Page 22 of Crash and Burn

I laughed because she was so loud, and knew it, but so excited. “No, no. It’s next week. The ninth.”

“What the heck, Hudson? What are you going to do for your birthday?”

“Read this book. I’m not kidding.”

“Ooooh no you don’t. That’s not how you’re spending your birthday.”

“No, really. I’m not real big on my birthday. It’s just another day.”

“My ass!” She cupped her hand over her mouth again. “I mean...yeah, right. Birthdays are a big deal.”

I shrugged. I really didn’t want her to make it a big deal.

She said, “Fine. I won’t go crazy, but you have to do something with me. What’s your address?”

Oh, geez.I hesitated, and then wrote my address down on a piece of paper and handed it to her.

“Okay. Don’t make any plans for next Tuesday.” She had a huge grin on her face.

“That’s it? You’re not going to tell me anything else?”

“Um…maybe be awake, up, and dressed by noon.”

“Wow. Okay. Please don’t go all out on me, Amelia.”

“Oh, don’t worry your pretty face.”

My pretty face. I can feel my ears get hot, so I look away.

“Um, I’m here for the next few hours if you need anything, but otherwise, I’ll seeyounext Tuesday.”

“I’ll see youthen.” What else could I say? We smiled at each other as she walked away. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was intrigued. I took a sip of my coffee and went to work on another commissioned piece. I could sense the coming week was going to be a long one until my birthday and thought,I need to find something to occupy my mind.

Chapter 9

Amelia

It was Hudson’s birthday and I had been going crazy for the last week with all the planning. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t going to do anything for his birthday. I called Victoria, my best friend in Seattle.

Victoria answered, “Hey babe!” sounding excited.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

“Not too much. Just got up a bit ago and now I’m making myself some coffee. What are you doing? Amanda told me about Hudson’s 9 pm show-up a few weeks back. What was that about?”

“Fuck, V. I was such a dick to him. I was so embarrassed.”I laid back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

“What happened? FYI, I checked him out on the socials. He is one fine specimen.”

I shook my head. She doesn’t mince words. She says exactly what she means.“Specimen?”

“What? That’s a fine piece of meat there.”We laughed.

“We’re just friends, V.”

“Mmmmhmmm”

“I’m serious.”

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