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4
Lex
Myheartpoundsas I sit in my car in front of The Bean, our town’s coffee shop. I shouldn’t be nervous. I should be indifferent about seeing Hudson. He’s from my past, an ex-boyfriend. I can do this. I spent all of the last few days telling myself that Hudson is just Toby’s friend. Interacting with him can be natural if I let go of what happened between us like he clearly has.
I can be Lorelai Gilmore meeting with Christopher. Cool, calm, and empowered. For the most part. She definitely had her moments of weakness, but I’ll channel strong and determined Lorelai.
As confident as possible, I take a deep breath, reach for my purse, and step out of my car. Hudson stands from the small table he’s sitting at when I reach him.
“Hey, I was waiting for you to order. Take a seat.”
“Hi.” My lips press together in a forced smile while my heart continues to race. Deep breaths.
“What do you want?”
“I got it.” I pull my wallet out of my purse.
“Lex, just tell me what you want. It’s on me.” Hudson raises his eyebrows.
“No. I can pay for my own.” I insist, pulling out a five-dollar bill and extending my hand toward him.
“Not taking it. I’m sure you can pay for your own, but it’s my treat. Time’s ticking. Give me your order, or I’ll choose.” He crosses his arms as his eyes widen. The white button-down shirt he’s wearing stretches over his biceps. He’s gotten more handsome with time, and I hate that I notice.
He was always good-looking—the most gorgeous guy in my eyes. I need to hamper that train of thought before I fall down the rabbit hole and get lost in Hudson-land. Map or no map, I’d get lost in him.
“A latte.” I give in when I realize people are staring at us with a combination of confusion and surprised curiosity.
“That wasn’t so hard now, was it?” He smiles triumphantly. It’s a charming grin that screams danger. If he thinks he can storm back into my life, smile that dazzling smile, and I’ll fall for him again, then I’ve got news for him. I’m not that easily affected by a grin, even if it was my favorite feature of his.
I roll my eyes and stare at him without a trace of humor, hoping that my face remains masked. I don’t need Hudson Remington buying me a coffee. I can afford it on my own.
While he grabs coffee, I open my notebook with notes. I prepared for today so that we can make it as quick as possible.
“Hey, girl.” I look up and see Diana, someone I went to high school with. “Are you and Hudson…a thing again?” Her eyes are saucers as she stares at me.
“No.” I shake my head. I haven’t spoken much to Diana since high school. We always share the cordial hello when we run into each other, but we’re definitely not friendly enough for her to ask.
“What a shame.” She looks at him talking to the barista. “He’s sure gotten fine since high school. If I didn’t have my husband, I’d stake my claim,” she giggles.
Unimpressed, I look at her with narrowed eyes.
“Oh, I’m just joking.” She waves her hand. “No need to get possessive.”
“Possessive about what?” Hudson asks, now standing by his chair. “Hi, Diana.”
She smiles like a fangirl. “Hi, Hudson. Oh, nothing, just girl talk.” She winks at me as if we were best friends and walks away.
Hudson stares at me, tilting his head. “Possessive?” He smirks, likely coming up with his own conclusions. I’m not sure how much he heard. Diana wasn’t exactly discreet about her comments.
“I don’t know what she was talking about.” Heat fills my cheeks. I’m not possessive about Hudson. He is free to be with who he wants. Preferably in New York, where I don’t have to bear witness. I’m not a masochist.
“Okay… The barista will bring our coffees over so we won’t have to be interrupted while we work.”
“Right. Here’s what I have so far.” I push my notebook toward him.
He holds a corner of the page, twisting and turning it as he concentrates on what I’ve written.
“You’ve done a lot of research already,” he lifts his gaze to me.
