Luke was wearing a stiff suit belonging to Molly Brown's son. She had given it to him to borrow for the night. His hair was slicked back with perfection. He almost looked like he belonged there on the first class deck he stood on.
He looked out at the water, the bright orange sun drowning in the horizon. After a moment, he turned and walked to the First Class Entrance.
A steward bowed and opened the door for him. "Good evening, sir."
Luke nodded with the perfect amount of contempt. He's playing the role as good as he possibly can. And it's working.
When he stepped into the first class area, his mouth fell slightly ajar. He looked around in awe at the grand staircase crowded with people dressed in much too expensive outfits. The floors look like they costed more than what it took to build the entire steerage compartment. Luke had never seen anything like it.
He walked down the stairs, stopping at the bottom and nodding at passing people. As he turned, Nick walked past him, Rosa on his shoulder. He didn't even notice Luke standing there.
When Luke looked looked up the stairs, his breath caught in his throat. Julie smiled at him from the top of the steps, an elegant red dress fit on her body. She descended down the staircase, stopping on the last step.
Luke grinned, grabbing her gloved hand and leaning down to place a gentle kiss on it. He stood back up, though he didn't let go of her hand, and laughed. "I saw that once in a movie and I've always wanted to try it."
Julie laughed, turning towards where Nick and her mother stood. "Nick, surely you haven't forgotten Mr. Patterson."
Nick turned around, his eyes widening when he noticed Luke. "Patterson! I didn't see you there." He looked Luke up and down, nodding with a raised eyebrow and a half-smile. "You could almost pass as a gentleman."
Luke smiled. That was good enough for him.
~~~~~~~~~~
Luke was already drained by the time he had sat down to eat. Julie had pulled him around the room, introducing him to too many lavish-looking passengers. He knew almost every one of them was important but he couldn't even remember their names.
He sat down in his seat and smiled over at Molly, a gesture she returned.
So far, it seemed like everyone was convinced Luke belonged. That he was one of them. But of course, Rosa had to begin the meal by dismissing these assumptions.
"So, Mr. Patterson, tell us about the accommodations in steerage. I hear they're pretty good on this ship." She smiled and tilted her head. She knew what she was doing.
Luke sucked in a breath and readjusted his position. "The best I've ever seen, ma'am. Hardly any rats."
"Mr. Patterson is joining us tonight from third class. He was of some assistance to my fiancee last night." Nick pointed towards Luke's plate, speaking in a condescending tone. "That's foie gras. Goose liver."
Luke nodded with a polite smile. He ignored the glares from almost everyone around him. Though he couldn't hear the content of their whispers, he knew he was the subject of them all.
"How would you like your caviar, sir?" A waiter asked, leaning in towards Luke to hear his response.
"Oh, no caviar for me." He looked over at Nick to explain. "I never did like it much.
He looked over at Julie, earning a laugh from her.
"So, Mr. Patterson, where exactly do you live?" Rosa asked.
"Well, my current address is the RMS Titanic. After that, I'll go wherever life takes me," He grinned.
"I suppose you enjoy that sort of reckless, bohemian style living, don't you," Rosa sneered as as the waiters approached and served each guest their salad.
Luke went to go grab a fish fork from the 10 different types that sat in front of him. Julie gave a subtle head shake and gestured towards the salad fork. Luke nodded and grabbed the right one.
"Well, Ms. Molina, I guess I do. I have everything I need right here with me. I have a few blank sheets of paper and the air in my lungs, all I need to survive. I enjoy waking up in the morning, not knowing where I'm going or who I'm gonna meet. Just a week or two ago I was sleeping on a bench and now I'm drinking champagne with you fine people on the greatest ship in the world" He took a sip of his drink before continuing. "Life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what's gonna happen next so you gotta make each moment count."
"Well said, Luke," Molly complimented.
"Cheers," One of the well-dressed men exclaimed, raising his glass.
Julie followed, nodding at Luke as she spoke. "To making it count."
"And how do you get around, Mr. Patterson? It seems you've been everywhere," Rosa huffed, frustrated with the fact that Luke had scored a point against her.
Luke shrugged.
"I work my way from place to place usually. I actually won my ticket for the Titanic in a lucky hand at poker." He glanced over at Julie and smiled. "A very lucky hand."
"All life is a game of luck, ain't it?" Someone said with a laugh.
"Real men make their own luck," Nick claimed, peering over at Luke with a look of superiority. Luke stared back with a smile, trying not to show that he was intimidated. Their little stare-off was interrupted by Julie putting a hand on Nick's shoulder.
"Hey, Nick, what time is it?"
"You can read a clock, Julie," Nick complained.
Luke looked down at his food with a smile. He was smitten, no doubt about it.
An hour or so later the meal was finished and dessert was being served. Julie leaned over towards Luke and whispered. "Next the boys will leave for brandies in the Smoking Room."
Luke laughed, though less than a minute later one of the men stood up and declared, "Well, gentleman, join me for a brandy?"
The other men all muttered in agreement and began rising from their seats. Julie leaned in again and spoke to Luke in a low whisper. "Next they'll sit in a cloud of smoke and congratulate each other on being masters of the universe."
As Nick straightened his tie, he looked at Luke with a raised eyebrow. "Joining us, Patterson? Wouldn't want to stay here with the woman!"
Luke couldn't say it, but he's much rather spend his time with Julie than those hollow airheads. Instead of speaking his thoughts, he just set his napkin down on the table and sighed. "I actually think I'll head back now."
"Eh, probably best," Nick smirked. "We'll just be talking politics and things of that sort. Nothing that would interest you."
Nick turned and followed after the others. Julie looked at Luke with a pout. "Must you go, Luke?"
"Time for my coach to turn back into a pumpkin," He shrugged. As he grabbed her hand, he slipped a folded up note into her palm. He nodded with a smile and left the table.
Julie scowled at him as he navigated the enormous room and approached the door. She looked down at the wrinkled paper in her hands and unfolded it under the table.
'Make it count. Meet me by the clock.'
Words: 1245
Hey yall! How are you? My life's shit, thanks for asking. Remember to vote and comment if you can! None the less, thank you for being here and reading this story. Love you guys!
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zona <3