Southern Hospitality

Chapter 32

Being back and looking at Luke made my heart race faster than I anticipated. It had been three years since, I left but he hasn't changed a bit. Sure, the facial hair was full and his body was bigger, he still had the same face and personality 

I could tell my presence shocked him as he hasn't said a word since I sat down. When Amber invited me to the wedding I was nervous. I told everyone I'd be back in a few weeks... being home was really relaxing 

I had to let go of my job here and transition to one in Chicago but Nia and I were still close. We texted and called each other everyday and spending time with my family was nice. Oddly, my mother was very nice when I moved back but that was a different topic 

Right now being back in Tennessee, I was excited to see my nana again. Amber invited me to come to Landon's game instead of sitting in the house all day. I knew Luke would be here but actually seeing him was... different 

We haven't spoke once since I left and it still kind of hurt, I would often ask nana about him and she wouldn't give much. She believes I can ask him myself but that would be stupid... he cheated on me. Even if my stupid heart still beats for him, I won't allow it to get broken again

I could feel Amber's eyes on us as we sat silent watching the game. I didn't know what to expect seeing Luke again but this was awkward. George began to clear his throat and stood up

"I'm going to get a drink. Y'all want anything?" he asked 

I shock my head no and Luke asked for a coke. Amber suddenly stood up with him and offered to help, as they walked past I gave her a glare... George did not need help, I thought to myself

Now that it was just Luke and I we sat quietly as the game proceeded. One of the kids made a home run and everyone began to cheer for the team. The dude next to me was so excited he accidentally pushed me to the side, I fell hard into Luke's chest and groaned

"Woah! Dude watch what you're doing" Luke yelled at the man as his arms rested around my body 

I was completely shocked from the sudden impact that I didn't know what to say or do. My face was hidden in his chest as I was trying to control myself, this was extremely weird but I had to play it cool 

"Darlin?" he whispered which made me instantly jump from his hold 

The nickname made me freeze, I haven't heard it in so long. Whenever Luke called me that my heart would thump and it was something sweet to me. 

"Don't... call me that" I stuttered still frozen from his words

Luke noticed my body language, "Sorry, for calling you that" he apologized

His apology didn't make me feel any better, "How have you been?" he added as we were gathering our thoughts 

"Good... really good. What about you?" 

Luke took a pause before he spoke, "its been hard but good"

He began to shift in his seat and I began to wonder what he meant. Its probably none of my business what happens in his life but... part of me still cares about the idiot 

"Everything okay?" I asked ignoring my brain and leading with my heart 

"Yea, things are good. Landon is just getting older so you know its a lot to keep up" he began to laugh 

I took his answer and smiled with him, Luke's laugh was always contagious. He was a handsome man and our bond was something I could never forget. Amber and George walked over with three drinks and sat back down. The game was over now and I was excited to see Landon, its been three years and the small eight year old was a pre-teen

We all stood up and headed down to the field, everyone was proud as Landon's team won. I was a little nervous to see him since its been a while, Amber and I walked behind the men as they chatted away 

"Was the flight good?" she asked me

"Yea, a little bumpy but safe landing" I joked 

As we got closer I saw a tall boy walk towards Luke with headphones in, I was shocked to see that was Landon. He looked exactly like Luke now and was growing very tall, I didn't realize three years could change a kid so much

We all surrounded him celebrating the big win, as Amber and George gave him lots of hugs and praise, I stayed behind not sure what to say. He seemed pretty proud of himself as a small smirk was on his face. When they were done, I walked up and gave him a smile

"Congrats, Landon" I cheered 

He gave me a blank stare as the smirk fell from his face fell, I didn't understand the awaked silence but before I could say something else Landon quickly walked away from me. Luke looked just as shocked as I was before chasing after the teen

"Landon! Get back here and greet Evelyn" he shouted 

George gave me a sad expression, "don't take it personally Eve" he said 

"I'm going to go get the car" he added before leaving Amber and I 

I was still trying to process why Landon would run from me. It was pretty weird and I couldn't wrap my brain around it. Me and him were partners in crime... when he was younger we hung out everyday. Landon was like my own child

"Did I say something wrong?" I asked Amber 

She began to shake her head and breath deeply, "things haven't been that great for Landon since you left" she began 

My entire face morphed into confession, I asked Luke if things were good. What did she mean?

"It's not my business to tell but give Landon grace, he's been going through some things? she said before walking with me to the car