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I feel Hudson straighten next to me but when I glance his way he seems completely at ease.
“You the country star I can’t get these women to shut up about?”
“That depends if what they’re saying is good or bad.” Hudson smiles and my dad chuckles.
“John Claire.” He shoves his hand toward Hudson.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Claire. Hudson Demasi.”
“Please, call me John.”
“Alright, John.” Hudson turns his attention toward the bar when our drinks arrive, picking up his beer and taking a long pull like it’s any other day and he’s not standing here meeting my father for the first time.
How is he so freaking calm?
“I understand you’re on tour right now,” my father continues, seeming to relax almost instantly. It’s Hudson. He has this way of making people feel comfortable.
“Yes, sir.”
“Hard being out on the road?” My dad holds up his empty scotch glass when he catches the bartender’s attention.
“It never used to be. But now I’m finding it near impossible to enjoy.” Hudson’s gaze falls to me.
“Women will do that to you.” My father laughs, reaching across me to retrieve the scotch the bartender set on the bar. “Well, I’ll leave you two be. Thank goodness Nana left already,” he mutters to me, but not quietly enough for Hudson to not hear. “It was nice to meet you, Hudson.”
“You too, John.” They each nod and my father disappears about as abruptly as he appeared.
“Well that was interesting.” I smile, reaching for my shot of tequila still sitting on the bar.
“He seems like a good man.” Hudson turns, picking up his shot as well.
“He is. I just wasn’t planning on introducing you to my family so soon.”
“Is that an issue?” he questions, studying me curiously.
“No. Not at all. Thanks to Starr’s loud mouth they all know about you anyway. I mean, not that we’re...you know.”
“Having sex?” He chuckles at my inability to say it outright.
I choose that moment to tip the glass and pour the liquid into my mouth, swallowing hard as it burns a trail down my throat. Hudson mirrors my actions. Only when he swallows he doesn’t flinch.
“Right. That,” I say, depositing my glass back onto the bar. “They know we’ve hung out a few times and that I really like you. I guess I’m just not sure how to introduce you.”
As if on cue, Starr appears with my mother at her side. Both women are smiling like damn fools.
“Hudson. It’s so great to see you again.” Starr reaches in and wraps her arms around his middle like they’re old friends.
I take this opportunity to snag his beer bottle out of his hand and take a long healthy drink.
“Starr.” He chuckles, not seeming the least bit annoyed by her unwarranted affection.
Of course I know that she just wants her guest to see her hugging a country music star. And while most of them probably have no idea who he is, I’m sure they will by the end of the night. My sister will be blabbing it all over the place, if she hasn’t already.
“Congrats on the wedding. Everything looks amazing,” Hudson offers politely.
“Thank you.” She pulls back and smiles up at him. “Lennon did it all.” Before he has time to respond, Starr turns and nudges my mother forward. “This is our mom, Elise.”
The woman who looks like the older version of myself blushes slightly and I have to bite back a laugh. My mom seems as flustered as I do in his presence. It’s good to see Hudson’s charm doesn’t have an age limit.
