The Seven Stages of Happily Ever After

Six

The scent of pasta fills my nose as I enter Luke's apartment. I set down my bag, pausing and closing my eyes so I can breathe in the incredible aroma. I hoped Luke could cook, and after being together for three months, he finally allowed me in on the secret.

He's the best cook. Apparently, he's the best in his family because even his mother gets him to fix the big family meals which is practically unheard of with Italians, according to Luke. He told me this with a shy grin, which only made the reveal better. I'm a lucky girl.

I find him at the stove, listening to Sam Cooke, and smile at the sight of him. He looks incredible as the sunlight drafts in from the window behind him, hitting his tan skin and making him look like he belongs on the cover of a magazine. As quiet as a mouse, I walk up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and kissing beneath his shoulder blade before resting my head against his back.

"Hey, you," He greets, as he places a hand over mine on his stomach. "I missed you."

"Trust me, I would have much rather been here." I confide before I can filter my mouth. I squeeze my eyes shut, recognizing my mistake as he stiffens some.

"Bad day at work?" I hear the frown in his voice, and shrug. He turns, looking down at me with worry, and wrapping me in his arms, pressing me against his hard chest. "Tell me about it." He prods, tucking my stray hair behind my ear. He hates when I'm upset, it makes me like him more with every passing day.

I shrug again, adverting my eyes. I've had a day from hell, in all honesty. I wish I'd gotten a different job, every single morning.

When the summer ended, Mom and I went out for breakfast at a cute little café we'd grown to love. She suggested I stay with Matt for the fall, since I was undecided about college, and pursue the relationship with Luke. I wasn't surprised; Mom has always been about following your heart, and this was what my heart was telling me to do. Dad needed a little more convincing since he wanted me to go to college, but he didn't push me. Once I explained that staying in Charleston felt right, he supported my decision. As always.

Matt was happy for me to be staying with him for the summer, considering he'd been eating out a lot as a bachelor and Rachel would be busy with the school year rolling around. Luke was also happy when I told him I planned to stay, which only made the decision even more right. Charleston felt right.

I got a job at a wedding planning business, as the assistant to the CEO. I was excited, expecting to be able to assist in planning the weddings: but after my first week, I knew I'd been wrong. My days are spent getting coffee and dealing with sexist jokes and comments from my boss. I can handle the coffee, but the way my boss talks to me makes me uncomfortable, especially because he's much older with a family at home.

I don't tell Luke or Matt about the comments, considering I know both of them would go straight there and probably kill him.

No exaggeration.

I force a small laugh, shaking my head. "My feet hurt from getting all the coffee." I joke, but he's not buying it.

"You'd tell me if anyone was doing wrong by you, yeah?" He asks, sticking a knife in my heart. Okay, it's really just guilt, but I need the job. I also need my brother and Luke to not be in jail for assault.

"Yeah," I nod, keeping my face sweet and hoping he can't read through me. I know he can, he's always been able to, so I pear around his shoulder to the stove. "What are you fixing?"

"Your favorite," He smiles, but I notice the way he's studying me.

"Yum," I comment, beaming up at him. "Did I tell you Izzy's coming to visit?"