Under the Counter ~ Luke Danes

5. Hardware Store pt. 2

Isabella and Luke both stepped outside the building and walked towards her black car. Isabella pulled out her car keys from her black purse and clicked on the unlock button. The car made a small chirp. Isabella made her way towards the drivers seat while Luke made his way to the passenger seat. Her car smelled of watermelon candy. They opened their doors and got into the car, both fastened their seatbelts. She quickly locked the car. Isabella imported her key into the car and it got started.

"You got a nice car." Luke said staring at the road in front of him nodding.

"Thanks. My parents gave it to me for my birthday. I got my license the day I turned 18, I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to have a sense of freedom in a way." Isabella kept her gaze at the road in front of her, both hands on the wheel.

"Why? Your parents strict?" Luke raised his right eyebrow.

"They were somewhat. But I made them promise me that after I turned into an adult, they wouldn't question me or prevent me from doing anything I want. I was just sick of having them over my shoulder all the time ya know."

"Yeah but I'm sure they meant well. Ya know they just want to make sure they can do whatever they can to make sure you're safe."

"Yeah I know, and sometimes I feel bad but I can't live like that forever. They got to let me grow up someday. According to the state, I'm an adult. I should be able to make adult choices."

Luke thought about what she said. He was quiet the rest of the way as so was she. They just listened to whatever was on the radio. Luke thought of her as an adult, she acted like an adult, she looked a little bit older than her peers but not by much. He kept trying to justify the fact if he wanted to pursue her, it wouldn't be wrong. After all she was a legal adult and so was he. He was 34 and she 18. He watched her as she drove. She looked serious, but beautiful. He watched her as she tucked her hair behind her ears, revealing her multiple ear piercings. If it were any other 18 year old in Stars Hollow, it would be weird because he watched them grow up but for Isabella it was different because he met her as an adult. Right?

                                           ***

Luke and Isabella arrived to the hardware store in Hartford. Isabella looked for the closest parking space in the parking lot. There wasn't much cars. She found one and parked. She removed her keys and unlocked the car. She and Luke removed their seatbelts in unison and opened the doors at the same time.

"God you drive like a maniac!" Luke said frantically and put a hand over his chest, as they both removed themselves from the car.

"Stop exaggerating Luke!" Isabella stood next to him as they both headed towards the hardware store. She made sure to lock her car first. It made the same chirp sound from earlier.

"I'm not exaggerating! You kept passing cars and honking at random people and you started tailgating cars. I don't know how you got your license Bell!" Like practically yelled.

"I got my license because I'm a good driver Luke!" She laughed and rolled her eyes.

"I'm not getting in a car with you next time unless I drive!" Luke said loudly, looking down at her.

"Shut up Luke. But fine you can drive my car back home if it'll give you peace of mind." She looked up at him, making eye contact. She never really noticed how tall he was compared to her. He was a whole foot taller than her. He towered over her. It made her feel safe in a way.

They both entered the hardware store and headed towards the tool section. The store still had that same lumber, paint, metal scent. Isabella pulled out the list her mom made her of the tools out of her purse and handed it to Luke. He read it very quickly. "Easy. It's just the basics and I'll grab them and we can head out." Luke said looking around for some flathead and Phillip screwdrivers, wire strippers, linesman pliers, and others. Isabella followed him and held the tools he handed her while he looked for others on the list, but he quickly grabbed them from her as soon as he was done and carried them for her.