Southern Hospitality

Chapter 10

I woke up pretty late since I wasn't needed in the office. I only had a few reports to finish and email a few clients are their next visit with us. So far my job was pretty easy and I was waiting to be put in the field working behind a desk was tiring 

I went downstairs to make some tea and felt my phone buzz. I pulled it out and screamed seeing my moms ID answering quickly 

"Hi mom!" I answered 

"Evie baby! How have you been? You haven't called me since you left" she complained in a worried tone

"I'm good. Things got... busy here" I said. I didn't know if going into details was needed right now

"Ok baby. How is nana and everyone else" she asked. I was surprised she even mentioned them  usually she skipped any conversation surrounding her family

"Everyone is great mom. I really like it down here! I went to a state fair last night and had a turkey leg it was so good" after explaining my day I heard her scoff in disgust 

"A state fair! Evelyn I told you to be careful, who knows what you could catch" I rolled my eyes at her comment and saw nana walk in 

"Mom nana just came inside! You should talk to her" I said quickly handing the phone to nana 

"Oh thats ok-" 

"Hello Lilian" nana said as I laughed.  I could hear my mother stumble over her words. She was so dramatic and needed to let the past go. I let them catch up and went to finish making my tea

Nana hung up the phone shortly and placed it on the counter

"She was quick to leave" I heard her comment. I was sadden by my moms actions I could tell my grandmother just wanted to speak to her daughter but she was so hardheaded

"Don't mind her nana" I tried to reassure her but she just grunted picking up a newspaper 

We sat in the kitchen chatting before Amber stopped by to bring over more plants for the garden

...

"Evelyn!" nana yelled my voice from downstairs. I had just completed my last report and ran down to see what she needed

"Yes" 

"I need you to go pick Landon up from school. I have to go with Amber into the city and Luke is down at the shop busy" she said packing her purse. I followed her around the house confused by the request. I couldn't just show up and take the kid. Does Luke  know I'm picking him up? 

"Stop stressing. I called and said you were getting him today and Luke knows" she looked at me answering all my thoughts

"He gets out at 12pm by the way" were her finally words before leaving the house. I looked at my phone and jumped at the time it was 11:45! How could she tell me 15 minutes before pick up

I ran upstairs to get dressed and locked up the house rushing to the car to go get him. Luke actually ended up fixing my car in less than a week. He said it was just a and flat tire but he never stopped taking me to work...

I grabbed my car keys and headed out. It took me a while to find the school but after 5 minutes of driving in circles and asking for help I pulled up to the elementary.  When I got out there was a crowd of parents watching some kids in the middle fighting. 

I looked around for Landon trying to see what was going. In the mix of the fight I saw Landon on top of one of the boys as two others were trying to pull him off. The teachers were also there spereating the kids. I pushed my way to the front and watched one kid spit in Landon's face 

I moved fast and grabbed Landon "Are you okay?" I asked picking up his backpack

"Are you here to pick up Landon?" one of the teachers asked 

"Yes" I answered wiping off his clothes 

"Tell his father we would like to have a conference tomorrow" she said before walking off. I looked down at  him confused on what happened. His face was red from crying and he had snot everywhere

"Hey... tell me what happened babe" I asked drying his tears. He didn't say anything and kept crying so I decided to pick him up. 

"Can we go" he whispered in my arms. I nodded my head and walked to the car. Once I got him settled I started the car and drove to Luke's store. Landon didn't speak the entire ride and was reminding me of his father both like to get quiet when they're upset.

Driving into town I noticed a small ice cream and an idea popped in my mind. I parked in the parking lot of Lukes store but walked the opposite direction from the entrance with Landon 

"Dad's shop is over there Evelyn" he whispered

"I know but I thought maybe we should get some ice cream first " I said. A small smile formed on his face 

We entered the store and I looked at the menu thinking about what to get. Landon ran to the counter trying to see what flavors they had "what flavor do you want, babe" I asked

"cookies and cream in a waffle cup!" he screamed pointing at the flavor in the glass

"Really? Thats my favorite" I said looking at him thrilled 

"Hi, can I get one waffle cup with cookies & cream then a cup of cookies of cream and... hey Landon what do you think your dad would like" I paused to ask 

He took a moment to think "Dad likes mint chocolate chip!" I almost gagged at Luke's taste buds 

"And a cup of the mint chocolate chip" I fishiness. The worker started getting our ice creams 

"That'll be $15" he said. I tapped my card grabbing the bag and a couple of spoons and napkins

We walked over to the table outside and sat down. Landon started eating the ice cream and got it all over his face I laughed and brought the napkin up to his cheeks to wipe it. He finally gave me a gummy smile and I was happy to see him in a better mood 

"Are you going to tell me what happened at school" I asked taking a bite of my ice cream

Landon looked down but decided to speak, "they were making fun of dad and called us white trash..."

I was shocked a bunch of kids could be that cruel. Who even taught them all that bull crap? 

"Those are a bunch of bullies spreading lies" I said as he looked at me with watery eyes

"Dad's going to be mad, huh?" he asked as we walked towards the store. Honesty Luke might be but if he knew the reason I believe he'll understand 

"Maybe... but I'll explain everything" I said rubbing his shoulder as we walked inside. George was at the register and greeted us warmly 

"Hey, Landon! How's my favorite godson" he asked as Landon ran over to him giving a big hug. They both talked as I walked towards the back to find Luke. I hope the school didn't call yet... 

I found him in an office off to the side and stepped inside

"Hey, we're back" I said knocking on the door. He lifted his head and looked extremely stressed, I guess the school did call

"Listen whatever that teacher said is an exaggeration and you should hear Landon out" I protested before he could speak. Luke got up from his chair and walked over to me saying nothing i backed up as he got closer but hit the door

He looked down at me and I closed my eyes ready for him to yell but he just rested his hand against my neck "come with me tomorrow" he mumbled holding my waist with his head in my neck

"Huh" I asked confused on what I just heard

"I said come with us tomorrow to the school. I can't do this again... not alone" he said lifting his head looking at me sincerely 

What did he mean again? Had Landon been in fights before? I lifted my hand and rubbed his head 

"Ok, I'll be there" I whispered as I continued to stroke his neck. We stayed in the position in silence I wanted to ask questions but thought against it. Luke seemed extremely stressed and just needed to relax