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“Here, sweetie,” my mom lifts a slice of pie and slides it onto my plate.
“Thanks.” I stare at the plate for a beat before eating a slice.
Thankfully, the rest of dessert goes by without any other mishaps. My parents ask Hudson about his job and his life in New York. I listen intently, getting as much information about the man I once loved.
“I’ve had some great opportunities with work,” Hudson says. “However, sometimes it feels like I’m on the go twenty-four seven. It’d be nice to slow down a bit. I’m still young and have the energy to travel and meet with clients, but eventually, I’ll want a slower pace.”
“That makes sense. All work and no play isn’t the right way to live,” my dad tells him.
“You have a point. Real estate is just a demanding career, especially when you have nationwide clients.” Hudson glances at me. I’ve been quiet, listening and assessing my feelings.
“Bianca, this is better than I remembered. Thank you for inviting me.” Hudson smiles at my mom as he finishes off his last bite.
“Have more, please.”
“I think two slices are my limit.” He taps his stomach.
“I’ll wrap some up for you when you leave.”
“I won’t say no to that.” His smile is dazzling.
“And this sweet wine is great. Did you buy it in town?” My mom lifts the glass, taking a sip.
“I saw it at a market in Dornby, actually. I was on my way back from Portland meeting a client when I stopped to grab a few things.”
“Well, it was a great buy.” My mom nods, smiling. “Don’t you agree, Lex?” She tilts her head and lifts her brows.
“It is really good,” I agree. The wine is smooth and compliments our desserts. However, sitting beside Hudson provides a different lightheaded feeling that the wine can’t.
“I’m glad you like it. I was hoping you would.” The way he looks at me is full of meaning, as if he was thinking about me when he bought it, even if it was before my mom invited him over.
“If we’re all done, I’m going to clear the table and put away leftovers. Manny, will you help me?” I roll my eyes at my mom’s obvious plan.
“Yes, cariño.” My dad shakes his head. I’m sure he’s also onto her.
Alone in the dining room, Hudson turns to me. “Do you think she wanted to leave us alone?
I snort. “Nope, not at all.” I pull my eyebrows together and shake my head as I chuckle.
Hudson laughs along with me. “It was nice to come over. I know things are weird between us, and I get it, but thank you.”
“How come you didn’t go to your parents’ house?” I can’t help but ask.
“Wasn’t feeling it. To be honest, we hadn’t really talked about eating together. We mentioned it once, but it wasn’t exactly my ideal plan.”
I frown, tilting my head and taking in the disappointment in his eyes.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It shouldn’t surprise you. It’s not like I loved spending time with them before.”
I shrug, frowning. “It doesn’t matter. They’re still your family, and I guess I thought—”
“That since I decided to work in the family business, I was all cushy with them? No, Lex. I can’t tell you why I decided to work for the family business. Guilt maybe? Not steering from the expectations set for me. Because I’m an idiot.”
“Hudson…”
“Just because I work with my dad doesn’t mean we’re friends. It doesn’t mean that I condone the way they treat you.” He reaches for my hand, squeezing it.
