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CHAPTER 28
HUDSON
When I heard from Kane that Renee had followed the girls into the bar, I couldn’t move my feet fast enough to get to Kate.
Renee can be a vindictive bitch. I’ve seen her in action not only on the job, but while we were dating as well. She doesn’t handle anything that she sees as a threat well. Fight mode is all she knows.
I never figured out why she was like that, but I’m sure there’s a story behind it all. Renee never wanted to talk about her childhood, and I’ve thought, more than once while we were dating, that she could really use some therapy to work it all out, but she always insisted there was no need.
Hearing her talk to Kate that way made my skin crawl, and it took everything in my power to keep from physically removing Renee from my bar and away from Kate.
“Are you sure we are okay?” I ask as Kate as we stand in the ladies’ bathroom holding each other. I know she’s just told me she loves me, but I want to be sure we’re fine. Like I said, Renee can be a vindictive bitch.
“Hudson, we’re good. I promise.” She pulls out of my arms. “Although, I could really use a shower. Between being outside and sweaty and what your ex-girlfriend spewed at me; I’m feeling kinda gross.”
I capture her head and place a gentle kiss to her forehead. “You’re beautiful to me.”
Kate reaches for the door. “You may have suffered heat stroke.” She laughs.
I follow Kate out of the bathroom and into the main bar area where we find Grace standing around talking to a group of my friends from forever ago. There’s twelve of us that all grew up together here in Hibiscus Harbor and have stayed close since elementary school. We’ve been through thick and thin together but have stayed the course as friends. We’re always there for one another. Bad girlfriends and all.
“There you are. Everything okay?” Grace asks us with worry in her eyes.
“Everything is perfect.” Kate answers her friend. Grace looks relieved when she sees Kate take my hand.
“Hey man. Saw that witch go flying out of here.” Elijah says from across the bar. “You finally kicked her out of here for good?”
I nod, “Yeah. Told her she was banned from here. We need to stick to that.”
“Fucking finally.” Sawyer says then looks at Grace and Kate. “Sorry for the French.” He almost looks sorry, but not quite.
“Kate, let me introduce you to everyone.” I start on the left of the group and work my way around the room. “That’s Ian, Trevor, you know Declan, that’s Parker, Sawyer, Garrett, Elijah, you’ve met Reid, Jax and Kane, and over there is Chance. You should know him from the fire station.” I pull Kate in front of me and wrap my arms around her. “Everyone, this is Kate.”
“The Bagel Lady.” Chance announces to everyone’s cheer.
Kate waves shyly to all of them, “Hello.”
I get it. We’re all pretty big guys and can look intimidating with all of us gathered in one spot. Actually, it’s rare when we all can get together at once, nowadays, with everything that’s going on in our lives.
“Okay, guys. We’re going to head out. I’m on shift in the morning.” I lead Kate out the front door.
“I’m right behind you. I’m on duty, too.” Declan calls out.
“I’ve got an early flight to New York for a meeting.” Ian says as he throws his beer bottle away.
"Another merger, Moneybags?” Jax teases Ian.
“Something like that.” I hear Ian respond as the doors close behind Kate, Grace, and me.
The parking lot is dark, quiet, and empty except for the vehicles of my friends who are still inside Hooplas. The cleanup crew that the event planner hired is good. There’s not one shred of evidence that there were a few thousand people enjoying all the activities here today.
“Kate, I’ll see you tomorrow at your place?” Grace asks as she unlocks her car.
“Yep, but can we make it lunchtime instead of breakfast?” Kate calls out to her.
“Yes!” Grace answers enthusiastically. “Thank you. I’m exhausted.”
Kate smiles, “Me, too. Be careful driving home.”
