when to let go | l.h.

twenty eight

luke's pov

to say i was nervous would be an understatement. i could not stop my hands from shaking and my palms from sweating from how badly i wanted this date to be perfect. who knows when the last time laila went out on a real date was considering daniel was such an ass. i wanted this date to be nothing but perfect for her because it is what she deserves and it's been awhile since she's been shown how amazing she is.

i could tell she was excited for this date too by the way she would pester me with questions about what we were doing and where we were going. i refused to tell her much though because i wanted it to be a surprise, but i did help her to pick out an outfit that would be fitting for what i had planned.

laila came into my room late last night and confessed that she was nervous because it's been awhile since she had to start new with someone. i did my best to calm her nerves by telling her she had nothing to worry about with me. we've been friends for way to long for it to be awkward on our date. i made sure to remind her that if she ever felt uncomfortable or nervous that we could go home at any time. i made the plans, but ultimately i would do whatever makes laila happy.

i took the time to reassure her and make sure she was comfortable with this date before helping her decide what to wear. i laid in my bed with petunia curled beside me as the small girl tried on multiple outfits before coming to show me. i thought that they all looked stunning, but laila told me i couldn't say they were all perfect because she had to pick one. she ultimately ended up choosing a white scoop neck top paired with some ripped mom jeans and black heeled boots.

i stared at myself in the mirror, checking over my outfit before walking across the hall to laila's room. i knocked gently, waiting for her to say i could enter. once she did, i pushed the door opened and leaned in the door way watching as she was getting ready.

"almost ready?" i hum, giving the dark haired girl a goofy smile.

"yeah i just need to finish my hair and grab my bag." she smiled back at me through the mirror making my heart melt.

"take your time bub, i'm going to run and get some gas quick then i'll be back." the girl nodded and i winked before walking out of her room. i wasn't actually going to get gas, i just wanted to start this date the right away. i hurried out to my car, grabbing the bouquet of flowers i picked up earlier before heading back to our apartment. i figured she would probably be done by now, so i knocked on the front door waiting for her to answer.

when the door swung open, laila stood there with a confused smile on her face. "did you forget your keys?" she giggled.

i shook my head. "i'm picking you up for our date." it was cheesy, but as long as it put a smile on her face, i didn't care.

she took the flowers from me as i held them out to her and smiled. "that's sweet of you luke thank you." i shook my head as she turned towards the kitchen. "let me just run and put these in a vase quick."

she was back a minute later and i held my hand out for her to hold. her small fingers found their way between mine as i led her to the car. i opened her door, watching as she climbed in before making my way to the drivers seat.

"are you ready?" i hummed as i started up the car.

laila nodded her head quickly with a sweet smile on her face. "will you tell me where we're going now?" she batted her eyelashes at me hoping i'd give in, but i shook my head.

"sorry bubs, you'll just have to wait and see." she stuck out her bottom lip and groaned playfully.

"you're no fun." she grumbled.

"we'll check back in on that statement later." i laughed pulling out onto the road. a comfortable silence fell over us as we listened to the music playing in the car. occasionally we'd sing along obnoxiously like we always do until we arrived at our first stop.

i glanced at laila to see her reaction as i put the car in park. "art museum?" she smiled over at me.

"yes ma'am." i hummed and hurried out of the car to open her door for her. she laughed as i did so and grabbed hold of my hand. once we got inside we wandered around looking at the different pieces of art that surround us.

"hey look, that one looks like me?" i joked as we walked past a very abstract looking portrait. the small girl snorted, covering her mouth to quiet her laughter.

"lucus, it does not!" she said quietly still trying to slow her laughter.

"you don't see it? we could be twins or something. maybe it's my long lost brother." i raised an eyebrow playfully enjoying the sight of brunette's large smile and red cheeks.

"you already have two brothers." she chuckles and i just shrug. we continued walking throughout the museum making up different stories for each painting or trying to guess what each one was. i was glad to see laila seemed to be enjoying herself so far.

"are you getting hungry?" i asked after awhile, gently swinging our hands between us.

"i can eat." she smiled, holding onto my arm as we made our way towards the exit.

"do you want to go out or do you want to make something together at home?" i questioned.

laila's eyes lit up and she nodded. "awe let's make dinner together." she giggled softly. i leaned down and pressed my lips to her cheek.

"whatever you say cutie." i didn't miss the blush that coated her cheeks as i opened her car door for her before getting in myself. "so what should we make?" i questioned as we drove home.

"hmm," she bit her lip as she thought. "what about that pasta you make, the really good one with the chicken."

i nodded, resting my hand in her thigh, giving it a soft squeeze. "sounds great to me."

when we got home, we headed straight to the kitchen to start making dinner. i turned on some music and began to gather all the ingredients while laila went to change. she was back quickly in a pair of leggings and what appeared to be one of my t-shirts. i smiled and held my hand out for her as she came in. she gladly took it and i quickly pulled her towards me, resting my hands on her hips beginning to sway to the music. she gasped at the sudden movements, but her arms found their way around my neck and she swayed with me.

"i know our date is not over yet, but are you having fun?" i hum, resting my head onto hers. she smiled sweetly up at me.

"would you believe me if i said best date ever?" she questioned back. i furrowed my eyebrows.

"you don't mean that." i chuckled. "as perfect as you are, you've had to have been on way better dates than the art museum and going home to make dinner."

she rolled her eyes. "if by better you mean going to a movie and mcdonald's then yeah i have."

"mcdonalds?" i scoff playfully. "you're at least worth taco bell." i teased. laila nudged my shoulder and rolled her eyes again.

"i'm being serious. daniel and i never really went on dates and he was my first serious boyfriend so.." she trailed off, looking down between us.

i gently lifted her chin so she was looking at me. "well, then i'm glad i got to take you on a real date." i said softly, cupping her cheek. "if you'll let me, i'd be happy to take you out again."

"you can handle another date with me?" she joked.

"if you can handle another date with me." i replied, glancing at her lips. her lips turned up into a smile and she nodded, leaning forward ever so slightly. i leaned in to meet her lips with my own, holding her close to me. it was a short sweet kiss that left us both smiling as we pulled away.

"i never thought in a million years, i would fall for my best friend." she whispered causing my smile to grow even wider.

"but i'm so glad you did."

{author's note}
i was gonna add so much more to this, but i already feel like it's all over the place. lmk if you want a continuation of their date.
i hope this isn't too rushed and sloppy.
thank you to those of you who are reading, voting, and commenting. i love you all.
(unedited)