Tension building
1015 Words
*Lumi*
The dinner has been… Let's just say, a bit tense. Meri has been looking lost and Tom has desperately been trying to smooth everything over, coming with really bad jokes to lighten the moods. Luca has been saying almost nothing to no one and I have pretended that he doesn't exist.
Meri suddenly had an urge to show me the upstairs, and I am guessing it is to give Tom privacy to talk to that big headed jerk about civil behaviour.
"Honestly I don't know what it is with Luca. But I am sorry he is acting like that. I was so sure you two would hit it off … he wasn't like this at all". She says, shaking her head.
"Well I know what it is with him, he is an egocentric d**k … a lot of men are like that". I shrug. I can't believe they tried to set me up with someone like him.
She shakes her head. "You know I wouldn't set you up with an i***t. I met him yesterday, and he was just the sweetest, most charming guy … I don't know what is up. Tom says he is a good guy too and they have known each other for years".
"Well maybe it was an act, maybe I just bring out the very worst in him". I shrug, honestly I don't really care.
"Okay but this was everything upstairs … I am just going to swing by the bathroom. You can just go downstairs if you want too". It is clear my sister is upset about what is happening, but really what can I do ?
I walk downstairs, hearing Luca's slightly raised voice, there is no doubt who he is talking about. "... it's rather clear to see Tom, she is nothing but a cheap gold digger. I mean look at how she is dressed … and I …".
I hurry out into the small downstairs bathroom and close the door. Part of me wants to go kick him where it hurts the most. Who the hell does he think he is ? Gold digger ? The way I am dressed … I had no f*****g idea he was here and sorry it's not like he is George Clooney or something. I mean I know who he is, but nothing more really. But this is Tom's house and his friend and I won't make trouble for my sister.
I am thinking about going home, but I look in the mirror. Damn no … no f*****g jerk is making me go hide. I can handle him.
*Tom*
"… and I heard her admit it … out front right before they came inside, she told Meri that she, and this is a quote 'She is so desperate to get her hands on a Hollywood star'. I know it's Meri sister, but seriously Tom, how can you set me up with someone like that ?" Luca is shaking his head.
I can't believe that … I mean not that I think Luca is lying, it has to be a misunderstanding. "I have met her many times, Luca … she is spirited and a bit direct and sassy, that is why I was sure you two would get along, but you must have heard wrong".
"I am sorry Tom, but no I didn't hear wrong. Meri is a sweet girl, and she clearly adores you. But her sister, uhh no thanks". He runs a hand over his face.
"There has to be something behind it". I am almost willing to bet that Lumi isn't like that.
Luca blows out a pent up breath. "I told you I am not good company today Tom". He rubs a hand over his face. "I am having a f*****g horrible day and a bad headache".
"I am sorry I pressured you". I look at him. Honestly I have never seen Luca being rude to anyone before. "But could you maybe just try ? Just be … Nice to her ? You don't have to like … flirt or anything… just be civil. I know Meri is very upset".
He pinches the bridge of his nose. "Okay Tom … for you and for Meri, I will try and act totally civilised for a game or two. But please don't set me up another time".
"Thank you Luca, you are a good friend". I smile at him. Maybe he will warm up to Lumi when he gets to know her.
Suddenly Lumi is there, strutting past us. "Were we going to play something or what ?"
"Of course, coming now". I send Luca a warning glance as he seems about to let out a snarky remark.
We walk into the living room, Meri is there already and she smiles at me, seeing that Luca is still her and not glaring at anyone.
The others all sit down on the couch, Luca keeping as far away from Lumi as possible. I stand in front of them, clapping my hands together once. "So I was thinking we could play a little … draw that movie title".
"Sounds great". Meri says smiling at me, then she bite her lip. "May I suggest we play us girls against you guys ?"
I really want to be on a team with Meri, but pairing Lumi and Luca does not seem like a good idea so I nod … also Luca knows his movies and he is a bright guy. "Fine with me".
Lumi shrugs, but looks very relieved. "I'm okay with that".
Luca just nods.
"Okay, Luca, could you go get a bottle of wine in the kitchen, while I set it up ?" I smile and look at him.
"Sure no problem". He looks almost relieved to be able to leave for a moment.
The girls are chatting about strategy and how to best draw different things while I go get a huge drawing pad on a staffeli and a box of cards with different titles. I just hope that Luca and Lumi can keep it civil while we play.
- Writer
