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“I confronted Elias at the gym, and he told me everything.”
“Hudson,” I say quickly. “It’s not what you think.”
“No?”
“It’s not like you hear about professors preying on their students. We’re the….”
The real deal,I was going to say, but then I trail off.
Hudson must have heard this from Eli. Or some version of it. Otherwise, why would Eli have arranged for Hudson to pick me up in a chauffeured vehicle?
I look to the front of the car, at the divider.
I can’t see the driver as we push on… going where? To Eli?
“He must’ve said something.”
Hudson nods. “But I want to hear it from you. I need to know how youreallyfeel, sis. This is like when we were kids, and we could tell each other anything. When we werelittle, you remember, before I got into fighting and started ignoring you. Before I abandoned you.”
I reach over, touching his arm. “No, it’s not like that. You were a kid, just like me. How were you supposed to know what was happening if I didn’t tell you?”
Hudson gives my hand a squeeze. “The truth, Della.”
“The truth is I love him, and he loves me,” I say passionately. “I know it’s fast, but we want the same things. A family. To get married one day. To support each other.”
“You swear that’s how you feel?”
I think back to when I was a little kid, looking up at my older brother, the big grin on his face…and then the serious look as he knelt down, offering me his pinkie.
I offer mine to him now, meeting his eyes. “I swear, Hudson.”
“On mom and dad, you swear?”
I gasp, sitting back slightly.
His face hardens. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to upset you. But I care about you more than anyone. If I’m going to accept this, I can’t have any doubt in my mind.”
I stiffen my features, tightening my jaw.
“I swear, on mom and dad.”
Hudson smiles as he reaches over, taking my pinkie with his, then holding my hand. “Then I’m excited for you, sis.”
“Really?” I whisper, tears rising to my eyes.
“Really.”
I turn as the car starts slowing down, then comes to a stop. The driver’s door opens.
“What’s going on?” I murmur, my heart beating fast.
“Why wait, sis? If you’re going to do something,doit. I’d be a hypocrite if I judged the speed, anyway. I’m feeling it again with Tina. We both are. I’m jealous, in fact, that you and Elias are going to be your one and only….”
He trails off, grinning. “I’m getting my words all muddled up. I’m just so happy for you.”
I laugh, giving his hand a squeeze.
“It’s okay.”
