Page 23 of Crash and Burn

“Just friends don’t show up unannounced at 9 pm. Also, him showing up unannounced doesn’t make you a dick. It makes him crazy.”

Letting out a deep sigh I said,“I know, I know. I just felt bad. He’s a good person. It’s a long story but he was worried about me because I didn’t go to work for a week.”

“Ok, well that changes things a little. Kevin is a fucking asshole and I hate that he still affects you in that way. But let’s get back to Hudson. That beard, girl. Them tattoos. What does he do?”

I laughed.“He’s an artist, I think. At least that’s what Sheila told me.”

“You don’t know? Why don’t you know?”

I rolled my eyes. I should’ve asked.“Ummm relax. I’m taking him out for his birthday today and plan to ask.”

“Wait, like a date? Oooh-la-la!”

“Like friends. He had no plans to do anything for his birthday and you know how I am about birthdays. They’re important.”

“So not a date… whatever. I call bullshit but it’s fine. What are you two “friends” doing today?”

I told her everything I had planned down to the last detail.

“Amelia, be careful. You’re doing an awful lot for someone you barely know.”

“I know. It’s fine. I don’t quite know his story yet, but hopefully he wants to share it. He’s sweet. Kinda charismatic without knowing it.”

“You know who else was super charismatic? Ted fucking Bundy!”

“Oh gawd! He isn’t a serial killer!”

“Whatever you say. I love you. Text me tonight so I know you’re good.”

“K. Love you, bye.”

“Love you, bye.”

*

The benefits of knowing all the bus drivers in Lynn Falls means you can call in favors. I asked Jimmy about possibly using a bus to pick Hudson up and take him around town with multiple stops. Hudson was so shocked to know I rode the bus every night. I wanted him to experience it. It’s hard for me to think that some people have never ridden the bus before. Jimmy loved the idea.

His exact words were, “Leave it tah me, babay. I will pick ya up at your apartment at 11:30 on Tuesday morning.”

“You’re the best, Jimmy!”

*

On the dot, Jimmy pulled up in front of my apartment. I locked my door, jogged the little path to the sidewalk, and hopped up each step of the bus. “Hi Jimmy. You truly are a saint, and I can’t believe you were able to do this for me.”

“Amelia, it’s my pleasure. I’m looking forward to meeting this fella. Is that acakeyou have there?”

“It is. I’m just going to run it into his house before we take off. Also, we’re just friends, Jimmy. But I’m excited for you to meet him too.”

We pulled up to Hudson’s house. It was a big cozy cabin home surrounded by trees and bushes. Jimmy opened the doors for me, so I stepped off the bus and took the brick path up to Hudson’s door. I knocked and waited. The door opened and Hudson looked confused. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!” I yelled and pushed the cake toward him.

“You bought me a cake?” He was stunned.

“Wellduh. It’s not a birthday without a cake. Actually, it’s an ice cream cake. Put it in your freezer and let’s go.”

“You rode the bus here, Amelia? I could’ve picked you up.”

“Yes, I rode the bus here. Go put the cake in the freezer.”

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