Forgiven // l.h. // Book 2 in Bully Series

16. Dinner, Of Course

Liz invited me over for dinner tonight as well. She mentioned that Ben, his girlfriend, and Jack and his family would be over. Though I had only met Luke's brothers a handful of times in the past, I couldn't turn the offer down. I wouldn't admit it, but I missed the little blond girl who had come to my camp several weeks ago.

Of course, I wouldn't take no for an answer when I offered to help Liz cook the food. We were just finishing up putting the batter on the chicken when the front door opened, and a deep voice called out into the house.

"Mum, we're here!" I didn't recognize the voice, but I knew it had to be one of the two brothers. My answer came when a small child came barreling into the kitchen.

"Nana, Nana!" Zoe shouted, holding out a handful of small flowers I recognized as dasies. "I picked you flowers." She offered, holding out the small bouquet. Liz made a big deal of the flowers, grabbing a 'vase' (just a plastic cup) and putting them in it with some water.

After a second, Zoe noticed me standing in the kitchen. She seemed confused for a brief second before her face lit up and she turned around, rushing from the room. Moments later, she returned, holding onto Jack's hand and pulling him along.

"Daddy, look!" She exclaimed, seeming excited. "Miss Dee-na." Jack seemed surprised to see me there, apron wrapped around my middle and a tray of chicken in my hands. I smiled at him, then looked down at Zoe.

"Hey pretty girl. How have you been?" I asked. Liz took the food from me and put it in the oven, setting the timer.

"She has not stopped talking about Oc-oo-ber since the camp. I'm guessing that was one of the animals?" Jack asked, giving me a smile while Zoe seemed slightly embarrassed. I nodded.

"Yeah, October's my cat. I bring her to work with me because she's obnoxious if left at home." I chuckled.

"No wonder she likes her so much, then. They're practically the same." A feminine voice spoke moments before a very beautiful woman walked into the kitchen. I had never met Jack's wife before. She held out a hand to me and I shook it. "I'm Celeste. You must be Daeyna?" I nodded at her, and was about to ask how she knew I'd be here, but the sound of the front door opening caught my attention.

"Let the party begin!" Since Jack was standing right in front of me, I assumed that was Ben. I was right. He sauntered into the kitchen, toting a six pack of beer in each hand. Liz gave him a look, but accepted the beer anyway before shooing all of us into the living room. Jack and his wife took the loveseat, I took the chair in the corner, and Ben and his girlfriend took the large couch. Zoe crawled up onto Celeste's lap.

"So what's for dinner, chef Daeyna?" Ben teased. I frowned before realizing I still had the apron on.

"Food." I said simply, giving him a slight smirk as I pulled the garment from my body. Both Celeste and Jack laughed at that. I couldn't help but smile at how easily I went back to being joking with Luke's brothers. I only wished it could be this easy with Luke himself.

Liz came back from the kitchen moments later, and the group began chatting away, splitting off into smaller conversations every once in a while. Luke's dad came home about twenty minutes later and joined the conversations as well. It was lovely.

The food was great. Liz tried to put all the credit on me, but I wouldn't allow her. She was the one who had helped me learn to cook while I lived here, after all. Zoe was talkative as ever, and I even got to see the tantrum side of her when her mom wouldn't let her have a second slice of the dessert pie. All-in-all, it was a fantastic day. Though, by the time I got home, I was beyond exhausted.

After I flopped on my bed, I pulled out my phone and clicked on an app I hadn't used in quite a while. Twitter. After apologizing for my lack of use, I sent out a tweet. Kendra replied to it almost immediately, and I couldn't help but laugh. After replying to her, I set my phone down. She replied again, and I pulled up the app again as I changed into my pajamas. However, another tweet caught my attention.

@Luke5SOS: I always miss the best dinners at my house. Mum's a great cook, but I know she didn't make this food alone...

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Oh my goodness gracious me almighty.

I'm sorry for the horribly late update. I'll explain in a second. But first....

Liz! I love Liz. And the rest of the fam was there! Minus Luke of course, but he'll be around sooner or later.

Now to my explaining. Firstly, I had exams. I get really stressed around exam week, so I took the week before and the week itself off because I needed to study and focus. So that was a thing. Secondly, I'm looking around not transferring schools, so that's been something I've been focusing on. And I'm also trying to find around not job so I can be less poor and such. So basically my life has been busy. But I'll try to make somewhat regular updates over the summer! No guarantees, but I will do my best.

So there you have it!

Ps. I also turned 20 on the 4th of May so that was a thing too. Happy birthday to me! No longer a teen!

Anyways, I love you all to bits and thanks for your patience! See you next time!