With Love Read online

  “Do you know what you have in mind? Like what color?” Luke asked curiously.

  “No, why?” I said, wondering why he’d care about what dress I chose.

  “I just thought we could color coordinate,” he said with a shrug. Chill, dude, this isn’t prom, and your almost thirty-four.

  “I don’t think your date would appreciate that,” I said confused.

  “My date? Oh…I’m not bringing a date,” Luke replied. Could this get any worse? “I don’t have anyone to bring.”

  “Oh.”

  “No, that’s not what I meant.” Luke paused for a moment. “Alyson, I’m not seeing anyone.”

  I looked at him and smiled, noticing a little sweat on Luke’s forehead.

  “Luke, thanks for lunch it was…” I paused, looking around the kitchen. “Entertaining. But, why don’t you head to the office? I’ll tidy up here. By the time I’m done, the girls should almost be here.”

  Luke went to his room, thinking about how easy lunch was and how beautiful Ally was just sitting there laughing. She looked at ease. How in the hell can I go into the office with this? Luke looked down at his jeans. Better take a quick shower.

  Once that warm water hit, Luke knew it was going to be anything but a quick shower. When he closed his eyes, all he could picture was Alyson under the stream of water, eyes closed with her head tilted back. He imagined his eyes traveling down her neck to her breasts, dreaming about how much he wanted to lick and suck on them. With greedy eyes, he thought about a small stream of water running in between her breasts. It took all that he had not to touch her and run his fingers over them. Oh God. He fantasized watching Ally slightly swinging her hips in a figure eight motion. This chick is going to kill me without even realizing it.

  ***

  “Hey, is anyone home?” Julia yelled as she walked into the house.

  Kristen and I ran down the stairs.

  Kristen said, “Sorry, Julia, I made Ally change into something more fun.”

  I looked down at myself. “Yeah, more fun…”

  We all started giggling.

  Julia said, “So I was thinking that we’d get pedicures and manicures, and then we can head over to the dress shop. After that, we can do dinner and drinks. Since Kristen isn’t quite old enough to drink, she’s driving.”

  “Gee, thanks, Julia,” Kristen sulked.

  Julia laughed at Kristen. “Oh, come on, kiddo. Soon, you can drink with us big boys.” Then she looked at me, “Are you ready for some quality girl time?”

  “Yes, but didn’t you guys just have all this done for the wedding?”

  “Yeah, but it’s so fun. I’m always game to do it again. Besides, it’s good quality time.”

  “Okay then, ladies.” I said with a huge smile. “Let’s go; it’s been forever since I had girl time and a little fun.”

  As we headed towards the car, Julia noticed Luke’s car. “Did Luke not go to work again today?”

  “He said he had a morning meeting. Then, we had lunch. He said he was changing and heading into the office. I thought for sure that he would have gone by now,” I said.

  “Ally, you had lunch with Luke today?” asked Kristen.

  “Yeah, in fact, he made me lunch today. You guys should have seen the kitchen! It was a disaster zone.”

  Kristen and Julia just looked at each other and smiled as they pulled away.

  ***

  Luke jogged upstairs quickly to grab a file that his dad needed from his home office.

  Oh, thank God they left. How would I possibly explain me still being here?

  As Luke was leaving the office, he got a whiff of Ally’s perfume from her open bedroom door. He knew that he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t help himself. He went and stood in her doorway. Ally, you smell so good. Creep much? Pull your shit together, Luke. If anyone were to see you right now, they would definitely say that you need therapy. Luke thought to himself as he left the house.

  ***

  “Ally, you totally need that color on your toes!” Kristen said excitedly.

  “You think? I mean it’s a pretty bright red.”

  “Yeah, but it’s on your toes. Nothing says sexy hot like sassy red toenail polish.”

  “Kristen, what do you know about sassy red nail polish?” asked Julia with a quirky smile.

  “Julia, you’re just as bad as Luke! I know what’s hot. I read, and besides, one doesn’t go to volleyball camp and not learn a few things,” Kristen replied, winking.

  Julia just looked at her with a shocked expression and then turned to me. “Ally, have you chosen a color for your fingernails yet?”

  “I was thinking this light pale pink with sparkles. This way it will go with any dress that I choose.”

  “Sounds good to me,” replied Julia.

  “What about you, Julia?”

  “Actually, if they have time, I think I’ll get a massage instead. I could use a good pair of hands on my body.”

  “Julia! You just got married,” I said shocked.

  “I know, but did you see what came out of that relaxation massage room?”

  I lowered my head. “No, what?”

  “Hot rocks! They are divine. Honestly, Ally, you need to try it.”

  With that, Julia went to get her hot-rock relaxation massage.

  While Kristen and I sat in the vibration chairs getting our hands and toes done, I noticed that Kristen fell asleep. I watched her for a few minutes. She looked so relaxed. She probably needed a rest; I’m so glad that I’m done with high school. There would be no way that I’d ever go back. But, I wonder what my old English teacher is doing these days? I think I remember hearing she had two beautiful children, not much younger than Ethan and Abby.

  “Oh, Ally-bug, I’m so sorry I fell asleep on you.”

  “It’s okay. I’m watching this movie.” I nodded my head toward the TV. “Is this the vampire movie that everyone is talking about?”

  “Yeah, it’s the third one, ‘Eclipse.’ It’s based on the book series ‘Twilight’ by Stephenie Meyer,” Kristen explained.

  I replied, “It’s kinda funny. I mean honestly, Charlie has no idea what is going on? And who would pick a cold vampire when you could have a warm wolf?”

  “Hey biotches, are you done?” Julia asked, returning from her massage.

  “Close; our nails just need to finish drying. Now that the red is on my toes, I like it,” I said, smiling. “How were your hot rocks?”

  “Great! What woman wouldn’t want hard, toasty rocks on them?”

  Kristen piped up. “Ally. She would rather have someone hairy.”

  The girls busted into roaring laughter.

  Julia started to pay for the afternoon, but I quickly swiped her credit card out of her hand. “Girls, this one is on me.”

  “You don’t ha—”

  I interrupted Julia. “I know, but it’s the least I can do. Besides, I’m having so much fun.”

  Kristen leaned into me. “If you think this is fun, wait until Julia has had a few drinks.”

  “I heard that,” Julia admonished.

  Kristen giggled. “Well, you were supposed to.”

  Before we left, Kristen pulled out her phone and asked the salon lady to take a picture of us. Then, we left, linking arms together.

  ***

  “Luke, are you just getting into the office?” George asked.

  “Yeah, Dad, I am.”

  “Is something wrong, son? You’ve been a little off these past two days.”

  Breathe, Luke. You can do this. You need to do this. “Actually, Dad, can we talk?”

  “Sure, son. Let me clean up a few things here, and then you’ll have my undivided attention.” As George cleaned off his desk and put his phone to voicemail, he noticed the tension and sadness around his son’s eyes. I’m glad my boy has finally decided to open up. “Now, what’s on your mind, my son?”

  “Well, Dad, it seems to me that you are beginning to settle into life without Mom. I mean, you’v
e started to recognize that life goes on.” Shit, that didn’t come out right.

  “I see. Does this mean that you’ve talked with someone?”

  “Dad, I know that you talk with Brian. Yes, I saw him this morning, actually.”

  “That’s great, son,” George replied.

  “Dad, I want to apologize to you. I haven’t been here enough for you. I didn’t see your own personal struggles outside of our family.”

  “Luke, you have been supportive—amazingly supportive. You were there for me and for your sisters, and you were there for your mother.” George took his son’s hand. “Luke, who has been there for you? Who supports you? I’m worried about you, son.”

  “Dad, I don’t think that I’ve allowed myself to mourn. I was so busy with thoughts of me not being here when mom died…” Luke paused, swallowing his guilt.

  “Son.”

  “Please, Dad, let me finish. I understand the loss that you feel and the loss that I feel are different. But, that’s the thing. I’m not sure how I feel. I’m sad that Mom died. I’m sad at what she will miss out on. I’m even sad for what we’ll miss out on. But, I am relieved at the same time because she is not suffering, and I don’t have to watch her die.”

  “Well, son, it sounds to me like you are starting to heal. That is a wonderful gift within itself.” George gave Luke a reassuring smile. “Do you know or even realize how much you held our family together while I was so angry and lost? For that, my son, I will never be able thank you enough. You were not only my son, but have also been my best friend.”

  Luke looked up to his dad and let the first tear fall for his mom.

  George continued. “You gave all you had into this company—nothing slipped through the cracks. You even invested into the small things, like making sure my secretary, Ruth received flowers for her birthday. You made sure that Julia had everything that she wanted for her wedding, and you let her know that moving on with the wedding was good for everyone. Don’t get me wrong; I’m so happy that Julia and Kyle got married. But, it was all you, Luke. And Kristen; look at how much she’s grown.”

  Did you know Mom gave her the sex talk?

  “Luke, you sold your condo to be with us and care for us.”

  Why does everyone keep mentioning that? It’s not a big deal.

  “I’m so happy to have all of you close by. And, hopefully, before we know it, I will have little grandchildren running around.” George smiled.

  Not only did Luke cry for himself, he cried for his future wife and children that would never be able to meet his mother.

  ***

  “Oh my God, Ally, that’s the dress!” squealed Julia.

  “You think so? I mean, look at this slit up my leg,” I said, cringing.

  Julia encouraged me. “You are going to stop hearts. That green looks amazing with your olive skin.”

  “Holy shit!” Kristen yelled.

  Julia and I ran to see what Kristen was yelling about.

  “Do you see these?” Kristen said while pointing to her breasts.

  Julia and I giggled. I replied, “How could we not? They are popping out all over the place.”

  “Stop laughing! It’s not funny!”

  “Kristen, just put duct tape over those babies, and you’ll be fine,” I suggested, smirking.

  “But, I want to dance and not show everyone my nipples,” Kristen whined.

  I laughed. “It will work. I used to do it all the time when my boobs were huge.”

  Kristen sighed and went to take off the dress.

  “Hey, before you leave, what do you think of the dress that I picked out for Ally?” asked Julia.

  “It’s hot! I love it! It fits like a glove, so you don’t even need to get it altered. That dress was made for you.” Kristen complimented, looking at me.

  Julia turned toward the sales clerk. “We’ll take it!”

  ***

  I can’t believe all the things that I pushed aside since Mom died. I sold my home and broke up with my girlfriend—not that that it was a big loss or anything. That girl was only after my name and job title—not to mention my money. The sex wasn’t even that great. I even faked it a few times just so she would stop whining.

  Luke sat on the couch in front of the fireplace in the living room, holding a two-finger pour of Patrón.

  What makes Alyson so…so…? I want to know everything about her. Where is she from? What was her childhood like? Does she play sports? Would she want children? What kind of wife would she be?

  Luke took a deep swallow of his drink.

  Is her hair as soft as her skin? Would her mouth taste like the sweetness of summer? Why does she smell so good?

  “Luke, why are you sitting in here by yourself?” George interrupted Luke’s thoughts.

  “I was just thinking, Dad.” Where do I want my life to go from here?

  “Take your time, son. A decision doesn’t need to be made overnight.” George put his hand on his son’s shoulder. “Luke, I’d like you to take a few days off and relax. Lord knows you deserve it. I can handle things at the office.”

  “When are the production companies coming to set up the Gala?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon, I believe, but you might want to check with Julia.” Giving his son a squeeze, he said, “Good night, son. I love you.”

  “Night, Dad.”

  ***

  “Holy shit, Ally! Where did you learn to drink like that?” asked Julia.

  “Easy. I hung out with nothing but boys all through high school, college, and at home—until some of them finally brought home wives. If ya’ can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

  We were giggling and stumbling through the door.

  “Easy, tiger, don’t take out the door, Jules,” Kristen laughed. “Here, Julia, let me help you to bed. Night, Ally.”

  “Good night.” Ally replied while rubbing her tummy.

  While I was noisily looking in the pantry for a snack, hoping not to wake anyone up. Luke came in the kitchen to see what all the commotion was all about.

  “Heey, Luke!” Luke, you smell so good!

  “Alyson, have you been drinking?”

  “Yes, with Jules and K-Kat. Purrrrr.”

  Luke sweetly looked at me and laughed.

  “Do you have any idea how much fun your sisters are?” I said with a slur.

  “Oh, I’m sure they are a blast.” Why is she so damn cute right now? Usually I find drunk girls extremely annoying.

  “They are! And do you know who else I find yummy?”

  Oh, this is going to be fun. “Hmmm?”

  “You, silly.” I said with a sly smile.

  Luke grabbed me into his arms. She even fits like a glove!

  “Luke, you even smell yummy. I just want to lick your lips.”

  He watched her lick her lips. Then, she nibbled the bottom one. You are going to be the death of me!

  Luke slowly pressed his lips against mine, pulling back ever so slightly to give me the chance to say no.

  Is that her tongue?

  I slid my tongue in between Luke’s lips and lightly moaned.

  Oh God, yes. Luke melted right there. There wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for her.

  I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and tousled his hair with my fingertips, grabbing it a bit harder to deepen the kiss.

  This is so much better than imagining it while I’m in the shower.

  “Mmm.” Luke…don’t stop. Put your large hands on me. Oh yes! “Mmm,” I moaned again even louder.

  When we finally came up for air, I said, “Wow, kissing you is fun!” I want to lick every inch of your body…

  “Alyson, I think you better go to bed.” Luke stepped away frantically, trying to create space between before he did something that she would regret.

  “Did I do something wrong?” I asked paranoid.

  How could she think that? Does she not see how frickin’ turned on I am? Luke swept his index finger across her chin. “No, sweetheart, you
didn’t.”

  As I crawled into bed, I put my fingers on my swollen lips and thought of Luke as I fell asleep.

  ***

  George heard his girls come home, so he went to go check up on them. He could hear Kristen and Julia laughing while Kristen tried to put her to bed quietly.

  “Kristen, I think Ally likes Luke,” Julia giggled like she was in high school at a sleepover.

  “I do, too. She’s good for him. She’s good for all of us. I feel like she’s kinda putting our family back together in a way.”

  “I know, right? She isn’t taking Mom’s place, but she makes everything fun again.” Julia fell on the bed. “Do you think he likes her?”

  “I do. When he watches her, it’s like he is protective of her. He wants to take her pain away.”

  “You see that, too? I wonder what happened. She’s so guarded with her feelings. Did you see how Daddy protects her? It’s like they have their own language,” Julia replied.

  “I think Mom would really like her.”

  George decided to not interrupt their conversation and went back to bed.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  The next morning George and Luke walked into the kitchen looking a little disappointed that there was no breakfast made. “Want some coffee, Luke?”

  “Sure.”

  “Why do you sound so cranky?”

  “Just a crappy sleep, Dad.”

  Luke and George sat, drinking their coffee and reading the newspaper.

  “Dad, what is that noise?”

  George looked up. “I think it’s the lawn mower.”

  “Why would the lawn mower be running? And who would be running it? I was going to do it today.” Just as Luke said that, the lawnmower went whipping around the corner in front of the side window. Luke looked at his dad. “Is that Alyson?”

  “It looks like it.” George chuckled. “I didn’t think that she would be up. Sounds like the girls had fun last night.”

  Luke pushed back his chair with force.

  “Son, what are you doing?”

  “I’m gonna stop Alyson. She could get hurt.”

  “Really? It looks like she has everything under control.”

  Luke gave his dad a pissed-off questioning look.

  “Look at her. She’s enjoying herself—smiling and singing away,” George said.