Southern Hospitality

Chapter 20

Sitting in my bed eating a pint of cookies and cream ice cream and crying has been my life for the past 5 days. Nana told me Luke asked about me again today and I mentally wanted to slap him. Asking if I was home as if he didn't embarrass and lead me on. 

To think I thought he was different. I've been keeping myself busy with work and made sure I wasn't home when Luke came over to start the garden. I couldn't face him after he said my feelings were one sided. It was humiliating and he probably wasn't over Savannah. 

What was I even thinking? Going for a single dad, I laughed to myself. He's probably single for a reason... 

Nana was downstairs fixing dinner and I decided to check if everything was ready. She told me Amber and George were coming over and I decided to stay the night. Usually when Luke was here for dinner I stayed downtown at the office or took myself out to dinner. It was sad but you cant blame me just thinking about him made my heart cry. 

I missed being around Landon and Amber told me he always asks when I'm coming over or if I'm ok. Walking to the kitchen I saw the dinning table was already set and I took a seat. 

"Nana, this looks great" I commented looking at everything she made. There was chicken, greens, potatoes, corn bread and more

"Thank you pumpkin" she said mixing the fresh ice tea she made 

There was a knock at the door and I assumed it was Amber. Nana was about to go open the door but I jumped up stopping her. "Baby let me ge-" 

"Nope! I got it nana, its just Amber and George" I laughed running to the door 

I swung it open excited to see my cousin. "Evelyn!?" Lukes voice questioned as I stared at him

What was he doing here? I was about to shut the door but Landon bursted inside 

"Evelyn!!! I haven't seen you in forever" he said almost knocking me down when he grabbed my waist 

I honestly missed Landon and forgot about Luke "Hey babe. I missed you" I said bending down to meet his level 

"Daddy said you were sick and that we had to give you time to rest" I glared at Luke. How dare he lie like that? 

"Mmmm, well I'm feeling better and happy you're here. Let's go sit down" I picked Landon up and carried him inside leaving Luke at the door. Nana tricked me saying Amber and George were coming! She knew I would have never stayed if I knew Luke was coming

I would have preferred him to just drop Landon off and go back home. 

"Is that my Landon?" nana asked taking her apron off as I set him on the ground. They both hugged each other and Landon started telling her about his day 

I heard Luke's boots walk into the kitchen. "Eve-" 

"Nana is everything done" I asked acting like I didn't hear Luke. My grandmother looked between us and sighed 

"Yes, everyone take a seat" she said grabbing the pitcher of ice tea

I sat down at the table and asked Landon to be near me. Luke typically took a seat next to me but today he had no choice but to sit across with nana. I started placing some food on Landons plate missing him

"Evelyn take these drumsticks" Luke offered holding two pieces of chicken 

I didn't answer him and grabbed my own chicken from the bowl. The nice act because he felt guilty was not going to work on me. I didn't want his pity or guilt. He could respectfully shove it up his ass

"Ummm, lets say grace" nana cleared her throat and started a prayer 

After she was done we all said amen and began to eat. "Evelyn can you come over tomorrow! I want to show you my new bike" Landon asked with food in his mouth