Isabelle Walsh pulled into the driveway of Luke Thorne's Los Angeles home and ran towards his door. She couldn't wait to thank him in person and celebrate their success.
This would be the first time Isabelle would meet Luke in person. They spent the beginning of the year working remotely, connecting via Skype and Zoom as they worked on tracks for her latest album, "Love Code." The album was the Perth native's effort to break into the US market, and her record label had asked her to work with Luke, who had spent the last decade writing songs for the world's top female artists.
Half the tracks-"Love Code," Sexology," "Deep and Meaningful," "On the Dance Floor," "Beg for My Booty" and "Inside Me"-on the new album had been co-written by Luke; "Sexology" and "Beg for My Booty" had become international hit singles, and the album had hit #1 in twenty-six countries. Isabelle had thanked Luke repeatedly in interviews promoting the album. Now, she'd finally have her chance to express her gratitude face-to-face.
Her finger hit the doorbell, and less than a minute later, Luke opened the door.
"Oh, hi-"
Suddenly, he couldn't speak. He was mouthing words, but no sound would come. Luke gasped and his body seemed to tremble slightly.
"Are you all right?" a concerned Isabelle asked.
Luke waved for Isabelle to come in, and ran to a desk near his white piano. He pulled out a large notepad and began writing.
Isabelle was profoundly confused. Why couldn't he talk anymore?
After a few seconds, Luke handed the notepad to her.
"I'm so sorry," he wrote. "I'm really embarrassed."
