Yeah, I have some complicated feelings about the thing floating around inside my skull.
Hadley chuckles, then pushes on with what she has to say. “I’ve said this to Hud, but I need you to hear it too, Cull. My reaction to finding out you two were together had nothing to do with Hud being gay or you being bi. It was a low thing for me to throw at both of you. Even Archer. I’m sorry. I know I’ve apologized for how I treated you when you tried to tell me you were bi, but again, I’m sorry. I just need you to know that I love and supportbothof you. Together.”
Silence settles over the room.
Cullen studies her for a long moment, his jaw working.
“You really put him through hell, Hadley,” he says quietly.
Hadley’s eyes drop to the floor. “I know.”
Another beat passes before Cullen sighs and scrubs a hand over his face. “I’m still pissed at you, if we’re being honest.”
Hadley lets out a watery laugh. “That’s fair.”
“But…” He glances at me before looking back at her. “You’re trying. And Hud loves you, so I guess I can make an effort too.”
Hadley’s face crumples.
Cullen immediately points at her. “Don’t make this weird.”
She laughs through her tears as Cullen sits up and pulls her into a hug.
She laughs, pulling me up by the hand to join in. We embrace each other, some of my lingering cracks sealing themselves up.
I hear sniffles, and I’m surprised to find they are coming from Cull.
“Are you crying?” I ask as we break away from the hug.
“Shut up,” he grumbles, swiping at his eyes.
“You’ve turned him into a pile of goo, Huddy,” Hadley teases.
“He’s always been a pile of goo, he just doesn’t let anyone but me see.” I lean over and kiss him, his lips damp from stray tears.
“Okay, enough about me and my soft spot for Hudson,” he grouses, pulling me back down on the bed. “Although I appreciate the apology, you didn’t come in for that.”
“Well, that’s true. I did want to see if Hud needed anything, but I also wanted to double check-something with you,” Hadley says, looking at me.
“Okay, what is it?”
“Um, I have that date with Chad today. I just wanted to make sure you were still cool with it, considering who his roommate is.” She’s twisting her fingers, the corner of her lip caught between her teeth, nervous I’ll say no.
But I want my sister to be happy, and he’s not directly linked to Heather, so I have no reason to object.
“Of course I’m cool with it. I hope you have a good time,” I tell her, smiling so she knows I’m sincere.
“Who the fuck is Chad?” Cull pipes in.
I cut a look at Cullen, a questioning brow raised.
He shoves me gently and rolls his eyes. “I’m not jealous, Hud. But seriously, who the fuck is Chad and how did he get such a douchey name?”
“Ugh, I’m so glad I broke up with you,” Hadley snarks, her eyes rolling.
Welp. That didn’t last long. Short-lived was our peace treaty.
Cullen’s mouth drops open. “Um, excuse you, butIbroke it off withyou.”
