Luke wasn’t sure what he was thinking. He wasn’t sure of anything, at this point. He had driven home to Harvey after graduation, not knowing what to expect. No one had shown up for him at his graduation. Not his parents, not his brothers, and not Maya. Maya didn’t even graduate on the same day. Jack had mentioned to him that his parents moved all of his things to a storage locker, Ben had the key if he wanted to get his stuff out. He had checked into a motel once he got to town. “Here you go, Luke. One room key.” Brenda at the front desk smiled.
“Thanks, Brenda.” Luke smiled softly. “Hey, have you heard anything from the Flaherty’s?”
“Just that Miss Maya is looking to move to the city. She’s got a job lined up at Stanford Health as a child psychiatrist.” Brenda explained. “And, I heard she never wants to see your face again.” Luke sighed, and looked down.
“I wish she knew how sorry I am.”
“I don’t know the whole story, but it sounds like you just need to talk to each other. But, I’ve only heard the whispers from other people.” Brenda shrugged.
“If you see Maya around town, please don’t tell her I’m back.” He sighed. Brenda nodded and shooed him away.
“Yeah, yeah, go to your room.” Luke sighed and walked to the small room, unlocking the door. He had no idea how his life had turned so upside down in a matter of months. He managed to lose his family, his friends all went their separate ways, and he lost Maya. The only things he had in his life.
***
Days turned to weeks, and the constant whispers of everyone around town was starting to get to Luke. Everywhere he went, someone was talking about how ‘Luke Hemmings was disowned for having sex with Maya Flaherty,’ or ‘Did you hear? Luke Hemmings dated Maya Flaherty for a bet.’ He was about to burst. He stood in line at the SUPERVALU with his grocery items on the belt. He was still living at the motel, but Brenda said she’d let him stay for free if he worked at the motel, which he accepted. “Did you find everything you were looking for?” The young kid, not more than 16, asked.
“Yeah, I did.” Luke nodded, pulling out his wallet.
“Hey, you’re the guy that fucked Maya Flaherty.” The cashier laughed, looking at Luke.
“Watch your language, mate. You’re on the job.” Luke rolled his eyes. “Yes, I’m the guy. Can you finish ringing up my groceries please?”
“I heard she hates your guts.” The kid laughed, putting Luke’s items into a paper bag.
“Yeah, she does.” Luke handed the kid $20 and grabbed the bag. “Keep the change.” He walked out of the store and to his truck. He knew it was stupid to go grocery shopping at 10pm, but he didn’t want to face anyone else in the store. He got in his truck and started driving toward the motel. He shook his head and made a quick turn down Maya’s street. He parked in front of her house and jogged up the path to her door. “Please, be home.” Luke mumbled to himself and rang the doorbell.
“Luke? What the fuck are you doing here?” Maya asked as she opened the door.
“I needed to see you.” Luke sighed, looking down at her. He rubbed his hand over his jean pocket gently and took a deep breath. “Look, I know you don’t want to see me, but I needed to see you.”
“Lu-”
“Just listen, please.” Luke pleaded. “I’ve been in love with you since the day you came to introduce yourself.” He said, grabbing her hand, dropping onto one knee.
“Luk-” she gasped, covering her mouth before he cut her off.
“I know I’ve messed things between us”. Tears started forming in her eyes as he carefully removed a small velvet box out of his jacket. “I don’t have a family, I live in a motel, and I can’t always give you what you need.” Luke opened the velvet box, revealing a diamond ring in the shape of a dragonfly. “But, Dragonfly, I love you to the ends of the earth and beyond. You’re everything to me, and you’re all I have left. Maya Juliet Flaherty, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Dragonfly, will you marry me?”
On November 8th, the hockey team threw their annual ‘Welcome to Hockey Season’ party. Maya, of course, had been invited to attend by, yours truly, Luke Hemmings. She was always up for getting drunk off her ass at a party. She stood in her bathroom with Brooke, both of them trying to decide how to do their makeup. “I’m thinking a little smokey eye with deep burgundy lipstick.” Brooke said, looking through her makeup bag.
“I’m just gonna cover my entire face in concealer, drown myself in foundation, add a little mascara, and top it off with cherry chapstick.” Maya laughed, grabbing her primer. “I hope I can cover up this big ass pimple.” Maya stuck her tongue out and examined the pimple in the mirror.
“It’s not even noticeable. I didn’t even see it until you pointed it out.” Brooke rolled her eyes and dabbed on her concealer.
“It’s gigantic.”
“Stop picking at it, or it’ll get worse.” Brooke grabbed Maya’s hands and pulled them away from her face.
“It’s just so big. I hate acne.” Maya sighed and rubbed the primer into her skin. She picked up her concealer and scribbled the stick over the pimple. “Why is acne a thing?”
“Because the world hates us and doesn’t want us to feel good about ourselves.” Brooke explained. Maya laughed a little and used a brush to blend the concealer into her skin. She applied her foundation and used a total of seven different mascaras. “Your eyelashes are going to fall out if you keep using 100 mascaras.”
“At least I have long eyelashes now, then.” Maya laughed and grabbed her chapstick.
“Maya, you need to give your lips some color. Here, use this.” Brooke handed her a slightly tinted lip gloss.
“Not lip gloss, my hair always gets stuck in it and it’s gross.” Maya shook her head and looked through Brooke’s makeup bag for a different lip color. “I’ll use this one.” She pulled out a raspberry colored lipstick from the bag.
“Oh, that’s perfect.” Brooke smiled. “Remember when we were 7 and your mom caught us with her makeup?”
“Oh, God, she was so mad at us.” Maya laughed, applying the lipstick. “She locked it up after that.”
“Little did she know, we knew where the key was.” Brooke laughed and checked herself in the mirror. “Okay, mirror selfie and then we can go.” Brooke unplugged her phone and posed next to Maya. Brooke snapped the photo and tucked her phone into her bra.
“Let’s go. I can hear the tequila calling my name.” Maya laughed, pulling Brooke out of the bathroom.
The two of them arrived at the party much later than Luke had told Maya to get there. The party was already in full swing, and many party-goers were already wasted. Maya made her way through the frat house and to the kitchen. She poured herself a cup of tequila and downed it instantly. “Damn, girl knows how to drink.” Justin smirked at her. “You’re Luke’s little pet, aren’t you?”
“Nope, I’m Maya Flaherty. My own person.” Maya poured herself more tequila and walked out of the kitchen. Justin chuckled and made his way back to his group of hockey friends.
“Luke doesn’t stand a chance with this bet, she hates him.” Justin laughed, taking swig of his beer. “She doesn’t even want to be associated with him.” Brooke, who was standing in the doorway next to the group, furrowed her eyebrows. The house was so loud with music and people talking that she couldn’t completely hear what they had been saying. She heard the words ‘Luke’ and ‘bet’ and she knew she had to find Maya. She pushed away from the door and began searching the house.
“Maya!” Brooke called as she saw Maya filling another cup of tequila. “I need to talk to you.”
“I can’t hear you. Let’s go out here.” Maya said and grabbed Brooke’s hand, pulling her out to the back porch. “What did you need to talk to me about?”
“I don’t think Luke is a good idea anymore. You should stop talking to him altogether.” Brooke said. She didn’t want to tell Maya what she heard, exactly.
“Why not? You’re the one that told me I should give him a chance.” Maya looked at Brooke with her brows furrowed.
“I just think you should think about things more before going out with him.” Brooke sighed, scared to break Maya’s heart before either of them knew the full story. Brooke was determined to find out the truth.
“Yeah, okay. I’ll do that. But, right now, I need more tequila.” Maya giggled and sauntered back into the house, heading straight for the kitchen. She picked up the bottle, getting ready to fill her cup, when a strong pair of arms snaked around her waist.
“I knew I’d find my little bookworm here.” Luke whispered in Maya’s ear, pulling her smaller body against his larger one. He pressed a soft kiss below her ear and she melted against him.
“M’not your bookworm. I’m Maya.” She giggled, turning around in his arms.
“You’re beautiful, that’s what you are.” Luke grinned dopily, his dimples making an appearance. Maya reached up and poked a dimple gently. Luke turned his head and kissed her finger gently.
“I have to pee.” Maya giggled drunkenly and let her body weight lean into Luke.
“Come on, you can use my bathroom.” Luke pulled one arm away from her, but left the other in its spot around her waist. He led her up the stairs toward his room.
“Look at all these hockey pictures on the walls.” Maya giggled. “You’re like a big family.” She commented, stopping to look at a picture of the team all together.
“They’re like brothers to me. Incredibly annoying.” Luke laughed and ushered Maya into his bedroom. He closed the door behind them. “Bathroom is there.” He pointed to the closed door and Maya stumbled over to it, pushing it open. She closed the door behind herself and hiked up her dress. She felt incredibly warm. She wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol running through her veins, or the giddiness she felt from Luke’s arms having been around her. Once Luke heard the toilet flush and the sink start, he pushed open the door.
“Hey, I could’ve still been peeing.” Maya laughed, looking up at him.
“Well, I heard the toilet flush.” He shrugged and wrapped his arms around her waist once more. His hands rested on her stomach, gently rubbing her hip bones.
“Makes me sleepy when you do that.” Maya hummed softly and tilted her head back, resting it on Luke’s shoulder. Her eyes fluttered closed and Luke pecked her neck softly, trailing his lips along her skin. He pulled her body closer to his and kissed along her collarbones. Maya reached up and threaded her fingers in Luke’s hair. Her breathing got faster and Luke slowly pulled up the hem of her dress.
“You look so fucking gorgeous in this dress.” Luke whispered in her ear and nibbled on it gently. Maya’s breath hitched in her throat, her back arching. Luke squeezed her hip gently, pulling her ass against his growing bulge. Maya bit her lip and rolled her ass back against him, causing Luke to groan. He moved his hand around and squeezed the bare skin of her ass.
“Love how your hands feel on me.” Maya breathed heavily, tugging at Luke’s hair. He bit her ear gently and ripped her thong, smirking as it fell to their feet. “Luke, you just ripped my underwear.” Maya giggled, trying to be mad and failing.
“Who cares? You won’t need it during this.” Luke smirked and trailed his fingers down her thigh, bringing them back up to her clit. His fingers rubbed slowly, her hips stuttering. She gasped out a soft moan as his fingers worked against her. She brought her hand down from his hair and to his clothed bulge.
“You’re so hard.” Maya bit her lip and rubbed her palm against him. His hips bucked against her small hand.
“That happens when I see you.” Luke breathed out, squeezing her ass. Maya smirked and turned around in his arms. She looked up at him as she dropped to her knees. Luke sucked his lip ring into his mouth as Maya pulled his pants and boxers down just enough to release his stiffened cock. She kept eye contact with him as she took his entire length in her mouth, letting his tip hit the back of her throat. Luke’s eyes widened as he let out a guttural moan. “Fuck, Maya.” He gripped her hair and held her head down on his cock. She gripped his thigh and began moving her mouth along his cock. She went slowly at first, carefully building up speed. “Oh, my God.” Luke groaned loudly and leaned one hand against the mirror while his other hand stayed tangled in Maya’s hair. He held her head back as he thrusted his hips against her mouth. Maya’s eyes fluttered closed as she moaned around his cock. The vibrations sent waves of pleasure throughout Luke’s whole body. He pulled his cock from her mouth and tapped her cheek with his dripping tip. “Stand up.” He instructed.
“I wasn’t ready to be done.” Maya pouted, saliva dripping from her swollen lips. Luke roughly pressed his lips to hers, forcing his tongue against hers. She moaned into his mouth and let her tongue caress his. Luke tugged her hair to pull her away. He used his other hand to turn her around and bend her over the bathroom sink.
“Are you still on the pill?” Luke asked, rubbing his slickened cock between her folds.
“Y-yeah.” Maya gasped, bucking her hips back.
“Good.” Luke sucked his lip ring into his mouth once more as he pushed his cock deep into her dripping cunt. Maya moaned loudly and arched her back. She bucked her hips back against Luke’s and felt around for something to hold onto on the counter. “God, your pussy was made for me.” Luke grunted and rammed his cock deeper into her throbbing pussy.
“Fuck, Luke, more.” Maya begged, shaking her ass. Luke pulled her hair and pulled her back up against his chest. Maya yelped at the sudden pain from her hair being pulled. The tinge of pain quickly turned to pleasure as Luke repeatedly pounded his cock into her.
“Look at yourself.” Luke demanded, forcing her to look at herself in the mirror. “Watch yourself get fucked.” Luke groaned and spread her legs farther, making it easier for her to see his cock pumping in and out of her soaked pussy.
“I-I can’t.” Maya moaned loudly, squeezing her eyes closed. She brought her hand back to Luke’s hair and tugged it roughly. Luke moaned and bit into her neck, sucking a dark mark into her skin. “L-Luke, I..” Maya struggled to even think of how to formulate a sentence. Luke brought his hand down to her clit and rubbed in fast circles. Maya screamed out in pleasure and arched back against him, pushing him even deeper in her pussy. Luke groaned loudly and pounded his cock into her roughly.
“Jesus Christ, your pussy takes my cock so well.” Luke moaned louder and smacked his hand down on her ass harshly. Maya let out a yelp, followed by a high pitched moan. Luke’s fingers worked her clit faster as his hips pounded harder against hers.
“Luke!” Maya screamed as she released around his cock. He smirked and stilled his hip, keeping his fingers moving against her clit. She closed her eyes and let out a loud scream as her high reached a new peak. Luke let out a guttural groan as he released in her warm cunt, his load coating her walls. He slowly pulled out and pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder.
“I’ve never felt so good.” Luke admitted, turning her around. She smiled up at him and pressed her lips to his gently. He lifted her up, allowing her to wrap her legs around his waist. Luke carried her out into his bedroom and dropped her down on his bed. “There’s just one more thing we need to do.” Luke smirked and unzipped Maya’s dress. He pulled the fabric from her body slowly, tossing the material to the floor. Maya leaned up and pulled Luke’s Blink-182 t-shirt over his head.
“I’m really glad I came to this party.” Maya smiled, rubbing Luke’s chest gently.
“I am too.” Luke smiled softly at her before removing her bra. He kicked his jeans and boxers down his legs and to the floor. Luke gently pushed Maya to her back. He knelt above her, letting his eyes take in every part of her.
“Don’t just stare at me, do something.” Maya giggled, running a hand through her tangled hair. Luke chuckled and kissed down her chest, to her stomach. He stopped and blew a raspberry on her stomach. Maya screamed and laughed, pushing Luke’s head away. “You fucking weirdo.” She laughed, unable to stop. Luke laughed with her, his eyes crinkling up. He kissed her stomach once more and moved between her legs.
“Time for a snack.” Luke winked at Maya and immediately took her clit in his mouth, sucking harshly. Maya gasped and moaned loudly, clearly still sensitive from her previous orgasm. Luke smirked against her and kitten licked between her folds, tasting her. “So fucking good.” He moaned softly and dipped his tongue into her sweet pussy.
“Oh, my.. Fuck, Lu.” A high pitched moan escaped her lips as Luke fucked his tongue into her, lapping at her juices in the process. Maya tangled her fingers in Luke’s hair and struggled to stay in her position on the bed. She squirmed on the bed, tugging at Luke’s hair. “Feels so fucking good.” She moaned loudly, bucking her hips up against his face. Luke brought his fingers to her clit and rubbed slowly, bringing her over the edge. She moaned loudly, pushing his face closer to her dripping cunt. Her juices leaked out around Luke’s tongue. He hummed softly and lapped up her release, licking his lips.
“I just found my new favorite snack.” He smirked, standing up from the bed. He plugged his phone into the dock on his dressed as he walked into the bathroom. Music began to pour into his room as Maya tried to control her breathing. Luke quickly swished his mouth with mouthwash and wiped the leftover wetness off his mouth. He grabbed a small cloth and got it wet in the sink before returning to Maya. “You doin’ alright?” Luke chuckled and used the cloth to clean her off. He wiped her thighs gently and smirked when her hips jerked.
“I don’t even know.” Maya giggled breathlessly. Luke chuckled and threw the cloth to his dirty clothes basket. Luke laid on the bed next to her and pulled the blankets over the both of them. Maya huddled against Luke’s chest, the only sound being the music playing from Luke’s phone. “I heard it’s supposed to snow tomorrow.” Maya commented, breaking their silence.
“That’s North Dakota for you.” Luke smiled, tucking a strand of Maya’s hair behind her ear. She looked up at Luke with a soft smile tugging at her lips. “Do you want to borrow some clothes so you’re not too cold tonight?” Luke asked softly. Maya nodded slowly and watched as Luke got up from his bed. Maya pulled the blankets up higher and tucked them around herself to keep her warm. Luke slipped on his boxers and a pair of sweatpants before tossing Maya her bra.
“I need underwear, but you ripped mine.” Maya huffed and put her bra on.
“If you want, you can wear a pair of Kristi Jo’s.” Luke choked slightly when he said her name, still not over the thought of one of his friends sleeping with his girlfriend.
“I’d probably get an STD from those.” Maya shook her head. “Speaking of STD’s, you should be tested.”
“Trust me, I get tested twice a month.” Luke looked at Maya. “I have the records to prove I’m clean.”
“I believe you.” Maya held up her hands defensively.
“Uh, I think these are Bryana’s. You can wear these.” Luke suggested and Maya nodded, standing up. Luke handed her the thong and Maya examined it.
“I don’t think these have ever been worn.” She determined.
“Ash probably bought them for her, but they weren’t the right size.” Luke shrugged. Maya slipped them on and looked at Luke. “Do you want shorts or sweatpants or joggers?” Luke asked before shaking his head. “You know what? Just come look at what I have and you can choose what you want.” Maya walked over to Luke’s dresser and looked through his clothes.
“You sure own a lot of black.” Maya laughed and pulled out a pair of sweatpants. She slipped them on and watched as they fell back down. “You’re huge.”
“No, you’re tiny.” Luke laughed and pulled the up, adjusting the string on the inside so they wouldn’t fall down again.
“I’m not tiny, I’m average.” She pulled out a t-shirt similar to one she owned. “I have almost this same shirt. Mine’s white.”
“You listen to All Time Low?” Luke asked, clearly shocked. Maya nodded and pulled the shirt over her head.
“I listened to them all through high school and I still do.” She shrugged and walked back over to Luke’s bed.
“Wait a second. Maya, come here quick.” Luke furrowed his eyebrows. Maya looked at him confused before walking back over to him. Luke lifted the shirt slightly and pushed the hem of the sweatpants down. “You have a tattoo?”
“Yes, I do.” Maya pulled the shirt down and pushed Luke’s hand away.
“I want to get a good look at it.” Luke lifted the shirt again. “It’s a dragonfly.”
“They’re my favorite insect.” Maya admitted, looking down at her feet. “I have this dragonfly toe ring, too. I’ve had the toe ring since high school, but my toe basically grew around it, so I can’t take it off. I can’t take any of them off.” Luke looked down at her toes and at the 3 rings adorning her toes.
‘Damn, she’s adorable.’ Luke thought to himself, a grin finding his lips. “That’s cool, I guess.” Luke cleared his throat. Maya shook her head and walked over to the bed.
“I guess, yeah.” She laid back down under the covers. Luke pulled on a shirt and walked over to the bed, sliding in next to Maya. She snuggled up to him once more. He slung an arm over her waist and rubbing his fingers along her spine.
“So, you really like All Time Low?” He asked, looking at her.
“I listened to them all through high school and I still do now.” She shrugged and moved so her face was laying eye level with his. She opened her mouth to speak as the song changed in the background. She froze and tears filled her eyes.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Luke asked, sitting up. Maya sat up, facing forward. Luke reached for her hand, but she pulled it away.
“Saltwater Room..” She whispered, looking down at her hands. A single tear fell from her eyes.
“That’s the name of the song, yeah.” Luke looked at her confused. He brought his hand to her cheek, wiping her tear.
“This song played when we had sex for the first time..” Maya could feel her throat closing. It had been years since they had done it, and that was the last time she heard the song. Maya looked at Luke as realization washed over him.
“4th of July..” Luke whispered, looking at Maya. “You’re right, this song played.” Luke nodded.
“Did you tell anyone about that night?” Luke shook his head and held Maya’s hand.
“We agreed not to. You and I are the only ones who know what we did. Well, you and me and God.”
“Okay, Preacher’s Son, this isn’t Bible study.” Maya laughed a little and sniffled.
“I haven’t been to a Bible study since this school year started. I only go when we’re home, because you know how my dad is.”
“I don’t even go to Bible study when we’re home.” Maya laughed and laid back down. “Can you imagine what your dad would do if he knew what we did tonight?”
“He’d ask God for permission to murder us both.” Luke laughed and laid back. Maya yawned through her smile and laid her head on Luke’s chest. Luke brought his fingers to her back once again. He slipped his hand under the shirt and rubbed her skin gently. Maya closed her eyes and tangled her legs with Luke’s. “Goodnight, my dragonfly.” Luke whispered and pressed a soft kiss to Maya’s head.
Luke had missed a total of 4 practices. He missed the practice on the day of Maya’s game and 3 practices once they had returned from Thanksgiving break. “Luke, you’ll need to stay after today to make up for the numerous practices you’ve missed.” Coach Feldmann crossed his arms. “This is getting out of hand. You can’t miss any more practices.”
“I’m sorry, Coach. It won’t happen again.” Luke sighed as he sat on the bench. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Maya.
Hey do you want to come to my practice so we can hang out after?
He slid his phone back in his bag before she could send a reply. He got back on the ice and picked up his stick, getting back to the rest of the team. Maya showed up 10 minutes before practice was set to end. She sat in the highest seat of the bleachers and leaned back against the wall. She pulled out her phone and checked her Twitter notifications. Luke’s ex girlfriend, Kristi Jo had been subtweeting her since Luke went to her game. She rolled her eyes and leaned her head back. “Jealous cunt.” Maya whispered, looking down at the ice.
“Hi.” Luke mouthed, biting his lip to contain his smile.
“Gross, Luke. You invited her to practice?” Liam made a disgusted face.
“We’re going to hang out after.” Luke shrugged, trying to hide his grin.
“All you do is hang out with this girl. It disgusts me.” Liam laughed and followed the others to the locker room.
“Hemmings, you owe me 3 hours of extra practice. Starting now.” Coach Feldmann stated, walking to the locker room with the other team members. Maya walked down the bleachers to Luke.
“Listen, I love spending time with you, but I don’t want to spend 3 hours watching you do this.” Maya giggled, sitting on the bench.
“Okay, get out here. Come on.” Luke held his hand out to Maya.
“What? Luke, no. I don’t have skates and you’re supposed to be practicing.” Maya shook her head, and looked up at Luke.
“Maya, get over here.” Luke demanded, keeping his hand extended to her.
“You’re annoying.” Maya scoffed and carefully walked onto the ice. She grabbed Luke’s hand to keep herself steady. “I’m gonna fall.” Maya whined and held onto Luke. Luke laughed and handed her his stick.
“Do you know how to shoot?”
“I don’t need to. I play volleyball.” Maya huffed and took the stick.
“Just try and hit the puck into the net.” Luke rolled his eyes playfully. He skated over to the net and watched as Maya struggled to keep her footing.
“I hope this puck knocks all your teeth out.” She huffed and swung the stick at the puck. She screamed when she lost her balance and fell on the ice. Luke let out a loud laugh before covering his mouth.
“Shit, baby, are you okay?” Luke skated over to her and grabbed her hands.
“I don’t like you.” Maya groaned and pulled Luke down on the ice. Luke groaned from the sudden collision with the ice.
“That was rude, Dragonfly.” Luke pulled his helmet off and looked at her.
“Whatever. Just get up and help me up.” Maya tried to get up, but slipped back onto the ice. Luke stood up and held Maya’s waist as he held her up.
“I’m going to teach you to shoot now.” Luke picked up his stick and placed it in her hands. He dropped a puck in front of them and held his hands over Maya’s to hold the stick in the correct position. He moved her arms and hit the puck into the net.
“Great, I did it. Now you do your practice so we can do something fun,’ Maya crossed her arms.
“You don’t think this is fun?” Luke scoffed, faking offense.
“This is boring.” Maya huffed. “With a capital B.”
“Oh, now you’re just being mean.” Luke laughed, pulling Maya closer to him. She squealed when he began tickling her sides. She managed to get herself out of his arms and did her best to slide away, her Converse making it a little difficult. Luke skated over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, spinning her around. Maya giggled loudly.
“Luke! Put me down!” She laughed, holding onto him.
“Hey, this is a closed practice.” Michael said from the sidelines.
“Mike, it’s not a big deal.” Luke set Maya down and looked at Michael.
“Practice isn’t over until the last player leaves the ice, and besides, you owe us 3 hours of practice.” Michael crossed his arms.
“I’ll see you later, Bug. I have to go anyways. Kristi Jo wants me to fill in for Becca at the coffee shop tonight.” Maya sighed. She made her way off the ice and out of the arena.
“Thanks a lot, mate.” Luke sighed, watching Maya leave.
“You can’t risk the team for this girl. She’s not more important than winning the championship, is she? No, she’s not. Now practice.” Michael rolled his eyes.
***
Maya walked into the coffee shop and put on her name tag and apron. “Oh, Maya, you’ll be on dish tonight, so you won’t need the name tag and apron.” Kristi Jo smirked at Maya.
“Uh, I don’t do dish anymore. I’m only supposed to be called in if a barista doesn’t show.” Maya crossed her arms.
“Well, I’m the assistant manager, and I’m telling you that you’re on dish tonight. Now get to it.” She smirked and turned back to what she had been working on.
“Are you punishing me because I’m dating Luke?” Maya rolled her eyes.
“He’ll leave you soon, so I don’t have to worry about it. He could never actually like you.” Kristi Jo laughed. “And, Maya, please tuck your shirt in. We wouldn’t want you to get written up for violating the dress code.”
“You should tuck your shirt in, then. Or tell the other 7 people without their shirts tucked in to respect the dress code.” Maya rolled her eyes and walked to the back where the dishwasher was.
***
Luke walked into the frat house after he had finished his extra practice. He walked up to his room, which he shared with Ashton, and set his bag on his bed. “Heard you were fraternizing with Maya on the ice today.” Ashton said, not looking up from his textbook.
“I was just teaching her how to shoot.” Luke shrugged.
“You seem to be taking this bet much more seriously than we thought you would.”
“I honestly forgot it was a bet..” Luke sighed and sat on the edge of his bed. “She’s just so important to me and I want to be with her for real, not for a bet. I want out of the bet.”
“You really love her, don’t you?” Ashton closed his philosophy book and looked at Luke. “I can tell you do.”
“I love her more than anything.” Luke looked down at his lap. “She’s the most important thing in my life.” He sighed.
Maya walked from the church parking lot to the park across the street, carrying a bowl of tuna casserole. “How did we get swept up in this?” Maya asked, looking at Brooke as she set the bowl down a plastic table.
“You’re daddy’s little girl, so you do whatever he says. And, daddy said you had to help with the party.” Brooke rolled her eyes and set her tray of devilled eggs down on the table.
“I am far from ‘daddy’s little girl.’” Maya laughed softly. “Remember when we went up to Fargo last summer?”
“Oh, yes. You had quite the night, under God’s eyes, I may remind you.” Brooke giggled, nudging Maya’s shoulder. “But, you know, you shouldn’t do it again. It should be just a onetime thing. God’s always watching.”
“He can watch all he wants, it won’t stop me from having a little fun.” Maya giggled and started walking back to the church to grab more food. She walked into the kitchen and collided with a tall, broad statured man. “Oh, I’m so sorr-” she looked up to see Luke Hemmings looking down at her. “Just kidding, I’m not sorry.” Maya rolled her eyes and walked to the counter to grab another bowl of food.
“Wow, that’s lovely. Nice to see you, too, Maya.” Luke scoffed, watching her.
“I’m too busy to talk to you right now, and I don’t want to.” Maya let out a deep breath and carried the bowl out of the kitchen, Brooke following behind her.
“What’s up with you and Luke? Why do you hate him so much?” Brooke asked as she set her bowl down on the plastic table.
“For starters, he’s arrogant and self-absorbed. He only cares about himself and his hockey stick.” Maya rolled her eyes. “Most of all, I hate him because he’s so attractive and he knows it.”
“You know, you could, maybe, like, talk to him. Become friends, even.” Brooke suggested. “After all, we did go to school with him and we’re going to the same university next year.” she pointed out.
“It might even be nice to know someone”
“Brooke, even if he does see us around he’s not going to talk to us”
“He might if you were actually I don’t know, nice to hi!”
“Yeah but look, but he’s got such a reputation, you know? Everyone on the team always talks about how he’s slept with every cheerleader. Even some of the girls on the volleyball team have slept with him. He’s just too cocky to get involved with” Maya sighed and took a seat on the swing. “I don’t want anything to do with him.”
“Well, you might have to change that approach, because he’s walking towards us.” Brooke said as she walked Luke saunter over, smirking at them.
***
The potluck itself wasn’t terrible. The food was great, but old people love to ask about things that aren’t their business. Luke stood next to Maya as they washed the dishes in the church kitchen. “You should tell your father to invest in a dishwasher for the church.” Maya huffed, scrubbing at the burnt on crisps of the Crockpot.
“Believe me, I’m trying.” Luke sighed and dried the dishes on the rack. “How did we get sentenced to dish duty, anyways? I thought the old ladies were the ones that liked to wash them?”
“They’re too busy complaining about the heat.” Maya rolled her eyes and placed the Crockpot on the counter for Luke to dry. Luke let out a quiet laugh and dried the large pot, shoving it to the back of the counter.
“I wanted to ask you if you, uh, wanted to watch the fireworks down at the lake. You know, instead of here at the church.” Luke cleared his throat slightly, a blush creeping onto his cheeks.
“Uh, why?” Maya asked, looking up at him.
“To be away from the old people, and our parents.” Luke shrugged. “Jack bought some beer, too, and he said I could take a couple.”
“We’re still underage, Luke.” Maya rolled her eyes. “And, doesn’t your dad always say that God frowns upon drinking alcohol?”
“God can make an exception, and my dad doesn’t have to know.” Luke added, drying another dish and putting it away.
She thought for a minute about what Brooke said earlier. She could give him a chance. He was acting different, easier to talk too, less cocky. Accepting to drink with just him would be give her a chance to see what he is like, wouldn’t it?
“Alright, fine. We can go down to the lake when we finish these dishes.” Luke grinned and picked up another dish.
“Let’s get to it, then.” Luke chuckled and began racing to dry every dish on the rack. Maya scrubbed the last dish and dunked it in the sink to rinse it. She handed it to Luke, who dried it quickly. “Can you put all the things that go in the lower cabinets away? We’ll get done faster.”
“Yeah, fine.” Maya sighed and grabbed the various pots and pans and began putting them away. Luke reached up and put away all of the dishes that rested on the top cabinets.
“I think we’ll make it to the lake in time for the fireworks.” Luke smiled, turning to Maya.
“Get the beer and I’ll meet you down there.” Maya said, crossing her arms. Luke nodded and pulled out his phone, sending a quick text to Jack. Maya walked out of the church kitchen and out of the building. She walked down the street toward the path that leads to the lake.
“Maya! Where are you going?” Brooke called after her.
“Luke and I are going to watch the fireworks down at the lake.” Maya explained, looking at Brooke as she stood in the parking lot of the grocery store, her uniform blending in with the dark night. Brooke raised her eyebrows suspiciously.
“I thought about what you said okay, about giving him a chance to be friends” Brooke grinned victoriously before dropping it for a confused face.
“I thought you were going to hang with me here?” Brooke pouted, pushing a cart into the right spot.
“I’ll come by after the fireworks, okay?” She offered, smiling at her best friend.
“Yeah, sure, just don’t do anything stupid with Luke.” Brooke warned jokingly before winking. Maya laughed and started walking again.
“No promises.” She giggled and walked down the path. She had goose bumps, even though it was nearly hot enough to melt her skin off. She didn’t know what to expect when Luke showed up with a 6-pack of beer.
“Ready to watch some fireworks?” Luke grinned. He set the pack of beer on the sand and laid down a blanket. Maya let out a deep breath and sat down on the blanket.
“I’m ready to drink some beer.” She smiled, reaching over for the 6-pack. Luke laughed and handed her a bottle, helping her open it. She took a sip and looked up at the sky as the first of the fireworks went off. Luke plugged his phone into the portable speaker and set it on the blanket, letting the music fill the air around them.
“I love the 4th of July.” Luke grinned, looking up as the fireworks started. Maya turned her head and looked at Luke. Luke felt her gaze and turned his head to look down at her. It may have been the alcohol that he had consumed throughout the day finally reaching his bloodstream, but Luke felt that the moment needed more. He leant down and pressed his lips to hers. She reacted immediately, her lips molding against his. Her arms found their way around his neck and her fingers to his hair. Luke brought his hands to her hips and pulled her closer to his body.
“What are we doing?” Maya breathed against his lips. She looked up at him, searching his eyes.
“We’re making a memory.” Luke answered, pressing his lips to hers again. He laid her down on the blanket and brought his lips to her neck, sucking and nipping at her skin. Maya whimpered softly and pulled her legs up on either side of Luke’s hips. Luke grinded himself against her as he pulled her crop top over her head. He quickly pulled her shorts down and threw them into the sand, her thong following after.
“If I get sand in my ass after this, we’re never doing it again.” Maya huffed, removing her own bra. Luke chuckled and pulled his shirt off.
“We’re on a blanket, you won’t get sand in your ass.” Luke let his lips travel down her jaw and to her neck. She moaned softly and pushed Luke’s jeans down.
“Lu, just hurry up.” She panted, using her feet to push his boxers down.
“You’re eager, eh?” Luke smirked, kicking his jeans and boxers aside.
“The fireworks are almost over, I don’t want to get caught. My dad would kill you if he saw us together.” Maya wrapped her arms around Luke’s neck and looked up at him. “And I don’t even want to know what your parents would do if they found out”
“Our parents won’t know.” Luke whispered, pressing his lips to hers. “Are you covered?” He asked, rubbing the tip of his cock against her clit. Maya whimpered softly and gripped Luke’s hair.
“I’m on the pill.” Maya looked up at Luke and bit her lip. Luke’s lips found hers once more, gently molding together. Luke slowly thrusted into her, filling her completely with his size. She let out a loud moan and laid her head back against the fabric of the blanket. “Holy fuck, Luke.” She moaned, tugging at his hair.
“Jesus Christ, you feel so good around me.” Luke groaned, basking in the feeling of her stretching around him. He pulled his hips back slowly and thrusted in hard. Luke’s hips rutted against Maya’s and her fingers tangled themselves in Luke’s hair.
“Fucking hell, harder, Luke.” Maya moaned, arching her back. Luke moaned and pounded into her, hitting all the right spot. Maya gasped out a loud moan and squeezed her eyes shut. Luke pushed her legs farther up against her chest as he pounded into her harder. She moved her hands from Luke’s hair to his back, dragging her carefully painted nails down his skin.
“Fuck, baby, do that again.” Luke moaned, stilling inside her briefly. She bucked her hips up against his and dug her nails into his skin deeper, dragging them back up. Luke brought his fingers down to her clit and began rubbing fast circles against the nub. The music coming from the speaker played over them as Luke pulled Maya closer. He let the lyrics cloud his brain as he pounded into her.
So tell me darling, do you wish we'd fall in love? All the time.
“Fuck, yes.” Luke moaned, pounding faster. His fingers worked her clit faster, high pitched gasps leaving Maya’s lips.
“Luke, fuck.. Luke, Luke..” Maya gasped, digging her nails into his bicep. “Oh, God, Luke.. Fuck.” His name fell from her lips like a mantra as she released around him. His hips jutted slightly as his high flushed over him. He released into her, a low groan leaving his lips. He pulled out slowly and looked down at Maya. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was quick and labored.
“Hey, are you okay?” Luke whispered, rubbing his thumb against her cheek lightly.
“I have never been better.” Maya giggled breathlessly. She opened her eyes and glanced up at Luke. “But, we can’t tell anyone we did this. Not even your friends at school.”
“Yeah, okay.” Luke sighed, gathering their clothes, before pulling her into his side as they watched the remaining fireworks and listened to Luke’s dad, who had taken the mic, giving a speech to those close by.
In that moment, with the girl he had had a crush on since the day he met her sitting next to him, and then promise of seeing her in university and his upcoming hockey scholarship, he felt unstoppable.
Maya walked into the library sluggishly the following Monday. She was supposed to meet Luke at 3pm, but she was still feeling the effects of her hangover. She rubbed her forehead and walked to the back where the duo usually met. “There you are. I’ve been here for over an hour now.” Luke crossed his arms.
“Please stop yelling.” Maya squinted and pinched the bridge of her nose.
“First of all, I’m not yelling. Second, are you still hungover from Saturday’s party?” Luke laughed a little and pulled her down in his lap. Maya whined and buried her face in his neck, curling up against him.
“Tequila and I don’t always agree with each other.” Maya huffed and pulled her sweater sleeves over her fists. Luke wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his chest.
“Yeah, you were pretty bad on Sunday morning.” Luke rubbed her arm gently. “How many times did you throw up? 4?”
“I lost count..” Maya rubbed her eyes. “Don’t let me drink ever again.”
“Can’t do that, but I can make sure you drink in moderation.” Luke chuckled. “So, Maya, I have a question for you.”
“Please, Luke. I don’t have the energy to think.” Maya whined and closed her eyes.
“This question doesn’t involve any thinking.” Luke smiled. “Will you go on a date with me?” Maya thought back to what Brooke had said to her at the party.
‘Why would she warn me against it after telling me to do it?’ Maya asked herself. “One date.” Maya agreed, thinking ‘Maybe Brooke is wrong. Luke may be okay after all.’
“You won’t regret it, I promise.” Luke grinned and kissed Maya’s cheek. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 4.”
***
Maya sat on the closed toilet and looked up at Brooke. “This isn’t a good idea, Maya.” Brooke sighed.
“You keep saying that, but you won’t tell me why.” Maya rolled her eyes and stood up. “I need to get ready, he’s gonna be here soon.”
“I just think you need to be careful with him. What happened to despising him?”
“He’s changed, Brooke. He’s not who I thought he was. He’s sweet, and gentle, and he cares about me.” Maya sighed contentedly. “He wants me and not any other girl. He’s been asking me out for a month now, Brooke. He wouldn’t give up.”
“He wouldn’t give up because he wants to use you.” Brooke scoffed at Maya. “I figured you of all people would know that.”
“What the fuck is your problem?!” Maya screamed at Brooke. Brooke widened her eyes at Maya’s language.
“Maya, you can’t say that. You know how bad that is.” Brooke gasped.
“We’re not all goody two shoes’ like you, Brooke.” Maya rolled her eyes and applied the last of her mascara. Luke pulled up in front of her building and pulled out his phone. He sent her a quick text to let her know that he was here. “I have to go. He’s waiting.” Maya tucked her phone into her sweatshirt pocket and walked out of the bathroom.
“Just be careful, Maya. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” Brooke warned.
“I’ll be fine.” Maya rolled her eyes and walked out of the apartment. She walked down to Luke’s truck and slid into the passenger seat.
“Well, don’t you look beautiful.” Luke grinned, leaning over to kiss Maya’s cheek.
“I’m literally in leggings and a hoodie. It doesn’t exactly look like a beautiful outfit.” Maya giggled and buckled herself in. “Where are we going now?”
“You’ll see.” Luke grinned. “It’s one of my favorite places on campus and it’s not a very well known place.”
“It better be good. I don’t want to regret agreeing to this.” Maya joked.
“Oh, baby, you won’t regret it. I promise.” Luke grinned and drove down the street. “Hey, my mom wanted me to ask you if you need a ride home for Thanksgiving.”
“Oh, yeah, I guess I do. I was going to just take the bus to Jamestown and hitch a ride the rest of the way.”
“That’s incredibly dangerous, I’m driving you. We’re going to the same place anyways.” Luke shrugged. “Your one friend you always hang out with can come too, if she wants.”
“She has her own car. And we aren’t exactly happy with each other right now.” Maya sighed.
“Did you have a fight?” Luke asked, slipping his hand into hers.
“She keeps telling me to be careful with you.” Maya sighed. “She’s acting like she knows something, but she won’t tell me what she knows.” Luke’s heart beat faster as Maya explained the situation.
“You don’t have to be careful. Just trust your instincts.” Luke squeezed her hand gently and parked in front of a small ice cream shop.
“This is it?” Maya asked, looking at the rustic building.
“Yup, come on.” Luke got out of the truck and waited on the sidewalk for her. Maya got out and walked over to Luke.
“It’s cute.” She commented as Luke held the door open for her. “It looks a lot like Tastee-Freez.”
“That’s why we’re here.” Luke grinned. “A little taste of home.” Maya giggled softly and held Luke’s hand once more. “What do you want?”
“I want mint chocolate chip.” Maya smiled, lacing her fingers with Luke’s.
“Oh, that’s my favorite.” Luke grinned, slipping his hand out from hers and snaking his arm around her waist.
“My favorite is cookie dough, but they never have it in places like this, so mint chocolate chip is the next best thing.” Maya giggled and leaned into Luke’s side. Luke stepped up to the counter and ordered their ice cream. Maya pulled out her debit card to pay, but Luke grabbed it and stuffed it in his pocket.
“This is a date, Maya. I’m paying.” He laughed and handed the cashier his card.
“Fine, then give me my card back.” Maya laughed, reaching into Luke’s pocket for her card. She pulled it out along with a foil packet. “Really? You keep a condom in your pocket?”
“Well, I have to be prepared.” Luke grabbed the condom back and tucked it in his pocket. “But, of course, I won’t be needing it if you don’t forget to take your pill.”
“Don’t worry, I have an alarm.” She giggled and grabbed her cup of ice cream. Luke smiled and followed her to a corner booth. They both sat down and Maya and looked across the table at Luke. “How much did you make at Tastee-Freez?”
“Not enough.” Luke laughed. “That was the shittiest job I’ve ever had.”
“You must have been pretty shit at it, because I can clearly remember that I never got what I asked for when you were on duty.” Maya looked at Luke for an explanation.
“Well, that’s partly because I was hoping you’d come back and complain about it to me. Also, I just hated working there, so I never really tried to do things right.” Luke laughed. “I just wanted you to talk to me.”
“You could have maybe been, I don’t know, a little nicer?” Maya raised an eyebrow at Luke and took a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.
“Nicer? I was plenty nice.” Luke looked at Maya.
“You were nice? Oh, God, that’s hilarious.” Maya laughed and set her spoon down. “You used to drive around town with a baseball bat knocking people’s mailboxes over. You went cow tipping every Friday night.”
“Those were stupid teenage things.” Luke sighed and crossed his arms.
“Really stupid teenage things.” Maya rolled her eyes and picked up her spoon again. “You know what else was a stupid teenage thing?”
“What?” Luke asked, taking a bite of his ice cream.
“Having sex with you down at the lake when we were 19.” Maya said with her mouth full.
“Fuck you, Maya.” Luke laughed, making Maya choke on her ice cream.
“You already did.” Maya laughed. Luke laughed loudly and covered his mouth. Maya giggled and took another bite of her ice cream.
“Multiple times. And, I definitely plan on doing it several more times.” Luke grinned, holding Maya’s hand on the table.
“You’re a nerd.” Maya giggled and laced her fingers with Luke’s.
It was the summer before her senior year of high when Maya noticed a moving truck in the traffic behind her. “That’s weird,” she muttered to her best friend, Brooke, “no one ever purposely moves here.” Both girls laughed as they watched the truck turn across the train tracks behind them.
“I wonder who they are. Probably some old people who got tired of living in the city.” Brooke shrugged before nodding, putting her feet up on the dashboard.
“I bet your dad knows. Chief of police knows everyone’s business.” Maya rolled her eyes slightly and parked on the street in front of her house. She got out of the truck and walked inside to the living room with Brooke. “Dad, I’ve got a question for you.”
“What is it?” Brad asked, not looking up from his paper.
“Someone just moved into town. Who are they?” Brooke asked for her, sitting on the couch across from Brad’s recliner.
“Ah, yes, they said today that they would be here. That’s Andy Hemmings and his family. He’s going to be the new pastor over at Assembly of God. He’s got a son your age. I think his name is Luke. Your mother and I went to high school with Andy and his wife. I haven’t seen Andy since his brother’s wedding a few years ago.” Brad chuckled. “I’ll have to go see them when they’ve settled in.”
“Who are they?” Maya asked again, sitting with Brooke.
“Andy and his wife Liz. You met them when you were young at your uncle's wedding but I don’t think you have seen them since then. They have 3 sons: Ben, Jack, and Luke. Luke is your age, and Jack is about the same age as Drew. Ben’s quite a bit older.” Brad explained. “Why don’t you take that pie your mother made today over to their house?” Brad suggested, turning the page of his paper.
“Which house are they living in?” Brooke asked.
“Old man Jeff’s old house. Andy’s going to fix it up; I mean with three sons he’ll be able to fix it.” Brad smiled and set his newspaper down. “Connie” he called through the house, “give the girls that pecan pie you baked. They’re going to take it over to the Hemmings’ house.”
“Oh, that sounds like a wonderful idea.” Connie beamed walking into the room before putting the pie in a container. “It’d be so lovely if you girls could be friends with Luke. It’ll be hard for him to make friends in school with it being senior year, and all.” Connie smiled and handed the pie to Maya. “He was always such a nice boy”.
“Doubtful, but sure.” Maya shrugged. “Come on, Brooke, let’s go.” Maya stood up and grabbed the keys to her father’s truck. She walked out to the truck, Brooke following her. Maya handed the pie to her and slid into the driver’s seat. She drove across the tracks to where Old Man Jeffrey used to live. Jeffrey was an older man who didn’t have any family. He was pretty much a recluse. He only left his home to buy groceries, and even then, he didn’t speak to anyone unless he had to. But when he had spoken, he was a polite man. Maya had met him on a few occasions and never had seen a problem like some people in town who would complain about him.
“What if this Luke kid is cute? How are we going to decide who gets to date him?” Brooke asked, looking at the house.
“He probably won’t be, so you can have him.” Maya laughed and parked the truck on the street before getting out. Brooke handed her the pie and followed her up the path to the front door. Maya knocked gently before taking a step back. Inside, there was a mixture of voices.
“Jack, answer the door. I’m still down in the cellar cleaning up.” a voice hollered from inside. A blonde boy soon appeared through the window and walked to the door, sliding the glass door open.
“Can I help you?” he asked, looking at the two girls.
“Hi, I’m Maya Rosario. I live across the tracks. Uh, we brought you a pie.” Maya muttered, holding out the pie.
“Pecan pie, my favorite.” the boy grinned. “My parents are down at the church organizing some things; would you like to come in?”
“Oh, uh, sure.” Maya said, glancing at Brooke.
“I’m Jack, by the way.”
“Like I said, Maya and this is my friend Brooke.”
“It was very nice of you to bring a pie, thank you.” Jack smiled at the girls, waving at them to follow him into the kitchen.
“My mother made it.” Maya smiled. “She loves to bake for the new arrivals.”
“You said your last name was Rosario right”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, so your mother is Connie? Your dad went to school with my dad back in Bismarck.” Jack smiled.
“Yeah, he did.” Maya laughed a little. “He mentioned that today actually”
“Your dad is the reason we moved out here. He got my dad the job as Pastor at the old church.” Jack explained, setting the pie on a shelf in the fridge.
“Hey, Jack, where did dad put all the light bulbs? There’s 4 lights out in my room.” Another boy said, walking into the kitchen and stopped when he saw Brooke and Maya. “Well, hello there.” He smirked slightly; he was almost identical to Jack with a few differences.
“Luke, this is Maya and Brooke. They live across the tracks.” Jack explained. “This is Luke; he’s the baby of the family.”
“I’m the baby, too. My older brother is up in Fargo at North Dakota State University.” Maya explained.
“Hey, that’s where I’m starting in August.” Jack grinned. “What year is he?”
“He’s a senior. A chemical engineering major.” Maya smiled.
“What about you? Where do you go to school?” Luke asked, glancing at the pie.
“Brooke and I are both seniors at Harvey High School.” Maya said and Brooke nodded.
“I’ll be starting there, too. What kind of sports do they have?” Luke asked, leaning against the counter.
“Uh, Brooke and I both play volleyball. We also have a swim team and a hockey team.”
“Thank God, there’s hockey. I wasn’t ready to stop playing yet.” Luke grinned.
“Luke’s trying to get a hockey scholarship to UND.” Jack smiled, nudging Luke’s shoulder.
“Maya and I have both going to apply to UND. They won’t send acceptance letters until February, though.” Brooke said, smiling at the boys.
“What do you want to major in?” Maya asked, looking at Luke.
“Business. What about you?”
“I’m going for psychology. Brooke’s going for elementary education.” Maya smiled. “That is if we get in”
Jack smiled, “I’m sure you will. I just met you and I have faith you will, that says something”
The girls smiled, and slightly waved as Jack waved a small goodbye as he walked out of the room, leaving the girls with the tall blonde boy.
“Maybe we’ll see each other at UND sometime.” Luke chuckled, crossing his arms loosely.
***
Luke walked into the library, stomping out his winter boots on the rug in the entryway. He walked into the large room filled with shelves of books. He walked to the nonfiction aisle and began looking at titles. “Can I help you find something?” Maya asked as she finished putting away the last book on her cart.
“No, I’m just looking. I need something to read while there’s nothing to do at Tastee-Freez. Do you know how boring it is to sit in a cold building and wait for someone to get hungry?” Luke sighed, scanning the books.
“Yes, I do. What kind of book are you interested in?” Maya asked, pushing her cart into the small closet.
“I like historical books. Maybe something about wars.” Luke shrugged.
“Have you read Night by Elie Wiesel?” Maya asked and Luke shook his head. “We were required to read it for school last year, it’s about the Holocaust.”
“Was it good?” Luke asked, looking at her.
“I thought it was. I think you might enjoy it.” Maya smiled, pulling the book off the shelf. She handed the book to Luke. “Read it and tell me what you think.” She smiled, walking over to the desk.
“I will.” Luke grinned, handing her the book slip. She smiled and watched as Luke walked out of the building.
“Was that Luke Hemmings?” Brooke asked, coming out of the back room.
“Yeah, he was getting a book.” Maya said, looking back at her.
“You know, I think Luke likes you. He’s always coming around here.” Brooke smirked, nudging Maya.
“Gross, I don’t like Luke like that.” Maya made a face before turning back to her computer. “I don’t want to like him. He’s an arrogant and cocky jock; he only cares about himself and his stupid truck.”
“You totally like him.” Brooke giggled.
“No, I don’t. I hate him.”
***
“I can’t believe this day is here. Our little baby has finally graduated.” Brad grinned, wrapping his arm around Connie’s shoulders. “Come on, Andy wants to have a special service for all of the graduates.” The three of them walked down the street to Andy’s church. They walked inside and were welcomed by a majority of the town.
“Congratulations, Maya.” Liz smiled, embracing her gently at the doors of the church.
“Thank you, Mrs. Hemmings.” Maya smiled, hugging back gently. “Give my congratulations to Luke.” Connie said, wrapping her arms around her friend. “That boy always runs off when he gets the chance” Liz laughed
“You and Luke are both going to be attending the University of North Dakota, you two should think about talking to each other more. It might make your years of college easier.” Liz suggested, giving Maya’s arm a gently squeeze.
“That sounds like a great idea.” Maya forced a smiled, and looked around the church for Brooke.
Luke walked into the gym, much earlier than he said he’d be. He walked up to the bleachers and took a seat right near the front. He took out his phone and sent a quick text to Maya.
Looking forward to seeing your ass in those spandex ;)
He tucked his phone back in his pocket and watched as more people filed into the gym. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he carefully slid it out. He opened the message from Maya and grinned to himself. She had sent him a very flattering picture of her ass in spandex.
Can’t wait to see your coach kick you off the team for skipping practice ;)
Luke laughed to himself and put his phone back in his pocket. Maya and the team walked out from the locker room. Maya jogged over to the sidelines where Luke was sitting. It had been 2 weeks since their first date, and they had seen each other every single day since. “I didn’t think you’d actually come.” Maya smiled widely.
“Of course I came, I have to make sure no one else is staring at my girlfriend’s ass.” Luke chuckled and cupped her cheek.
“Girlfriend?” Maya asked, raising an eyebrow. “When did you get a girlfriend?” She inquired, a smirk toying at her lips.
“I got one right now when I decided I want you to be girlfriend.” Luke laughed softly and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
“What if I don’t want to be your girlfriend?” She countered, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Then you’d miss out on some bomb sex.” Luke laughed and pressed his lips to hers. She giggled softly against his lips and tangled her fingers in his hair.
“I guess I’ll be your girlfriend then. Only for the sex, though. Don’t expect anything else.” Maya laughed, kissing his cheek gently. “I have to go give my girls a pep talk. I’ll see you after the game.”
“Kick some ass, Dragonfly.” Luke grinned, patting her ass as she turned to walk away. Maya’s heart fluttered at the nickname. He had been calling her Dragonfly since their night at the party. No one had ever given her a nickname before, unless Brad calling her his Spunky Monkey counts. Maya was determined to play the best game of her life for Luke to see. She wanted him to be proud of her. Little did she know, he already was.
***
After the game, Maya and the girls hit the showers to wash off the sweat of losing. “I can’t believe we lost to them.” Brooke sighed as she pulled her leggings up.
“They cheated. That’s how they’ve won the last 4 times we’ve played them.” Maya scoffed, pulling her sweatshirt out of the locker and slipping it on.
“Hey, when did you get that sweatshirt?” Brooke asked, looking at the Blink-182 design on the front.
“Oh, this is Luke’s sweatshirt.” Maya said, looking down at it. Brooke rolled her eyes and pulled her t-shirt on.
“You need to stay away from him, Maya. He’s bad news.” Brooke sighed, taking a seat on the middle bench.
“Listen, Brooke, I know you’re my best friend and everything, but you don’t know anything about my relationship with Luke.” Maya crossed her arms.
“What relationship, Maya? The relationship where he calls you every time he wants to do it?” Brooke blushed at the thought.
“You mean when he wants sex? No, because that would make us friends with benefits. He’s my boyfriend, and nothing you say is going to change that.” Maya grabbed her bag and walked out of the locker room. She walked across the gym floor to where Luke was sitting. She dropped her bag and sat next to Luke, slumping over.
“You played great, Maya.” Luke wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to his body. “They were clearly cheating, and I don’t even know how to play volleyball.”
“Yeah, they’ve been cheating the last 4 times we’ve played them.. The refs just don’t do anything about it.” She sighed and laid her head on Luke’s shoulder.
“Did something else happen today? You aren’t normally this upset after losing a game.” Luke wondered, his fingers trailing down her spine.
“It’s Brooke. She’s still trying to tell me that I shouldn’t see you.”
“You want to though, right?” Luke asked, to make sure.
“Yes, Luke. I love spending time with you and I’m not going to stop just because my best friend hates you.” Maya sighed and wrapped her arms around Luke’s torso.
“Come on, Dragonfly. I’ll drive you home.” Luke pressed a kiss to Maya’s head and stood up. He picked up her bag and held his hand out to her. She took his hand and stood up before lacing their fingers. She followed him out to his truck and climbed into the passenger seat. Luke threw her bag to the back seat and slid into his.
“Do you have a game this weekend?” Maya asked as Luke drove down the street.
“Yeah, we’ve got a game in Minot.” He nodded, rubbing her thigh gently.
“So, I guess we won’t see each other much this weekend.” She sighed, lacing her fingers with his hand that was on her thigh.
“When I get back on Sunday night, we’ll go get late night ice cream at the Sugar Bowl.” Luke smiled and kissed her hand. “We’ll make up for lost time.” He pulled up in front of her building and pulled her bag up from the back seat.
“So, you leave Friday night?” She asked, pulling her bag onto her lap. Luke nodded and turned toward her. “We can leave Monday to go home, then. You know, for Thanksgiving.”
“Right, Thanksgiving.” Luke sighed. “We’re not telling our parents that we’re dating, right?”
“Yeah, let’s wait until Christmas.” Maya smiled and leaned over to kiss Luke’s cheek. “I’ll see you later, Bug.” Maya smiled and go out of the truck, running inside to escape the freezing rain. Luke drove himself back to the frat house and walked inside.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Hemmings.” Chad smirked and crossed his arms. “It was nice to not see you at practice.”
“Yeah, you never miss practice. Where were you?” Cory asked, leaning against the counter.
“Maya had a game and I wanted to be there.” Luke shrugged, pulling a can of soda from the fridge.
“You skipped practice to be with a girl? A girl that you’re only dating to win a bet?” Chad widened his eyes.
“Hey, I’d skip practice to see Maya Flaherty’s ass in spandex.” Cory laughed, nudging Luke. “I’d love to see a lot more of her than just her ass.” The team laughed and Luke rolled his eyes.
Luke walked into the house the next morning after spending the night with Maya. “There you are. You didn’t come home last night and I got worried.” Ashton said as Luke walked into their shared bedroom.
“Yeah, I stayed over at Maya’s. She made me dinner last night. Like, a three-course meal.” Luke sat down on his bed. “She made these mozzarella sticks, and they were to die for. And, she had the table set with candles and a tablecloth. Ashton, I want to marry her.”
“Slow down, mate. You’ve been together for, like, 5 months.” Ashton laughed. “You can wait a little while for marriage.”
“I know I’m going to marry her.” Luke grinned, looking down at his lap.
“Are you bringing her to the banquet next week?”
“Yeah, of course. Who else would I bring?” Luke questioned, as if it were common sense that he’d bring Maya.
“Are your parents coming?” Ashton asked, knowing it was a touchy subject.
“No. I haven’t spoken to my dad since that night over winter break. I’ve tried texting him and calling him, but he always leaves me on read. And, my mom won’t talk to me if my dad’s around.” Luke sighed, laying back. “It’s like I’m not even a Hemmings anymore.”
“They’ll come around, I’m sure. They’re your parents, they love you.” Ashton sighed.
“No, Ash. You don’t get it. My dad would rather not have me as a son, than have me be fucking someone before I’m married to them.”
“He still loves you, Luke.” Ashton reasoned, patting his shoulder.
***
The week leading up to the banquet was stressful for every member of the team. There were preparations that needed to be finished in order for the event to run smoothly. The team had gotten to the venue early to set up everything they needed. Cory plugged his laptop into the projector and got the slideshow ready to present. “Okay, our guests will be arriving shortly. Is everyone ready?” Coach Feldmann asked.
“Ready as ever, Coach.” Ashton grinned. “Michael, do you have your speech ready?”
“Ash, I’ve had my speech ready since I was a freshman in high school.” Michael laughed, gently patting his breast pocket to make sure his paper was there.
“Perfect, everyone find your spots.” Feldmann grinned, watching his team take their seats. The guests began milling in, but Luke was only looking for one person. Maya walked into the banquet hall and looked around the room for Luke. When their eyes met, a grin lit up Luke’s face. He stood up and jogged over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“You made it.” He grinned, hugging her close.
“Of course, I did, Lu. You think I would miss this?” She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “This is a huge night for you and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
“I love you so much.” Luke grinned, hugging her tighter.
“You better. I had to tell Kristi Jo that I wasn’t coming in tonight, so you can expect to hear that I lost my job fairly soon.” Maya joked, pressing a kiss to Luke’s cheek.
“She wouldn’t fire you for that. Now, let’s go sit down. The montage is about to start.” Luke grinned and led her over to his table. He took a seat with her and held her hand gently. The lights were dimmed and Cory played his slideshow. The guests laughed and awed at the appropriate times, admiring the work the team had done. Luke stiffened when a scene came into the montage. “Oh God..” Luke whispered, almost inaudibly.
“ You sure, you don’t love her?” Michael asked.
“I’m sure.” Luke huffed. He rinsed the soap from his skin and turned the water off. He wrapped his towel around his waist and walked back to his locker.
“Your whole body is blushing, Luke. You definitely have feelings for her.” Tyler laughed as he put his normal clothes back on.
“I bet you couldn’t get her to fall in love with you. You know, now that you’ve fucked her.” Aaron suggested.
“I totally could.” Luke countered, crossing his arms. If there was one thing that made Luke a good captain, it was his competitive nature.
“Alrighty then. Make her fall in love with you by the end of the season.” Aaron smirked. Tyler smirked from his spot against the lockers, his phone’s camera aimed directly at Aaron and Luke.
“Fine, I’ll get Maya Flaherty to fall in love with me by the end of the season, see if I don’t.”
Maya’s heart was beating rapidly, and it felt as though she couldn’t breathe. “I-I was a bet?” Maya asked, her voice coming out ragged.
“Maya, please.” Luke begged, squeezing her hand. Maya pulled her hand from his and stood up.
“I should have known you weren’t serious about us. I can’t believe I was so stupid.” Maya laughed dryly, trying to keep the tears back.
“No, Maya. I am serious about us. Please, I love you.” Luke pleaded, standing up.
“All I am to you is another girl. I never should have agreed to tutor you.” Maya shook her head and turned to walk away. Luke grabbed her wrist and pulled her back around.
“Maya, plea-” Luke was cut off by Maya’s palm connecting to his cheek. The action sent a wave of silence throughout the room and a harsh sting to Luke’s skin.
“Go to hell, Luke.” Maya spat, walking out of the banquet hall. Luke sat back down at his table. He was in too much shock to fully comprehend the situation. His whole body felt numb, the only feeling being the pain in his cheek from where Maya had slapped him. He could feel his stomach churning. Ashton quickly jogged over to Luke and pulled him up.
“Come on, let’s get you out of here. You look like you’re about hurl.” Ashton ushered Luke out of the room and into the hallway. Luke leaned against the wall of the hallway, trying to steady his breathing. He felt it coming up before he could react to it. He bent over and threw up on the carpeted floor of the hallway. Once he had emptied the contents of his stomach, the tears were freely falling.
“She left me..” Luke sobbed, wiping his mouth. “She didn’t even let me explain.”
“Let’s get you home, Luke.” Ashton sighed, stepping over the pool of vomit.
