Page 89 of Where We Met

I follow the girls outside to a spot along the wall where we agreed to meet our parents. The summer sun is shining down on my black cap and gown, not the most comfortable combination.

"Anyone else sweating balls under here?" Tricia asks as she fans herself with the program.

"Why black?" Aubrey asks.

"There they are," Aubrey's mom shouts enthusiastically.

Once all our parents are here, we take more photos. Some with parents and daughter, and a bunch of the four of us girls.

I'm leaning against the wall, smiling for a photo with the girls, when I notice a sharply dressed man from a distance. He sticks out like a sore thumb dressed in such a nice suit. He doesn't have to get much closer for my heart to feel like it drops out of my chest.

Luke.

He's heading this way. The closer he gets, the more I feel like I can't breathe. Why does he have to be so forget-how-to-breathe beautiful?

He's close enough for me to see his face clearer now. A small smile forms on his face.

If anyone is talking to me right now, I have no clue. The world around me ceases to exist as he approaches.

"Hi," he says when he reaches me.

"Hi."

"Congratulations, Princess," he whispers as he leans in and kisses my forehead.

"Thank you," I reply, barely able to form a single thought.

Luke looks behind me and nods his head. "Ladies. Congratulations."

"Thanks, Professor Luke," Tricia says, then realizes our parents are watching and he just kissed my forehead. "Uhhh…I mean, Luke. Thanks…Luke."

I look over at my dad who doesn't look too happy at the moment. Veronica is holding his hand as she whispers something in his ear and then offers me a wink.

I don't know what she just said, but his shoulders visibly relax. Although, he still doesn't look excited. I don't know what to do. I'm utterly thrilled that Luke is here, but by the look on my dad's face, he's going to ruin this day for me.

"Mr. Davis," Luke says as he turns to my father. "Can I have a word alone with you?"

What? No! Fuck, no!

Why does he want to talk to my dad…ALONE?

Nothing good can come from this.

"Oh, I don't think that's the best idea," I say as I step forward.

Luke looks between my father and me. "I would really love to have a word with you in private. If you would give me the opportunity."

My dad looks at me then at Luke and nods his head in agreement.

They walk away and if I thought I was sweating before, that was nothing compared to what's going on underneath my gown at the moment.

"It's gonna be okay," Veronica whispers to me.

"How do you know that?" I ask.

"Because I've had several conversations about this in the last week. He'll get there, just give him time. This is good…I'm impressed your man is so brave."

I roll my eyes. "A little warning would've been nice."

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