2. LUKE
Chapter 2
LUKE
6 months ago
A few months ago, during one of Osei’s crazy calls, he insisted that I show up to his Halloween party. I pushed back, but he used the family code of “You call, your brother answers. ” I grunted in frustration and begrudgingly agreed to go; besides, I didn’t want him to get in trouble should things go awry at his Halloween party—which, with my brother, was a ninety percent chance.
Mom would not be okay with it, and that’s never a good thing. I have seen first-hand what a “not okay” status for mom looks like, and I have no desire to ever see that again.
So, off I went to the party, with Declan and Bruce, my brothers in everything but blood, laughing at my poor costume choice of just a Venetian mask. They mocked me, saying, “Going as grumpy self with a mask?” I didn’t want any of Osei’s female friends to recognize me. The moment they realize I’m the Luke Blythe of the real estate empire, everything about them changes. That always gets an eye roll from Osei, which is why he sometimes doesn’t want me around.
I arrived to find everyone dressed in Halloween costumes, already half-drunk, laughing in the poorly lit, Halloween-decorated living room. Loud music blared. I found my brother dancing and laughing in his police costume, complete with an ugly mustache and fake glasses. Looking around, I was glad I was there, to make sure things didn’t spiral. His unit was packed. He was close to breaking the building code. Another reason I had to stay.
My brother’s friendliness is great, but a few people know he’s my younger brother, which makes him a target for some women who want to get close to me and some guys who want favors.
Over the years, Osei has learned to weed them out, but his good nature still attracts some people with hidden agendas. I, on the other hand, can count my friends on one hand. He’s a one-woman-at-a-time kind of guy, and I’m the more-the-merrier type with a few repeats in between. Hence the ring that felt heavy in my pocket. I had the jeweler pick one that would suffice and deliver it to me. No need for emotional attachment; this was to be a pure business arrangement. Though, I was still unsure if it was a wise decision to even think about taking such a step, yet it seemed like the acceptable decision with my gut churning and refusing to check on that decision.
I watched as the guests’ numbers grew. I found a spot away from the noise but kept a close eye on Osei. Soon, I noticed a woman walk in, and Osei was all excited, hugging her tightly. She was wearing a half-face lace Venetian mask, hospital scrubs, and Crocs.
Like me, the Venetian mask seemed to be the only effort she had put into her Halloween costume. My brother kissed her cheeks, holding her hand and smiling widely at her. They seemed pleased to see each other; whatever he whispered to her brought a bright smile to her face, but her smile also captivated me. That smile should be for me only. Someone soon called Osei’s attention, and he let go of her hand. I moved closer as she surveyed her surroundings.
Finally, she looked my way, and our eyes locked. We held each other’s gaze, even as the party around us continued, but for us, time stopped. We alone existed in that moment. I had heard about the look felt across the room, but not once had it happened to me—until that evening. I was captivated, my heart pounding.
Our gaze was abruptly interrupted when a drunk clown bumped into her, jolting her. I looked away, but longed to look back at her. I didn’t understand what had happened, but I wanted to explore it.
I looked back and noticed she was now in the kitchen, filling her plate, then leaning into a corner to eat. She was attentive, watching the party, seeming content in her corner. Just as I seemed content watching her, curious about who she was and, more importantly, who she was to Osei.
I moved closer and grabbed some food. She didn’t notice me, but I found myself drawn to her. My body reacted in a way I had never experienced—a burning desire for her. I moved away immediately to avoid whatever magnetic force was drawing me to her and returned to my corner to continue my watch.
I’ve never dabbled in emotions, and I’ve always kept them at bay, especially for a serial dater like me. But I was genuinely feeling emotions for her—though I didn’t even know her name.
Osei went to check on her, and she smiled at him. He held her hand and whispered in her ear, making her laugh. Even with the mask, I could tell it was a cheerful laugh. Osei left, and I watched her head out to the balcony. Without my mental permission, my legs followed her direction.
It was a bit chilly in Chicago—not cold, but rare for October, almost November. She spread her arms out and lifted her head to the dark skies to take in the air. I watched as she breathed it all in. She must have felt my presence and turned to look at me, hands down, a slight smile curving her lips.
“Hi.” Her soft voice was a subtle calm to my stormy mind.
“Hi,” I responded to her with a fucking wide grin slapped across my half-covered face.
“I needed some air. It’s stuffy in there, plus I’ve been inside all day.”
“Yeah, me too. I need fresh air as well—too stuffy in there.” Fucking liar.
“Good,” she said, looking up again to inhale and exhale the air. I watched subtly, finding myself more drawn to her. She sat on one chair; I sat too. We sat in palpable silence, watching the city, the cool air cocooning us. The music boomed behind us, but my body was attuned to her presence.
I could sit with her forever. Where the fuck did that thought come from? You know it’s true . That’s fucked up. I didn’t need any “forever” shit. What I needed right now was the perfect arrangement that I planned to make with the ring in my pocket. In that case, go back inside.
Fuck that! I’m staying.
“The view is better on the other side,” I found myself saying impulsively to her, which was never me. Osei is impulsive, and I’m controlled, but something about her made me lose my usual self-control.
“There’s a better view than this?” She asked, looking my way, her voice tinged with curiosity and hesitation. I couldn’t see her eyes behind the mask in the dim light, but her voice was one my brain had now etched into my central system.
“Yes, I can take you there if you want.” I answered, noticing her quick hesitation.
“That’s okay, this is fine,” she said, turning her attention back to the view. That’s just buildings with lights and nothing interesting.
“I assure you, it’s better, and we won’t leave the unit. I just know where to look.” I noticed she wanted to say no, but then her body relaxed. Somehow, I noticed her resting heart rate was calm, a stark contrast to my own racing heart as I sat next to her—a strange juxtaposition. I needed to nip whatever this was; it’s definitely messing with my well-crafted sense of control.
“Okay, as long as we’re not getting into Osei’s things.” Did I detect a warning in there?
“He’ll be fine,” I said, chuckling. I rose, and I swear something inside me flipped when she rose, too.
I led us back into the unit and bypassed more party groups, with bodies in costumes gyrating to the music. I headed toward the second bedroom, which was off a small office. A bee and honey jar were making out on the sofa in the office. I opened the bedroom door, and she hesitated.
“I just want to show you the view, nothing else,” I said. She nodded, and the bee and honey jar making out on the loveseat didn’t look our way. I opened the door and left it open, dashing toward the sliding door that led to the balcony. Opening it, I pulled back the curtain and turned to see that she was still at the door. I widened the door so she could see the view of Navy Pier and the moonlight kissing Lake Michigan. She slowly ventured into the room, leaving the door wide open.
We stepped onto the balcony. “It’s more beautiful, isn’t it?” I watched her smile. I liked seeing her smile. She inhaled the air again, wrapped her arms around herself, and stared at the open view. I watched her, trying not to ogle her. The half of her face I could see—mostly her full lips—had me intrigued and wanting to see what she looked like.
“Thank you for showing me this,” she said. I nodded. She dug into her pocket to get a scrunchie and pulled her braids into a ponytail. As she moved, it revealed a scar on her arm. Without thinking, I grabbed her arm. Unexpected fury built up in me at the thought of someone harming her.
“Who did this to you?” My voice was harsher than I intended.
She jerked her arm out of mine. “I’m a nurse. A patient pushed me, I fell, and got a cut. An unfortunate case of occupational hazard,” she snapped. I was right about her costume effort being just the mask.
“Does it still hurt?” I asked in a calm, controlled voice. I wasn’t sure why the thought of anyone hurting her upset me that much.
“Yes, a bit, but not as bad as when it happened.” I nodded, accepting her explanation.
“Should I find the guy and punch him for you?” I said to lighten the mood. She laughed, and the sound of her subtle laughter pleased me.
“I’m sure you’ll be charged with assaulting a minor. My patient was a fourteen-year-old mini giant boy. He was profoundly sorry.”
“A mini giant, uh.” I chuckled. I couldn’t have envisioned her patient as an underage boy. I had some crazy older man visualized in my head.
“Yeah, I call him a giant baby because he’s 6ft 4 inches tall, also bulky, which he doesn’t like.”
“Well, I hope he stays sorry.”
“I’m sure he will. He’s a sweet boy when he’s not having an episode.” I moved closer, and her aura engulfed me with a deep urge to kiss her. Despite my attempt to retreat, the persistent urge consumed me. Like a ferocious beast, it demanded to be satisfied.
I took a step away from her, fighting within me not to do what my whole being was yearning for. In the silent yet loud moment, a gentle breeze blew our way, contrasting the fiery warmth of my desire for her. My heart was pulsating with every beat.
Succumbing to my inner beast, unable to resist the urge any longer, I swiftly pulled her into my arms, capturing her mouth in a kiss that released the full force of my burning desire. Instead of a slap for my unusual behavior, our tongues danced in perfect synchrony, a passionate exchange that ignited more desire in me. As I guided her to the sliding door, her back against it, the taste of her fueled the fire within me as our bodies melded together in a passionate embrace. She moaned softly, sending waves of pleasure through me. The softness of her lips and taste of her had me enthralled.
My phone rang, it was my mom’s ringtone, disrupting our moments of intense desire. She pushed against my chest, breaking our kiss with a startled look in her eyes. Did she know the effect she had on me? My phone stopped ringing; I gazed at her as I gently lifted her mask to reveal her face.
Her features were even more stunning without the mask. I focused, committing her details to memory. The light made her brown eyes appear lighter, but it didn’t diminish the fact they captivated me. Her lips, full and inviting, beckoned for another kiss. Taking in every detail, I was mesmerized by her natural beauty. I was certain she couldn’t see my eyes—my mask was on, and with my back to the light and my height, I was blocking more of it.
Her small nose sat in perfect harmony with her full cheekbones and those lips. She was a beauty to behold. I wanted to know everything about her. Before I could utter a word, my phone rang again. I reached for it to answer the call. The moment I did, she quickly put the mask back on, shoved me away, and fled.
Frustration bubbled inside me as I let out a sigh and answered the call.
“Hello?”
“Are you with your brother at the Halloween party?” Of course, mom at her best, hovering.
“Yes,” I answered in a controlled tone. My mom sure knew how to call at the most inopportune times.
“Okay, just wanted to check. You two have fun. Bye.” She hung up. Fuck, mom! You just ruined a perfect and beautiful moment. I let out a grunt.
I rushed back into the party. The bee and honey jar were replaced by Superman and Cleopatra making out on the sofa. I had just kissed a woman with no idea of her name, yet everything about her felt right. The party was still going on, and I searched everywhere for her, but she was nowhere to be found. I looked for Osei but couldn't find him either.
That kiss had my mind reeling. I needed to find my mystery woman. I moved through the crowd, which seemed to have doubled since I stepped out onto the balcony with her.
Finally, I found Derek, one of Osei’s mischievous friends. Don’t ask how I knew it was him in a clown costume, but I did.
“Hey, have you seen Osei?”
“Yeah, he just walked his girl out. She said she had to leave.” I was taken aback. My brother and I talked about everything. I didn’t know he had a girl .
“Osei has a girl?” My tone questioned it.
“Yeah, his favorite girl.” He made air quotes with his clown hands, making faces that looked awful with his clown-painted face. “You probably saw her: black girl in blue scrubs and half-mask.”
“Maybe,” I lied. Shock spread through me at the realization that I had just kissed my younger brother’s girlfriend. A rant of vulgar words flowed through my head as I awaited the remorseful feeling of kissing Osei’s girl, but I didn’t feel remorse. Neither was the desire for her suppressed. I still wanted her, despite this newfound information.
“Osei should be back in a few. He just wanted to make sure she got to her car safe. He’s very protective of her,” Derek interrupted my thoughts. I nodded. Turns out I was protective of her, too.
I returned to the second bedroom, closed the door, and headed to the balcony. The view was still good, but no longer held any excitement for me. The music grew louder. I fixed my gaze upon the dark skies. An indescribable sensation took hold of me. I shouldn’t want her , I told myself. She’s Osei’s girl, I reminded myself, but I couldn’t shake her. It was like I had taken a bite of a delicious and juicy forbidden apple, and I couldn’t ever untaste her sweet flavor. I felt her before I saw her, then tasted her, and I knew with the feeling I was having, letting go wasn’t an option either.
I shouldn’t have touched her, let alone kissed her. Now, I couldn’t go back. I could still feel the softness of her lips on mine and the harmonic swirl of her tongue with mine. Damn it! Why did she have to be Osei’s girl? She’s far from my first kiss, but kissing her … fucking ignited a fire in me. How do I live with this revelation ?
I sat alone, wrestling with my fiery emotions, and kept my gaze upon the skies, hoping if I stared hard enough, the cool breeze would kill my desire for her. Only it didn’t. I lost track of time until Osei opened the slide.
“There you are. I’ve been calling you. I thought you left?” Osei’s husky voice interrupted me. He sounded tired. I’d turned my phone off after my mom’s call interrupted my moment with her, something I should have done after the first ring . I wanted to understand the conflicting emotions I felt towards her and the undeniable fact that I kissed my brother's girl without remorse.
“I needed a quiet moment away from mom’s calls,” I answered as he laughed, and I rose and entered the room, shutting the slide.
“She called you to confirm my story that you’re here,” he said. I nodded. “Well, the party’s over, and no disorderly conduct reported,” he affirmed.
“You mean the police didn’t knock on your door and you’re not in handcuffs?” I mocked.
“That’s yours and mom’s interpretation. Handcuffs are only necessary when I’m with my girl.” He said with a cheeky smile—just as my stomach turned at the thought of him and her together. I doused the image of her in his arms in gasoline and fucking lit it on fire in my mind.
“Well, I’m going to bed. A few of my friends cleaned up with me, and Paula is coming in tomorrow to finish up the cleaning,” he said casually, like he didn’t just steal my housekeeper, and I paid for the upkeep of his unit and mine.
“I’ll head home then.” I pulled out my phone to call my ride. I wasn’t in the mood to drive.
“You won’t stay the night?” He questioned. “We can do breakfast in the morning,” he offered as he took off his fake police costume. I smiled. It was three a.m., and I knew my brother wouldn’t be up for breakfast. I’d be surprised if he woke up before sunset.
“You need me to tuck you in and read you a bedtime story?” I replied, mimicking how mom used to respond to him when he was little.
“Goodnight, Luke,” he said, tossing a pillow at me. “Lock the door behind you,” he hollered. I left when Martin texted, letting me know he was waiting, making sure I locked the door.
I knew Osei would drop onto his bed and knock out. Osei sleeps like a log. When he started house shopping, our mom insisted on helping him find the right place. I bought him the place for his twenty-third birthday. My stepdad wasn’t happy about me buying Osei such an expensive unit. He said Osei was getting a free ride. Mom said it was me looking after my baby brother.
I just thought he was my knucklehead baby brother, and since I had a surplus, I was happy to buy him a house. He’s been good, but only when he plans to throw a party does he throw me into a loop—and mom is in my ears every fucking second.
I went home that night, struggling with what I wanted and how it would affect my relationship with my brother. Every thought I had about the engagement ring in my pocket was crushed that night. I got home and locked away the ring. It was a decision that didn’t feel right anyway, but everything about the kiss felt right. I realized I needed to explore the meaning of that kiss before I followed through with my planned-out arrangement.
It was a night that changed my plans—the first meeting with Ayodele, who my brother calls Dele. In the last few months, I’ve watched them together, driven with him to drop off lunch or dinner for her, and I’ve taken my craving for her out to the clubs, lounges, midday in my office, and all-around Chicago with my friend Declan. But then Declan found Anne again and stopped partying with me. For Declan, once he laid eyes on Anne, no other woman mattered.
I’ve managed to seal away in a box every nauseating thought of Osei and Ayodele together and found ways to change the topic whenever he mentioned her name. He’s convinced I don’t like her, so he doesn’t talk much about her to me. If only he knew the truth.