Photos [Luke Hemmings]

Chapter 7 - Events and Things

(LUKE’S BASICALLY WEARING HIS BRITS OUTFIT IN THIS CHAP)

Chapter 7—Events and Things

{ l u k e }

          Normally, my answer to going to events having to do with the company my dad worked at was a quick no.

          But, ever since I met Autumn and found out she attends her step-dad’s events, I figured I’d go as well just to annoy the hell out of her. It had become a habit, getting on her nerves, and it was extremely entertaining watching her fidget and clench her jaw or hands, because I knew she wanted to hurt me in some kind of way.

          So I stood in front of my mirror, wearing a black button down shirt, my usual black skinny jeans—without the rips—and a black and dark grey checkered blazer on top. With a pair of black dress shoes I had borrowed from my older brother, Ben, I ran a hand through my blonde hair, tugging at the ends before grabbing my phone and white ear buds and walking out of my room.

          “You ready, honey?” Mum asked as I got to the bottom of the stair case. She was dressed in a black dress that reached a bit below her knees and heels—she looked so cute.

          “Yeah,” I nodded, shoving my headphones in the pocket of my jeans. I’d regret that later, knowing that they would get tangled up.

          Mum nodded. “Your dad’s already in the car—let’s go.”

          Following Mum out of the house, I sat in the backseat as Mum locked up the house before getting in the passenger seat. The drive to the event wasn’t that long, since it was being held at a hotel near our house. Apparently it was a charity event the owner of my dad’s company was throwing—since the guy was actually a pretty charitable person.

          We got to the hotel soon enough, and once the car was parked, I followed my parents into the hotel as my dad talked to the receptionist before we were direction towards one of the ballrooms in here.

          It was decorated with circular tables spread across the sides of the room with black or white cloths over them and a bunch of chairs around them. There was a long table of heated dishes that was most likely the food, and waiters walking around carrying trays of Champaign glasses. I made a mental note to snag myself one later.

          People were dressed in suits and dresses; chatter being heard along with live classical music being played that made my ears bleed—it was most definitely not my type of music. I stood by my parents’ side, listening to them as they talked to Dad’s colleagues and smiling when I was being introduced. Otherwise, I would just look around the large room in hopes of finding the girl I looked forward to annoying for the night.

          “Mark, Wendy! How are you two?”

          At the sound of my father’s voice mentioning the two familiar names, I turned back to where my parents stood, only to see that they were now joined by Autumn’s parents. As they talked, Wendy’s eyes flitted over to me and her smile widened.

          “Luke—I didn’t expect to see you here,” she commented. “You look very handsome, dear.”

          “Thank you,” I responded, smiling right back. She was so adorable—just like Autumn. Except the daughter had quite the feisty attitude.

          “Why don’t you go over to Autumn and keep her company? She normally plays with the little kids that run around but she’s not feeling too up to that today,” Mark suggested. “She’s sitting up front, table five. I think you guys are sitting there as well, yes?” he added, looking at my parents for confirmation.