AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“But we were going to go to…” Theresa says, and Hudson shoots her a glare. “Never mind.”
Allie comes in with the discharge papers a minute later, thank goodness. We go over everything, and Theresa finally excuses herself when it’s time to get Adley dressed.
I’m busy helping Adley put her arms in her shirt when Hudson says, “She doesn’t know how to act in front of you. You make her nervous.”
I glance at Adley who is now looking between us wide-eyed and raise my hands to sign while I speak. Sweetie, Mommy and Daddy are going to talk in the hall for a quick second. Can you go sit in that chair and wait for us like a good girl?
She shrugs. “Okay.”
I nod toward the open door for Hudson to follow me. He does, and when we’re outside, I close the door to the room, leaving it open just a sliver so I can hear if anything is awry inside the room. Then I turn to face Hudson with my arms crossed. “Why would I make Theresa nervous? I’ve never done anything to her.”
“I don’t know.”
I shrug. “Then it’s not my problem, it’s hers.”
“Jesus, Palmer, you could have some empathy and understanding. It’s not like you’ve ever been warm and welcoming to her.”
I stare at him for a beat before I answer. “I don’t have to be welcoming. I’m not the one dating her.”
“Exactly, she’s my girlfriend, and she spends a lot of time with our daughter. Maybe Adley drew that picture because you’re not so nice to Theresa,” he whispers, as if our daughter might hear him through the door.
“Do not do that! Do not blame me for her inability to be in a room with me because she’s insecure.”
He shakes his head. “You’re intimidating.”
“No, I’m not, Hudson. You didn’t think so when we first met.”
He shakes his head with a smirk. “Yes, I did. How would you know what was in my head that night?”
“You approached me,” I say.
“Because I was the bartender. It was my job. But you’re different with Theresa. Standoffish. Cold at times.”
I take a step closer to him. “I cannot believe you’re picking right now to have this conversation with me. What? Were you going to pop the question tonight or something?” I ignore the drop in my stomach just imagining the scene.
“Hell no, you know I’m not the settling down type, but she is a part of my life, and I’d like the two of you to get along. That’s all I’m saying.”
“Fine. I’ll be nicer. Let’s go.” I turn around to go through the door, but my hand pauses on the handle because Theresa is at the far end of the hallway, which pisses me off because she was probably eavesdropping on our conversation. Great.
I leave Theresa for Hudson to deal with and go back into the room.
I pick up Adley off the chair and get her coat on then leave the room, passing Hudson and Theresa. When we enter the waiting room my parents get up from their chairs. Adley runs over to them as if she wasn’t just in the room with them. My mom grabs her, lifting her off the floor, and hugs her tightly.
“You’re going to cut off her breathing,” I say jokingly.
“I’m so sorry. Grandma will make it up to you. We’re going to Sweet Suga Things tomorrow, and I’m bringing you donuts tomorrow morning.”
“Birthday cake ones?” Adley beams because it’s her favorite flavor.
“Whatever you want, wee one,” my dad says before kissing her cheek.
“Okay, you two. We’re taking her home,” I say, wanting to get out of here.
Matt returns from outside, pocketing his cell phone. “I heard it was just some stitches.” He looks at Adley and back at me. “I’ve broken so many bones and hurt myself so much, stitches are like a paper cut now.”
“You’re not three,” Hudson says. Thankfully, Matt doesn’t seem to pick up on the note of ire in his voice.
“True. I’m glad she’s good.” He looks at me, and I give him a small smile.
