AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t miss you.” He shoves me. “But I am glad you were here for a few weeks.”
“Aw, you do miss me.” I ruffle his hair since I know he hates that.
“You’re a jerk. Think about what I said.” His expression turns serious. “I have a feeling you were already thinking of a plan to stay here. If you want to get the girl, go for it but do it right this time.”
“Yeah,” I nod.
“Lex has been through a lot. I never told you this, and I promised Hope I wouldn’t…” He looks around the sidewalk.
“What?” I furrow my eyebrows.
“Man, you know I respect your family because I respect you. When Lex was opening the dance studio, your parents made it difficult for her. I don’t know what their deal is with her, especially since you two had broken up already. She wanted to rent the building, but your dad bid higher, trying to steal the contract from her. Lex ended up having to buy it instead, at a higher price than she’d likely have paid if it weren’t for your dad jumping in. He said he had plans for an office there, but we both know that’s probably not true.”
I freeze, listening to Toby speak. I want to say that it can’t be true, but my parents are Class A jerks like that. Why would they continue to torture her after we’d broken up?
“I-” I shake my head and clear my thoughts. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive. It wasn’t fun to witness, and Lex almost gave up. Buying the building was out of her budget plan, but she found a way. She was thrown into the gossip mill, people talking about an ongoing rivalry with your parents.”
“I’m glad she did.” I slide my hands into my pockets, my mind reeling. “But I hate she had to endure that. Thanks for telling me.”
“I thought you should know.” He claps my shoulder. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“For sure.” I nod, shake his hand, and walk away from the restaurant with a million thoughts. My parents never know when to stop pushing. That attitude will ruin them eventually.
12
Lex
Hudson: Hey, how are you? Any updates I should know about for the bach party?
I stare at Hudson’s message with a racing heart. He’s been back in New York for a week, but the night of Thanksgiving has been etched in my mind. I didn’t see him again, but Hope made it a point to tell me she saw him before he left, and he asked about me.
I’m starting to think my best friend is a traitor.
I’ve been so confused since he waltzed back into my life. He’s crossed my mind plenty of times, but I thought I was over him. He was a memory of the past, a boyfriend who broke my heart. In reality, he’s the only boyfriend I’ve had. I guess four years doesn’t erase a six-year relationship. Not when I thought he was the one I’d marry someday.
And just when I was getting used to seeing him around town, he returned to New York, reminding me that we lost our chance long ago. Or maybe we lived the length of the relationship we were supposed to.
I rub my chest and take a deep breath. The conversation we had on Thanksgiving has been weighing heavy on my mind. From the outside, it might seem like Hudson and I have an opportunity to make things right, but I already know what heartbreak by Hudson feels like. I don’t want a re-do of that feeling. Although, hearing him say that we could have a second chance made me feel hopeful.
Confusion times a million. I throw myself back on the sofa and clutch my phone to my chest before replying to his text message.
Lex: Hi, no main updates. I’m meeting with Hope this week to get some more details. Spa day does have to stay for that Saturday
Hudson: I know. I canceled brunch, remember? The guys will hang out while you girls get pampered
Lex: That’s right. Sounds good
Hudson: How are you?
Lex: I’m good. You?
Hudson: Good, long week at work with the holidays
Lex: I can imagine
Hudson: Have you thought more about what I said?
