Page 94 of Beautiful Collide

My heart aches in my chest. The love they feel.

I wish I had this. Sure, I have Dane, but this is different. My mom did love me, but every year that passes, I forget that love. It’s so clear how much they love Hudson, flaws and all. My eyes fill with tears.

The end of the game comes with a Saints victory. Instead of leaving right away, I stay behind, not wanting his family to get lost. When the crowd thins out, they make no move to leave, still buzzing from the win.

“Want me to take you to Hudson?”

“Oh, no, that’s okay. He’s meeting us at dinner. Do you know Hudson?”

“I do. I actually work for the team, well, not the team. My brother, Dane, is a Saint.”

“You’re Molly?” his mom asks.

I smile. “I am.”

“Hudson has spoken of you. It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Mary.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

What has Hudson said about me? Something tells me nothing bad since she’s still being nice to me.

“Thank you so much for your help tonight. You didn’t have to, but we’re so grateful.”

I smile, tucking my hands into the pockets of my coat. “It was my pleasure. Really.”

“I’m Hudson’s dad, David. We’re heading to dinner to celebrate his birthday. Would you like to join us? We’d love to have you.”

His birthday?

How did I not know it was his birthday?

Do any of the players know?

I hesitate for a second. My heart tugs in two directions. Spending more time with Hudson’s parents, who are so sweet and not interfering. Or spending time with Hudson. But the part of me that wants to be part of this moment a little longer wins out.

“I’d love to.”

34

Hudson

Dinnerwith my parents is a cherry on top for tonight’s killer win. I open the door to the restaurant where I’m meeting them. It’s a cozy Italian restaurant close to my house. The type of place that makes you feel at home, even when you’re not.

We haven’t had dinner together in ages. This is long overdue.

When I step inside, the scent of roasted garlic and fresh bread greets me. I scan the room for my family.

The place is packed and warm.

Almost too warm.

Soft candlelight bounces off the red-checkered tablecloths, and the faint hum of conversation blends with Sinatra playing in the background.

I don’t notice my family at first through the crowd, but then they come into focus.

Mom and Dad are looking at a menu, and Anna is scrolling on her phone. Surprise, surprise. At least she’s consistent. Anna and her phone are basically a package deal at this point.

I can’t help the stupid grin that eclipses my face.

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