Pretty Girls ⇼ Luke Hemmings

As Luke pulled up to my house, I gave his hand a tight squeeze. I smiled at him, trying to show him how excited I was for this moment.
“Do they know I’m coming?” he asked, straightening his tie in the visor’s mirror.
“No.” I grinned, reaching back and petting petunia.
“What? Really? Val-” I cut him off.
“Trust me, the best way to meet my parents is without any warning.” He got frustrated with his tie and I couldn’t help but smile. “Here, let me-” I straightened it, staring up at him with a smile.
“Any advice?” He pulled out a pack of cigarettes, setting one in between his lips.
“For one, no smoking!” I scolded, taking the cigarette out of his mouth and giving him a stern look. “They’d kill me!”
“What? I’m stressed, okay?” I couldn’t help but smile, placing the unsmoked cigarette back in it’s pack. “Seriously, though. Any advice?”
“They’re very old fashioned. So just shake their hands and agree to their opinions.” He took a deep breath before nodding.

We walked up the path and to the door. As Luke raised his hand to ring the doorbell, I stopped him with a laugh.
“I live here, remember?” As soon as I opened the door, Parker ran up to me and jumped into my arms. “Hey, Park!” I laughed, picking him up. “I want you to meet someone.” Luke stepped in the house, keeping Petunia out of sight. “This is my friend, Luke.” Parker buried his face in my shoulder. “Say hi, silly!” I giggled as Parker whispered a hello before burrowing his face once again. “Parker, Luke brought someone with him that I think you’d like to meet.” Luke stepped aside, allowing Petunia to nudge her way into the house. Immediately she looked up to Parker, who was squirming in my arms.

“A puppy!” He gasped, jumping down and running towards her, locking his arms around her neck.
“That’s Petunia,” Luke said, kneeling down. “She’s my very best friend.”
“Wow!” Parker gasped, falling into a giggling fit when Petunia licked his face. “I like her a lot!” He nuzzled his face in her neck.
“I think she likes you, too.” Luke’s voice was soft as he gave Petunia’s head a pat before standing up. I couldn’t help but smile as I reached out for his hand, pulling him towards me.
“Mommy! Mommy! Come look!” Parker yelled as I gave Luke a quick peck on the cheek.

“Parker, I told you to stop yelling! Mommy has a headache!” Gene complained, walking into the hallway with a glass of wine in her hand. “Oh.” She stopped once she saw me, her eyes raking down my body as if to judge me. “I didn’t know you were coming.” Her eyes fell to where Luke and my hands connected before trailing up to Luke’s face.
“Luke, this is Laura Gene.” My eyes fell to the floor, watching as Parker ran in the other room, Petunia darting after her. Luke moved forward, setting a hand on my back and reaching the other one out to shake Gene’s hand.
“Call me Gene,” she said. If she was judging him, I didn’t want to know. She looked down to Petunia, raising her eyebrows.

“Wow. The dog is… Fat,” she teased.
“She’s no more overweight than Warren is,” I argued.
“And Warren is fat, too.” Silence struck us for a long while before I tried to get past.
“Can we… um… get through?” I asked, my eyes slowly finding Gene’s. She always makes me so nervous. “I’d like to say hi to mom and dad.” Her lips curled into a fake smile.
“Don’t forget about Drew,” she taunted, moving against the wall.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Rolling my eyes and moving past her, pulling Luke with me.

We walked past the living room and through the dining room, finally reaching the kitchen. I gave Luke’s hand a supportive squeeze before entering the kitchen.
“We’re here!” I smiled, greeting her with a tight hug.
“Valerie! I didn’t think you’d make it!” She held my face in her hands, giving me a smile. “You look nice.” I shook my head, pulling out of her grasp.
“This is Luke!” I grinned, stepping aside to reveal him.
“It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Moretti—ma’am.” He reached his hand out to shake hers, but she pulled him into a hug instead. I mouthed an I’m sorry as he uncomfortably hugged her back.
“The famous Luke,” she gushed, reaching out to touch his face. Before she could, the oven beeped. “Oh! The chicken!” And she was off, taking a drink of her wine as she pulled the chicken out of the oven. “Go say hi to your dad, dear!” She waved us off and I led Luke outside.

“I think she’s drunk!” I laughed as we walked through the yard. “You’re doing amazing.” I stopped in front of the garage. “Just two more people and we’ll be done.” He let out a deep breath, nodding.
“I expected… Worse.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“They usually are,” I told him. “Worse, I mean. Gene’s always nice to people I bring home. It’s like a… Fake nice, I guess… And mom, well she’s drunk.” We shared a laugh. “And since they’re already in the garage, I’m guessing my dad is drunk, too.”
“Let’s go find out.” He put on a large grin and I smiled back before opening the door and stepping into the cigarette smoke-filled garage.
“Hi, daddy!” I gushed, running up to him and crushing him with a hug.
“Hi, sweetie!” His cigarette was in between his lips as his arms wrapped around me. I moved to Drew, giving him a quick hug as well.
“This is Luke. Luke, my dad and Drew.” I introduced for what felt like the hundredth time. Luke shook Drew’s hand before dad’s, and dad gave him a hard look.

“So you’re the one who’s been dating my youngest daughter,” dad said as their hands disconnected.
“Um-” Luke cleared his throat. “Yes sir.” I could tell he was nervous. I imagine most parents weren’t fond of him. But he looked so formal. He was dressed nicely, all his tattoos covered. He cut his hair. They wouldn’t see what everyone else sees in Luke. They wouldn’t see a tall, scary man who’s covered in tattoos. They’d see a sweet guy who dressed up to meet them. Maybe it would all work out after all.
“I’m messing with you, son.” Dad laughed, playfully slapping Luke on the shoulder.
“Oh.” Luke let out a dry laugh. “Good one, sir.”
“Please, don’t call me sir. Mr. Moretti will do.” I laughed, rolling my eyes as Luke mindlessly nodded. “I’m kidding. Call me Martin, please-” I cut him off.
“Dad, quit busting Luke’s chops. He doesn’t know you well enough to recognize your jokes.” Dad winked at me before taking a drag of his cigarette.

“I thought you quit, dad.” I frowned.
“As far as your mother knows, I did.” It was another one of his jokes, but I shook my head.
“I’m telling,” I teased, crossing my arms.
“What if I said I had a present for you? Would you tell then?” I cocked my head.
“Hmmm… It depends on what it is.” I fell into his trap and he walked over the fridge, opening it up and pulling out a bouquet of sunflowers.
“As per tradition.” He handed me the bouquet and I brought them to my nose, taking a deep breath in.
“Thank you, daddy.” He put out his cigarette before going back to the fridge.

“Luke, would you like a beer?” Luke immediately to me, as if to ask if it was okay. I gave him a quick nod, turning to Drew.
“Please, thank you.” Through the corner of my eye, I saw the beer can soar through the air for Luke to catch. Dad popped his open, taking a long drink.
“Drew?” Dad asked, holding up his can.
“I’m alright, Martin.” Drew’s attention fell on me. “Did Gene tell you the news?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
“What… News?” I furrowed my brow as he grinned.
“We’re getting that puppy for Parker. Picking it up tomorrow,” he announced.
“Wow. That’s great!” I forced a smile. Of course gene wouldn’t tell me.
“It’s a three month old Shiba Inu. An early birthday present.” I was about to ask if he had a picture, when Gene’s shouting startled me.

“Andrew! Your son is running in the house and not listening to me!” I held in an eyeroll as Drew sighed, giving me a small smile before excusing himself.
When I turned back to Luke, dad was standing next to him, his hand on Luke’s shoulder.
“This is the part where I tell you that you better not hurt my little girl. But I think we can skip that. Looks like you already know.” Luke’s face fell as he nodded.
“Dad!” I complained, giving him an annoyed look. He withdrew his touch, lighting another cigarette.
“Why don’t you two go help your mom set the table. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” I knew better than to disagree, and I didn’t want dad to yell at me in front of Luke. So I kissed his cheek.
“Thank you, again, for the flowers, daddy.”

Luke and I walked out of the garage, following the path to the house. When we reached the side of the house, Luke caught my hip and pulled my body to his. I let out a loud squeak as he pressed his lips against mine. My shocked turned into a smile as I kissed him back.
“I’d like to hear you call me daddy.” He whispered in my ear. Gasping I swatted his shoulder.
“Now is not the time to talk about your kinks.” I whispered back, my eyes wide. He kissed me again before allowing me to pull away form his body.
“I love you,” he said as we started walking again.
“I love you, too.” When we walked into the dining room, the table was already set. I sent Luke to the living room to sit with Gene and Drew. Although it worried me to leave him alone with Gene, I trusted that Drew would stop her from saying something rude.

“Mom, do you need any help?” I asked as she grabbed serving spoons and set them with the platters.
“You could bring these to the table.” She handed me the scalloped potatoes and broccoli salad, taking the dish of chicken and biscuits for herself. I followed her into the dining room, setting the platters down. “Would you and Luke like some wine?” I followed her into the kitchen, taking the glasses from her as she brought the bottle of wine to the table, filling the white in each cup on the table, including the ones I set down in Luke and my place. The glasses of water were already next to the wine. Mom was really on top of dinner tonight. Usually she’d forget something in the kitchen and leave during dinner to get it. She set the bottle down, grabbing her glass and drinking nearly half of it.

“So, you’re drinking again?” I asked, remembering her old habit of drinking a bottle of wine each night. She laughed, setting her glass back down and refilling it.
“I had one before dinner and I’m having one during. I’m just trying to relax.” I sighed, giving her a slow nod.
“Don’t you think you’ve already had enough?” I inquired when she picked the glass back up and took a sip.
“Sweetie, I’m not drunk!” As she spoke, her arm flailed and some wine spilled out the side of the rim. I watched it fall onto the rug, seeping in the fabric. “Now, why don’t you sit nice and pretty, and I’ll call everyone in.” Her glass was set back on the table, with the sip refilled, before she left me alone. She’s always nicer when she’s drunk.

***

We all sat around the table, nearly finished with dinner. Conversation was full of Parker talking about daycare and my family asking Luke questions about himself. Luke was to my right; Parker, Gene, and Drew across from us; with mom and dad at either ends of the table. I held Luke’s hand under the table, giving it a light squeeze as Petunia nudged my knee. Warren was by Parker, waiting for scraps to be dropped.

Luke was holding up pretty well. I could tell he was tired and it was hard for him to keep a positive attitude. I was worried he’d slip up or conversation would go awry. Sure he was saying all the right things now, but what if that changed? I set my elbows on the table, leaning forward to grab my wine.

“Val, what’s that on your wrist?” Gene asked, her lips forming into a smirk. I knew something would happen to ruin the good mood.
“It’s nothing-” I began, getting cut off by mom.
“Valerie,” she warned. “Is that a tattoo?” The mood instantly dropped as I held my wrist up, revealing the small heart. “Valerie!” She scolded, covering her mouth. “I can’t believe-” I was quick to cut her off.
“Gene has a tattoo!” I tried to defend myself.
“Delia, she’s an adult, she can make her own decisions.” Dad sounded bored as he brought his last forkful to his mouth.
“I don’t want my daughters running around with God-knows-what inked on their skins! You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord. It’s Leviticus 19:28, Martin. It goes against God’s wishes!” Dad forced a smile.
“I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Isaiah 43:25. I think God will forgive them. They’re young. They make mistakes.” Irritated, mom stood up and began grabbing the empty plates. Gene and I stood to help, Gene bringing the desert plates and me bringing the silverware as mom brought out the apple pie and vanilla ice cream.

“You have to forgive us, Luke. We take religion very seriously in this house.” Mom plastered on another smile, serving pieces of pie and passing it to Gene to scoop ice cream on. Then to me, where I put silverware and delivered it to each table setting.
“Don’t apologize,” was the only thing Luke said.
“We commit ourselves to God. In fact, our Valerie made a very special promise to God.” Dad brought up and my face reddened.
“Dad-” I began, but was cut off.
“I know about that… I support Val in anything she believes in.” I couldn’t help but smile, setting the last plate down and taking my seat again.
“And what about you?” Mom asked. “Do you believe in God?” The room went silent for a split second.
“I haven’t attended church since I was young.” I wasn’t sure if he was lying. Luke and I have never really talked much about religion. Just that my family was religious and his wasn’t.
“Oh.” Mom cleared her throat.

It was quiet, the mood awkward and uncomfortable.
“Luke is coming with me to Sunday mass this week,” I said, hoping that Luke would go along with my lie.
“Really?” The smile returned on mom’s face.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Maybe you can come to our church sometime. It’s wonderful, really.” Dad spoke with his mouth full of pie and ice cream.
“You know, dad. It’s really just so hard to find the time to come up here.” I tried to get out of the subject.

I was surprised that Gene was busying herself with Parker, not aiming to get me in trouble. This wasn’t usual for her. Maybe she liked Luke. Or maybe she’s just in a good mood.
“Speaking of which,” I began, setting my fork down. “We really should get going. We have to study for exams.”
“Oh, of course!” Mom stood up, grabbing our plates and putting them in the kitchen. “We don’t want to distract you from your studies.” I finished my glass of wine, standing up and grabbing my bouquet of sunflowers as Luke put Petunia on her leash.
“It was nice to come home for dinner. I’ll see you guys soon.” After a long goodbye to everyone, Luke and I got in the car and headed back to campus.

Notes

I didn't edit this so please ignore any errors, I'm sorry.
But I DID make this about twice the length of a usual chapter!