The Way You Kiss: A Rock Star Romance

By Chris Weston

After leaving an abusive relationship, Kayla moves to California. She believes she will never find Mr Right. Her greatest dream is finding a guy who loves her and treats her with respect. Her life takes a new path when she meets her favourite musician, Jared Ruz. Jared shot to fame over ten years ago. He believes he can never trust a woman again since his previous girlfriend cheated on him. His greatest fear is never finding someone to share his life with who isn’t after his fortune. His routine life is interrupted when he meets a Kayla. She risks losing her job, saving the last maple tree Jared and his father planted, before his father passed away. Their bonds strengthen when she saves his mother’s life.

Seeing Kayla and his neighbour kissing Jared ends their relationship. Kayla realising there is no going back returns home. Jared learns things weren’t as they appeared. Jared flies to Australia to try and mend their relationship. Kayla has come to realise she cannot be in a relationship without trust. Hearing this, Jared walks away and prepares to return home. Jared returns to Kayla declaring his unwavering love. Hoping it’s enough to save his relationship with the woman he loves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Jun 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798369491706

Chris Weston

Chris Weston is an American speculative fiction author of heroic fantasy books Fragile Nights and Wildstar.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Imagining things again, Kayla.

Kayla thinks, Gaslighting me again, Joel. She looks at him. How long has she wasted time with this guy? I know you’ve been cheating on me, Joel.

That never happened. And if I did, it’s your fault.

Raising her left arm, she asks, Am I imagining this bra in my hand?

You’re so stupid, Joel says loudly. One side of his mouth rises, and the other side remains in place. You can’t even recognise your own bra.

I know it’s not one of mine. And just because you say something doesn’t make it true.

I said it never happened. He slams his phone down on the coffee table.

Three things, Joel.

She watches his reddening complexion as he rubs his forehead. His calls sign he’s going to be violent. Her breath catches. This usually stops her from pushing her point. Not this time, she tells herself.

Firstly, I’ve never kept a bra at the back of your underwear drawer wrapped around a pair of your boxers.

His sharp intake of breath a clear warning. He starts pacing, rubbing his chin as he watches her intently.

She ignores his posturing. Secondly, if you compare my other bras, you’ll see I’m a double D cup. The bra you’ve been keeping in the back of your underwear drawer for the past week is so small I couldn’t fit one breast in it, let alone both.

That’s because you’re overweight.

I’ve never heard any size 10 woman called overweight. I’m way smaller than your last girlfriend.

He stops pacing. If you’re lucky, Kayla, I’ll forgive you for saying that about Becky.

He steps closer. Realising Joel will never stand up for her. He stands by his mates and his exes, anyone else, never her.

Thirdly, sleazy skimpy lingerie isn’t my style.

Joel has lowered his eyebrows and drawn them together. His nostril-flaring is extreme, pushing his wrinkled nose up. His lower jaw thrusts forward. He holds his fingernails near his face as though they are claws. His mouth is open and teeth dangerously exposed. He looks like a volcano ready to erupt.

She braces herself as she looks at him, knowing what is to come next.

◆◆◆

Kayla wakes on the lounge room floor. She sits for a minute as her head spins; the throbbing starts near her left temple. She recalls having an argument with Joel. She caught him cheating again. The last thing she remembers is the hard sting of his hand hitting her temple. She stands, holding on to the back of the lounge to steady herself. She walks to the kitchen and gets some headache tablets and a glass of water. The throbbing has increased to pounding.

Having washed the tablets down with a glass of water, she sits at the breakfast counter, hoping the rock concert in her head subsides soon. She closes her eyes. The warm tears fall down her face. She doesn’t stop them, letting them flow, washing her pain away. She lightly presses her index finger against her head, the intense pain causing her to almost lose balance.

Her phone pings.

It’s Joel.

She rolls her eyes, sending another spike of pain through her skull. Wiping the tears away with one hand, she swipes the screen and ignores Joel’s message with her free hand. Her eyes fall to the lock screen image of her niece Meika and her boyfriend Mark. Their faces smile at her.

I need to call them.

She sends them a message, asking to have a Zoom call. She grabs another glass of water and sits at the kitchen counter. Taking a deep breath, she starts the Zoom call.

When the call connects, they gasp.

◆◆◆

Six months later . . .

Kayla enters her hotel room. The king room is elegant, inviting with a balcony. She drops her backpack on the bed and walks to the balcony. Stepping to the balcony, she looks at the ultra-modern hotel across her hotel. Thankful Mark booked her room in the historical hotel. Looking around the wonderful view over the precinct around the hotel and the beautiful Gums Reserve, she watches the tops of the trees swaying as a soft breeze rustles through the leaves. The ancient gum and proteas are in full flower. The view alone is worth the 4-hour drive. Her eyes trace the light-coloured crushed gravel path that meanders through the park. It reminds her of the Queensland yellow-faced whip snake. Following the path, she notices the Apollo Arena, recalling Mark saying it is 700 metres from the hotel.

Turning away from the view, she enters the room. There is a comfortable king-size bed with a spacious closet and large marble bathroom. There is a separate bathtub and shower. A work area with free Internet and a comfortable armchair and lounge. In the nook for the tea and coffee-making facilities are two bottles of complimentary spring water and a fruit bowl.

She pulls out her iPhone and takes a photo of the view from her balcony. She sends the photo to Meika and Mark. Medz and Iron Man. She chuckles at their nicknames. She started calling Meika Medz when Mark pointed out they are like sisters and good for each other. Mark has always had inner strength as well as the ability to hold his own.

Within a few minutes, they respond.

Kayla: Made it safe n sound, gr8 view from room to venue

Medz: Thx for letting us know you arrived safe

Iron Man: Now to play the waiting for Jared game

She grabs an apple and exits the hotel and heads outdoors. Putting her EarPods on, she walks the 700 metres to the Apollo Arena. Ranked in the top 4 arenas in the world, it was formerly known as the Aquilia Arena. Considered Australia’s top venue, it is also inarguably the largest indoor entertainment arena in Australia, which can accommodate up to 27,000 visitors, catering for access for people with disabilities, spectator comfort, and operation efficiency. With the highest record selling venue in the country, it is one of Australia’s major concert venues. This gigantic venue has played host to several international superstars, including, Jon Bon Jovi, Nickelback, and Muse.

Tomorrow’s concert headliners are the Canadian rock band Jared Ruz. Little was known about the band until they released their first album, Take Cover. That blew the lid off everything and launched them into stardom.

Arriving at the arena, Kayla notices the number of fans wandering around the outside of the building. She notices an electronic display, scrolling through the various upcoming concerts. She watches and waits ’til tonight’s concert appears. She reads the display, and too soon it’s gone. She digs out her iPhone, noticing how battered it is. Joel smashed it on the ground. A shiver runs down her spine. She closes her eyes. Okay, she tells herself. Everything’s fine, I’m here to see Jared. Nothing else matters. She opens her eyes just as a photo of Jared appears on the electronic display screen.

Kayla walks around, smiling at the fans smiling at her. Seems everyone is as impatient as her for the concert to begin. She takes some photos of the outside of the arena, including some selfies with the concert tour posters. After walking around and finding her entry point, she heads back to the electronic display, and with perfect timing, she takes a selfie when the advertisement appears with Jared’s smiling face.

She looks around and finds a café across the arena. The exterior of the café belies its relatively large interior. There’s room for about 50 people. Kayla orders her latte and sits at an outside table, facing the arena. Waiting for her latte, she watches people stopping to grab a cup of coffee, some stay for a snack or a meal. She hears the couple on the next table talking about the café. The dark-haired young woman says she likes the café as the food is always delicious, the menu options are updated regularly, and the servings are large with reasonable prices. Her red-headed companion says she likes the little things, like how they always provide a complimentary mini-biscuit with her coffee.

The waiter brings Kayla’s coffee. Kayla takes a sip and is surprised the coffee tastes delicious. Placing the cup back on the table, she pops in her EarPods and starts reviewing the photos of the arena. She decides to send the selfie of her with Jared on the electronic display to Meika and Mark. Both are huge fans of Jared and his band. Unfortunately, because of a prior commitment, they could not attend. Kayla thinks of Mark. If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t be in Sydney going to the concert. Heck, she wouldn’t know about Jared Ruz.

Kayla: Here’s my first sighting of Jared

Iron Man: Bet you’re glad I insisted you go

Medz: Mark and I so wish we were there with you. Enjoy

◆◆◆

Next morning Kayla checks her wallet for her concert ticket. Not wanting to rely on the huge monitors to see Jared or risking the mosh pit, she paid for premium tickets so she could see him up close, comfortably and safely. Returning from breakfast, she sets out her concert outfit: Wrangler jeans, a comfortable black T-shirt, and black boots. She spends the day sitting at a local café with EarPods on and listening to Take Cover on repeat. She returns to the hotel for dinner, before heading to her room for a shower and to change into her concert clothes.

As she walks to the arena, she feels the excitement building inside her. She arrives around 45 minutes before the start of the concert. The first thing Kayla notices when entering the arena are the fans. The venue is already swarming. Most are wearing jeans, black boots or joggers, and a T-shirt. Most opted for black T-shirts to get the Jared look. Some are wearing shirts from the current concert shirts or knock-offs. Some guys swap the shirt they were wearing for a concert one. Some just put them over the one they’re wearing.

Excitement and anticipation starting to build as thousands of fans started singing and playing air guitars as they walked around the venue. The noise getting louder and louder as other fans arrive and join in. A live performance by a rock band has an altogether different effect than listening via EarPods or in the car. Being live, it enhances the experience. Kayla doesn’t usually make eye contact with those she does not know in proximity, but she catches glimpses of fans, and everyone is smiling. The crowd mood is positive. The vibe is electric.

She spends around 10 minutes reviewing the merchandise stand, watching what other fans are buying. Eyes widened, she looks at the posters, keychains, clothing, CDs, and the crowning jewel—the Jared Ruz Take Cover bomber jacket. Always seen wearing jeans, a black T-shirt, and a bomber jacket, Jared’s look is well renowned. Before leaving for Sydney, she promised herself she would get a polo shirt and a keychain and maybe a poster if they have any nice ones. She looks at the two posters on offer: one of the band, the other a close-up of Jared with his favourite guitar, holding the microphone stand. Kayla’s eyes drift to the bomber jacket, wishing she could afford one. Kayla moves up to the counter and buys a polo shirt, keychain, and the poster of Jared. Placing the poster into the tube she purposely brought to protect the poster, if she liked one enough to buy it, she places the items in her backpack.

Time to settle in for an awesome concert. Walking to the door, she shows her ticket to the usher, who points to where her seat is. In her seat, Kayla gets her camera out and takes some shots of the stage and arena. She moves the camera around the audience, wanting to find out the audience demographic. She is not surprised by the vast difference in ages of the audience.

The venue is around half full. She expected to see more people, as the concert was sold out. Over the next 20 minutes, the venue fills.

The support band is Savage Honesty, a relatively new band in the rock genre. A couple of their songs sound good. But Kayla isn’t here for them. She busies herself taking pics of the crowd and the stage. When Savage Honesty wraps up their last song, the crowd cheers. The announcer says in 15 minutes, Jared Ruz will be performing. Kayla feels the deafening roar from the crowd reverberate through her body. Her excitement still building, her focus shifts to the mosh pit. Two guys are kicking an empty cup around; by the time the band is due to start playing, around ten guys are kicking the cup around, burning off excess energy, waiting for the band to start.

Without warning, the lights go dark.

The crowd start stomping their feet, yelling, Jared! Jared!

Kayla never calls herself a fangirl, but when his name starts reverberating off her chest and her heart starts pounding, she joins in the screaming roar and stomping her feet. She wants to cover her ears but doesn’t as she wants to hear them call Jared’s name. This is the moment Kayla has been waiting for. The time had finally come when she would get to see and hear Jared Ruz live in concert.

Hello, Sydney! Jared’s voice calls out.

The crowd cheers ascended to a deafening roar.

Jared’s face fills the monitors, his face bearing a huge smile.

Kayla cannot help but smile. This is the man and the voice she came for. He’s in his element, Kayla says softly.

Throughout the concert, the crowd kept clapping and screaming, emphasising they want more. The crowd erupts with cheers and applause each time the band finishes a song. The audio mix is perfect. When the band’s most popular songs finish, the screams and clapping are deafening. A couple of times Kayla manages to cover her ears. Jared’s voice was clear, not drowned out by the music, unlike some concerts Kayla had been to, where the singers’ voice was inaudible or, worse, when there was a feedback noise. The entire show was in tune; Jared’s voice and the instruments were in perfect harmony.

Two massive screens project images of the band, from the top to the bottom of the stage. A camera on a track near the front of the stage moves back and forth, giving those in the back rows a closer view. The mosh pit is alive with people dancing and jumping. Some guys jump on the backs of their friends, waving their drinks around, spilling it over anyone near them, but no one seems to care.

The bass frequencies coming through the huge sound systems resonate through Kayla’s body, especially her spine. The strobe lighting is in sync with the music. The lights blink and change colour to perfect timing with each song. Elwin’s pounding drumbeat drives the performance and keeps the crowd engaged. She expected the rock concert to be loud, and the band didn’t disappoint. Loud rock concerts make them more enjoyable. The band played a well-thought-out mix of old and new songs. Jared did his homework when planning the tour by polling his Twitter and Facebook wall for what his fans wanted to hear. His accounts were inundated with responses. Most fans wanted a mix of old and songs from his upcoming second album.

Although rock riffs dominated, one song that stands out for Kayla is her favourite, The Way You Kiss. It’s a beautiful slow ballad, and Jared puts emotion and strength into his delivery. Its sensitivity is pleasing on the ear. About three-quarters into the concert, the band members left, leaving Jared alone on stage.

He picks up a bottle of water from the base of the microphone then grabs the microphone. Hello. Is there anybody out there?

Hello, Jared! Kayla says, her voice lost in the deafening roar of the crowd as they respond. Kayla covers her ears as a huge smile fills her face.

Are you having a good time?

The crowd screams and cheers and stomps their feet.

He places his guitar on its stand and walks back to the microphone, holding the microphone stand with one hand. Let’s slow things down for a bit. Gotta rest my chords. He wipes the sweat from his forehead. Anyone here want to be a rock-’n’-roller?

The crowd roars, Yes!

He laughs. My advice—get physically fit. It’s a great workout. He walks to the piano, the bottle of water still in his hand.

Kayla cannot recall any of Jared’s songs where he sings alone with just a piano. She starts whispering, Please, Jared, let it be ‘The Way You Kiss.’

Time for the romantics out there. All you lovesick moon dogs.

He adjusts the height of the microphone boom above the keyboard, before holding it with both hands—the song’s signature move.

Kayla holds her breath, as he only holds the microphone this way for one particular song. Kayla silently ponders what—or who—inspired him to write this song.

His fingers travel over the piano keys of the highly polished black grand piano with expertise and well-practiced skill.

Kayla’s eyes are glued to the monitor as his fingers fluidly move across the keys.

He reaches down for the bottle and takes a sip of water then places the bottle on the floor. He runs his hands through his hair. While it’s quiet, she gets up the courage to yell, Happy birthday, Jared!

Jared laughs. Thanks. Nice of you to remind everyone here I’m a year older today.

You’re still hot! she screams.

He laughs, clearing his throat.

Kayla looks at the monitors just in time to see him laugh and run his fingers through his hair again.

Seriously, thank you for remembering. It does mean a lot. Another small rift on the keyboard. Okay, are you ready?

The crowd screams, Yes!

Jared smiles. I’d like to dedicate this song to my mystery happy-birthday wisher.

Kayla’s hands cover her heart. She raises her camera and zooms in on Jared, taking a close-up of his face. It looks as though Jared’s cheeks have a slight shade of pink. At this point, Kayla realises no other musician of any genre will ever move Jared as her number 1 favourite singer.

When he starts playing, the crowd claps, somehow knowing screaming and cheering are not necessary for this song. The strobing lights have stopped. This song is Jared and a grand piano. It lets the audience hear his true vocal capabilities. Jared sings the song with perfect tune, with such deep and raw emotion. The lyrics of the song are about love, honesty, and having found the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with—different from his usual rock songs. Some of his rock songs are about love, but this song is toned down to the point it is almost a yearning. The crowd remains quiet throughout the song.

After the song ends, the audience erupt into the loudest roar of the concert. People are yelling, Love that song so much! Thank you that was awesome! Kayla laughs when a woman screams for him to play it again.

The band members silently return to the stage. Jared closes the lid of the piano and walks back to the microphone stand.

Just want to put it out there that life is precious and short. Life isn’t always about parties and having fun. It’s about finding the one. Sharing yourself with that one person for the rest of your life.

Kayla looks at some people in the mosh pit. A few couples turn and look at each other and kiss.

At the end of the concert, Jared says the farewells, thanks the audience for coming and making them welcome. Jared is well known for not leaving until he does an encore. As they walked off the stage, everyone started stomping their feet and yelling, Encore. Jared. We want more! repeatedly for about 5 minutes.

The band came back and ended the evening with their best rock song Banishment. The concussion blasts reverberate through Kayla’s chest cavity. After the encore and the band leave for the final time, the house lights came on. Kayla sits and watches everyone leave. Her ears ringing, she still wants to hear Jared sing other songs.

Still on an adrenaline high, she walks back to the hotel, listening to the conversations around her on how great the band is live and how well Jared sang. A couple of women commented on how young and hot Jared is. Kayla smiles when one woman mentions how lucky Jared’s mystery happy-birthday wisher was. Another woman responds on how fortunate the woman was for having a conversation with Jared in front of 27,000 fans.

Entering her hotel room, Kayla notices the bed has been turned down. Her phone pings.

Iron Man: How’z Jared?

Kayla: Purrfect. Stunningly gorgeous with the voice of a rock and roll angel

Iron Man: ROFL Had a good time then?

Kayla: Absolutely. Thank you – for so many reasons

Iron Man: Your text sounds so happy

Kayla: I couldn’t be happier

Iron Man: Bet you’d be happier to meet Jared

Kayla: It’s now on my bucket list to meet him one day

Sitting on her bed in her hotel room, placing the pillow behind her, she looks through the photos. Sipping her tea, she is grateful the venue allowed cameras. Kayla took her Canon DSLR and 28-300mm lens. She has some clear close-up photos of Jared. Making a mental note which one to upload to his Facebook page, she checks the time. It’s past midnight. Still too hyped to attempt sleep, she grabs her laptop and calls up Jared’s Facebook page.

While the photos upload to her laptop, Kayla posts her gratitude to Jared. When the photos upload, she attaches her favourite close-up of him. She jumps to one of the Jared Ruz Facebook fan groups and uploads her favourite photos and a couple of videos, replying to other fan posts and looking at their photos and watching their videos. When she returns to Jared’s page, he has put a love emoticon on her post. He has placed a comment on tonight’s concert, saying it was an awesome photo and thanks for making the night a special one.

She saves her favourite photo from the concert as her wallpaper and phone lock screen. Kayla feels her face warm. This is the closest she has ever felt to him. It was an awesome evening. The atmosphere was euphoric. Lying in bed, Kayla vows, whenever Jared Ruz comes to Australia, she will go to every concert.

◆◆◆

After the concert tour finishes, Jared returns to his Hidden Hills estate in California. Within a week of returning, he visits the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. His head of personal security, Neil, is close behind him. They make their way to the special care ward nurse’s station. As he talks with the nurse about the letters the children have written to him, Jared hears a soft voice call his name.

Jared turns.

The corners of his mouth fighting against his normally stoic expression, his face relaxes but still showing the faint outline of wrinkles around his eyes. Cassie, a ten-year-old girl, runs to him. He leans down and sweeps her up in his arms. She kisses his cheek. I have missed you, Jared.

I have missed you too. It hasn’t been that long has it, Cassie?

Seems like ages.

How did your test go yesterday?

Her eyes drop. She shakes her head slowly. Her bottom lip sticks out.

His heart sinks. He softly caresses her cheek. What’s wrong?

Tears welling in her eyes, she hugs him.

Hey, Jared.

He turns to see Cassie’s mother, Alison. Her eyes are filled with tears.

Hey, Alison. He softly rubs Cassie’s back. What’s happened?

Alison says the test results are worse than expected.

Jared places his hand softly at the back of Cassie’s head, when she buries it into his neck. What do you need?

You’ve already given so much.

Tell me what is needed, and it will be arranged.

A tear falls down Alison’s face. You’re so loving to the children, Jared. How can I ask— She wipes the tears from her face.

Jared shifts Cassie in his arms. Alison, I come here to help the children get better and to try and make their lives fun and happy during their recovery. He gently places his hand on Alison’s forearm. I will speak with Cassie’s doctor.

Thank you, Jared. You truly are an angel to Cassie and all the children here.

◆◆◆

After talking with Cassie’s doctor and collecting the letters the children have written him, he hands them to Neil before heading to the special care ward. Neil waits outside the ward. Jared walks to the last bed in the ward. Anita, a 16-year-old who has been there the longest, is very quiet and shy. She is very conscious of being bald since her once-thick long auburn hair fell out.

Jared smiles looking at his concert poster above her bed.

Anita lifts her head and smiles.

Jared is wearing a Red from Angry Birds toque, with earflaps and tassels.

She laughs at him.

Oh, you think I look silly in my Mr Red hat? He spins around as though modelling it for her.

Do you think I’d make a good model?

She laughs.

Her smile lifts his heart. He returns her smile. My favourite part about visiting you is seeing your infectious smile when I arrive.

He pulls a toque from his pocket and places it on her head. It’s Chuck from Angry Birds. As he straightens the yellow toque on her head, he asks her if she knows how fast Chuck is. She says she does. He says he chose Chuck for her as it represents the speed of her recovery.

Jared . . . Her moist eyes look at him. You give me such strength and hope.

That’s why I’m here. It’s my calling. My music is just a hobby. Together, we will beat this.

They talk for a while about her treatment. Anita admits she is tiring of the treatments. Jared says he will always be around to help her see it through.

A nurse brings him a cup of tea and some biscuits. He thanks her then asks her to take some photos of them in their Angry Birds toques. After taking some photos, the nurse suggests they go outside and enjoy the sunshine and light breeze. The nurse assists Anita into the wheelchair.

As they walk through the garden, Jared smiles at the numerous maples he had planted to make a shaded green space for the children, making a mental note to put in a maple grove at his estate. Focusing back on Anita, he asks, If you could have anything, what would it be?

She says, I have always wanted to fly in a helicopter.

Stopping at the bench under a Canadian maple, he sits next to her. He asks, Who would you take with you?

She says, I would take my parents, my younger brother, and my favourite celebrity.

Jared asks, Who is that?

She says, I am looking at him.

Jared smiles. I am honoured that you have chosen me as your favourite celebrity.

They sit in silence, enjoying the sounds of nature.

I heard about your break-up with Bernadine. I’m sorry she hurt you so bad.

Jared closes his eyes for a few seconds. Yeah. She really did a number on me, that’s for sure.

All the good you do for us kids at the hospital, your time will come, Jared.

Thank you, Anita. Your words give me hope that my future isn’t as bleak as I have feared it will be.

She tells him, Anyone who knows you knows you are a good man. Your time will come, and when you fall for her, you will fall hard. And you will be so happy, your heart will be fit to burst.

He chuckles. Since when did you get so grown-up?

I watch the parents and see their love for their child and each other grow with each visit. It gives me hope one day I will meet someone who is as caring and thoughtful.

He’ll be good-looking and take good care of you.

He doesn’t have to be a looker. Just someone who loves me. That’s all I want.

Me too.

We’re good for each other, Jared. We see the things others don’t.

I’ve noticed that too. I’m so glad we met, Anita. You will always be my favourite fan.

They return to the ward. Jared stops by the nurse’s station, asking for a nurse to assist Anita back to her bed.

They wait near the end of her bed, Jared sitting on the bed, Anita facing the wall where Jared’s concert poster is. After a while, Anita looks at it and says she saw on his website his first world concert tour is over. He says it is, and he is taking a short break before beginning the new album. His assumption of Anita never having been to a concert is confirmed when she says she has been in hospital and never had the opportunity. Jared suggests doing a mini concert at the hospital.

She looks at him, her head tilted quizzically.

I can arrange for the band to come here. Give a scaled-down concert at the hospital.

Her face beams, her happiness radiating from her. Would you? Could you?

I’d have to check with your doctor and the hospital. Maybe stick to the ballads. Not the hard stuff like ‘Banishment.’ If all is good on their end and you want a private concert here at the hospital, I will make it happen.

She leans towards him, her arms open.

I’m not sure hugging you is allowed.

Please, Jared. I’m so excited about the concert, I cannot contain it.

A nurse walks up with the huge bunch of flowers Jared bought for Anita. He steps away from the bed to let the nurse put the vase on the table. Once she sets up the vase, she moves to the end of the bed. Jared asks the nurse to witness him hugging Anita for a few seconds. When the nurse agrees, Jared stands next to the bed and leans down to Anita. A laugh escapes him when she hugs him tightly. After a few seconds, he releases her. She sits back against the pillows.

What’s your favourite song?

‘Hearts in Love.’

If the concert goes ahead, I’ll need your input on what songs to play. And I want to do a duet of ‘Hearts in Love’ with you. No excuses.

Her smile widens. Can I play the piano while you play guitar?

How about you play the piano and I’ll sing?

Jared watches as a tear rolls down her face. She wipes it away.

Lock it in, Anita. Whatever you want.

Thank you, Mr Ruz.

He smiles at her, telling her she is his favourite fan and for her to call him Jared. He tells her of her bravery for facing and fighting her illness for years.

I truly am in awe of your resilience. Her smile is met with his. The machine that will get you through this and back to full health is nearing production. My lawyers said yesterday it should be available to order in the next few months.

More tears roll down her face.

Thank you. No one will ever move you from my number 1 spot, Jared.

◆◆◆

Four years later . . .

To give the award for the highest achiever of the Advanced Diploma of Horticulture, I’d like to welcome Michelle Spruce, the owner of the Alpine Maple Gardens. In addition to graduating, this year’s winner will receive a paid internship to work at Alpine Maple Gardens to hone their propagation and cultivation skills with maples. This year’s winner will work with Michelle and her team of dedicated maple cultivators.

Michelle takes the award and looks at the name of the winner. She smiles, knowing this student has great promise and is dedicated to maples.

It is my absolute pleasure to present this award and a two-year paid internship, with room for extension, to this year’s winner of the Top Horticultural Student Award. The award goes to Kayla Gray.

Kayla stands, as does Meika and Mark.

Congratulations, Kayla! says Meika as she hugs her aunt.

Mark nods, saying to get to the stage and accept her award.

Returning to Meika and Mark, Kayla hugs Mark.

Congrats, Kayla! says Mark. So utterly proud of you. Epic internship, which you deserve for all your hard work and dedication.

After the awards have been handed, Michelle Spruce finds Kayla and shakes her hand and congratulates her again on winning the award. She leans closer and says softly how grateful she is that Kayla won the award. Kayla is well known to Michelle via the discussions about her skill with the head teachers.

◆◆◆

Towards the end of the internship, Michelle says she has something to discuss with Kayla. They book in a time at a local café. Kayla runs through her time at the maple garden. She has always been a natural horticulturalist, hardworking and dedicated with a strong desire to learn. Kayla ponders why Michelle called the meeting. It cannot be something she has done wrong, as Michelle always sings her praises. With the imminent ending of her internship, she suspects Michelle is going to offer her a permanent job or at the least extend her time at Alpine Maple Gardens. However, she suspects there may be something else, something bigger, in the works.

Hello, Kayla, thanks for meeting me. I know it’s unusual to meet at a café for a business meeting. However, this needs to be discussed freely without interruption.

Michelle explains, when she took Kayla on board, she was impressed with her overall pass score, being the all-time top student. Her performance at Alpine Maple Gardens has always been exemplary. Her understanding of maples and her ability to pick up things quickly has allowed her knowledge to grow exponentially.

Michelle explains she attended a recent horticultural summit via Zoom, with top horticulturalists from North America, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. She shares one of the American horticulturalists is looking for a good horticulturalist to join their business near Los Angeles in California. Michelle says she wants to put Kayla’s name forward.

Kayla stares at Michelle. You’re putting my name down as a contender? Why me?

You’re young, keen, and brilliant. It is a great opportunity and a great match.

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Kayla places the folder containing the documentation from Michelle on the kitchen table. She walks to the sink and tops up the kettle. Sitting at the kitchen counter, she recalls Michelle’s encouragement to consider the offer. You’re competent, Kayla. Every challenge I set to test your skills, you excelled in. Kayla sips her tea. You gain strength and confidence to test your courage with every step outside your comfort zone.

She opens the folder, picks up the first document. She lets out a long sigh. Moving to another country is a big decision, one she cannot make on her own and without talking it through with someone she trusts. She sets up a Zoom meeting with Meika and Mark for the evening. Kayla spends the rest of the day reading the documentation, highlighting areas she doesn’t understand, and making notes of questions to ask Michelle.

◆◆◆

Over the Zoom meeting that evening, Kayla explains to Meika and Mark she needs their help to talk through a huge issue. She explains the situation that Michelle has meetings with horticulturalists across the globe. One of the business owners is after a horticulturalist, one who specialises in maples. Michelle wants to put her