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My eyes met Hudson’s. Although he’d upset me, I didn’t want to piss off the man who offered me his home. “Do you need my help?” I offered.
His voice came out softer that time. “No. Go sit with her if you want.”
“Let’s go,” I said as I picked up the stool. “I’ll take it back for you.”
“I’d make him do it,” Sue said over her shoulder, limping as she walked.
Hudson moved closer, keeping his hand right at her back. Although he wasn’t touching it, he was close enough to grab her if she fell or something. I found it sweet, especially when she looked up and scowled.
“Stop hovering. If I fall, I fall.”
“Not on my watch,” he muttered and followed her. “Behave, will you?”
I followed behind them, smiling.
“Shoo.” Sue waved him away as she sat in the booth.
He glimpsed my way, hesitated like he wanted to say something, and then decided against it. He left without a word.
Okay.
I joined his grandma.
As soon as I was sure Hudson was gone, I said, “We’re not dating, you know.”
“Not yet,” she countered.
I didn’t want to upset the woman, but I felt it should be obvious we weren’t compatible. “He offered me a roof over my head for a week because my brother asked.”
Her wrinkled face crinkled more. “Hudson did?”
“Yeah, but I’m sure he’s regretting it.”
“Might I ask why ya needed a place to stay?”
I gathered my hands in my lap and squeezed. There was nothing to be ashamed of, but embarrassment was all I could feel in that moment, especially sitting in such a beautiful restaurant.
“My upstairs neighbor’s apartment flooded, destroying mine in the process.” I wouldn’t dare admit the state I was living in because I knew better and chose to live there anyway. “I’m actually not from around here…”
“Where did ya live?”
“You know Huntingsburg?” When she shook her head, I added, “It’s in the western part of Kentucky.”
Her mouth curled into an O. “So, what brought ya out this way?”
“My brother.”
Her expression was thoughtful as she rubbed her knuckles. “So, ya have one of those online jobs?”
“No. I actually found one in town.”
“If ya need a place, why not work here?”
I blinked. “I found one.”
“I’m sure Hudson would pay better than whatever ya found.”
“I’m thankful enough and won’t impose on him anymore after I leave—”
