Page 30 of We're At It Again

Before Hudson responded, Principal Quinn grabbed his arm and dragged him out to the parking lot where I saw his dad standing with his arms folded across his chest, shaking his head in defeat as his delinquent son was in trouble again.

19

HUDSON

THE SOFT GLOW OF THE MORNING LIGHT filtered through the windows, casting a warm hue over the kitchen as I descended the stairs. My dad stood at the countertop with a steaming cup of coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed java filled the air.

“Morning, Dad.” I said, moving towards the coffee maker for a cup.

“Morning, kid.” He said, distracted by something on his laptop.

I peeked over his shoulder to find him looking at new car parts.

“Any plans for the day?”

He shook his head and turned to me.

“I might go for drinks with Kevin.” He said, referring to Luna’s father. “What about you?”

His question left me frozen in my tracks. I dragged my fingers through my hair and turned to him, hoping to hide my awkwardness behind my mug.

“I’m going out with Luna today.”

He glanced up with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. I pretended to be interested in the contents of my mug to avoid his amused expression.

“Since when are you both friends again?”

I shrugged and shifted my weight to my right foot.

“We’ve been pretending to date,” I admitted, scratching the back of my neck. “To make her ex jealous.”

His expression turned more serious; a hint of concern flickered in his eyes.

“That doesn’t seem like a good idea.” He said. “It might be fake for her, but I know it isn’t for you.”

I shook my head, adamant I could leave my emotions at bay.

“It’s just for show. No one will get hurt.”

He remained unconvinced. I could see it in his face.

“Hudson, just remember, a lot has happened between you two.”

I nodded. His words hit closer to home than I’d like to admit.

“I know, Dad. I’ll see you later.”

With that, I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door, walking across the street to Luna’s house. I walked with my hands in my pockets. I couldn’t shake the feeling that my dad’s warning might be more relevant than I wanted.

The crisp air nipped at my cheeks as I stood on their doorstep. I rapped my knuckles against the wooden door; the sound echoed through the quiet neighborhood. The door swung open, revealing Mrs. Delgato with a warm smile.

“Hudson, what a pleasant surprise.” She said, stepping aside to let me in.

I removed my beanie as I entered and ran a hand through my tousled hair. Mrs. Delgato led me into the cozy kitchen. The scent of brownies enveloped me like a warm embrace. A smell I’d longed for.

“Help yourself.” She said, gesturing towards the snacks on the counter.

“No, thank you, Mrs. Delgato. Is Luna home?”

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