19. Nineteen
Nineteen
Lila
It’s Friday night, and I throw myself into preparations for the MAD charity event. I’m grateful for the distraction of menu planning and staff coordination. Every time my phone buzzes, my heart jumps—but it’s never Luke. It can’t be him because he’s being extra cautious not to give Marcus any warning about what’s coming.
“You’re doing that thing again,” Jenny says, catching me staring at my phone for the hundredth time .
“What thing?”
“That sad puppy dog face.” She helps me unload supplies at the event venue—a ballroom at one of the high-end hotels near the river that Hunter Henson and his team have transformed into something magical. “Did you and Luke… uh, your neighbor have a fight?”
“No.” I focus on arranging appetizer plates. “Everything’s fine.”
“Right.” She draws out the word. “That’s why he’s suddenly engaged to Crystal Davidson, and you’re stress-cooking enough food to feed an army.”
“The food is for the charity event,” I remind her. “Speaking of which, where’s Emily and Kendrick? They promised to arrive early for moral support.”
“Nice dodge,” Jenny says deadpan. “When they get here, I’ll point them in your direction. But don’t think I didn’t notice how you changed the subject.”
Before I can respond, Rebel Henson, Hunter’s wife, approaches me. She’s as curvy as I am, with dark hair, eyes, and deep dimples when she smiles—which seems to be often.
“Lila! The food looks and smells amazing! ”
“Thanks.” I welcome the interruption. “The passed appetizers will start circulating at six, dinner service at seven-thirty...”
“Perfect.” Rebel surveys the space. “Hunter’s stuck on a call, but Paige is bringing the auction items soon. We’ve already sold more tickets than last year!”
Emily and Kendrick arrive, looking sleek and stylish in their gowns. I quickly give them a hug, avoiding their sympathetic gaze. I’m soon lost in final preparations but grateful for the busy work. The venue fills with volunteers, then early arrivals, and now I’m in my element—directing servers, monitoring food temperatures, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
“The food is delicious,” Paige gushes, sneaking a crab cake. “Hunter was right about hiring you.”
“Thanks.” I adjust a display. “How are the auction items doing?”
“Really good! That private concert package from the Wild Band is getting tons of attention...”
My hand slips, nearly toppling a tower of glasses. Right. Luke and Emily arranged the auction package weeks ago before everything got complicated.
“Careful!” Emily steadies the display. “Maybe take a break? You’ve been going non-stop all day.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not,” she says softly. “And that’s okay. But at least tell me what’s going on?”
I glance around, but everyone’s focused on their tasks. “I can’t... it’s too hard to explain.”
“And now isn’t the place—I understand.” She squeezes my arm. “But whatever’s happening, we’re here for you. Kendrick and I both.”
“I know.” I blink back sudden tears. “I just need to get through the next few weeks.”
“Well, hello, everyone!” A familiar voice makes my blood run cold.
Crystal Davidson glides in, her father right behind her. Of course, they’re here—it’s a major charity event, and the Davidsons never miss a chance to be seen supporting good causes.
“Lila!” Crystal air kisses near my cheek. “Everything looks fabulous! Doesn’t it, Daddy?”
“Impressive,” Marcus agrees, his sharp eyes taking in everything—including my reaction to their presence. “Though I’m surprised Luke isn’t here. Supporting local charities is important for public image.”
“The band has a guest appearance scheduled for tonight,” Emily cuts in smoothly as Kendrick gives a confirming nod.
“Yes, none of the band members could make it.” She glances at Crystal with a grimace. “Part of being involved with a famous rockstar.”
“The Wild Band donated an auction package...” Emily points out.
“Yes, we saw that in the program.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Crystal was just saying how wonderful it will be to have a celebrity in the family. I’m sure you’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the future.”
Emily shifts closer to me, protective. “Yes, we saw the announcement. We can’t wait.” Looping her arm with mine. I allow her and Kendrick to pull me away. “Excuse us, Lila needs to check on the main course.”
In the kitchen, I grip the counter until my knuckles turn white.
“Okay, spill,” Emily demands .
“What’s really going on with you and Luke?” Kendrick asks, crossing her arms. “Because that whole scene out there was weird as hell.”
“I can’t...” I take a shaky breath. “Not yet. Just... have a little faith?”
They study me for a long moment. “Fine. But whatever’s happening? Be careful. That Marcus guy gives me serious creeper vibes.” Emily says with a shudder.
As the night progresses, the hum of conversation fills the elegant banquet hall and ballroom, mingling with the clink of glasses and the soft strains of a live string quartet. It’s a perfect evening, every detail coming together exactly as I envisioned. The MAD charity gala is in full swing, and by all accounts, it’s a success.
Waitstaff in crisp black uniforms glide between tables, refilling glasses and serving plates from the carefully curated menu. My menu. It’s a thrill to see the dishes I painstakingly crafted being enjoyed by a room full of people, but there’s an ache that tugs at me with every passing moment.
I wish Luke were here.
I push the thought away as quickly as it comes. He’s busy with his own battles, and I’ve thrown myself into my work to keep from dwelling on the longing to be with him that consumes me.
“Lila!” a familiar deep voice calls, pulling me from my thoughts.
I turn to see Hunter Henson approaching, his wife, Rebel, by his side. Hunter is all polished charm in his tailored tux, and his confident smile is a perfect match for Rebel’s easygoing air. Her deep green gown flows around her, hugging her curves, and her dark hair is styled in waves that scream effortless glamour.
“You’ve outdone yourself,” Hunter says, shaking my hand. “This event is incredible.”
“Thank you,” I say, smiling. “But it’s your organization that makes the real difference. I’m just happy to be part of it.”
“Don’t sell yourself short,” Rebel says, her eyes sparkling. “The food is phenomenal. Everyone is raving about it.”
“Really?” I ask, my cheeks flushing with pride.
“Absolutely,” Rebel insists. “And the dessert? That chocolate mousse tart? I’m considering sneaking an extra one to take home to our twins. ”
I laugh, the warmth of their praise easing some of the tension in my chest.
“We couldn’t have done this without you,” Hunter says. “Paige has already mentioned how seamless everything has been from your end. I know you’ve had a lot going on, but you’ve handled it beautifully.”
“It’s been a pleasure,” I say, meaning it. The MAD program is something I believe in deeply, and working with Hunter and his team has been inspiring. Their dedication to helping single mothers find meaningful work and advance in their careers is nothing short of extraordinary.
“We’ll let you get back to it,” Rebel says, giving my arm a light squeeze. “But don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy your own success.”
“I’ll try,” I promise, watching them disappear into the crowd.
The rest of the evening passes in a blur of service and smiles. The food is perfect, the auction successful, and Hunter’s speech about MAD’s mission brings tears to every eye in the house.
“We’ve raised over one hundred thousand dollars!” Rebel announces near the end of the night. “Thanks to everyone’s generosity, especially our amazing staff and team... ”
The applause washes over me as we stand there, and I force a smile. I glance up and see James Harrison approach me, looking very suave in his black tux.
“Lila, I knew you had to be the chef behind that incredible food.”
“Thank you, James,” I reply, feeling a twinge of guilt that I’ve been avoiding him.
“I’ll have to give you a call. There are some social events I’ve been invited to. Perfect opportunity for me to introduce you around.”
I give him a hesitant smile, not wanting to commit. “Thank you—“
But before I can finish, I’m called away by one of the staff. I hope my relief didn’t show on my face, as James has been nothing but kind to me. It’s not his fault he’s not Luke.
The evening winds down in a blur of smiles, handshakes, and compliments. When the last guest leaves, my feet are aching, and my cheeks hurt from smiling. Jenny and I are in the kitchen preparing to leave when Emily and Kendrick find me.
“You killed it tonight,” Emily says, pulling me into a hug.
“I agree,” Kendrick adds, her eyes warm. “This was flawless, Lila. You should be proud.”
“Thanks,” I say, managing a smile.
They exchange a look, one of those silent conversations I can’t quite decipher before Emily states quietly. “Well, when you’re ready to talk, you know where to find us.”
“Thank you, that means a lot,” I say softly.
Once I get home, it’s well past midnight. As I step on the front porch, I notice there are no lights on next door. The apartment feels quiet, the kind of quiet that feels heavy, like it’s pressing down on me. I kick off my heels and collapse onto the couch, staring up at the ceiling as the evening replays in my mind.
It was a perfect event—everything I worked so hard to achieve. But the hollow ache in my chest won’t go away.
I want to share this with Luke. I want to hear his voice and see how his eyes light up when he smiles. But he’s not here, and I can’t let myself hope for something that feels so out of reach.
With a sigh, I pull out my phone and scroll through the photos from the gala, pausing on one of Hunter and Rebel onstage, their arms raised in triumph. This is what I need to focus on—the good I’m doing, the work that matters .
But even as I tell myself that, the ache doesn’t fade.
Suddenly, I see a dark figure on the deck. My pulse leaps as I see a flash of blonde hair and Luke’s broad shoulders. Without turning on the lights, I walk over to the sliding glass doors, unlock them, and slide them open.
“Luke?” I whisper, my voice catching. “What are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t stay away,” he says softly, stepping inside. His hair is slightly damp, like he just showered, and the faint scent of soap clings to him. He’s wearing jeans and a plain black t-shirt, simple and understated, but he still manages to take my breath away.
“I shouldn’t be here,” he whispers, even as he draws me into his arms. “But I had to know how it went.”
“It went well,” I tell him, smiling. I go on to tell him about the event—the record-breaking donations, Hunter’s moving speech, and the way his band’s auction package sparked a bidding war. “Everyone loved the food. Hunter and his team were thrilled.”
“Of course they were,” he says, his voice warm. “You’re talented, Lila. I knew you’d pull it off.”
His confidence in me sends a flutter through my chest, but I push it aside. “You didn’t have to stay up just to tell me that.”
“I wanted to,” he says simply, his gaze steady. “Wish I could have seen it.” His thumb traces patterns on my palm. Turning my hand over, he presses a kiss to my palm that makes me shiver. When he pulls me closer, I go willingly, wrapping my arms around his neck as his mouth finds mine.
The kiss is desperate, heavy with everything we can’t say. His hands span my waist, holding me like I might disappear, as if these stolen moments are all we’ll ever have.
A dog barks in the distance, breaking the spell. Luke rests his forehead against mine, his breath unsteady.
“I should go.” But he doesn’t move; he just holds me tighter. “In case…”
“I know.” I breathe him in—wanting one more whiff of his scent and soap. “Just... one more minute?”
He answers by capturing my mouth again, softer this time like he’s memorizing my taste. When he finally pulls away, the loss feels physical.
“Soon,” he promises, tightening his arms. “Everything will be worth it—I promise. ”
I watch him slip out the back sliding glass doors, a shadow among shadows. Then he turns and looks at me through the glass, and even in the darkness, I feel the intensity of his gaze.
Then he’s gone, leaving only the phantom press of his lips and the ache of empty arms. I touch my mouth, still warm from his kiss, and try to believe that ‘soon’ will come quickly enough.