Hanging by a Moment (From this Moment Book 1) (22 page)

“Hello darling. How are you?” My mother’s elegant voice greets me, sounding calm and clearly ignoring my tone.

“Fabulous. Enjoying a late breakfast with my boyfriend,” I reply. Time she found out about Luke. Luke’s fingers continue to massage my knuckles.

“It is wonderful to hear you and Ethan sorted everything out. We must-”

I don’t let her finish what she is going to say, cutting her off. “Luke. My boyfriend’s name is Luke. I would have told you yesterday if you didn’t try to interfere in my life.” I snap.

“Emma, that is no way to speak to me.” She is still so calm.
Does the woman ever get mad?
I wonder. She continues. “Who is this Luke? And why have you not mentioned him before?” As if she actually cares.

I would have mentioned him if she were half the fucking mother to me.

Luke is watching me closely. His blue eyes pinned on me.

“We are in college together. And the only reason you didn’t know is because I wanted to tell you in person. This isn’t something to share over email.” I don’t bother to hide the sarcasm in my voice. “And I’m in love with him.”
Ha! Bite that.
I mentally high five my subconscious for a job well done.

“Well your father and I would like to meet Luke while we are in town. Maybe we can have dinner tomorrow.”

Whoa!

My eyeballs roll off my head and stare back at me from the white table cloth. I didn’t expect that response from her. Maybe there is hope for her after all.

Luke frowns when he sees the shocked expression on my face.

I shrug at him. “Sure. I’ll let you know what our plans are for tomorrow.” I tell her coolly.

Luke’s eyebrows rise as he peers at me while finishing up the last bits of his breakfast.

“Take care, darling. We’ll speak soon.”

“You too, mother.” I hang up. And just like that we end our conversation. No mention of them being sorry for trying to tell me what to do. They have not changed... it has always just been about them and what they want.

Luke places his fork and knife on his plate and picks up his mug of steaming hot coffee.

Taking a gulp, he swallows and then speaks. “So, I’m meeting the in-laws tomorrow.” He smirks.

I mimic him taking a sip of my coffee. “If you want to?” I tell him.

“Sure. Should be entertaining.” He chuckles.

Oh you have no idea.
I look at my phone and see there are a few missed calls from Brit and Jane. And a text from Brit to find out if I’m okay. I quickly text her back telling her I’m with Luke and all is well. I promise to meet up with her during lunch.

****

I meet up with Brit in the cafeteria. She rushes to my side as soon as Luke and I walk through the double doors. Hugging me while she rubs my back, she speaks in her soothing voice. “Hey, Em. Are you okay?”

I smile at my best friend. I will always be grateful to Brit. She has always put my best interests before her own and has always been there for me whenever I needed her.

“I’m good.” I smile up at Luke who is watching me closely.

She looks at Luke, her large blue eyes reflecting warmth. “Thanks for being such an amazing boyfriend to Em.” She hugs him reinforcing her gratitude.

Luke smiles as her hugs her small frame. “I love her. Forever.” He states.

Now that Ethan is back, Luke and I have the utmost displeasure of having to share our table in the cafeteria with him. He plonks himself next to Brad, a few chairs away from me, on the opposite end. And Brad - bless him - looks rather uncomfortable as he tries his best to be friendly with both Luke and Ethan. I’m sure it must be hard for them – both Brad and Travis having grown close to Luke and now they probably feel like they have to choose sides or something.

Luke continues to keep our fingers laced together, as usual. Ethan frowns whenever his eyes settle on Luke’s and my threaded fingers. And Luke and I ignore him, pretending he is not even there.

Our friends try to act as normal as possible. Travis and Brad must find it exceptionally difficult considering they were, and still are, rather tight with Ethan. Jane and Brit have no problem at all when it comes to ignoring Ethan. Brit never really liked him in the first place and Jane always thought I could have done better than him.

Chapter Twenty Three

The next day Luke and I meet up with my parents at The Ritz- Carlton Hotel. Luke is greeted by the hostess by his name the minute we walk through. Being an heir to a hotel empire, he is obviously rather well known in the industry.

Within minutes we are whisked through to the hotel restaurant were my parents are seated and waiting for us. I quickly make necessary introductions between Luke and my parents. The air around us is crackling with uneasiness as my mom tries to make small talk with me. My father just glares at Luke’s and my fingers that are linked and lying on the table.

Chewing my lower lip, I count to ten before my parents start with the shit about Ethan. And of course they don’t disappoint me.

As soon as the waiter places our drinks on the table and walks away, my dad makes his intentions very well known. Without mincing his words, he lets Luke know exactly where he stands. “Luke, you are aware that Emma and Ethan have quite a history together and love like theirs is not easily forgotten.”

Luke’s hand tightens over mine and I can feel the tension dripping of him. If he squeezes my fingers any tighter, my bones will crush.

He glares at my father square in the eye and responds. “Sir, with all due respect, Emma is an adult and I will abide by whatever decision she makes in regards to her personal relationships.”

I want to jump onto his lap and kiss him senseless.

My mother almost chokes on her wine and my father narrows his eyes at Luke. “Emma is an adult, I will not deny that. But I hope you will let her go when she ends your relationship.”

What the hell? How fucking dare they?
I should have never agreed to this stupid dinner with them. I make a mental note to always trust my instincts. They are relentless in matters they know nothing about. Ethan and I are over… finished… never to be repeated.

Pushing past my anger, it is time I speak up. “The only relationship that will break,” I look fiercely at my father as I continue, “will be
ours
if you disrespect my love for Luke.” I am surprised at how solid my voice sounds.

My mother decides to voice her opinion. “Emma, darling-” But she doesn’t get a chance to finish what she wants to say. Luke cuts her off.

He looks at my father with fire in his eyes. “Sir, I respect your daughter and the choices she makes. Maybe you should try doing that for a change.” He has clearly had it with my parents telling him I belong with Ethan. I had it with them ever since I learnt to speak. And I will not stop him from having his opinion on the matter heard. He pushes his chair back and stands up, pulling me up with him. Clearly he is not going to stick around any longer to listen to them make decisions about my life as if I am not here. He is ready to leave.

And so am I. I stand next to him with my hand around his elbow.

Shaking my head at them I speak. I need to tell them that they cannot just come into my life and make decisions for me. No more. “You lost the right to interfere in
my
life the second you decided your career was more important than me.” My body is cold and I hold on to Luke, my fingers digging into his elbow. I pick up my clutch from the table.

“Emma!” My father shouts after me.

“Jack, do something. That boy is a bad influence on her.” My mother shrieks. For the first time I hear panic in her voice.

“Don’t walk away young lady.” My father calls out.

“This discussion is over. I love Luke. Forever. Learn to live with it. And try to remember I’m capable of making my own decisions. I’ve been doing so since I was seven years old. I’ve had enough practice.”

The little colour left on my father’s face drains. My mom blinks back tears as she nods her head at me… as if agreeing with every word I just said.

Luke pulls me into his side and we turn on our heels moving towards the double glass doors of the restaurant. We ignore my father as he calls out for us.

I’m shaking by the time we reach the hotel lobby. I can’t believe I have finally stood up to them after all these years letting them know how their career disrupted my life. I have never said anything to them before… Brit being the only person I confided in. In a crazy odd sort of way I feel refreshed and free… as if this needed to be said. I’m no longer mad at them for not being there for me… I got over it a long time ago. But this had to happen, they needed to know what they did was wrong. I sigh contently even though I’m shivering.

Luke stops just before we step outside and hugs me tightly. His body providing me with the comfort and warmth I need. Breaking free, he drops a soothing kiss on my forehead before we exit the hotel.

“Now you’ve met my sorry excuse for parents. I’m really sorry. I had no idea they were going to treat you that way.” I tell him the minute we are seated inside the Range Rover.

Turning to face me, his warm fingers cup the side of my neck. “You are not responsible for their actions. But I’m sure glad that you guys are not close.” He grins.

I cannot help smiling back at him shaking my head and then surprising him I burst into a fit of giggles.

We make an impromptu stop at the Hotdog Shack to have some dinner before returning to the cottage to spend the night together, wrapped up in each other’s arms after he makes sweet love to me.

****

On Friday Luke meets up with me at the cottage and we enjoy a pepperoni, bacon and mozzarella cheese pizza together. After our disastrous meeting with my parents last night, we have stayed away from the cafeteria, away from Ethan – the last thing we need is to have to deal with him… even though he has been staying away from me the last few days. Much to my relief.

I’m taking a bite of my second pizza slice when Luke speaks. “By the way, how would you like to enjoy some real family time with my folks tomorrow?” His beautiful pools of blue twinkle at me as he waits for my answer.

After I met his family at the ball, they have been trying to get us to join them for a barbeque.

I grin. “Sounds like fun. Is everyone going to be there?” I am super excited knowing that they approve of our relationship. At least one set of parents do.

“Yeah, my entire crazy family. They love you. And so do I. Forever.” He blows me a kiss.

Forever. That one word often makes me wonder what he means by it. I know I should be used to him saying it. I know how I interpret it but I’m not so sure of his intention. For me, forever means like we will grow old together. Does he want us to be permanent?
I hope so.

“Hey, you okay? You look kind of spaced out.” His concerned voice brings me out of my daydream.

“I’m just excited about tomorrow.” I lie. “Thank you Luke, for being so understanding.” I place a soft kiss on his lips.

He grins his sexy boyish grin melting up my insides.

Chapter Twenty Four

He turns the Range Rover left into a driveway where we find ourselves in front of tall iron gates, which automatically open the minute we arrive. Once we are inside the property, the gates close, separating us in from the rest of the world.

We pass sprawling greener than green immaculate lawns and huge palm trees on either side of the tarred drive way… which is long enough to be considered a road. Driving along we pass a tennis court, a private golf course and of course a baseball batting cage. This is the home that Luke grew up in after his parents divorced. Glancing at my awed expression to his family home, he chuckles at me, earning him a poke in his arm. It is not like everyone I know grew up in an estate like this.

I’m even more amazed at the splendour of this place as we drive up to a large round court yard with a fountain sitting pretty in the middle, spraying out water from what looks like a sculpture of Cupid. In front is the main house. Wow!

I jump out of the car and get a better look at the magnificent house I’m standing in front of. A huge modern white mansion with double black doors flanked by tall giant white pillars and huge windows - with plush curtains hanging on them - all around the two storey architectural wonder.

The front door swings opens as Luke and I - with our fingers laced together - arrive at the top step. His dad comes through the tall black doors to greet us with a warm welcoming smile on his handsome face. He is dressed very casually in slacks and a light blue T-shirt.

“Hello, Emma. Welcome to my home.”

“Hello, thank you for inviting me. Mr Greyson encloses me in a warm hug before moving on to hug his son. “Luke, my boy.”

“Hey, dad.” Luke greets his father.

“I’m so glad you both could join us.” Henry leads us inside.

We are ushered into a huge entrance hall which looks almost like a hotel foyer itself. The floor to ceiling windows are adorned with charcoal coloured curtains that are tied back with shimmery black ribbons. Taking in my surroundings, I see a grand curved staircase - centrally positioned in the hallway, leading to the upstairs. The floors are all white marble. The only splash of colour is an arrangement of brightly coloured assorted flowers in a silver vase that lies on top of a black glass table at the bottom of the staircase. There are two archways, on opposite sides of each other and we go through the one on the left.

It leads us into the all white massive kitchen with stainless steel appliances that will no doubt leave any chef salivating.

“What can I get you guys to drink?” Henry asks us joyfully. We both opt for a beer, which he grabs from inside the double door steel refrigerator. He pops them both open before handing a bottle of Corona each to Luke and me.

As we approach the open large French doors, I hear loud roaring laughter coming from the outside. I guess everyone is here.

Steeping outside, I’m taken aback by the simplicity of my surroundings. Walking out of the state of the art kitchen, I would have never guessed that their backyard looked so ordinary. But what is more welcoming is the scene before me. That of a happy normal family enjoying a simple barbeque. A very Brady bunch scene.

A long oak table with matching oak chairs is placed at one end of the wooden deck. The table is laid out with white glass plates, cups and cutlery. A variety of salads, mini French loaves and every kind of sauces and pickles are scattered on the table.  An outdoor cooking centre is on the opposite end in front of the stone wall where a couple of steaks and hot dogs are already sizzling.

“Here she is. Hi, Emma.” Chloe gushes as she makes her way to me. Behind her is the super shy boyfriend. Oliver jokes that Jason is her new flavour of the month. The poor guy who I remember meeting at the charity ball, blushes furiously. “
Oh stop it!
You are embarrassing Jason.” She playfully scolds her brother before embracing me.

Oliver slowly makes his way towards us and hugs me. His stunning girlfriend, Kate, who is as gorgeous as him is also here. She extends a slim hand to me. She looks even more gorgeous than the last time I saw her. This time she is casually dressed in a short summer dress and her long dark hair is tied up in a ponytail. She and Oliver make a stunning couple. “Hi, Emma. Nice to meet you again.”

“Nice to see you too, Kate.” I reply.

After a bit more banter from the overly excited Greyson siblings, we are ushered into our seats at the long oak table. Luke is plastered to me – from head to toe. His one arm rests casually behind my chair, his fingers lightly stroking my bare arms while his other hand is wrapped around mine, our fingers laced. Our thighs pressed together.

Henry moves over to the grill, where he is at ease flipping the steaks with the efficiency of someone who has been doing it for way too long.

I feel a little sad… I don’t remember my dad ever grilling anything. I don’t think he knows how.

“Hello, Luke.” I hear a bone chilling female voice behind us. And immediately my body breaks out in goose bumps.

I feel Luke grow stiff from head to toe beside me. Turning to look at him, I find his blue eyes locked with Oliver’s and get the strange feeling that some kind of secret message is transferred between the brothers.

His fingers tighten over mine and he whispers in my ear. “Show time.”

Getting up from our chairs, I find myself facing a very stunning blonde woman. She is flawlessly dressed in a tailored red shift dress that fits her perfect figure snugly. Her hair is cut in a pin straight bob, sitting a few inches above her slender shoulders. Her slanted green eyes are blazing as she looks thoughtfully at Luke and then at me. They way her eyes roam over me makes me feel like she’s wasting her time by having to look at me.

Moving like a predator towards Luke, she lowers her perfectly made up face and kisses him on both of his cheeks, her green eyes never leaving me.

The sinister green gaze moves over my entire length coming to rest on my face. “And this must be Emma. How very nice to finally meet you.” She greets me coldly and extends a well manicured hand towards me. Something about the way she said the word ‘nice’ has the skin on my neck prickling.

I place my hand in hers and we shake. Turning on my pageant smile I greet her. “Hello.”
And you are?
I wait patiently for Luke to complete the introductions.

“Em, this is Monica. She used to be married to my dad.” He is as stiff as cardboard and his jaw is tense, close to snapping.

No fucking way!
I guess he forgot to mention the weird stepmother when he spoke about his family. Or perhaps he did not mention her on purpose. I would not if she were my stepmother. Something about her is giving me a strange vibe.

She cocks one perfectly groomed eyebrow. “Used to.” She smiles coldly at me. “That is just a minor technicality.”

I shift uncomfortably. I have only been introduced to her five seconds ago but she gives me the creeps.

And apparently Luke shares my sentiments. “This is a family gathering. Who invited you?” His voice is bitter as he grabs my arm, jerking my hand free from Monica’s grasp. He moves to stand a few inches in front of me, shielding me behind his tense body.

Luke’s dad interrupts, obviously trying to calm the situation. “Monica brought some documents over that need my signature. Now where are those papers?” He grips the woman’s elbow and ushers her into the kitchen before she can say another word.

Luke guides me back to our chairs. Sitting down I notice Oliver’s jaws are clenched and he is as stiff as Luke. I guess they really do not like their ex-stepmother.

“Don’t let her get to you.” Oliver grates out through clenched teeth before taking a sip of his beer.

I can feel the tension radiating of Luke’s body as he tries to calm down. “Why did dad have her come over? Of all the fucking days!” Luke spits out.

I place my hand around his back, feeling the rigid muscles as I rub his shoulders in a soothing comforting gesture.

Chloe, who has been silent all along, speaks up. “She will always be a bitch. Just forget about her. Don’t let her win.” There is no mistaking that she clearly hates the woman as much as her brothers. I can see the fire in her blue eyes and her face is red.

And I thought my family were crazy. I wonder what Monica did to rattle the Greyson children… apart from marrying their father. Maybe she is the reason why Luke’s parents split in the first place.

Just then Luke’s dad strolls back outside through the kitchen door interrupting my thoughts. “Guys, I am deeply sorry about that. Jane was supposed to bring the papers over, not Monica.” He apologises to his children. He obviously knows how they feel about his ex wife. And my heart goes out to him. He really cares about their opinion. It means something to him.

He comes over to stand by his children who are all looking very outraged. “Boys, can I see you inside for a minute, please?”

I watch as he wraps his arms around his two muscular sons - who clearly tower over him – as they walk into the house.

Okay. Now this screams weird. Not just to me but I see the frown on Kate’s beautiful face and I know she is thinking something similar. Jason seems oblivious to the entire Monica incident. I can’t help wondering why Mr Greyson called the boys inside. It can’t be regarding what just happened because Chloe is just as upset and she has been excluded.

“Lucky you, now you have met the evil ex- stepmother.” Chloe’s chirps as she looks over at me, her sky blue eyes looking like they have calmed down a bit.
Yep, the ex- stepmother I was never told about.
Chloe doesn’t seem to be the least bit concerned that she has been excluded from whatever it is the Greyson men are doing inside.

Maybe I can dig her for some information, she seems like she wants to talk.

“How long was she married to your dad?” I ask her, hoping my voice sounds casual. I am dying to know, since Luke did not mention her.

She shrugs her shoulders. “About two years. Before dad kicked her pathetic-sorry-gold digging-ass out.” She walks over to the grill to turn the hotdogs, taking over from her father. “He caught her cheating on him.” She snarls.

Oh shit!
So that explains their attitude towards to that woman.

Chloe is on a roll. “She was doing it behind his back the entire time they were married. Whore!” She snaps. Walking back to the table and taking her seat next to Jason, she smiles even though her smile does not reach her icy blue eyes. She continues to speak, her voice dripping with hatred. “She nearly tore up my family and ripped out dad’s heart in the process. I hate her so fucking much.”

Clearly!
I wonder if Luke will fill me in by answering the million questions I have.

I am surprised when Kate opens her mouth, sharing her opinion on such a personal family matter. “I just hope pop can calm Oli down in there.” She shakes her head. I guess Oliver mentioned his ex- stepmother to her before, unlike Luke who has kept me clueless.

“Don’t worry, Kate. Dad has always managed to talk us kids out from ripping Monica’s throat.”

Before I am able to get more information out of Chloe, the Greyson men appear from inside the house, with the boys taking their respective seats at the table.

Henry goes back to the grill to check on the food. Chloe jumps up and walks over to him putting her arms around his neck and speaks softly to him, making sure the rest of us cannot hear their conversation. He smiles at her lovingly as he nods and responds to whatever she asked. She looks relieved at whatever he is telling her.

Luke grabs my hand and threads his fingers with mine. His body is still a bit stiff even though he smiles lovingly at me. He drops a kiss on my forehead but doesn’t say a word to me.

Bringing over the grilled steaks and hotdogs from the fire, Henry speaks, addressing Kate and I. “I must apologise for stealing my boys earlier. I hope I did not offend you lovely ladies.”

Kate and I both smile at him, shaking our heads.

Soon enough, the Greyson men and Jason are munching down their food, talking about the latest Yankees game and we girls start a conversation of our own.

I learn that Kate is a medical doctor and currently serving her internship at one of New York City’s top hospital. She gives us amusing accounts of some of her funny encounters with her little patients. She is a paediatrician. And clearly loves children. She and Oliver have been together for two years and still very much in love and I wonder if Luke and I will be together for that long. Just as that thought crosses my mind, Luke runs his warm fingers down my arms, creating wonderful affectionate tingles in my body.

“You okay, princess?” His voice is warm and cuddly.

I look around the table and see Oli stroking the back of Kate’s neck with his thumb and Chloe and Jason steal loving glances at each other as Henry shares stories about his children. “Yes.” And how could I not be, surrounded by a warm caring family like his.