Page 49 of Surviving in Everton

Hudson

It’s not a long drive to the grocery store, but I’m both anxious to get this over with, and nervous that it won’t work. I sit in the parking lot for a few moments, preparing myself for what I’m about to do. I’ve been rebuffing her advances my whole life. This is not going to be an easy task. I go over the script Rowen gave me, making sure I hit all the important parts and don’t oversell it. When I’m finally confident I won’t completely fuck this up, I get out and walk into the store.

I grab a cart and walk down a few aisles, slowly making my way to the cereal, grabbing some things we need for the house as I go. It would probably look suspicious if I walked up on her with an empty cart. I finally turn down the aisle, and there she is, standing in front of that nasty raisin cereal. Ugh, who eats that stuff? It should be called Raisin Bland. I take a deep breath and walk towards her.

“Britney?” I feign surprise at seeing her. “What are you up to? I haven’t seen you around in a while.”

She returns my friendly greeting with a glare. Hopefully that’s not a sign of how this will go. “Yes, well, youdidkick me out of your bakery, if you remember,” she sneers.

“Well, I didn’tmeanit. I figured you’d stay away for a day or two then be back. I’ve missed your daily visits.” I somehow manage not to make any disgusted expressions, and even maintain a believable smirk.

That perks her up. She turns to fully face me and puts her hands on her hips. “You expect me to believe that, Hudson? I came into your bakery every day since it opened. I was the most loyal customer you had, and you just kick me out over that… that… slut?”

Don’t show her how much that pisses you off, Hudson. Breathe normal, damn it. “I don’t know what to say, Brit. I’m sorry.” I sigh. “Things aren’t really working out with me and Rowen. I’m trying, but she’s just not the girl I remember.”

She cocks her head in interest. “Not working out? Different how?”

“Do youreallywanna talk about that, Britney? I know you two don’t get along for whatever reason. There’s no need to talk about her if it’s going to upset you.”

“You know what, you look like you could use a drink. How about we go to the Grumpy Bear.” She rolls her eyes as she says the name of Nate’s bar. “And you can get it off your chest.” She places her hand on said chest and rubs it while she looks at me enticingly. Well, I assume that’s what that look is supposed to be.

“I really have to get home. My parents want me to come over for dinner tonight. But I’m free tomorrow, if you’re up for it?” I offer.

The frown she had when I told her I had to get home, quickly transforms into a shark-like smile. “I would love that. I’ll see you there at seven.”

“Sounds great. I look forward to it. I gotta go, but I’ll see you tomorrow.” I give her my best flirty grin. When she does this ridiculous giggle and hair flip, I walk away.

That was both better and worse than I thought it would be. I need a shower before I go back to Rowe. I feel icky. I pay for the few items I picked up and head home. Tomorrow is the day. We have to get that potion made tonight so Nate can slip it in her drink.

* * *

After taking an hour-long shower,I still don’t feel clean. I scrubbed my whole body repeatedly, long after the water turned to ice. I brushed my teeth three times. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever feel clean again after that. I want nothing more than to cuddle up to Rowe and forget that ever happened, but at the same time, I don’t want to be anywhere near her after what I just did.

I finally give up. It’s time to tell everyone what happened. I’m sure they’re going crazy wondering what’s going on. Plus, we need to start working on Ayden’s spell.

I walk into the house and hear the buzz of conversation from the other room. I round the corner to the living room and find everyone in the same spots as when I left, talking animatedly. When Rowe sees me, she jumps off of Nate’s lap and rushes me. All conversation screeches to a halt as everyone waits for me to fill them in.

“Well? What happened? Did you see her? Where have you been?!?” she grills me.

“Slow down. I’ll tell you everything, Sugar, don’t worry. But before we get into it, can I have a hug, please?” I give her my most pitiful look.

“Only if you tell me you saw her and talked to her,” she argues.

“Of course, I did. That’s why I need the hug,” I pout.

“Aww, you poor baby. Did you have to talk to the mean ol’ witch?” she teases me playfully. When she looks up into my eyes and sees the real heartbreak in them, she instantly stops and looks at me with furrowed brows. “Hud? Are you okay?” she whispers so no one else can hear.

I subtly shake my head. She grabs my hand and drags me out of the room, down the hall and to her bedroom. She closes the door and locks it, then turns back to me.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” she asks me gently.

“I almost couldn’t do it, Rowe. I almost ruined the whole plan. Flirting with her made me sick to my stomach. I threw up as soon as I got home. And she called you a slut again. You have no idea how hard it was to not react to that.”

“Oh, baby. I’m so sorry you had to do that.” She wraps her arms around me and buries her face in my chest.

I squeeze her tight, thankful she still wants to touch me after what I did. “I let her touch me, Rowe. She put her hand on my chest. Right where you’re resting your head right now,” I choke on the words. “I scrubbed myself raw when I got home. I had to shower. Had to get clean again before I saw you. But I don’tfeelclean, Rowe. I feel disgusting,” I admit as I hold on to her for dear life.

She tries to pull away to look at me, but I won’t let her go. Won’t let her move even an inch away from me. “Hudson. Look at me,” she demands.

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