Page 101 of While We Waited

I know exactly which game they’re referring to. I watched all of Hudson’s games when he played. It was hard not to. Smuggler’s Hideaway is proud of our football hero.

“I sprained my ankle when I jumped up and down with the ball in the endzone. I spent the next two days icing it while coach yelled at me.”

“I didn’t realize you sprained your ankle that day,” I say.

Hudson grins at me. “Did you watch the game?”

My cheeks heat but I shrug. “Every bar in Smuggler’s Rest aired all of your games. It was impossible to avoid.”

Seth leans across the table. “Did you watch the time he got tackled and ended up in the lap of the opposing team’s coach?”

Naomi stands. “If you two are going to relive your glory days, I’m going to use the powder room.”

“I’ll go with you,” I say.

“There’s no need.”

I place a hand on my belly. “Sprog makes me have to pee every fifteen minutes.”

Hudson helps me to my feet and kisses my cheek. “You, okay?”

I roll my eyes. “I’m fine.”

Naomi doesn’t wait for me. By the time I catch up to her, she’s already in one of the stalls. I try to finish my business as quickly as possible but quick doesn’t exactly exist when you’re six months pregnant and decided wearing tights was a good idea.

When I exit the stall, Naomi is re-doing her make-up, which appears perfect to me, in front of the mirror.

“I have to say I’m impressed,” she says without looking at me.

“Huh?” What is she talking about?

“Snagging the great Hudson Clark.”

“He’s just Hudson to me. We grew up together here on the island.”

She nods to my belly. “Getting pregnant was a good move. It’s hard to snag a football legend with your… ahem…assets.”

Oh wow. Did she just say I’m ugly? I didn’t think Naomi was nice before but it’s been confirmed now. She’s a mean girl.

“I wasn’t trying to snag a football legend.”

“It is a shame, though. Hudson is wasting his potential on this Podunk island. He could be a superstar with his looks and playing ability.”

“He got injured. He can’t play anymore.”

She waves a hand at me in dismissal. “He doesn’t need to play anymore. He just needs to get back in the game. Get some exposure. The places he could go. But, instead, he’s stuck here on this island with you.” Her gaze sharpens on my belly.

“I didn’t trap him here.”

She cocks an eyebrow. “You didn’t?”

I didn’t trap him. He can leave whenever he wants. I’m not keeping him here. If he wants to leave, he can.

Hold on. Does Hudson want to leave? Does he hate it here? He smiled at Seth in a way I haven’t seen him smile since high school. Maybe he does miss football and fame.

I recall the comments he’s made about being an athlete. Dang it. Is Hudson miserable and wishing he were still playing football? Is that why he’s such a grump?

Naomi finishes applying her lipstick and snaps her purse closed before marching to the door. “Are you coming?”

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