Page 73 of Baking With A Rockstar

“Alex Brown.”

Rose leans back in her chair, chuckling in amusement. Dahlia joins in, making them look more similar than I’ve ever seen before.

Rose is the first to speak again. “Well, if anyone should be able to fix you, it’s him. Plus, he’s one of the most gorgeous men I’ve ever seen in my life. And you have a legitimate reason to stare at him for copious amounts of time now. For that alone, it’ll all be worth it.”

Gabe groans from the other side of Monica.

Dahlia points at Gabe. “You used to be best friends with him, right up until college. I don’t think you’ve ever told us what happened.”

“And there’s a reason for it, so drop it.” Gabe’s reply is sharp, the annoyance clear in his voice. It reminds me of his earlier behavior, and I wonder if Monica brought up her physical therapist before with him, unknowingly hitting a nerve. Apparently, he’s had enough of it because he gets up from his chair, silently picking up dirty dishes to carry over to the kitchen.

The twins share a look, probably having heard that answer before. Monica looks after him, a deep frown etched on her forehead.

Rose waves him off, leaning toward Monica again as if she’s getting ready for round two of her interrogation. “Just ignore him. He always gets grumpy when someone brings up Al—”

“Dahlia, how’s your little project going?” Hudson interrupts, and I wonder if he’s trying to change the subject.

The smile that breaks across Dahlia’s face reminds me of Hudson when he talks about his music. It’s mesmerizing. “It’s going really great.”

He turns to me. “Dahlia opened up Brooksville Academy of Arts last year, and from what I’ve heard, it’s becoming quite popular.”

She nods in response. “It’s certainly keeping me busy, I can tell you that much. It’s exciting though, I love it. So far, I’ve been mainly focusing on kids. The classes are so much messier, but also so much more fun. It’s a nice reminder of why I love art so much. Seeing the excitement on those little faces is pretty much the best thing ever.” Her eyes sparkle, and I’m sure her beaming smile could light up a small planet. I always think it’s special to see someone be so passionate about something they love.

Who knows? Maybe that’s exactly the way I look when I talk about my bakery.

Her hands fly through the air as she continues, moving as fast as the words come out of her mouth. “There are so many things I’d like to do. I want to get a bigger building and expand the courses I’m offering. Maybe we can even get some other creative areas incorporated too. There have been lots of studies that show that art, and other creative outlets, can help children that struggle in school, or even help with battling health issues. I’d like to work with schools and support them however possible. And I’ve also been thinking about a summer camp.” She takes a deep breath, chuckling nervously. “Sorry, I’ve been having lots of ideas, but it’s still in the beginning stages. It’s very exhilarating.”

I’m in awe, pure awe.

What she’s trying to do with her academy sounds inspiring, even more so when children are the main focus and how to help them.

When I look at Hudson, he’s still staring at his sister.

He seems a bit shocked by her little speech. “Wow, I don’t know what to say. I’m thrilled for you and your plans, and that it’s all going so well. I had no idea you were this serious about it. It’s great, Dahlia.Reallygreat. I hope you’re proud of yourself.”

“Thank you.” She looks down at her hands for a moment before gazing back up at him.

Hudson leans closer to her across the table. “Please let me know if you need any help with anything, okay? Anything.”

She shakes her head before he can say more. “No, no. You have enough on your plate already. Plus, aren’t you going to leave again soon? Usually, you only stay for a short while before you head back out again.”

A sudden commotion takes place under the table, followed by an outcry of pain from Dahlia and a silent staring contest between the twins.

“Excuse me.” Dahlia stands up, after mumbling a lame apology, and joins Gabe in the kitchen.

It looks like she’s limping a little.

Limping?

What on earth?

Wait. Did Rose justkickher, because of what she said about Hudson leaving again soon?

For some reason, I didn’t even think about that statement. I mean, in the end, isn’t that exactly what Hudson told me when we first met? That he’s home for a break from his music and to write before going back on the road?

That definitely didn’t sound like an extended trip.

As if he knows he’s on my mind, Hudson’s hand squeezes my thigh gently under the table before he entangles our fingers. “You okay?”

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