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3
Hudson
“Youalreadytextedher?” Toby claps my back as we take a seat at a sports grill outside of town.
“Yeah, might as well start planning while I’m in town.” It’s not often that I visit Hartville, let alone for more than a day or two. My career keeps me busy since I work with clients all over the country.
“No other reason than that?” Toby smirks.
“Nope,” I shake my head. “That ship has sailed.”
“Ships tend to return to the dock,” he lifts his eyebrow.
Right, ships that haven’t been wrecked by a storm.
“You saw her reaction to seeing me.” Lex looks beautiful, like always, but we have deep wounds that never healed properly.
“She was caught by surprise, which we both know she hates, and she’s still hurt. We all expected it. It’s why Hope didn’t know how to tell her you’d be there.” Toby shakes his head.
“Yeah,” I nod and skim the menu.
“For what it’s worth, I think it’s time to move on from the past. Maybe having to plan this trip will give you the right time to talk about what happened.” He clasps his hands and leans forward on the table.
“My focus is making this the best bachelor party for you.” I smile. Toby has been my best friend since we were five. Living in a different state and having a demanding job wouldn’t keep me away from celebrating this next chapter in his life.
“Okay,” he leans back, relaxing his shoulders, and picking up the menu.
“It is going to be fun watching from the sidelines, though,” he smirks, his eyes focused on the menu.
“Thanks for the support, buddy.”
“Hey, I’m supporting you. Your number one cheerleader. I just won’t be wearing a skirt and crop top.” He laughs.
“Thank goodness. It’s best for all of us that you don’t,” I smile and shake my head.
Thoughts of Lex swirl in my mind. Her reaction last night was exactly what I expected, but hearing her say aloud that she was a cheap investment surprised me. I never thought she’d voice it so publicly or that she considered herself that in my life.
Things were different when we were in college. Not only did the distance make it hard on our relationship while I was in school and she stayed in town, but we were already struggling with other issues.
I loved her, though. I never lied about that.
Seeing her after four years, a woman who accomplished her dreams, struck me with a sense of nostalgia and longing. She always talked about owning a dance studio, and she did it on her own. It’s as if it made no difference if I was cheering her on or not. And that realization stings. Though, I can’t blame her for it. What happened between us was on me. I see that now, although I was blind to it at twenty-one.
The waiter stops by, and we order. I focus on spending time with my best friend and leaving Lex in the past.
“What ideas do you have for this party slash trip?” I steeple my fingers.
“I’m not sure. We know we want to go to Winford in Vermont and ski. The rest is up to you, my friend. The girls will have a spa day one of the days, so we can either hang out or do something. Maybe you can check to see if they have something that’d interest us.”
“Sounds good. I’ll do some research. I’m sure I’ll find something.” As soon as Lex replies, we’re going to have to start working out some details if we want Hope and Toby to have the best celebration.
“Hello, son.” My father greets me when I walk into their home.
“Father,” I tip my head and sit on the couch across from him.
“How’s Toby?” He places his tablet on the side table and leans back against the armchair.
“He’s great. Excited about the wedding.”
