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Chapter Thirteen
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“Iordered for you andgot you a Cosmo.” Emma gestures to the cocktail glass in front of me the moment I slide into the seat across from her at Peggo’s Italian Eatery.
It’s one of mine and Emma’s favorite places to eat but it feels like forever since we’ve been here. When she suggested it yesterday I jumped at the chance. I’ve been craving their lobster ravioli for weeks.
“Thank god. I need it,” I tell her, shrugging out of my jacket. It’s the beginning of December and temperatures have plummeted into the low fifties. I know it gets much colder up North but for me this is pushing it. I hate cold weather.
“Rough day?” She smirks, lifting her own Cosmo to her lips and taking a sip.
“I hate that we’re on separate projects right now,” I whine, reaching for my drink. “And I hate even more that I got stuck with Dave.” I crinkle my nose and Emma laughs, knowing that Dave is by far my least favorite out of all the contractors we use. He’s just so arrogant and egotistical and always thinks he knows better than me.
“I’m sorry, Len.”
“No you’re not. You hate him as much as I do,” I scoff, taking a long pull of my drink.
“I told Dad he needs to cut him loose. He’s such a dick. But he runs a tight crew and gets the job done. You know that’s more important to Dad than whether or not we like him.”
“I know. He’s just so frustrating. And the days suck without you.” I lean back in my chair and sigh.
“Agreed. Dad has taken on so much recently. I told him to stop spreading himself so thin. And us for that matter.”
“I thought two projects at one time was bad. I’ll be lucky if I have any hair left after getting these three done. He needs to hire another designer if he’s going to keep buying every renovation project he finds. I can’t keep up.”
“I’m right there with you,” she agrees. “But, at least it means more money. Not that you need it with that hottie country star of yours.”
Just the mention of Hudson’s name causes a familiar ache in my stomach to come fluttering to the surface. It’s only been five weeks and already I feel like he’s been gone for months. I miss him so much that some days it’s physically painful.
“His money is not my money,” I remind her, having been very adamant that after the house I not take any type of handouts from Hudson.
Of course Emma thinks I’m crazy. She’s of the mind that when you’re with someone what’s theirs is yours. I say that doesn’t become true until you’re married.
“Yeah. Yeah.” She rolls her eyes. “So how is Hudson anyway?”
“He’s good.” I take a drink before continuing. “Extremely busy.”
“I bet he’s having the time of his life. Could you imagine what that must feel like? Being up on stage for all those screaming fans. It seems unreal to even think about.”
“It really does,” I agree, trying to push past the uncertainty I feel every time I think about how much fun Hudson might be having.
It’s irrational and completely unwarranted, but I’d be insane not to worry a little. I mean, I am dating Hudson James after all. A man that half the people in this country would probably screw without a second thought if given the chance.
“I still have a hard time wrapping my head around it most days. Who he is, I mean.”
“So do I.” She laughs, pulling a smile to my lips for the first time today. “So when do you get to see him?”
“He’ll be home for Christmas, but only for like five days. We’re going to spend Christmas Eve with my family, then fly to Texas the day after Christmas to visit his family.”
“Spending the holidays with each other’s families. That’s when you know it’s serious.”
“He bought me a beach house, Emma. I think we’re way past that.”
“Yeah, but anyone can buy a house. It’s the important things that define you as a couple. The fact that he’s so open with you. That he wants you to be a part of his family. It says a lot.”
“You think so?” I ask, needing her reassurance.
“I know so.” She grins. “Do you need to go home and watch the video again?” She cocks her head to the side and looks at me expectantly.
