Without A Trace(Luke Hemmings FF)

Thirty

Luke's POV:
"Oh, you are?" I ask her, then take another bite of my pizza.

"Yeah, I-I am." She stammers.

"Why are you stammering like you were nervous about telling me?" I ask her.

"Because I was nervous about telling you." She says and I lower my eyebrows.

"Why? I mean, if anything I'm happy. I mean, I don't have to worry about a guy breaking your heart or you having sex and getting pregnant or anything." I tell her. She just picks at her fingernails.

"I guess it's just because I feel like I might get judged and maybe not by you, but as soon as I say that I'm gay out loud, it's like I can't take it back. And I don't even know if I'd want to take it back. I really like Veronica, but I guess I just... Saying it out loud makes it real. And I just- I don't know, it's just so new to me." She says.

"Ali, you're like the little sister I never had. I love you and if being with a girl is what makes you happy, then I'm happy for you. Honest." I tell her and she smiles.

"So, when do I get to meet this girl?" I wonder.

"I don't know. We have a date on Friday, so maybe then." She says and I nod.

"Is that why you didn't want to go out with Mike? Because you're gay?" I ask and she nods.

"And does he know that you're gay?" I question and she shakes her head.

"The only people who know are you, me, and Veronica.. er.. Roni." She says and I nod. Her phone starts ringing and her face lights up.

"It's Roni." She smiles and I laugh at her as she answers the phone.

"Hello?" She answers, clearing the room.

Zoey's POV:
"Wait, you're sure he said he's okay with us dating?" I ask Ashton on the phone. It doesn't sound like something Luke would be okay with. Me dating his best friend? Nuh-uh. No way.

"Yes, I promise you, but if you don't believe me, feel free to call Luke to double check." He says and I laugh.

"No, I believe you. So, when do you want to go out?" I ask him.

"You free now?" He asks. I laugh.

"I'm babysitting." I tell him.

"Oh, yeah. Well, where are your parents?" He asks.

"They are away for a week. It's their anniversary, so they're in Paris on vacation." I tell him.

"And your brother?"

"Is staying the night at a friend's." I reply.

"Why don't I come over and I'll make us dinner?" He asks. I think for a minute. I look gross. I haven't showered today, my hair is a mess, I have spit up on my shoulder, and I'm still in yesterday's makeup.

"I don't think so. I seriously look like something the cat drug in." I tell him.

"Oh, come on. That can't be true. I saw you earlier and you're still the most beautiful girl I've seen." He says and I blush.

"Fine, but give me an hour to at least shower and change." I tell him.

"Alright, just text me." He says.

"Alright, I will." I say, then hang up. I bring my sleeping baby sister upstairs and set her in her crib. I grab the baby monitor and walk to the bathroom to shower.

...

I just finished getting dressed and finish with my makeup, so I put my damp hair in a ponytail. There's a knock on the door, so I walk downstairs and answer the door. When I open the door, I see Ashton standing at the front door with grocery bags and a bouquet of flowers. He hands me the flowers and I shut the door behind him.