Somewhere Only We Know

Chapter 7

I stood on Luke's front porch, nervously fixing my hair. His house was much larger and nicer than my house. I felt so out of place here. Luke's family is slightly richer than my mom. I know I shouldn't judge based off of their home, but it's hard not to.

After ringing the doorbell, I kept my hands in front of me while I waited for someone to answer. I could hear Luke say coming which made me feel a bit calmer. At least it was Luke answering the door

When Luke opened the door, he smiled and pulled me into a hug. The smell of his cologne instantly making me feel a lot better. 

"You look beautiful." He whispered in my ear. I smiled and leaned up to peck him on the lips.

"Luke? Is that Marie?" I heard a women's voice say.

"Yes mom." Luke answered back.

He took my arm and led me down the hallway to the kitchen. When we walked in, there was a woman who I assumed was Luke's mom cooking.

She turned and smiled when she saw the both of us. After wiping her hands off on a towel, she made her way over to us.

"Luke has told us so much about you. It's nice to finally meet you." Luke's mom smiled softly.

I returned the smile. "Your son is very lovely Mrs. Hemmings."

"That he is. And please Hun, call me Liz." I nodded and she gave me another smile. I could see where Luke got his beautiful smile from.

"When's dinner going to be ready?" Luke asked. He rocked back and forth on his feet. 

His mom laughed before answering. "Always ready for food. And about 10 minutes. You two can go sit in the dining room if you'd like."

We both nodded, and Luke led me there. When we walked in, the table was already set nicely with white tablecloth covering the wood table. Luke pulled out my chair for me and I thanked him, sitting down. Luke sat down in the chair next to me.

"Your mom seems really nice." I said, turning my attention to Luke.

He smiled and nodded.  "I don't know what I'd do without her."

Luke's never really talked about his family much. He has mentioned his brothers once or twice but has never really talked about his parents. I've never pushed him to talk about them. I didn't know what type of relationship he had towards them.

"Are your brothers joining us?" I asked, fiddling with the ring on my finger.

Luke shook his head. "One's out of town and the other got caught up in work. But they said they can't wait till they can officially meet you."

I nodded.

Luke's dad soon came in and joined us. He was wearing a business suit and his hair was perfectly styled. He looked like he had just come from work. Luke's dad didn't speak much and only mumbled out a hello when he sat down. I could feel Luke tense from beside me, so I grabbed his hand and held it under the table.

Thankfully, Luke's mom came in with the food and we all started to serve ourselves.

"Marie, tells us a little about yourself." Liz said, taking a sip of her water.

I nodded, thinking for a moment. "Well, it's been just my mom and I for a while. I've been sick basically my whole life, but I don't let that stop who I am. I work at the bookstore near my house. I think that pretty much sums up my life."

Liz nodded and reached across the table to take my hand that wasn't still holding Luke's.

"Well, I'm very glad Luke has found you. You seem like a very special girl."

I smile at her words. Luke's dad on the other hand seems to stay silent, eating his food and acts like he isn't paying attention to our conversation.

The rest of the dinner is just Liz, Luke and I making small talk as we eat. Luke's dad ends up leaving the table halfway through dinner. He seems annoyed and I can tell Liz and Luke can breathe a sigh of relief when he leaves.

"I'm sorry about him. He has a lot going on at work at the moment." Liz explains. She keeps her voice quiet.

I nod. I have a feeling that it's not just that, but I keep that comment to myself.

When dinner is done, I offer to help clean up, but Liz shakes her head.

"It's alright Hun, I got it."

Liz clears the table and makes her way to the kitchen to start on dishes. That leaves Luke and I sitting at the table alone.

"I'm sorry about my father. He's not really that nice of a person." Luke says quietly.

I tilt my head, wanting him to explain further. Luke sighs but nods.

"He's always been worried about image. He expects a lot from us. He wants me to eventually run his business which I don't intent on doing. I want to explore and enjoy my life, not live a boring business life."

I nod as I listen to Luke talk. I could tell this topic was hard for him to talk about.

"If you ever need to rant to me. Please feel free to." I say, truly meaning that.

Luke nods and gives me a small smile. "You really are amazing. You know that right?"

"I try." I say, and I lean over to kiss his cheek.

When Luke's mom comes back from the kitchen, she brings cookies, and we all talk for a bit longer before I have to go.

"You're welcome here anytime Marie." Liz says, pulling me into a hug.

I except her hug and hug her back. "Thank you so much for dinner."

Liz nods and smiles. 

Both her and Luke wait on the porch until I'm safely in my car. Before I'm about to back up, Luke runs up to my car. I stop and open my window confused.

Luke leans in and gives me a quick kiss.

"Drive safe." He tells me with a smile.

I nod. "See you tomorrow."

He nods and watches as I pull away. My drive home consists of me thinking about dinner and why Luke's dad acted the way he did towards me. Maybe he really doesn't like me. But that's not going to stop Luke and I from seeing each other.