Free Forever Yours by Nicole Salmond Page A

every day for the rest of her life.
    “Life’s about taking risks Stel . Sometimes it’s the little risks that have the greatest effect.”
    Stella leant forward and kissed his lips. “You have this profound effect on me Tristan. With you, I’m not me. I live a life trying to avoid surprises and risks, yet I do the complete opposite with you. It’s driving me insane.”
    “Life’s meant to be a surprise Stella. It’s meant to excite us, challenge us, and drive us. You just have to trust in it enough to let it lead you.”
    “We’ll see.” She smiled before turning and swimming away. “Race you to the top!” she called.
    “Cheat!” Tristan called after her as he swam to try and keep up. Everything about Stella made him smile, slowly he could see her wall breaking down, letting him in bit by bit. He was happy to spend a lifetime getting to know her, if that’s what it would take.
     
    ***
     
    “If I eat any more I’ll explode,” Stella said as she arched her back, patting her tummy.
    Tristan enjoyed watching Stella eat. They had spent the rest of the day, swimming, eating and talking by the waterfall. Tristan had quizzed Stella on her life before him, but she didn’t give much away. Tristan could tell she was hiding something, but he didn’t push to find out what, instead he told her about his life. She listened to him quietly as he told her how he lived an average childhood, was an only child and was close to his parents who both supported his dream to become a musician. They had helped him pay for singing lessons, as well as how to play the guitar and piano.
    He was one of those people who loved high school, and become good friends with some guys growing up, but the demands of his career after he graduated made it hard for him to see them as often as he liked.
    After he finished telling her about his life Stella continued to ask him more about it. He didn’t mind her questions but the way she asked him was like she was digging for something, trying to find some horrible secret about his life that he didn’t have.
    “Why won’t you tell me more about your career? Your life must be a lot different now you’re famous. Is there something you don’t want to tell me, something your hiding?” Stella questioned.
    “I’m not hiding anything Stella, honestly. Truthfully my life is pretty ordinary. Always was, until I met you of course.” Tristan hoped that was the answer she was searching for. He had spent the last four years so absorbed in his career, he barely had time for anything else.
    “Sure...”
    Tristan could tell Stella didn’t believe him. “It’s the truth Stella. Becoming a famous singer was always my dream, and it’s so amazing to have the opportunity to make music for a living. But there is always a downside to fame and mine is loneliness. I had heaps of friends before coming famous; I was always seeking out new adventures and experiences. When I finally made it, people who I thought were friends betrayed me the second a bit of money was thrown in their faces and its hard now for me to go anywhere or do anything, without being followed by paparazzi and fans. Don’t get me wrong I love the fans, but it’s hard not even being able to go to the petrol station without being followed.
    “After I lost most of my friends and changed my way of thinking, my life became about my music career, never having time for anyone, never trusting anyone. It doesn’t matter how much money you have in the world, how many people hang on your beck and call, nothing cures the loneliness you feel.”
    Stella was silent for a couple of minutes taking in what he’d just told her. “I can’t image life as Tristan Woods is lonely. I saw you at the concert, I watched how people act around you, and it was very clear to me a lot of women would be glad to give you company.”
    “The only company I want is yours Stella.” Tristan wanted Stella to see how much she has changed his life, how much she meant to