Page 89 of Here's to Tomorrow

22

Rae

“You heard him saywhat!”

“What did I tell you about my eardrums, Maura? Those things are important, you know.”

“Oh, never mind those,” she says on the other end of the line. “They aren’t important right now. Now, you hearing Hudson say he loves you, that shit is important. What did you do? What did you say?”

“Nothing. He thought I was asleep. What was I supposed to say?” I pause to chew on the sleeve of my sweatshirt for a moment. “Is this even okay, Maura?”

She’s quiet, which is odd.

“Fuck. It’s too soon, isn’t it?”

“When you know, you know,” she says, unknowingly repeating the words Hudson spoke to his mother last night.

“Hudson said the same thing,” I say softly. “I’m scared, Maura.”

“I’m kind of scared for you. I mean this is huge. Not only do you find out he has a kid—again, sorry I didn’t tell you—but then you find out he’s in love with you. That’s kind of huge.”

“I already told you it’s okay. I get why you didn’t tell me. It wasn’t your place to do so, and all is forgiven,” I tell her. “And I know it’s huge, that’s why I’m scared—well, that and because I’m totally in love with him too. And his kid.His kid.Me! Kids hate me! I don’t get it.”

“I don’t think kids hate you. I think you just never met the right one. Maybe this is just how it’s supposed to be.”

She’s probably right, but I won’t tell her that.

“Okay, okay. Where do I go from here?”

“Um, sex. Obviously.”

I laugh. “You damn horndog! You get down and dirty with one guy and that’s all you can think about. You little minx.”

“Hey! That shit is good! Can’t believe I’ve been missing out on it for all these years, and Istillcan’t believe my parents liked Tanner. I mean I knew they’d dig that he was a soldier, but holy shit! I thought they were going to ask him to move in or something. They’re smitten, but that’s okay, because so am I.”

I can hear her smiling.

Just then, Haley comes barreling in. “Honey, I’m home!”

“Ugh.” I fake disgust. “I have to go, Maura. Haley’s home.”

“I can hear you! Don’t pretend I’m not your favorite sister, Rae!” Haley shouts from the kitchen, her usual first stop when she gets home from work.

“You’re my only sister!” I shout back.

“Winning by default is still winning.”

“Damn, she’s good,” Maura says in my ear.

“You’re taking her side? That’s jacked up, Maura.”

“Whatever. I love you both. Text me later, woman.” She hangs up.

I sigh and toss my cell on the table, lying back on the couch.

I know Maura’s right about the Joey thing. This whole situation with Hudson feels…different. Right. Natural.

“What up, girl?” Haley asks, flopping down on the couch. I move my feet just in time.

---