Page 49 of Here's to Tomorrow

The way she describes the painting makes me sad. There is longing and pain in her voice. Something big happened.

“Damn, Rae,” I say on a loud swallow. “I have to ask, though—you said ‘was’…what happened?”

“Oh, the painting was…destroyed. I don’t have it anymore,” she answers, avoiding my real question.

We let our mutual avoidance of the past hang between us until I clear my throat.

“What are your cousins like?”

“Cousin,” she corrects. “I just have one. And what do you mean? He’s a cousin—well, more like a brother in my case, but I’m sure most cousins are the same.”

“I wouldn’t know. Neither of my parents have siblings, so I don’t have cousins. Always wanted one, though. I’ve heard they cause trouble.”

She laughs. “Oh, do they ever. We get along like siblings, so it makes it even more interesting.”

“So, third and final question, what’s your answer?”

Rae perks up significantly at this. “This one is easy. Colleen Hoover.”

I raise my brows, confusion covering my face. “Who?”

Her face drops. “What.”

It comes out as more of threat than a question. Truth bomb: I’m not even close to scared. “You heard me, lady.”

“Ugh! She’s only the world’s most amazing Instagram video-maker ever! She’s hilarious! A genius! And don’t even get me started on her books. They. Are. Flawless. And Will Cooper? Be still my beating heart! That man is a god. Sorry dude, but you have some serious competition when it comes to him.”

No-Bullshit Hudson:Who the fuck is this “Will Cooper” guy and how in the hell do I kill him?

Logical Hudson:Wait…she said books. Dude, he’s fake. Down boy.

“Oh, come on. The guy can’t bethatgreat. He’s fake.”

“Do you write poetry, Hudson? Do you stand up on a stage and pour your heart out to strangers for a girl? Did you give everything up to take care of someone else when they couldn’t take care of themselves? Will Cooper did all that and more. That’s why he’s amazing.”

I do my best keep a straight face even though I’m internally freaking out because she just hit way too close to home and she has no idea. I don’t write poetry or perform on a stage, but I’ll be damned if I didn’t give up everything in my life for Joey, and it’s something I’d do again in a heartbeat.

“Then why do you not want to meet this Will Cooper character instead?”

“Because the pantieswouldcome off if that were to happen,” she says with clear mischief in her eyes. “Honestly though, he’s the brainchild of Colleen so I feel like it’s her that I need to hug for him. Plus, she has a kickass Texas accent I’m dying to hear in person.” She shrugs like it’s the only answer.

“So, let me get this straight, you love her for her accent and Instagram videos?”

“And her words. She gives good word.”

“Fair enough.”

“Are you a reader, Hudson?”

“Only at night. I’m more of a music person.”

“Ah, yes—our mutual love of Transit. You ever see them live?”

I scoff. “We live thirty minutes—at most—outside of Boston. Of course I’ve seen them live.”

“I haven’t,” Rae confesses shyly.

“No!” I gasp.

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