Southern Hospitality

Chapter 5

I watched Luke work from the kitchen all morning. He was currently shirtless and I couldn't help but stare at his body. It was outlined perfectly...

Since he's been coming over I always secretly stalked from the windows

My thoughts went  to Walters words there were so many rumors about this man that didn't make sense. He was a quiet dude but that doesn't necessarily equal to a cold abuser. Luke came inside wiping dirt off his gloves he was still shirtless and I kept my eyes on his abs. 

"Can I try one of the cookies" he asked 

"Evelyn?" I was still staring not registering anything he said

"Oh, yea! What'd you ask?" I said embarrassed. Gosh Evelyn stop eye fucking the poor dude

"The cookies" 

"Yes! Please try one" I moved around grabbing the pan and placing a few on a plate. I watched him pick one and taste it my baking needed work but nana did most of the work

"Mmmm, these are good. Snickerdoodle?" he said 

"Yep, my favorite but if you prefer som-"

"These are fine" he cut me off to say. We fell into a comfortable silence eating the cookies unlike around Walter I didn't mind not talking and just enjoy each others company

Luke was a cool dude for the most part he didn't speak much to me though. But he was doing a great job on the fence and i see why nana likes having him around

"I have to get back to work. Thank you for the cookies" he said leaving the kitchen. I decided to leave him to that and went to finish my book in the living room. Since being on this break till work began I was taking everything in so far Tennessee wasn't so bad. Getting too and back from the city was something I was stressed about. My car broke down yesterday and won't be in serve for the next two weeks

... 

Apparently we were having a guest for dinner so here I was setting the table for four people. She only said she was brining one person home so who was the fourth plate for? Luke? I secretly hoped it was he hasn't left the backyard since eating the cookies and I assumed maybe I scared him away. I wanted to talk to him more but he was so standoff maybe dinner will change that. 

I completed the table and peaked my head through the window. He was still working and I wanted to ask if he was staying for dinner. As I was about to go outside the front door opened and I heard nana walk in. 

"Boy stop all that running" she yelled Turning my head I was met with Landon from the store

"Evelyn! What are you doing here?" he asked happily

"Landon, I told you about my granddaughter" nana explained taking his backpack off 

I was shocked to know our guest was the cute kid from the hardware store. 

"How is your head" I asked still a bit concerned. He did fall pretty hard and I just wanted to make sure he was doing good

"It's great! But I have been forgetting somethings lately" he said rubbing his head. I started to panic and knelled down grabbing his head to examine it. Thats the first sign of a concussion 

"What things have you forgot? Are there any bumps? Discomfort?" I asked checking his head frantically. He started to laugh and I sat there confused

"You're funny Evelyn" he said running into the living room. That kid was a prankster... 

The sliding door opened and Luke stepped inside surprised to see Nana was back. He greeted us and the minute he spoke Landon sprinted into the kitchen

"Daddy!" 

Daddy? I asked myself as Luke picked him up. "What are you doing her buddy?" he asked excited to see Landon

"Ms. Abigail picked me up from school then said we were having dinner together!" he said talking off Lukes ear. I can't believe Landon was his son I mean how could I not notice? They both had the same greens eyes but Luke's hair was more blonde than his fathers 

"You two sit down as I bring the food in" nana said ushering everyone to the table. Landon was still talking and I just watched Luke give all his attention to him. 

Nana called Landon to help her in the kitchen and he jumped out the chair running to her. It was now just Luke and I at the table and I was starstruck by the fact that was his kid

"He's super cute" I worked up the courage to say. Luke looked at me and lifted his lip

"Mmmm, he is isn't he" he was actually smiling and not grunting 

Landon and Nana walked in with a big pot of fried chicken and veggies. Everything looked so good and I was starving nana sat next to me as Landon was next to his dad we all said grace and digger into the meal

"This is delicious Abigail" Luke commented eating one of the wings

I nodded my head in agreement my nana could cook her butt off. Nothing beats southern style wings I watched Landon devour his wings the kid was small but mighty. I placed only drumsticks on my plate I wasn't a fan of the breast

"Bud eat your vegetables too" Luke said pushing the broccoli closer to his face. Landon made a disgusted face nana and I laughed at the action, kids really hate their veggies

"Dad" he whined trying to not eat them but Luke wasn't giving up 

"Landon you know Broccoli  is very good for you and if you want to grow up to look like your dad they can help" I commented. His little face lit up and he started stuffing the broccoli in his face we all laughed and enjoyed the food

...

Everyone finished eating and I was currently doing the dishes "I hear your car is down?" Luke said placing a dish in the sink. I jumped at the sound of his voice 

Clutching my chest I began to breath, "yea, something with the wheels and engine" 

"I could look at it for you..." he said lowly. I turned around and grabbed his arm hoping he was swears

"Really? That would be so much help! I was supposed to go to a car dealer ship but time moved so fast and now work is coming up so it would be great if you could help " I explained grabbing his arm. He looked uncomfortable by my touch and I quickly let go 

"Luke could drop her off till the car is fixed?" nana offered walking inside. That would be too much to ask for I thought to myself 

"Yea, I can" he agreed 

"No its fine! I mean what about Landon. Who will get him to school?" I said trying to get them to reconsider this idea

"I can or George and Amber" nana shook her head giving a solution. I gave him a smile seeing there was no way out of this. Luke just nodded and started packing his tool bag 

"Come on Landon. It's time to go home" he said in his thick country accent. I watched them grab their bags and head towards the door. From my first impression of Luke he honestly scared me but now I think he's more misunderstood.

 I was going to go upstairs until nana stopped me "Evie go give these to Luke and walk them out" she said handing me containers of dinner. This is something she could have done but i obeyed and followed the boys outside. 

"Before you guys go nana wanted to make sure you took these" I handed the containers to Like and he grabbed them thanking me

I felt Landon wrap his arms around my hip. "Bye Evelyn!" I almost cried at the action 

"I'll see you later babe" I told him 

I never got to grow up around baby cousins, nieces or nephews so being around Landon warmed my heart. I never really thought about kids but being around him has made me rethink life. 

I walked back in the house after Luke drove off. Nana was sitting in her chair watching tv. "I didn't know you were so close with Luke" I said sitting besides her

"Mmmm, I treat him like my own. Poor boy has faced a lot here and Landon deserves some form of normality" she answered in a tired voice. From what Walter said it seemed like he didn't know anything other than rumors about Luke's life