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Emma’s description of her father’s neglect after her mother’s death was like a mirror reflecting his own shortcomings. Luke felt a surge of regret and sorrow for not being there for Jeremiah in the way he needed.
“That sounds terrible, Emma. How old were you when she died?”
“Twelve. So, a few years younger than Jeremiah,” she said. “I’m sure some of his behavior is also just normal teenage angst. He’ll eventually grow out of it, trust me.”
Luke hoped she was right. “You don’t have any children, do you?”
Emma shook her head. “Chad and I argued about it a million times, but he didn’t want one. He said it was a career killer. So, I rescued this fur baby instead.”
They both looked down at Riley, who had laid down on the floor and was taking a post-meal nap.
Luke found himself pleasantly surprised by how much he was enjoying Emma’s company. They had only just met, but there was a natural ease to their conversation that made him feel like they had known each other for years. He couldn’t help but admire her uncommon beauty as he sat across the table from her. Emma’s auburn ringlets cascaded down around her shoulders in perfect curls, framing her face and highlighting her delicate features. Her warm, chocolate brown eyes shone with a kindness and compassion that Luke found difficult to resist. He felt a magnetic pull towards her gaze, almost as if he could get lost in the depths of her eyes.
At that moment, Phil came over to the table and clapped his hands. “So, what’ll it be?”
Luke’s eyes shot down to the menu. “Uh, ham and swiss. With potato salad if you have it.”
“We do,” Phil said. “And for you, madame?”
“I’ll take a veggie wrap, Phil. Do you still have some of that vegan mac and cheese left?”
Phil smiled, nodding his head. “You got it, ma’am. I’ll put your orders in.”
As Phil walked away, Luke turned to Emma with a curious expression. “Are you vegetarian?” he asked.
Emma nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Actually, I’m vegan. It’s been about ten years now.”
Luke’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, geez. I should’ve ordered something less meaty. Let me go and change that—”
Emma reached out and grabbed his arm. “No, it’s really fine. I lived with Chad for seven years, and he was the biggest carnivore I knew. Trust me, I’m used to it.”
Luke sighed in relief. “Okay, I’ll take your word for it. So, I hope this isn’t too intrusive, but what made you go vegan?”
She leaned toward him, her eyes brightening with passion as she spoke. “Well, I think people are vegan for different reasons. Some for health, some for the planet, but for me, it was for the animals. Years ago, I was having dinner with some friends and as I looked down at the veal on my plate, it just hit me. I couldn’t help but think that this represents fear, suffering, and death. That’s when I realized all animals are someone, not something.”
Luke tilted his head, listening to her every word with genuine interest—something Chad had rarely done. She took a deep breath and continued sharing her story with him.
“And loving some animals while eating others just didn’t sit well with me. When it comes down to it, ultimately, being vegan is the belief that an animal’s life is worth more than a sandwich. I’d like to think most people believe that."
Luke’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, impressed at what he’d just heard. “I’d never thought of it that way before. It makes sense, though. I love how you acted on your convictions. That’s admirable.”
Emma smirked at his compliment and quipped, “Thanks for that. I know I’m pretty awesome.”
Luke chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest as he leaned back against the plush cushion of the booth. His eyes sparkled as they met Emma’s, and he couldn’t help but notice the way the light from the diner’s window illuminated the subtle shade of pink on her lips. He found himself lost in the moment, his mind temporarily forgetting about everything else as he savored the easy banter between them.
Emma broke the silence with a playful grin, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “But enough about me. Now it’s your turn. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”
While they waited for their food to arrive, Luke and Emma shared stories and got to know each other better. Luke shared anecdotes of his life in Chicago, while Emma recounted tales of her upbringing in Hadley Cove. He found himself hanging on her every word, admiring the way her passion for life shone through in her animated gestures. He realized she was incredibly easy to talk to and had a fantastic sense of humor. Her jokes had him in fits of laughter, which was a welcome change for him. It wasn’t until Phil placed his sandwich in front of him that Luke remembered they were there for lunch, momentarily snapping him back to reality.
After they ate, Emma stood up and grabbed Riley’s leash. “I think it’s time for us to head back home. But thank you for joining us.”
Luke’s heart sank at the thought of her leaving. “Thanks for the invite. And thanks for all of your help with Jeremiah. I’m really grateful for you.”
Emma gave him a friendly smile. “Don’t even mention it.”
As Luke watched her walk out of the diner, he felt a pang of longing in his chest. Her presence had left behind an invisible force he couldn’t rationalize, yet it was undeniably felt. But he knew he had to let it go. It was just lunch, nothing more, he reminded himself as he left a fifty-dollar bill on the table and made his way home.
Chapter 11
