Southern Hospitality

Chapter 15

I walked to the car with Landon swinging my hand. He seemed to be having the best birthday right now. Opening the door I got him in his car seat, "are you excited for the zoo?" I asked him as I buckled the seatbelt 

"Yes! I'm happy you're coming too Evelyn" Landon said playing with some toys he brought for the ride. I smiled and closed the door as I was about to get in the passenger seat Savannah grabbed my wrist 

"You can sit in the back and watch Landon... you're real good at playing mommy" she spoke harshly smiling at me. I was taken back by her sudden words, I never meant to overstep if thats what she was implying 

"Savannah stop being bitter. It's Landon's birthday so maybe his mom should sit in the back and play with him" Luke interrupted walking towards us removing Savannah's hand from mine. I didn't want to get in the middle of their drama so I kept my mouth shut

She kept glaring at me before walking around the car to get in the back. Maybe i should stay back it was obvious that Savannah didn't like me even though I did nothing wrong to her. 

"Don't let her speak to you like that" Luke said squezzing my wrist. I nodded my head and smiled at him before I got in the car. 

"Ready to go?" Luke asked checking his mirrors and starting the car

"Yes!" Landon cheered 

I giggled at his enthusiasm and put my sunglasses on as Luke started leaving his drive way. The zoo was near the city so it was going to be a 30 minute drive. For the most part the car ride was pretty silent with the radio playing music. 

"Evelyn have you ever been to the zoo?" Landon suddenly asked breaking the silence 

I took a moment to think before answering, "I remember my dad took me once. My mom was at work and it was a daddy daughter day for us" 

"Does the zoo's in Chicago have lions too?" 

"Yep! Your dad says they are your favorite animals" I added remembering Luke tell me about the amount of lion stuffed animals Landon has 

"Yes, what's your favorite animal" 

"I love so many thats hard. I guess the flamingos are fun to see" I told him getting excited for the zoo. Its been years since the last time I went 

"What about you Luke" I turned to look at him and he laughed 

"Daddy likes the monkeys!" Landon answered for him and we both giggled 

"Mmmm, you kind of act like a wild ape" I smirked at Luke 

"Darling call it what you want but you love the way I act" he said placing his hand on my leg 

I couldn't protest to that. Luke was like a giant teddy bear on the outside he seem scary but underneath the layers he was a gentleman. I heard Savannah mumble something in the back but I couldn't really make out what she said 

...

We finally made it to the Nashville zoo. It was pretty crowded but the weather was great which was good. Savannah held onto Landons hand as he dragged her to the entrance Luke kept me by his side and we walked behind the two

"Mommy we have to see the lions first!" he yelled at her when she stopped him from dragging her around 

"Ok, ok just calm down. We'll get there" she sounded stressed out but I understood Landon had a lot of energy 

"I think I saw a sign over there saying Lion" I pointed to my right trying to help 

She looked over and saw it grabbing Landons hand she started walking without saying thank you. Luke grabbed my hand to get my attention "don't pay her any mind darling" he said following behind them