Page 79 of Hale
As she drones on, I can’t help but feel sad. When a hand clutches my thigh beneath the table, I dart my gaze to Hudson.
He mouths the word, “No.”
I crack a smile. Hudson doesn’t break his promises. He told me we’d get the cabin, so we’re going to get our old cabin.
“How’s Travis?”
Aunt Becky’s sudden inquiry into my fake boyfriend has me stuttering. “Oh, uh, he’s fine.”
She purses her lips and darts her eyes back and forth between Hudson and me.
“Have you talked to Amy lately?” she asks my brother. “I saw her at her shop. She’s lost a little weight but is looking great. Asked about you and how you were doing. Wanted me to tell you to call her sometime so you two could catch back up.”
“I cheated on her with a chick from college,” Hudson bites out, ending Aunt Becky’s idealistic dreams of them getting back together. “We’re on a break.”
“Maybe the break needs to end,” she says, her tone curt.
“We’re not getting back together.” He drains his wine and leans back in his chair, crossing his muscled arms over his chest. The pale blue dress shirt he wore for my graduation molds to his perfect physique. It’s hard to keep my eyes off him. He’s too hot.
“I see,” Aunt Becky says.
“I’m beat,” Uncle Randy grunts. “Ready to go back home?”
They pay the bill and the ride home is silent. Uncle Randy, the least talkative of our bunch, holds the entire conversation. We get to hear all about one of his clients and how he nearly beat his golf score. Hudson fumes from beside me and Aunt Becky grinds her teeth loudly. Once we’re home, Hudson feigns being tired and leaves us to eat cake alone. Uncle Randy eats his cake quickly and then he escapes.
As soon as he’s gone, Aunt Becky says her piece. “Something is going on with you.”
I chew the cake and stare at her with wide eyes. “Hmm?”
Her gaze falls to my ring that sits on my necklace once again, not safe to wear on my finger around people. “You and Travis getting serious?”
“Yep,” I squeak.
She narrows her eyes. “That’s funny because I ran into him today at Amy’s store. His mom owns the one next door. When I mentioned you two dating, he laughed.”
“He’s a jokester,” I mutter. “What did he say?”
Her nostrils flare. “He said he wished you were dating.”
My cheeks burn under her scrutiny. “He was just messing with you.”
“I can tell when you’re lying,” she snaps, making me jump. “If you two are together, maybe you should get him over here for dinner tomorrow.”
“Okay,” I hiss. “I didn’t know I needed proof of who I was dating.”
“Rylie, I’m only trying to help you—”
“I don’t need your help,” I bite out at her.
Me: She’s such a bitch.
Hudson: I know.
Me: Come see me.
Hudson: Too risky. Come see me.
Me: Give me a few minutes to make sure they’re asleep.
