And then I do a one-eighty and walk out.
georgia
I spendthe rest of the week sewing. Thanks to Emily’s article, there’s been a run on costumes in the shop, and I can barely keep the rack full. And then there’s the costumes for Hudson and Oliver. Even though I’m no longer sure he’ll want to wear them.
I honor my promise. I finish the costumes the night before the masquerade. I take a photo of Oliver’s suit before wrapping it up in plastic. Then I put on Hudson’s discarded tee—I’ve been sleeping in it all week—and crawl into bed.
What do you think, Furball?
I text the photo. I don’t know what I’m expecting back from him.
Great. Will you bring it by?he responds.
It’s the only communication we’ve had all week, although both of us have continued to complete our prompts and thumb up each other’s posts. There are still marks in my driveway from where he peeled out.
On the morning of the masquerade, Kenna comes over to help me wrap gift baskets for the silent auction. We sit on the floor, making our way through the piles.
“Check this out!”
Kenna holds out her phone to show me a photo the uncles have texted. They are already over there, helping with setup and doing food prep. The tables and chairs are already draped with black tablecloths. There are colorful dog treats scattered like confetti on every table.
“Looks great.” I nod.
“The event website is getting traction too. People are already bidding on the silent auction items. And we sold out on the tickets.”
“Jackson and Emily really came in clutch,” I say.
“Not to mention Xander’s fans and Lilly Holm’s friends.” Kenna nods. “But none of this would have happened without you, G.”
I shrug, wanting to believe her, but still feel deflated. It’s a feeling I have not been able to shake since the awful ‘morning after’ with Hudson.
“This is some premium swag.” Kenna ties a bow around a basket stuffed with everything a dog owner might want to spoil their pet—leashes, collars, treats, a hand-thrown ceramic bowl …
“Our vendors were super generous with the donations,” I agree.
“I heard Xander is auctioning off grooming sessions, and the HS track team is offering free dog-walking during the event.”
“Yes! They’re setting up a dog valet service.” It is such a cute idea.
“Have you talked to Hudson today?” Kenna asks tentatively.
I shake my head. His name is still salt in my wound. My self-inflicted wound. But that doesn’t mean it hurts less.
“He asked me to bring the costumes over for him.”
“How did they turn out?” Kenna asks. “Show me!”
“Okay.” I sigh and head to the back. I flip on the now functional lights. The costumes are hanging on a metal shelf. Every time I touch them, I relive Hudson storming out of my house. His face.
“Here they are.” I hold up the matching Viking outfits for Kenna to inspect. They include shaggy fur vests, faux deerskin leggings, lace-up boot covers, loose muslin shirts and, of course, horned helmets. Oliver’s helmet has a chin strap.
“Oh my God!” Kenna holds a hand over her mouth. “Has he seen these?”
“Not since I finished. He just saw them for a minute last week.”
“Last week when he was at your house?” Kenna asks delicately. She’s given me a hundred opportunities to talk, but I haven’t been ready. She wants to ask me more. I know she does. But she is giving me space.
“Yep.” I sigh and lay the costumes on the counter. I may as well pack them up in one of the gift bags. That way, I can leave them for Hudson, hang them on his door or something. The less contact I have with him, the better. I just have to get through tonight. And then I don’t have to deal with him anymore.
