Page 80 of Yours Truly

Ivy

Sunday morning breakfast is quick since we help Hudson set up the farmers market. But over a bowl of Corn Flakes with blueberries, my family and I have a quick catch-up.

“How’s it going down at the tattoo shop?” Hudson asks, bouncing Honey on his hip as Dolly pulls a comb through Bear’s hair.

Juniper shakes the box of cereal, tossing some into her bowl. “More so, how’s it going with Trace?” she asks.

Looking between them all, I cannot help but grin. Cheesy, I know, but that’s who I’ve become. A big ball of cheese with black buns.

“The apprenticeship is nearly over. I’ve got two weeks left. And it’s going great. I’m already building a following, my portfolio is coming along nicely, and I have a few more solo appointments next week,” I reply, looking directly at Hudson.

He nods, kissing Honey’s open palm as she reaches for his lips, cooing “Dada” a mile a minute. “That’s great, Ivy. You’ve always been so talented. I’m so happy it’s all coming together for you.”

Dolly, sitting across from me, stares up at her husband with stars in her eyes, sighing at his sweet response. That’s probably going to earn him a blowjob in the near future.

“And things between me and Trace,” I start, drawing the sentence out slowly, gathering Juni’s and Dolly’s focus. “They’re… really moving along.” I stare into the bowl of milk before getting the courage to admit the rest. “I’m falling for him, and it doesn't feel one-sided.”

It’s scary to admit that. If I’m wrong, though, my family won’t make me feel foolish. They’ll be here to turn my broken pieces into a collage of beauty, and bring me back to life if I need it. But I don’t think I’ll need it. I don’t think Trace will hurt me.

He wouldn’t.

“Yeah?” Dolly asks, rubbing her belly as her eyes widen with interest. “How so?”

I cast a sidelong look at Juniper, who knows I haven’t been home as much. “Well, we’ve been hanging out more. Lunch breaks, after work, in the studio. I mean, last night I was at his place till nearly 10, helping him paint and just… talking.” I clear my throat and pass Hudson a wince, knowing he won’t be wholly interested in this. “Well, not just talking but a lot of talking. A lot of bonding.”

Juniper claps her hands together and squeals. “Ooh, Ivy! Did you sleep with him? Oh my gosh, you sleeping with Trace, the man who you’ve followed online for ages? That is just,” she shakes her head, bringing her hands to her mouth in disbelief, “perfect. It’s a love story of all love stories.”

Dolly agrees. “So romantic. Just think of the story you can tell your future kids one day!”

“Whoa,” I groan, holding up a palm. “No babies yet. Right now, we’re just… in that blissful state of falling. I think.”

The room goes quiet but for Bear’s tablet chirping as he plays a spelling game, and Honey still babbling about Hudson. We all know the feeling, because everyone here has fallen in love. Including Juni, though she’s currently single.

“And yeah, we slept together,” I add, breaking the sweet spell.

“And?” Dolly prods.

I shake my head. “Explosive.”

“Ivy,” Hudson starts, passing Honey to my sister. “You’re aware of Trace’s past, right?”

I love Hudson for Dolly, and I love having him as part of my family. He is always looking out for everyone in equal measure, and doesn’t hide how protective he is.

Nodding, I sip my coffee. “Yeah, I know his ex cheated on him. We’ve talked about that. Rhett cheated on me, so we share that trauma.”

Hudson shifts in his boots, his face hard to read for a moment. “He was really betrayed,” he says, brows pulled together, eyes focused, as if he’s trying to impart something more.

“I know,” I reply, and I love that Hudson is so concerned but this is something his sister told me weeks ago. “Betrayal is one-size-fits-all in my book. The way a sin is a sin, betrayal is betrayal.”

I look at my sisters, who nod because they agree.

Hudson doesn’t say anything else, and Juniper makes me promise to keep them updated on our relationship, and of course I agree.

I finish my cereal and start setting up white tents outside for the market.

I know Hudson only wanted to make sure I was aware of Trace’s betrayal because of how much it affected him—he as much admitted last night that he left town because of the heartache, and that the show wouldn't have changed his decision to leave.

I didn’t leave Bluebell when Rhett cheated on me. Hell, I actually haven’t heard from Rhett in well over a year, and the last time he was spotted, Juniper saw him. She said he was on his way out of town, feeling bad about what had happened. Either way, I know he’s been betrayed, and I know that changed him.

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