by E. K. Blair
“May I ask why you’re up so early?”
“Uncle Luke, it’s not early for a kid my age.”
I couldn’t help but smile as I gave her a kiss on the top of her head. “What do you want for breakfast?”
“I want your smiley pancakes.” She smiled.
I walked into the kitchen and took out everything I needed to make pancakes. Charley loved the way I made them. Her favorite part is when I use chocolate chips for the eyes and whipped cream for the smile.
“Don’t forget the eyes, Uncle Luke!” she shouted from the couch.
“Don’t worry, Charley, I won’t.”
The pancakes were cooking on the griddle when Sam walked through the door.
“Damn, Luke, those smell good.”
“Want some?”
“Yeah, I’m starving. Gretchen had a photo shoot this morning, so we didn’t get to eat.”
I poured more batter onto the hot griddle.
“Hey, don’t forget to make them smiley,” Sam said as he turned and looked at Charley.
Charley looked at him and giggled. I rolled my eyes. Sam walked into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee.
“I pulled up an article last night about Lily,” I said to him.
“Are you stalking her or something?” he asked.
“No. Do you know who her father was?” I could tell by the way Sam looked at me that he already knew. “You asshole, you knew and didn’t tell me?”
“Uncle Luke, language!” Charley yelled from the couch.
“Sorry, peanut. Please, don’t tell your mom.”
“The article said that she caught her fiancé with her sister on the day of their wedding.”
“Yeah, I only found that out from Gretchen,” Sam said as he poured some coffee into his cup and sat on the bar stool. “I asked Lily about it, but she got really pissed and told me to forget that I even knew about it.”
“You asked her about it?” I said as I took the pancakes off the griddle. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I think you two would make a great couple, and I wanted to get her feel about dating.”
“Bro, leave it alone. Jesus Christ, I already told you that I’m not interested in dating anyone.”
“Uncle Luke, I’m pretty sure J.C. is a bad word when used that way,” Charley said as she sat down at the table.
“I’m sorry, Charley.” I sighed as I set down the plate of pancakes in front of her.
Sam got up from the bar stool and sat at the table across from Charley. “Dude, what the hel—heck did you do my pancakes? They’re frowning cakes,” he said with a pout.
I rolled my eyes and poured myself a cup of coffee. Just as I was about to sit down, Maddie walked into the apartment.
“Good morning, baby,” she said as she walked over and kissed Charley on the head. “Good morning, guys.”
“Hey, Charley, would you mind if Sam took you home while I talk to your mom for a few minutes?”
Charley looked at Sam and tilted her head. “Will you give me a piggyback ride upstairs?”
“You bet I will. Hop on, little girl, and we’ll giddy-up outta here.”
Charley climbed on Sam’s back and giggled. As soon as the door shut, Maddie asked me what was going on.
“Lily’s the daughter of Johnny Gilmore,” I said.
“What? As in Johnny Gilmore, the musician?”
“Yeah, and she lied to me about something.”
“What did she lie about, Luke?” Maddie asked as she poured more coffee into our cups.
“She told me that her family was killed a couple of years ago in an accident, but I did some research. The only person who died in her family was her father, and I remember that day. The reports said he had a massive heart attack. Her mom and sister are still alive and living in Seattle.” I grabbed my laptop, set it on the table, and brought up the article I saw last night. “Here, read this,” I said as I turned my laptop towards Maddie.
“Wow, poor girl,” she said as she looked up at me. “She obviously had her reasons for telling you her family’s dead. I know that if I had a sister and caught her having sex with my fiancé, I would never talk to her again. But to find them on her wedding day, in the church! Cut her some slack, Luke, you don’t know the whole story.”
I stood there for a few moments, pondering what Maddie had said. “You’re right, sis. Thanks.”
“You’re falling for her, aren’t you?” Maddie asked as she put her hand on my shoulder.
“No, we’re just friends,” I replied.
“It’s ok, Luke. Don’t fight what’s natural,” she said as she walked out the door.
I sighed and started cleaning up the kitchen.
11
Lily
I laid there in bed, staring at window as the sunlight filtered through the sides of the blinds. It was going to be another beautiful day, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to the beach. After last night, I wasn’t sure of anything anymore. I know for a fact that I’m falling for Luke. His brown eyes stared at me intently when I talked. His sculpted face and chiseled chin was perfection, as was his perfectly shaped lips that I’ve found myself wanting to touch. It’s the way he lit up the room when he smiled, and his perfect body; a body that’s strong and that I know could protect me. I fantasized about running my hands across his chest and down to his forbidden area...
Snapping out of my fantasy, I threw back the covers and jumped out of bed. I did a little stomping dance because I’m angry with myself for thinking about him that way. I refuse to give my heart away; it’s mine, and it’s my job to keep it safe. It’s tucked away deep inside, and I won’t let it come out. It won’t be able to withstand any more pain. After I threw my hissy fit, I picked up my phone and sent a text message to Luke.
“Something came up, so I won’t be able to go to the beach today. Sorry, maybe next time.”
I waited for a response, but I didn’t get one. Maybe he’s pissed at me for not telling him who my father is or maybe he just doesn’t care whether I go or not. Whatever the reason, I don’t care. I can’t care. I won’t care.
I walked into the bathroom, brushed my teeth, and threw my hair up into a ponytail; then I put on my bikini because I decided that, when everyone left for the beach, I was going to lay out by the pool. I threw on my jean shorts and a tank top. Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I saw I still hadn’t received a message from Luke. I sighed and walked into the living room. The beer bottles from last night were still on the coffee table. As I was walking over to pick them up, there was a knock at the door. I looked out the peephole, and Luke was standing on the other side. My heart started racing as I turned the lock and opened the door.
“Good morning,” I said.
“Morning,” he replied. “Can I come in?”
“Oh sure,” I said as I stepped out of the way. “What’s up?” I could feel something was off between us.
“Grab your things. You’re coming to the beach,” he said.
“Didn’t you get my text? I told you something came up.”
“I got it, and I don’t believe you, so grab your things, and let’s go. The gang is probably already there.”
“I don’t appreciate you being so bossy,” I snapped.
He stared at me with his beautiful brown eyes that were making me weak in the knees. I had to turn away because I was starting to melt right in front of him. I walked over and picked up the beer bottles. As I walked passed him, he reached out and lightly grabbed my arm.
“I know you probably think things are weird now because of last night, but they’re not. You said that you would come to the beach with us. I don’t want you changing your mind over something that isn’t true. Things are fine, Lily.”
I stood there for a moment before looking at him. I could hear the sincerity in his voice. He let go of my arm, and I set the bottles on the counter.
“Let me go get my things. I’ll be right back,” I said as I headed towards my bedroom. I grab
bed my bag that was already packed for the pool, grabbed my camera, and then I slid on my flip-flops and walked back to the living room.
“Ok, I’m ready.”
Luke looked at me and smiled. When we left the apartment, I walked towards the spot where he parks his Jeep, but his Jeep was gone. I looked behind me, and Luke was sitting on his motorcycle with a big grin across his face.
“Oh no! Once was enough. I’m not getting on that bike again!”
Luke started it up and rode over to me. “Come on, Lily, hop on,” he said as he handed me his helmet.
“Let’s take the Explorer!” I yelled.
“Hop on, Lily. Let’s not keep everyone waiting.”
I rolled my eyes, grabbed the helmet from his hands, and I put it on. Climbing on behind him, I put my bag across my shoulder and wrapped my arms around him.
Here we go again, I thought to myself.
***
The beach was crowded. I took off the helmet and handed it to Luke as I got off the bike. My heart was still racing from the nerves and excitement.
“Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” he asked.
I looked at him and smirked as I made my way through the parking lot. When I reached the end of the sidewalk, I stopped to take off my flip-flops. The minute my toes hit the warm sand, I felt serene. Luke and I walked across the sand and over to where Sam and a group of people were sitting around. Lucky jumped up when he saw me.
“Hello, beautiful,” he said as he lightly kissed my hand.
I smiled at him, and I saw Luke giving him a dirty look out of the corner of my eye. I said hi to Sam, and Luke introduced me to the rest of his friends.
“Isn’t Gretchen here?” I asked Sam.
“She’ll be here in about an hour. She had a photo shoot this morning.”
I smiled at him. They already sounded like a real couple, and it made me happy that Gretchen found someone. I couldn’t ask for a better man for her. Lucky put his arm around me and started walking me away from the others.
“Every time I look at you, I feel like I’ve died and gone to Heaven. You’re a real angel in disguise, aren’t you? I just know that we can make beautiful, angelic music together. How about we give it a try?”
I looked at Luke and winked at him. He could tell I wasn’t falling for Lucky’s bullshit lines.
“You know Lucky,” I said, pausing to turn around and face him. “Every time I look at you, I feel like I’ve died and gone to hell, so please do me a favor and back the fuck off so that I can go on with my day.” I smiled politely.
He looked at me for a moment with knitted eyebrows. Extending his hand to me, he said, “You are one awesome chick! Friends?”
I smiled and shook his hand. “Friends,” I said.
Sam and Luke both busted out laughing; then I looked over at Luke as he was shaking his head at me.
“What do you guys want to do?!” Luke yelled to everyone.
“I think I’m just going to lay in the sun for a while,” I said as I took off my top and shorts, revealing my bikini underneath.
“Hot damn!” Sam squealed as he ran towards me, picked me up, and ran to the water.
I yelled at him to put me down, but he just laughed and said he would, but not until we cooled off. We hit the water and he carried me out until the water stopped at our chest.
“Sam! You just wait!”
He was smiling at me, and suddenly, out of nowhere, someone had a tight grip around my waist and pulled me under the water. My heart started racing, but within moments, I was released and returned to the surface. When I turned around, Luke was inches from my face, smiling.
“You asshole! You scared the shit out of me!” I said as I splashed him.
“Watch your mouth, and I couldn’t resist! Please tell me you’re not mad.”
How the hell could I be mad at that face? He was having fun, and I’m all up for crazy, wild fun—at least I used to be.
“I’m not mad.”
“Good. Then let’s get out of the water,” he said as we swam back to shore.
Sam was standing at the shoreline with two towels. “Here, dry off, and let’s play some volleyball.”
I saw Gretchen waving to me as she sat in the sand, so I ran over to her.
“Look at you miss sexy thing in that teeny weeny bikini! You’ve gone and gave all the boys a boner!” she said in her fake southern accent.
I threw my towel at her and sat down; then I put my arm around her and laid my head on her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Looks like you and Luke were having some fun in the water.”
“He found out last night about Johnny.” I sighed.
“What did he say?”
“He was shocked, but then he raved about him like he was some sort of God.”
“Lily, he was a god to a lot of people, and one of them happens to be Luke. How weird is that? You move here to start a new life, and you live next door to a twenty-seven-year-old guy who worships your dad.”
I lifted my head and gave her a dirty look.
“I’m just saying.”
Sam walked over and asked Gretchen if she wanted to play volleyball. She jumped at the chance; little did the boys know she was the captain of her volleyball team and star player. She grabbed my hand and told me to come on, but I really just wanted to lay back in the sun and relax for a while, so I told her that I’d play later. I looked around, and Luke was off to the side, talking to a group of people, and the volleyball game was about ready to start. I decided to wander the beach and take some pictures instead, so I put on my jean shorts, grabbed my camera from the bag, and headed down the beach. The sun was bright, the sand was warm, and the beach was filled with people enjoying a beautiful Saturday. I heard someone call my name, so I turned around, and Luke was running up behind me.
“Hey, where are you off to?” he asked as he caught up with me.
“I was just wandering around, taking some pictures.” I smiled.
“I know this great little area that has the best view that’s perfect for taking pictures. Come on, follow me.”
I followed him about half a mile down the beach. When we reached the area, I looked around. It was a cove with large boulders around one side, forming a small wall. There were a few sailboats in the water, but overall, there wasn’t anyone else around.
“If you climb those rocks over there, you’ll be able to get some great pictures looking out into the ocean,” Luke said.
I smiled as we walked over to the area. Luke climbed up first and then held his hand out to me. “I don’t want you to fall. These rocks are tricky, and you could slip.”
I took his warm, strong hand, and he helped me up onto the rock; then we climbed a couple more until we were at the top. Luke was right; this was a beautiful place to take pictures. I took my camera and began clicking. Luke was staring out into the water as I turned towards him and took his picture.
“I think I took enough pictures from this spot.”
Luke took my hand as we carefully stepped down onto each rock. Only when we reached the sand, did he let go.
“This is a quiet spot,” I said as I sat down.
“I come here when I need to think.”
“Think about what?” I asked.
“Life,” he replied as he stared out at the water. “There’s something that I want to ask you,” he said nervously.
I suddenly became nervous, and I had a sick feeling in my stomach. “Ok, ask away.”
“Why did you lie to me about your mom and sister being deceased?” he asked.
I felt a knot in my throat, so I closed my eyes. Did I owe him an explanation? Was I obligated to tell him everything? I stood up and grabbed my camera. “They’re dead to me,” I said as I walked away from him. He instantly jumped up and followed me.
“Lily, wait!” he called out to me.
He caught up with me and lightly grabbed my arm. “Please, don’t walk away from me.”
I sighed and sto
od there. Luke let go of my arm, and as I stared into his brown eyes, and he stared back into mine. I shook my head and pursed my lips. The last thing I wanted to do was dredge up the past, but I don’t think I had much of a choice.
“My mother and sister did horrible things, and as far as I’m concerned, they’re dead to me.”
“I read the article about you and your ex-fiancé. I’m sorry that happened.”
I took in a deep breath as I looked down. “Hunter’s an asshole, and my sister’s a whore. My mother knew they were fucking behind my back for a long time, but she didn’t say a word to me about it. She was going to let me marry that cheating bastard and ruin my life. Just because she stayed in a marriage where her husband did nothing but cheat on her, doesn’t mean everyone else wants that life. I hate them for what they did!”
Tears started to fall down my face. Luke stepped closer, and before I knew it, his arms were around me, embracing me, and letting me know everything was alright. My heart started racing. His arms were so strong. I wanted to push him away, but I couldn’t muster up the strength to try. My head was telling me to run, but my heart was saying it was ok.
“I had no idea that your mom knew. I’m sorry, Lily.”
I broke our embrace and looked at him. “Thank you, Luke. I moved here to start a new life and to forget about them as well as everything that happened. I’ll tell you more sometime over several drinks.” I laughed.
Luke laughed and put his arm around me. “Come on; let’s head back to the gang. They’re probably starting rumors about us.”
12
Luke
As we walked back to the part of the beach where everyone had been playing volleyball, I couldn’t stop thinking about holding Lily. It felt right, and it scared me to think of us being more than just friends. My feelings were growing for her, and holding her the way I did to comfort her, intensified those feelings. Her warm skin against mine felt incredible, and it stirred up emotions that I haven’t had in a long time. We reached our friends as the volleyball game was ending; I saw Sam walk over to Gretchen and kiss her on the lips.
“Break it up, you two, or go get a room.” I smiled.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Matthews and Miss Gilmore. Where did the two of you go off to?” Sam asked with a smirk on his face.
