Luke arrives, hair wildly disheveled under his ball cap, cheeks rosy and shirt damp, as though he's been doing a lot of manual labor. Giving me a regretful, tight lipped grin that doesn't reach his eyes, he reaches his hand out to Finn.
"Come on, bud. Let's go home." He's patient but oddly quiet as Finn wrestles with the straps of his backpack. Kneeling to help him get it onto his shoulders, Luke looks up at me. "Sorry again. I could explain, but..." His hazel-green eyes trail to Finn and he shrugs.
"I get it," I mumble, feeling like I'm invading on their personal lives. Whatever goes on between Finn's dad and Laura is their business.
"I'll drive you home," Luke nods, wiping the back of his neck.
This time, I don't argue. Grabbing my things, I follow him and Finn out of the center, mindlessly listening as Finn chats about The Cat in the Hat.
Luke is sweet with him, but I can tell his mind is somewhere else. Despite myself, I begin to feel concerned. Training my sight out the window, I try to concentrate on the faces of tourists slowly starting to populate the streets.
"Grams told me about your deal." Luke says when Finn finally quiets into a soft sleep.
Rolling my eyes to the ceiling of Luke's mothers van, I suck my teeth sarcastically. "Of course she did. You guys are really close, huh?"
I peer at Luke from the corner of my eye and he keeps his gaze on the road, brows furrowed despite the small grin on his lips.
"Anyways," Luke casts a sidelong glance my way. "There's a bonfire tonight, if you still need to find a way to keep her happy."
"A bonfire?" I repeat, mind flashing back to the many drunken nights I've spent way too close to an open flame on the beach. I shake my head, sending dark waves slipping from my bun. "No, thanks."
Luke squints at me before shrugging nonchalantly and turning into Grams' driveway. "You used to love 'em. You have my number if you change your mind. I'll drive."
Hopping from the car, I hike my backpack over one shoulder and lean into the open window.
"Young Dylan loved a lot of things." I mutter, probably more loaded than I had intended.
Luke blinks at me slowly, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. Looking over his shoulder to back out of the drive, he offers a small wave.
"Tell June I say hello."
Once I'm through the front door, Grams doesn't give me the chance to before she bursts with questions.
"Was that Luke?" She stretches to see out the window. "Do you have plans?"
"Yes," I groan, settling into the armchair beside hers and dropping my bag to the floor. "And yes, actually. There's a bonfire tonight."
"You're going?" Grams brows raise in delight.
I nod my head. Despite what I said to Luke, I don't see myself making any other plans. This can be a quick in and out situation. Kind of perfect, in a way.
"With Luke?"
"Why would I go with Luke?" I sigh, removing my hair-tie and running my fingers through the dark strands.
Grams purses her lips at me. "Brynn then? Maya?" I shake my head wordlessly and Grams expression grows more frustrated, her lips forming a tight line. "You're going alone?"
"Why not?" I shrug my shoulders.
"You're supposed to be being social, Dylan."
"I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunity to do just that when I get there." I stand, stretching my arms over my head and twisting my back. Sitting on the StoryTime rug all week has really got me tight. "Need anything before I get ready?"
"Dylan Grace. I'm very serious about this." Grams stares up at me, eyes hard behind her glasses.
I nod slowly. "So am I, Grams. Please, let me do this my way." Staring at my wrist, I trail the leather cord wrapped around it and continue. "If I go alone, I can control how long I stay. Doing stuff like this is just really hard without-" My voice cracks and I take a deep breath. "It's just really hard without Case."
Immediately, Grams face softens and she raises her hands out to me for a hug. Leaning in and inhaling her sweet scent, I let a few tears fall before pulling myself together. She doesn't have to say anything - her embrace is enough to numb some of the hurt swelling in my chest.
"Okay," I mutter, patting under my eyes as I straighten up. "I'm going to go get ready."
I'm halfway up the stairs when Grams calls after me. "He would want you to live your life, Dylan."
Blinking back a new round of tears, I adjust my backpack on my shoulder and continue up to my room.
"Yeah, Grams. I know."
Remember to vote and comment if you enjoyed!
Bonfire dun dun duh!
Big things are coming out with Dylan soon❤️