AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Never settle for less,” said Sue. “Hudson is plenty capable of this and more, but if he acts up, tell me. I’ll correct him.”
I laughed as I pulled away. Instead of confirming or denying my relationship with Hudson, I said, “I’ll make sure to threaten him with you if he misbehaves.”
She nodded, seeming satisfied. “That a girl.” She glanced toward the kitchen, smiling suddenly. “I see Hudson a lot less around here lately, and I know that’s because of ya.”
“I don’t—”
She held up her hand. “Thank ya for showing up out of the blue and teaching Hudson there’s more to life than this restaurant. I’m proud of him, but the men in this family are terrible when it comes to balancing life and work. I’m happy that he’s achieved this much, but I’ve always wanted him and his brother to experience more than the careers they chase.”
I thought back to how Hudson had told me he’d work less with me around because he didn’t want me working overtime. Warmth spread through me as I smiled back. “I like that he’s career driven.”
“So do I, but there’s nothing wrong with balance. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for him and his brother.”
“I can agree to that.”
“Hudson’s dad is a great man, but he spent a lot of time away from home due to his career. I wished to see him slow down too, for Kelly. Now Finnick’s doing the same thing with his life. They built an empire, so you’d think they’d know when to relax. What am I going to do with these men?”
I got the feeling Sue meddled in everyone’s affairs. She had to know that sometimes people chose careers over other things in life. Life was a different adventure for every person. But I could see her point. If there were other people in your life to think about, there should be some sort of balance.
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” I said.
“Enough about the boys. Are ya excited about tomorrow?”
Sue was talking about the Valentine’s Day event for the Henderson Company.
“I don’t know what to expect.” I gave her a sheepish grin. There was no way I would tell her how anxious the entire thing made me. I wasn’t a fancy person. The fact that I was wearing a dress made it seem extravagant. Even if it were a simple occasion, it would be a big deal for me. It was so obvious Hudson came from a wealthy family, and I didn’t know how I’d fit in at that event. “Look at me, Sue.” I opened my arms wide. “I hope you know what you’re getting into when you invited me.”
She observed me. “What’s wrong with ya?”
“Nothing. I’m just…” I let my arms drop. “Nervous. I don’t want to embarrass, Hudson.”
“Why would ya embarrass him?”
“Because I’m me. I can be so awkward. What if I fall on my face and bust my nose trying to walk in heels?”
Sue lifted a single brow, smiling. “Then ya fall and hurt your nose. Hudson will take ya to the doctor to make sure you’re okay.”
“You know, I expected a different sort of pep talk,” I admitted. More like,you’re not going to fall tomorrow, so don’t worry.
“It’s not a big deal. Just a place for adults to mingle while some investors chat. It’s fun for us women because we get a reason to wear gowns.”
The truth of why I was so anxious about the event set heavy on my stomach. Hudson’s ex would be there, and I didn’t want the trailer park to come out of my mouth if she looked at him.
“Be ready around two. Kelly and I will pick ya up.” When I frowned, she added, “So we can get our hair and makeup done.”
FORTY-THREE
HUDSON
I arrived at Henderson Enterprise without my date. Mom and Grandma stole Eugene away so they could get ready for the Valentine’s Day fundraiser, so I wasn’t sure what time they’d arrive.
My dad started the company by building homes. Those days, the company dealt more with major companies, building and repairing franchises from the ground up. He never studied architecture, never went to school past eleventh grade, and still succeeded through hard work.
The entrance to the company was a giant oval-shaped room with a fountain in the middle. The walls were nothing more than an artistic display of black glass and mirrors.
Soft piano music played, and people mingled in the room in separate groups. No one noticed me entering the building, and my shoulders loosened. My father did something amazing with his life, but as I stepped into that world again, I knew I had made the right choice in carving out my own path. Finnick would do better there than I ever could.
As soon as I turned, I spotted a young boy sitting on a cushioned bench near the wall and smiled. Finley had a gaming device in his hand as he slouched forward, elbows on his knees. He wore a black suit, and his light-colored hair was unkempt. I walked over and sat beside him. “Long time, no see, Finley.”
