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“It was the only one that looked decent on me.”
“Are you kidding me? This dress is more than decent. You look like you want me to sling you over my shoulders and find someplace where I can shove my face between your thighs.” She pressed her ear against my arm. “Are you going to admit the dress was for me? You were thinking about me too, weren’t you? Before I got between your legs the first time, you were. Tell me what you feel for me, baby. It’ll make me happy to hear that you’re all crazy for me like I am for you.”
“Yes, Blondie. I got so turned on when you dried my hair, so I tried to avoid it altogether. There. Does that make you happy?”
My chest became fucking warm. “Yes, it does.”
“Attention everyone!” My father’s voice boomed over the microphone, pulling our attention toward the fountain where he stood. The room was more crowded compared to when I first arrived, which probably had something to do with the news Dad was about to share. I was sure the shareholders wanted to know where the company stood when he left.
Eugene tugged on my suit. “Who is that man?”
“Speaking?” I studied her side profile as she looked at Dad talking. “My father.”
It was like she recognized the old man.
FORTY-FOUR
EUGENE
Life was full of surprises. Sometimes, instead of just being shocked, it seemed strange. Out of all the chances,thatman was Hudson’s father. The same man who stopped and checked on me beside the road when I had a flat tire. The same man offered up his son to me. Much like Grandma Sue had.
I could do nothing but gawk as he spoke to the crowd. Everything felt bizarre, yet so perfect. It was as if the world had finally aligned for me, and I was right where I was meant to be. If the universe was trying to tell me something, I would be a fool not to listen.
My skin tingled, and I got a scratchy feeling in the back of my throat.
“What’s wrong?” Hudson cupped my chin, turning my head in his direction.
I started laughing as two tiny tears leaked from my eyes. It wasn’t sadness spilling out. I was just so overwhelmed and ridiculously happy.
“Baby…” His brows pinched together.
“It seems Grandma wasn’t the first to offer you up after all.”
He cocked his head to the side as he studied me. Before I could say anything else, everyone started clapping, and Kelly was in tears as Hudson’s dad hugged her.
I frowned, realizing I missed something major during my shock. “What happened?”
Hudson smiled. “Dad retired.”
Then Hudson’s younger brother walked up beside his parents and started discussing his future with the company.
A few minutes after the big reveal, Kelly ushered her husband over to us. When he looked up, he did a double take. I couldn’t help but grin like the creepy cat from Alice in Wonderland. His dad had been amusing the brief moment I spoke to him, and I knew he was also surprised.
When he smiled back, Hudson asked, “What’s going on?”
“Well, well, well,” Hudson’s father began. “Honey, remember the little red head I told you about?”
Kelly gasped and then said, “You’re joking.”
I felt myself blushing. “It’s such a small world.”
“No, it’s not,” he said. “Life doesn’t work out that way. You’ve come full circle, darling, and wound up right where you needed to be.”
I didn’t dare blink my eyes for fear of crying.
“You know my father?” Hudson asked.
“I don’t know his name,” I admitted.
