Chapter 7: Guess Who's Back In Town?
The past few days had flown by in a blur, with Lara's mind preoccupied by the school's English Month event. The busy schedule served as a temporary distraction, allowing her to momentarily push aside the haunting memory of Lucas calling out another woman's name in his drunken state.
But just because she was distracted didn't mean she had forgotten. The wound was still fresh, buried beneath layers of denial and forced smiles.
She hadn't seen much of Lucas since that morning. He would come home late, long after she had fallen asleep and leave early in the morning before she could even catch a glimpse of him.
The small voice in the back of her mind whispered cruel suspicions—was he meeting Riah? Was that where he spent those long hours away? She knew she was overthinking, maybe even being paranoid, but the thought gnawed at her relentlessly. She didn't want to doubt him. But how could she not when he had already broken her heart without even realizing it?
Now, Saturday had come—the day they'd visit her parents.
She woke up earlier than usual for a weekend, glancing at the clock. 8:00 AM. After stretching lazily, she made her way downstairs to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. As expected, Lucas was already gone. He had come home late last night and left early again today.
She sighed, trying to push the disappointment away.
They were supposed to leave for her parents' house by 11:00 AM, just in time for lunch. She could only hope Lucas hadn't forgotten.
Deciding to make pancakes, Lara busied herself at the stove, flipping the golden batter when her phone buzzed from the pocket of her shorts.
Ali Calling...
A small smile crept onto her lips as she answered.
["Guess who's back in town?"] Ali's voice rang out, full of energy despite the early hour.
Lara raised an eyebrow, amused. "Good morning to you too."
["I'm serious, Lara. You won't believe this—Duke's back!"]
Lara froze mid-flip, blinking in surprise.
"Duke? As in our Duke?"
["The one and only."] Ali confirmed with a dramatic sigh. ["He called me yesterday—asking about you, by the way—and said the three of us need to meet up."]
Lara's heart warmed at the news. It had been three years since Duke left for New York, three years without any contact.
"He's really back?" she asked softly, the corner of her lips curling into a smile.
["Told you, didn't I? I was going to tell you last night, but I got home late and forgot. But whatever, now you know! We need to set a date ASAP."]
Lara couldn't help but chuckle. "Of course! I'm up for it! It's been three years. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
["Great! How about today, then? I'm free!"] Ali suggested excitedly.
Lara's excitement faltered slightly. "I can't. I'm visiting my parents with Lucas today."
At the mention of Lucas, Ali let out an exaggerated scoff. ["Ugh, fine. Tomorrow, then. I'll text Duke and let him know."]
"Sounds good," Lara agreed. Then she pouted slightly. "Still, it's unfair that Duke contacted you first. I was his friend before he even met you."
Ali snickered. ["Maybe he still hasn't moved on,"]
Lara frowned. "Moved on from what?"
Ali just laughed. ["You're so adorably dense."]
"What are you even talking about?"
["Nothing, nothing."] Ali's voice was laced with amusement. ["Anyway, I'll text you the café's address later. I need to get some sleep now."]
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
["See ya, wifey!"] Ali teased before ending the call.
Lara shook her head, a soft smile on her lips.
Duke was finally back. He had been one of her closest friends since college. They met during freshman orientation and had clicked instantly. Duke was the kind of guy everyone liked—smart, kind, and charming without even trying.
Women used to fall head over heels for him back then. Even Ali had a brief crush on him at one point though it quickly faded, moving on to the next handsome face that caught her eye.
Lara, however, had never seen Duke that way. Their bond was purely platonic. He was like the older brother she never had, and she knew Duke only ever saw her as a little sister.
The last time they'd spoken was before he left for New York for a job offer. He hadn't even been able to attend her wedding. But none of that mattered now. What was important was that he was back.
"I wonder if he's married now..." she mumbled to herself, flipping the last pancake onto her plate.
After finishing breakfast, Lara went back to her room to get ready.
She stood before her wardrobe, scanning the hangers before settling on a delicate blue mid-length dress adorned with a ditsy floral pattern. The fabric hugged her figure before flowing just below her knees, giving her a casual yet elegant vibe. The V-neckline, accentuated by black piping, added a subtle charm, while the short sleeves gave the dress a soft, feminine touch.
She paired it with sleek black open-toed heels that wrapped delicately around her ankles, adding just the right amount of height.
She decided to wear her hair down, curling the tips slightly for soft waves. A touch of light makeup, just enough to brighten her complexion completed the look. Finally, she put on small gold earrings and stepped back to examine herself in the mirror. Satisfied, she grabbed her black handbag and headed downstairs to wait for Lucas.
As she walked down the staircase, she fished her phone out of her bag, intending to text Lucas to ask when he'd be home.
But before she could type the message, the main door swung open.
Her gaze snapped to the person entering.
Lucas.
He stepped inside, his sharp eyes immediately landing on her. Their gazes locked, and for a brief moment, time seemed to slow.
Lara suddenly felt self-conscious under his stare. Was it the dress? The makeup? She instinctively smoothed the fabric of her skirt before making her way down the remaining steps.
"You're home," she said softly, offering him a small smile. "I was just about to text you."
Lucas's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he abruptly looked away.
"Let's go."
His voice was flat. Detached.
As if whatever flicker had passed between them was nothing but her imagination.
Lara's smile faltered, but she quickly composed herself and followed him outside. Stopping in front of his car, she watched as Lucas went straight to the driver's seat without a second glance at her.
She wasn't surprised. He never opened the door for her.
She had long stopped expecting him to.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the passenger door herself and slid inside.
The silence between them was heavy, but Lara didn't say anything.
She simply fastened her seatbelt, keeping her gaze fixed outside the window as Lucas started the car.
And just like that, they drove off. Two people sitting side by side yet miles apart.