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They might not get paid like NFL players, but over here, they were big dogs in a small pond. Hud had tried not to let it go to his head.
Maybe hadn’t succeeded.
Iris had left the building.
“I’d like you meet someone, by the way.”
Aw— “Coach—”
“It’ll just take a second.” He motioned him over to his table, where a man stood talking to Clay’s wife, Veronica. Gorgeous, with long auburn hair and piercing golden-brown eyes, she made Clay look like he belonged with the big leagues.
“Hudson,” she said, and gave him an Italian kiss. “You clean up.”
He’d worn this suit for the MVP banquet last year. “Thanks.”
Coach slapped him on the shoulder. “Hud, this is my brother-in-law, Gripe Carlson. Coach of the Seattle Kraken.” Handsome man, dark-brown hair, fit, mid-fifties.
“Thewhat?”
“It’s a new league in the US—the USFL. First run was this year, and Seattle is putting together a team. Gripe needs a wideout, and he’s got his eye on you.”
Hud just stared at him, then at Coach Clay. “I…are you not renewing my contract?” This had suddenly gotten awkward.
Gripe looked at Coach and then patted Hud on the shoulder. “I’ll give you a call after the game this weekend. Nice to meet you, Hudson.”
He shook Hudson’s hand. Hud managed to grip it.
The Vikings were letting him go?
Coach moved his brother-in-law over to other people, and Hudson just stood there.
A beat. Then,Iris.
He took off for the door, moving around the tables, scooting around people, groups of conversation, past greeters, and outside.
A sedan was just pulling away. And maybe it wasn’t her, but how crazy would he look if he took off after it, down the sidewalk, waving his hands?
Probably crazy enough to be another Instagram hit.
Shoot.
He drew in a breath, standing there, feeling like he’d just taken a hit by Luis.
Calm down. It wasn’t like she was in danger, right? He’d see her at the game on Saturday, and then…
Well, then he’d use the words.I’m sorry I walked away, Iris. I know you had your family, but…I miss you. And I can’t sleep knowing you might not be safe. And…
Maybe this was for the best. Especially if his future was back over the pond.
He should leave things as they were. She seemed to be moving on just fine. And really, moving on from what? Her harrowing adventure with Hudson? Probably she’d like to keep that in the rear view mirror.
Besides, they were just friends.
Yep.
He headed inside, was standing by the door, not sure what to do, when his phone vibrated. He pulled it out but didn’t recognize the number.
He’d gotten a call a couple days ago that he’d missed from an unknown number. Maybe—he flipped open the phone. “Iris?”
