Chapter Thirty
Fallon
I feel delirious. I have literally just opened my eyelids, and I've been thrust into meeting Luke's family. The thing that has shocked me the most is that it hasn’t bothered me. My skin didn’t crawl; my throat didn’t tighten. It just felt right. With the added bonus that they’re both so nice.
I was wondering if he had set me up, planning for them to come and to push me that little bit more, but I can tell from the wide-eyed panic on his face that he hadn’t. He was clearly just as shocked as I was.
“How long are you staying for? I will need to sort the spare room for you,” Luke says.
“No need for that. We’re only here for the day. You know I can't leave my fur babies,” his dad grumps out, cradling his cup of tea like it's his lifeline.
“God forbid those horses go a few hours without any attention,” Sharon rolls her eyes.
She is trying to joke about it, but you can see in the way her shoulders slump at the mention that it gets to her.
Does he not spend enough time and attention on her?
How sad. The one thing I have learnt in my job over the years is how to read emotions and body language, and she is showing all kinds of sadness behind her smile.
“Is there anything you would like to do today?” I ask her.
“I would be happy staying here all day with you two,” she smiles.
“Why don’t we head out into the city, look around some shops, whilst the men do whatever men do? We can all meet up after for an early dinner?”
Sharon's face brightens instantly. She reaches a hand over to cover mine. “That sounds perfect.”
I catch a glimpse of Luke as I settle back into my seat, and the look he has on his face is priceless. His eyes are so soft as he gazes at me, before mouthing a “thank you” when no one is looking. I throw him a wink in return and turn back to his mum.
Sharon and I are browsing through the rails of my most favourite vintage shop.
If there is anywhere in Worcester you need to visit, it's here. They have something for every occasion. The prices aren’t the cheapest, but the quality is worth every penny.
I’m unsure of Luke's background, other than knowing he grew up in a large farm-style house, but with the way his mother spends her money, I think he may have been underselling it. This woman can shop. I don’t know how her dainty frame can carry all of the bags she has.
We have fought at almost every till for who will pay for what, and most of the time, I have lost. I will have to pay back her son in favours at this point, not that I think he would mind.
“Oh, Fallon darling, you must try this dress. It is stunning,” she exclaims, wafting around a floor-length beaded cocktail dress in colours that remind me of a peacock. “The colours would complement your hair so well.”
I giggle, taking the dress from her.
“It is beautiful, but where the hell could I wear it? It’s definitely not made for a night out on the town.”
She ushers me over to the small fitting room at the back of the shop. “I have a gala coming up soon, and this would be perfect. Just try it on and make this old lady happy.”
Raising a brow, I turn to her. “You are not an old lady. You should try it,” I add. Not wanting to try it on if it's something she would love.
“Oh no, it’s not my size, and it would never complement me the way it would you.”
With a dramatic eye roll, I shut the curtain. The sound of her laughter bringing a smile to my face. I don’t think I have ever met a boyfriend's parents before, and surprisingly, I like it. Butterflies go wild in my stomach at that carefree word I've just used. Boyfriend.
What the hell?
Maybe my mind has given in to him now just as much as my body has. Would it really be the end of the world if he were my boyfriend? He took what I told him last night a lot better than I thought, although it's not the whole story. Yet, I can't imagine my life now without him in it.
My thoughts halt the minute I look at myself in the mirror. Oh, my god. This dress fits me like a glove. Would it not be too much for the event she was on about? I guess there's no way to know without her advice.
Sliding back the curtain, Sharon is standing there, bouncing on her heels expectantly. Her mouth drops open once she sees me.
“Fallon,” she breathes. “You look fabulous. Yes. This dress will be perfect!”
I flatten down the fabric with my hands, biting my bottom lip as I turn back to the mirror.
“Are you sure it's not too much?” I ask.
Under the shop lights, the dress twinkles, making me love it even more. I would wear this thing to sleep in if I couldn’t find the right occasion. I love it that much.
“Trust me, with the way the housewives near me dress, this will be mild compared to them,” she smiles, coming to look over my shoulder. “You really are beautiful.”
My cheeks flush at the compliment. Which seems to be a common occurrence since meeting Luke. His mother is just as kind as he is.
“Okay, I’ll get it,” I grin.
“Too late, I've already paid,” she laughs, straightening out her clothes. “Now, let's go and find our men.”