He's a Fighter & I'm a Runner

TWENTY-ONE

"Hey, Mom." I answered the phone.

"Hi, sweetie! So, have you changed your mind yet, or do I need to handle this my way?"

I sighed. Of course, she would start the conversation this way. I was starting to have second thoughts about visiting her for the break. Would it really be a good idea? I mean, it could make everything much more complicated. But then again, I would be in the house in the hamptons so I wouldn't have to see her for the whole time.

"Listen, I've decided that I would visit over thanksgiving break."

"Oh, that's great!" She started, but I cut her off.

"With my friends and we will be staying in the house in the hamptons, so don't get too excited about it."

She sighed. "Okay, it's a start. How many friends?"

I quickly counted in my head. "Six, not including myself."

"Oh. Wow. Do you want to fly in or take the train?"

"I think the train. There's no reason to fly that short of a distance." I reasoned.

"Are you sure this doesn't have to do with your—" I cut her off.

"No! It's just better and would save money."

She sighed. "Okay. I'll buy you the tickets and send them to your email."

"Thanks. See you soon." I hung up.

I let out a breath of relief. I honestly thought that it would go much worse than that. I thought I would have to convince her, and even then, she would make a ton of demands. The easiness of that conversation made a little worry build up. Maybe she has something planned, or maybe she'll keep me in the hamptons house.

My thoughts were cut off when I made my way out to my driveway to see a black mustang parked next to my car. Luke leaned against his door on his phone, but his eyes snapped up to mine, and he smiled once he heard my boots clicking against the pavement. He locked his phone and put it in his back pocket before making his way to me. Once I was within reach, he wrapped his arms around me and connected his lips with mine.

"Good morning, city girl." He murmured.

I smiled up to him. "Good morning indeed."

He took my hand in his and started pulling me to the other side of his car. "I was hoping to take you somewhere after school, so I decided picking you up was a good idea so your car wouldn't be left in the parking lot."

"Oh? Where are we going?" I asked as I sat in the passenger seat. He ran around his car and hopped into his seat.

"It's a surprise." He said, grinning before the engine roared to life.

"You should know I hate surprises." I told him, smirking.

"Trust me, this one is good for you."

"Luke—"

"Trust me. When have I ever let you down before?" I opened my mouth to say something, but I couldn't place a single moment where he did. "Exactly."

I shook my head. "Whatever. I still hate surprises. Seriously, one time, one of my friends decided to throw a surprise party for me on my 12th birthday, and I was so scared that I spilled my scolding hot black tea all over my chest. I was in an ice bath for the rest of my birthday, and every time my friends throw me a party, they always bring it up."

Luke was just laughing the whole time. Even though I was embarrassed, it still made me happy that the story brought a smile to his face. Still, I smacked his arm.