With Love

by Shawnte Borris

  Luke pushed through the terrace doors and went straight to Alyson.

  Oh boy, my son is in love, thought George.

  “Hey, Luke! Good morning!” I pulled out my earbuds while still humming “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus.

  “What the hell do you think you are doing?” Luke yelled.

  “Cutting the grass.” What the hell is your problem?

  “Why? I was going to do it after breakfast.”

  “Well, I couldn’t sleep any longer. I didn’t want to wake anyone up, so I went outside to go for a walk and watch the sun rise. Then, I noticed the grass should be cut before everyone gets here to set up for the Gala later today,” I said.

  “Well, get off and I’ll finish it.”

  Why are you so pissy? “Luke, there is really nothing left, just a little around the house. I did this part last, so everyone didn’t hear the noise.” I looked around the property.

  “I’ll do around the sheds, the back grounds, and the pond. Go inside and have some breakfast.” Why can’t she do what she is told?

  “Luke, they’re all done.”

  Luke looked at her.

  “What time did you get up?”

  “Around six, I guess.”

  “I didn’t think you’d be up that early considering the state that you were in last night.”

  “Did I wake you? I’m sorry if I did. I usually don’t drink like that. I guess I kinda got caught up in the moment.”

  “What?” How does she not remember what happened last night? That kiss was so hot. “I mean, did you have fun? Did you find a dress and everything?”

  ***

  “Good morning, George. What are you looking at?”

  “Morning, Kyle. I’m watching Luke make an ass of himself. It’s kinda funny to watch.”

  “This I’ve got to see,” Kyle laughed.

  Both Kyle and George drank coffee while they watched Luke put his foot in his mouth again and again.

  “Morning, boys, what are you watching?”

  “Hi, Kristen. Your dad and I are watching Luke make an ass of himself.”

  “Oh, let me see!” Kristen said with a smile.

  Everyone was so busy watching and laughing that they didn’t notice Julia come down the stairs. She wrapped her arms around Kyle and whispered in his ear, “I missed your big, strong arms around me this morning along with other things.”

  “I missed you, sweetheart. Crawling into my cold bed was not ideal,” Kyle said, looking at his wife with love in his eyes.

  ***

  “Alyson, go in the house, and I’ll finish.” Luke demanded.

  “Luke, you are being silly. I can finish what’s left in like ten minutes. I’m already dirty, so just let me finish, and I’ll be in afterward.”

  Pissed off, Luke stormed back into the kitchen.

  ***

  “Luke, back in the house so soon?” Kyle said with a smirk.

  “Shut up, Kyle.”

  Everyone started laughing. Luke went to his room to change and left for the day.

  Kyle turned to Julia. “Sweetheart, did you have a good time last night?”

  “I did, Kyle. It was fun getting to know Ally. She has some pretty funny stories.”

  “We ended up meeting these guys. They were going to a beer-pong tournament, so Ally and Julia followed and formed a team. It was so funny to watch. Ally kicked butt in that game. Good thing she was your partner, Jules. Otherwise, you never would have been able to leave,” Kristen said, giggling.

  “Ha-ha, Kristen,” Julia replied sarcastically. Kyle looked at Julia with a raised eyebrow.

  “Oh, Kyle,” laughed Julia.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Saturday morning came as I watched out my bedroom window at all the people running around, putting the finishing touches on everything. As I was snapping pictures, Julia walked in.

  “Are you ready for your big debut?” Julia asked.

  “I’m nervous.”

  “You have nothing to be nervous about. Your work is amazing.” Julia said with a reassuring smile. “I just stopped by to talk with the caterers. I’m heading home to have breakfast with Kyle, and then I’ll start getting ready. I believe that you and Kristen will be over around two o’clock, right? We’ll have lunch before we get our hair and makeup done.”

  “We’ll be there,” I said, taking a candid picture of Julia.

  “Stop that! I have no makeup on.” Julia was just about out the door when I stopped her.

  “I think I made Luke mad at me,” I whispered sadly.

  “Why would you say that?”

  “I don’t know. He hasn’t been here…that I know of. I hate to think that it has something to do with me.”

  “I’m sure it doesn’t.” Julia gave me a hug. “See you this afternoon. Don’t worry—everything will turn out great.”

  ***

  Why doesn’t he shut the hell up and just play?

  “One more basket and I win, Luke!” laughed Brian.

  “Agh!”

  Brian just laughed.

  “Shut up.” Fuck! I just want to punch you!

  “What has your manties in a twist?”

  “Nothing,” growled Luke.

  “Really? You’ve been in a shitty mood for two days, and you’ve sucked at playing basketball lately—not to mention your defense is strong today,” Brian said while rubbing his shoulder.

  “Sorry, man. I’ve just had a lot on my mind, that’s all.”

  “Like what?” Brian asked while talking a big gulp of water.

  “I finally talked to my dad. He was great. He told me to take some time off. I don’t know. I guess I’ve just been thinking about my mom and where I want my life to go from here,” Luke admitted.

  “Does this include that cute little hottie staying at your dad’s?” Brian said, smirking.

  “You know Alyson?” Luke looked at him with a puzzled look.

  “No, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet, but I heard a lot from George.”

  Luke just shook his head. “Brian, she’s beautiful, like sweet home-grown beautiful. She’s funny, and she can cook the most amazing things.”

  “Sounds like someone thinks she’s a keeper.”

  “I think it maybe more than that,” Luke whispered.

  “Really? Have you hinted to her about how you feel?”

  “No, I don’t think she wants to hear it. I mean, she seems so guarded with her feelings. She’s protecting herself from something.”

  “Give her time, Luke.” Brian threw Luke a towel. “I have to get going to get ready for the Gala.”

  Why does everyone lately keep telling me to give it time?

  “But, it’s like hours away.”

  “I know. I just want to look super hot for Ally,” Brian said, wiggling his eyebrows.

  “Fucker,” Luke said.

  “That may be, but I’m still your best friend.”

  “That you are.” Thank God for that.

  Both men left the court laughing.

  ***

  George walked by Kristen’s bedroom door and stopped. “What are you working on, sweetheart?”

  “I’m still working on that social studies project for school. I have less than a week to finish it, and I haven’t found anything that I liked yet.”

  “Maybe the Gala tonight will give you some inspiration?”

  “I hope so.” Kristen looked up at her dad.

  “Well, why don’t you put it away and come have some lunch with your old man?”

  George and Kristen were eating in the kitchen when she noticed Ally taking pictures. “Dad, she’s good for us, yeah?”

  “Who is?”

  “Ally.”

  “Well, Kristen, I think she is here to help us—as much as we are here to help her.”

  “What do you mean?” Kristen gave a puzzled look.

  “Let’s just say, Kristen, that people run into each other when they least expect it.”

  Kristen looke
d at her dad, trying to put the pieces together.

  ***

  “Kristen, that’s all you’re eating?” asked Julia.

  “Yeah, I had lunch with Dad today.”

  “Good thing there’s always room for dessert,” I joked with a mouth full of food.

  All the girls started laughing.

  Julia lifted her wine glass. “I’d like to propose a toast. Here is to us, hoping that we will always be friends, and to the Gala tonight, praying that we raise a lot of money for these children.”

  “Hear, hear!” They all exclaimed while clinking their glasses.

  ***

  “The haircut looks good, son,” George said, looking at Luke.

  “Thanks, Dad. It was getting kinda long.” Luke ran his fingers through his hair. “What are you doing?”

  “I thought I’d help Kristen out with her project. I was thinking that I’d be able to come up with a story for her.”

  Luke walked around to the backside of the desk.

  “Why are you looking at Fluvanna County’s headlines and not something closer to home? And where is Fluvanna?”

  “It’s a little community in Virginia. It has about 20,000 people in that area,” George answered.

  “Why are you looking at their online paper?”

  “I was thinking that this way no one would have the same story. Sometimes smaller communities or newspapers give more information on what happened and who was involved.”

  “I see,” Luke replied.

  George and Luke looked at each other.

  “Do you want to come outside with me and make sure that everything is running smoothly? Then, I’ll text Julia to let her know she doesn’t need to rush back, so she and the girls can take their time getting ready,” Luke suggested.

  “Sounds good. Let’s go.” George closed the laptop with the online newspaper window still open and left with Luke.

  ***

  “Luke just sent me a text. He said, he and Dad checked and everything is running smoothly. He told us to take our time getting ready,” said Julia.

  “Oh good!” Kristen and I squealed.

  Kristen looked at me. “Why don’t you go in the next room and get your hair done while Julia and I get our makeup done?”

  “Sounds good to me!” I said excitedly.

  Just as we were putting on our finishing touches, Kyle walked into the room.

  “Oh, wow! Look at you beautiful women,” said Kyle. “We better get going. The Gala will start soon.”

  Turning around, we all asked at the same time, “You think so?”

  “Yes, I think so, but the one in the middle is the hottest,” he said with a wink.

  Julia went running into Kyle’s arms. “I love you so much!”

  “I can’t wait to tear this dress off of you!” Kyle spanked her butt on the way out the door.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  As Luke walked toward the pond, he couldn’t believe how beautiful everything looked under the stars. The wine-and-cheese area was full of women with their shoes off. The dance floor was beginning to become full. The live country band was a nice touch. When Luke walked into the tent, he couldn’t believe how breathtaking it looked with all the soft lights and drapery hanging from the edge. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. My mom would be so proud of this. Everything looks amazing.

  As he walked toward the bar, Luke grabbed a few appetizers from a waiter walking by. He stopped instantly when he saw Alyson laughing with Kristen’s friend, Mike. I wonder what Mike said to make Alyson laugh like that.

  Luke focused all of his attention on Alyson. She is breathtaking. That dress fits her stunningly on her 5’4” frame. Her hair looks so soft in that wave she has going on.

  I turned a bit and noticed Luke watching me. I quickly smiled and returned back to my conversation.

  “I see you have found my date?” laughed Kristen.

  “Mike was just telling me how his football team went to state.”

  Kristen put her arm around Mike’s neck. “Wanna dance?”

  “Only if you let me lead this time,” grumbled Mike.

  “Now where would the fun be in that?” laughed Kristen.

  “See you later, you two. I’ll try to make it over there before the song ends to take a picture,” I replied, walking toward the wine-and-cheese area.

  Does that dress have a slit more than half way up her leg? Oh my God, it does! I hardly noticed it with the flow of the dress. I just want to run my hands all the way up that dress. Luke gave his head a shake. Pull yourself together man.

  “Julia, this fundraiser turned out beautifully. You did an amazing job. Your mom would be so proud of you,” I complimented.

  “You think so, Ally?”

  Kyle side-hugged Julia. “I know so,” he said, kissing Julia on top of her head.

  “This has been the best turnout so far in all the years that we’ve hosted this event,” beamed Julia. “I hope we raise a lot of money.”

  “My elegant wife, there will be no doubt about it.”

  I took that moment to capture a picture of Julia and Kyle in a loving embrace.

  George walked over with a proud smile on his face. “Wow, Julia, you out did yourself. Everything is—”

  Julia interrupted, smiling. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “Your mother would be so proud.”

  Julia walked over and hugged her dad.

  “Quit stealing my wife, old man.” joked Kyle.

  “Oh, Kyle, stop that,” giggled Julia.

  “Well, since it seems this old man can’t hug his own daughter…” George snorted alongside Kyle. “May I have this dance, Alyson?”

  “It would be an honor, George,” I replied.

  Luke watched as Kristen and Mike, Julia and Kyle, and his father and Alyson danced and laughed together as Alyson took pictures while she danced. Watching Alyson with his family made Luke think of how much she was already a part of their family.

  “George, I think I need a drink. Will you please excuse me?” I said.

  “Yes. I see someone I wish to speak with.” George walked them both to the bar. “Enjoy your evening, Alyson.”

  ***

  Luke turned and saw Brian, offering him a drink.

  “So that must be Alyson?” Brian asked.

  “Yes, that is her.”

  Brian started undoing his tie.

  “What are you doing?” Luke asked.

  “Undoing my tie.”

  “I can see that. Why?” Luke looked at him confused.

  Brian started to walk away with a sly smile on his face. “I’m gonna ask Ally if she can help me fix it.”

  “Asshole!” Luke shouted to his friend under his breath.

  ***

  “Excuse me, are you Alyson?”

  “Yes. May I ask who would like to know?” I said with a kind smile.

  “I’m sorry. My name is Brian, Luke’s friend.” Brian placed his right hand over his heart. “Actually, I’m a beloved family friend.”

  Brian and I laughed.

  “Oh, I see. It’s wonderful to meet you.”

  They shook hands.

  “Likewise. Do you think you could help me with my tie? I’m going on stage in a few minutes to give a speech, and I can’t seem to get this thing right.”

  “Absolutely, come here,” I replied.

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Brian laughed with a cheeky grin.

  I slapped Brian on the chest, giggling. “Stop that.”

  ***

  That fucker! I can’t believe that she fell for that.

  “Luke, my son.” George placed his hand on Luke’s right shoulder. “See something that you don’t like?”

  “Look at Brian. Look at him flirt shamelessly...” Luke paused as both men watched Brian flirt with Ally. “And she is falling for his crap!”

  “Why don’t you go do something about that?” George asked.

  “I think I will.” Luke handed his drink to his father and started wal
king toward Alyson.

  ***

  “Now that my tie looks great how about a spin on the dance floor?” Brian asked.

  “I’d love to dance, Brian, but don’t you need to give your speech soon?”

  “I’m sure they won’t start without me. Hand me your camera, and I’ll place it on the table.”

  I looked around, hesitating.

  “Alyson, no one will care if you take a time out to have a dance.”

  “I guess you’re right.” I handed my camera over and placed my hand in Brian’s, walking with him toward the dance floor.

  Fuckin’ unbelievable, Luke muttered to himself.

  “Tell me, Brian—”

  “I’ll tell you anything, beautiful.”

  I poked Brian playfully on the back. “Stop flirting with me.”

  “I can’t help myself when I’m in your presence.”

  We both laughed.

  “How long have you known Luke?” I asked.

  “Why does every girl want to dance with me just to ask about Luke?”

  I immediately turned red in the face. “Oh, no, Brian, th-that’s not what I meant.”

  “Relax, I was kidding.”

  Luke was watching intently. What did that fucker say to her now to make her embarrassed like that? I have the right mind to march right over there…

  “I met Luke in high school. He was dating my sister,” Brian explained.

  “Ouch!” I giggled.

  “I guess, but in the end, I ended up with a pretty good best friend.” Brian took my hand and spun me around while I giggled.

  “What about you, Alyson? What brought you here?”

  I stopped immediately in Brian’s arms, looking terrified.

  “Alyson,” Brian whispered. “I know…George and I talk.”

  I couldn’t wipe away my tears fast enough. Don’t cry, Alyson, hold it together.

  “Come here, Alyson. Everything is okay.”

  Brian and I were hugging in the middle of the dance floor while I cried on his shoulder.

  Luke pushed Brian away forcefully. “What the fuck did you say to her, Brian?”

  “Luke? It’s not what it looks like!” Brian replied.

  “Not what it looks like? She looks devastated!” Luke roared.

  I looked up to see Luke’s eyes.

  “Alyson…sweetheart?”

  I turned around and started running toward the house.

  “I’ll deal with you later, Brian,” Luke said in a seething tone.