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“Oh, shush!” I kick him again with my foot. “Dancing and skiing are not the same things.”
“Clearly,” he laughs.
“Whatever. What else?” I look at my phone screen. I’ve never been to Winford, and it seems Hudson has. He should have more ideas about what else we can do or where we can eat.
“We could try another restaurant another night so that we don’t eat at the same place every time,” I suggest. Seeing the town would be fun. I’m all about visiting small towns and going into their local shops, especially if there’s an antique store.
“Yeah. Since most of us will be skiing, lunch can be more laid-back at the resort. The rooms include breakfast, so that’ll be covered.”
“Okay, good,” I nod. When the waitress appears with our plates, I move my phone to the side and inhale the delicious grilled chicken and mashed potatoes. Dancing all afternoon requires me to eat a big lunch.
“That looks good,” Hudson eyes my plate.
“Your burger, too.” It’s surreal sitting across from him, sharing a meal as if we were friends. The pain still lingers in my chest, but it’s also oddly comforting. It’s dangerous to feel this way. Nothing has changed. Hudson still lives in New York. I’m still not good enough for him in his parents’ eyes, and he still chose to follow their scripted path, ultimately giving them reason.
At the end of the day, Alexa Leon, daughter of Cuban immigrants, isn’t the woman the Hudson Remington should get involved with.
I’ve always loved my background and ethnicity, proud of being Hispanic, which is why I could ignore Mr. and Mrs. Remington’s snide remarks. It was when Hudson chose them over me that broke me.
After we finish eating, we stand outside of the diner.
“Thanks for sitting with me,” Hudson smiles. “I’m traveling to LA for a few days, but I’ll write to you when I’m back so we can continue planning.”
“Okay. I’ll work out some details in the meantime.”
“Bye, Lex,” he smiles. The way he says my name and the secret smile he shares make my heart skip a beat. Despite the five o’clock shadow and broader build, he’s still got the same charms underneath his suit. I can only turn a blind eye for so long. Rabbit hole, rabbit hole, are you ready to catch me? I’m about to dive headfirst into Hudson-land.
I turn and walk toward the studio. An afternoon of classes is exactly what I need—an outlet for my creativity and to seek clarity on all these chaotic emotions.
7
Lex
“So you had to chase after the cow?” My body shakes with laughter.
“Yes, it was horrible. I slipped in the mud, and then the cow came toward me. The rascal,” Ellie laughs along with me.
“Oh, boy. I would’ve paid money to see that,” Hope chimes in.
We’re sitting around her kitchen table for girls’ night. We get together on Fridays a couple of times a month to catch up and hang out.
“Me too.” I lift my wineglass.
“Laugh at my expense,” Ellie shakes her head, but her smile is wide, contradicting her words.
“It’s all in good fun,” I tease her.
“Speaking of fun… Word around town is that you’ve been hanging out with Hudson?” Her eyebrows lift as her voice rings with question.
I roll my eyes and lean back in my seat, running my forefinger and thumb up and down the stem of my glass.
“I’m not hanging out with him. We had to get together once to talk about the bachelorette party.” I narrow my eyes at Hope.
“Don’t look at me that way. I need help. Between our jobs, house hunting, and planning a wedding, Toby and I are up to our necks with things to do. I know Hudson is a touchy subject, but I was hoping that after four years, it’d be tolerable.” She scrunches up her nose.
“It is, right? Tolerable?” Ellie’s eyes widen expectantly.
“It’s something. I don’t know if that’s the right word.” I take a sip of wine.
