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“Have you found anything?” Ellie looks at me.
I shake my head. “Give me a few, and we can go?”
“Take your time.” Hope smiles, the purse she found hanging from her wrist.
I find a ton of things I’d love for myself, but I have nowhere to put them. Besides, my focus is on Christmas shopping, so I can’t quite think about anything else and my stomach is growling. I walk back to where Hope and Ellie were standing and freeze.
“Darling, we’re looking forward to your upcoming nuptials. Tobias is like a son to us, but I haven’t received your registration yet.” Mrs. Remington is talking to Hope, who has on a strained smile. I stay back, not wanting to face Hudson’s mom. It’ll be better for everyone.
“We’re happy you’ll be there. Invitations will be sent out soon,” Hope nods. It’s not the first time she asks Hope about the registry. It’s becoming pushy.
As Mrs. Remington turns away from her, she sees me and narrows her eyes. Lifting her nose, she walks away with a sour look on her face.
“Ready to go?” I ask them.
“Oh, yeah.” Hope nods. “Did you see her?”
“I did, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with her. I’m not sure what their problem is with me, but it’s best for everyone if we have limited contact.”
They both nod and walk to the register while I wait for them outside. I check my phone and see a message from Hudson. A smile instantly replaces my frown. We’re no longer teens where our parents rule over us. The hint of worry that history will repeat itself still lives in the pit of my stomach, but I have to trust that it could be different if we’re given a second chance.
I never interfered in Hudson’s plans for his future—or, should I say, his parents’ plans for his future, so Mrs. Remington can’t argue with me there. Whatever choices Hudson makes are on him.
Hudson: Hey, are you done shopping? Want to grab dinner?
Lex: Hey, done for today though I wasn’t too successful. I’m going to eat with Hope and Ellie
Hudson: Tomorrow you’re mine. Have fun with the girls
Lex: Thanks *smiley face* Is Tristan around?
Hudson: I guess I’ll have to eat dinner with my obnoxious younger brother
Lex: Don’t forget Toby
Hudson: I’ll give him a call
Lex: Talk to you later
Hudson: Call me when you’re home *kiss emoji*
Lex: Ok
I pocket my phone as Hope and Ellie walk out of the store.
“I’m starving. Ready to eat?”
“Yes. I need some pizza in me, stat.” Ellie licks her lips.
I laugh and nod. “Pizza and a glass of wine sound great.”
“I agree.” Hope loops her arms between ours, and we head to the restaurant.
Different ideas for a possible gift cross my mind. Maybe I’ll take up Hope’s idea to make him a candle. The sticker can have a special message from me or something. Definitely not, Smell Me, though. I’ll have to do some research when I get home if I want to receive it on time.
After dinner, I get home with random ideas still spinning through my head for a gift for Hudson. Feeling nostalgic, I grab a box with memories and photos from high school.
A sad smile tilts my lips as I sort through the stack of pictures. Most include Hudson. When I see one of him in his football uniform, sweaty after a game, I run my fingers down his face. Tears cloud my eyes. It’s been a long time since I’ve looked at these.
