d always been that wild teen, floating through life on the swell at Sandwater Bay, but seeing her now had him viewing her in a whole different light.

When he caught CeCe’s eye, she looked away as if embarrassed and turned to her escort, laughing at something he’d said. As they joined her parents, Frank studied his daughter’s date in his usual disapproving manner, and Luka was thankful it wasn’t him on the receiving end of that glare.

Seated next to his mother, Luka struggled to come to terms with her new style. Not that it didn’t suit her. It did. But seeing her with this halo of sophistication definitely had an effect.

“That’s her?” Vanessa reached for her juice while following his line of sight. “Wow, you let a good one get away there,” she whispered.

“Mum, you don’t even know her.”

“Maybe not, but I will one day.” His mother gave him a raised-brow smile. She’d referred to herself as an intuitive for as long as he could remember. When Luka was younger, her uncanny sense of awareness had embarrassed and crept him out in equal measure, but there was no denying her ability to read people, and horses too. “Who’s she with?”

“I have no idea, and what’s more, it’s none of my business.”

“Are you sure about that?” his father asked. “It’s important to tidy up life’s loose ends.”

Luka chuckled. He’d always considered his father a man of many wisdoms. One who wielded power and influence without wrapping it up in a package of self-inflated ego. “Speaking from experience, Dad?”

“Course I am.” His parents shared a knowing look. “If your relationship with CeCe was considered taboo because she was your student, imagine how it was for us.”

Luka didn’t know every detail of how his parents got together, but he knew enough. It had definitely been scandalous at the time.

His mother took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Are you okay—not missing Annabelle too much?”

“I’m fine. It’s been a long time coming.”

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