Amy's expression brightened like someone had just flipped a switch inside of her. I was such an ass for doubting Luke. He was a good guy. Of course he was. My sister was whip smart and almost as skeptical of people as me. She would've taken nothing less. “Oh, my God, yes. I'm starving. And that way we can have one last dinner together before we head out.”
“Katherine? You in? My treat,” Luke said.
“Of course. Sounds great. I'll open a bottle of wine.”
“Perfect.” Luke pressed a kiss to Amy's cheek. “Pad Thai with shrimp; extra peanuts and cilantro?”
Amy nodded. “You know it.”
He turned to me, his earnest blue eyes leading the way. It was uncanny how well the color matched his well-worn jeans. “Katherine?”
“Chicken Panang. I don't need any extra anything. Just the normal way.”
“Mild, medium, or spicy?”
“Medium.”
“Got it. I'll be back in a few.” With that, Luke was out the door.
“See?” I asked. “He's so great. You're a lucky bitch.”
“That's my line, Katherine. It just doesn't work when you say it.”
I shook my head. “You don't know what you're talking about. Now let me get the broom so you can clean the floor in your room before you go.”
We worked on tidying up while Luke was fetching food. When we were done, we stood together in the doorway of her room, admiring our handiwork. Except for the bookshelf, and Amy's bed, which she didn't need anymore, everything was gone. A clean slate.
“What are you going to do with this room now?”
I shrugged. “No clue. Leave it empty for now. I'll figure something out.” I knew very well that this apartment was too big for one person. I was going to have to move when the lease was up in April.
“Maybe Eamon could set up his guitar stuff in here.”
“I guess. I don't really know how long he's staying when he gets here. A month or two, if we make it. Then he goes to record and after that, I'm guessing he'll go back to Ireland.” The thought of going with him back to Ireland held some appeal, but it could only be for a short time. I didn't think I could separate myself from Amy. What if she and Luke decided to have kids? I had to be there to be amazing Aunt Katherine, the one who lets her nieces and nephews have chocolate ice cream for dinner and never enforces bedtime.
“Did he not say that he didn't want to pursue anything unless it was serious?”
“Well, yeah, but…” As the words came out of my mouth, I realized exactly how dense I'd been, so focused on the idea of him coming back that I hadn't thought about how long he might stay. I hadn't entertained the idea that it might be forever. As far as I knew, his ex-wife and daughter still lived in Ireland. I needed to ask him a lot more questions.
“But what? You two are going to need to talk about this. Soon.”
I sighed. I’d been focused on the prospect of phone sex. Now I had to think about more important issues. “Yeah. You're right.”
“Food’s here,” Luke called from the other room.
“Let's eat. You can stress out about Eamon later,” Amy said. “After we leave.”
“Can't wait.”
I followed Amy out into the living room and into the kitchen. Luke was unloading the cartons of take-out, lining everything up on the counter. Amy got out the plates and silverware while I opened the bottle of wine, a light-bodied French red I figured would go okay with our meal. Luke handed over Amy's Pad Thai, which was perfectly arranged on the plate, lime wedges and all.
The three of us settled in the living room, the only place to eat in our apartment. I let them take the couch and I sat on the floor in front of the coffee table with my legs curled up under me. Amy poured the wine while I made note of how adorable she and Luke looked together. They were going to make very pretty babies, with squeezable cheeks and thick hair. I couldn't wait for that to happen.
“Cheers.” I held up my glass. “To the happy couple and new beginnings.” I wasn't sure exactly where that had come from. I only knew that I wanted Amy to leave on a good note. I didn't want her to feel bad about any of it.
Amy knocked her head to the side and jutted out her lower lip. “Thank you. Thank you for everything. For helping today, and for being my maid of honor, and for agreeing to help with wedding planning.”
“Yes, thank you. I don't know what we would do without you,” Luke added.
