“This one’s for you Gia.” She had a smile on her face wider than the sun. He stood back up, kissed my cheek and handed me the biggest rose in the bunch. “I take you as a sunflower kinda gal but wanted to be a little classy tonight.” He said to me with a wink.
“Mommy! Luke is here and he brought flowers!” Gia squealed running into the kitchen.
“Oh my gosh, Luke that’s so sweet. It’s so nice to meet you.” My mom started towards him, arms open ready for a hug. “I hope you like lasagna!” She said happily and we all wandered into the kitchen.
We each found a seat around the kitchen table and my mom brought over a steaming hot tray. “It smells amazing Mrs. Greys,” Luke said genuinely.
“Oh, sweetie, call me Lynn.” My mom said eyeing the living room. She must’ve caught Aunt Helen’s eye because just then she came barreling into the kitchen.
“Hello there Mr. Luke! Oh my goodness, are you Roger Mellows nephew? I know those eyes anywhere.” Luke coughed and looked a little nervous.
“I am, actually. You know him?”
“Oh, yes. Oh, yes. I went to school with your Grandpa Frank! I remember when you were in diapers running around the pizza shop. Still have that curly head of hair.” Luke blushed.
“Wow! Yeah, I wish I got to know Grandpa Frank a little better. He passed away when I was really little.”
“Roger’s still running the pizza shop, huh? Good for him.”
“Yeah. His uh - his back’s been pretty bad lately, though. So he’s there when he can be, ya’ know.” Luke replied, as I passed him the lasagna. My Aunt Helen nodded and licked her lips and Luke passed the tray over to her.
Aunt Helen talked Luke’s ear off the entirety of the meal. I swore I had heard her speak more then than I had since the day we got here. She went on about her adventures in Coopersville. Some included Luke's grandfather others didn’t but boy did she go on and on. Luke just listened politely and had a look of genuine interest on his face. When we were all finished, he began gathering plates and headed to the sink. “Luke! You’re a guest! You don’t need to clear plates.” My mom stood up ready to grab them from his grasp.
“You cooked, well clean!” I said to my mom with a smile.
“Aw, aren’t you two the sweetest peas in the pod.” Aunt Helen swooned.
“Luke wanna watch a movie?” Gia said jumping up and down.
“Uh. Yeah, sure Gia. I don’t have any plans.”
“So you guys go pick out a movie and well do the dishes.” I replied.
I washed. Luke dried. I forgot why I was so nervous earlier. Luke was just such a great guy and my family was pretty awesome, too. It was almost as if Luke had read my mind.
“Your family is great Sutton. I could get used to coming over here.” He said with that cheesy grin.
“That’s great to hear.” I replied.
The savory smell of buttered popcorn filled the air and Luke, Gia and I were cuddled up on the couch. My mom sat in the recliner and Aunt Helen sat beside her in her wheelchair. We decided to watch “The Parent Trap” for the hundredth time. It was Gia’s favorite movie, lately. Luke wrapped one arm around me and Gia sat on his other side. By the time the ending credits rolled on the screen Gia was passed out leaning her head on Luke’s shoulder.
“Alright, time for bed!” Aunt Helen said wheeling herself towards her bedroom. My mom stood up to follow behind.
“It was so nice to meet you Luke. I’ll be back to take Gia to bed in a few minutes.”
“I’ll carry her to bed, Lynn. I don’t mind at all.” Luke said, already gently sliding Gia’s head off his shoulder and scooping her into his arms.
“Thank you so much Luke.” My mom replied, scurrying to Aunt Helen’s room.
I led Luke down the hallway to the room that Gia shared with my mom. She had wrapped her arms around his neck. He gently placed her onto the bed and covered her up with a fluffy white blanket. Then he looked up at me. I found myself just gazing at him. How could a guy this amazing have come into my life?
“I should probably get going.” Luke whispered in my ear. His warm breath sent tingles down my spine. “Will you walk me out?” I smiled and nodded.
Luke and I stood under the flickering spotlight on the front step. We whispered even though the only thing surrounding us was the dark, silent night sky. “I had a great time tonight.” He told me, grabbing my hands and biting his lip.
“I’m so glad you did. My family really are the most important people in my life. I’m starting to think you could be a part of that list too.” I blurted out. I had no idea why I said that. I didn’t even know Luke that well but there was just something between us I had never felt before.
“I’m with you Sutton. I don’t want to scare you off but I just have this overwhelming feeling towards you. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great feeling but it’s just something I’ve never felt before.” Luke put his hands on my cheeks and pulled me in for a kiss. “Hey, let me take you on a real date; like a classy one, you know?” My heart skipped a beat.
“Sounds perfect.” Luke kissed my lips one last time and started walking backwards towards his bike.
“I’ll get out early Friday. Pick you up at 6:30 sharp.” He said with a grin.
..
Friday came quick. I opened up my front door and the scent of the salty
