rumour has it | ✓ [ old version ]

「 three 」

CHAPTER THREE

———————————

"You do realise I have neighbours right?." Luke says, mocking the words I said to him this morning in a high pitched voice as he opens the door to the 'Pretty In Red Pizza Place' which is owned by his parents. I roll my eyes at his mocking tone since the voice he used isn't how I actually sound.

I hit him "I don't sound like that!." I tell him "and I thought he was sleeping like a normal person does at night." I finish, defending myself as we enter the pizza place. There are a few people inside, sitting at the tables enjoying their pizza or whatever they ordered that they serve here.

Coming here on Fridays is a tradition of Luke and I. It's great because I get a discount because I'm considered family and Luke gets it for free since he is actually family and their pizza is amazing especially their cheese pizza which is what I get "do your parents know?."

Luke shakes his head "no, I thought you should be the one to tell them when you're ready." He answers as we sit down at an empty table. I take a breath of relief at his words. After today, I didn't need anyone else finding out my secret, I just need to get through the month and hopefully, it goes by fast.

"Thank you." I tell him and he gives me a small smile in return.

Our conversation is cut short when a familiar woman comes up to us and places our plates in front of us. We've been here so many times and order the same thing over and over again that Luke's parents prepare the food before we get here. I look up with a smile at Luke's mother. Her brown hair is in a high ponytail with some curly strands framing her face. Her face holds a bright smile like it always does.

Luke's mum had moved from Italy to London and met Luke's dad, they got married and while pregnant with Luke, they moved here and when he was born, they started their own pizza place. Throughout the years this place had gained popularity and now, is considered the most popular pizza place in town. It's called 'Pretty In Red' because Luke's dad lost a bet and originally, Luke's mum wanted to name it "Pretty In Pink', but they were able to compromise.

"Faye Reynolds, it's been so long." Mrs Montana says, her Italian accent soaking her words unlike Luke. Since he was born here, his Italian accent isn't as noticeable as Mrs Montana's, but when he becomes angry. Oh boy, he goes full Italian real quick. Mrs Montana holds out her arms for me. With a small smile on my face, I stand up from my seat and wrap my arms around her, giving her a big hug.

"It's been a week mum." Luke informs her, but the older woman just rolls her eyes at her son.

"It's felt like years." Mrs Montana says "I've missed you Bella ragazza." She tells me and my smile widens. 'Bella ragazza' means 'pretty girl' in Italian and its been her nickname for me for years and I love it because it makes me feel special. Mrs Montana and I pull away from each other "you need to come by more often."

I giggle "I'll keep that in mind." I simply say.

"Well I should let you enjoy your food and get back to work." Mrs Montana explains as she wipes her hand on the apron that is around her waist, "but it was so good seeing you again." She tells me before kissing my cheek and leaving us alone.

"I swear she loves you more than me." Luke states as I sit back down.

"I don't blame her, I'm amazing." I tell him with a flip of my hair before we dig into the delicious food in front of us.

Luke snorts and rolls his eyes "yea, amazing at being annoying."

"Just eat your food." I order him. Silence settles over us, the only sound between us is the sounds of us eating our pizzas and the sounds of those around us who speak with those with them. My tastebuds enjoy the deliciousness of the greasy pizza. No matter how many times I've been here, it's only seems to be getting better than before.

"So how long do you have to be Mitchell's girlfriend for?." Luke asks through a mouthful of food. During the car ride over here, I explained to Luke what happened during lunch. Of course, he was too in shock over the situation to ask of how Mitchell found out about my secret. So now, that he's calm and collective, he's able to ask the questions he has.

"A month." I simply say "and don't eat with your mouth open." I tell him, but instead of an answe, I receive another eye roll.

"Wow, are you sure you can act all couple-like with Mitchell for a month?." He asks in surprise. Honestly, I've been asking myself that same question ever since I agreed as well as the question of why I agreed in the first place. How can I hold back a years worth of hate for a month?

"Well it's either that or everyone finds out my secret." I reply.

Luke doesn't say anything for awhile because he's eating, but when he shallows the food in his mouth; he says "the month will go by so quick, you won't even notice." He tells me, trying to comfort me and I appreciate that. I hope the month goes by quickly too because I don't know how long I can do this for. Will keeping my secret really motivate me to keep up the act?

I guess I'll have to find out and see.