I'm Open, He's Closed

39

"How long left?" Rosie says, leaning against my headrest to get a better look at the satnav in Luke's car.

"Rosie, it's only been 10 minutes,'' I laugh, looking out of the window. The sunshine is warm on my face.

Its late Friday afternoon and Casey, Rosie and I are booted up in Luke's car, on the way to one of his dad's properties, the one that's been broken into. It's the furthest thing from a holiday, but for some reason, I'm really looking forward to the change of scenery. And no, it's nothing to do with the fact that Luke suggested we make it a whole weekend. He offered to drive us home first thing Sunday morning.

"We'll arrive in about .. 40 minutes," Luke says over his shoulder.

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. Its Casey, messaging me from the backseat.

C: Cute and his dad's a businessman?? Did he say a mansion??

Me: Did you just call him cute?

C: I'm not the one ogling him rn

I turn around to face her and she's giggling like a kid in her seat.

Me: i'm not even looking at him

"Mhm," Casey says out loud, "So, Luke, did you grow up rich? You must come from a lot of money if your dad owns a mansion."

"Casey," I throw her a death glare. Now was so not the time for a dive into Luke's background.

Luke puts a hand on my leg, telling me it's okay. He's looking a lot more relaxed than he did on Wednesday. For starters he's clean shaven, his hair seems fuller and bouncy and he's wearing a beige shirt with the buttons undone at the top. He's in a good mood. The sight alone calms me down.

"I didn't grow up rich, Casey. My mom is pretty normal, still is. My dad only grew into his successes recently. He has a lot of property."

"Interesting. And you said someone broke into this particular mansion? How do you know if it's safe for us to be there?"

Casey has always been the practical one between us.

"Well, a burglar doesn't usually strike twice in the same place, not when they've taken all they need already."

Casey draws in a breath, "They didn't take anything important to you, did they?"

I look at Luke, the once carefree expression on his face suddenly becomes a little tense. I know he's thinking about Charlie. Absent-mindedly, my glare towards her intensifies.

"They took a lot," he says, "And the mess they left behind is huge, so thanks for coming. Both of you."

"I have to admit, Luke, I never really liked you," Rosie says suddenly.

"Gosh, you guys really have no chill. Zero." I moan.

Luke is more amused by her comment than I am.

"Oh yeah? Why's that?" he says.

"Because of the way you always treat Louise at school. You've been a pretty horrible partner," she says blatantly.

I turn around fully in my seat, "Guys, could you both lay off him? I'm seriously thinking of revoking my invite."

"I didn't mean to be rude, but he should know how much grief he's caused you this year."

"It's fine, Rosie, he's made up for it."

Luke chuckles and I don't really understand why until Casey edges on the conversation.

"Oh, he's made up for it? How so?" Her voice is laced with double meaning.