Page 54 of Summer Love

"The article is titled 'the Island's Most Eligible Bachelors.' You should be writing about their escapades outside of work. No one wants to learn how to put up drywall." Her lip curled as she pointed at my outline where I detailed what a day for Hudson looked like.

At first, the only thing registering was panic. She didn't like my article. It was boring. All my insecurities rushed to the surface. I wasn't good enough. I didn't know how to write an interesting article. Maybe I never had. Then it quickly spiraled to me losing my job and not being able to stay here with Grams. I desperately tried to refocus on what she wanted. "You want me to spend time with them in the evening at the bars?"

She handed the outline back to me. "That would be a good start."

"Hudson doesn't spend much, if any, time at a bar. We've gone once."

"Maybe the story isn't Hudson. Just because the father said you had to focus on him doesn't mean you have to. This is your article."

"I want to respect his wishes."

"We can certainly talk about Hudson, but if the other brothers are more interesting, then we need to pursue them as well."

Just then, a text came through from Hudson.

Hudson: The family is heading to the beach tonight for a bonfire. Care to join?

"They're hosting a bonfire tonight."

Valerie grinned. "That's perfect. But don't spend all your time with Hudson. I think readers want to know more about the rowdy middle kids and the irresponsible younger ones."

"Is that what people think of the Kingstons?"

"I know you've been gone for a while, but yeah. They have a reputation for being fast and loose. I think only one of them has been in a committed relationship recently."

That wasn't what I'd observed, but Valerie was my boss. I'd take her advice and see where it led.

She waved a hand at me. "Scratch whatever you were writing and start fresh. We want to show how sexy and fun the Kingston men are, not what they do for work."

I was fairly positive they wanted their business featured, but my job, and my ability to stay on the island, was at stake. I couldn't go back to Boston, not when I was starting to love it here, and I could spend more time with Grams.

"This is your article and your magazine. I want to do this in your vision." That wasn't exactly the truth, but it was what she wanted to hear.

Valerie grinned. "Great. I'm glad we're on the same page."

I took a deep breath as I walked outside the small office. Hudson probably wasn’t going to like the change in direction of the article. But then again, we never said he had to approve it. I just didn't like the nagging sensation this was going to be a problem.

ChapterThirteen

HUDSON

When my brothers mentioned going to a bonfire, I didn't hesitate to ask Elena to join us. I wasn't a fan of socializing, and she always made it easier. So I was pleased when she said she wanted to come.

The rest of the day, I was able to make more progress on the installation of the floors. I didn't have to answer any questions, show her how to use a tool, or worry about whether she was going to get hurt. I should have been thrilled about that, but instead, the day moved more slowly, and I was bored.

I eventually turned on a radio to have something to fill the silence. I tried to tell myself that it was good she wasn't here every day. I shouldn't get used to her being here, but it wasn't working.

I missed her and her incessant talking. Her curiosity, her desire to tackle whatever job we were doing that day. She was a bit of sunshine on an otherwise dull day.

By the end of the day, I wanted to get out of there. I wasn't lingering to spend more time with anyone. My employees ducked out at five, and I was right behind them.

I went to the gym to work out my excess frustration, hoping my sour mood would dissipate before the bonfire.

At home, I jumped in the shower, then heated up leftovers. At seven, I swung by Elena's house and knocked on the door, hoping to see Grams.

When she opened the door, she said, "You didn't work on the porch today."

"We're going to a bonfire tonight."

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