“I won’t be weird about it.”
Hudson shot her a look.
“Okay, I’ll be a little weird about it,” she amended. “But in a fun way.”
He went back to his phone, texting Reed the details.
“Are you seeing Elliot while you're home?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
Hudson put his phone down on his chest. “He’s at Fort Liberty.”
“That’s not that far. You’re in New York for two weeks and you’re not planning on seeing him?” She propped herself up on one elbow. “Have you told him you’re back?”
Hudson said nothing.
“Huddy.” Taylor searched his face curiously. “When did you last see him?”
“March.”
“That’s nine months ago.”
“I know how calendars work.”
“And you’re not going to tell him you’re in the same time zone?”
Hudson stared at the ceiling. He’d been about to text Shaw three times since landing at JFK. But something had shifted the last time they were together—he’d felt it and he was certain Shaw had too. It wasn’t just physical anymore. He’d wanted to ask Shaw to stay, and he knew exactly why he hadn’t. Shaw wasn’t coming out to his father. And Hudson was done hiding.
“It’s fine,” he said.
Taylor lay back down beside him. “It’s really not, you stubborn idiot.”
Hudson rolled his eyes. “Fine. I’ll tell him after Reed leaves.”
“That’s the spirit, brother. Tell me if you need a wing woman. I’ve got you.”
“Hard pass.” He rolled off the bed, then leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Thanks, though.”
The following day,Hudson and Taylor occupied a booth in a sports bar in lower Manhattan, waiting for Reed to arrive.
Reed showed up twenty minutes late, unwinding a scarf the length of the East River from around his neck, cheeks red from the cold.
“Sorry—” He stopped when he saw Taylor. “You brought your sister.”
“She invited herself.”
“I invited myself,” Taylor confirmed, already extending her hand. “Taylor Rose Hale. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Matthew Leo Reed.” He shook it, grinning. “I’ve heard little about you. Seems like Hudson’s been holding out.”
“He holds out about everything.” Taylor slid over to make room. “Sit, I already ordered you a beer.”
Reed sat. Hudson watched his two worlds collide with the mild apprehension of someone who had absolutely no control over what was about to happen.
“So,” Taylor said, settling her chin in her hand. “You were at Selection.”
