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When the day comes to an end, I’m exhausted and ready for a shower. I walk back to my hotel to do just that and wait for Hudson to finish work. He said he had plans for us tonight, and as tired as I am, nothing would stop me from spending the evening with him.
“How does pizza sound tonight?” Hudson drapes his arm around my shoulder and tugs me to him, kissing the top of my head.
“Amazing. I’ve always heard pizza is a must in New York.”
“Good. I’m taking you to this small place. It’s laid-back, and you can tell me all about your first day.” His warmth envelops me in a safe cocoon.
“It was amazing, Hudson.” I beam. I still haven’t come down from the high of my first workshop. I’m tired, but I feel like I was able to impart some of my wisdom to other people. That’s what I’ve always wanted.
“I’m so happy to hear that. You see, nothing to be worried about.” He squeezes my shoulder and smiles at me.
“I was so nervous,” I chuckle. “But the people attending are great. They asked a ton of questions, shared their own stories. They’ve loved the choreography so far, too. Oh! And I’m taking one of the classes—trending music and dance moves to keep up with the times.”
Hudson quietly chuckles beside me, and I turn my head to look up at him.
“What?” I cross my arms.
“I love how excited you are. It’s endearing.” He pulls me toward him in a quick motion, making my steps falter and almost fall.
“Hey, now.” I poke his chest.
“I love it,” he repeats. “You look happy.”
“I have the best job in the world.” I shrug.
His smile slips as he nods.
“What?”
“Nothing. Ready for some amazing pizza?”
“Tell me it’s extra cheesy.” My mouth waters. My body has evaporated the grilled chicken and salad I had for lunch. When I work, my mind and body are so consumed by what I’m doing that I’m hardly hungry. It’s afterward that I become a starved beast.
“Don’t worry. It’s just as you like it. We’ll feed that growly monster.” He pats my stomach, and a deep red covers my face. I didn’t think he had heard it since there was noise around us.
We enter a small place, and I’m instantly hit with the salty goodness from the cheese, garlic, and spices. It’s nothing fancy, and I love it. Metal tables and chairs with metal framing and cushions covered in red vinyl on the back and seat are crammed in the restaurant.
I tell Hudson everything about my day. He listens intently with a small smile. When they bring our pizza, my eyes widen, and I think some drool dribbles down the side of my chin.
“That looks amazing.”
Hudson serves me a slice, and I don’t bother waiting. I dig in. The crust is thin without being crispy. It has small pepperonis on it and basil leaves, and oh, my goodness… I chew my first bite and close my eyes. Thin strings of cheese stick to my chin, and I have the decency to cover my face and grab a napkin. Hudson sits across from me, his shoulders shaking in laughter.
“Best pizza ever,” I comment after swallowing my bite.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Like it? I want to wrap up stock and take it back to Hartville.” His eyes light up at my comment, and I take it as a sign that he’s happy.
“How was work?” I ask, eating my pizza like the well-mannered human my parents raised me to be.
“It was work,” he shrugs.
“Not a good day?” I press when I see the frustration lining his face.
“Nothing to worry about.” He smirks, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes the way his smiles do lately.
I drop it, not wanting to ruin dinner. If he didn’t have a good day, I hope I can make his evening better. We eat our pizza, keeping the conversation light in the packed restaurant.
