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″I know. I’m confused, to be honest, but I want to see him,” I confess.
″I’m glad you’re listening to yourself.” Her eyes soften, making me feel more confident in my decision.
″Yeah, figured I’d know best.” I shrug.
″I agree.”
″How’s the house-hunting going?” I switch topics, wanting to catch up on her life as well.
Hope screws her face and shakes her head. “Not good. Hudson is supposed to have some properties lined up for us to see when he comes into town.”
″Hopefully, you’ll find something you love soon.” I know how stressful house buying can be. It took me a bit to find the house I loved, and I moved heaven and earth to get it—with a little sprinkle from my Fairy Godmother, AKA my parents, who helped me a bit.
″From your mouth to God’s ears,” Hope sighs.
Our food arrives, and we talk about the wedding, my ideas for the workshop, and Christmas plans. Every year my friends and I get together before Christmas to celebrate. I have no doubt that Hudson will join us this year since he’ll be in town, and I hope it’s smooth sailing.
It’s as if he’s suddenly full-blown back in my life. The scary thing is how effortlessly it’s been. Our first encounter was rocky, and the following few times, too, but after that, things changed. And Thanksgiving was definitely a turning point.
So much for channeling Lorelai Gilmore. Here I am, opening up to my ex. Actually, maybe I channeled her too well. I just hope Hudson and I end up better than she and Christopher did.
″I’m glad we had lunch together,” Hope says as we stand outside of the diner.
″Me too. You’re getting married soon and won’t have time for your best friend.” I pout exaggeratedly.
″Oh, please,” Hope rolls her eyes.
″I’m only kidding.” I hug her tightly. “It’s going to be the best new chapter of your life,” I whisper before pushing back.
″I know, but I’ll always have time for my best friends.”
″How jealous will Ellie be that she missed out on lunch?” I tease.
″So jealous. Let’s take a selfie and send it to her.” Hope laughs, holding her phone up. The photo is blurry since we’re both laughing, but she types out a message and sends it to Ellie in our group chat.
″Can’t wait to see her response. Gotta go before my boss comes searching for me,” Hope jokes.
I blow her a kiss and walk back to the studio while she heads back to work at Town Hall. Our lives are changing, but one thing that is certain is that our friendship is rock solid. I’m glad I have such amazing friends to live these experiences with.
If it weren’t for Hope and Ellie, I don’t know how I would’ve overcome my break-up with Hudson or the drama I went through with his parents when I was acquiring the studio. We’ve always been there for each other, and that’s priceless.
As I’m getting ready to open the studio, my phone pings with a message. Smiling at what Ellie’s response will be, my heart skips a beat when I see Hudson’s name instead of hers. Goodness, I’m reacting like a teen in love.
Hudson: Hey, how are you?
Lex: Good and you?
Hudson: Good, good. I’ll be in town next week
Lex: Wow already?
Hudson: Lol don’t sound so surprised. Besides you already agreed to dinner so no backing out
Lex: Just thought you’d be here the following week closer to Christmas
Hudson: I have some work to do in the area and some showings for Toby and Hope
Lex: I heard
