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“Sorry,” she whispers. “Anyway, spill your dirty little secrets to me.”
“No dirty little secrets to spill. Hudson asked me if I wanted to have dinner with him when he was in town for Christmas.”
“And? Tell me you said yes. I knew there had to be truth to these rumors.”
“I don’t know what to do.” I hide my face in my hands. “On one hand, he’s Hudson.” I lift my gaze to hers.
“I get it. He’s that guy for you, the one.” She smiles wistfully.
“But our same issues are still an issue.” I frown, slumping in my seat.
“What if that changed?”
“Do you think he’d quit his job?” I give her a pointed look.
“Crazier things have happened,” Ellie shrugs. “I don’t know.”
“I want to be hopeful, but…”
“You don’t want to get hurt again,” she finishes off for me.
“Exactly, and we both know I’m not the Remingtons’ favorite.”
“They’re so…argh,” she presses her lips together. “Infuriating. After what they did to you when you were going to rent the studio.” Ellie shakes her head, her jaw set tight.
“I know. I don’t think Hudson knows about that either. It’s like his parents are out to ruin me, and I don’t know why if Hudson and I had already broken up.” I never understood their motives. They had already gotten what they wanted. Why would they sabotage me? Everyone knew Mr. Remington didn’t need a storefront in town.
“They’re the kind of people that are just mean. Plain and simple.” She has a point there.
“Amen to that.” I lift my water glass. Ellie clinks her glass to mine and giggles.
“I think you should go to dinner. Maybe this time you have a better chance. Hudson isn’t dependent on his parents. I mean, he is because he works for the agency, but you know what I mean. He isn’t fresh out of college with only his family business flashing bright lights at him. He could have other opportunities.”
I know she’s right, but the question is if he’ll take those or continue pleasing his parents. The only way to find out is by giving him a chance to prove himself. If I’m being honest, the idea of going to dinner with him without the pretense of planning the party makes me giddy. My heart skips a beat at the thought.
13
Hudson
“Hello?” I answer my phone on the way to the office after a meeting with a client.
“Hey, big bro. Why aren’t you at work? Are you playing hooky? You make me proud.” Tristan laughs.
“How do you know I’m not working? Just finished up with a client. Not everyone can travel the globe,” I mock.
“That’s where you’re wrong. Everyone can if they do it right. Where are you?”
“Why are you so curious about my location?” I turn the corner.
“Just wondering if you’re near that bagel shop I love. I’m kinda hungry.” Humor laces his voice.
“Wha—” I stop walking, causing the person behind me to crash into me.
“Watch it,” the guy yells, throwing his hand in the air.
“Are you in town?” I look around, watching the lunch rush pass me by.
“Yup, your office chair is comfy. It’s the perfect height for me to rest my feet on your desk.”
