"You're actually upset right now? Look at everything the world has given you, Luke."
"And that's great, but I'd rather have you."
• the story before "count on me" by sircalyum • book 1
// smut included //
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FRIDAY NIGHT. It was nearly six o'clock—I was rushing to finish getting ready because Luke was on his way to pick me up for dinner. I was in a short, terra-cotta colored slip dress and I would be lying if I said I didn't feel good. I pulled on an oversized faded black denim jacket once I had finished accessorizing, and as I took a step toward my door, Madalyn rushed in.
"Do you think this is okay?"
Madalyn had been freaking out about dinner all day and I had initially thought it was cute, but she had continued to talk about it for hours. I wasn't upset with her being nervous and excited, but I couldn't help but wish we had talked about anything else.
Madalyn was wearing an emerald green mini dress that I had picked out for her nearly two years prior—she would never wear it out, even though she looked amazing in it.
"You look stunning, Mads."
"Look who's talking!" Madalyn finally looked over at me—she had come into the room and immediately made her way to my full length mirror. As her eyes landed on me, she seemed shocked. "You look amazing, Jo."
"Thank you." My phone vibrated in my hand and I looked down at the screen to see that Luke had texted that he was here. "I have to go, but you look really great, okay? And tonight is going to be a lot of fun! You and Howie just have to remember to breathe when you meet them." Madalyn was all smiles as I referred to her and Howie meeting the boys, and I couldn't help but smile as well. "I'll see you there, okay?"
"Okay," Madalyn said as she nodded slowly. "I love you, Josie... I am thankful for you always, but especially thankful for you stumbling across this band and somehow getting me involved."
"I'm glad you'll finally get to meet the people that mean the most to you—I know what they've gotten you through and I know what this means to you." Madalyn did not hesitate to wrap her arms around me and I squeezed her back tightly as I felt myself getting emotional.
This week truly had been an emotional one, mostly for no reason.
"Thank you," Madalyn whispered as her voice broke with emotion. I kissed her cheek as I pulled away and we said a quick goodbye before I made my way out of my room and out of the apartment.
I was out and down to Luke's car in less than five minutes. He was waiting outside his car, on the passenger side, looking down at his phone. He was in black jeans and a loose black button down shirt with red detailing on it—the shirt was open fairly wide and he looked incredible.
"Dare I compliment thee on this fine eve?" Luke slowly looked up as he began laughing at my words, but as his eyes reached me, his laughter died down. "You look great, Luke."
