Page 70 of Pieces

“Big time. It was horrible. I still haven’t heard from him either. Mom called me, like, the next day to reassure me, and I needed that, but you know I’ve always looked up to my Dad.”

Liv’s expression morphs with a frown. “I’m so sorry, babe. I wish I could knock some sense into him.”

She would, given half the chance too. It’s a good thing she’s in Washington. “It’s okay. Hudson has actually been great.”

“Of course he has.” She grins. “The guy is a green flag. Greener than a golf course.”

A bubble of laughter bursts from me, and it feels good to laugh. “I miss you.”

She rolls her eyes playfully. “Then don’t ignore me for days.”

“Promise, I won’t.”

“Oh,” she squeals. “Gotta go. My new guy is calling me.”

“I still need to hear about him, too!”

“Soon,” she says, blowing me a kiss and hanging up.

When the video disappears, another notification catches my eye. It’s from an unknown number.

Unknown

Hey girlie, I hope you don’t mind me getting your number from Hudson. I wanted to let you know that I’m free for coffee whenever, and I’d still love for you to come to our scrapbook club soon! Quinn X

My eyes water, and I’m not sure why.

Is it because I feel like I’m gaining more friends who care about me and the baby? Is it hormones wreaking havoc on my emotions? Or is it because there’s a man in my life who cares enough to give my number to his friends. To make space for me in his world.

I reply to Quinn and save her number because, of course, I want to go to the scrapbook club.

Then Hudson’s name lights up the screen.

Hudson

Morning, Daph. Hope you got some sleep. Call me when you’re up.

I stare at the message, remembering how he’s been with me the last couple of weeks. How he’s been since we’ve found out. He was solid with my parents a few days ago, exactly what I needed when I thought I was going to shatter into pieces. It didn’t matter that my dad threw hurtful words like daggers; he didn’t waver once. I can’t fault him at all. So why am I scared to let him in more? I trust him so much more now, and I’ve never been scared of commitment. There’s a guy who’s the father of my child, and he wants to be with me and I’m stalling him. Am I running scared, or am I scared he only wants me because of the baby? I can’t deny that fear feels real.

Before I can wallow any more, my phone buzzes again, this time with a call from Hudson. My stomach swoops, before I swipe to answer.

“Hey,” I say, my voice scratchy from sleep.

“Hey yourself,” he says. “How are you feeling?”

I shrug, even though he can’t see it. “Tired.”

“Me too. Practice has been brutal this week.” There’s a pause, and I feel guilty, wondering if my dad is putting him through it because of all this. “I’m outside.”

I sit up, startled. “You’re here?”

“Outside,” he repeats. “With what is probably the most expensive, most ridiculous frappe I’ve ever ordered. It’s got no coffee but tons of chocolate. They didn’t have any milkshakes, so this was the next best thing. Indie made it for you.”

My heart hammers behind my ribs. This sweet side to him, the thoughtfulness is unmatched, and I’ve never known anyone to wear their heart on their sleeve quite like he does. A small smile tugs at my lips. “Hudson, what are you doing?”

“Trying to make you feel better,” he says simply. “I want to take you somewhere.”

“Where?” I ask, already knowing that he’s made an effort for me this morning, so I can do the same by going with him.

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