Page 48 of Pieces

“Yeah.” He looks at the other cup in his hand. “And this one’s…also hot milk. Because I wasn’t sure if you’d want one or two, or if you even drink dairy at all, so I figured I’d also get oat milk… Better safe than sorry?” Like he realizes how ridiculous all of this is, he winces.

But I don’t think it’s ridiculous. In fact, as soon as my nose begins to tingle, I internally panic that I’m going to burst into tears for said hot milk bought for me by the hot football player.Oh my god, please don’t cry. Stay down, baby hormones.

Liv’s voice cuts through the room. “Wow. Okay. That’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever heard.”

Hudson spins around to find my phone resting in the holder.

“Oh,” I say, rushing to the phone, swiping at my cheeks just in case before holding up the device. “Liv’s driving here for an appointment I have later. She’s just on speaker.”

“Oh, cool.” His face drops slightly, and he looks down at his feet. “You know what, I was kind of hoping you’d let me take you to the appointment, or at least go with you.”

“Y-you remembered it was today?”

He smiles sheepishly. “I know I shouldn’t have listened to that conversation, but yeah, I remembered…when I replayed the whole thing in my head at 3 a.m.”

Liv’s delighted laughter crackles through the phone. “Oh my god, are you hearing this? This is just the cutest thing ever.”

With my cheeks heating, I glare at the phone. “Liv, maybe...not right now?”

“What? I’m just saying.” Her voice is unapologetic, and I can practically hear her smirking. “Let the man be adorable. He brought you two types of milk, for crying out loud.”

“Olivia!” I hiss.

“Does he evenlikeoat milk? Hudson, do you even drink oat milk or any kind of hot milk?”

“Uhh.” He flushes again, and I’d never imagine him being so shy. “I haven’t tried oat milk before, and judging by the smell, I never will.”

“See, Daphne? The man isn’t even going to drink the milk!”

“Okay, I get it, Liv. Can you stop?” I whisper-shout. I know exactly how adorable this is, he is, and if she keeps bringing it up, I’m going to cry. I really don’t want to cry.

Hudson clears his throat, his lips twitching upward in a small, self-conscious smile. “So, the appointment? I just figured if you wanted someone else there...I’m around. I’d like to be…around. If you’d like that too. I’ve got no clue what I’m doing yet, but uh…” His hazel eyes close as he looks up to the ceiling, muttering something about being cooler. But the sincerity in his voice makes my throat tight. I can’t quite meet his gaze, so I take a long sip of the milk instead.

I want him there, of course I do. I just didn’t expect him to want to be there, let alone remember it was today. He overheard a conversation once, and suddenly it’s in his diary. What breed of man is this? None I’ve ever been with. Most previous boyfriends, not that he has that title, couldn’t even remember my birthday.

Liv’s voice cuts through again. “Okay, I’m saying this as your best friend: let him come. You’re nervous. You need the distraction.”

“I’m not—” I start to protest, but the truth lodges in my throat. Iamnervous. More than I’ve let myself admit. I’ve been a nervous mess since all of this started.

Hudson shifts again, gaining my attention. “Look, I don’t want to push. If you’re good with Liv, that’s great. I just...wanted to offer.”

As much as I want to pretend I’ve got this under control, the thought of having him there is actually nice.

“Okay.” The word slips out before I can second-guess it. “You can come. I’d like that.”

His eyebrows lift, like he wasn’t expecting me to agree, but then a slow, warm smile spreads across his face, and my heart nose dives at the sight. Man, he’s pretty. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” I say, swallowing hard. “But don’t blame me if it’s boring. Or awkward. Or both.”

“I think I’ll survive.” His grin widens as he takes a sip of his milk, then winces, looking at the cup like it’s offended him.

Liv’s voice cuts in one last time. “God, you two are killing me.”

I pick up my phone with an awkward smile, my thumb hovering over the screen. “Okay, drive safe, Liv. See you later.” My goodbye comes out rushed as I quickly hang up, setting the phone down a little too fast. I glance at Hudson, feeling sheepish. “Sorry about her.”

He chuckles. “At least this time she’s not threatening to murder me with an axe.”

“It’s still early.”

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