Where My Heart Is

Chapter 8

Katie called up Aiden, and he agreed to have lunch with us. Somehow Katie had everyone's number. I don't really know how, but I learned to never ask why. She claimed she just does, so I reluctantly agreed. I already knew the answer, but I asked, "Do you know where Aiden lives?"

She glanced at me as she was driving. "Of course, Em. I know where everyone lives. Including Luke," she added with a wink.

A few minutes and one incredible song later, Katie pulled into Aiden's driveway. "Should I honk or go get him?" she debated.

"Go get him, obviously, Katie. You invited him! Besides, I think you might still have that crush on him." I knew she was going to deny it, but it was so obvious she hadn't gotten over him.

Almost instantly, she erupted like a volcano. "WHAT?! I do not!" She sounded so shocked. "That was years ago, Emma. I've moved on to bigger and better things."

"Like what? Helping me with my love life? Maybe this is a chance for your love life. They say it comes to you at the most unexpected time."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," she mumbled as she fixed her appearance in the rearview mirror. She posed for me. "Do I look good enough for Aiden?"

"You look good enough for anyone!"

She smiled and pushed open the car door. In the same second, I noticed Aiden coming to the car. However, Katie didn't see him, and she hit him with the car door. Aiden jumped back, obviously trying not to look hurt.

"Oh my goodness, Aiden!" Katie bailed out of the car and drew towards Aiden, clearly apologetic. "I didn't see you there. I am so so sorry. Are you okay?"

Aiden, who was suddenly okay, started laughing and gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Katie, don't worry about it. I'm starving, let's go get lunch, okay?" He stepped around her and opened up her door, gesturing for her to get in with a warm smile on his face.

Katie, who was still in shock from the whole situation, thanked him and ducked into the car. I was beaming at her and Aiden and the whole situation. Katie shook it off and said, "Let's GOO!" with added enthusiasm. Aiden and I laughed as we backed out of the driveway. Maybe Katie and Aiden would fall in love in the process of getting Luke and I together, I thought.

*****

After ordering burgers and fries, we all sat down and started talking about the big game. Aiden was ranting about football things while Katie and I sat there nodding, not really knowing what he was saying. When he was done, Katie started in.

"So.." she said with a smirk. "Did you hear about Emma and Luke's moment? Did he say anything?"

Aiden glanced at me, almost to make sure it was okay to talk about this. I remained indifferent and shrugged. "What moment?"

"Luke hugged Emma after the game. I think he likes her."

"Katie!" I whined. I gave her a disapproving look, but I was mostly embarrassed.

"What? That's just what I think. What do you think, Aiden?"

"Well Luke hasn't said too much. He had fun though. He doesn't talk much about girls to me."

"So he's pretty quiet?" I inquired.

"Well, he's quiet with some people. Mostly with people he doesn't know too well. He's shy. But once you get to know him like I do, he's pretty open. He's awesome!"

"That's exactly how Emma is," Katie squealed. "Don't you think they are perfect Aiden?!"

Aiden nodded. "Oh yeah, and I like you a lot better than Jessica!"

Both Aiden and Katie suddenly looked at me as if they were expecting me to say something or to make some big move. As if they wanted me to get up and run to Luke's house, proclaiming my love for him and my thoughts that we were perfect for each other. Yeah, right, I thought. The last thing I was going to do was embarrass myself or, worse, get rejected.

"Well he's confusing, Aiden. He gave hints that he liked me, but then he mentioned some other girl and how amazing she was."

"Who was the girl?" Aiden asked.

"May Bowan. She's infinitely better than I am, and I think Luke sees that."

Aiden started laughing. I wondered what I said wrong. Katie and I glanced at each other. Katie shrugged. Finally, Aiden explained, "May is Luke's cousin. They are pretty good friends. You probably reminded him of her."

Instantly, all my worries fell away. My heart soared. It was like I had been carrying 2000 pounds of bricks, and suddenly the weight fell away and I could fly. "That's a relief," I sighed.

"I think you should talk to Luke," Katie told Aiden. "Ask him about Em. Find out some details. See how he is feeling, because he is pretty hard to read."

Aiden agreed. "That is truth. Luke is mysterious and he hides himself. But he's great. You just gotta get to know him and dig deep. I'll talk to him for you," he offered to me.

I smiled in approval and glanced down at my food, which I hadn't eaten yet. I had been worried and nervous, and I can never eat if I don't feel right. It's all going to be okay now, I thought. I think I'm going to discover who Luke really is. I smiled at the thought and began to devour my delicious food.