Chapter Seven

“Like we say in St. Olaf – Christmas without fruitcake is like St. Sigmund’s Day without the headless boy.”

-Rose Nylund

“Lola McBride, you are the most gorgeous woman on the planet, and your outfit blows all other outfits out of the water.”

Normally, she would have preened at the compliment, but at the moment, she chose to ignore Luke, who was impatiently yelling at her from the living room.

Men really didn’t understand. This was the big day. She was meeting his family. Not any ordinary family, either. Luke had told her who would be in attendance. All women. His mom, her two sisters, Luke’s triplet sisters, and a handful of cousins. Girl cousins.

What did she know about girls? That no matter how impressed they were with your conversation and wit, they would definitely dissect your outfit after you left.

“I thought you had picked something,” Luke said. He sounded closer, like he was right outside her door. “Didn’t you text me last night that Frankie helped you narrow down the options?”

“Yes,” she shouted back. “She helped me narrow it down to three choices.” She wrenched the door open to find Luke with one arm extended up above him to the top of the doorframe and the other roaming over his face.

“Everything you’ve shown me looks amazing. Besides, we’re going to a picnic in a park, not to visit the Queen of England.”

“Speaking of the picnic, are you sure what I’m bringing is okay?” She’d picked up a huge platter of fruit that morning.

“What? Oh yeah. Whatever. You didn’t need to bring anything.”

She pinned him with a stare. “This is the first time I’m meeting your mother. Of course I have to bring something. I was going to bake some cookies. I make pretty decent chocolate chip.” She began toying with different earrings, holding them up to her ears and checking it out in the mirror. “But you said your sister worked in a bakery. No way I can compete with that.”

Seemingly at home, Luke flopped down on her bed. “Do you worry about everything?”

“Yes,” she answered easily. “Guys never understand. It’s the little things that truly matter. Speaking of, maybe I should go with the other tank top.” She gnawed on her lip and then silently chastised herself because she’d just applied her lipstick.

He shot up. “No, don’t do it. You look amazing. Better than amazing. Phenomenal.” His brows drew together as he thought. “Spectacular.”

“Oh please.” She turned to her closet, which now didn’t hold much thanks to the piles of discarded options strewn throughout her room. She placed a finger to her lips as she considered. “I know.”

“Lolaaaaa,” Luke said.

“No, just give me one minute. You can stay on my bed. I’ll run to the bathroom and slip this on.”

Okay, so it was more like five minutes than one, but Lola thought those three hundred seconds were totally worth it. The short leggings and long tank top with a glittery flower on it were perfect. Cool enough for an outdoor picnic. It was cute and fun without being too revealing.

She burst back into her room. Luke was holding a picture frame. He glanced up and a grin lit up his face.

“Hey, you look great.”

She did a little spin. “Not amazing, phenomenal, or spectacular,” she said teasingly.

He crossed to her. Cupping her cheek, he pulled her face to his and planted a soft kiss on her lips. It was such a boyfriend-y thing to do. Lola had to work hard to keep the sigh in.

When he moved to end the kiss, she indulged by deepening the connection. She opened her mouth and welcomed his eager tongue. Their arms twined around each other as they moved even closer. He smelled so good. Like soap from his morning shower and a fresh, earthy scent from his cologne. She could just eat him up, which might happen if she let the kiss go on any longer. Regretfully, she pulled back.

“You must really like this outfit,” she said lightly, even though she was actually feeling quite serious. Good thing he was holding her, because her knees were about to buckle.

“You should see what I do if you pick the right shoes.”

She laughed as she threw some of her clothes back into her closet. She hated leaving a messy room behind.

“Hey, Lola,” he said softly.

She turned back to him. His face was serious.

“Thanks for doing this. It, uh, really means a lot to me.”

She nodded. “You’re welcome.”

After another couple minutes of grabbing everything she would need, including switching purses, they were ready to go. Off to meet the family of her pretend boyfriend.

…

Lola thought she was going to be sick. She had enough nerves dancing around her stomach that they could fuel the car.

She tried to remind herself that this wasn’t real. If Mrs. Erickson didn’t like her or one of Luke’s sisters thought she was lame, it didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. They weren’t dating.

She was merely helping him out. Getting his family off his back for a little while.

“Lola,” Luke said, as he threw his car into park when they arrived.

“Yeah?”

“Breathe.” He squeezed her hand. Then he unlocked her seatbelt for her, stopping for a chaste kiss.

They exited the car and walked a short way toward the pavilion the family had rented for the day. Lola could hear them long before she saw them. A bevy of raised female voices competing with each other for main voice carried to the pathway where they were walking.

She heard orders being barked out and demands for different things. She also heard a good deal of laughter.

“Sounds like we’re the last ones to arrive,” Luke said.

Damn. She should have just gone with her first outfit choice and then they would have been there earlier. She hated walking into a party when it was already in full swing.

But that’s exactly what happened.

The path curved, and they walked out into a clearing with a wooden pavilion housing about half a dozen picnic tables and benches. There was a grill to the side of it on its own slab of concrete. Off to the left a few yards were swing sets and other toys for kids. The whole area was surrounded by verdant green grass and tall trees.

“Ready for this?” Luke whispered.

Nope, not at all. “Sure am,” she responded with way more confidence than she felt.

“Luke,” someone yelled out.

Lola wasn’t sure who had said it, but it didn’t matter. As soon as they did, every head under the pavilion swiveled in their direction. All conversation ceased, and no one moved.

Lola stepped closer to Luke, but Luke simply grinned and waved. “Hey, everyone. Come on,” he said to Lola.

They walked closer. Lola noticed no one had moved yet. They were all too busy taking her in without any hints of subtlety. She gulped.

“Everyone, this is Lola. Lola, this is my family. Lola is my…girlfriend.”

As soon as Luke finished, three women all said simultaneously in a sing-song rhythm, “Hi, Lola.” She peered closer. They must be Luke’s sisters. They wore identical smiles of mischief that perfectly matched a smile she’d seen on their brother.

A woman walked over to them with open arms. She was gorgeous. Her hair was a dark honey blond and cut into a stylish bob. Her skin was flawless, with only a few lines that spoke of age and experience. And her smile was kind and welcoming.

Lola liked her instantly.

Before she could say anything, the woman enveloped her in a tight and comforting hug. When she was done, she leaned back and took in Lola. “Welcome, sweetheart. We’re so happy you’re joining us today. For better or worse, I’m Luke’s mother.” She winked at her son.

“Thank you for having me, Mrs. Erickson.”

She waved a hand. “Please, call me Lorraine.”

Lola could see where Luke got his brown eyes from. They were exactly the same as his mother’s. As the three girls moved forward, she noticed they had the same eyes as well.

“Lola, these three losers are my sisters. This is Winnie, Mia, and Gwen,” he said gesturing from left to right.

Lola quickly tried to catalog each of them. They had the same general look and build, but each of them held their own unique qualities. All three of them were tall with legs for miles and killer curves. But Winnie had light red hair cut in a chic lob with a long sweep of side bangs. Mia’s hair was long, golden blond, and held just a twinge of curl. Then there was Gwen, who was standing a step behind her two sisters giving Lola an assessing once-over. The color of her shoulder-length hair was a combination of her two sisters but ended in bright blue tips. It was cute, fun, and flirty. But somehow Lola got the idea that Gwen would not appreciate that description.

“Hi,” Lola said.

Mia punched Luke in the arm. “Did you just call us losers?”

“I believe he did, Mimi. What do you think, Gwennie?”

Gwen finally inched closer, her fierce expression never fading. “I think we’re going to kick his ass later when the water guns come out from hiding.”

“Language, Gwen,” Lorraine said. Luke stifled a laugh.

“Not those blasted water guns again. Every time they’re together, someone has to be soaking wet.”

“Or it’s not a real party,” Mia finished. “Lola, this is our Aunt Sally.”

“Nice to meet you. Should I be afraid of these water guns?”

Winnie said no at the same time that Gwen said yes with an evil-looking grin.

“What did you bring us, Luke?” Mia asked.

Luke put the large tray on one of the picnic tables. “This is from Lola, actually. I brought my usual.”

“Booze?” Gwen asked. Luke nodded. “Any scotch?” Luke nodded again. “Okay, then maybe I won’t go too hard on you with the water gun.”

For the first time, Lola saw a softening in Gwen’s face. She hip-bumped her brother, and he pulled on the end of one of her blue-tipped locks. Maybe there was a marshmallow under all that bravado.

“What did Lola bring us then?” Winnie asked, uncovering the tray.

“She brought a fruit platter. Wasn’t that nice?” Luke said, snagging a chip from a basket that had already been set out.

“Very nice. Thank you, Lola,” Lorraine said.

Gwen scrunched her nose. “Fruit?”

“Gwen,” Winnie said. “That was thoughtful, Lola.”

“Fruit?” Gwen repeated.

Lola sighed. She’d had a feeling fruit wouldn’t be that popular. She turned to Luke. “See, I knew they wouldn’t like it.”

Denials to her statement quickly poured out of everyone’s mouths. Luke looked distraught, but Lola simply laughed and reached into her purse.

She whipped out two jars. “Chocolate,” she said, holding one up. “And caramel,” she finished by showing the other dip. “What goes better with fruit than chocolate and caramel?”

Gwen sauntered over to her and draped an arm around Lola’s shoulders. “Our kind of woman.”

…

Lola was having fun. She’d met a lot of people. A lot. Luke had a ton of cousins ranging in age from thirteen all the way up to his sisters’ age of twenty-seven. All female and none married. He was the oldest of all these girls. Must have been interesting growing up.

She could also see why they all got on him about finding a wife and settling down. He was the only guy.

After she’d been introduced to Luke’s mother and sisters, the rest of the family gathered around her. Luke wasn’t kidding when he said he didn’t do relationships and never brought dates to meet the family. She got the distinct impression she was something of a novelty. She was peppered with a barrage of rapid-fire questions.

Where are you from?

Where did you go to school?

Where do you live now?

What do you do?

Are you on Instagram?

That last question came from Michelle, Luke’s youngest cousin. Lola took a deep breath and tried to answer every question. “I’m from Alexandria originally, and I went to college at William and Mary. I live with my best friend in Shirlington now, which is also where I work. I’m a librarian. And yes, Michelle, I’m on Instagram.”

“Great. What about Snapchat?” Michelle asked.

Luke laughed and tousled Michelle’s hair, which the young girl did not take kindly, too. “Let’s let Lola catch her breath before we start cyber-stalking her. Gwen, can you grab Lola a drink, please? While you’re at it, I’ll take a beer.”

With that, the crowd dispersed, although plenty of people stayed around Lola. She found she didn’t mind. There were far too many questions and conversation for Lola to remember how nervous she’d been earlier.

As the only man in the pavilion, it had become his job to do the grilling, which he seemed to thoroughly enjoy. He did glance over at her from time to time with a question in his eyes. But each time she offered him a head nod or big smile to signify that she was doing just fine.

In fact, she was better than fine. She was enjoying chatting with everyone. Gwen made sure she had a beer, and Mia kept offering her chips, veggies, cookies, and more food. Winnie, who she was quickly learning was the sweetest of everyone in the family, kept complimenting her on everything from her glasses to her outfit—which made Lola sooo happy—to her toenail polish.

“Do you ever wear contacts?” Winnie asked.

“Come on, everyone. Food is ready. Let’s eat,” Aunt Sally called out.

As Lola made her way toward one of the picnic tables that they had covered with a large checkered tablecloth, she laughed. “No, I always wear my glasses. In fact, one time my roommate insisted I take my glasses off so I would look more attractive. I ended up spilling Jell-O all over your brother. It was so embarrassing.”

“Did I hear embarrassing and brother?” Mia asked. “I must hear more.”

They all took seats at the table that was piled with food. Everything from burgers and hot dogs to potato salad, macaroni salad, corn on the cob, chips, dip, large slices of watermelon, and Lola’s fruit tray, covered the table. On a separate table there were about a million desserts, too. It smelled heavenly. The lingering charcoal smell gave the air that special aroma that screamed summertime.

“And you do not need to take your glasses off to look prettier,” Winnie said to Lola. “I think you’re gorgeous. Don’t you agree, Ma?”

“Yes, I do. You hit the jackpot, Luke.”

She glanced at Luke who had sat right next to her. His face was sporting quite the red glow.

“Are you blushing?” she whispered to him.

He shook his head. “It’s just the heat from grilling.”

“Yeah right,” Mia said, leaning in from the other side.

Lola laughed. She’d been doing a lot of that today. Luke’s family was great. They were so funny and welcoming. She felt like she’d known them forever.

She didn’t know why she’d had such nerves coming into this.

She glanced across the table at Gwen, who was openly assessing her. “You’re different than the other girls Luke has been interested in.”

“Gwen!” Luke, Winnie, and Lorraine all said at the same time.

But Lola simply laughed. She was curious. “How so?” she asked Gwen.

“You’re smart.”

“Hey,” Luke said.

“It’s true,” Mia added.

“And you have substance.”

Lola didn’t know what to say. She supposed it was as close to acceptance as she was going to get from Luke’s toughest sister. Guilt settled in her stomach. She wondered what Gwen would think if she knew the truth, that this whole relationship was a facade.

Luckily, conversation picked up at the other end of the table. One of Luke’s cousins had just graduated from high school, and everyone was excitedly discussing her upcoming plans to attend Virginia Tech in the fall.

About ten minutes later, Gwen put her burger down. “So, Lola, you’ve been Luke’s secret girlfriend.”

She choked on her hotdog. “Ugh, what?”

“It’s just that Luke hasn’t mentioned you at all. Not one little hint.” Gwen threw a cocky smirk at her brother.

“I wanted to see where this was going first before I brought Lola around to meet this pack of hyenas,” Luke said.

Luke squeezed her hand under the table. She relaxed.

“You two met online?” Aunt Sally asked.

“Yep, we met on a dating website,” Lola said.

Gwen leaned forward on the table and peered at them. “You never told us you were on a dating website,” she said accusingly.

Luke matched his sister’s pose. “I don’t tell you every single little thing that I do in life.”

“It doesn’t matter where they met. All that matters is that Lola is here now,” Winnie said.

Luke was right. They were prepared. They’d talked about everything. Favorite television show from the early 2000s. Least favorite character in Harry Potter. Their favorite subject in elementary school.

“So, where did you two go on your first date?” Mia asked.

Oh. Holy. Shit.

First date? They hadn’t decided on a first date story. They’d nailed how they met, but it never occurred to her to think up a first date story.

They were both idiots. She could tell his family that Luke’s favorite Star Wars movie was Episode IV or that he hated green beans, but not where they went on their first date. How could they not have planned for this?

“Uh,” she stumbled. Panic rose in her throat. “Well, see, um, actually…”

Luke reached for her hand again and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She sneaked a glance at him, and his feathers didn’t seem the tiniest bit ruffled.

“Actually,” he began, “we went to this little Italian restaurant in Georgetown. On one of the side streets off M Street. They had the best damn eggplant parm I’ve ever eaten.”

Her mouth fell open when she realized he was telling her parents’ first date story, the one she’d revealed to him the other night. One of her absolute favorite memories. She rubbed a hand against her heart.

“Was it Ciao Bella on Wisconsin Avenue?”

“No. That place is a chain. Not very good. We went to Ristorante Formaggi. It’s a tiny hole in the wall, but so delicious. Right, Lola?”

She blinked. What was it about Luke telling this story—or even remembering it at all—that had something fluttering in her stomach? It reminded her of all those times sitting around the dinner table when her mom and dad would make eye contact. A special glance would pass between them before one of them began the familiar story. “Oh yeah. The tablecloths looked like they were a hundred years old. Candles were placed everywhere and it smelled like—”

“Everything good about Italy. Basil and oregano and tomatoes and tiramisu,” Luke finished.

Lola noticed Lorraine smile and then give a knowing nod to her sister.

“Lola had the gnocchi,” Luke said. “She said it was almost as good as her grandmother’s. Almost, but not quite.”

“You listened,” Lola said, her voice barely more than a whisper. As Luke relayed all of the minute details from the story she’d told him, her skin had started to tingle. “You listened to what I said.” That fact made a world of difference.

Sure, her friends listened. Mostly. Honestly though, if an episode of Real Housewives was on, Lola knew Frankie’s attention wouldn’t be 100 percent.

“Of course I did. I listen to everything you say,” Luke whispered back.

“Sounds yummy,” Winnie said, oblivious to the emotion passing between her brother and Lola. “What did you have for dessert?”

“We split a cannoli,” they said at the exact same time and laughed.

“Then we walked along the Potomac, past the Georgetown waterfront and kept going until we reached—”

“The Lincoln Memorial,” Lola finished this time. “The monuments are so beautiful at night. We sat on the steps and talked for hours.”

Winnie let out a huge sigh. “Now there’s a first date story. I wish I could find someone to share a story like that with.”

“Hey, Erickson family.”

Everyone turned to see an attractive man walking toward them. Lola thought he looked familiar. He wore a pair of khaki shorts, a light-green polo shirt, and the most wickedly handsome grin she’d ever witnessed.

Beside her, Winnie gasped. Lola was about to ask if she was okay, when Luke jumped up.

“Awesome. Oliver’s here.”

Everyone seemed to know Oliver. Lola learned that he and Luke had been best friends forever, so in a way he’d been part of the family for years. From Aunt Sally to Luke’s cousins and his mother, everyone was thrilled Oliver showed up.

“You know I’d never miss an Erickson party.”

Lorraine had already fixed a plate for him and was shooing him into a seat as she placed the loaded plate in front of him. Aunt Sally handed him a drink and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

She realized she had seen Oliver before. He’d been at Kennedy’s High School reunion.

Yep, everyone seemed excited by this new arrival, except for one person. And didn’t that just surprise the heck out of Lola.

She wanted to ask someone about it, but since she didn’t know anyone well enough yet, she decided to keep her mouth shut. She could have asked Luke, but it seemed like he was utterly oblivious to the fact that fireworks practically went off any time his best friend and his sister Winnie exchanged glances.

Interesting.

They enjoyed their food. Then they took a break from eating, only to eat some more. Then another break ensued with a round of a fun card game. Then dessert was consumed.

Lola was pretty sure she’d never eaten so much food or had so much fun in one day. And that was before the water guns made an appearance.

When she’d first heard about these epic water battles, she didn’t think she would be into it. But when the time came, she was happy to say that she was all over it. Not only that, but she was considered a fierce competitor. She even got Gwen good, which was apparently not the easiest task. She’d been given an Erickson round of applause for that one, which was followed up by Aunt Sally throwing a bucket of water at her. But everything had been in good fun. As Winnie threw her a towel and the two of them tried to salvage her hair, she overheard Luke talking to Mia.

“I don’t know why you’re so surprised,” he said.

“I’m happily surprised. Never thought you would get over it and…”

Oliver began laughing loudly at something Lorraine said, and she missed the rest of the conversation, but it stayed with her. She was curious what Luke had gotten over.

A couple hours later after they helped clean up and load all of the cars, Lola retrieved her purse. The sun had set, and fireflies were making their appearance. An owl hooted in the distance.

Lorraine stopped her, shoving Tupperware at her.

“Here, some leftovers for you,” she said with a smile.

“Thank you so much, Lorraine. For everything. I had a really great time today, and I’m so glad I met you all.”

Guilt settled in the pit of her stomach. For the first time in hours, cold-hard reality came crashing down on her. She wasn’t really Luke’s girlfriend. She would probably never see any of these wonderful people again. Lorraine would never get her Tupperware back, and she’d be known as “that girl who crashed our reunion and stole our Tupperware.” They would talk about her at Thanksgivings for years to come.

After all, she had made an agreement with Luke. Their fake relationship came to an end after tonight. She may never see him again, either. The thought gave her a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Maybe that was better anyway, she tried to rationalize. She and Luke were so different. He was a charming, sociable guy who liked to go out with his friends while she was much more content to stay in and watch a movie in her PJs. He was extroverted, and she was a clear introvert. He was a party animal, and she was a bookworm.

Yet somehow when their lips met, all of those differences disappeared.

Lola wanted to blow out a frustrated breath.

Lorraine offered a knowing look. “A million thoughts crossed your mind just now.”

“Well…”

“Want to talk about it?” she asked softly, kindly.

“It’s that…I mean to say…I had a really nice time today with you and your family,” she said.

Lorraine stepped closer, cupped her cheek, and looked deeply in her eyes. Her mother used to do the same thing. Lola had to swallow down a huge lump in her throat.

“Luke told me about your parents, sweetie. I’m so sorry.”

Tears threatened but Lola clamped down on those, too. “Thank you.” Her voice was barely louder than a whisper.

“I understand your dad passed away when you were in high school.”

Lola nodded. “He was in a bad car accident on the Beltway.”

“How horrible.” Lorraine was shaking her head. “And then your mother, too.”

“It was ovarian cancer.”

Concern coated Lorraine’s face. Sadness, but not pity. “Was it a long struggle?”

“No, it was diagnosed late. There wasn’t much time after that.”

There could have been more time. Lola pushed the familiar anger to the back of her mind. Still, fragments of it remained. It always did.

“At least you were with her during that time.”

Again, that anger threatened to boil up and explode. The truth was she hadn’t been with her mom. Not the whole time; only at the very end. A decision that had been taken out of her hands. A lie that had been sustained as long as her mother could before Lola finally learned of the cancer.

Luke’s loud laugh traveled over the warm summer air. He was messing around with Oliver and one of his cousins.

Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing that their pretend relationship was almost over. She knew from personal experience with her mom how much a lie could hurt. How it could damage a relationship and make a person feel unimportant.

Lorraine had been nothing short of wonderful today. Lola didn’t want to hurt this woman. She didn’t want to hurt anyone she’d met today. She would have to say goodbye to Luke tonight.

“I think you are a very strong woman, Lola.” Lorraine squeezed her hands and then nodded firmly. “Now, onto other things. We’re having a little cookout at my house next Saturday. It will be smaller than today’s affair. Just the immediate family and some of their friends. I would love for you to come.”

Hope swelled in her chest at the same time as regret washed over her. “Really?” She would love nothing more than to hang out with Luke’s family more. But she couldn’t keep up with this lie. She just couldn’t.

“Of course. I’m surprised Luke didn’t invite you already.” She wagged a finger at Lola. “I’ve seen the way my son looks at you.”

“Really?” she repeated, this time with disbelief in her voice. “Oh, well, um…”

“I’ll see you Saturday.” Lorraine hugged her again.

What was she going to do now?

As she and Luke walked to his car, two things stuck out in her mind. One was how great Luke’s family was. The other was something she had to bring up.

“What did your sister mean back there?”

“Which one?”

“Mia. She said you hadn’t gotten over something.”

He sighed and stopped walking. “It’s stupid.”

“What is it?”

“Just a thing about my dad leaving us. Mia believes that I’m not over it and I never will be. Blah, blah, blah. She loves therapy. Even though she’s a baker, she likes to think she’s a shrink.”

Hm. Lola had a feeling that Mia was probably right on the money. From everything Luke had revealed to her, she had to admit it did sound like he had major daddy issues. Not that she blamed him one bit for them. After all, she had her own mommy issues to deal with.

They continued to the car. Luke held her door open and she slid in. He got behind the wheel and started the car, but he turned to her.

“Did you have fun today?”

“I did. It was…interesting.”

“I hope my family wasn’t too much of a pain in the ass.”

“I think they’re great. Really, really amazing.”

“You do?”

She nodded. “I mean, it’s great that you have them.”

And it was. He had an amazing, wonderful, kind, loving family. Something that she didn’t have. Something that she desperately wanted.

How great would it be to have kids one day and be able to bring them to something like this? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have traditions like the water fight? Or traditions at all.

She’d pretended to be someone’s girlfriend today. That much she knew going into it. What Lola hadn’t realized was that she’d also pretended to understand what it was like to be part of a big family.

But she didn’t really know. She could only wish and hope and dream that someday she would get a family of her own.