Page 16 of Crash and Burn

“So nice to meet you. I’m Amelia, a friend of Hudson’s. Thanks for letting me crash your barbecue.”

“A friend of Hudson’s?’ How long have you two known each other?”

So, here’s the thing about Lex. She can be really territorial and protective, even to the point of being rude, but she has a heart of gold. She drives me nuts sometimes, and right then was one of those times because she was clearly irritated and is coming off bitchy to Amelia. I was impressed by Amelia, though. She held her own. “Actually, we just met a few days ago. I work at Sharon’s and Hudson came in for some coffee.”

Lex looked unamused and joked, “Oh! A few days ago. So, a couple cups of coffee and you guys are good friends, huh?”

I went to speak up, because Lex could fuck off with her attitude, but Amelia beat me to the punch.

“Actually, one cup. Right, Hudson?” I smiled awkwardly, knowing when to shut up. “It took Hudson spillingjust onecup of coffee,alloverme. When you match that with his sunny disposition, well, whowouldn’twant to be his friend?”

There was a second of silence, then Lex laughed. “Well…I guess if you’ve met our Hudson’s sunny side and you still came, then welcome to the party!”

Lex turned and walked back to the group. We all laughed, and I looked at Amelia and shrugged my shoulders.

She leaned in and said, “See? Piece of cake.” We walked toward the tables so I could introduce her to everyone.

Everyone except Lex’s female friend shouted in unison, “Hey, Hud!”

“Hey guys. It’s good to see you. I know it’s been a while. This is Amelia, a friend of mine.”

Bianca and Darla get up and give Amelia a hug which caught her off guard.

“I’m Italian, hun. We hug a lot,” Bianca said, with her thick New York accent.

Darla was next and hugged her quick, “Nice to meet you, Amelia. Come sit with us. We’re just watching the kids run around.” Amelia looked back at me and smiled before Darla pulled her away.

I sat down with Carter, Cole, and Vinny.

Lex stood with her arm around Carter’s shoulders. I knew she was dying to talk her Lex-shit. “What’s the deal, Hudson? No warning that you were bringing someone with?”

She wanted to tangle, and I was ready. “What’s the deal, Lex? No warning that you invited Vanessa here?”

Lex looked pissed and slapped Carter on the back. “You told him, Carter? What the fuck?”

“This isn’t on Carter. This is on you. Don’t start your shit with me. No one asked you to invite someone for me.”

Carter pops up, “Relax, Hudson. Lex is wrong but watch the way you talk to my wife.”

He was right. “I’m sorry, Lex, but I was really uncomfortable with you inviting someone here tomatchme up without telling me.”

Carter sat down while Lex folded her arms across her chest and looked down at her feet. “I’m sorry, Hudson. I just want to see you happy again.”

“I know…I need time. I know…it’s been a long time already, but I need more time. You guys are my best friends, and I shouldn’t have to keep my guard up, hoping you won’t force me into something. I hope you can understand that.”

Everyone was quiet. I turned to look over at Amelia and she was laughing at the kids. Her eyes met mine and she smiled. I smiled back and spoke up, “Amelia is a friend and honestly, a great one, considering she came here because I asked her to and answered your rude toned questions…and she’s still here. So, be nice to her.”

With that, I got up and walked over to Amelia. I looked down at her and asked, “Hey. You ok?”

She looked up at me. “Yep. I’m good. You ok?”

I nodded, taking a drink of the beer I had grabbed out of the cooler on the walk over. “Yep.”

*

Everything went well after the shit show with Lex. Amelia got along great with everyone. It started to get dark, and I heard Carter yell, “Bonfire!!! Let’s have s’mores!”

To that, the kids start screaming and all ran over to the pit where Carter was starting a fire. I started to walk that way, but Amelia didn’t move.

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