The Turnover - Luke Hughes

Chapter 37

Winter 2023 - March

Upon Jentry's arrival (at last), Ana, Luke, and Emma joined Jim and Ellen upstairs for supper. The table had been set immaculately, despite it being just a simple, routine dinner.

Ellen Hughes was always going to impress. No matter the occasion.

Grilled marinated chicken with homemade mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and a ginormous bowl of fresh fruit was served, each individual filling their plates with great care.

There was pleasant chatter of conversation between everyone, stemming from the weekend's adventure, to school wrapping up midterms, as well as praises to Ellen about her incredible cooking.

Ana had taken her place next to Luke, earning a promising glance from Emma as she sat across from her. She grinned in confirmation, understanding everything Emma was trying to say, without words even being involved. Jentry furrowed her brow, glancing between the two girls, and it was soon noted by her, too.

Everyone at this table was Team Luke and Ana.

By a landslide.

After supper was finished, and dishes were cleaned, the trio and Luke made their way downstairs to the basement, assuming their positions for the remainder of the night.

In the comfort of Luke's basement, the home of the crew during summers and breaks alike, Luke and Ana, as well as Jentry and Emma found themselves surrounded by the warmth of friendship and memories that took place within these four walls.

A couple of hours passed, and they soon directed their attention to the enormous TV screen, tuning in to watch Quinn and the Canucks play against the Buffalo Sabres.

Luke, his mind divided between thoughts of Quinn's game and the magnetic presence of Ana, laid across one end of the sectional couch, stealing glances at her when he thought no one was looking. Ana, her heart racing with anticipation of the upcoming trip and the subtle thrill of Luke's gaze upon her, leaned casually against the back of the couch on the floor in front of him, trying to steady her own racing thoughts.

"Quinn. What the fuck was that? Get your head out of your ass," Emma groaned at the TV screen, frustration in her voice. Emma was at the opposite end of the couch, sprawled across the chaise with her Canucks blanket wrapped around her. Jentry sat in an oversized bean bag chair across the room, nestled snugly with one of Jack's hoodies on.

Jentry, Ana, and Emma continued to yap about different things, with Luke chiming in from time to time, their laughter echoing softly off the basement walls.

"It's going to be amazing seeing them play together this weekend in person," Emma remarked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled over them like a blanket.

Jentry nodded in agreement, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she glanced between Luke and Ana. "And I think we all know why Lukey is so eager for this trip," she teased gently, earning a subtle middle finger from Luke and a blush from Ana that didn't go unnoticed.

Luke chuckled, his gaze lingering on Ana for just a little too long. "Yeah, it'll be good to see them. But honestly, I'm just glad I have all of you with me," he admitted, his voice tinged with sincerity.

"Oh God, don't get all sappy with me, Luke. You know I can't stand that shit," Emma scolded him, and he kicked her playfully with his feet.

"Always a pleasure to disappoint you, Em," he replied, smiling.

Ana's heart fluttered at his words, his voice, behind her, her own feelings mirrored in the warmth of his gaze. "I don't know who is more excited at this point," she chuckled.