AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Tristan: I know you told me, but I can’t remember if it’s five or five thirty.
Tristan: How much coffee is too much coffee?
Tristan: That wasn’t as funny as I thought it’d be in my head. I’m done with my phone calls early. Want to grab dinner?
Tristan: Let me know and I’ll meet you at The Bean.
I read through his messages, shaking my head. These past few days have allowed us to reroute our relationship. We’re so close to his birthday that a part of me worries about what will happen after, even though we’re no longer playing the same game.
I type out a message, letting him know I’m done with work and then turn right. If he’s still at home, I have time to stick to my plan before he gets to town.
I walk into Hudson Homes, hoping Hudson is free to talk a minute.
“Hey.” Hudson glances up at me with furrowed brows.
“Hey.” I wave awkwardly. “Sorry to come in without an appointment, though this isn’t a professional visit.”
Hudson tilts his head, confusion becoming more evident as the valley between his eyebrows deepens.
“I’m starting all wrong.” I shake my head.
“Take a seat and tell me what’s going on.” He points to the chair across from his desk.
I sit and take a deep breath. “Tristan’s birthday is coming up. I mean, you know that,” I ramble.
Hudson nods slowly. “Yes, I do,” he laughs.
“Anyway, I don’t know if he has plans. He hasn’t mentioned anything to me, so I was thinking since he’s turning twenty-five and all, you know, a quarter century, that I could plan maybe a dinner or something?” So much for the brain I have. When it comes to social interactions, I’m not the most put-together person.
“I was thinking of taking him to dinner. What’s your idea?” He leans forward, interest raising his eyebrows.
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “It’s short notice, but a surprise with his close friends? I’m going to be honest. I know the relationship with your parents isn’t amazing, but I think it’d be important to have them there. Although at the wedding, they had a small confrontation, so I could be wrong.” I’m rambling again, sticking my foot in my mouth, but I can’t stop.
Hudson sighs, crossing his hands on the desk.
“Our relationship isn’t the best, you’re right, but it’s not my birthday. I like the idea. I can tell Ellie. Hope and Toby aren’t leaving for their honeymoon until later on since they’re taking advantage of longer vacation time, so they’ll be there. He has a few friends he’s reacquainted with as well.”
“Great,” I say, nodding. “I didn’t want to plan anything without asking you first in case you already had something planned. Any idea where he’d like to eat? I can call and make a reservation.”
“How about The Mill? They have a private room and an outdoor area. Tristan loves the restaurant.”
“He does,” I say. “I think it’s great. I’ll call and make the arrangements.” I move to stand.
“Sage—“ Hudson stops me.
I look at him with raised eyebrows.
“Make the plans, but the tab runs under my name.” He leaves no room for discussion.
I open my mouth, but he shakes his head.
“I mean it.”
“Okay,” I say, smiling. “Thanks, Hudson.”
“Don’t thank me. He’s my brother. Besides, I think the last birthday I celebrated with him was his eighteenth. Twenty-five is a big one, especially with the direction his life has taken,” he says.
“Yeah,” I sigh.
